Must- Have Beach Bag Essentials

It’s summer, and chances are the beach or pool is calling your name! For a day long excursion or even just a quick afternoon dip, it’s handy to have a trusty beach bag loaded up with all the essentials you’ll need.

Forget all the extra items that you’ve always thrown into your bag, never to pull out again until the next summer. When you whittle down your beach bag contents, you get a lighter bag full of only your must-haves. No more rooting around for your lip balm! Here are 10 beach bag essentials and tips for a day by the water.

BEACH BAG

To start putting your own essentials together, first you’ll need a cute and functional beach bag. Bags that have an abundance of pockets help keep your items organized-- an important thing when you need to quickly reach into the bag to get something out. Comfortable straps and enough space are qualities to look for your new tote. 

BEACH TOWEL

A day at the beach or pool isn’t complete without a comfy spot to take in the sun. Select a beach towel that is large enough to lay on and soft enough to dry yourself with after a dip in the water. Cotton or short looped terry cloth are great materials to look for. Cotton absorbs moisture quickly and terry cloth will dry fast. 

SANDALS

Is there anything worse than stepping barefoot onto a scorching piece of blacktop? OUCH! Don’t forget to wear a pair of comfortable sandals or flip flops that are easy to throw on. If you’re going to be hanging out around sand all day, grab a pair that you can clean off easily (or an older pair that you’re ok with getting dirty!) Avoid lots of clasps and buckles and opt for easy slip-on styles. 

COVER-UP

If your skin needs a break from the sun or a quick trip to the bathroom is needed, it’s handy to have a cover-up to pull on over your suit. From pullovers to zip-ups, there are tons of options when it comes to swimsuit cover-ups. Find a style that feels comfortable in a print that makes you happy.

SUNSCREEN + LIP BALM

Nothing ruins a trip like a terrible sunburn. Not only is sun protection a priority for a day in the sun, but taking preventative measures to shield your skin from the sun’s rays has long term benefits. Prevent wrinkles and skin cancer by applying your SPF often. Don’t forget your lips! A lip balm with SPF will help protect the thin skin on your lips from getting scorched. 

SUNGLASSES

Another necessary bit of protection arrives in the form of sunglasses. Sure, a cute pair of sunnies is fun to rock poolside, but more importantly, your eyes need extra protection from the sun. UV rays are higher in the summer, so your eyes need protection even more than usual. Since water is highly reflective, you should wear your sunglasses to reduce glare. 

WATER BOTTLE

For a day out in the hot sun, it’s important to make sure you drink enough water. Staying hydrated not only keeps your body’s fluids balanced (extra important when you’re sweating a lot!), but it assists with clearer skin, higher energy levels and fights fatigue. Fill up your favorite reusable bottle before you head out and drink up throughout the day.

HAND SANITIZER WIPES

Carrying hand sanitizer wipes is an easy way to be prepared for a quick clean. Grabbing some individually wrapped wipes are lightweight and won’t take up much space in your bag. Then, when the time comes for a snack break, you’re prepared to give your hands a quick wipe. Plus, the taste of sunscreen, sand and sweat on your food will be less than appetizing.

BABY POWDER

After a long day of frolicking in the sand, you still have to get back into your car for the trip home-- and jumping in with sandy feet is not ideal. When your skin is moist from water and sunscreen, sand sticks to it like glue. That’s where baby powder comes in! Simply shake some powder onto the areas that you want to clean. The powder absorbs moisture so you can easily dust off unwanted sand. Not only will this be much more comfortable for the ride home, but your car (or friend’s car!) will stay much cleaner.

5 Summer Shoes Every Woman Should Own

When buying clothing and accessories for summer fashion, women should make sure to consider fashionable and comfortable shoes for the summer season. They need to keep in mind all of the activities they may doing during this season and buy shoes accordingly. Our recommendations below include 5 of the most popular and versatile summer shoes every woman should own.

1. Ballerina Flats
Inspired by the slippers worn by ballerinas, ballerina flats feature a flat heel. Very light, these shoe types also expose much of the top of the foot. Also made from a variety of materials, more formal versions of these flats have ribbons and ruffles. These are great to add to any summer outfit and can work with everything from shorts to sundresses. They can also be worn on more formal occasions as well. Ballerina flats are very versatile.

2. Sandals
Sandals designs typically have an outsole secured to the foot through the use of buckles and straps. The toes and a majority of the foot are exposed when wearing sandals. The heel is also typically secured with a strap. Sandals can be made of a variety of materials, but are usually made of leather. Sandals can be worn with many different summer outfits and are appropriate for the beach, picnics, and other outdoor events. There are both casual types of sandals and more dressy sandals for different occasions.

3. Pumps
Pumps, also known as high heels, have an extended heel of at least two inches or more. Most have closed backs and no laces, buckles, or straps. Some of the summer pumps also have a variety of toe types, ranging from open toed, to close toed, to every type of toe in between. Having a pair of summer pumps can allow a woman to be prepared for summer weddings and more formal events. They are also appropriate for the office during the summer as well.

4. Clogs
Clogs are shoes that typically have an open back and a totally enclosed front and toe area. The heel is typically a platform type or a wedge. Originally made from wood, modern clogs are made from a variety of materials. Clogs can be the go-to shoes for summer around the house and for outings to the mall and other more casual locations. They are easy to slip on, and they are very comfortable and easily match with any casual outfit.

5. Wedges
Wedges are akin to high-heeled shoes, except the heel extends the length of the heel as one solid piece. The vamp, or upper, is also typically open like a pump, with no laces, buckles or straps. Wedges are a great option for more dressed-up occasions and events. They are also great when a woman wants to add a little height without wearing pumps or heels during the summer months.