Balboa Park, San Diego

December 25, 2016

blush-coat-trendSometimes you don’t know how much you love something until it’s gone, and having left Canada less than a year ago, I realized how much I missed snow and colder climates. Just as most of you probably love to escape to a place hot and sunny with incredible food and sites, I’ve come to crave for a bit of a cold bite this season.  This month marks our 3rd year of Christmas together for Tom and I, so we were down for a short trip to San Diego.

Everyone I talk to seems to love San Diego. There are a range of beautiful stops, good food and entertainment around the city. As mentioned on Instagram, “This heart of mine was made to travel the world” and since being in California I wanted to take full advantage of exploring the state because you just don’t know where you’re meant to be next. This was my 4th time visiting, so we took it easy and revisited some of our favourite spots, including Balboa Park.

This spot offers beautiful architectural arcades and Spanish architectural facades that make you feel like you’re somewhere else. It has a beautiful botanical garden, pretty fountains an outdoor cafe, paths to walk along and many museums that are worth checking out.

balboa-park-architectureblush-coat-trend-detailbalboa-park-pink-coatblush-coat-balboa-park1balboa-park-archesbalboa-park-buildingsBalboa Parkschutz-studded-loafer1schutz-studded-loafersmiki-holiday-cardYears ago, I wore tons of studded rings, earrings and bracelets. They were the pieces that added the hardness to all the softer pieces I wore. With time, I’ve travelled more and have moved towards bringing only a few key jewelry pieces and looked to incorporate all the studs I loved into my clothes or other accessories to simplify my wardrobe and luggage.

The slipper loafer shoes are on trend, and with my preference for heels and desire for studs, it was a perfect purchase for me. I paired them the Gucci Dionysus Bamboo Handle bag, which I regularly travel with. I kept the outfit very classic with black leather pants and turtleneck, but finished off the look with a really soft, blush pink coat from Dezzal to add back some of that softness. I’ve worn every piece here multiple times this season. You know it’s money well spent when the dollar per use is low and you’re pulling them from the closet over and over again.

Get the Look:

Dezzal coat available here. I bought these Schutz shoes in-store & have pulled up similar ones below for now. I promise to post them as soon as I can find them.

While we are not around snow this winter, we are celebrating with some family and are so grateful for the time we have with them. We wish you all an amazing holiday surrounded by those you love most, and hope your hearts are filled with happiness, cups with mulled wine and rooms packed with nothing but wonderful gifts and loved ones.

How are you spending your holiday? What is your favourite thing to do? For more inspiration on style and travel, follow me on Bloglovin♥, Twitter and Instagram.

Xo,

Miki

Photo credit to my one and only, Rise Again BJJ.

Thank you Dezzal for sponsoring this post

pink-coat-studded-loafters-mikialamodetravels

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  • MARTA December 25, 2016 at 11:25 am

    Merry Christmas! Wish you all the best!

    http://MARTASFASHIONDIARY.com/burgundy-and-pink/

    • miki January 2, 2017 at 1:36 pm

      Thanks Marta! I hope you had a great holiday! Wishing you a wonderful 2017!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Rose December 26, 2016 at 6:41 am

    Merry Christmas! Balboa Park is such an amazing place to check out. Great pix!

    • miki January 2, 2017 at 1:39 pm

      I love Balboa Park too. Such a great place to visit. 🙂 I hope you had a great holiday!

      Xo,
      Miki

  • Nina December 27, 2016 at 4:59 am

    I visited Balboa Park in summer and absolutely loved everything. You look amazing in this outfit.
    Nina
    Nina’s Style Blog

    • miki January 2, 2017 at 1:40 pm

      Such a pretty place to visit. So many people love this spot. 🙂 Wishing you a wonderful 2017!

      Xo,
      Miki

  • Joyce December 27, 2016 at 5:52 am

    This is such a lovely read. Happy new year lovely.

    Joyce | http://joycentricity.blogspot.com

  • Jessi Malay December 27, 2016 at 6:01 am

    Looks like you had such an amazing time in San Diego girl! That Gucci bag is absolutely gorgeous… I’m obsessed! Hope you had an amazing Christmas love 🙂

    XO Jessi,
    http://www.mywhitet.com/how-to-dress-for-every-type-of-nye-occasion/

    • miki January 2, 2017 at 1:46 pm

      Thanks Jessi! My favourite bag to travel with! I hope you had a great NYE & Christmas! Happy 2017!

      Xo,
      Miki
      https://mikialamode.com

  • Gitta December 27, 2016 at 6:26 am

    Definitely missed this great looking spot when I visited San Diego a while ago. Absolutely love the architectural arcades …. and your COAT 🙂

    x Gitta // http://www.gittawitzel.com

    • miki January 2, 2017 at 1:47 pm

      Thanks Gitta! Always leave something behind so always have an excuse to return. 🙂 I hope you had a great Christmas holiday! Wishing you a wonderful 2017!

      Xo,
      Miki
      https://mikialamode.com

  • camille December 27, 2016 at 7:48 am

    What a great spot to spend the Holidays!! That gucci bag is to die for and definitely suits your personal style <3

    • miki January 2, 2017 at 1:49 pm

      Thanks Camille! I loved the last trip to San Diego. Lovely place for a visit, isn’t it? 🙂 Happy New Year! Wishing you a wonderful 2017!

      Xo,
      Miki
      https://mikialamode.com

  • adele December 27, 2016 at 2:31 pm

    Oh I love it, that coat is stunning! I am so glad I found you blog, it is really impressive.. you should be so proud! x

    adelelydia.blogspot.com

    • miki January 2, 2017 at 1:50 pm

      Thanks so much Adele. That is so incredibly kind of you, and means so so much to me! Happy New Year! Wishing you a wonderful 2017!

      Xo,
      Miki
      https://mikialamode.com

  • Mila Hills December 27, 2016 at 4:19 pm

    Digging your style! You look gorgeous
    XO
    http://milahills.com

    • miki January 2, 2017 at 1:54 pm

      Thanks Mila! Happy New Year! Wishing you a wonderful 2017!

      Xo,
      Miki

  • Mel December 27, 2016 at 5:25 pm

    Absolutely obsessed with your bag!

    http://www.pennyanddash.com

    • miki January 2, 2017 at 1:55 pm

      Thanks Mel! It’s a great investment and one of my favourites to wear. Happy New Year! Wishing you a wonderful 2017!

      Xo,
      Miki

  • Samantha Mariko December 27, 2016 at 6:01 pm

    I really miss Balboa Park! I remember my friend from UCSD showing me around a couple years back. I’m also a fan of wearing just a few key jewelry pieces – less is better sometimes 🙂
    http://www.samanthamariko.com

    • miki January 2, 2017 at 1:57 pm

      Such a pretty place, right? I agree about the jewelry. I used to load up jewelry and loved scaling back over the last 2 years. 🙂 A few beautiful pieces go a long way! I hope you had a great NYE celebration! Wishing you a wonderful 2017!

      Xo,
      Miki

  • Amy Arnold December 27, 2016 at 6:29 pm

    I love these photos! Your coat, bag, and shoes are so amazing. Such a great outfit.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

    • miki January 2, 2017 at 1:58 pm

      Thanks Ann! I hope you had a great NYE celebration with your lovely family! Wishing you a wonderful 2017!

      Xo,
      Miki

  • Mariann Yip December 27, 2016 at 7:53 pm

    I’ve never been to San Diego but that spot does look amazing! I also love your purse so much!

    • miki January 2, 2017 at 2:36 pm

      This is one of my favourite bags to travel with. If you ever visit San Diego, definitely stop by this park. 🙂 Thanks Mariann! I hope you had a great holiday! Wishing you a great 2017!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Linh Dao December 27, 2016 at 8:02 pm

    I love San Diego! It is such a beautiful place to be at! The park is lovely too! You looked like you had so much fun! I love your shoes by the way! I need to find a pair! I wish I could travel more like you!

    Linh
    http://www.xcapewithlinh.com

    • miki January 2, 2017 at 3:16 pm

      Such a pretty city, right? 🙂 Thanks Linh! I love theese shoes. They’re so comfortable. I hope you had a great holiday!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • francesca December 27, 2016 at 8:50 pm

    this place is literally five minutes form my house and I don’t go often enough! Love the photos you captured there
    francesca
    Frank Vinyl : A California Fashion Blog

    • miki January 2, 2017 at 3:50 pm

      That’s so awesome. So lucky to live by such a pretty spot! 🙂
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Yasmin December 27, 2016 at 8:58 pm

    I visited San Diego a few years back and it is such a great place to live, especially to raise a family. But can we talk about those heels. Amazing! Love the studs and everything about them. Happy New Years!

    xx Yasmin
    http://banglesandbungalows.com

    • miki January 2, 2017 at 3:51 pm

      Thanks so much Yasmin! I love the studded detail. San Diego is really lovely. My hubs lived there for many years, so it’s always great to return to this city. 🙂 I hope you had a wonderful holiday!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Jordan December 27, 2016 at 9:08 pm

    I know Balboa Park like the back of my hand! I was born in SD, so it’s nice to see it again! I spy with my little eye a Gucci bag!! It’s so beautiful love!!
    Jordan xx
    http://www.thehatlogic.com

    • miki January 2, 2017 at 4:45 pm

      Such a pretty park! San Diego is such a great city. 🙂 Thanks Jordon – I love this bag too. 🙂 Happy New Year!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Cezary Wielgos December 28, 2016 at 12:52 am

    I like your fashionable look and style

    • miki January 2, 2017 at 4:49 pm

      Thanks Cezary!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Josie December 28, 2016 at 3:34 am

    Happy Holidays to you and loved ones too!
    I live in Canada and I’m not a big fan of winter but I’m glad we have seasons and try to enjoy each of them!

    San Diego seems to be such a gorgeous place! Love your look ! That bag is so pretty !

    Bisous, Josie
    http://www.petiteandbold.com

    • miki January 2, 2017 at 4:53 pm

      Thanks Josie! I love this park. So big and pretty. Ahhh, I miss Canada! I want to go back lol I hope you had a great celebration. Happy 2017!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Thomas December 28, 2016 at 4:06 am

    it might seem like a lame answer, but my favorite thing to do is to travel as well! I love exploring both new (and old familiar) places and basically spend all my money on traveling, haha. As for the holidays I’ve spent it with my family and will also spend New Years with them. It’s nice to get pampered every now and then and I really needed a break to focus on what’s important.
    Wishing you a wonderful New Years as well!
    xoxo
    Thomas

    http://www.thomasfalkenstedt.com

    • miki January 2, 2017 at 4:54 pm

      Thanks! Haha. I swear all my money goes to travel too. Taking a break every now and then is just so important to refresh and bring you back to what’s truly important, isn’t it? 🙂 I hope you had an amazing holiday! Wishing you an incredible 2017! 🙂
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Len Parent December 28, 2016 at 6:18 am

    You look incredible! YOur photos are amazing. Have a great week my darling.
    Much love, Len
    http://www.lenparent.com

    • miki January 2, 2017 at 4:55 pm

      Thanks Len! Happy New Year babe! All the best for 2017!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Bernice December 28, 2016 at 6:23 am

    Gorgeous outfit to spend your third Christmas together! San Diego is so beautiful and I can’t wait to return. Your outfit and photos are goals xx

    http://www.bunnybernice.com/single-post/2016/12/29/Get-a-Muddy-Body-for-New-Years

    • miki January 2, 2017 at 4:59 pm

      Thanks Bernice! Definitely a place to return to if you’re ever back in San Diego. 🙂 Happy New Year!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Candace December 28, 2016 at 10:37 am

    It looks so beautiful there! As I’ve aged, I’ve also started to wear more minimal pieces and your details here are definitely true love. I love that pink coat too!

    http://www.thebeautybeau.com

    • miki January 2, 2017 at 5:00 pm

      Thanks Candace! I went and had a little more fun at the beginning of the year and am going back to classic pieces that I’ll wear for more years. 🙂 Always a good investment!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Stephanie December 28, 2016 at 11:59 am

    I love the incredibly beautiful Spanish architecture surrounding you in these photos. It seems like an amazing place to visit, and I hope to get there one day! I also love your feminine coat. Such lovely winter style!

    Stephanie // SheSawStyle.com

    • miki January 2, 2017 at 6:46 pm

      Thanks Stephanie! I love the architecture here too. 🙂 Happy new Year!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Elizabeth December 28, 2016 at 7:11 pm

    I’m pretty much obsessed with this entire look! And btw ur photos r amazing!! I can’t believe you miss Canada.. haha I’m only saying this because I live in BC and boy do I hate the amount of rain we get here in Fall/Winter.. I definitely agree that you start to appreciate a place when you’ve left. I’m so glad to have come across your blog because I love ur style and photography! Look forward to following along:-)

    http://www.wunderbliss.com

    • miki January 2, 2017 at 6:51 pm

      I love Canada. lol I haven’t been to West Coast Canada yet but it’s been on my list for ages. I have so many friends that live there. Many went to uni in Toronto and then flew back that way. love outerwear, so cold weather suits me. My skin doesn’t like the dry heat. lol Thanks so much for your lovely comment! Happy new Year!

      Xo,
      Miki

  • Yuena December 29, 2016 at 5:17 am

    Such beautiful locations!! Take me traveling with you!

    With love,
    Yuena
    http://youtube.com/simplyyue

    • miki January 2, 2017 at 6:54 pm

      Thanks Yuena! lol I highly recommend booking multiple trips for the year. 🙂 The best thing I’ve ever done.
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Helen Chik December 29, 2016 at 5:41 am

    You look so incredibly chic honey and that bag is just divineeeee!! Balboa park is so picturesque I’ll need to visit when I’m in the states next!

    Hope you have some fabulous NYE plans doll!

    Helen xx
    https://ch1k.com/2016-a-year-of-change

    • miki January 2, 2017 at 6:55 pm

      Definitely must visit when you visit San Diego. Thanks babe. I love this bag. It’s perfect for when I’m travelling. 🙂 Happy New Year!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Jo December 29, 2016 at 3:02 pm

    I’ve never been to San Diego before but totally want to visit one day! I hope you’ve had a wonderful holiday! A very happy new year to you and yours!

    xoxo, Jo
    http://www.cutandchic.com

    • miki January 2, 2017 at 6:56 pm

      Thanks Jo! Definitely have to Balboa Park if you ever go. 🙂 Happy New Year!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Sharon Wu December 29, 2016 at 10:26 pm

    I looove Balboa Park! My bf used to live in a high-rise building in downtown San Diego just minutes away from Balboa Park. I still remember we would have picnics there and hang out! Good ol times 🙂 You look beautiful babe xo, sharon

    http://www.stylelullaby.com/beauty/transitioning-skin-care-routine-winter-skinfix/

    • miki January 17, 2017 at 12:53 am

      That’s awesome. Balboa Park is definitely one of my favourites. Then there’s Coronado. 🙂
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Deddeh Howard December 30, 2016 at 8:21 pm

    Wow how beautiful are these images! Love the flowers too and you look amazing girl?

    • miki January 17, 2017 at 12:53 am

      Thanks so much Deddeh!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Marcy January 9, 2017 at 11:27 am

    I went to San Diego like 2 years ago and never had time to visit this place is so beautiful!!
    Such great pics babe

    • miki January 17, 2017 at 12:54 am

      You now have a reason to go back. It’s a large and lovely public park! 🙂 I hope you go back for a visit soon!
      Xo,
      Miki