In an adorable little space, situated in the quaint outdoor shopping plaza in the beach community of San Diego’s Encinitas, hangs the clean white sign for Mog & Rue Boutique. Since 2006, women from all over the world have been able to step through the door of this mod, yet sleek shopping sanctuary, and transform their look with the help of the resident stylists. Named for the European slang for cat "a Mog" and the French word for street or walk "a Rue", Mog & Rue (a.k.a Catwalk) unites designers from all over the world in this picturesque Southern California hamlet.
Mog & Rue owner, Kristen Di Zinno, a native New Yorker, has always been drawn to the fashion world. She learned the importance of classic style and sophistication at a very young age from her mother and maternal grandmother. They also taught her how to strategically build a wardrobe by selecting the right mix of basics and trendy pieces that can transform into multi-looks. Her sense of style only got better with age and for years she has been recognized for her distinct look and ability to creatively accessorize any outfit.
In 2006 she made the move out to San Diego after living and working in Manhattan for almost a decade. When she arrived to the west coast she struggled to find a boutique that would complement her east meets west style. After countless trips to the mall and local boutiques to find the perfect little black dress for an event, she longed to have Madison Avenue at her fingertips and knew there was a void in San Diego that only she could fill. She took over 10 years of marketing and branding expertise, and coupled it with her keen sense of fashion, and the next chapter of Mog & Rue was born.
Kristen buys for Mog & Rue as if she is buying for herself. She considers the boutique her closet and welcomes her clients into the store as friends, with the notion that they can “borrow” anything! She lives by the phrase “dress to impress” and carries that through when styling her clients. Kristen understands the need for every woman to maximize her wardrobe. With that notion in mind, she brings to Mog & Rue unique items that have amazing fits and affordable prices. Kristen strives to make Mog & Rue better each day and distinguishes it with its superior client service and contemporary fashion.
