For these San Diego locals, fashion isn’t just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle.
PHOTO BY IAN HOLMES; SHOT ON LOCATION IN PARIS, FRANCE
Co-founder, The Urban and the Mystic, theurbanandthemystic.com
Entrepreneur Sydney Holland is a Jill of all trades. She won Best Animated Short at the 2020 Academy Awards as an executive producer of If Anything Happens I Love You; she flips high-end homes for A-listers; and she’s the co-founder of The Urban and the Mystic, a wellness-focused gifting company. When she’s not working hard, she’s playing mom and supporting local San Diego organizations, including Miracle Babies, Promises2Kids, Feeding San Diego, Doors of Change, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego and The Country Friends. Next, she’s unveiling a new wellness brand— and looking as stylish as ever while doing it. “My fashion philosophy is to always look your best no matter where you are because it makes you feel good to look good,” says the trendsetter. Here, Holland takes us inside her chic world.
WAKE-UP TIME: Between 6 and 6:30 a.m. on weekdays, 7 a.m. on weekends
FIRST FASHION MEMORY: I was 8 years old with my grandmother at her seamstress, designing a hot pink pantsuit with fringe so I could be a chic cowgirl
MY AESTHETIC: Effortlessly chic and feminine with a French girl twist
STYLE CRUSH: Kelly Wearstler
MY MOST CHERISHED ACCESSORY: My heart-shaped, emerald body chain that a friend made for me
MY UNIFORM: In the morning, I am usually in Alo or Year of Ours to play tennis or go to Salt Pilates. Then, I will put on either a great pair of Re/Done or Mother jeans, a top and blazer, or a dress.
IT BAG: I love a Celine by Hedi Slimane handbag. IT SHOE: Nike Pandas or Chanel sneakers, a kitten heel or a good boot
BEAUTY STAPLE: Biologique Recherche Le Grand Serum
PHILANTHROPY: I am grateful to be able to give back and support charities through my family foundation.
CURRENT OBSESSION: All the new Celine by Hedi Slimane handbags and ready-to-wear apparel by Chloe
ULTIMATE FASHION SPLURGE: A mini Hermès Kelly bag
DESIGNERS TO DIE FOR: Celine by Hedi Slimane, Saint Laurent, Paco Rabanne, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana and Bottega Veneta
YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH: Shoes
SIGNATURE SCENT: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 or M01 Molecule 01
BEST ADVICE: Less is more.
THEME SONG TO YOUR LIFE: “I’m Every Woman” by Chaka Khan
ZODIAC SIGN: Gemini
LAST MEAL ON EARTH: In-N-Out Burger
BEDTIME: Between 10 and 11 p.m.
PHOTO BY JULIE DE ANDRADE
Content creator, @bianacomfort; founder and designer, CRWN Jewelry, @crwnjewelry
An early content creator, Biana Comfort has been turning heads for her unique style since launching her blog, Fashion Whipped, in 2007. “Entering the blogging world was marrying my two loves: writing and art. To me, styling was an art in itself and clothing the medium,” says Comfort, who also designs custom jewelry pieces through her brand CRWN Jewelry. “Before I knew it, I was invited to speak at women’s conferences, received an offer to sell my blog to a major publication and collaborated with international brands. This was a time when fashion blogs were just gaining traction and Instagram did not exist.” Next, she’ll focus on expanding her jewelry line and adding more travel content to her growing Instagram account, where nearly 20,000 fans follow her style-driven life.
WAKE-UP TIME: 7 a.m.
FASHION PHILOSOPHY: Invest in staples, not trends.
FIRST FASHION MEMORY: A blouse my mother designed for me using a man’s shirt. It was so ahead of its time and something I would buy today.
MY AESTHETIC: I believe in dressing for my mood. But if I had to pick one, I am a mix of androgynous and form-fitting, sort of an edgy feminine.
STYLE CRUSH: Viky Rader
MY MOST CHERISHED ACCESSORY: My Gianvito Rossi PVC slingbacks, which make me feel like Cinderella. I’m not sure I could live without them.
MY UNIFORM: Baggy Agolde jeans, a fitted Helmut Lang blazer, a Dylan Lex statement necklace and a simple strappy heel, probably Aquazzura
IT BAG: Loro Piana extra pocket L27
IT SHOE: Alaïa Coeur mules
BEAUTY STAPLE: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk hydrating primer
PHILANTHROPY: Voices for Children
CURRENT OBSESSION: Eyelash lifts
ULTIMATE FASHION SPLURGE: Hermès mini Kelly bag
DESIGNERS TO DIE FOR: Celine by Hedi Slimane, Hermès, Loewe and Area
YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH: Shoes
SIGNATURE SCENT: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540
BEST ADVICE: Be authentically yourself. The right people will find you.
THEME SONG TO YOUR LIFE: “This Must Be the Place” by Talking Heads
ZODIAC SIGN: Taurus
LAST MEAL ON EARTH: Spinach gnocchi and almond tortellini from Marc Vetri’s restaurant, Vetri Cucina, in Philadelphia
SIGNATURE SIP: Champagne
BEDTIME: Midnight
PHOTO BY NATALIE BORTON, LATE AUGUST STUDIO
Founder, Good Sport Apparel, goodsportapparel.com; co-founder, Gridiron Ministries, gridironministries.com
For over a decade, Stephanie Toilolo’s winning mindset has taken her from the stage as a singer and songwriter to the screen as a professional NBA dancer and actress. A new San Diego resident by way of Atlanta, Toilolo is the founder and designer behind Good Sport Apparel, a clothing line inspired by her years of supporting her husband Levine Toilolo, a former NFL tight-end for the Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers. Specializing in game-day threads for women, Good Sport has been worn by Olympic champions Simone Biles and Nastia Liukin, PGA wives, Sports Illustrated models and in stadiums across the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL and NASCAR. “There is no off-season in fashion,” quips Stephanie, who also gives back locally through her family’s ministry, Gridiron Ministries, which serves underprivileged youth through sports and the Lord. Here, the go-getter reveals her fashion strategy.
WAKE-UP TIME: Toddler mom life—6:45 a.m.
FASHION PHILOSOPHY: Fashion is about expressing yourself authentically through clothing.
FIRST FASHION MEMORY: My mom would buy me old, thrifted prom dresses from the ’80s. I would put on fashion shows showcasing them for anyone willing to watch. I wore and reworked those dresses until the tulle and taffeta fell off.
MY AESTHETIC: A cool, chic feel on a neutral and timeless foundation
STYLE CRUSHES: Chiara Ferragni, Camila Coelho and Olivia Palermo
MY MOST CHERISHED ACCESSORY: The gold rope necklace with a Jesus pendant that belonged to my dad
MY UNIFORM: The perfect fitted white tee or oversized button-up with my favorite denim jeans, a belt and trendy sneakers or flats
IT BAG: The Row Margaux bag and Bottega Veneta’s medium Andiamo
IT SHOE: Ballet flats
PHILANTHROPY: Gridiron Ministries
CURRENT OBSESSION: Sunglasses
ULTIMATE FASHION SPLURGE: Cartier Panthère or a classic tennis bracelet
DESIGNERS TO DIE FOR: Olivier Rousteing for Balmain, Hermès, Mugler, Chanel, Celine by Hedi Slimane and Saint Laurent
YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH: Sunglasses, good jeans, white tees and shoes
BEST ADVICE: Don’t let success go to your head, and don’t let failure go to your heart.
THEME SONG TO YOUR LIFE: “Vienna” by Billie Joel or “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield
ZODIAC SIGN: Pisces
SIGNATURE SIP: An espresso or extra dirty stuffed-olive martini
BEDTIME: 10 p.m.
PHOTO BY ROBIN WOOD
Entrepreneur and event planner, @miriamsmotrich
A social butterfly in San Diego’s charity scene, Miriam Smotrich is often catching eyes with her signature hats and fashion-forward style. “Growing up in Israel, I frequently visited vibrant flea markets, where I was captivated by the array of American brands,” recalls Smotrich. “Each visit was an adventure, uncovering pieces that helped me express my individuality.” Smotrich now pours her energy into philanthropy, organizing impactful events for myriad charities. “Currently, I’m deeply engaged with Jewish charities, responding to the urgent needs of our communities in both Israel and the United States,” says the wife and mom. Here, she reveals the staples that help her give back in style.
WAKE-UP TIME: 6 a.m.
FASHION PHILOSOPHY: Comfortable and chic. I choose versatile pieces that allow me to move easily while maintaining a polished appearance.
MY AESTHETIC: Androgyny with a touch of femininity
STYLE CRUSHES: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Audrey Hepburn, Demi Moore, Gisele Bündchen, Kate Moss, Jennifer Lopez and my brother, Yigal Azrouël
MY MOST CHERISHED ACCESSORY: A hat. No outfit feels right without one.
MY UNIFORM: Jeans, a T-shirt, a designer bag, a Yigal Azrouël leather jacket, stylish sneakers or boots, and one of my signature hats
IT BAG: Dior, Louis Vuitton and Bottega Veneta
IT SHOE: Chic designer sneakers
PHILANTHROPY: Miracle Babies, Just Like My Child Foundation, The Country Friends, United Jewish Federation, Jewish Family Services, La Jolla Playhouse, Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, Friends of the IDF, United Hatzalah and Magen David Adom
CURRENT OBSESSION: My kids and grandkids
ULTIMATE FASHION SPLURGE: Shopping in Dubai, London, Paris, New York or Tel Aviv
DESIGNERS TO DIE FOR: Yigal Azrouël, Celine by Hedi Slimane, Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, Roberto Cavalli, Valentino, Dsquared, Amiri, Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad and Gucci
YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH: Time with the grandkids, hats, sunglasses, shoes and bags
THEME SONG TO YOUR LIFE: Anything by Amr Diab
ZODIAC SIGN: Libra
LAST MEAL ON EARTH: My mother’s flavorful Mediterranean, Moroccan-Israeli food
SIGNATURE SIP: Green tea
BEDTIME: 10 p.m.
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