***Special thanks to Fashion Valley Mall & Hotel del Coronado for sponsoring this post! All opinions are my own.***
Last week, I had the pleasure of spending a couple days in San Diego with David and my pug S’mores. Fashion Valley Mall invited me to spend a day with them to get pampered and do some shopping. Back when I studied at UCSD, I could only dream of such a unique experience. It was so much fun, and certainly refreshing to escape the desert heat for a while.
During our time there, we stayed at the iconic Hotel del Coronado, which is set on a beautiful beach. On our first night, we were told some fun stories and unique historical facts about the hotel over s’mores on the beach! The Del is equipped with many modern amenities such as concierge services, holistic spa experiences, and exquisite oceanfront dining.
The view from our suite was breathtaking, as we had the perfect view of the ocean, palm trees, and people enjoying themselves. We absolutely loved that the hotel was dog-friendly, and even met some other visitors with cute pups.
On our last day, we invited our friend Nancy over, who brought her pug to play with S’mores on the beach! It was a fun little pug date before we had to return back home.
After breakfast at the hotel, we were picked up by Porsche of San Diego and taken to the mall. Before this opportunity, Fashion Valley had always been one of my favorite places to shop, especially during my college days. I loved the variety of stores they had. Fashion Valley offers over 1.7 million square feet of retail space, making it the biggest shopping mall in San Diego and one of the largest in the state. Currently they have more than 200 stores, including many luxury labels like Prada, Hermès, and Salvatore Ferragamo, and leading department stores like Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom. Of course, it also has some of my favorite everyday stores such as Lululemon, Abercrombie & Fitch, Zara, and more.
Here in the desert, I’m not a huge fan of outdoor malls because it’s just way too hot to shop in the summer. However, in San Diego where the weather is pretty nice year-round, it’s wonderful being able to relish in the sunshine of the open-air environment! For all my foodie friends out there — Fashion Valley has ample dining options such as California Pizza Kitchen, Cheesecake Factory, and Stacked. In fact, we finished our shopping day with some bomb burgers and amazing lobster mac and cheese there!
Our day was pretty packed with exciting activities, and I really enjoyed learning more about some labels I had never heard of before and visiting some of my favorite stores. Our day started well with some pampering at Origins, Aveda, and MAC Cosmetics. I had a blast learning about new skin care products ideal for my occasional acne-prone skin, and getting my hair & make-up done. I don’t often get my hair done up so when the stylist at Aveda asked me how I wanted my hair, I asked for some fun braids! I really love how it turned out. She finished off my little styling session with a relaxing massage, which my body greatly appreciated.
After several hours of getting pampered, we had lunch at Neiman Marcus, where we learned more about their company culture and got to see all the different labels they carried. There is no Chanel boutique or store here in the desert, and the closest one is either the Neiman Marcus location in San Diego or the LA boutique in Beverly Hills. So naturally… I had to make a stop here. I’ve been wanting a small black boy bag for the longest time but never found the perfect one until this day. After browsing the boutique in Neiman Marcus, I found it hidden in a little corner, sort of tucked away. I’ll have to save the rest for another blog post. 😉 For now, let’s just say that I spoiled myself on this trip!
After lunch, we checked out some other stores including Johnny Was, Uno de 50, Swarovski, Madewell, Kipling, Cotton On, and Ted Baker. Of these, my favorites were Madewell, Kipling, and Ted Baker. I actually managed to find a pair of jeans at Madewell (finally) that fit me perfectly! It felt like a huge accomplishment (lol). I was a Kipling girl all throughout my college years, so it was nice to revisit to see the new styles they were offering. Both David and I always enjoyed walking into Ted Baker because of how elaborately they style their stores! Of course, they also have the cutest pieces and a fantastic shoe selection. I even picked up a pair of heels before I left!
By the end of the day, poor David was carrying probably at least 20 bags for me! Luckily, Porsche came back to pick us up after dinner and drive us back to the hotel. When we got back and finally set all the bags down, it had felt like Christmas came early. To say it was a memorable experience is an understatement… 😉
Since San Diego is only 2.5 hours from us, we’ll definitely be back for quick little getaways and the occasional splurge session at the mall. For both Southern California locals and visiting tourists, SD is the perfect vacation destination with so much to offer. I wish we were able to stay longer because there were so many other cool places we wanted to visit, such as Cabrillo National Monument, La Jolla Shores, and the San Diego Zoo! Until next time…
Have you been to Fashion Valley Mall or stayed at The Del? What was your experience like?
Photos by David Potter
68 Responses
Sounds like you had an amazing time!!! It’s my dream to shop all day and not have to worry about anything else haha! The hotel looks beautiful too — and it’s not often you get to see the ocean right outside your hotel room. Glad you enjoyed your stay babe.
Yes! It was so much fun! Can’t wait to go back 🙂
Looks like you had a fantastic day! I’ll have to put the Coronado on my list of places to stay when I visit San Diego again!
Yes! Coronado is a must-visit if you’re in San Diego. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by Bryan!
Wow, that surely seems ABSOLUTELY amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I used to live in San Diego about a year ago, and absolutely miss SD. Fashion Valley was definitely one of my favorite places to go as the shopping is on point!!!
Thrifting Diva
http://www.thriftingdiva.com
Same here! I went to college in San Diego and Fashion Valley was one of my go-to malls to shop at xx
First of all your photos are amazing! Secondly it seems like you had a great time and one of the best things I love when traveling is shopping so I’m happy you got a lot of new clothing!
One of my fave things to do when I travel is shop too LOL! It was a really fun experience. Thanks Mariann!
Wow, it looks like you got some all-star treatment! Your hair looks gorgeous, too! Glad you had fun xx
http://hollyhabeck.com
It was a dream indeed! Thanks babe.
This looks like a dream come true!! We love SD!! I cannot believe I have never been to this mall! I never even heard of it before!!
Ahhh it’s like the biggest mall in San Diego! Highly recommend you check it out next time you visit 🙂 xx
Your photos look amazing. You look gorgeous. And it sounds like an utterly wonderful day. 🙂
Thanks beautiful!
WOW everything about this blog is amazing. You look beautiful and the photography is incredible. Thank you for sharing this wonderful experience.
Xxgracie
snappedbygracie.com
Thanks Gracie! xx
The concept behind this post is just incredible! You look adorable and I loved looking at all the fun photos!
Have an amazing day!
xx Kris
https://dreamingofpink.wordpress.com
Thanks Kris! I think the concept of being spoiled for a weekend is always a good idea 😉 hahaha
Looks like you had an awesome time there! I love going to Fashion Valley mall. Thanks for sharing your experience. 🙂
So glad to hear that you love FV too!
Wow, I can’t believe this is a mall! It is so gorgeous!!
Lauren
http:///www.basicbabelauren.com
It really is! I love the great variety of stores this mall has. Just wish I lived closer to it! Lol shopping in the desert can be a pain sometimes.
This looks like such an amazing experience! I would die to be pampered that much; it looks like heaven on earth to me!
xx Victoria
http://www.strungingold.com
It was so much fun!! xx
I’ve never even been to San Diego before, or even Cali. Since San Diego is on my travel radar, I am glad I now know directly where to go to shop. I feel sorry for your boyfriend having to carry all those bags though haha.
http://www.thebeautybeau.com/
Ahhh you have to come visit Cali! Haha I think you’d really love San Diego. In addition to shopping, there are so many beautiful beaches to see!
Amazing experience! Thank you for sharing this.. it was so interesting to read and you looked so lovely and happy! + you have an amazing website! <3
Thank you so much darling!
Ok Sharon, now I’m envious as I totally need a break like that. To do that I need to 1. Visit Fashion Valley 2. Get a pug as that pug date was the cutest ever 3. Get myself a David or borrow yours as I’d probably end up with 20 bags too, haha. I’m glad you got some time off and actually enjoy life as I know you’ve been working ever so hard lately!
Love,
Thomas
I wish we could shop together! Lol the day would never end! 😉 Unfortunately S’mores didn’t join us on our long day of shopping and pampering although he did enjoy his stay in the hotel with us! 🙂 hehe
what a fabulous trip! everything looks amazing, from the food to the makeup to the shopping!
http://www.layersofchic.com
It really was a blast! Thanks babe.
Oh you look amazing in all of these shots! First I was just giggling over those super cute pugs! They are so happy!! How sweet is that! Looking forward to seeing what you bought. I love those Valentino’s SO beautiful. Just started using Aveda and am loving everything I have tried. SO good.
xx Jenelle
http://www.inspiringwit.com
Thanks Jenelle! We were on a tight schedule but I managed to squeeze some time to meet up with my friend who lives in San Diego and she brought her pug with her 🙂 quick little pug date before we had to return to the desert!
What an amazing stay and experience to go back to San Diego and pamper yourself. This sounds like the ideal trip for me – somewhere local, shopping, eating and staying at a beautiful, luxury hotel. The Hotel Del Coronado is such an iconic hotel and I love the modern decor of the room! I’ve always admired the hotel since I was little and what a treat it is to stay there. I haven’t been to Fashion Valley Mall before but I need to go! It sounds like my kinda of mall – like South Coast. I can’t wait to see your new Chanel bag and love that you got it on this special trip. And hello, a Porsche?! Wow, you really were spoiled. Which Porsche did you ride in? I’ve been thinking about one for my next car…but a bigger one to fit my family. =) Sounds like the perfect mini vacay! xoxo, Christine
http://dailykongfidence.com/
Ahhh! How could I forget to mention! We rode in the Cayenne. The minute I stepped into the car I sort of maybe immediately regretted my impulse buy of my BMW X5… LOL… I mean, it’s a great car and all (I actually prefer the exterior of my BMW) but the Cayenne’s interior was simply OUT OF THIS WORLD! It also looks way smaller than my X5 from the outside but from the inside I think it’s wayyyy roomier. So, if you’re asking me for my opinion, I do think that it’s a great family car to have! Super luxurious and beautiful on the inside too which was my fave part haha <3
Fantastic, seems like you enjoyed a lot. Great pictures.
I did indeed darling! Thank you xx
Looks like you had an awesome time! I love ALL of your outfits!! You are so cute!
<3 Sydnee
http://www.sydneepeacock.com
Thank you Sydney! xx
WOW. That sounds like a wonderful time all around. Plus it is a beautiful area.
We had a blast! Thanks babe xx
Looks very luxurious. San Diego definitely has a lot of cool places to see.
Yes! I love San Diego. Just wish it didn’t get so cold at night and in the winter time! Haha
I actually cried tears of joy seeing you pug on a pug date! Too cute Sharon haha its so amazing you got this incredible opportunity that fulfilled your college dreams! It must’ve felt like a dream to be pampered at all of these high end stores, and i hope your partner also had a great experience!
Bernice | IG @bunnybernice
https://www.bunnybernice.com/single-post/2017/08/29/MuLondon-Cleanser-and-Moisturiser-Review
Awwwww hehehe yes I love seeing my pug go on his date too! He’s such a little stud muffin ahaha. 😉 We all had a blast in San Diego! Thanks Bernice.
omg it’s such a good time! And how cute is that to put a bow on the pug!
xx Margaret
http://www.maleemaleehong.com
Thanks! Haha yes! I just got that bow not long ago and can’t take it off him because it’s just so stinking cute haha
Wow, I really need to check out Fashion Valley if I make a trip down to San Diego! I love the beach there and the Downtown area, so it’s unfortunate I haven’t made that many trips there while I lived in California.. Anyways, seems like they took very good care of you guys and you had a great time! Your pup is so cute too 🙂
Thanks Samantha! Yes, you should totally check out FV if you make a trip down to San Diego. My bf and I actually lived in downtown San Diego for a year before moving to LA! Lots to do and see there too. xx
This looks absolutely amazing!!
xx Rebecca / The Crystal Press, Fashion Blog
Thanks Rebecca!
This sounds great! I love all your photos! xxx
simonehjulmand.com
Thank you so much 🙂
This sounds like the best experience ever!!! The hotel looks like a dream! Between the beach view and the beautiful interiors, I’m in love 🙂 I’m so obsessed with your hairdo! The braid looks so fab on you.
xo, Jo
It was so much fun! I am missing the beach view already haha xx
We love this! Shop til you drop!
Yesss!
I love your blog!! Your pictures are always amazing!!
Thank you so much Autum!
Ahhh this experience is every girl’s dream!! So glad you had fun girl, and those pugs are adorable <3
XO, Jessi
https://www.mywhitet.com/pregnancy-vlog-2/
Thanks Jessi! Dreams do come true 🙂
That hair braid is everything! Very game of thrones! I also love that the hotel was pug friendly!!! Such a cutie that smores is 🙂
http://Www.tonyamezrich.com
LOL! That’s exactly what I was going for actually as I am a mother of dragons 😉 too bad my Chinese water dragon couldn’t come with us on this trip haha.
It sounds and looks like you had an amazing time in San Diego. Any hotel that is pet friendly is one I can definitely get with. Your whole experience sounds like a dream!
Thanks Roxy! We all had a blast, including S’mores 🙂
Reading your post made me remember the good memories from San Diego babe!!! I remember been at The Fashion Valley and had a successful shopping day!! I also visited that hotel and is absolutely stunning. Looks like you guys had a great time!! I want to go back
xoxo
Marcy
I am thrilled to hear you had a great experience in San Diego when you visited as well! There is so much shopping to do at FV and the beaches there are simply incredible xx