When Jillian Demling isn't working as a magazine editor in New York City, odds are she's either at the beach or designing clothes that are made for the beach. Two years ago last month, Demling and co-founder Karen Mulligan launched their active-chic line Pret-a-Surf, which has been satisfying sophisticated and style-conscious surfers ever since. It helps that as surf-obsessed beach-goers themselves — they spend summers at Indian Wells in Amagansett, NY — brand research happens organically. "We jump on our bikes and ride three blocks to the ocean," says Demling, where a dream day includes a morning run and an Iced Dirty Hairy from Jack's Coffee. "By 2pm we'll be ready for our first of many Kadima tournaments. Karen always wins and I end up covered in sand trying to dive for winners." Here, her musts for a chic day by the sea:

1 Pret-a-Surf for George Esquivel Beach Bag

"Karen, George and I came up with a design that would go seamlessly from beach to street. It's chic, big enough for all my beach essentials and fits nicely in my bike basket."

2 Pret-a-Surf Bikini

"I mix and match our printed tops and bottoms depending on my mood. When I know I'll be body surfing, I wear the fuller coverage styles — I'd hate to come out of the water without my top or bottom."

3 KBL Wild Promises Sunglasses

"I alternate between my KBL Wild Promises shades and my Pret-a-Surf for KBL red Soldier Betty pair."

4 Pret-a-Surf for George Esquivel Flip Flops

"We just launched these for spring so I will be sporting the pair with red roses to match my rose printed retro bikini."

5 Dr. Colbert Products

"I swear by this line. I always have Nutrify & Protect Day Cream, Nourish Eye Cream and Stimulate Serum with me — both on and off the beach."

6 Aesthete Mane Therapy

"The heat from the sun helps the ingredients in this conditioning mist penetrate the hair even deeper. Why not take advantage of the sun!"

7 Catching Fire + Mockingjay

"I just finished The Hunger Games and cannot wait to read the next two."

8 Thermos

"Karen's mom gave us cute beach thermoses that I fill with Crystal Light lemonade."