THREAD San Diego Designers: L&L Designs

Ok, so it's no secret now that THREAD Show is coming to San Diego. But the nonstop lineup of daring designers still remains a mystery. As the official media sponsor of THREAD, DiscoverSD.com has shown you how to get Cornfed by Barrie and why it's essential to claim your Kingly Coverings.

And now, it's time to accessorize. Meet the lovely Laura Thomas Mullen from L&L Designs. Organize your style this THREAD season with an irresistible My Tote design.

Q: Where are you from?

A: I'm originally from Pittsburg, but I've lived in Los Angeles for 12 years now.

Q: So, how did you get involved with San Diego fashion?

A: I do fashion co-ops in LA, and many of the shoppers were from San Diego. I was told about THREAD time and time again, and finally decided to get involved. I've been a part of every San Diego THREAD show, except maybe one.

Q: How will you be involved with this year's San Diego THREAD show?

A: Each year, I come up with a new product to show at THREAD. This is a great venue for exhibiting, and I pay special attention to the crowd feedback. I do accessories, not clothing, so I don't take part in the fashion shows. Guests tend to overlook accessories on the runway.

Q: Tell us about your designs. What are your favorite pieces? What materials do you use? What makes your designs unique?

A: L&L Designs makes fashionable, affordable tote bags for everyday style, at home or on the road. We use a combination of fabrics: cotton, cotton twill stretch, and polyester lycra, and many are vinyl-lined and water-resistant as well.

My favorite designs this season are the Aasha Swim Tote and the Mini Makeup Madison.

The Aasha Swim Tote is a perfect summer bag, vinyl-lined to resist wetness and perfect for a day at the beach--just throw in your swimsuit and suntan lotion. The Aasha line is named after my husband, Aasha, meaning eternal light. The Mini Makeup Madision purse is a petite version of the traditional makeup bag. This style is vinyl-lined to cater to everyday makeup needs. Also unique about this bag is the Velcro enclosure. You can switch out the ring and add your own bracelet to personalize the look.

L&L totes are unique because of the print designs and price point. Bags are available in many prints, so shoppers can customize their own style. Also, these totes range from $20 to $100. It's affordable, everyday fashion--but it's not Target, each bag is unique.

Q: Which designers/artists are your inspiration?

A: I'm inspired by Marc Jacobs--the way he's taken a classic retro style and made it modern. I also love how Stella McCartney is making modern, edgy--yet comfortable styles. I tend to navigate toward 1960's inspired patterns, and I'm a huge fan of Pucci prints.

Q: What recent fashion trends do you love? What do you despise the most?

A: White sunglasses and the retro Rayban fad. I'm not super crazy about either of those trends. We've been there, done that--brought it back--and now they're trying to go there again. I love the tunic look, the clean lines. You can wear this look everyday without feeling overdressed.

Q: What do you think about San Diego fashion?

A: San Diego fashion is very cutting-edge, compared to LA. In LA, people tend to develop a style and keep it, resulting in a homogenized look. Whenever I am in San Diego, I notice people receiving a trend, personalizing it, and taking it to the next level. This edge makes San Diego seem very fashion-forward.

Q: If you only had one day left on earth, what would you be wearing?

A: I do live every day like it's my last. So, I would wear what I basically wear every day: a white tank top and my Citizens of Humanity jeans. I have a 1 ½ year old daughter, Veronica Rose. I can't just put on a gown, I have to be comfortable--except when I go out.

Q: Do you think this year's THREAD show will be better than ever?

A: I honestly think THREAD just keeps getting better. The designers, the energy, the creativity, each year it just keeps getting better.

Q: What are your favorite San Diego boutiques?

A: I don't know too many boutiques in San Diego. In LA, my favorites are Picket Fences and Intuition. Intuition is amazing--it looks like a little hole in the ground, but it's always filled with celebrities and the best clothes. Everything Intuition carries becomes an immediate trend.

Q: What you're in San Diego, where can we find you?

A: When I'm in San Diego for a fashion show, I always have dinner at either Oceanaire or Croce's. I love the atmosphere and service at Oceanaire--it reminds me of restaurants on the East Coast with real waiters and great service.

Q: Anything else you'd like fashion fans to know?

A: THREAD has provided a great outlet for me to get my product to people who really appreciate it. The fashion community at THREAD is like no other, everyone is fashionable and looking for something new.

Addicted to style? Claim your Kingly Coverings at DiscoverSD.com.