Explore Like a Local: Stylist Conni Jespersen’s Windansea Neighborhood in La Jolla
Explore the eclectic neighborhoods of San Diego County like a local, with a local.
The Neighborhood
A neighborhood of 14 blocks between Westborne Street and Palomar Avenue, bordered by La Jolla Boulevard and the Windansea Beach, the WindanSea neighborhood in La Jolla is named after the stretch of beach that marks its western border. That historic coastline is named after an oceanfront hotel that burned down in the late 1940s, and is perhaps best known for its rich and colorful history as a “locals only” surf spot and the site of some of the biggest, wildest beach parties of the 50s and 60s. One of the landmarks of the area nods to this history. A simple palm-covered shack, located beneath the narrow parking lot was originally constructed in 1946 byl local surfers Woody Ekstrom, Fred Kenyon, and Don Okey. It was designated as an historical landmark by the San Diego Historical Resources Board in 1998. The adjacent neighborhood is one of the most desirable in La Jolla, with great accessibility to both the pristine beach, and the great local shops and restaurants of La Jolla Village.
The Local
A freelance wardrobe stylist and lifestyle/style blogger, Conni Jespersen lives in Windansea, a small stretch of coastline sandwiched between Bird Rock and downtown La Jolla with her husband, Clint and puppy, Miles. By day, Conni educates women and men on the ins and outs of style with everything from personal shopping to closet organization and editing. By night, she pens the blog and Instagram account, Art in the Find, where she shares everything from style tips to decor and lifestyle discoveries from around her city.
Conni’s Highly Instagram-able Tour of Windansea
927 Silverado St, La Jolla
Conni Says: “Parakeet Cafe is a quaint coffee shop and eatery that prides itself on clean eating. They opened up on Silverado Street in 2017 and were an instant hit. Their decor is tropical parakeet themed, which makes it a great backdrop for a darling Instagram shot. You have to try their avocado toast, it is just as colorful and delicious as the decor!”
Pro tip: The owners also run the local juice bar, Juice Crafters, down the street, which is another local favorite.
5705 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla
Conni Says: “If you’re looking for a great way to start your day, a class at Studio Barre is it. I love heading to the 9:15 class on a weekday or weekend to kick start my day. The owner Jen is a fabulous person and everyone who teaches at Studio Barre is so so hospitable.”
Pro tip: You can take your first class for $10, and if you like it enough to buy a package, the cost of your first class will be deducted from the cost of your class pass.
7920 Ivanhoe Ave, La Jolla
Conni Says: “This boutique stationery and gift shop is one of my favorite small, independant La Jolla shops. The owner, Molly, does an amazing job curating fun pieces, from cards to Shop Bando koozies, that I stop in regularly to pick up everything from a birthday gift for my nana to props for my blog photo shoots. It is an especially good place to pick up local La Jolla goodies and party decor.
Pro tip: Looking for a unique gift? Let the staff know who you are shopping for and they will pull items for you to peruse.
7812 Girard Ave, La Jolla
Conni Says: “I’ve always had a soft spot for indie and small book stores and Warwicks is no exception. I shopped here even when I didn’t live in the area. They have the best book recommendations and I always leave with a book I know I’m going to love. In addition to books, I shop here for unique gifts and magazines, too.
Pro tip: The shop regularly offers excellent “meet the author” events and book signings that are totally worth checking out.
6861 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla
Conni Says: “This family-run bakery, deli, and donut shop is a no fuss, know-what-we’re-doing-here type of bagel shop with a ton of bagel options. We love to stroll from our house to the bagel shop on weekend mornings to grab an everything bagel sandwich with jalapeno cream cheese to eat picnic-style on the beach, which is just a block away.”
Pro tip: In addition to coffee, they offer really good, fresh squeezed orange juice.
7660 Fay Ave, La Jolla
Conni Says: “I was so glad when this clean beauty shop opened up in La Jolla last year. It’s a beautiful space that sells lovely organic, plant-based skincare goods. I stock up on favorites from Coola to Herbivore rose hydrating mist.
Pro tip: Sign up for their email list, as there is almost always a fabulous clean beauty event going on at the store and the list is the best way to make sure you know what’s coming up.
