Tag Archives: bikini

June 10, 2012 · 8:54 am

What’s In My Beach Bag?

Yesterday was super warm and balmy here in Minneapolis and it called for spending some time in the sun. I dug out my beach bag and did a quick inventory since I haven’t used it yet this year. I always leave it packed (even in the winter) so I can just grab it and go. I added some new items and got rid of some old (and let me tell you-some have been in there for 10+ years!), but all are essential for spending the day at the beach. Here’s a peek!

1. Sephora wide tooth comb
2. Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch SPF 30
3. Hawaiian Tropic Dry Oil SPF 12
4. Chanel Sunglasses
5. Sunsilk UV Shield for hair (not available anymore)
6. American Eagle beach towel (at least 10 years old!)
7. Charlotte Ronson beach hair spray
8. Target bikini top
9. Radio Figi bikini bottoms (old)
10. American Eagle beach bag (old)

Because so many items are unavailable now, I’ve put together a new list for you.

1. Sephora Collection wide tooth comb $4 available at Sephora-perfect for getting my snarls out
2. Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch SPF 30 $8.99 available at Target
3. Ouidad Sun Shield Leave-In Spray $20 available at Sephora– essential for protecting locks from damaging rays and elements
4. Hawaiian Tropic Dry Oil SPF 12 $8.99 available at Target The SPF isn’t very high but the smell is wonderful. I use it in conjunction with a higher SPF
5. Sunglasses $4 available at Forever 21 every girl needs a chic pair of sunnies
6. Charlotte Ronson Beach Hair $20 available at Sephora You know it’s my fave-spray on wet hair and get ultimate beach waves
7. Xhileration Striped Side-Tie bottom $14.99
8. Mossimo Mix and Match Halter top $17.99
I love pairing a solid and print when it comes to my bikinis-both available at Target
9. Farmers Market Tote $45 available at J. Crew I think “straw” beach bags are super cool and durable
10. Flip Flop beach towel available only in Target stores. A cool and cute beach towel is a must. I’ve had mine for at least a decade and I still love it!

A well-stocked beach bag will allow you to have hours and hours of fun in the sun. And I do recommend keeping it packed. This way you can just grab it and head outdoors-no thinking involved!

Madewell Summer Picks

I love Madewell, mainly because not only do they carry their own brand, but others as well. Their clothing and accessories are casual or edgy, depending on how you style the look. They have a vast offering of merchandise, the quality is great, and the price points vary. It’s a great place to find anything you’re looking for and you know you’ll walk away with pieces that will last you many trend-filled seasons. I’ve put together my picks for this summer. Hope you like them!

DRESSES
A must have for summer, but I think I’ve selected a range that can go through all seasons with the right accent pieces.

TOP:
Holepunch Tee Dress $99.99
Tickertape Stripe Shift $89.99

MIDDLE:
Stitchwork Silk Dress $159.99

BOTTOM:
Attic and Barn Kami Dress $235
Attic and Barn Kaoma Dress $255

TEXTILE ELIZABETH AND JAMES
One of the brands designed by this year’s CFDA winners, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen (and one of my favorites). This collection offers fabulous denim pieces and quirky dresses. I love that they chose to do the jacket in a bright pink, the jeans offer that 70’s vibe I dig, and the shirtdress is right on trend for this season.

Sid Denim Jacket $365
Morrison Jeans $245
Alex Shirtdress $245

SUMMER MUST-HAVES
Everyone needs a fantastic bikini, a great hat and sunnies, and some tops for summer. These are my favorites warm-weather pieces.

TOP:
Pen and Ink String Bikini $46 for top, $44 for bottom
Sunny Day Tortoise Sunglasses $49.50
Sheercheck Smocktop $69.50

BOTTOM:
Mara Hoffman Cocoon Tunic $213
Biltmore Straw Fedora $58
Stoneskipper Sweatshirt Tee $49.99

All items available at Madewell

Summer essentials, for me, are pieces you can wear year after year. Bikinis, sunglasses, denim, tees, a great dress-these all are essentials. Add some trendier items and you have the perfect outfits for the season.

Surf’s Up-Protect Your Assets

The days are getting longer, the temperature is getting higher, and it’s only a matter of time before my days can be spent at the beach. I’ve written several times already about the importance of proper sun protection, and although I have not always been diligent, it is now a top priority when I’m having fun outside. I’ve discovered some new, super fun and fabulous products that not only look good, but they offer excellent protection. So, all you need to do is have a blast soaking up the rays and playing in the surf. These amazing items will take care of the protection!

SUN PROTECTION

Sun Bum Zinc Oxide SPF 50 $9.00
This clear zinc oxide is waterproof and sweat-proof and clear in color (no white noses here). It provides excellent coverage and hydration as it’s formulated with SPF 50 and a blend of aloe and vitamin E. It has a delicious beachy scent too.

Sun Bum Cool Down Aloe Spray $10
This is the ultimate spray to cool your skin after a day in the sun. Enriched with soothing aloe, cucumber extract, and vitamin E, this spray hydrates and restores your skin’s natural moisture balance. Plus, it feels amazing.

Sun Bum Lip Balm SPF 50 $3.99
A lot of people forget to protect their lips, but this balm makes it super easy. Approved by the Skin Cancer Foundation, this lip wonder is enriched with vitamins A, C, and E, plus cocoa butter and provides SPF 50. This banana flavored balm will relieve the drying effects of the sun, wind, and sea, leaving your pucker very kissable.

Check out Sun Bum products at Trust the Bum. They are also available for purchase on Amazon.

SWIMWEAR

Heatwave Swim Bottom $48
This lovely bottom is a medium rise and has medium coverage. The fabric has UPF 50 to provide the ultimate sun protection. They are reversible and the rear pocket has a nifty key ring so you don’t have to worry about losing them in the sand.

Heatwave Bikini Top $54
This bikini top offers low to medium coverage, depending on how busty you are. It also has fabric made with UPF 50 so your tatas won’t get burned. Reversible with adjustable straps, you get the look and coverage you need while looking fantastic.

Lucky Luon Headband $12
Keep the sweat out of your eyes with this moisture-wicking headband. Made from stretch luon, this band will stay in place while you tear it up on the beach and in the water.

All available at Lululemon.

And don’t forget to hydrate! I love coconut water, especially Vita Coco. They have really yummy flavors and a nifty straw (kind of like a juice box). It’s the perfect way to stay hydrated and refreshed while at the beach.

You can find Vita Coco and other coconut waters at all grocery stores.

And remember to reapply your sunscreen. This is the part I always forget and I have the sun spots to prove it.

Swim Into Summer At J. Crew

J. Crew has always been one my go-to shops for swimwear. For decades, they have offered versatile pieces in fabulous colors, prints, and fabrics. They may be on the more expensive side, but for someone who spends a lot of time in bikinis, I’ve learned you get what you pay for. They last for years, don’t stretch out, and the colors don’t fade. This season seems to be one of their best. I really love all the retro suits, but am not sure I can take the plunge. I’ve always been more of a string bikini kind of gal. Here’s just a sampling of what they are offering this season.

Deck-stripe underwire top $58 and bikini bottom $46

Deck-stripe board short $68
While the bikini bottom is a little high for me, I love the top and the board short. Perfect for those days spent kayaking.

Polka-dot underwire top $54 and retro brief $50
Here’s an example of their retro collection. I think it’s super cool looking, but I’m not brave enough to rock it.

Oxford-stripe string top $46 and string hipster $48
Ah, the good old string. I really love the colors of this suit.

Ruched femme tank $82
I haven’t worn a one-piece since high school, but I do like this one. The ruche helps hide the problematic tummy area.

Anchors Aweigh skirted tank $125
Another one of the retro pieces. It would be so cute on the right person and in the right situation.

Ruched halter top $44 (not sure about the bottoms)
J. Crew has a fabulous solids mix and match collection. That way you can get the right top and bottom for your body.

Glamour-girl bikini $42
This bottom has just the right amount of ruche to hide some of that extra hip I have.

Low rider bottom $40
For days on my deck, lower is better (honestly these are still too high).

Jersey Lomellina halter top $58 and side swept ruffled hipster $58
Just a little bit of ruffle makes this bikini a real standout.

And let’s not forget cover-ups. J. Crew has many cool options that make you a standout coming and going from the beach.

Whisper gauze baja tunic $59.59
I would wear this anywhere!

Whisper gauze beachcomber tunic $59.50 and faded indigo denim shorts $79.50
This is the type of outfit I live in all summer long!

Knit tunic dress $69.50
Super easy to throw on and can take you right to a meal at the marina.

All pieces available at J. Crew

Just remember when trying on suits that you will get frustrated and you do have to try on many different styles, but I guarantee there is a perfect one for you. The stylists at J. Crew are more than happy to help you find the perfect match for your body. Good luck!

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Tag Archives: bikini

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