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Lazy summer days are on the way, which means you can catch us at the beach soon! We can’t wait to get lost in a good book while seagulls soar over our heads and the sound of crashing waves lulls us into an afternoon nap. Sigh. You too? Whether you’re also headed to the sand, or your beach resembles more of a community pool or backyard spot of green, our must-have beach bag essentials will ensure you are summer-ready.
BEACH BAG
First, you’ll need a bag.
Sunnylife Catalina Luxe Mesh Beach Bag • $36 You’ll never lose this bright bag in the sand.
South Beach Silver Ombre Straw Beach Bag • $31.50 We’re loving the metallic ombre action on this big bag.
South Beach Natural Straw Beach Bag with Gold Heart • $32 Wear your heart of gold on your beach bag.
SUNSCREEN
Give harmful rays the boot with sunscreen.
up & up Sunscreens – SPF 30 • $13.99 You can’t beat this deal on sport sunscreen from Target. Be sure to reapply!
Supergoop! Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil With Meadowfoam • $34 Say hello to nourishing argan oil.
Kiss My Face Sport Treat Lip Balm SPF 30 Mint • $3.49 Your smackers need protection from the sun too.
SUNGLASSES
Keep the sun out of your eyes with some shades.
Ray-Ban – Aviator Gold-tone Mirrored Sunglasses – Pink • $200 Don a pink swimsuit to match.
Le Specs – Adam Selman The Last Lolita Cat-eye Acetate Sunglasses – Black • $120 Get in on the cat eye sunnies trend.
Anthropologie Tortoise Cat-Eye Sunglasses • $38 A twist on the classic tortoiseshell.
BEACH HAT
Add another layer of sun protection with a cute hat.
J.Crew Packable straw hat • $49.50 This hat will keep its shape no matter how many times you stuff it in your bag.
Alternative Embroidered Dad Cap • $28 Keep cool in a casual baseball hat.
Abaco Beach Company Beach Hat • $89 Our thoughts exactly.
BEACH TOWEL
This essential has two uses—it will get you dry after a swim and keep you comfortable while you lounge on the sand.
Milly Cabana Salty Beach Towel • $70 Have some fun in the sun with this salty beach towel.
Beachcrest Home Rock Island Pestemal Beach Towel • $25.99 We love the dainty dots!
Laguna Beach Textile Company Plush Rainbow Beach Towel • $93.99 Rainbow stripes? Yes, please.
COVER UP, SARONG OR OTHER SUN SHIELD
Have something handy to slip on for before and after the beach.
Vince Camuto Cover-up Maxi Dress • $130 The perfect attire for an afternoon cocktail at the beach cafe.
lovewave Malayan Pareo • $118 Toss this around your waist for your walk to the beach.
Universal Thread Women’s Long Sleeve Camden Button Down Shirt • $19.99 Shoulders getting a bit pink? Reapply your sunscreen, then pull on this lightweight button-up.
COIN PURSE
No need to bring your entire purse to the beach!
Kate Spade Shore thing crab coin purse • $128 Too cute for words.
Kate Spade Swamped alligator coin purse • $90 Trust us, he’s friendly.
Kate Spade California dreaming 3d van coin purse • $128 Beep beep.
A BOOK OR THREE
A beach read or activity is a must.
Cost Plus World Market Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel Coloring Book • $14.99 Pick up some colored pencils too!
Quarto Publishing Classics Reimagined Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland • $12 Get lost in your imagination.
Quarto Publishing Classics Reimagined, Pride and Prejudice • $12 Oh, Mr. Darcy.
SOMETHING TO HOLD YOUR SNACKS IN
Just say no to crumbs.
R&E BLUE AVOCADO BlueAvocado rezip 5-pc. Reusable Storage Bag- Set • $40 These are so much better than their disposable cousins.
Trudeau® Fuel Snack ‘n Dip Container in Red • $4.99 Dips are totally a “do”.
Paperchase Tiki Lounge Snack Boxes • $13 Keep snacks organized in these tropical bins.
WATER BOTTLE
Stay hydrated while in the sun.
Stay Cool Retro Water Bottle • $10 Stay cool while looking cool with a throwback water bottle.
Aerie Ban.do Glitter Bomb Water Bottle • $24.95 We love all of Ban.do’s colorful products.
Eva Solo Thermo Water Bottle • $65 Wear your water around your wrist.
BEACH UMBRELLA
Go big or go home.
Sunnylife – Beach Umbrella – Havana • £46.40 This one provides cuteness and UPF 30 protection coating!
Nautica 7′ Beach Umbrella • $40.99 Big enough to fit a couple friends under too.
Brayden Studio Reeve Fiberglass Portable 6.5′ Beach Umbrella • $62.99 Don’t forget the matching chair.
Need something to carry all the goods in? Check out these 13 Cute Beach Bags from Asos.
Melody Rose Rowan is the CEO + hostess with the mostess at @CuteStays. When she isn’t blogging about style and interior design for her blog MustacheMelrose.com, Melody can be found renovating @MaxineTheAirstream with her husband, Scott, or playing with her two rescue dog-sons, Jake and Finn. Say hi at @mustachemelrose!