Sun’s Out, Buns Out: what to bring in your beach bag

Photo credit: Mary Fortier
(Bikini top & bottom: Victoria’s Secret)

1. Sun Protection

The sun is out and buns are out, but while you are toasting those buns don’t forget about sunscreen. Don’t mess around with your skin. Yes, a deep tan looks great, but so does youthful skin. Minimize the skin’s aging process by wearing and reapplying at least spf 50. CeraVe makes a great oil-free sunscreen that is designed specifically for the face. Oil-free sunscreen is great for people with acne-prone skin and reduces shine. As for the body, go straight for spf 70 to avoid a sunburn all together (you will surprisingly still get tan!). A floppy beach hat can double as a glamorous accessory and protection form the sun’s rays.

Photo Credit: Mary Fortier
(Hat: Marshall’s, Bikini top & bottom: Victoria’s Secret; Swim cover-up: Victoria’s Secret; Sunglasses: Kohl’s)

2. Mini-Makeup Kit

Aside from protection against the sun, I bring my trusty sunglasses & a hardshell carry case. It’s also handy to bring along a mini makeup emergency kit if you are going to be beaching it up all day. Things to keep inside your mini makeup bag are hair elastics, mini-brush, spf chapstick, facial powder, and deodorant. These essentials will be your life-line for the day and keep you from looking (and smelling) like a hot mess!

Photo credit: Mary Fortier
(Bikini top & bottom: Victoria’s Secret)

3. Literature

What is going to the beach without a good read? Bring a thrilling page-turner or a stack of your favorite magazines to read while you stay hydrated with bottled water. Surprisingly, the library (yes, the place with all the books that no one really steps foot in anymore) maintains a collection of all different types of magazines. Before you hit the road to the beach, dare to enter your local library and check out some recent issues of Glamour & Vogue. (Shoutout to my girl, Amy Schumer, for being featured in Glamour’s August 2015 issue, for sharing hilarious & relatable situations, and for always being her unapologetic self).

Photo credit: Mary Fortier
(Bikini top & bottom: Victoria’s Secret; Sunglasses: Kohl’s)

4. Confidence

Lastly, don’t forget to bring confidence and yo fine self.

Breezy Summer Days (and a quick op ed on Abercrombie & Fitch)

Photo credit: Sarah von Oldenburg
(Hat: Target; Crop top: PacSun; Skirt: Abercrombie & Fitch; Sunglasses: Kohl’s; Flip Flops: A&E; Necklace: Barney’s New York; Bracelet: Alex & Ani; Ring: Market in London; Bracelet: Nordstrom)

Beautiful summer days call for light and airy fabrics. It has been ages since I dare to enter the dark, loud, over-branded and intensely aroma-filled place that people call Abercrombie & Fitch. However, this maxi skirt caught my eye in the window display and it happened to be the one maxi skirt that was the perfect length for my 5’2” stature. I sense that Abercrombie is attempting to shift their brand away from sex and customer advertisement to something more subtle. This branding shift is still not yet achieved, nor am I a return Abercrombie & Fitch fanatic, but I still admire the laid back and beachy vibe that the company is inspired by.

Photo credit: Sarah von Oldenburg
(Hat: Target; Crop top: PacSun; Skirt: Abercrombie & Fitch; Sunglasses: Kohl’s; Necklace: Barney’s New York; Bracelet: Alex & Ani; Ring: Market in London; Bracelet: Nordstrom)

Just like the effortless beauty of nature, I like to keep my style simple and casual. I combine classic pieces such as leather sandals or a denim jacket with a more trendy piece, such as a crop top or maxi skirt. I keep my makeup natural, using a tinted moisturizer with SPF to take care of my skin in the sun. A summer hat adds extra protection against the rays as well, all while acting as a cute accessory. I often find that it is hats that can pull an outfit together!

Photo credit: Sarah von Oldenburg
(Crop top: PacSun; Necklace: Barney’s New York; Ring: Market in London)

Photo credit: Sarah von Oldenburg (Denim jacket: A&E; Skirt: Abercrombie & Fitch; Bracelet: Alex & Ani; Bracelet: Nordstrom)

Taking more inspiration from nature, I channeled the simplistic beauty of the beach into my jewelry choices. This Alex & Ani bracelet features a pearl and shell, while my skirt’s pattern mimics the look of the ocean floor. On really hot summer days, a chunky statement necklace can feel heavy so I opt for a light minimalist look.

Photo credit: Sarah von Oldenburg
(Hat: Target; Crop top: PacSun; Denim jacket: A&E; Sunglasses: Kohl’s; Necklace: Barney’s New York; Bracelet: Alex & Ani; Ring: Market in London; Bracelet: Nordstrom; Skirt: Abercrombie & Fitch; Flip flops: A&E)

A classic light wash denim jacket is great for breezy summer days, providing a light layer between you and the wind. To me, summer is about enjoying nature. I like natural fabrics such as cotton and leather because they allow my skin to breathe and keep cool. During this time of the year, I try to stop myself from buying fabrics such as polyester. (Side note: why is it so hard to find cotton clothing?)

Photo credit: Sarah von Oldenburg (Hat: Target; Crop top: PacSun; Denim jacket: A&E; Sunglasses: Kohl’s; Necklace: Barney’s New York; Bracelet: Alex & Ani; Ring: Market in London; Bracelet: Nordstrom; Skirt: Abercrombie & Fitch; Flip flops: A&E)

Photo credit: Sarah von Oldenburg (Hat: Target; Crop top: PacSun; Sunglasses: Kohl’s; Necklace: Barney’s New York; Bracelet: Alex & Ani; Ring: Market in London; Bracelet: Nordstrom; Skirt: Abercrombie & Fitch; Flip flops: A&E)

Where do you find your inspiration for summer outfit ideas? Also, if you know any cute stores that carry cotton clothing, please comment! Enjoy the beautiful weather 🙂