Beach Riot: Spring 2013 Collection

On the hunt for rad swimwear (because there's never enough), I stumbled upon Beach Riot and became instantly quite smitten.

Designer, Nicole Hanriot, grew up in Newport Beach in the world of action sports, studied at FIDM and was formerly the women's designer for TAVIK (whose swimwear I also love).

I love the attitude and the sass presented in the Beach Riot collection, which is captured really well in this video lookbook from their website:

Spring Collection 2013 from BEACH RIOT on Vimeo.

I had to pull out my Shazam app for this one - the song is Wringle in the Skin of a Multidimensional Worm by Sana Sol.

I love the direction that swimwear, in general, has taken over the last two or so years, blending boardwalk attitude with the edge of street style and a large dose of feline confidence. It's not even about just getting in the water, but you want to wear and style your swimwear like you would the rest of your wardrobe.

Me, I want nothing other than to live in my swimwear, but I find it's not usually acceptable outside of beach towns and Las Vegas.

Take a look at the Beach Riot Spring 2013 Lookbook and tell me you dont want to trade all of your clothes for swimwear.

Find Beach Riot at Lulu*s or Threadsence!

Justin Credible x Brandwills Lookbook

Justin Credible is many things -one of L.A.'s hottest DJ's, one half of Power 106's #LIFTOFF team with J.Cruz, one half of the Los Angeles Leakers with DJ Sour Milk, and also quite the fashion monger.

Recently, Creddy teamed up with Brandwills (aka Brandon Williams), stylist to some of the NBA's and NFL's top athletes, for the Brandwills 2013 Lookbook  and Justin's From the Booth to a Brand campaign.

The shoot features some impeccable suit and tie looks, none shy of spring-ready pops of color. I certainly appreciate the use of gentleman accessories from pocket squares to tie clips, watches and cuff links to the bold red optical frames.

Watch Brandwills describe how he pulled Creddy's looks together and his take on styling, here:

Follow Justin Credible on Twitter to keep up with all his L.A. gigs, and catch Brandwills on Instagram for all your designer eye-candy cravings.

Spring Essentials Shopping List

It's the first of April and with warmer weather on the horizon I find myself contemplating which stylish pieces I should be investing in right now. You too? Well have a look at whats currently taking up space on my mental shopping list.

Now's a great time to buy swimwear before all the good styles sell out. Last year, Kandy Wrappers sent me an amazing mint-colored fringe bikini that I only got to wear a few times, so I'm looking forward to rocking it again by the pool this summer. I also really dig the the edgy designs of TAVIK swimwear, like this painted canvas of a bikini currently on Nasty Gal. That said, don't forget to pick up a bottle of Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration (I like SPF 30) for your beach bag.

Bandeaus and tunics are essential as well. As some one who hates bras, I find bandeaus to be the perfect alternative. From colorful cotton blends to sexy lace, I love that they can be casual or chic. This is also true of tunics which can be worn on the beach or to a beachfront dinner when paired with the right pair of heels and a great statement neacklace.

Speaking of heels, surely you've noticed the strappy sandals that have been on everyone's feet, as of late. I LOVE this look! It's so Carrie Bradshaw I can hardly stand it. I'm really coveting this chic gold chain look from Guess by Marciano (pictured). Steve Madden also offers a sexy style with a bit of patent shine at a great price. For a bit more, this emerald green lizard-embossed sandal from Alice + Olivia would make you the envy of all. What better way to show off you sexy summer pedicure?

A few other essentials on my list come from a really great style book I picked up a few years ago - The One Hundred by Nina Garcia. It's helped me pinpoint a few classic pieces to add to my wardrobe. Like, these thin gold hoops from Michael Kors. It's an effortless feminine boost that pairs perfect with stylish sunnies. The book also says that an authentic Pucci piece is essential resort wear. While I love the colorful designs of Emilio Pucci, I can't afford him just yet. Instead, I think Trina Turk is a wonderful substitute. I'm obsessed with these draw-string beach shorts from her latest collection.

That sums up my spring trend wishlist, but do tell me if I'm leaving anything off. Whats on your spring and summer shopping list?

Of Peace & Past

I was invited to the dOMAIN Los Angeles showroom for Champagne, manicures and of course to peruse some of their designer collections.

I was super impressed with the jewelry designs from Charmed Circle and the personal story behind the pieces.

Designer Gina Cartwright explained the inspiration behind many of her designs, which stem from a charm bracelet her mother wore when Gina was young. The bracelet and charms were real gold (which is rare today) with intricate details. Specifically, she noted a trolley charm with wheels that would really spin. Gina's designs incorporate those same ideas.

I also got to chat with Daniella Clarke, designer of the much loved Frankie B Jeans. As we discussed her latest collection, she told me that she grew up in Israel but ran away to Los Angeles at 16 to marry the man that captured her heart.

Yep, they're still together today!

Amazing how designers can take pieces of their past and weave them into their designs.  More pics from the dOMAIN showroom on The Dope Girl Instagram!

The Wanted

A few of my current most wanted.

B-Side Crewneck | Bing Bang Rose Gold Ring | Maya Brenner Initial Necklace | Publish Brand Kian Camper Hat | RVCA Kuta Bikini | Malta Linked High-tops

Shop the CheckHimOut.com Man Market

For the single dolls in Los Angeles, CheckHimOut.com has some Valentine's Day fun for you! A Man-shop, which is exactly what you're probably thinking. The dating website that lets women peruse eligible fellas is setting up a real life pop-up at the Americana at Brand featuring actual guys from all over SoCal.



Sound like fun? I think so.

With the term Galentine's Day sweeping the nation (it's v-day with your gal pals and I'm very unsure how I feel about the hybrid phrase), it's the perfect occasion to gather up some single girlfriends and cruise the sites man-ventory in person -while supplies last!

Visit CheckHimOut.com's Man-shop at 132 Caruso Ave in Glendale, CA Saturday, February 16 from 10 -10 p.m. and Sunday, February 17 11-8 p.m.