CHECKING IN WITH ... SALLY BARTZ:

This week, we interviewed Sally Bartz, an accessory designer with an eye for classic beach-side beauty.

Bartz, who grew up in Corona del Mar but lives in Costa Mesa with her family, is the owner and head designer of Halsea. She opened her first shop recently on the Peninsula.

She previously designed accessories for brands like Roxy and Paul Frank before starting her own venture.

With Halsea, Bartz hopes to appeal to women who wore brands like Roxy when they were younger, and still crave the simple, clean aesthetic — but with a touch of sophistication.

How did you get your start as a designer?

I majored in art at UCLA, knowing that I wanted to go into design when I graduated. I always wanted to make products for women who lead active lifestyles. My accessories-design career started at Roxy. Over time I grew up but was still the same beach-loving gal, and I felt it was time to do an accessories line for women over 25. (There are several 25-and-under Halsea fans too!)

How has business been since you opened the shop?

Since I opened the shop, business has increased somewhat. People love being able to “discover” my shop and spend time with all of the goodies. I love having a special spot where I can visually tell the Halsea story.

And I encourage my wholesale accounts to see how my line works together in my little laboratory of a shop.

What types of products do you sell?

At the Halsea Shop we sell unique, beachy, well-made travel bags, accessories and home items. People come here to find special gifts for others, and to treat themselves to something colorful and pretty — either for their home or for travel. I recently had a dad-to-be buy a large tote as a diaper bag for his wife.

Tell us a bit about each line.

My first line was China Cove — a hand-drawn shell pattern that is still very popular. I named it China Cove after the beach in CdM where I spent many hours as a child.

Crescent Bay, named after the beautiful beach in North Laguna, is a whimsical sea horse pattern. The groovy colors were influenced by a pair of swim trunks my dad wore in the ’70s.

Boat Canyon is a pattern of crabs tangled in rope. I loved hunting for crabs at the beach when I was little, and now my children love to scamper around hunting for crabs on the rocks too.

Little Harbor is my most current print, inspired by my visit to the very charming town of Harbor Springs in Northern Michigan.

I wanted to do something coastal, crisp and preppy that was not totally specific to sea life.

I’m crazy for this print and have had several things at home upholstered in my latest Halsea fabric!

What have been your most popular products so far?

The Halsea line is kept very focused, and most of the items are equally popular because they all work together. People especially love our roller suitcases and large roller duffel bags — and they like to add to their collections based on these pieces. The colorful and multi-functioning clutch wallet is a favorite for gift-giving. Oh, and our large tote is very popular since it is big, lightweight, indestructible and still attractive! Mine goes to work, to the farmer’s market, to the beach, and with my kids to sleepovers at Grandma’s.

Tell us about one of your most unique items.

The Halsea roller duffel stands out as especially unique — it’s a great marriage of form and function. It looks great ... and has great features. It opens like a doctor’s bag for easy loading, and the inside is lined in pale pink satin so that nothing gets lost in the corners! I also think it’s a great value.

How do you compete with other accessory lines? What makes you stand out?

There are several reasons Halsea stands out from the crowd. All of the Halsea prints are unique and have a special story — so I think customers relate to the line on a personal level. I make my items out of top-quality materials and leather while keeping my prices reasonable. And, it’s refreshing to see very unique but timeless prints on everyday, utilitarian items like roller suitcases, tote bags and wallets. The Halsea styles are classic but fun and all work together.

409 31st St.

Newport Beach

(949) 673-7743

halsea.com

Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

CANDICE BAKER can be reached at (949) 494-5480 or at [email protected].