Photographed by William Harper, Makeup by Kinshasa Hunter, Styled by James R. Sanders, Fashion Assistant Keyonna Butler

I used to hate summer clothing and I was petrified of beach clothes.

It had nothing to do with the fact that I was, and am, a big and tall male. It had more to do with the fact that I hadnt discovered online shopping yet. I spent my time combing Macys and JC Penneys both of which are great but limiting at times especially in the 90s.

My choices were small (unlike my size) and I didnt want to wear anything that looked frumpy, especially not on a beach.

When I discovered new brands and educated myself on fit, my whole life changed. I went from not wanting to go to the beach, to sitting in a cabana in Miami and arguing with the waitress who acted as if I should have asked for a Diet Pepsi, instead of the regular.

Im a firm believer in the fact that people have a right to put whatever they want in their mouths, so if I decide to drink Pepsi, thats my prerogative, in my Bobby Brown (from the 80s, not current Bobby Brown) voice.

I can do what I want to do!

It was 90 degrees outside and the heat always makes me want to fight, but I kept my composure and employed a passive aggressive angsty tone in my voice a la Brenda Walsh my favorite 90s self-righteous It girl from Beverly Hills 90210.

The Instagram photo had to be taken. I was wearing Randolph New York and the blue mesh matched the blue Pepsi can perfectly.

I never got to take the photo, but the swimsuit was everything. Here are a few of my favorite beach/summer brands you ought to know.