It was ninety-five degrees in Los Angeles this weekend. Ya 95. I had a roof top pool party to attend, as well as well a long luncheon replete with mister and chilled glasses of rose to celebrate the sizzling weekend.

Having to wear last year’s suits to Saturday’s soiree was moderately boring. American Apparel has a few new styles I’m considering to rock my summer. Their swimwear is always great because its sexy and affordable.

If you’re looking for a new bikini consider buying separates. Its fun to mix and match, but if you’re a bit more voluptuous on the top or bottom you can find the right size and style to flatter.

Don’t forget a beach cover. American Apparel has them in a rainbow of colors to match all your swimwear.

With spring break around the corner, and summer quickly approaching, you’re probably putting some serious thought into that well-deserved vacay. Not unlike Ana, a local reader looking for petite clothing to take on her African safari. I’ve actually helped a friend pack for a similar vacation in the past, so I was well prepared with ideas.

Hi serafina,

I’m leaving for safari next December and I don’t know where to find petite clothes for my vacation. I don’t know what to bring. Can you help?

Ana
Los Angeles

Safari Pencil Skirt | 0 | $20

This season, you’re in luck. You can find absolutely everything you need at oldnavy.com – including affordable lightweight fabrics for those hot sunny days, without sacrificing fashion. In particular, their spring Urban Explorer line follows the current trends, but with a safari twist. And everything is cut to fit your petite frame. Sizing starts at XXS. And, I have to say I’m impressed with their re-branding efforts.

Keyhole Tank Top | XS | $15

When my friend returned from safari, I quizzed her on our packing skills. Did she wear everything? And, what did we miss?

Print Belted Dress | XXS | $25

A rule of thumb: steer clear of camouflage print. My friend’s tour operator advised as such.

Safari Shirt Dress | XXS | $25

In all, my friend enjoyed the resort, which included laundry among its amenities, and she dressed casually for nights out. She never wore those gym shoes, though. Her safari was van-hosted, rather than a walking tour. (I’d bring a sturdy pair just in case, though.)

St. Barts, Mexican Riviera, Canary Islands, Fiji… Goodbye, winter doldrums. Hello, warm-weather vacay.

Wherever you choose to seek respite, I have a handful of must-have resort collections to add to your brimming suitcase. This year, it’s all about flowing dresses, colorful prints, and metallic shoes and bags. Although long dresses are lovely, they’re too long for small bodies and short legs. Below, I’ve listed a few that will keep you en vogue, flattering your small frame as you stroll the beach or boardwalk.

Tory Burch Judy Dress | XS | $350

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Tory Burch Perry Dress | XS | $595

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Swim Suit
Beach Bliss on Colorado in Pasadena carries a handful of brands that run small, including Vix, Vitamin A, Rygy, Cosabella, and Juicy Couture. (I always recommend trying on to ensure a perfect fit.) I personally fell in love with suits by Cosabella, Trina Turk, and Rygy.

Cosabella Mare Maya Bikini | XS | $117

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Rygy Bling Bikini | S | $101

However beautiful the suit, you’ll need a cover up for those forays to the pool, beach, and lobby. The terry dress by Ella Moss is perfect for sauntering your way to the bar for that refreshing mojito – without prompting the usual double takes. I also like American Apparel’s terry tube dress.

American Apparel Terry Loop Dress | XS | $42

Travel Bag
Never underestimate the importance of a good travel bag. Whether as a day bag, or something more elegant for fancy dinners, you need something lightweight. When I travel, I rely on the small Le Sport Sac, which is available in all shapes, patterns, and sizes. I have their small shoulder bag in black; it packs flat and is machine washable. I often see Le Sport Sacs as carry-on bags when traveling.

Looking for more pizzazz? Check out the Dot Tot by Marc Jacobs. Or the Coach Women Resort Clutch, which is perfect for both day and night.

Coach Resort Clutch | $398

I like the Dolce Aegean and Tory Burch metallic sandals as well. They’re versatile, and I love the shine.

Dolce Vita Aegean Sandal | 6 | $80

Tory Burch Ali Sandal | 5.5 | $195

If you are in need or want of a hot new designer bikini this season to rock the beach– look no further. I recommend a handful of suits this summer that will fit, flatter and make you feel gorgeous. And, what’s better, you can find them all online.

Flower | Long | XS | $63

Boys have their boardshorts. And us gals? Well, boardshorts are simply not in our fashion lexicon. But boardskirts are. And what better way to hit the, ahem, Venice boardwalk than in a Cubapink boardskirt to dazzle the men of Muscle Beach?

Wave | Short | XS | $55

That’s right, ladies, the Australian beachwear company, Cubapink, has the answer to hang-ten surf-style shorts. Created just 16 months ago, Jody Smail’s line offers a stylish and feminine alternative to the frumpy boardshort. Cubapink’s fast-drying, non-crease, drip-dry velvet microfibre wrap beach skirts are feminine and practical.

Rip | Short | XS | $55

Available in two lengths and four sizes, the collection combines practicality with feminine style and flair — and a touch of that oh-so-smokin’-hot surfer style. Designed to compliment bikinis and swimsuits, the bold designs and hip colors are the big kahuna for all West Coast beach fashionistas.

Beetle | Long | XS | $63

Check out their online sizing chart for specifics. The XS would fit a size XXS with ease. (Jody was quick to point out that Australian sizing runs a bit smaller than U.S. sizing — perfect for all petite beach bunnies.)

Besides, beach season is all about looking perfect: at the beach and en route to the bar.

Cubapink is sold exclusively online (complete with a currency converter), and they ship worldwide.

Flip-flops in January? But, of course. A jaunt to the tropics is in order this winter season. And, to make sure you look impeccable for the uber-stylish coastal crowd, I’ve compiled a collection of must-haves for your never-mind-winter-let’s-hit-the-beach vacay.

lenny link bikini | xs | $73 top & $66 bottom

Lenny Swimwear

Inspired by the beaches of Brazil, and the lack of sophisticated swimsuits on the racks, Lenny Niemeyer turned her design ingenuity into a full line of daring and fashion-forward suits.

Using luxurious materials, bold colors, and dramatic, sexy styling, her suits compliment my tiny frame, and I always feel absolutely stunning when I wear them. (Needless to say, I own several of her suits.)

Lenny can be found online at Swim Wear Boutique. Shops in Los Angeles that carry Lenny include:

Jill Roberts
920 Montana Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 260-1966
Map

Shay Todd Bikinis

Shay Todd swim and resort wear is equal parts functional and sexy– perfect for both those forays into surfing and simply catching a few poolside rays. Their fashion lines have mastered the art of blending exotic designs with sophisticated fabric and embellishments.

Even better, Shay Todd bikinis run quite small, which means they are ultra-sexy. I found my favorite design at Billion Dollar Babes at a table dedicated to Shay Todd. The best part? My Shay Todd suit has lasted for years, and I still love it. For small busts, look for the synch tops in XS. The only place I’ve ever found Shay Todd is during a BDB sale.

American Apparel

For that small, small, small bikini, look no further than American Apparel. You’ll find flattering, classic styles with funky colors. And, they’re affordable, which is the operative word when saving for a vacation.

nylon tricot bikini top and bottom | xs | each $25

American Apparel
4665 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 661-1407
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Beach Hats

While we’re on the subject of beach apparel, consider a versatile, lightweight hat. My favorite hats are those that are practical and fashionable. I prefer cotton and straw hats; they not only pack well, but are also shield my entire face from the sun.

kaminski canvas hat | $75 & jcrew straw beach hat | $50

Trina Turk Resort Wear

This season, I’m loving Trina Turk’s resort wear line. Look here for great lightweight cotton dresses with bold patterns.

trina turk | adeline dress | p | $298

trina turk | flora dress | p | $358

Trina Turk
8008 W. 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 651.1382
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Beach Bags

You have the hot, designer bikini. Now, how about a hot, designer beach bag for all your goodies? Tommy Bahama has a great beach tote that is versatile for the beach — and for those languid strolls amid ruins and small island towns.

tommy bahama tote | $298

Or how about a simple Plastica tote that is affordable and hip.

plastica woven tote bag | $30

Plastica
8405 West 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 655-1051
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Sandals