Interview with Heather of Bona Drag

Heather Wojner of Bona Drag Boutique is a true fashionista. She is 5’2” but you could never guess how tall she is, as I believe no has seen her without heels on, EVER. If she was a celebutaunt, she would probably be best friends with Chloe Sevigny, and her outfits would be coveted by fashion blogs and perhaps confuse some common folk. That is probably why I have fallen in love with her newly opened online boutique Bona Drag.

Heather was born in Milwaukee, and has been an Encinitas local for 10 years. Milwaukee and Encinitas are a long way from the glamorous runways of Paris and Milan and the cutting edge New York scene. Yet looking at the selection featured at Bona Drag you would never know its operation is nestled in the sleepy beach town. Heather is naturally radiant when she talks about the collections she is carrying whether it is describing which With Hearts in my Eyes dress she just bought to wear to a Morrissey show or the way the Judi Rosen’s high waist denim fits. Bona Drag on occasion holds trunk shows filled with yummy cupcakes and beautiful clothes - until the next one get your fix reading this interview or shopping online at www.bonadrag.com

How did you come up with the name Bona Drag?

Bona Drag is the name of a perfect album by Morrissey. When I learned that it means “nice outfit”, I knew it was solid gold. It comes from a secret language called Polari that was used by the gay culture in Britain in the 50’s and 60’s, which makes it even cooler.

Is it true you were going to call it La Costra Nostra but the dude from Project Runway ruined it for you?

Partially. Cause that guy sucks. But it was a good change anyways because know one really understood what it meant. Plus, most local people pronounced it “la costa” and that was just annoying.

Where do you find out about some of the clothing lines that you carry?

Through friends, boutique shopping, and internet searching.

A small selection of offerings at the store

Your clothing style is very unique compared to the laid back style of Encinitas - Where do you get your inspiration from?

Anything outside of encinitas. Mostly movies, fashion mags, and old photos of my mom.

What are your favorite fashion blogs?

Moldy doily is my favorite.

Who are your style icons?

Edie Sedgwick, Patti Smith, Stevie Nicks, Chan Marshall, and my mother circa 1976

Music seems to influence your store a lot. Who are your favorite artists of all time?

Morrissey, Patti Smith, and Cat Power

Who is currently on heavy rotation in your playlists?

Beethoven Was Deaf by Morrissey, The Forgotten Arm by Aimee Mann, and I CAN’T STOP listening to Lissy Trulie from myspace.

The Flair Section - yes those are Morrisey watches.

What 3 items do you think every lady should have in their closet?

Black tights, denim, and high heels.

What is your favorite article that you sell in Bona Drag right now?

Right this minute it’s Judi Rosen’s high waist jeans and Cristalette’s beaded earrings.

What is the best purchase you’ve ever made and why?

I bought a pair of really expensive Pucci platform sandals a few years ago and they are my favorite. But I’ve only worn them once for about an hour because I’m scared of them. So I guess that’s not my BEST purchase, more like my favorite and most expensive purchase. My best purchase would have to be Cover Girl coral blush from the drug store cause it’s my favorite thing to wear and it only costs 5 dollars.

If you had $1000 to blow on just one item, what would it be?

Crap. Does this have to be wearable? Cause what I really want today is an expensive vintage floor lamp with a Victorian tulip lampshade. As for wearable fashion, probably a Chloe bag.

Heather at the Madonna Inn

What is your favorite trend happening right now?

Native American details and African prints!

Who is the typical girl that shops at Bona Drag?

A girl that appreciates vintage and has a strong sense of her own personal style - who can enjoy a cocktail with a good book.

I hear you are amazing at Guitar Hero… Can you play Electric Eye on Expert?

Guitar Hero and beer is kind of Spring 2007, it’s all about embroidery and white wine for me this season.

Do you have a guilty pleasure outfit or accessory?

Sweatpants. But I’ll never leave the house in them.

What is your favorite abbreviated Instant Message/Text Message word?

DYB? It means “did you bang?” which is used mostly in the morning when I realize my single roommates still aren’t home yet from the night before.

You wouldn’t be caught dead:

Wearing
Flip flops

Listening to
techno

Hanging with
People that don’t dress up for Halloween.

Any Last words?
I love your new hair color Kimmy. I can’t wait to see it with mascara and high heels.