Hard Rock Hotel is the epitome of rock and roll chic in San Diego. From parties at the new 207 and Float bars to hospitality in the sultry suites, Rock Spa indulgence, and casual bites with Maryjane, locals never miss a chance to hang out at Hard Rock.

But even if you rock hard every weekend, you probably don't know the stylish lady in charge. She may work behind a desk, but she's always dressed to impress...

Meet Katherine Lewis – Marketing Specialist for Hard Rock Hotel. From her admittedly biased tendency to gather fashion tips at Float to a love affair with gladiator shoes and where she shops in San Diego, get to know Katherine in this Style Spotlight. 

DiscoverSD: Tell us about your role at Hard Rock.

Katherine: As the Marketing Specialist, I’m involved with all things branding, marketing, and advertising, so I’m a girl of many (fabulous) hats. 

Specifically, I am involved in the print and online advertising strategy for the hotel and its outlets. I oversee the marketing and advertising for the special events we throw for holidays like Halloween and New Year’s Eve. And lastly, I spend a good amount of time managing property graphic design projects, anything from marketing and sales tools to the re-design of menus. 

DSD: Outside of work, where can we find you in San Diego?
K: Generally, after work on the week days you’ll find me at the gym or trying out various San Diego trails for running since I’m training for an intense trail race in June. Or, because I live in Crown Point, I can also be found running along the path on the bay or walking my dog there. I do squeeze in a happy hour or two (I have my vices!) and there are so many fantastic places to choose from around the hotel. I LOVE nearby La Puerta and The Local is a favorite. Wine Steals in Point Loma is also great spot to chill with gal pals. 

On the weekends, I absolutely must have a latte from Better Buzz Coffee and I live for brunch at places like Cantina (mmmm, blackberry banana pancakes!) in PB or Parkhouse Eatery in University Heights. For nightlife, I either go low key in PB at places like Longboard’s or Thrusters, or for an evening downtown, I’ll head out to Fleetwood or Confidential. I’m also a big fan of the music spun at Bar Dynamite – they have an eclectic mix, to which I love to dance! Lastly, I do have to be at work at times over the weekend, and while I am admittedly biased, the crowd at Float contains some of the hippest in the city, so I people watch and gather style ideas. 

DSD: In three words, describe your personal style.
K: Eclectic, vivid, accesorized (I think I just made that word up, but accessories are a cornerstone of my style).

DSD: Who is your celebrity fashion icon?
K: I wouldn’t say she’s my ‘icon’ because I don’t follow anyone that closely, but if I were to choose someone with a similar style statement it would be Charlize Theron. She wears classics that have an edge. She’s not afraid of color, which I love. Also, I try to uphold the following guideline when assembling an outfit, “When in doubt, less is more.” So, I usually wear one stand-out item … whether it is one bold accessory or an eye-catching top with a simple outfit. I think Charlize has a similar fashion mantra. 

DSD: A local nightlife expert, what is your go-to outfit for a night out in Gaslamp?
K: I’ve fallen in love with the gladiator shoe. They are edgy and fun, and with a platform heel, they instantly add height. This past weekend you would have found me in my black patent gladiators paired with studded skinny jeans, racer-back tailored vest and accents of my favorite studded, cuff bracelet and red clutch.

DSD: Where do you shop in San Diego?

K: Some of my favorite San Diego shops are Dream Girls, Studio 12·20 and Mimi & Red. American Pig Brand (or APB), now selling from Pangea in PB, has killer t-shirts and hoodies for low-key weekend wear. And of course, I can usually spend a couple of hours hunting through the various, well-known shops in Fashion Valley. For me, dressing is an art, and I will go anywhere to find the right pieces to complete an outfit!

Love Kat? So do we. Go seek wardrobe inspiration from Katherine at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego.

Do you have what it takes to be in the spotlight? Let us know!

Pictured: Katherine Lewis at Hard Rock Hotel – by Jared Gase