Fashion forward: Renovation brings style transformation mid-county
The Westfield UTC of yesterday is so passè. This month, La Jolla’s long-standing mall is revealing a fashion makeover that will have chic shoppers lined up to check out the newest offerings.
The shopping center, which has stood in its current space in the University Town Center area since 1977, got its first facelift in the form of an upgraded food court, fitness center and the addition of an ArcLight Cinemas in 2012. But it’s the second $585 million renovation that has patrons buzzing as the fall grand opening nears fruition.
Anchored by the newly renovated and expanded Nordstom, Westfield UTC will unveil a variety of fashion-forward and relaxed luxury retailers, many of which are new to San Diego County and the West Coast. While the expansion will grow the shopping center by 250,000 square feet, guests can still expect to return to past favorites that include Michael Kors, Free People and Zara.
This new addition creates a surge in fashion for mid-county shoppers. With luxury boutiques and national favorites north of the 52, fashionistas will no longer have to venture to the coast of La Jolla or trek down to bustling Fashion Valley for their fashion-forward fixes.
Here’s a look at what’s to come in October and late fall at Westfield UTC.
New retailers coming in October
100% Pure
The natural cosmetics store provides bath and body lines, skin care and fruit-dyed makeup that are healthy for users and free of harmful toxins.
Allen Edwards
The Los Angeles-based hair salon is equipped with highly trained professionals to provide premium hair styling to customers.
ECCO
With attention to detail, innovative technology and premium designs, the footwear company focuses on meeting the comfort needs of every customer.
MAC Cosmetics
The cosmetics store offers an array of makeup and accessories to accommodate the needs of customers of all ages, races and sexes.
Nordstrom
The upgraded department store will add 15,000 square feet to the existing location, including Bazille, a new contemporary restaurant.
Saje Natural Wellness
A holistic store offering products for home, skin and body that are 100 percent natural and plant driven.
Sugarfina
The gourmet candy store gives adults a taste of sweetness with candies that are infused with alcohol and international flavors.
Sundance
Founded by actor Robert Redford in 1969, the retailer offers men’s and women’s fashion, accessories and home furnishings that reflect the style of Utah’s Sundance Village.
Swarovski
The jewelry brand’s famous crystals can be found on watches, accessories, decorations and gifts, all of which add sparkle to any outfit.
T-Mobile
The wireless network offers a variety of cellphones and plans for technology-driven customers.
Along with the fashion-forward additions to UTC, several new restaurants are also planned, including:
New restaurants coming in October
Shake Shack
From its beginnings as a food cart inside Madison Square Garden, the New York-based fast food chain has sprouted west to bring their famous burgers, hot dogs and crinkle cut fries to its first San Diego County location.
New retailers coming in late fall
Arhaus
With a philosophy of using natural materials, the furniture retailer produces unique and well-designed home furnishings that are inspired by international decor.
CJ Charles
The fine jewelry store specializes in high-end brands, watches and estate pieces. Jewelry and watch repairs are also offered.
Fossil
The American accessory brand specializes in producing quality bags, wallets and watches.
Jo Malone London
The British fragrance brand focuses on producing high-quality colognes, candles and bath and body products.
Kendra Scott
By using quality materials and unique colors, the jewelry brand appeals to women of all ages with versatile statement pieces.
Marine Layer
Specializing in ultra soft shirts, this retailer has expanded to sell clothing and accessories of all types.
Rodd & Gunn
The New Zealand-based retailer offers contemporary clothing styles made with quality fabrics and manufacturing techniques.
https://www.roddandgunn.com/us
Suitsupply
A European suit-maker that focuses on fabricating quality pieces at affordable prices.
UNTUCKit
The clothing retailer specializes in shirts and garments that can be worn untucked but, at the same time, are fashion forward.
Vineyard Vines
East Coast style meets West Coast comfort in the New England-inspired clothing and accessory store.
New restaurants coming in late fall
Bazille: At Nordstrom’s new addition, guests can choose from a variety of pizzas, sandwiches, salads and entrees and can pair their meals with a beverage from the restaurant’s full bar. Indoor and outdoor patio seating will be available.
Great Maple: The modern American eatery in University Heights, famous for its brunches, will open its second San Diego location in a space that features a large outdoor patio area.
Javier’s
The Orange County-based upscale restaurant will feature a large selection of tequila and classic Mexican dishes with modern twists.
Larsen’s Steakhouse: The new restaurant will feature a large patio, piano lounge and private dining rooms, plus a weeks-long dry aging process and highly-skilled butchers and chefs creating top-notch steaks.
Napizza: Solana Beach couple Giulia Colmignoli and Christopher Antinucci will open their fifth location that specializes in preparing authentic Italian pizza and entrees made with fresh ingredients.
Smokeyard BBQ and Chop Shop: This Mammoth-based steakhouse merges South African flavors with a casual atmosphere to provide guests with hearty meals.
True Food Kitchen: The eco-chic restaurant will provide guests with a seasonal menu that can accommodate those with specific food preferences and allergies.
The Winery: Originating in Orange County, The Winery merges hip, sophisticated ambiance with California wine country cuisine in an 8,000-square-foot restaurant and wine bar.
(Opening 2018)
Din Tai Fung: Originally slated to debut in San Diego with the other fall openings, this Taiwanese restaurant, known for its xiaolongbao and soup dumplings, will eventually join several other locations throughout the world.
4545 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla, 858.546.8858 or westfield.com/utc
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