Shopping with Ana Ortiz photos and story by Gerri Miller

Ugly Betty’s Hilda takes Estylo to her favorite Hollywood boutiques. It’s late on a sunny Sunday morning and Ana Ortiz drives up in her silver Prius, ready for action. She’s spending the day off from Ugly Betty by shopping at two of her favorite boutiques on La Brea Avenue in Hollywood, and Estylo is tagging along. The first stop is Yellow, a cheery spot where Ortiz has bought some of her favorite items, including her wallet and the letter “A” earrings she’s wearing.

“Yellow has the most interesting clothes,” says Ortiz. “You’re going to find one-of-a-kind pieces that nobody else has, and lots of variety—that’s the key to a good store. They have the most brilliant sales here, too. I got two cashmere sweaters that cost about $300 originally for, like, $80. I got open-toed denim wedges here that were fabulous, and they have the most beautiful Cosabella bras and underwear. It’s one-stop shopping.”

Today’s finds? A chocolate brown T-Bags turtleneck with a cut-out back, a white leather belt, a gray handbag, a long-sleeved beige tee, and a gray sweater from Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B. line—on sale.

Next stop is the equally colorful Bleu, where Ortiz had purchased the Gennera dress she’s wearing, some of her favorite tank tops, and her New Year’s Eve dresses for the last several years. “This is my absolute go-to store whenever I need an event outfit quickly,” she relates. “The people that work here know exactly what’s in stock and there’s a lot here so they’re very helpful in picking out dresses and pulling them for you. Whatever your body type, they’ll have something, from the perfect little black dress to great shoes and accessories, all in one store, so I don’t have to run all over creation.”

After picking out a chocolate brown cashmere cardigan, a sexy Ella Moss camisole, and some Nippies for strategic placement when she can’t wear a bra, Ortiz sat down to really talk shop...

The entire interview can be read in both English and Spanish in the December 2007 issue of Estylo magazine. Subscribe now!