I spent the day at the beach with Derrick Russell to work on a special project. Connecting over Instagram, we learned that we were signed with the same modeling agency. The conversation carried on to our personal businesses; mine being the blog and his being his California apparel brand. When I learned the story behind Bridges and Beaches Supply Co. (BBSC), I would be doing an injustice to my fellow NorCal dwellers if I did not feature it on the blog.

Photo by Derrick Russell. Wearing BBSC shirt.

Russell came up with the idea for BBSC in his East Bay home. Inspired by the phrase, “Be privileged by your actions, not by your heritage,” a brand that connected back to his roots and that promoted the action of helping others became the goal.

Photo by Derrick Russell. Wearing BBSC shirt.

The name itself is a huge metaphor. Bridges symbolizes the effort put into materializing an idea despite the long journey ahead, and beaches symbolizes the joys of experiencing your creation.

Photo by Derrick Russell. Wearing BBSC shirt.

Photo by Derrick Russell. Wearing BBSC shirt.

What caught my interest when I first heard of the brand was that it connected to my life in a special way. I moved to California two years ago to further my fashion career and go to college. It was a large, but much anticipated step that I was so thrilled to take. My motivation to build my image, my goal to help people and the causes that are dear to me, and to remember to enjoy the ride was all captured in Russell’s mission statement. I absolutely love finding brands and people that share the same motivational pull. Seeing the creative ideas that bud from every mind under those thoughts is so beautiful.

Photo by Derrick Russell. Wearing BBSC shirt.

Photo by Derrick Russell. Wearing BBSC shirt.

The products themselves are great quality and priced fairly. The shirts are so soft, and are perfect for throwing something on that will match everything. I would totally pair the Urban shirt with a sheer black skirt, heels, and a mini purse. The Natural as the Wave shirt would come with me on my summer vacations.

Brands that have a deep story and that have a strong creative structure are the ones that feel the best to wear. Shop BBSC here.

XO- Alex