Hotel Del Coronado + Fashion Valley Mall | San Diego, CA

August 11, 2017

On Monday, July 24th (also my 31st birthday) JJ, Vivienne, and I checked in for a two-night stay at the legendary Hotel Del Coronado. If you have never been to this hotel, or Coronado in general, I strongly suggest that you plan a visit as soon as possible. Everything about it is absolutely breathtaking. From the white walls surrounding the building to its vintage charm, Hotel Del is set on one of American’s most iconic beaches, mixing history with their contemporary luxury in 757 guestrooms. My favorite thing about this hotel is how family oriented it is. Known for creating memories and having endless seaside recreational activities, your will never run out of things to do.  JJ and I already talk about when we can go back.  

Photo by Arielle Levy Photography

Photo by Arielle Levy Photography

Photo by Arielle Levy Photography

We arrived for check-in at 4pm, received our key from curb side valet (genius) and headed up to our junior suite in the Victorian building. The room was clean, quaint, and completely historic. We made sure to call ahead to reserve a crib, which was the most comfortable ones we have ever used that wasn’t our own. We turned the small sitting area into a nook where Vivienne would sleep and unpacked the rest of our belongings in the spacious closet. Unfortunately, the babysitter we had planned for cancelled 45-minutes before she was supposed to arrive. I slightly panicked since we had so much planned for the evening, yet remembered hearing about the babysitting service that was available through the hotel. I called concierge to see if it was first, possible and if so, how soon could she come? We were on a major time crunch! Within 5 minutes, I received a call back confirming that they found someone to watch Vivienne for the exact time needed (literally in 30 minutes) and then received a text message with the name of the sitter, her profile, and contact information. I was amazed at how easy and effortless it all was. Once our sitter arrived, we all went to the beach for a family shoot, followed by a date night for JJ and I at ENO Pizzeria & Wine Bar.

Photo by Arielle Levy Photography

After a bottle of wine, two pizzas, and a cheese board later; we took our to-go cups and headed to the beach for a night cap in front of a campfire and s’mores. Swoon! We sat and chatted throughout the hour, imaging what it would be like to come back when Vivienne (and maybe baby #2) was a little bit older and talked about how much fun they would have at Del. It was the perfect evening.

The next morning, I woke up bright and early for a 7am spin class on the beach. That’s right… you are literally taking a spin class right on the beach. It was beautiful and made that extra glass of wine and cheese board all the more worth it ? After spin class was over, and a great breakfast at Sheerwater, I got myself ready for the busy day ahead.

Fashion Valley Mall invited me and my family to come stay in San Diego and experience Southern California’s trendiest shopping destination. That’s right… a full day of shopping at select retailers, while experiencing everything from dining to beauty. I couldn’t have been more excited. For those of you that may not already know, I used to live in San Diego 9 years ago and FVM was one of our first dates- going to California Pizza Kitchen and a movie. So, I knew the mall very well yet was so amazed at the upgrades since then. Fashion Valley Mall has more than 200 stores, including international fashion houses like Hermes, Prada, and Salvatore Ferragamo and leading department stores like Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. 

At 10:30am, I met Shawn, driver and owner of Porsche of San Diego out front of Hotel Del, where I was escorted in a luxury Porsche to Fashion Valley Mall. He was so friendly and perfectly dressed for the occasion (just look at that suit!). Once we arrived at FVM, we parted ways and I headed to my first stop.

11:00am: Mini facials and hair touch-up at Aveda

I was greeted with the CUTEST Happy Birthday sign which made me feel so special and lucky to be there. We started off by discussing my skin type, the different available oils, and what I was interested in achieving that day. We started with a mini facial and massage, leaving my face smooth, hydrated, and ready for the day. I was able to pick an oil to take home, along with a few gifts from Aveda. The Beautifying Composition Oil is an Aromatic, nourishing oil for body, bath and scalp softens and moisturizes skin with a nourishing blend of certified organic olive and safflower oils. I can’t wait to continue to use it at home. I ended the hour with a hair touch up by Logan, giving me the perfect beach waves and making me feel polished and effortless for the rest of the day. Thank you so much for having me! These women were the sweetest.

Photo by aMaes_Photography

 

 

 

12:00pm: Makeup application at Sephora

My next stop was for a makeup application at Sephora with artist, Alyssa. Normally, I never have an opinion about how I want to look as I leave it to the artist and trust their perspective. I always mention that I love natural, bronzed, and growy with a little bit of contour.  Alyssa worked her magic and gave me the PERFECT look for the day. So perfect that I got her card and contact information for a later date the next time I am traveling to San Diego and in need of a makeup artist. Thank you again!

BEFORE

AFTER

1:00PM: Lunch at Blue Smoke Sushi Lounge

Now, time for lunch! I was so excited because first, Sushi is one of my favorite meals and second, JJ and Vivienne came to join me for the rest of the day. We arrived at Blue Smoke Sushi to a warm smile by the hostess and a friendly wave by one of the sushi chefs. Right away we ordered our usual… beer and glass of champagne with edamame. For appetizers we had crispy Brussel sprouts and Bao Bao buns. So delicious! For sushi we ordered the Lollipop Roll, tried their live shrimp, and our favorite was the specialty roll not listed on the menu. I wish I could remember the name. We suggested that they just add it to their menu already. Truthfully, everything was amazing! The restaurant had fresh fish, innovative options, and a beautiful presentation. I will definitely go out of my way to go back to Blue Smoke during our next trip to San Diego.

2:15pm: Shopping appointment with stylist at Bloomingdale’s

After lunch, we all made our way to our first retail location, Bloomindales! Greeted by Rhonda, we were shown to a private shopping area where they presented us with cookies, champagne, and an abundance of goodies to take home. I was ready to just hang there all day! The stylist set aside a few outfit options for myself, Vivienne, and JJ – and then the floor was ours to go around and shop the store. Normally, I would go for the cute outfit, but I mentally prepared to look for a few things that I really needed in my closet. A jean jumpsuit caught my eye immediately, and I remembered the one I had at home just wasn’t doing me justice any longer. So, a new beautiful Lovers + Friends piece was immediately added to the cart. And if you know me well, then you know a good sweat pant and loungewear are the key to my heart. So, when my hands lightly grabbed a hold of these soft pink ATM pants, it was all over. To compliment the pants, I also grabbed a plain white Splendid tee that went with my, “I’m not going anywhere today” look that I was going for. We ended with an adorable Splendid outfit for Vivienne, which will be absolutely adorable for this coming Fall. Thank you ladies and Bloomingdales for having us and providing us with the royal treatment!

 

 

3:15pm: In-store stylist at the jean bar in Madewell

Madewell is one of those stores that when you walk in, you want EVERYTHING. The pieces are trendy yet basic staples for the everyday girl. I was sent to Madewell to meet with an in store stylist and shop for a pair of jeans from their well own jean bar. I took a first look and started to grab familiar options that I knew I would love- boyfriend, high waisted, and ripped denim. She mentioned a new wide-leg crop jean that recently came in and immediately I turned it away in my mind, yet said I would try it on anyway. After testing out a few pairs, I came to the conclusion that 1. the jeans run small so I would suggest getting a size down if shopping online or in store and 2. I’ll never mentally deny a jean style again. Of course the ones I did not think I would like were my favorite… isn’t that always the case? I paired this look with a modern tie-front top in rosewood pink. Obsessed. Thank you for having me!

 

4:20pm: Saje Natural Wellness 

I stopped in to Saje Natural Wellness, to learn a little bit about their company/products and to discuss the pocket farmancy with Shalyn. I wasn’t too familiar with Saje but quickly learned that there is a product to help every ache, pain, and sleepless night. The pocket farmacy is essentially a mini “pharmacy” for every day, including five of their most loved roll-ons. The oils relieve and release with blends designed to support your overall wellness. Shalyn tested the Peppermint halo cooling oil on my neck, which was needed and felt amazing for the rest of the day. Thank you so much for having me and telling me a little bit about the brand.

 

4:50pm: The Shoe Box 

I walked into my next location, The Shoe Box, to be greeted by two smiling women as they welcomed me to the store. We discussed the different shoe brands that they are selling in store, big designers like Stuart Weizmann, Shultz, and Mystique as well as some of the trendy looks this season. The shop was quaint, vibrant, and full of beautiful items. I instantly fell in love with these sandals, but ended up taking home a nude pair of open toe heels by Daya by Zendaya. Again, another choice I made as a need instead of a want for staples in my closet 😉 I’m pretty proud of myself. Thank you so much ladies for having me!

 

 

5:20pm: See’s CANDIES

5pm… this girl is READY for some chocolate! I made a quick stop into See’s CANDIES for nonetheless… chocolate! Lot’s of chocolate! I grabbed an assortment box of nuts and chews and a few extra from behind the counter that Krisit recommended to me. Looking back, I should have just cracked open the box right then and there. They were demolished in a week.

5:30pm: Personal shopping appointment at TOPSHOP 

My last destination of the day, was a personal shopping appointment at Topshop. Like Bloomingdales, I had my own private area (with more champagne) and options already picked out for me to try on. I quickly scanned the store, but ultimately decided on a blue polka dotted dr

ess, striped jumpsuit (of course), and black flats that the stylist picked out (which I didn’t think I would like via hanger). Bottom line: trust the stylists, they know what they are doing. Thank you so much for having me!

 

 

 

 

6:30pm: Dinner at STACKED

Our last destination at Fashion Valley was a family dinner at STACKED. You guys… this is the coolest concept! It is a full-service restaurant with an innovated ordering approach that enables you to control when you order and pay, and customize your meal through their personal tablet. They offer America’s favorite foods – burgers, pizza, salads, and mac ‘n’ cheese. You can choose between a dozen ingredients to create your perfect personal meal. It’s such an easy yet fun way to dine out not to mention the food was SO good! Thank you so much for having us!

After dinner, Porsche San Diego picked us up for our return trip to Hotel Del. We were exhausted and so ready for a glass of wine and relaxation for the rest of the evening.

 

The next morning, we had breakfast at Sheerwater (which was so good both mornings), filled our car to the top, and made our way back to Phoenix that afternoon. What a trip!

SHOP MY SELECTS FROM THE DAY 

Thank you so much to Hotel Del Coronado for hosting an amazing stay and to Fashion Valley Mall for hosting and sponsoring this post.

Ps. Shout out to my hubby for holding down the stroller while escorting me and my bags around the mall all day. You’re the best.

Be sure to check out my YouTube channel for a closer look into these amazing two days.

xoxo,
Lola

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