Whether seeking a holiday outfit, getting perfectly bronzed skin, adopting a new pet or getting fit this winter, Newport Beach’s latest openings offer an array of products and services.
By Ashley Ryan
Corona del Mar
It’s been 13 years since Sugared & Bronzed founder Courtney Claghorn began offering tanning services out of her Santa Monica apartment, but the company has now grown to include salons in Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, Houston and beyond—with the Newport location relocating from East Coast Highway to Corona del Mar Plaza in October. Services include sunless airbrush tanning using a proprietary solution as well as an all-natural hair removal technique called sugaring, ensuring you leave with skin that is smooth and glowing no matter the weather. (949-478-5661; sugaredandbronzed.com)
Upper Newport Bay
A groundbreaking ceremony held in January 2022 marked the beginning of construction on the state-of-the-art Newport Beach Animal Shelter, which opened its doors over the summer. The shelter, which is operated by the Newport Beach Police Department Animal Control Unit with additional funding provided by nonprofit Friends of Newport Beach Animal Shelter, features indoor/outdoor kennels, an exercise area, a meet-and-greet room, a playroom for cats, housing for small animals and more, as well as areas for grooming and meal preparation. Adopt dogs, cats and other pets at the new site. (949-718-3454; fonbas.org)
Balboa Island
After relocating to California from France in June, husband-and-wife duo Nick and Lydie Dubois launched MLN Studio, a Pilates and fitness studio on Balboa Island, in early September. Lydie, a Pilates and dance instructor, is leading sessions that incorporate the Pilates Suspension Method while Nick teaches cardio and strength training classes. The pair’s first studio was in France, and they have also launched an app named after the studio. (818-605-1269; instagram.com/mln_studio)
Fashion Island
Winter is the perfect time to shop for hats—and the new Melin shop at Fashion Island has got you covered. The Newport location, which opened in October, is the brand’s second flagship following the launch of its Laguna Beach store in summer 2022. Melin’s premium collections include headwear built for the water with a hydrophobic fabric as well as thermal options designed to keep you warm in cool weather; in-store specialists can also help you find your perfect fit. (949-520-7358; melin.com)
Curated collections of children’s items come together at Shop Small Bizz Little’s, where local makers have been celebrated since the grand opening in September. Shop unique finds for newborns, toddlers, older kids and the home, with products like clothing, custom jewelry, bath products and wooden toys filling the space. More than 25 small businesses are currently represented. (949-520-7213; shopsmallbizzlittles.com)
The winter season often brings pop-ups galore to Fashion Island and this year is no different. Home decor brand Layered by Paige Elise, which is based in nearby Laguna Beach, opened up shop at the center in November with all new inventory, just in time for the holidays. Find Christmas items, handmade tableware, pillows, stools, kitchen towels, contemporary artwork, vintage pieces and more through January. (714-628-6071; layeredbypaigeelise.com)
In late November, Vici also launched a pop-up at the shopping complex, offering chic, head-to-toe outfits for any occasion. Before 2023 wraps, stop by to peruse the holiday shop, filled with seasonal styles and gift items, but visit in the new year to snag bestsellers and event-ready looks, as the temporary store will be open into March 2024. (949-868-0898; vicicollection.com)
Costa Mesa
Nearly two decades ago, Carolina Mihailovic came to the United States and studied to become an interior designer. After years of working in the industry and collecting gemstones from her home country of Brazil to sell to local showrooms, she has fulfilled her dream of launching a store: Haus of Aurah, a home decor shop in nearby Costa Mesa, opened in September. Housed in an industrial building, the store offers sustainable art, tables, lighting, bowls and other home decor. (949-300-0703; instagram.com/hausofaurah)
