Summer beach essentials
Posted on May 19th, 2008 by Kori in AccessoriesWelcome to our site. If you like what you see why not subscribe to our RSS feed. You can also help us by bookmarking this page with the Share This icon above or at the end of the post. Follow us on Twitter. Thanks for visiting!
If you are headed to the pool or beach undoubtedly you will want to look hot while keeping cool. Beachwear isn’t all about swimsuits. Fashion only begins with bikinis when you are at the pool or beach. To look good and attract the attention you deserve, you need to accessorize well.
It’s a wrap
When you get out of the water, you should put something on other than a terry cloth towel or sweatshirt. Cover-ups and wraps come in a wide variety of shapes, styles and fabrics. Here are some of the popular sexy swimsuit cover-ups this season.
Sarongs
A sarong is like a wrap-around skirt that features a sexy slit in the front. It can be short (mini-skirt length) or hit well below the knee. A sarong will give you a little extra coverage while you are walking around and socializing at the beach.
Pull-overs
Pull-over cover-ups don’t have to be thick and bulky. Some of the best cover-ups are those that are sheer, see-through fabric so that you can show off some skin. Pull-over usually fall to the upper thigh.
Button-downs
Like an oversized button down shirt but a whole lot sexier is the button-down cover-up. These shirts fit a little loose and are made of thin or sheer fabric. Like pull-overs, these normally fall to the upper or mid thigh.
Put on your shades
For a little Hollywood glamor at the pool or beach, put on a pair of oversized sunglasses. Big, bold sunglasses are popular everywhere. Celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Eva Longoria are always wearing their oversized sunglasses. But big shades aren’t just for the celebs. Everybody from teenagers to soccer moms are wearing them.
Here are a few of my favorite oversized sunglasses this season.
BVLGARI Oversized Square Sunglasses
These fabulous sunglasses feature crystal-studded logo details and lots of style. I like the square shape of these glasses - it’s a little bit different from the norm. These glasses from BVLGARI Eyewear are available at Nordstrom for $475.
Tom Ford Oversize Dégradé Bamboo Frame Sunglasses
These sunglasses feature bamboo-like detailing and gradient lenses in several colors. These sunglasses are stylish and chic without being completely overwhelming. You can order these oversized sunglasses for $400.
Steve Madden Oversized Square Sunglasses
You can be stylish without spending a fortune. For a much more affordable option, check out these Steve Madden sunglasses. These glasses feature square red plastic frames. They offer 100% UV protection and include a case. These Steve Madden sunglasses are only $36 at Macy’s.
Giorgio Armani Gemstone Sunglasses
On the opposite end of the spectrum are these black oversized sunglasses from Giorgio Armani. These glasses feature obsidian gemstones temples. The sexy design will be turning heads all summer long. You can get these Giorgio Armani sunglasses at Neiman Marcus for just under $700.
Morgenthal Frederics Oversized Sunglasses
These sunglasses manage to look brainy yet sexy at the same time. These oversized sunglasses from Morgenthal Frederics offer a unique shape and come in Tokyo tortoiseshell, coffee (brown) with bubblegum (pink trim), or black plastic frames. These sunglasses are also at Neiman Marcus and are priced at $360.
Jeweled sandals
If you are headed from the beach to a seaside bar or restaurant, you won’t want to be caught in rubber flip flops - so tacky! Instead you should put on a pair of jeweled sandals with a flat or very low heel. These sandals are a great choice for any summertime event from a backyard barbecue to an outdoor music festival.
Valentino Jeweled Thong Sandal
These black patent sandals are embellished with clear beige rhinestones. The silhouette is very simple but the style is very elegant. These Valentino sandals are available at Neiman Marcus for $595.
Stuart Weitzman Jeweled Wedge Thong Sandal
These sandals come in dark gold or black patent leather and feature rows of square and round jewels. The little wedge heel is a nice alternative to a completely flat shoe. These thong sandals from Stuart Weitzman are $285.
Beverly Feldman Savannah Gold Nappa Thong Sandal
These sandals are adorned with a gorgeous crystal medallion. These shoes would be perfect for a summer party or anytime you want to show off your feet. You can get these Beverly Feldman sandals online at Dandelion Feet for $212.
Valentino Fuchsia Jeweled Thong Sandal
This gold laminated leather sandal features a fuchsia stone as its focal point. The cute buckled slingback style and thin straps make this a very feminine, delicate choice. These Valentino sandals are at Neiman Marcus for $495.
Tote bags
Make a statement at the beach or pool with your bag. Your beach bag should be big enough to carry your sunscreen, towel, magazines, cover-up, shoes, cell phone, makeup bag and other essentials. Look for big tote bags in bright colors and interesting prints. Here are a few of my favorite summer tote bags.
“La Playa de Betsey” Large Tote
Check out this adorable tote bag from Betseyville by Betsey Johnson. This woven straw tote feature embroidered flowers and pom-pom trim. This tote bag comes with either gold or silver handles and trim. You can get this fabulous bag at Macy’s for $110.
Lucky Brand Jeans Painted Bare Feet Tote
This tote bag from Lucky Brand Jeans is built for the beach. The striped canvas tote features a beach mat and plenty of room. This bag comes in a colorful pink and green striped print or a multi-colored floral motif. You can grab this bag from Macy’s for $148.
Juicy Couture Go Green Tote
This natural cotton canvas tote bag encourages you and everyone else to go green with the big recycle heart print. You can order this eco-friendly bag from Neiman Marcus for just $75.
Tommy Hilfiger Regatta Graphic-Floral Tote
This tote is slightly smaller for than the others, but perfect for a summer party, concert or other event. The allover tropical floral print really stands out. This Tommy Hilfiger bag is $59 at Macy’s.
Kate Spade Orchard St. Rae Tote
If you are looking for a high-end tote that is deep and roomy, consider this green calfskin leather tote bag from Kate Spade. This bag features a slick, iridescent patent leather finish and 14k white gold hardware. This luxurious bag isn’t built for sand but it would still look great this summer. You can get this bag for $625 at Nordstrom.
Protect your skin
Skin cancer is not joke. We all want a great tan but don’t risk it with overexposure to the sun. Instead try self-tanning sprays or lotions to get a golden glow. Your face can get sun-kissed color everyday by using a bronzing powder. Apply bronzer to your forehead, nose, chin and cheeks for summer color without the sun.
While you are outdoors this summer protect your skin with sunscreen SPF 15 or higher. Use cosmetics with SPF for daily protection. You should also wear a hat or other head covering to protect your scalp and hair if you are going to be the direct sunlight for long periods of time.
Have a fabulous, fun summer!
