A Californian’s Guide to Fun in the Sun

It’s that time again, time for the sun, sand, and sailing. Basking by the beach in that new bikini is your favorite past-time, but don’t let the sun and fun treat you like a turkey that forgot it’s own timer! In other words ladies, don’t let the sangria go to your head, and get burned! If you fall asleep and soak up too many rays this might end up leaving you, a previously radiant creature, looking more like a stewed tomato on a beach towel!

Nor when that possible-hunk of a guy comes up to you do you not want to have a perfectly poised pucker or the ability to actually lower your shades to scope him out in an instant. You can then decide if he gives off that great spark or more like sting from a Portuguese man-o-war. If its the latter, you can always shield your eyes from the glare with that trusty sun-hat.

What’s that you say you don’t have the necessary weaponry to execute this tale? Don’t worry ladies; a barrage of ammo is on your way! Keep reading….

A Sea of Swimsuits: Treading in Dangerous Territory?
Before you plunge into the deep, let’s first begin in the shallows. When I say shallow, I mean let’s focus on self for an instant, because we’re entering those dreaded waters and most gals out there are on the same raft, drifting far from safety. Where are these dangerous waters you ask? Were floating in the territory of bathing suits! Ah, the summer months for some, it’s a blessing and for others it’s a curse. There are many tricks to the trade for creating that perfect bathing beauty, and no other has been tweaked, plucked, pulled, stretched, and molded more than the science behind the swim suit silhouette. Well, Canyon Beachwear has heard your call for distress, and is here to help! Canyon Beachwear’s trusty slogan is “We Suit Every Body”, and they mean it! With over 100 different swimsuit lines in under one roof, no girl in LA shall own a bad swim suit ever again. They make it so easy for you and just in the nick-of-time, since the coastguard heard your SOS as well, and really, who doesn’t want to be rescued by a man in a uniform!?

Canyon Beachwear
Retail prices vary, see store for details.
Available at Canyon Beachwear in: Pasadena, Studio City, Thousand Oaks, Westside Pavilion and Santa Monica
Or www.canyonbeachwear.com

Carry more than your Chihuahua
Let’s move onto to some essentials. Before you stock-up on some great summer must-haves, you’ll need something to carry them in, unless of course you had a circus side job as a juggler that you never told us about – shame on you, keeping secrets! Anyhow, after you’ve parted ways with your band of misfits, please let me direct you to another group of buccaneers. This group of pirates has come up with a perfect way to haul around your treasures, keeping them safely buried. What better way to do this on the coast, than with a bag by Mixx. Mixx provides an array of totes with bold patterns and graphics, which are perfectly sweet while being practical at the same time – ooh, wouldn’t mom be proud? Not to mention, your gal-pals being jealous of your sleek sensibilities while wondering where you acquired your hip underground knowledge, and why do you keep taking about pirates?

Mixx tote bags
Dimensions 15″ x 15.5″
retails: $40.50
Available at Giant Robot LA, or www.giantrobot.com

Toweling Down with Takashi
When sitting on the ground becomes a necessity, a picnic in the park, or a sunning session by the shore, make sure you have that square piece of cloth to properly stop the sand from lodging in unsightly places. A beach towel is the perfect preventative measure, fueling a way to dry off after that dip in the really big pond off of the CA coast. However if you just need to discreetly wipe the perspiration from your brow, a hand towel by Takashi Murakami is the way to go! Murakami famous for his collaboration with Louis Vuitton and their signature hand bag line, and also famous as a Japanese pop culture icon has provided you a way to keep cool, calm and a collector!

Takashi Murakami Hand Towel
Retail: $ 15.00
Measures 33″ x 12″, printed on 100% cotton.

Eco-Friendly Fashion
Since you’ll be spending most of your recent days in the outdoors and wilds of beach front property, tangled in a net of volley ball games, a beach savvy girl, which you are; prepared for anything that the shoreline throws at her. You have been examining the wildlife as of late, and even though the lifeguards are eye catching, it’s time to take a closer look. To be sure you are scoping out the correct specimen, double-check that you have a beach hat by Patagonia to cut the glare. Patagonia is a world respected clothing company, focusing its efforts of environmental renewal projects, and eco-friendly fibers. Patagonia provides a bucket-hat line that is cute and comfortable while shielding you from the sun. So when you move in for the magnified perspective of the creature in red-shorts with the red-cross target on him, he will take notice to your coast-loving and environmentally-friendly ways. Plus, you can hide the half-dried hair-do that you now have from soaking in the waves. Great thinking!

Patagonia
Retail: avg. $23.00-$43.00
Patagonia is available at REI or
www.backcountry.com
www.patagonia.com

UV, More than just Letters in the Alphabet
It’s time to prep the peepers. Or more importantly, keep those prying eyes on peeled on what’s really important. You decide that it’s time to get a little bit of exercise, and a game of beach volleyball is just what you need. The problem, its high-noon and the sun is beating down like a timbales player in the throws of a drum solo. A serve is made, and the ball launches into the cosmos, and as far as you can tell that’s where it stays because, all you can see are black spots from staring at the sun too long. The ball touches down, and the other team wins. You regain focus but only to feel throbbing pain and to see a sea of angry team mates staring at you. You could’ve saved the game, but you didn’t bring your sunglasses. To make the win next time, wear a pair of shades by Cazal. The Cazal Sunglasses are stylish and practical, providing you with enough UV protection to make that win on the beach or in the beach house. The rays won’t stop your turn to shine again!

Cazal Sunglasses
Retail: $140.00
www.karmaloop.com
1-617-369-0100

Not just for Breakfast Anymore
When you’re out getting some sun make sure that you have enough sun protection so that you don’t go home and find yourself staring at a cowboy who thinks you now look more like a rendition of cowhide vs. the glowing gal he knew in the spring. The sun can wreak havoc on your skin. Leather should be known as clothing, not a word you use as an adjective for your epidermis. Kiss My Face has come up with an all natural botanical solution to avoiding long-term sun damage. With their complete line of sun blocks ranging from SPF 18-30, and a sweet and subtle scent, you won’t attract the bees but rather the ones looking for the honey. By including wholesome and soothing elements like oatmeal, Kiss My Face will leave rest assured you are doing a service to you body, as well as providing a service to your environment by keeping things organic. After all, this line of thinking is a sense of pride to a CA girl!

Kiss My Face
Retails:
www.kissmyface.com
Available at fine retailers.

Little Rough Patches
We all know there are days in the summer where things can get a little sticky. You’ve been out rollerblading on the boardwalk, taking a jog, or swimming in the ocean, and the inevitable has happened, your skin is now greatly diminished in moisture. How to remedy this? Lush offers an Ultra light moisturizer that is perfect for those sticky little problems and rough patches in your complexion. Lush brings the ideal solution for any skin type, especially for the more sensitive-prone. Of course light texture, this baby is chock-full of natural ingredients such as seaweed, St. John’s Wort and so many vitamins and minerals; I’m going to stop while I’m ahead. Maybe you should too, and pick up some Lush moisturizer before you do. Hey, who knew there was more to this seaweed thing than in the sushi you’re having for dinner.

Lush Ultralight Moisturizer
Retails for: $17.10
1.5 oz
www.lush.com