We’re only one week away from the launch of the Gibson x Hi Sugarplum Summer of Color Collection, and I literally can not wait! Hurry up, June 6!! I’ve been sharing little sneak peeks on my Instagram Story, have you seen them?
Today I’m excited to share behind-the-scenes of the photoshoot that brought this new colorful Collection to life (along with some sneak peeks!)! It’s hard to beat California light and the stunning landscape, so we returned to magical Palm Springs to capture these amazing pieces. This time we split our days between a chic, modern house, and an exotic Moroccan-style hotel. The result was pure Summer, sunshine, and authentic Mediterranean!
Of course I took #TeamSugarplum with me…you know I couldn’t do it without Mama Sugarplum and Mr. SP! They are my biggest supporters, and a project of this size definitely requires all hands on deck! (You can watch it all unfold on my GxHSP highlight video in my Instagram profile.)
But let’s start at the beginning, shall we? I love every single step in the process of creating these Collections with Gibson, and the photoshoot is always the cherry on top! I love the extensive preparation, anxious anticipation, and the intensive pace at which we work to capture it all.
The planning begins weeks before the photo samples actually arrive…creating shot lists, outfit combinations, and accessory options. Then it’s time to pack it all up and head west!
Here’s a peek at the entire Summer of Color Collection, plus all the jewels, hats and bags we brought. Not pictured: Shoes!
Rolling Garment Rack | Accessories | Packing Cubes
Mr. SP is the packing wizard in our house…I fold it all in my beloved packing cubes (all 45 pieces packed easily in two eBags!!), and he makes it fit in the luggage. Even the hats are packed (see our trick for packing hats here).
Here’s the obligatory ‘travel style’ shot heading to Palm Springs.
Tank | Wide Leg Pants (50% off!) | Sandals | Rolling Bag | Monogrammed Tote | Jean Jacket | Necklace
But truthfully, it looked more like this…lots of bags!
Tank | Wide Leg Pants (50% off!) | Necklace | Sandals | Luggage Set | Monogrammed Tote | Black Rolling Carry-On
In a few short hours, we arrived in sunny Palm Springs, and headed straight to our rental house for the week. Are you surprised it’s called ‘Pretty in Pink’? Every nook and cranny was a photographer’s dream, and it sits on a beautiful street backed by palm trees and mountains. I could seriously live my best life in Palm Springs!
Embroidered Top | High Rise Jean Shorts | Hat | Bangle Set | Sunglasses
We spent the next day organizing, planning, prepping, scouting, and steaming. Lots and lots of steaming! This darling man of mine never hesitates to jump in wherever needed, and always gives me a sense of steady calm in the middle of chaos. Plus, he’s keeps us constantly laughing!
Garment Rack | Clothing Steamer
That night the rest of our Sugarplum Dream Team arrived…the talented Valorie Darling and Suzie Moldovan for photography and hair/makup, and darling Anne from the Gibson team to help keep us organized. We chatted way later than we should, but I love these people so much!
Day One of shooting began before dawn, with Suzie Moldovan working her hair and makeup magic. And I mean serious magic! We became fast-friends on the first Gibson x Hi Sugarplum Collection, and we’ve been together ever since.
Suzie studied the colors of the collection for weeks before the shoot, and assembled a full palette and lip colors (she knows I love a bright lip!) to make it shine. Her makeup was genuinely an integral part of showcasing the Collection. She shared several of her professional makeup tips in this post and this one!
Earrings | Lipstick ‘Shocking Revelation’
You know I love showing Mama Sugarplum off in our Collections, so she was treated to the ‘Suzie Magic,’ too.
Hoop Earrings | Lipstick ‘Shocking Revelation’ | Disc Earrings
The rest of that day was a blur…we shot in and around the Pretty in Pink house for 12 straight hours! And I loved every exhilarating, exhausting moment.
The effervescent Valorie Darling was our photographer extraordinaire, and it was such an honor to shoot with her again…she is insanely talented and truly brought the Collection to life! She radiates more joy and kindness than anyone I’ve ever met, and has such a passion for what she does.
Between Val, Suzie, Mama SP, and Anne, someone was always fussing over me and making sure I looked and felt my best.
I’m so thrilled to have Mama Sugarplum part of this again, and couldn’t do it without her help and support. (Plus, hello gorgeous! Wait until you see her in the Collection June 6!)
Disc Earrings | White Jeans | Wedges | Flamingo Bag | Flat Sandals
Lipstick ‘Shocking Revelation’
Day One wrapped around 9pm (love those long Summer days in Palm Springs!), and we opted for take-out and hot-tubbing.
Halter Top | Wide Leg Pant | Jersey Knit Romper | Maxi Dress (more patterns here)
Of course I packed my favorite shower cap…don’t want to ruin that good ‘Suzie’ hair!
Day Two’s glam session started a little earlier, around 5:30am, and we packed the car and headed out further in the desert. The Summer of Color Collection was inspired by the colors and textures of the Mediterranean, and The Sands Hotel & Spa was the perfect Moroccan backdrop!
Dusty pinks, patterned tiles, and flower petals everywhere, it was a dream to shoot much of the Collection there. Plus, the rooms are adorable and the on-site restaurant a dream! Definitely worth the drive outside the city of Palm Springs, and a perfect weekend escape.
It was another fun, full day of shooting, lip changes, and silliness.
Hoop Earrings | Flat Sandals | Raffia Earrings
Watching months of dreams and hard work come to life is indescribable! And working alongside such kind and passionate people makes it that much more rewarding! It’s amazing to watch these women work, and have so much fun doing it!
Someone is always either working on a shot, prepping for the next one, or tracking what’s already been done. To photograph an entire Collection in two days requires constant movement and pushing forward, and I couldn’t have done it without this team!
I felt so blessed to have Valorie and Suzie on our project again! I trust them so completely, I honestly never even check a mirror or the camera when we’re working together. I never feel prettier than I do when under their talented umbrella!
And my darling Mr. SP, always there for reinforcement or whatever I need. I couldn’t do life without him.
We wrapped Day Two well after sunset, then headed out to celebrate with tacos and margaritas. #whatelse?
Jersey Romper | Sandals | Flamingo Bag
The final morning was a lazy one spent enjoying the pool for a while, and rehashing the last few days. I figured everyone would be ready for time alone, but turns out we couldn’t resist one last chance to hang out!
Pom Swim Suit | Hat | Sunglasses
Then it was back to the airport! Can you believe this is actually the Palm Spring airport?! It’s all outside! I stepped up my travel style a little since we went straight to Little Miss’s choir concert once back in Dallas.
Halter Top | White Jeans | Necklace | Sandals | Rolling Bag | Monogrammed Tote | Jean Jacket | Necklace
A huge thanks to everyone on #TeamSugarplum for your patience, talents, support, and unlimited enthusiasm for this project!! My heart is so full after time with you, and I can’t wait to share the fruits of our labor.
And thank you to Gibson and Nordstrom for trusting me with this incredible Collection. I’m beyond proud of what we’ve created together.
I hope you enjoyed this look behind-the-scenes, and stay tuned for more sneak peeks of what’s to come June 6! Do you have your calendars marked?! Did you catch the sneak peeks in this post? What piece are you most excited about so far?
