Fashion Blog » Beaching Beauty: Top 7 Beach-Going Essentials

Starting a new job always has its perks…one of many being the downtime in between the last day of one and the start date of another.  What the heck does this have to do with fashion?  Absolutely nothing.  Except that during one of those sweet days off while transitioning, a girl can finally take some time for herself and jet to the beach!  It may be apparent that I have not had the pleasure of any beach outings recently, but with some down time arriving I can finally allow myself to get excited for sun, sand and sea.  I have decided to this by picking out my top seven beach essentials, this was an extra fun assignment since beach-going is one of my favorite things to do…

Apparently straw fedoras will be big (again) this summer.  To ensure “non-dime-a-dozen-ness” I say pass on that trend and opt for a pretty, wide-brimmed sunhat.   Admit it, it sucks having the same hat as that girl across the street, and the one in liquor store, oh yeah…and the one sitting next to you on the sand. You catch my drift.

This J.Crew stripe beach hat ($38) in bright daffodil is pretty cute, the yellow stripe is something fresh and different for summer.

I think this summer, I am opting for a bandeau style swimsuit, although I do love the vintage glamour of this Victoria’s Secret suit…

It also comes in coral.

Retro Push-Up Triangle Top:  $58 on sale!

I will also be on the hunt for a reasonably priced straw tote to throw everything into, but until then, a brightly colored canvas one will do.

Mossimo CORE Tote Canvas in Blue: $12.99

Sunscreen is definitely necessary and this Alba Hawaiian Sun Aloe Vera Sunscreen ($5.11) smells great and isn’t greasy.  And I would be completely lost if I didn’t bring my favorite lip balm in the whole world with me.  This smell of this stuff reminds me of the beach and works like a miracle.

Blistex Daily Conditioning Treatment for Lips ($2.19) is made with cocoa butter, aloe, vitamin E and has an SPF 20 in it.

A book is essential on my beach trips. Lately I’ve had a growing fascination with the troubled and talented Zelda Fitzgerald, Save Me the Waltz is on my must-read list this summer.

There was a time in my life where I thought putting coconut oil in my ocean-wet hair was a great idea.  I foolishly thought I was luxuriously moisturizing it in the summer sun while letting it air dry, when really I was cooking it.  It took years for my hair to finally recover, and now I make sure to take a leave in conditioning spray with me instead.  This Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner ($9.95) smells so good!  Spraying this into ocean damp hair and tucking it up under your fancy sun hat is a better idea.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more wide-brimmed sunhats and bandeau style swimsuits.

Discounts on tote bags.