Happy Monday, friends, and welcome back to a new week! It’s Spring Break over here, and ironically enough, Little Miss and I are using the break from school to look at schools!
She toured many of our nearby colleges when her brother was going through the process a few years ago, but I wanted to be sure she had the opportunity to experience it all for herself, too. I have no idea if she’ll end up choosing a school near or far from home, but we’re touring several in Alabama, South Carolina, and Tennessee this week.
I have mixed feelings as to whether or not I want her to love them, ha! I want her to find the best fit for her, but that familiar dread has already started creeping into my heart. I hope it’s easier the second time around, but something feels different with her being a girl?! I’ll certainly be savoring every second of alone time with her this week!
Okay, before I start blubbering, let’s get to today’s post! I’m sharing our weekend in dreamy Malibu…not only was it the perfect backdrop for our Coastal Collection, but an ideal spot for a laid-back getaway!
I’m wearing an XS in all styles, and code SUGARPLUM10 saves you 10%!
Isla Smocked Waist Dress | Leather Slide Sandals | Raffia Drop Earrings
Both Val and Suzie, my dear friends who also happen to be the photographer and makeup artist for our Collections, live in Los Angeles, so nearby Malibu was an easy choice to shoot our latest GLxHSP Coastal Collection.
The moment you cross the Malibu line, life feels infinitely slower and you step back in to what feels like the Southern California of yesterday. Even though it’s so close to the city, Malibu definitely has its own identity and spirit.
Flip-flops are the shoe of choice almost anywhere, and dogs are welcome just about everywhere! Here’s some peeks of our weekend in Malibu, along with where we stayed, what we ate, and some of the fun things we did.
Carmen Tie-Back Maxi Dress  | Straw Hat | Raffia Hoop Earrings
Isla Smocked Waist Dress | Leather Slide Sandals | Rattan Bangles
Crochet Cabana Dress | Wedges (Also HERE) | Bracelet & Ring
Crochet Cabana Dress | Raffia Hoop Earrings | Rattan Bangles
Malibu Mart
Villa Mia Henley Jumpsuit | Leather Slide Sandals | Straw Hat | Gold Earrings | Bracelet & Ring
Carmen Tie-Back Maxi Dress | Strappy Sandals | Raffia Fish Earrings
Carmen Tie-Back Maxi Dress | Strappy Sandals
on Val: Halo Hoodie | Performance Joggers | Straw Hat
on me: Training Leggings | Striped Sports Bra | Sweatshirt | Ultraboost Sneakers (TTS)
on Suzie: Mid-Weight Leggings
Isla Smocked Waist Dress | Leather Slide Sandals
Carmen Tie-Back Maxi Dress | Straw Hat | Raffia Hoop Earrings
WHAT WE DID IN MALIBU //
When we weren’t shooting the Coastal Collection, we spent a lot of time on our patio just gazing out at the sea. But we did venture out for some exploring!
Solstace Canyon Trail Hike // Malibu is backed by gorgeous canyons and miles and miles of hiking trails for all levels. We chose Solstace Canyon for an easy loop.
Malibu Mart // Smack in the middle of town, the Malibu Mart is an outdoor shopping area with the cutest retail stores, restaurants, and a Whole Foods grocery.
Malibu Pier // The pier has a few shops and restaurants, and is so charming to stroll.
Bliss Beach // Val’s partner, Brian, owns Bliss Beach… the most idyllic beach set-ups you’ve ever seen…and he treated us to a dreamy afternoon in the sand. They operate up and down the California coast and in parts of Florida. This was one of the most memorable beach days I’ve ever had!
on me: Striped Sports Bra | Sweatshirt (Small) | Hat | Aviators | Straw Hat
Training Leggings (XS) | Striped Sports Bra | Sweatshirt (Small) | Hat | Ultraboost Sneakers (TTS)
Villa Mia Henley Jumpsuit | Leather Slide Sandals | Straw Hat | Gold Earrings | Bracelet & Ring
WHERE WE ATE IN MALIBU //
Malibu has no shortage of great food, but we opted for mostly casual spots that allowed us to take advantage of the incredible weather.
Malibu Farm Pier Cafe // Directly on the Malibu pier, there are several seating options from picnic tables on the pier to open-air dining rooms with twinkle lights. There are tons of food options, and everything we tried was really good.
Geoffreys // An upscale spot perched on the edge of the cliff, it’s a great spot for a sunset drink.
Taverna Tony // An old favorite of Val and Suz, it’s beyond yummy Greek food.
Cafe Habana // A place so nice, we ate there twice! I loved the laidback patio, yummy drinks, and of course Mexican food!
Carmen Tie-Back Maxi Dress | Strappy Sandals | Straw Hat
Carmen Tie-Back Maxi Dress |Â Straw Hat
WHERE WE STAYED IN MALIBU //
Malibu has a few incredible hotel options both directly on the water and on the Pacific Coast Highway, but we opted for a house in the canyon for more space and wider views.
We stumbled on this Airbnb HEREÂ just days before, and were able to snag it for a discount thanks to a last-minute cancellation. It was one of those rare rentals that’s even better in person!!
It’s three miles up the canyon on a windy road, with sweeping views from each of the multi-levels. The stairs are steep, so it might not be for everyone. I’d absolutely recommend it!
GLxHSP Lounge Henley | GLxHSP Lounge Pants | Chin Mask
Carmen Tie-Back Maxi Dress  | Raffia Fish Earrings | Bracelet & Ring
Malibu was the dreamiest backdrop for our Coastal Collection, and one of my favorite shoots to date! If you’re traveling the PCH or in Southern California, I’d definitely recommend a few nights in this sleepy town!
I hope this Trip Report is helpful for your future trips, or at least brightened your Monday! Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments, and I’d love to hear what we need to add to our list for next time!
And don’t forget, code SUGARPLUM10 saves you 10% off all my Coastal styles, and you can shop them all HERE! Have a good week, lovebugs!
[MORE SUGARPLUM TRIP REPORTS]
Great Stays | Hotel Esencia, Mexico
Trip Report | Whidbey Island
Trip Report | Maui, Hawaii
Trip Report | Isla Holbox, Mexico
Trip Report | Pine Cay, Turks & Caicos
Snapshots from Mexico
A Day in Santa Cruz
Snapshots from Big Sur
Trip Report | Vieques, Puerto Rico
What to Pack for a National Parks Trip
Trip Report | Santorini, Greece
Anna Maria Island
Trip Report | Exuma, Bahamas
Swimming with Pigs in Exuma
All Cruise Posts HERE
Gorgeous photos. Beautiful post. My fave is the pup looking up at you w/the chin strap-ha,ha!
That Bliss Beach idea is brilliant!
A lot of nice kids and families from here really like/liked Auburn (AL) for a pick. Bama!
Little Miss will know, trust the process. Fun!
Here’s to a week of adventure… eek! xo, C
What a fun trip report! So glad the weather was good for you, we’ve had so much rain. I have the Malibu Farms cookbook but have never made it to their restaurant; now I’m dying for a repeat of your Malibu weekend. That house!!
The weather was great, thankfully!!! And yes that house was beyond incredible! xo, C
Hi Cassie,
We too are from Texas and have a daughter that chose an SEC school. She is currently a sophomore at Auburn. She LOVES it. It was the best decision for her; although, I miss her like crazy. I hope you love Auburn as much as we do. We normally stay at the Collegiate Hotel. I think you would love it. They have built a new hotel that is part of the school’s new hospitality program. It looks amazing and we have booked a room there for Easter. Can’t wait to see my girl. The name of the hotel is The Laurel Hotel and Spa. For eating recommendations, The Hound, Acre, and Lucy’s are great spots. Enjoy your visit!
Thank you for all of this great info, Tammy!!! Can’t wait to see Auburn! xo, C