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A self-described "army brat," LA-based designer Stephanie Lampkin was born and raised in Japan and grew up on a military base in Okinawa until she was 10, when her family returned to the States and settled in Victorville, California. Not suited for small town life, the natural creative relocated to LA at 18 and earned a graphic design degree from Loyola Marymount University. After graduating, Lampkin put her previous retail expertise to the test and landed at Foley+Corinna and headed the brand's now-shuttered Melrose boutique.
"I loved it," Lampkin says, but she had the itch to break out on her own. "They were sad to see me go [...] but they knew it was time." In 2009, Lampkin founded Odylyne, which quickly became a local favorite for its flowy, sometimes out-of-this-world maxi dresses. This past LA Fashion Week, the designer debuted her first-ever bridal line. "After having my daughter, I realized I was sort of exhausted designing collections that just didn't feel right. I wanted to focus on what I was doing the best, which was dresses."
We met up with the stylish mother of two at Clover Juice on La Brea, where she revealed her plans to open a "bridal general store" stocked with everything brides need for a boho-cool wedding. (Stay tuned for more deets!) While we wait for boutique's exact coordinates, find out Lampkin's favorite LA haunts, her ultimate style muse, and more.
What are you drinking today?
This one's called Rose, it's made of pistachio, almond, cashew, strawberry, and rose water. It's got a nuttier taste but the strawberry keeps it a little sweet, and I kind of like the color—it looks like a strawberry shake!
Who's your ultimate inspiration?
I'd have to say—this sounds so corny—but I love Rachel Zoe. She's probably one of the main reasons why I'm doing what I'm doing. I used to help her when I worked at Calypso; she was just this tiny, cool stylist girl working for all of the celebrities and just handling all her business. I really love her style; I love that she's loyal to Los Angeles, and that she's gained the respect from the New York industry.
Favorite holiday?
Definitely Christmas. It's warm and cozy. Especially with kids now, they make it the best.
Favorite type of pie?
Joan's makes an apple pie with vanilla ice cream. It's this carmelized, crusty, cinnamon-y apple pie that's baked on a hot plate. It's just so good.
First concert?
Oh my god, my first concert was The Counting Crows at The Greek Theatre in 1998 or 1997—It was when [frontman Adam Duritz] was dating Courteney Cox.
And what about your music guilty pleasure?
I'm going to have to say that I actually enjoy to Katy Perry. I really love her songs!
What's one of your favorite shops in LA?
TenOverSix; it's well-curated and they have some cool lines.
Pepsi or Coke?
It depends on my mood. If I'm with my dad, who's a Pepsi drinker, I love drinking [it] with him. But I'm usually a Coke drinker.
Favorite date night spot?
We go to El Carmen—we haven't been in so long! They have the best margaritas; you have two and that's it.
What's the most important thing you try to instill in your kids?
Believe in themselves. My husband and I try really hard to raise them with manners and always say "please" and "thank you"; I feel like that's a given. Sometimes we parents forget the self-esteem thing and helping your child believe they can be anything they want to be.
Biggie or Tupac?
Definitely Tupac, for sure! I actually cried the day that he died. What would hip-hop be if he was still here? Even though I love Biggie, Tupac was the O.G.—and I love that he represented Los Angeles.
· Odylyne [Instagram]
· All A Juice With Posts [Racked]
· Sara Riff Makes a Mean Pasta, Won't Dance to '80s Music [Racked]
· Lee+Lani Swimwear's Lisa-Marie Digs Doo-Wop, Cardio Barre [Racked]
· Cameron Silver is a World Traveller, Enjoys In-Flight Action Films [Racked]
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