To local fashionistas, Laura Ann Fairchild’s name may be as familiar as any found on a designer label. She launched L.A. Fairchild Boutique and L.A. Fairchild Denim Bar in Cardiff before founding Fairchild Consulting with her sister, Julie. Their company provides a variety of services to retailers, including start-up advice, store design, and public relations and marketing, with the goal of helping small business owners “create an affordable competitive advantage in the current market.” Their newest client, Curve Couture, a boutique that caters to plus-size women, recently opened in Solana Beach; the company also co-owns, with Dr. Robert Biter, Cardiff’s Babies by the Sea Boutique. Fairchild also calls Cardiff home, where she lives with her 2-year-old son, Rion Price, and their dogs, Samson and Rocco.
Her definition of Encinitas style: Encinitas has a great casual-chic, surfer vibe. It is almost like Cape Cod meets Santa Monica, but it is much more low key and comfortable. Wherever you go, people make you feel welcome and right at home.
Favorite Encinitas boutiques: and, of course,
Best place to find deals in Encinitas: Unfortunately it seems that more and more often today, the best deals are found online. But the problem with this is that you miss the community experience when you shop online. I am a big believer in supporting local community businesses whenever possible, since that is what keeps this area so unique and special.
Favorite meal at a local restaurant: I am thrilled that there are so many delicious vegetarian dining options in our area. For instance, the butternut squash and corn enchiladas at , the blackseed popcorn with truffle salt starter at Blue Ribbon, the quinoa salad and empanaditas de verduras at , and the cosmic cobb salad at . This time of year I especially like any of the vegan soups made fresh daily at both Ki’s and Lotus Café.
Last purchase made in Encinitas: Mother Jeans (brand name) at Azzaria Denim Lounge. Not only are they stylish, but they are super soft and comfortable to wear all day.
Ideal Encinitas day: My ideal Encinitas day would begin with my 2-year old son sleeping past 6 a.m.! Then we would go together to Ki’s to have a leisurely breakfast on the balcony overlooking the ocean on a warm, sunny day. Later, we would go for a walk with the dogs at the San Elijo Lagoon, then maybe make a nice, healthy lunch at home and enjoy catching up on some retail clothing trade magazines. Of course, a massage is always good. And then a walk on any of the Cardiff or Encinitas beaches to watch the sunset. The evening might consist of a glass of wine and appetizers at with friends and family, and a movie at
Favorite civic organizations: Friends of the Cardiff by the Sea Library, the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy, and Solana Center for Environmental Innovation.
Favorite local business: You can’t beat the location, healthy ingredients, and nice people. Plus, I like the fact that it is family owned.
Favorite Encinitas event: Encinitas Safe Trick or Treat, Garden of Lights at San Diego Botanical Garden, and the Encinitas Holiday Parade.
Best thing about living in Encinitas: There are so many incredible things about Encinitas, but I guess the thing that stands out the most for me is that even though we are so close to San Diego, Encinitas and Cardiff-by-the-Sea feel like really small, quaint communities, where people enjoy the outdoors, walk their dogs, ride their bikes, surf whenever there is light out, and just seem to appreciate and respect all that this area offers. It is a real community!
The one thing she'd like to change about the city: We need a farmers market in Cardiff! It would also be nice to see at least one walking bridge over the train tracks and Coast Highway 101, so people can access the beach and downtown safely and quickly from the neighborhoods surrounding San Elijo Avenue.
A place in Encinitas more locals should visit: Hands down, the meditation gardens at the Self-Realization Fellowship next to Swami’s Beach.
How she would dress up the 'Cardiff Kook': He needs a dog on the front of his surfboard, and maybe some blue jeans and a fedora.
Best place in the city to watch the sun set: From my back patio…and I always look for the green flash. Swami’s Beach parking lot is always excellent, too.
