Left: Outfit from Vocabulary Boutique in Little Italy; Right: Dress from Stroll Boutique located in Bankers Hill & Little Italy

The streets are mostly empty these days, so I decided to reach out to style influencer Courtney Cordero for an interview. She’s more commonly known as @Cocosandiego on Instagram, where she has been sharing her favorite San Diego spots with her online following for about three years now. She explained that what started out as just a small hobby has quickly grown into a community of over 13,000 loyal followers who trust her recommendations. On top of that she manages to work a full time job at the YMCA, where she helps raise money for the San Diego county division.

The first thing I was curious to know was how the blog name “Coco San Diego” came about. “Coco is a nickname that comes from Courtney Cordero… hence Coco. But Coco San Diego comes from my inspiration, Carmen San Diego. I used to love watching Carmen San Diego as a kid on PBS. ‘Where in the world is Carmen San Diego?’ She was always on-the-go, and you could never catch her! So it almost seemed too good to be true, and that’s how I came up with my kitschy name!”

Courtney has only lived in San Diego for five years and is originally from the Bay Area. “I used to say San Diego is California’s best kept secret. It was cheaper than living in the Bay Area. The average temperature is 72 degrees year-round, it’s laid back, and I get to live right by the beach! I love that there are people from all over the nation that live in San Diego. It makes it such a friendly place to live in.”

When it comes to personal style, Courtney describes hers as vibrant and trendy. But most of the time you can find her in pretty casual attire like jeans and a tee. I was curious to know where she shopped for vibrant and trendy pieces. “Oh man, there are so many amazing clothing boutiques in San Diego. I love Mimi & Red! I love that when I walk in everything for the most part is organized by color. They also carry a lot of brands I like. I also love Stroll and Graffiti Beach, both have great trendy items. Graffiti Beach has great staples. Last but not least, I love Vocabulary Boutique for more classic types of outfits like dresses to wear to weddings or family events, cute work outfits, etc.”

Though the blog started out with a sole focus on San Diego, over time it morphed into San Diego and Mexico. “With Baja being literally 15 miles from my house, we end up in Mexico all the time. I want to show people the great food, culture, people, and debunk the bad press. I would say it is 70 percent, San Diego, 25 percent Mexico, and 5 percent fun!”

I asked her to describe the perfect day in San Diego, and now I know what I’ll be doing as soon as quarantine is over. “Let’s set the scene… it’s Saturday and it’s going to be 75 degrees out. First things first, head over to Little Italy stopping by James Coffee to get my favorite coffee soda. Then head over to the Little Italy Farmers’ Market, buy some local goods like Bitchin’ Sauce, Carlsbad flowers, and whatever is in season. I might pop over to Seaport Village to grab some fresh fish at the Dockside Market. Never know what you are going to get, because it is up to what they caught! Grab the fish, head home to change for brunch. Friends are waiting for me at Madison so I better get over there. Order 3 drinks: coffee, Oaxacan Spritz (mezcal breakfast cocktail), and water (only because I don’t want to be judged). Now onto food, Waffle Churros for the table and... chilaquiles… no…Mediterranean breakfast…no…chilaquiles…I can’t decide so I force my husband to order one and I’ll get the other. Brunch was fab, feeling a slight buzz so I better grab plant #328 next door at Eden. (Husband rolls his eyes). Now the girls and I head over to Leo Nail Salon in North Park for our pedicure appointments. Get the Leo Pedicure, because I am feeling like it is a “treat yo’self” type of day. After being pampered, carefully we cross the street over to Mimi & Red pick an outfit for the night and then to Shop Good for a new lipstick to match. Head home, relax a bit before date night. Head back down to Little Italy, have a dirty martini at Born & Raised then head over to the Piazza for live music, grab Not Not Tacos inside the Little Italy Food Hall and a bottle of wine, then head outside to relax and listen to the music. Then head home. Ring ring. “Come meet us at Polite Provisions for a drink! Come on! It is just down the street from you!”