Kyle and I were supposed to head to Whitefish for our yearly lake sojourn.  Unfortunately, the Howe Fire closed Glacier National Park and made the rest of the area a literal smokeshow.  Instead, I will sit at home and dream of lake and beach vacations.  Here’s hoping some of you ladies are soaking up what summer has to offer.

1. BR Panama Hat ($48) // 2. Ray Ban Aviators ($153) // 3. Solid & Striped Swimsuit ($79) // 4. H&M Pattern Weave Dress ($29) // 5. Supergoop Mineral Sunscreen and Bare Republic Lip Sunscreen ($34/$11) // 6. Everlane Day Magazine Tote ($165) // 7. H&M Patterned Bath Towel ($18) // 8. Avon Picardin Bug Spray Wipes ($12) // 9. Melissa Harmonic Sandals ($75)

One. I love a good Fedora or Panama Hat for the pool.  I chose this one because it doesn’t have the black band, making it a sportier look with all my beachy, summer colors.  Or you can have the classic look for $18 at World Market.

Two. These Aviators are my go to beach sunglasses.  Why?  Because if I lose them, I’m only out $153 dollars.  As opposed to the year I lost the only pair of designer sunglasses I will ever own, and was out $495.  Need a cheaper pair?  The Obsidian brand at Amazon is worth a look.  Good quality sunglasses, under-$50.

Three. I’m all about a brightly colored one-piece right now.  It says, “I’m having fun at the beach” while giving my new love-handles a bit of cover.  Solid & Striped is Outnet’s discount swim line, and the suit I bought from there is fantastic.  Old Navy also makes a good swimsuit.

Four. I usually wear an oversized men’s shirt to the beach, but I like that this H&M dress has a more feminine look to it.  Need something in all cotton?  Try this classic Land’s End embroidered tunic ($35?!), or their cute lattice voile tunic.

Five. Last weekend, I heeded the advice of my readers and wore face sunscreen to a barbecue.  Thank God, I did.  Because if the sunburn on my lips was any indication, I needed it.

Here, I’ve remedied that problem with Bare Republic lip balm; it’s mojito scented and amazing.  I also included my favorite sunscreen from Supergoop.  As for my new face sunscreen, sent to me by the fine people at Aphorism as a gift, it’s Suntegrity Moisturizing Sunscreen and Primer.  It goes on white, so let it absorb before you apply your makeup.

Six. This tote does everything  Planes, trains, automobiles, and the beach.  You could also go for this super chic Matt & Nat vegan option, which I think is my next bag purchase.  Or go for the straw beach bag, like this circle-shaped one or this $29 Joe Fresh tote.

Seven. I always bring a brightly printed towel to the pool or beach.  It’s just a whimsical thing that you can get excited about.  The bright print on this H&M towel is just very playful, and makes the whole outing feel more fun.

Eight. You need bug spray.  Let me say it again, you need bug spray.  Zika is not gone.  Mosquito bites are not fun.  No one looks cute covered in red welts.

These Avon Skin-so-Soft wipes have Picardin in them, which is a synthetic version of the oil in the black pepper plant.  I’ve found it to be as good as the Backwoods Cutter with DEET that I used to use.  And in a wipe, I don’t have to worry about TSA’s draconian 3.oz Rule.

Nine. Melissa sandals are made out of a plastic material making them perfect for the pool.  I also like them because they don’t get blazing hot when left in the sun like leather sandals.  I also like these $58 Lilly Pulitzer Cork sandals with gold accents.  Or go for these simple, chic Aeropostale sandals for $12.

So what can you not live without when you go to the beach or the pool?

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