Start With a Morning Cup of Joe and a Doughnut and Finish With an Authentic Italian Dinner

Written By: Alysha Haran
Photographed By: Manny Mendez Best Shopping Del Mar

We’re sister-duo Marla Ivanna and Valentina Sicoli, owners of Valmare Boutique in Little Italy. Running our resort wear boutique keeps us busy around the clock, so regular play-days are a must when it comes to staying happy, healthy and balanced. Being fashion entrepreneurs, we know a good thing when we see it, and Del Mar Highlands Town Center is a one-stop destination that’s packed full of things that make us feel good inside and out. From pilates class to happy hour—with books, lingerie and a luxury movie theatre in between—come with us as we enjoy a day full of great food, indulgent fun and fashion!

9 a.m. – Sidecar Doughnuts

Photography Provided By: Del Mar Highlands Town Center

Photography Provided By: Del Mar Highlands Town Center

No morning is complete without coffee and a sweet treat! Sidecar Doughnuts’ menu is not only diverse and delicious, but their doughnuts are made fresh daily with inventive flavors and only the best ingredients. Favorites include Butter & Salt, Huckleberry and Maple Bacon…need we say more?

Sidecar Doughnuts
435 Del Mar Heights Rd, Ste D7
San Diego, CA 92130
858.847.2019

10 a.m. – DIESEL Best Shopping Del Mar

DIESEL is heaven for bookworms. Lined with bookcases that seem to stretch from the floor to the store’s lofty ceilings, it’s hard not to spend the entire day thumbing through cookbooks, biographies and bestselling novels. The event calendar highlights local talent, and the staff is always eager to stock the shelves full of customer recommendations.

DIESEL
12843 El Camino Real, Ste 104
San Diego, CA 92130
858.925.7078

Noon – Mendocino Farms

Photography Provided By: Del Mar Highlands Town Center

Photography Provided By: Del Mar Highlands Town Center

There is nothing better than sitting on an outdoor patio enjoying delicious, feel-good dishes. Luckily for us, farm fresh meals and a welcoming atmosphere is what Mendocino Farms is all about! They have something for everybody with gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options. We couldn’t get enough of their Avocado and Quinoa Superfood Ensalada, which pairs nicely with a glass of rosé. 

Mendocino Farms
12873 El Camino Real
San Diego, CA 92130
858.436.0000

2 p.m. – Little Apple Best Shopping Del Mar

This New York City-inspired boutique with concrete floors and gallery lighting will inspire you to go beyond your yoga pants. With labels that include Paige, Bailey/44 and Rebecca Minkoff, the clothes and accessories are glam, and the jewelry is chic. The best part? The little sign on the shelf reminding every woman that while life isn’t perfect, your outfit can be!

Little Apple
12925 El Camino Real, Ste J7
San Diego, CA 92130
619.236.1421

3 p.m. – Rumeur Lingerie

Photography Provided By: Del Mar Highlands Town Center

Photography Provided By: Del Mar Highlands Town Center

Photography Provided By: Del Mar Highlands Town Center

There are the good kinds of rumors and then there are the best kinds—Rumeur Lingerie. Naughty or nice, Rumeur has something for everybody. Whether you’re looking for your day-to-day basics or a special unmentionable, this full-service boutique will fit you and bring your recommendations right to your dressing room. Don’t be shy! Go in and browse. And if the mood strikes, try something on. We won’t tell.

Rumeur Lingerie
12843 El Camino Real, Ste 102
San Diego, CA 92130
858.523.9980

4 p.m. – Fairen Del 

Photography Provided By: Del Mar Highlands Town Center

Photography Provided By: Del Mar Highlands Town Center

The shopping continued through the afternoon as we visited a number of trendy, locally-owned boutiques throughout the center including Pretty Please, LOLO, Daisy Blue, Tucci, Vuori and a personal favorite new to the center, Fairen Del. Fairen Del has claimed top slots in “best accessory store” categories for the past eleven years in a row and for good reason! You can find chic outfits, accessories and gifts throughout the boutique, and their custom gift wrapping takes your next hostess or birthday present to the next level.

Fairen Del
2925 El Camino Real, Ste J1
San Diego, CA 92130
858.259.1120

6 p.m. – Davanti Enoteca

Photography Provided By: Del Mar Highlands Town Center Photography Provided By: Del Mar Highlands Town Center Photography Provided By: Del Mar Highlands Town Center

Photography Provided By: Del Mar Highlands Town Center Photography Provided By: Del Mar Highlands Town Center Photography Provided By: Del Mar Highlands Town Center

Photography Provided By: Del Mar Highlands Town Center Photography Provided By: Del Mar Highlands Town Center Photography Provided By: Del Mar Highlands Town Center

A day at Del Mar Highlands Town Center isn’t complete without a stop at our favorite Italian eatery, Davanti Enoteca. It’s a great place to meet friends or share some quality one-on-one time. Order a bottle of wine and a few things off the “Per La Tavola” (for the table) part of the menu. The pasta comes in all shapes in sizes and is always fresh, and the Mediterranean sea bass is a must!

Davanti Enoteca
12955 El Camino Real
San Diego, CA 92130
858.519.5060

7 p.m. – Handel’s Ice Cream

Photography Provided By: Del Mar Highlands Town Center

Photography Provided By: Del Mar Highlands Town Center

After a successful day of shopping and fun, we couldn’t leave the center without treating ourselves to “The Best Ice Cream on the Planet!” We are hooked on Handel’s Ice Cream’s fresh and delicious creations. With 48+ rotating flavors, they always have something new to try. The icing on the cake? We left with a pint of our favorite flavors to enjoy at home! 

Handel’s Ice Cream
12843 El Camino Real, Ste 108
San Diego, CA, 92130
858.925.7308

Del Mar Highlands Town Center
12925 El Camino Real, Ste J28
San Diego, CA 92130
858.793.5757

Marla Ivanna
Valentina Sicol
Valmare Boutique
@valmareboutique