She may be an Oscar winning actress and one of the biggest movie stars in the world, but Julia Roberts was enjoying her most important role at the weekend - mother-of-three. 

The 46-year-old headed out shopping in Malibu with her children nine year-old twins Phinneus and Hazel and seven-year-old Henry.

And the star looked striking in a long sleeved black dress with a colourful embroidered design on the front and hem.

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Hands on mother: Julia Roberts sported a black colourful dress as she took children Phinnaeus, Hazel and Henry Moder out shopping in Malibu at the weekend 

Low key flip flops completed the look, while her light brown hair was worn loose around her shoulders. 

The children were all smartly dressed and helped their mother carry the shopping bags. 

The actress has lived a low key life in Malibu with her children and husband Danny Moder since 2007.  

Doting mother: Julia put a loving arm round Henry's shoulders as they strolled through the parking lot 

Colours of day: Julia sported a loose fitting long sleeved black dress with embroidered front and hem 

'We're just grateful for the sense we have of being like any other family down the street. I don't question it, frankly,' Julia told the Wall Street Journal back in April. 

The star slowed down her projects after becoming a mother, selecting her roles with care - this year, she appeared as HIV doctor Dr.

'By the time we had kids, I had accomplished things and felt secure about that part of my life,' Julia told the publication. 'I was so joyful moving into the family phase of my life in a sincere way.

'For a long time. [my children] weren't even aware I had a job because I was home so much.'

Hands on: The actress escorted her children with Hazel carrying a toy  

Down to earth: Julia has previously said how much she enjoys a normal family existence with her children 

The actress lost out on an Oscar for August:Osage County and an Emmy for A Normal Heart, but will be hoping for more critical acclaim fro her next role - in The Secret In Their Eyes which she is set to being filming this month. 

Roberts plays a friend and former partner of an ex-CIA agent (Chiwetel Ejiofor) whose daughter has been murdered.

Ejiofor's character digs up the case and begins to think he's found the culprit.

The movie is a remake of the 2010 Argentinian thriller which one the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film..

Pick and choose: The actress can afford to be selective about her projects and has committed to fewer films now she is a mother