The Girls are Girling! Sip and Shop at Costa Mesa’s Destination for Inspiration
Get in, loser! We’re going shopping. Costa Mesa is where all the new hip brands are popping up, and The OC Mix is the epicenter of it all. This collective is coining itself as the “destination for inspiration” and is worth the exploration. Grab your girls and tell them to block out the whole day to discover their new favorite small businesses! From custom charm bars to euphoria-inducing mocktails and home decor galore, The OC Mix is a playground for sipping, shopping and everything in between.
There are over a dozen local brands to browse, including what’s hot and new in Costa Mesa’s dining scene. Start the day with superfood smoothies, book a filler appointment and upgrade your accessory game before heading to girl dinner. This is the ultimate itinerary with all the best spots to explore with your girls at The OC Mix.
9:30 a.m.
Morning Smoothie/Bowl from Birdie Bowl & Juicery
But first, breakfast. Fuel up at your first stop: Birdie Bowl & Juicery. This smoothie stand serves acai bowls and date shakes that make mornings so much sweeter. Whether you like it chocolatey, veggie-packed or loaded with pineapple, there’s something for everyone on Birdie’s menu. Plus, everything is made from scratch—there’s no question whether the acai bowl base is really good for you or not. Always order an extra side of honey, which doubles as liquid gold! Acai bowls are best for breakfast; date shakes are great for a sweet tooth fix; and fresh-squeezed green juices are the perfect post-night-out pick-me-up.
10 a.m.
Get Pampered at OmniaPiel
Maybe she’s born with it, or maybe it’s OmniaPiel. OmniPiel Aesthetics offers everything from Botox to microneedling so you can look and feel your best. Plus, getting filler is so much more fun with friends! Freshen up with an appointment in their cute sage green salon. Founded by husband-and-wife team Dr. Jorge Castellanos, a Stanford and Harvard Medical School graduate, and Lauren Timpe-Castellanos, an Allergan AMI Faculty National Trainer & Speaker, OmniaPiel’s team of injectors is trained by the best and known for being as kind as they are qualified. They also pride themselves in being inclusive to all demographics. We love their team because their social media videos make understanding treatments simple, relatable and honestly entertaining.
11 a.m.
Mid-Morning Pick-Me-Up from Kratom Kava Bar
Celebrate post-treatment at the bar—Kratom Kava Bar, that is. Kava and Kratom are alcohol-free elixirs that offer a unique mood-boosting alternative to cocktails. The star of the menu is Kratom, a natural botanical native to Asia, which is what this shop is best known for. Kratom Kava Bar looks like a pristine spa but with bistro seating for sipping on supplement-infused elixirs. Herbal concoctions come in little brown bottles and flavors that promote euphoric energy, calm relaxation and even relieve stress. There are also coffee options, teas and capsules for energy on the go. Ask a kava expert which strain is right for you.
Noon
Browse Designs + Enjoy a Floral Workshop at Hadley & Ren
You can buy yourself flowers, and you’ll want to when you’re at Hadley & Ren. This aesthetic floral showroom is too perfect not to take a picture of it. The walls are pristine marble, and the booth is bordered by a dried floral perimeter. The showroom is filled with stunning tablescapes and towering floral arches—it’s really all the inspiration you need. Like best friends forever, preserved florals last a lifetime. Hadley & Ren offers beautiful designs that make the perfect lasting memento to celebrate your closest friendships. Follow them on Instagram to be in the know!
1 p.m.
Lunch at Shuck Oyster Bar
When the gals get hungry, head over to Shuck Oyster Bar. This blue-tiled bar is a seafood lover’s dream and is the perfect destination for a girls’ lunch. Oysters are always served fresh—just one day out of the water, to be exact! That means the shells are flown into Orange County daily. And if you’re counting, there are 20-30 varieties on the menu. Oysters are best served with a glass of chardonnay and a squeeze of lemon, of course. They start at just $3 a shell, but if oysters aren’t for everyone, the chowder and tacos are also worth a try.
2 p.m.
Make Your Own Charm Necklace at Balboa Gold
Join in on the charm trend with custom necklaces at Balboa Gold. Pearls, bows and cherries galore, Balboa Gold’s charm collection is, as the gals would say, demure. This small-business jewelry brand by Savannah Kirk draws inspiration from Newport Beach’s luxe lifestyle and coastal vibe. Best known for its charm bar, the Costa Mesa shop features a selection of brightly colored and gold-filled charms that change weekly. Walk-ins are welcome, but you’ll want ample time to select your assortment, so book an appointment prior to coming in. Kirk also offers a selection of handmade pieces and permanent jewelry, so grab your girlfriends and layer up.
3 p.m.
Shop Accessories at Jessie and Sky
The passion project of a sister duo, Jessie and Sky, is a Costa Mesa boutique for the girls. Think butterfly claw clips, retro sunnies and custom jewelry. The store has a ‘Gram-worthy, boho vibe, with a jewelry display in the center and racks of stylish clothes flanking the walls. Inventory changes based on the season, and right now, we love their flowy dresses and beach bags. Their curated selection of timeless rings and stackable necklaces are all handmade but honestly look like they’re from a jeweler. The Pearl Shell Letter Necklaces make a great gift, but if you’re shopping for yourself, the classic gold hoops will never go out of style.
3:30 p.m.
Spruce Up Your Home at Modern Ware Market
We don’t make the rules; we just follow them. And the rule is that every homebody needs to visit Modern Ware Market. This modern and minimalist home goods haven will level up your lifestyle in the best way—and it won’t break the bank either. Ribbed martini glasses start at $14 a piece and are essential for hosting at home. Urn vases are also having their moment, whether filled with olive branches or wooden spoons or simply placed on their own. Set a budget before you go, and spruce up your home just in time for the hosting season.
4 p.m.
Pick Out a Gift-to-self at Sisu
While Modern Ware Market is all about staying in, Sisu is all about going out. This outdoor adventure brand is best known for camping essentials—from cookware to clothing. It’s a one-stop shop for cooler totes, vintage outpost lanterns, camp cups and utility jackets. It’s camping with style. A visit to Sisu is enough to inspire your next weekend road trip, but even if you’re not a camper, Sisu is still worth a visit. Their bookshelves are brimming with all sorts of unique gifts, including candles, tumblers and journals sourced from all around the world.
5 p.m.
Girl Dinner at ARC Food & Libations
Newport’s favorite steakhouse has made its way over to Costa Mesa, and we couldn’t think of a better spot for girl dinner. ARC Food & Libations is a rustic-chic hotspot and is worthy of a splurge. If you’re already at The OC Mix, it only makes sense to head here for one last rendezvous. The interior vibe is reminiscent of an American apothecary in the Golden Age, with weathered wood accents and exposed brick. Grab a table and explore the menu of locally sourced, innovative plates. Chef Noah von Blöm cooks everything over a live fire, but the drinks are what seem to steal the show. The Einhorn Is FInkle with gin, Aperol, grapefruit and bubbles is always a crowd-pleaser and a great way to end your girls’ day in Costa Mesa.
