Street Style Report: Local Artist Kelly Tunstall Shows Us Four Spring Looks, in Presidio Heights

Street Style Report: Local Artist Kelly Tunstall Shows Us Four Spring Looks, in Presidio Heights

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You may recognize Kelly Tunstall's artwork from her mermaid murals at Bar Crudo. Or maybe you've come across her work at a local gallery. I first saw her artwork years ago, at 111 Minna, and was instantly charmed. Her whimsical figures and enchanting use of color make her artwork distinct and easily lovable.


I later met Kelly at a party in the Mission, and went gaga over her green Dries Van Noten pumps. It's no surprise that the creator of such lovely pieces of art would have an incredible sense of style, too.

Since then, I've come to learn that she's married to the amazing Ferris Plock, (Talk about killer SF power couple!), and together they have an adorable two-year-old son, Brixton (look for his Street Style Report next week!). On top of it all, she works a day job as a designer and branding expert for OnLive in the Peninsula. Needless to say, Kelly juggles a full plate, and she does it all with grace, finesse, and a touch of quirk. 

Kelly was kind enough to take time out of her busy-bee schedule for this fun photoshoot. Catch her in person this Friday at the opening of her new show, Kelly Tunstall & Ferris Plock: Edible Complex, at the Fecal Face Dot Gallery.

What she's wearing:  Leifsdottir dress, purchased from Buffalo Exchange; Vintage belt from a garage sale; NYC street vendor bracelets and diamond bracelet found on street; Gucci pumps, purchased from Wasteland; Haircut and color by Gib Bolton of GH Bolton Salon.

One of Kelly's lovely pieces.

Kelly, holding a special piece by her husband, Ferris Plock, that they keep in their home.

 

What she's wearing:  White Isabel Marant dress, purchased from Metier; Vintage coral slip; Raquel Allegra belt, purchased from Metier; Vintage cuff, purchased from Eden & Eden; Panther ring from H&M; Balmain heels, purchased from Jeremy's; Tan leather Prada bag, purchased from Jeremy's.

Kelly put her sunglasses on, let down her hair and had a fun, glam moment in front of the camera. She's wearing House of Harlow 1960 sunglasses, which she bought on a whim and absolutely loves. "I could tell these were designed by a mother," Kelly said. "They're unbreakable!"

What's in Kelly's bag:  Toys for her son Brixton, Postalco sketchbook, sunglasses, accessories. (Not pictured: iPhone, Moleskine notebook, Kaweco travel pen, random pens and pencils, two diapers, Caudalie lip balm, stick sunscreen.) 

 

What she's wearing:  Vintage bicycle print dress, gift from, "The original thrifting master -- the woman who taught me how to find the diamonds in the rough"; Cross belt, purchased from Wasteland; Gucci oxford pump purchased from Wasteland; Vintage bracelets from eBay and Goodbyes; French vintage ring, purchased from Gypsy Honeymoon; Custom wedding ring, designed by Stacey Lorinczi

 

What she's wearing:  Rachel Comey sweater, purchased from Dish; Stacey Lorinczi and Kelly Tunstall for In Fiore necklace; Red pants by Tuleh; Bangle, purchased from Reliquary; Vintage ring, purchased at Gypsy Honeymoon; Prada floral pointy pumps, purchased from eBay.

Seven Style Questions for Kelly:

1. What inspires your artwork and your sense of style?

I'm definitely a nostalgic type -- literally everything is an inspiration or makes its way into my closet, though being a designer helps me simplify. I love researching with an aim, but I'm always in pursuit of being surprised -- I have a strange eye that finds beauty in the oddest of places. Pulling it all together to make an outfit or a piece of artwork really is the end of looking, gathering, processing and reformulating. I guess the best thing is that I trust my eye and my gut, and that everything will fall into place. But nothing is good without good construction, materials or humor! 

2. How has your style evolved since becoming a mother?

As with anything, it's about balance. I love a high-low mix so I don't get too precious with anything. It's been a requirement to ditch the heels with a (really fast!) two-year-old to chase around, so that's been a shift -- I got a great pair of Golden Goose boots and some Alaia flats. My core uniform is some sort of striped shirt with jeans -- I always feel good in that and can embellish on it. 

3. What's on your want-list?

A big (Hermes) Birkin or Kelly bag. Only one. I just feel like they're made so well -- they can outlive you! I want to break one in; then someday I'll pay it forward. 

4. What's your most treasured possession?

I love my wedding ring for obvious reasons, plus, it's simply perfect. I love that it was made by a friend, and it's the prettiest color of gold, too. On the opposite end of the spectrum, I have an enameled Tom Ford for YSL cigarette case (I don't smoke) that I use as an evening purse sometimes. It's utterly the most decadent thing. It's incredibly beautiful and well-crafted -- and ridiculous.

5. Where do you shop and browse art in the city?

I've got some biases here; but Metier (Those ladies are geniuses and so nice!), Flax, Kinokuniya Books, 111 Minna Gallery (I've been showing with them for over 10 years), Bell'occhio, Goodwill (Different ones for different things.), Perish Trust, Rare Device, Wasteland, Jeremy's, Barneys, Carrots, Park Life, Green Apple, Dandelion, Fecal Face Dot Gallery (Our new show is here!), Mollusk Surf Shop, Ver Unica, Dish, In FioreReliquary, Noo Works, Eleanor Harwood Gallery, the unparalleled Luggage Store Gallery, and Adobe Books in the Mission (I hear it's closing, which really makes me sad -- I have a few superstitious places I go to and that's one of them), and I miss DeVera every time I go downtown. 

6. With everything you have going on, how do you stay sane, let alone gorgeous? 

Taking a walk in the Presidio with the family, a trip to Baker Beach, or a bath is great! Or a trip to Wasteland, depending on the malady at hand. Oh, and my sin and dark-circle erasing Cle de Peau Concealer is an essential splurge, in my book. I've been having a great time on Pinterest, too. (Check out Kelly's Pinterest here!)

7. What's your SF Top 5?

Rad Golden Gate Bridge. Food. Keeping it strange. Staycation. Microlimates/microhoods (equalling 5+ outfits in one day! Just kidding...kind of!).

Kelly Tunstall & Ferris Plock: Edible Complexat Fecal Face Dot Gallery (2277 Mission St.), Friday June 22, 6pm-9pm, Free.

 

Lily Ko (lily.7x7 @ gmail.com) studied fashion design and merchandising at Central Saint Martins and the Academy of Art University. In addition to writing for 7x7, Lily is on the creative team at Pottery Barn, and also works as a freelance stylist and apparel designer.

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