smiles & sunburns in san diego

You know how people always say NYC is their favourite place in the world? I used to say this as well, at least until this past October when I took my first visit to California.  I saw Beverly Hills, Venice Beach, Malibu, Santa Monica; Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, L.A. and San Diego.  Being from the East Coast of Canada, I grew up 10 minutes from a beautiful sandy beach so San Diego feels like home to me (with the addition of palm trees, warmer weather and fabulous shopping).  Now that I'm back in San Diego I'm still smiling just as much as I was the first time around!

While waiting for my luggage at the San Diego airport I perused these fabulous fashion displays

The first night here we stayed at the Westgate Hotel which I highly recommend if you have some extra cash to dole out.  Candelabras, ornate sculptures and a lobby designed for royalty is just the tip of the iceberg.  We wanted to come up to San Diego a day earlier but didn't take into account the madness of Comic Con so this was the only hotel we could book on such last minute notice (much to my pleasure!)

The entrance to our room

The hotel hallways

Dress- GAP; Sweater, Necklace & Belt- Thrifted; Heels & Purse- Aldo; Bracelet- A SweeT (Beverly Hills)

The hotel courtyard

We went for an evening walk around the neighbourhood and returned to this yummy surprise which we enjoyed in the jacuzzi sized bathtub

After our evening of pampering at the Westgate it was time to leave the luxury and check into the Hilton Bayfront where my man's work conference is being held.  We had two days before he had to start working so on Sunday we took the ferry across the water to Coronado Island where we enjoyed a day of walking, eating burritos and strolling hand on hand on island's beach resort.  It was a warm but cloudy day so we didn't think sunscreen was necessary.  Boy were we wrong, I woke up the next day with my limbs looking like a boiled lobster (thank goodness for facial moisturizer with built in SPF or I would have had a crispy face like my man!) Needless to say, yesterday was spent indoors, applying aloe vera and only leaving the hotel to eat and watch the latest Harry Potter at a deserted theatre.

Skirt- H&M; Blouse- Smart Set; Belt- Thrifted; Sunglasses & Purse- Aldo

Dress-Thrifted; Kimono Jacket- Urban Outfitters; Heels- Pierre Dumas; Belt- Gifted from ML

If you look closely at my right arm you can see some crispy skin (hence the maxi dress and kimono jacket in the California heat!)

Nothing better than sampling delectable frozen yogourt on their opening day!

Now I'm off to spend the day at Balboa Park- I hope you're all having a fabulous week!