Beauty and the Beach

Managing career and family makes for little time to think about your wardrobe, right? Wrong.

Living at the beach, in my opinion, is your wardrobe inspiration. It's a resort without the travel. Think Careyes, South of France, St. Barths—instead of wearing clothing as old as your first born, how about easy attainable casual chic?

As a personal stylist who dresses you, your man, your boss and your shrink, you can tell me you don't care and don't have time to think about clothes until life's most important situation's occur, like your best friend's wedding, baby shower, decade-changing birthday. But maybe it's time to come out of your shell (and turn to sea shells for style inspiration?)

As a , I am the opposite of athletic. At 44 I have come to the realization that shopping for a living is not getting the cellulite off the back of my thighs. Darn. But if I want , right?

On a June gloom day last week doing my best interpretation of running with a D cup (walk-run-pant-lunge-repeat) I was struck by all of the styling tutors beneath my feet right here in Hermosa Beach: shells, surfboards, seaweed. Fashion is all around you if you know where to look. 

Here's a mini-guide to Summer's hottest styles courtesy of Hermosa Beach:

Seashell

In the accompanying photo of the sea shell, notice all the lavender psychedelic shades lining the outside of the shell while the center is pearly white and the edges black? This color palette makes for a winning palette. Black, white and purple—use it in printed dresses, bikinis and cover ups. Don't be afraid to choose ombre ti-dyed purses and shoes, all with this hypnotizing abalone shell as your influence.

Surfboard

Look at the accompanying photo of the surfboard—hot coral red is one of the strongest trending colors of this summer. Break out hot poppy corals for shorts, flip flops or on your toes. After 7 years I can't believe I am telling you to match two colors together. Wear coral with coral as well as any flash back neon you might be reliving. But remember, matchy match is only for super acid colors, please.

Seaweed

See how the seaweed in the accompanying photo is laying on the sand writing it's own love letter? Choose earrings, bracelets and rings with that same cursive quality in shape. This allows your skin (your biggest accessory) to be highlighted in a very delicate and feminine way creating thin lines all around you.

Ocean Pier

Mix your color palette just like the moss growing on the Manhattan Beach Pier (see accompanying photo.) These shades of moss green with molding yellow have an interesting layer of dimension in color and texture. When wearing tones mix shades that are similar but not the same. All shades of green go with turquoise, all reds go with pink. Think pantone color charts.

Clam

Finally look at the inside of the clam shell in the accompanying photo—see the rough cut edges? Create a similar imbalance in your silhouettes for a thinner slimmer effect. Just like the jewelry tip above that creates thinner lines. Tops, dresses and skirts that are interesting shapes will create a slimmer effect around areas you might be sensitive to.

Take your mind on vacation and let your wardrobe follow.

xx

Barbra