Last week I attended an exclusive style tour at the newly renovated Westfield UTC Mall in San Diego. Myself and a handful of other local fashion bloggers/stylists were invited to a luncheon with special guest celebrity stylist Jill Lincoln – of the styling duo Jill and Jordan. Jill’s clients include Sofia Vergara, Jennifer Lawrence and Jennifer Garner…just to name a few. It was so fun to pick her brain and get some behind the scenes info on the day to day tasks of a celebrity stylist! After lunch we were then taken on a tour of some of Westfield UTC’s newest retailers including Vera Bradley, Warby Parker, Seafolly and TravisMathew.

A little backstory for you: I used to work across the street from this mall and used to eat lunch at the food court almost every single day. But after deciding to quit my job to become a stay at home mom, I had literally not even stepped foot in this mall in over five years! FIVE YEARS! I honestly can NOT believe all of the renovations and what’s even more shocking to me is that they aren’t even done. The full expansion won’t be complete until 2017. San Diego friends…have you been to UTC lately? And if so, why haven’t you told me how awesome it is now?!?! LOL. Since I’ve started blogging, I’ve become an almost exclusive online shopper, but there is something to be said for actually walking into stores and seeing the articles of clothing in person and trying them on!!! I realize this must seem like I’m going on and on about a mall but I was (am!) in shock at all of the changes. In a good way! Also, I think I need to get out more…LOL.

I also wanted to share a little more about the retailers we visited. I think of myself as a pretty informed shopper, but I have to be honest. Of the four stores we toured, I was only familiar with Warby Parker! Insert monkey emoji covering his eyes. I figured if I wasn’t familiar, maybe you aren’t either. Here’s the scoop:

Vera Bradley: While on vacation in 1982, the co-founders of Vera Bradley noticed the lack of feminine luggage and Vera Bradley was born. With a HUGE selection of prints/styles, there is something for everyone in this charming store. Their newest arrivals are the quilted leather bags you see in the pic above but each bag is lined in one of Vera Bradley’s signature prints so there is always a pop of color in each piece. We were each sent home with the buffalo check print scarf which I’ve already worn on the blog (see it here).

Warby Parker: Adorable glasses that are AFFORDABLE (starting at just $95)! Plus for every pair they sell, Warby Parker donates a pair to someone in need. I am in LOVE with the Lovett glasses as well as the Grace glasses. The Lovett’s are on my personal Christmas wishlist this year!

Seafolly: Swimsuits GALORE. Also, Gigi Hadid is their spokesmodel. Need I say more? But don’t you worry, they have suits for women of all shapes & sizes. Not only do they have a huge selection, but all of their swimsuits are lined (which I appreciate!).  Oh, and I’m in love with their kaftan cover-ups.

TravisMathew: Cute activewear for the dude in your life. My hubby doesn’t play golf so he got a real kick out of the “Golf Sucks” tank I brought home. But in all seriousness, their store is like a playground for adults/kids alike. Ping pong ball table, video games, claw game & ipads available for the kids to use while you shop. I also heard a rumor that you can sip on wine while you shop. Heck yeah. Plus, the clothes are way more attractive/stylish than the baggy khaki’s & polo’s you’re used to seeing on golfers.

If you haven’t been to Westfield UTC mall in a while, definitely stop by and check it out. They are also having special “Winter Nights” every Saturday in December leading up to Christmas. Free fun for the whole family!

P.S. DON’T MISS MY BIG LIST OF BLACK FRIDAY / CYBER MONDAY SALES HERE.