Beach totes don’t have to be boring.
Photo Credit: painlessthrill.
Searching for the proper beach bag essentials often inevitably follows searching for the perfect beach day. Here’s a list of some of my favorite seaside essentials, from amazing swimwear to beach reads that you can find at the King of Prussia mall for the beach this summer!
En route to the pool instead? Don’t worry. This list works just as well for you, with the added benefit of no sand in your bikini or swim trunks.
Sea/Poolside Essentials
1. An amazing suit.
As I cannot stress enough in my previous entry (Category: “How To” search for how to find the right swimsuit for your body shape), the right swimsuit can cover you up in the right places, showcase your best assets, and flatter your skin tone. If you still haven’t found the right one, don’t worry!
There are still so many selections to choose from, and as it’s July, the sales will be flowing like the Mississippi at KoP.
Sighted: Bright or gypsy floral patterns on string bikinis and tankinis are as low as $10 (a piece) at American Eagle Outfitters (AE.com). Polka dots, madras plaid, and retro sweetheart halter lines make a sweet splash at J.Crew for under $50 ( a piece). Nordstrom will be kicking off their Anniversay sale on July 17th, so it’s worth a stop as well. All stores are available inside the Plaza.
2. Sunblock
Even if a swimsuit isn’t first on your mind, sunblock should be if you plan on laying out or frolicking in the tide. It reduces your chance of pain or looking like a mascot for Red Lobster.
It is best that the SPF (or Sun Protection Factor) should always be higher than 35, especially if you plan on laying out or swimming all day. Most people can walk into and get away with one true sunblock. But, if your skin is especially acne-prone, you may need one sunblock for your body and a separate one for your face.
It may seem expensive at first, but remember – skincare is a valuable investment. If you can’t take care of yourself, who will?
Sighted: Bath and Body Works “Zero Tolerance Body” Sunscreen ($16) and “Zero Tolerance Face” Sunscreen ($16) The Plaza and the Court
3. Sunglasses aka “Sunnies”
We already know that sunscreen inside of our eyes isn’t suggested. A pair of shades have you covered to protect against ultraviolet rays, accessorizing your outfit, and concealing dark circles after a late night out.
Sighted: I recently scouted out a variety of styles at Urban Outfitters from sweetheart heart-shaped frames ($10) to wayfarer frames ($10) similiar to the popular Ray-Ban Way-farers style at Bloomingdale’s ($139).
3. Sandals or Flip Flops
You might not even realize it, as you’re barefoot on the beach but you’ll be walking everywhere else – from the shower to the boardwalk. Comfortable footwear is a necessity and sandals or flip flops are your go-to choices. And the best thing is they can slip in and out whenever you want to dig your toes in the sand.
Sighted: Right now, gladiator sandals are making a huge splash and they work well with skirts. Plus, there are a few cute styles for under $20 at Payless. For your all-around summer shoe, J.Crew and Gap is best for flip flops. As it’s July, J.Crew has a huge sale on flip flops. Most styles are as under $20! And, be sure to stop by Gap as they now sell Haivaianas which is the next best comfortable flip flop brand. Stop by to see if they have your favorite style. All stores are located in the Plaza.
4. Beach Tote
A beach tote is exclusively yours. And there’s no excuse to not own a cute one. I recently sighted really cute totes ($4.95) and and satchels ($39.95) at American Eagle that can take you from day to overnight.
5. A Mixed Tape. Or iPod.
As you should never embark on a road trip without having your car tuned up and filled with gas, you should never leave without your tunes. Tunes are your fuel for energy. Here’s some of my summer favorites. Give them a try!
1. “Sundress” by Ben Kweller
2. “Summer Love” by Justin Timberlake
3. “Summertime” by Will Smith (Perfect tune from a former Philadelphian!)
4. “”Airstream Driver” – Gomez
5. “Your Name Here (Sunrise Highway)” by Straylight Run
6. “Where is the Love?” – Black Eyed Peas
6. A Water Bottle.
Water should be as essential as sunscreen. You need to hydrate and re-hydrate. Hands down, I love my Sigg Bottle. Sigg Bottles are eco-friendly and are built to last for any lifestyle. After all, it was dubbed “The World’s Toughest Water Bottle.”
Once you select the style that you want (there are so many), note that this will be the beginning of a meaningful and wonderful relationship. (Just don’t start calling it a Siggy. It has a “tough” reputation to protect.)
Sighted: Kitchen Kapers sells some Sigg Water Bottles at KoP. Otherwise, http://www.mysigg.com sells them online. (Average price: $18-$25)
6. Beach Reads
You’re slathered in sunscreen and have a cute swimsuit to boot for it. You’re almost set for the beach. Almost. Don’t forget to pay attention to the one thing above all: your mind. Snap up a good book along with you for the trip to nourish your mind and keep everything up to speed. After all, someone once said that the mind is a terrible thing to waste…
Peace, love, and seashells!
The young lady with the Big Brown Handbag
