Rustic. Enduring. Knee-length. The timeless overalls best known as lederhosen were among the first outfits on display at The Velvet Rut, a new storefront in downtown Solvang.
Two child-sized pairs of the traditional German breeches once occupied a prominent corner of the shop, where only one set remained in July. Owner Shona Stargill said she partially hopes it stays that way long enough to see her 4-month-old grandson fit those pants in a few years.
“I almost wouldn’t want to sell it,” Stargill joked. “I would love to see him in it someday.”
Unlike The Velvet Rut’s lederhosen, the venue’s broad selections of vintage dresses, jeans, hats, shirts, jackets, boots, and silk scarves aren’t in short supply.
If there’s one umbrella her intimate shop—a charming suite with a Dutch door on First Street near Solvang Park—falls under, it’s heritage wear, Stargill said.
“I buy, I trade, and I offer consignment. So, it’s a little bit of everything,” she said of her store’s eclectic and sustainable offerings. “Fast fashion is kind of clogging our landscape, so I’m really not trying to support fast fashion at all. I want to support quality heritage wear, brands that are lasting.”
Stargill uses a handful of mottos to sum up her philosophy, including: “If you’re not wearing it, start sharing it,” and “Support resale, free up the landfill.”
For anyone curious about selling, trading, or consigning an item for resale purposes at The Velvet Rut, Stargill offers different routes, ranging from offering cash on the spot for said item to trading for in-store credit—typically at a higher value than the cash offer.
This is ‘If it’s worn in, it has a story. Every little fiber tells a story.’ a quote from the article that will be use to break up the text.
—Shona Stargill, owner of The Velvet Rut
When it comes to consignments, those who consign can choose between getting back 40 percent of the end selling price or in-store credit worth 50 percent of the end selling price.
In many cases, Stargill said that stains, rips, and other signs of wear aren’t deal-breakers when considering whether to add a piece to her store.
“If it’s worn in, it has this story. Every little fiber tells a story,” Stargill said. “That’s the great thing about vintage, it has a story, and you get to add to that story and carry it on. … I like to say, ‘It’s not your sister’s hand-me-downs, it’s your bestie’s hand-it-overs.’”
One of Stargill’s personal favorite pieces currently available for sale at her shop is a Ralph Lauren leather jacket she priced at $625.
“It’s a high-ticket item, but it’s a beautiful leather vintage piece. That’s probably the gold star of the shop right now,” Stargill said. “It’ll be great to see who takes that home.”
About four months after its soft opening, The Velvet Rut will host its official grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. Email shopthevelvetrut@gmail.com for more info. The venue’s located at 475 1st St., suite 5, Solvang.
Outside of attending the free event, another great way to meet with Stargill about the store’s resale options is to simply stop by the shop with any items you’d like for her to consider acquiring (drop-ins are asked to bring up to 10 items per visit). The store’s regular hours are Wednesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“If you feel like you have an item that’s like your favorite thing, but you outgrew it, bring it by,” Stargill said. “If you’re ready to pass it on, let’s see if we can make an arrangement.”
Highlights
• Allan Hancock College Community Education plans to launch its tuition-free barbering program this fall. The new noncredit program provides students with the technical knowledge and hands-on training needed to pursue barber licensure in California, according to the college. Students who successfully complete the program will satisfy the 1,000 hours of instruction required by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology before taking the state licensing examination. For more info, visit hancockcollege.edu.
• After winning two regional qualifiers, the Santa Maria Westside Little League 11U All-Stars earned the chance to compete in the California State Championship Tournament in San Diego in late July. Support from organizations like Safelife Health Services, Santa Maria Elks Lodge, West Coast Roofing, Michael B. Clayton and Associates, BMW of Santa Maria, and other team sponsors helped offset the team’s travel expenses.
Reach Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood at cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in July 30 – August 6, 2026.
