Enjoy a Day in Sunny La Jolla’s Newly Revamped Shopping Center
Written By: Aylin of Stylin by Aylin
Photographed By: Nick Isabella
Hair and Makeup By: Lisa Leedy
Hi, my name is Aylin—wife, mom, interior designer turned style blogger and creator of the lifestyle-fashion blog Stylin by Aylin. I love to help and inspire others to dream big, think positive and to have more confidence when they get dressed every day. I was born and raised in California and would say my style is sophisticated-casual. I love mixing dressy and casual pieces and comfort is always key! With the new expansion and renovations at Westfield UTC, I’m officially calling this place my home away from home. They’ve opened up so many new stores, restaurants and even places to sit, chill and relax. I’m so excited to take you with me while I share some of my favorite spots!
Red O Taste of Mexico
If I had to list my top restaurant picks for San Diego, Red O Taste of Mexico, located across from Westfield UTC, would definitely be one of them! Every bite is full of delicious flavor and you can tell there is a lot of love that went into every dish. Some of my favorites are the ahi tuna tartar appetizer, the Classic Guacamole (amazing), Lamb in Mole Negro and Yellowtail Aguachile. For dessert you must try their Passion Fruit Butter Cake and, if you’re thirsty, try their La Paloma cocktail. This is the perfect place to meet friends after work, a date night or even a night out with the family. I went back to Red O Taste of Mexico with my hubby and kids and they loved the tacos and steak!
4340 La Jolla Village Dr
San Diego, CA 92122
858.291.8360
LUSH Handmade Cosmetics
I felt like a little girl in a candy shop! You’ll know exactly what I mean when you visit the yummy smelling LUSH store. Most of their soap products are packaged in pretty craft paper. Everything looks and smells so good you almost want to eat it. From fizzing bath bombs, lotions and soaps, it’s a great place to pick up a gift and a little something for yourself too. I was very excited to learn about their “Charity Pot.” One hundred percent of the charity pot’s purchase price is donated to grassroots organizations. They support groups in North America and around the world in the areas of environmental conservation, animal welfare and human rights. I love this great cause. And by the way, the girls working at LUSH were so welcoming and sweet!
858.552.9082
The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar
I love a good happy hour! If you’re a martini fan, I would recommend the Basil Drop Martini or the Golden Pear Martini. They also have a great selection of wines and delicious eats on the happy hour menu. Everything from pizzas, beef sliders and Ahi Tuna—okay, I’m getting hungry now.
4301 La Jolla Village Dr, Ste 2040
San Diego CA 92122
Brazilia Skin Care & Spa
This family-owned business has been serving San Diego for over 12 years. I love how it’s a one-stop shop! From waxing, threading, Brazilian waxing, brow waxing, lashes, facials, peels, body bronzing, massages and more, it’s a day-spa destination.
858.909.0250
UTC ICE
I have such great memories at this exact ice rink. When I was five, we moved to La Jolla. Our apartment building was just a couple blocks away from UTC. I remember walking to the mall with my mom and she would take my brothers and me ice skating. I’ve been to other ice skating rinks, but this one is the most comfortable. And what I mean by comfortable is that they don’t make it freezing! You can comfortably go in your jeans and a sweatshirt. But no need to bundle up like you’re skating in a freezer. I’m so excited to go back soon and create new memories there with my kids.
858.452.9110
Room & Board
Even though my career now is in the fashion industry, my main background is interior design. I like styling my home the same way I would style my wardrobe. When I visited Room & Board at their new location at Westfield UTC, I literally wanted to take the store home with me. It’s laid out beautifully and I love how they make you feel at home. Most of their pieces were simplistic and elegant. They also have pillows, throws and other home pieces for sale. I have my eye on a couple of their accent chairs and love the flexibility of customizing the fabric. I’ll be back soon!
4525 La Jolla Village Dr
San Diego, CA 92122
858.732.9535
Shake Shack
The Shake Shack first started out as a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park in Manhattan. They had Shake fans creating long lines for three summers. Now they have multiple locations! Their food is so good and who doesn’t love a milkshake? They use no hormones or antibiotics and all their beef is vegetarian fed, humanely raised and source verified—I love that.
4309 La Jolla Village Dr, Ste 2350
San Diego, CA 92122
Sun Diego Boardshop
I’m a California native and feel so grateful to have lived close to the beach my entire life. Ever since I was in junior high school I’ve been attracted to anything surfing related. Surf T-shirts, stickers, I even had surf posters in my room, but the funniest part about it is I don’t surf. I’m just a wannabe—and darn proud of it. I now love visiting Sun Diego with my husband and two kids. My husband actually does surf so he gets full credit. They have backpacks, shoes, apparel etc. so we had fun this past fall going there for all of our back to school shopping!
4465 La Jolla Village Dr, Ste H-14
San Diego, 92122
858.646.0632
Life of Aylin: “I love shopping, making pancakes with my kids, happy hours with my girlfriends, writing in my gratitude journal, date nights with my hubby, going out to eat…and impromptu dance parties at home.”
Other New Foodie Spots in UTC
– Din Tai Fung: Opening 2018
– Javier’s Finest Foods of Mexico: Opening 2018
– True Food Kitchen
– Great Maple
– Smokeyard BBQ and Chop Shop
– Larsen’s Steakhouse
– Sweetfin Poke
Cha-Ching! Westfield UTC recently went under a $600 million expansion, which was completed in October, adding restaurants, shopping destinations and more.
Native Knowledge: Westfield UTC is home to 70 unique pieces of art including driftwood murals, woven textile art and several massive outdoor installations. Plus, the center’s new “Artwalk,” an outdoor sculpture garden, is a must-see!
Westfield UTC
4545 La Jolla Village Dr
San Diego, CA 92122
858.546.8858
Get Out in UTC With Stylin by Aylin
