The first official day of summer is just around the corner. I have always loved the feeling of lighter clothes, longer days with more sunshine and the smell of sea, sand and suntan lotion.
There are a handful of items that have gotten me through both NYC and LA summers with ease and style. From the perfect strappy gladiator sandal and flowing caftan or tunic that can take you from the beach to cocktails, to a bright lip color, oversized scarf and heavenly-scented body oil, these are the items that I turn to year after year.
Here are the 10 essentials that will ensure a chic summer is in your cards.
1. Large beach towel
This eye-catching equestrian-themed plush oversized towel from Hermes will ensure that you’re the belle of the beach! 100% cotton printed terry cloth. Measures 35” x 59”. Because, really, who doesn’t want a Hermes beach towel? $610
If you’re looking for a gorgeous, colorful beach towel that won’t pinch your pocketbook, look no further than this extra-long Fish Scale towel from Target. The 100% cotton jacquard in multi-blue will have you feeling right at home by the ocean or sunning at the pool. $14.99
2. Straw hat
The Helen Kaminski Tahani raffia hat is hand-crocheted and has a raffia string that can adjust the size. It also features a flexi copper wire brim edge that enables shape manipulation. Available in natural, nougat, charcoal and flame. $225
$32.50 Now on SALE for $26.50!
3. Tunic or Caftan
The Tory Burch Tomino Tunic epitomizes the collection’s garden theme of clusters of tiny hand-painted flowers, giving it a bohemian-chic vibe. Bright and breezy, this beach-ready style is made of lightweight linen with a slit neckline and braided trim. $295
This 100% cotton, handblock printed cerulean caftan from Emerson Fry will take you from the beach to brunch ineasy-breezy style. It has a hook and eye closure detail at the neckline and an interior cinch tie at the waist. $238
4. Strappy sandal
These tan leather, croc-embossed Rag & Bone sandals work well with everything from a gauzy maxi-dress to shorts to denim. They have gladiator straps on the heel with descending bands down the foot. $380 Now on SALE for $266!
Or, if you’re looking to add a little more edge to your gladiator style, then look no further than the Valentino Rockstud Ankle Wrap Thong Sandal.
5. Multi-purpose beauty oil
Hands down, my favorite oil is Diptyque’s Voile Satin, a musky (but not greasy) blend that is heaven for skin, hair and bath. This light, sensual oil combines the aromas of Jasmine, Ylang Ylang and Saffron with the worker bee oils of avocado and refined urucum to create a moisturizing, satiny sheen. $60
6. Bright colored ballet flats
Pretty Ballerinas offers a bendy ballerina with a soft, flexible rubber sole and a 1cm heel. The Shirley in fluorescent coral with a fuschia pink elastic band offers additional sass and style that will surely become a summer staple with white jeans or cut-offs. $209
In 1956, while filming And God Created Woman, Brigitte Bardot requested a simple ballet flat from Repetto to wear on set. The Cendrillon Ballerina, otherwise known as “the BB,” was born. Since then, other film stars, socialites, fashion editors and chic French women have flocked to Repetto for this seasonless staple.
7. Beach Tote
Wm. J. Mills & Co. tote bags are created using the same rugged fabric and stitching used to make their water resistant marine products and awnings. These are workhorse bags meant for everyday use and can easily bring you from the office to the beach. When they get dirty, just throw them in the washing machine. Timeless style, built to last a lifetime (my kind of motto!) Available in a rainbow of colors. $110-198
The Big Sur from the Pacific Tote Company is the ultimate T.O.T.E (Top Open Transport Equipment) – it’s colorful, durable and fun. Available in a bevy of mix-and-match colors, the Big Sur is inspired by and handmade in California. $100
8. Sunscreen
No summer day is complete without an effective sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30.
Skinceuticals Ultimate UV Defense SPF 30 is a broad spectrum protective cream with transparent zinc oxide to protect against the damaging effects of both UVA and UVB rays. This sunscreen is ideal for daily use and is PABA, oil and fragrance free. $40 
9. Bold Lip
Every summer I find myself obsessed with a bold lip color. This year it’s YSL’s Gloss Volupte in Terriblement Fuschia (there’s nothing terrible about it!) A vibrant pink with a hint of golden shimmer, this gloss goes on more opaque than sheer, and gives a great shine without the usual stickiness of a gloss. The color is long-lasting and brightens your entire face, even without makeup. Like I said, I’m obsessed. $32
And if you’re looking for the perfect orange lip this summer, look no further than Dior Addict Extreme in Riviera. Radiant color, wet-look texture and long-wearing, this one is straight off the runways for Spring/Summer ’14. $32
10. Oversized scarf
This versatile, hand-printed scarf from Theodora & Callum can truly do it all: scarf, shawl, pareo, sarong, strapless dress – the possibilities are limitless! The colorful mosaic and paisley fabric is a breezy linen and viscose blend. $175
Speak Your Mind