944

Show off your stars and stripes spirit this Independence Day in this super soft, oversized American Flag Tee from LA-based knitwear brand, Wildfox Couture.

$78 | wildfoxcouture.com Written by: Kira Coplin

With June 21st marking the first official day of summer, our countdown has begun! Each week we're highlighting some of our favorite suits that won't break the bank. This week's pick? Billabong's Goin Strekin Womens Swimsuit Set.

The Details:
Contrast trim and strings on both bottom and top: triangle bikini top has multiple strings that cross at back while bikini bottoms feature multiple strings at waist sides.

$87.99 | tillys.com Written by: Kira Coplin

With June 21st marking the first official day of summer, our countdown has begun! Each week we're highlighting some of our favorite suits that won't break the bank. This week's pick? Tavik Swimwear's The Tate Swimsuit.

The Details:
Strapless one piece swimsuit with asymmetrical shoulder strap and sheer lace paneling on bodice.

$128 | karmaloop.com Written by: Kira Coplin

“Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly…”

Summer is the season that probably has the greatest impact on me. It's when I think about who I am, what I’m doing and whose lives I have had an impact on.

The world didn’t end recently, but if it did would you be able to look back and be proud of what you have accomplished? What would you do differently? Would you have spent more time with your family, married that girl when you were younger, visited a sick grandparent in the hospital more or had a few less shots of tequila that night?

So I looked back on my past 10 years since I completed college and made a list of what I did and the things I wish I didn’t. It's an ongoing list I am adding to each time I remember more, but thus far I have come to the realization I am incredibly blessed. I have an incredible family that is always there for me, I have great friends I can truly call friends and I have experienced more “once in a lifetime” opportunities than one person should. I probably take for granted the access to the world I live in, but when it's all said and done it's not reality. It's fun and great, but true happiness doesn’t come in the form of hanging with celebrities and being backstage. Sure, I have done some dumb things — really dumb. But those dumb things have helped me to grow into the person I am today and I have learned so much from my mistakes. Mistakes are beautiful if you truly understand why it was a mistake and act differently the second time when given the opportunity. Conversely, a mistake is tragic if you keep repeating it.

My last 10 years, I started a company out of a dollar and a dream. Literally, it was really a dollar — I had to find coins in the bottom of old couches. I had no clue where it would go or what it would be but I had a burning desire to be successful and I was incredibly passionate about the concept. It could’ve been a bag of dirt and it would have been amazing. The team around me had just as much belief and determination, which made us an an unstoppable force. That company then grew exponentially year over year, affording a lot of people to be a part of a once-in-a-lifetime experience as well as giving a platform to a special demographic that has had an influence on many businesses, places, people and talent. Many notable talents, whether they're musicians or actors, got their first feature or break in 944.

I even look back on how this crazy lady came to pitch us on how she was going to be a big star and wanted to use our office on Sunset Boulevard at the time to do a small concert. That night they used my office as her dressing room and I remember having an OCD attack about all the glitter and makeup all over my desk. She went out there and put on a really unusual concert in this crazy costume where everyone in the room was wondering and giving me those looks on why I produced this concert for a whack job and invited them. Honestly I even thought to myself that night, “WTF Marc, why do you always have to trust your intuition?” All she had was a dream, she was unproven and no one ever heard of her — but then I caught a glimpse of her eyes and I saw she wasn’t going to let anyone stop her from her dream. Those eyes belong to who we know now as Lady Gaga. There are hundreds of stories like these, some just as big and some not as public but with as much of an impact socially and on helping make the world a better place. These stories are memories for those involved and they can never be taken away (you all know who you are). So following the traditional Hollywood style, these memories and stories are getting pen to paper for a book about the life of 944. And since our memories sometimes leave out things, send us a tweet @marclotenberg to remind us how 944 has had an impact on your life — Whether being featured, inspired or how you met your sweetheart at one of our events.

Everyone always thought 944 was just one big party, but the true insiders knew it was an incredibly powerful brand that brought people's dreams to life and I am glad that over the last 10 years I have been able to be a facilitator of these dreams coming to fruition. Whether you’re a little monster or a little dreamer, never let anyone hold you back from following what you believe in.

Marc Lotenberg
Visionary/Fighter/Lover
teammarc@944.com
twitter.com/MarcLotenberg
facebook.com/MarcLotenberg Written by: Marc Lotenberg

With June 21st marking the first official day of summer, our countdown has begun! Each week we're highlighting some of our favorite suits that won't break the bank. This week's pick? Red Carter's Crocheted Peridot Bikini.

The Details:
An olivine under layer peeks though creamy needlework. Lettuce-leaf ruffles trim the edges on both top and bottom. The banded-bottom halter with molded cups has tie/clasp at back and are paired with lined hipster bottoms.

$78 | redcarter.com Written by: Kira Coplin

With June 21st marking the first official day of summer, our countdown has begun! Each week we're highlighting some of our favorite suits that won't break the bank. This week's pick? Tori Praver's Floral Rush Bikini.

Details:
An entirely reversible pairing with itty-bitty buds on one side and petal-pink smocking on the other. Top has removable halter strap and pullover styling.

$98 | anthropologie.com Written by: Kira Coplin

With June 21st marking the first official day of summer, our countdown has begun! Each week we're highlighting some of our favorite suits that won't break the bank. This week's pick? Billabong's Allie One-Piece.

The Details:
An itsy ditsy monkini in a pretty floral print. Swimsuit features an underwire bodice and removable strap.

$59.50 | swell.com Written by: Kira Coplin

How cute is this bike?!?! G by Guess, the latest brand extension from denim giant Guess, created this limited-edition, retro-inspired bike just in time for summer. A singlespeed Dutch bike with step-through frame, balloon tires, a center kickstand, and colorful paint job, this bike is eye catching, fun and flirty. A matching guys version, modeled after cafe racers of the 1960s, is also available.

Want to score one for yourself? All PULSE members, customers enrolled in G by GUESS’ loyalty program, can enter for a chance to win a bike by emailing a childhood photo of themselves on their first bike to facebook@gbyguess.com with their full name and e-mail address associated with their PULSE account. All photo submissions will be uploaded to the “G by GUESS Bike Giveaway” photo album on Facebook, where two winners will be selected. Don't have a pic to email? No sweat - all PULSE members who make a purchase in stores or online between now and May 23 will be automatically entered to win a G by GUESS bike.

And if you really, really want one and can't wait to see if you win, the limited edition bikes ($399 each) are available for purchase now on www.GbyGUESS.com while supplies last. Written by: Rebecca Voigt

Out with the old, in with the new...just as Rebecca Minkoff launches her new LA Shop in Shop (opening at the end of the month), the designer also hosts a pretty rad sample sale. Kicking off with VIP night on June 2nd from 5-9 p.m., the deals will be up for grabs thru Sunday, June 5th at Confederacy.

Sneak Peek items include:
The Boyfriend cross-body
Retail price $295 / Sample Sale price $178

Studded Rocker
Retail price $330 / Sample Sale price $182

Beloved Mini cross-body
Retail price $395 / Sample Sale price $217

Laptop case
Retail price $195 / Sample Sale price $107

Matinee
Retail price $595 / Sample Sale price $327

*Hours:
VIP night Thursday, 06.02.11; 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday 06.03.11; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday 06.04.11; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday 06.05.11; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

REBECCA MINKOFF / CONFEDERACY
Rebecca Minkoff at Confederacy | 4661 Hollywood Blvd., Los Feliz | rebeccaminkoff.com Written by: Kira Coplin

With June 21st marking the first official day of summer, our countdown has begun! Each week we're highlighting some of our favorite suits that won't break the bank. This week's pick? Quicksilver's Mix It Up Reversible Bikini.

The Details:
From the purveyor of all things surf related, the Mix It Up Reversible Bikini has detachable straps and is reversible so you can change it up.

$88 | quiksilver.com Written by: Kira Coplin

From designer/owner Jason Geter and Emmett Harrell, Strivers Row is one of our favorites when it comes to denim. Drawing inspiration from the 1920s and 1930s, the clothing collection pays homage to American history and is designed to respect both the past and the present. We love the"Al Murphy" jeans, which feature a unique wash, super soft Japanese Selvedge denim and detailed hardware. Check them out...

striversrowusa.com Written by: Kira Coplin

The annual Costume Institute Gala at the Met was held last night, and the fashion was absolutely incredible! Since this year's exhibition honors the late Alexander McQueen, there were obviously many attendees honoring the designer and his successor, Sarah Burton, who is fresh off designing THE dress of the century (if you don't know what I'm talking about, you live under a rock). Stella McCartney, another British designer, also made an incredibly strong showing, with everyone from a glowing Kate Hudson to an adorable Hailee Steinfeld wearing her designs. See the full gallery here and leave your picks for best and worst in the comments!

http://www.style.com/peopleparties/parties/scoop/redcarpet-050211_Costume_Institute_Gala/ Written by: Rebecca Voigt

Let's face it - there's nothing more fierce than a bold combo of black and gold to add polish to any outfit,day or night. We're not just talking about our jewelry, however - now you can let your inner five-year-old scream for joy while still sporting an edgy, big-girl manicure by coating black nails with a gold, glitter-y topcoat. Deborah Lippman (as seen above) and Sephora by O.P.I both make pretty sweet gold glitter coats for the digits that'll make your fresh coat of nail paint last for days. The end result is a gold-flecked, pyrite-y finish, and when layered on top of black creates an edgy, yet still wearable, manicure that'll take you from bleak, to chic.

Written by: Keira Rowland

With June 21st marking the first official day of summer, our countdown has begun! Each week we're highlighting some of our favorite suits that won't break the bank. This week's pick? Insight's Twist of Lime Bandeau Bikini.

The Details:
Bikini set with colorblock bandeau top with knot between cups and boning at sides and lined, solid bottoms.

$66 | shopbop.com Written by: Kira Coplin

A couple years ago, Brett Leve relentlessly approached me about joining something called Summit Series. A co-founder, Leve and his team have created a group that engages the world's most dynamic dreamers and doers through curated events and initiatives designed to make the world a better place. I had no clue what this Summit Series was nor do I think they do either yet, but the passion he exuded was electric. For a long time I made excuses on why I couldn’t go witness his dream he was pitching me on, but this April I went. Now I am hooked like a junkie on smack. Words can't explain the experience so I will skip it but if you are lucky enough to have Elliot (the other founder), Brett, Josh, Justin, Jeff or one of the other amazing people from Summit ever ask you to be part of their family just say yes, trust me. Girls and gays, the boys I named happen to all be young and good looking, but don’t say yes for that. Don’t ask to join either, it's an invite-only thing. If you should be there, they will know.

During my three-day Summit, I was lucky enough to listen, speak, inquire, challenge and occasionally party with the below who stood out most from the group.

Sir Richard Branson
Chairmen, Virgin Group
As the opening of the weekend, Branson discussed his vision and how taking risks are important because if you are scared of failure you can't be successful. Have you heard of Virgin Cola and Branson’s idea to take on Coca-Cola? It's always entertaining when number 254 on Forbes list of Richest People In The World tells you about their big fuck-ups. But it's even more inspiring when the same person announces he is launching Virgin Oceanic, where they are building the world's first submarine capable of taking a human to explore the depths of our planet. No one has been to the bottom of our planet but several people have walked on the moon. Scary thought.

Blake Mycoskie
Chief Shoe Giver, TOMS Shoes
You gotta like someone who lives on sailboat, but you must love someone who has given more than 1 million shoes to people in need. Blake’s entire outlook on life could be viewed as crazy or genius — I go with the latter. As he brought out a 7-foot-tall cardboard cylinder he told us, "The next one-for-one product is inside this mystery box, which will be opened on June 7. The truth is what’s inside this box is not nearly as important as what is represents. TOMS is no longer a shoe company, it's a one-for-one company."

Beth Comstock
CMO, GE
There is this small outfit called GE, it’s a 130-year-old advanced technology, services and finance company taking on the world's toughest challenges. Operating in more than 100 countries and employing about 300,000 people, Beth leads the company's organic growth. “Business needs to enact social change, not just for internal staff, but for the community,” she says. “It gives employees a sense of mission and purpose.” Just from seeing her commanding approach in speaking, it's easy to see how she has moved up as one of the most successful females in our time. She's married with two kids, yet still finds time to solve the largest problems we are faced with in global change. Ecomagination, a brilliant concept is what everyone should take a look at. While GE doesn’t need to do this, they realize they should, and its engaging their staff and public exponentially. ecomagination.com

Bob McKnight
CEO, Quiksilver
I grew up in NY during the Spicoli days thinking all surfers were just stoned and burnt. Wearing boardshorts and holding a beer, Bob chatted in a calm, cool and collected way about how he got started following his lifestyle and turning it into a billion-dollar business — and how he almost lost it all over a bad acquisition of Rossignol. Mistakes aside, he relentlessly persevered through the challenges in his quest to be the leading global youth apparel company. His views on “co-opetition” and why he is friends with the other brand owners who are competing with Quiksilver is how you can tell this is only the beginning for them. If you aren’t sure, check out the awesome retail space they have in NYC's Times Square next time. Guess this surfer showed me.

Gary Vaynerchuck
Founder, Vayner Media
The Tony Soprano of the children’s neighborhood lemonade stand business, Gary was probably the most entertaining of the bunch. From New York Times best-selling books like Crush It! to his new book The Thank You Economy, I am excited to see what the next 10 years brings Gary (maybe he will complete his dream of owning the NY Jets).

Shai Agassi
CEO, Better Place Electric Vehicles
TIME magazine named Shai one of the world’s 100 most influential people in 2009, and not just because he is Jewish, but because of his solution to free cars from oil. At $5/gallon to fill up my car these days I am hoping Shai succeeds in his vision as many countries have signed on, with Israel leading the movement.

If you Google, check these people out. If you Facebook, look them up. If you Tweet, follow them. But if you have time to do more than that online, well, that explains why you'll never be invited to the Summit Series.


Marc Lotenberg
Carnival Crusder/Dynamic Dreamer/Survivor of Coachella 2011
teammarc@944.com
twitter.com/MarcLotenberg
facebook.com/MarcLotenberg Written by: Marc Lotenberg