With the Memorial Day weekend just days away (cheers for a 3-day weekend!) you’ll undoubtedly be headed to the beach or pool. While the thought of putting on a swimsuit may not be a pleasant one there are lots of other fun essentials to focus on! I had originally planned on a swimsuit post awhile back but all of the suits I ordered from Athleta ended up going back. I promise to get to swimsuits at a later date but for now let’s talk some of the other essentials you’ll need to enjoy a day at the beach! I’ll apologize in advance for how dreary these pictures look. Unfortunately the weather is overcast and there’s no sun to be found. But we need all the rain we can get so I will not complain!
In addition to a swimsuit I think a cover up, flip flops, a hat, a cute beach bag, and of course sunscreen are essential. I own several cover ups and only a few swimsuits. My criteria for a cover up is fairly simple: I’m looking for something cute that won’t break the bank. A few times I have considered spending a little more on a cover up and this just may be the year I pull the trigger since we are taking a 7 day cruise. I love this one because it looks like it could easily go from the beach or pool to cocktails or a casual lunch.
Flip flops or other sandals are next on my list. I like a rubber soled shoe so the sand can easily be rinsed. Because of the foot pain I’m still dealing with I’ll be wearing my wedge flip flops by Vionic. They are pricey but I need the support they offer.
When it comes to a hat I prefer something with a brim to protect my face and ears from the sun. Isn’t this one from Express adorable? But this one is probably the one I’d choose. I like the price and the style!
A few months ago I had Kohl’s Cash so I used it to buy a new, cute beach bag. I’ve had a few in the past but they were never quite big enough. Now that my boys are older they can pack their own beach bags so mine only needs to hold a few towels, sunscreen, a change of clothes (for me only), and a small cosmetics bag. I’ll stash my driver’s license and a credit card in the cosmetics bag. This one does it for me, I love the size of the bag but the tassel detail is what sold me! For under $20 this one is a great option and how fun is this one? Great, affordable options!
Sunscreen is super important! We usually buy spray sunscreen to reapply once we get to the beach but I like to apply my first coat before we leave the house and that needs to be a lotion. Especially for my boys, of course I am met with a lot of resistance from them on this one but nothing spoils a great day like a bad sunburn. And nothing ruins a life like skin cancer! Looking for a sunscreen for your face? This one would be great alone or under make up. Honestly when I plan on spending the day at the beach or by the pool I like to wear It Cosmetics CC cream. It has an SPF of 50 and stays put all day. Since I wear make up pretty much everyday (girly girl) it seems weird if I don’t wear any. I also wear lip balm but usually pack other cosmetics to wear if we plan on going to dinner after our day at the beach. Since we live about an hour from our favorite beach (New Smyrna) we usually head straight home to unpack and rinse everything off.
Other essentials for me include a good book, an umbrella and comfortable beach chair. Gone are the days when I laid in the sun trying to get a tan; now I’m all about avoiding the harmful rays. Of course good company and yummy snacks go a long way in making the day a terrific one!
We’ll be spending Memorial Day at the beach with friends and I am looking forward to a relaxing, beautiful day. Are you planning a beach trip soon? If so I hope my list of beach essentials comes in handy. That’s what’s in This Blonde’s Shopping Bag today!
Fashionably,
Kellyann
Cute cover ups under $15:
Lace Swim Kaftan for Women • Old Navy • $14.95
Printed Gauze Kaftan Cover-Up for Women • Old Navy • $13.45
Embroidered Gauze Swim Cover-Up for Women • Old Navy • $14.95
Plus size cover ups:
Plus-Size Lace Swim Kaftan • Old Navy • $36.94
Gauze Plus-Size Kaftan Cover-Up • Old Navy • $36.94
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