Beachy Keen

I've been thinking about the beach lately...mostly for two reasons. First, my best friend just got back from North Carolina and she and I FINALLY got together the other night to swap stories (hers about the beach, mine about jewelry and design). And second, I'm going to be taking a little beach vacation in July with my sister (yearly trip to Indiana to stay at a house right on the beach)! Needless to say, I'm pretty excited and thought I'd do a "beach-themed" post featuring some of my favorite items to further the excitement.

First of all...gotta have the sunscreen, an umbrella and a big straw hat...especially me cause I burn to a crisp otherwise!

I like the Aveeno suncare products because they aren't harsh but they are strong (I sometimes use baby sunscreen cause I figure if it's good enough for a little one's skin, it's gotta be gentle!)

Straw Hat from J. Crew

Love this huge umbrella and chair set from Fiber Built Umbrellas...plenty of shade!

Next I worry about a cute swimsuit and equally cute cover-up, flip flops and a beach towel.

I really like the J. Crew bathing suits and I'm thinking I'm going with a one-piece this year...Maybe this one in navy??

I got a really light and fun sheath cover up when I was in Miami last year and I absolutely love it! This one is similar:

And of course, sandals are a must! I've always got a pair of these on hand from J. Crew (ummm...can we see a theme here?)

If I had all the money in the world, I'd get this beautiful beach towel from Missoni. As it is, I usually just use something that is readily available (there's a whole collection of towels at the beach house!)

Finally...I need the beach equipment, which for me means sunglasses, a great read, something to keep me cool and a great bag to tote everything around in.

I love my huge sunglasses! I have just one pair (which I'm always misplacing) but I always make sure I put them in my beach bag before I head out...these are similar (I don't remember where I got mine):

A great book is essential to me when I'm at the beach and I've been eyeing a few to take with me:

I've read her other books but I really want to read Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella

Where Are You Now? by Mary Higgins Clark looks really good when I feel like a little mystery...

And, even though it doesn't look very beachy, I can't wait to read the new David Sedaris book When You Are Engulfed In Flames. If it's anything like his other books, it will keep me laughing all day!

One really important essential at the beach is a way to keep cool when it's sooo hot (even in the shade of a huge umbrella!). I like to keep cold drinks on hand and I could definitely use one of these insulated coolers/totes:

My last essential is a large tote bag that I can stuff everything in and that will stand up to sand, sun and sunscreen. I have a few but I'm thinking of upgrading to this:

Is it time to leave yet!?!? What are your beach essentials??