She was a skater girl...

or rather I was a Roxy and O'Neill girl growing up, were you? Can't go wrong turning to surf/skate brands for fab fitting swimwear in great prints and colors:

I don't typically grab for tie-side bikini bottoms, unless the fit is impeccable, as I think regular bottoms are much more flattering. Tip: buy mix and match prints/solids to get more life out of your swim separates!
As you can imagine, Santa Monica is not nearly as quiet and serene as Malibu. It's always bustling with tons of tourists, but there's definitely a time and place for a little SM action. I can't hit up Santa Monica without venturing to my faves:

{ Robata Bar}
Three words: sushi, robata, amazingess

{ Zengo}
The most incredible boozy brunch deal in town + it's beyond delicious!

{ Third Street Promenade & Santa Monica Place}
 Shopping mecca and some great people watching

{ PopPhysique}
The best workout in the West!

An easy jersey cotton dress makes for the perfect beach cover up that can go from the promenade to the sand! 

{o'neill floral bikini top- bandeau version //   o'neill  solid tab side bottom // pima doll twisted hi-low dress c/o // rebecca minkoff mac // michael kors aviators //  j. crew sandals (on sale!)}

While I'm a big fan of investing in fancy swimwear ( like Mikoh), I also LOVE a great deal and there's nothing better than getting a bikini on sale. This O'neill baby was a recent  HauteLook purchase and might I say the deal was incredible. They're actually having a cutesy BCBGeneration swim event right now!

There are no words for these j. crew sandals - well there are: ultimate summer sandals. I actually lost a strap right after this trip and decided I had to buy a new pair just because I heart them so!