Manhattan Beach Style

Last weekend, my family and I decided to jet down to Manhattan Beach at around 4 pm to enjoy a little beach time minus the crowds. What bliss to be on a nearly deserted beach with the waves crashing and the sun slowly sinking into the horizon. Although I'm not supposed to be thinking about work, sure enough inspiration hits me! A vision appeared in the glaring sun down at the water's edge - the coolest chick strolling the beach. She wore a raffia cowboy hat (yes, some would say the cowboy hat is so 2004, like Uggs, but us folks out here still wear them for sun protection, and yes they still are cool in my book), large, dark sunglasses, a bikini with the coziest belted, hooded sweater coat over it. You might think, why in the world is this girl wearing a sweater coat in the middle of June in California? Well, on the Westside, it gets rather chilly in the evenings at the beach and yes, you need a sweatshirt, or even better, this cool sweater coat. It's like you have to dress in layers throughout the day. She probably was sunbathing in the bikini at 3pm and by 4pm it's dropped like 10 degrees and it's time to cover up for warmth. Anyway, she was certainly a vision of coolness walking along the beach. It's that effortless style I love about California. You'll be seeing a similar belted, hooded sweater coat come this Fall at Stacia! If you ever make it to Manhattan Beach, check out Dolly Rocker, the best shop in the village for cool duds (and for Stacia!) And be sure to stop by Sloopy's on Highland Ave. for a super thick chocolate shake after your swim- the best!