Now that summer has officially arrived, I have selected a few beach-ready faves to ring in the season. Of course, I also highly recommend a good UV beach umbrella, UV protective clothing to wear when you need more than just your swimming suit, lots of high SPF sunscreen, water etc., but I just wanted to celebrate a few favorite finds to wear at the beach.
Wallaroo Hats ($43.00-$67.00 each from Wallaroo Hat Company): Since all seasons require sunscreen and sun protection, a good wide-brim hat with a UPF rating is a great way to offer your head, hair, face and eyes added protection from the sun. Wallaroo Hat Company makes hats with a UPF rating of 30+ and 50+, and therefore they offer great protection from the sun when you are outdoors having fun.
According to Wallaroo Hat Company,
Wallaroo hats merge fashion and protection through their UPF rating of +50 meaning they block out up to 97% of the sun’s rays.
Look for our sun icon on our sun protection hats to determine which ones have a UPF rating of 30+ or 50+. These fabrics are tested by the Australian Radiation Protection Agency and block 96 to 97.5% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Ultraviolet radiation, or UV, is present in sunlight. The Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) shows how well a fabric protects your skin from solar UV. Always remember that a Wallaroo Skin Cancer Foundation approved hat only protects the skin it covers. Safeguard the rest of your body by wearing sunglasses and sunscreen.
UPF measures the amount of UV radiation that penetrates a fabric and reaches the skin. The tightness of the weave, the weight, type of fiber, color and amount of skin covered all affect the amount of protection provided. UPF is for clothes and fabrics.
Big Sunglasses with UVA & UVB Protection: These are Stella McCartney glasses from a couple of seasons ago, but they are still a popular shape and they are big enough to give my eyes lots of coverage– especially when paired with my big hat.
IVY Swimwear Rosella Black in Nude Mesh ($72.99 from IVY Swimwear and Amazon): A fun bikini, or one-piece, is always a must-have for a day at the beach. I do not lay out to tan, and instead seek shelter under an umbrella or anywhere shade can be found, but a good bathing suit is essential for playing in the water!
According to IVY Swimwear,
This is the perfect lil tanning bikini! The gold clip on the top is perfect for push up support, while the gold minimal adjustors on the bottom allow for the straps to be adjusted to fit your curves. We are obsessed with the simple nude mesh fabric on this set. The black and nude color blocking will surely make this bikini stand out from the crowd!
Birkenstock Gizeh Birko-Flor Sandals ($99.95 from Nordstrom, Macy's, Bloomingdale's and Amazon): I have 3-4 pairs of these amazing sandals because they are incredibly comfortable and I just love everything about them. They are perfect nearly all year long in Southern California, and they look great with just about any outfit! They are definitely beach-ready!
According to Birkenstock,
Available in an array of colors, this flip-flop is fitted with a molded footbed and topped with a Birko-Flor strap, cut from fabric with a leather-like finish. The toe piece is made of flexible resin, anatomically designed to fit comfortably between the toes, and the soft suede insole absorbs moisture and feels great against the skin.
Features:
Adjustable strap with buckle closure
Contoured footbed with arch support
Synthetic upper/leather and textile lining/synthetic sole
ATRAC Magnetic Bracelet Keychain in Black Vegan Leather($27.00 from ATRAC): This ingenious magnetic keychain will prevent you from losing your keys, and you can wear it around your wrist or attach it to anything metal. It is truly multifunctional and very durable, and I am so happy because it has eliminated the stress of thinking that I lost my keys, or trying to figure out what to do with them when I don't have pockets or a purse on me (which is most often the case when I go for long walks on the beach, or just through my neighborhood).
According to ATRAC,
Stay hands free with this beautiful, soft, vegan leather ATRAC Mag Strap Mini | magnetic bracelet keychain. You will never have to dig for your keys at the bottom of your bag again, or stuff your pockets full of your essentials. Its sleek look, with high quality materials provides you with the convenience of staying hands-free. It’s famous for its heavy duty magnets that are built into the strap and make it easy to attract via the magnets through your bag, through your yoga pants or jean jacket, or simply secure the lobster claw hardware to the keyring and wear it as a bracelet. Connect your keys, wallet, lip balm holder, and any of your essentials so you can do what you love while we hold it all together for you.
Not only does the magnetic bracelet keychain have the durability to hold your items but it's fashionable and multifunctional. A simple accessory made better for just about everything you could ever need to carry.
I love glasses and sunglasses, and one of my great joys is selecting new frames. We have a really great vision policy that grants free new frames and lenses every other year, but expensive designer glasses are substantially discounted. Therefore, as one might well imagine, I go in early and hunt for new frames. This year I fell head-over-heels in love with these Tom Ford frames on the right, and these Prada Aviators were a gift from my beloved sister!
The Prada Aviators are embellished with gorgeous little amber crystals on the arms, but this particular style no longer seems to be available. Nordstrom does have a very similar pair of Prada Aviators for women, but the arms are a bit more sporty.
Thankfully the Tom Ford glasses are still available, and are absolutely breathtaking. This is my 4th pair of Tom Ford glasses, and the quality absolutely fantastic.
Features:
Metal T insets graze the hinges of geek-chic Italian optical frames.
Overall Assessment: Money well spend, and classic designs that I will wear for a long time. If you are hunting for gorgeous glasses, or sunglasses, then these two brands offer exceptional quality Italian frames that are well-constructed and gorgeous. Check your vision plan as well, you might be surprised by the extent of the discounting available to you.
Gift & Purchased. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Every holiday season I love to single out a few luxury items that I would love to own, and here are a few that really caught my eye this season. While I have a couple of them, the more extravagant items remain on my lust list.
1) SAINT LAURENT Small Sac De Jour Carryall($2,750.00 from Barneys New York): I have a Saint Laurent Zip Around Wallet and a purse, this particular style has been on my lust-list for quite some time. This style in fuchsia is even more gorgeous in person, and it remains one of my most coveted wants!
Saint Laurent fuchsia box calfskin small Sac De Jour carryall. Leather tabs thread through side gussets and snap at bag front and back, gold-stamped logo at top line; protective metal feet at base, polished gold tone hardware.
Two-compartment interior lined with fuchsia suede;
Compartment-dividing pocket with two-way-zip, additional zip pocket and slip pocket at interior
Rolled leather top handles; detachable flat leather shoulder strap
Open top
10.0" height x 12.5" width x 6.0" depth, approximately
Metallic dots flash and shimmer on a transparent hard-shell case that shields your iPhone from scuffs and scratches while channeling impeccable cosmopolitan flair.
Fits iPhone 6 Plus and 6s Plus.
Resin.
4) Prada 'Baroque' 54mm Sunglasses (Was: $300.00 Now: $255.00 from Nordstrom): I have been admiring the ornate cornices on these pretty sunglasses for a very long time now. I have a pair of Prada reading glasses that I have worn for years, and have been exceedingly impressed by their quality.
Ornate cornices compose the branded arms of artful sunglasses furnished with chic square frames.
“Private Blend is my own scent laboratory; it's where I have the ability to create very special, original fragrances that are unconstrained by the conventions of mainstream scent-making. Private Blend is designed with the true fragrance connoisseur in mind.” — Tom Ford
Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum is a modern take on an old-world men’s club. A smooth oriental, Tobacco Vanille opens immediately with opulent essences of tobacco leaf and aromatic spice notes. The heart unfolds with creamy tonka bean, tobacco flower, vanilla and cocoa and finishes with dry fruit accord enriched with sweet wood sap.
Tom Ford presents this 10-piece lip color collection featuring beloved shades named after men he admires—from intimates to collaborators to men he finds inspiring. Each lip color contains rich, specially treated pigments that deliver pure color with just the right balance of luminosity. Presented in a mahogany-colored box, this collection makes the perfect gift for yourself or someone dear.
Shades include: Ian, Beau, Julian, Addison, Leonardo, Demsey, David, Egon, Daniel and Theo.
7) Bony Levy Small Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace (Limited Edition) ($595.00 Nordstrom Exclusive): This bezel set single diamond pendant is an elegant and classic piece that can be dressed up or down, and one that you will love for years to come. I have a similar one that was given to me years, and I still cherish it and wear it all of the time.
A classic diamond solitaire sparkles brightly within the bezel setting of this handcrafted white-gold necklace. The delicate build keeps the design timeless yet allows for easy, modern layering.
Lobster clasp closure.
Diamond weight: 0.10ct.
Color: H.
Clarity: SI.
18k white gold with rhodium plating/diamond.
By Bony Levy; made in the USA of imported materials.
Shaped from pebbled leather and detailed with gold galvanized brass hardware, this small cosmetics case is as much a place to store your essentials as it is a stunning statement piece. Top zip closure.
Exterior zip pocket.
Approx. 3.9"H x 6.6"W x 3.1"D
Washable lining.
By Tom Ford; made in the USA.
Shaped from pebbled leather and detailed with gold galvanized brass hardware, this medium cosmetics case is as much a place to store your essentials as it is a stunning statement piece.
Top zip closure.
Approx. 4.3"H x 7.8"W x 2.7"D
Washable lining.
By Tom Ford; made in the USA.
Shaped from pebbled leather and detailed with gold galvanized brass hardware, this large cosmetics case is as much a place to store your essentials as it is a stunning statement piece.
Top zip closure.
Approx. 5.1"H x 8.6"W x 3.5"D
Exterior zip pocket.
Washable lining.
By Tom Ford; made in the USA.
As the summer season comes to an end, many of us are taking advantage of the last remaining days at the beach and backyard barbecues– therefore with that in mind I thought that I would share a few products to keep you protected from the sun and insect bites.
1) PARASUN Umbrella from the Revelation Collection in Blue/Navy ($59.99 from PARASUN): is, "the ultimate all-weather umbrella, offering up to 99.98% UV protection. PARASUN goes beyond standard rain umbrellas and traditional parasols, offering features that solve many of the problems of convenience, style, and effectiveness inherent in existing sun protection options." They are attractive and effective, and are the perfect accompaniment to a long day in the sun whether at the beach, on a long walk or hike, or anywhere you go.
Their Revelation Collection features a double canopy for added UVA and UVB protection, and it is made "with a combination of two colors to keep you cool and maximize UV blockage."
According to PARASUN,
The light-colored exterior reflects heat and light from the sun away from you, while the dark-colored interior keeps you cool and protected. Our patent-pending closure tab stows neatly on an exterior panel -- no dangling! Revelation Collection is waterproof, blocks up 99.42% of UVA radiation and 99.98% of UVB radiation, and offers 50+ UPF. It even comes with a UV Alert System to remind you when you need it, and it also works as a rain umbrella. Used in conjunction with sunscreen, it offers the best defense against skin cancer and photoaging.
PARASUN Features:
A lightweight, compact design weighing 12.6 ounces and folding to a length of only 10.25 inches.
On-demand shade with two layers of fabric that provide up to 99.42% UVA and 99.98% UVB protection.
Optimal comfort from a light-colored exterior layer that reflects light and heat away from you, and dark interior fabric that maximizes UV blockage and absorbs heat from the ground away from you.
Waterproof fabric, suitable for rain.
A patent-pending closure tab that neatly lies flat against an outer panel – no dangling!
Stylish, minimal design in a range of solid colors. Future seasons’ designs include a cabana stripe, prints, and an all-white collection.
PARASUN offers a suite of add-ons to make the umbrella even smarter and more useful.
These features include:
A UV Index Alert system, which sends a notification to your iOS device when the UV Index reaches a level you specify (Moderate, High, Very High, or Extreme) with a reminder to use your PARASUN.
Tile tracker attachment, to help you find your PARASUN if you lose it.
Clamp attachment to quickly and easily affix your PARASUN to any chair,
stroller, or park bench for hands-free sun protection.
If you are looking for a stylish parasol that will protect you from the harmful rays of the sun, then Parasun Umbrellas are well-worth your consideration. Available in Blue/Navy (shown), Gray/Charcoal, Mint/Grass and Pink/Chocolate.
Waterproof. 50+ UPF. Blocks 98.14% of UVA rays and 99.97% of UVB rays.
Firmoo Sunglasses ($39.00 from Firmoo): are affordable and good quality glasses that come in a wide variety of shapes and styles. They offer prescription and non-prescription lenses, and their website is easy to navigate. I chose style #FS1009, a super cute cat eye style, in Blue and Tortoise. They offer the perfect fit for my face, and are affordable enough that if they should get lost I can easily replace them. Check out all of their cute styles here!
Safe Harbor Sensitive Lotion with Natural Anti-Aging Complex SPF 50 ($7.98-$12.00 4 oz. from Amazon and Walmart): is a moisturizing sunscreen lotion that offers maximum SPF protection, "while at the same time nourishing your skin with an advanced anti-aging formula. Rich in age-defying anti-oxidants including red algae, sea buckthorn, rooibos tea leaves, lemon balm and more, this silky smooth lotion is the most nourishing sun protection that nature has to offer."
Safe Harbor Sensitive Lotion with Natural Anti-Aging Complex SPF 50:
Silky smooth & quickly absorbed
Blends in clear
Reduces visible signs of UV aging including wrinkles & age spots
Helps prevent stripping of the skin’s natural nutrients
Zinc Oxide (4%): An inorganic compound that provides the full protection against UVA/UVB range. Our zinc oxide is naturally sourced mineral that forms a physical barrier on the skin that blocks and deflects the sun’s harmful UV rays away from the skin.
Titanium Dioxide (10.4%): Titanium Dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral that provides additional coverage to block UVA and UVB rays to further reduce UV damage to the skin.
Safe Harbor™ is Free from Chemical UV filters providing maximum , broad-spectrum protection against harmful skin-aging UVA and UVB rays.
Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 10.4% (Sunscreen) and Zinc Oxide 4% (Sunscreen)
Safe Harbor Face & Neck Cream with Natural Anti-Aging Complex SPF 40 ($7.02-$12.99 for 3 oz. from Amazon & Walmart): is formulated to "boost your skins natural defenses, while protecting it from damaging UVA & UVB rays with our 100% naturally sourced sunscreen actives providing complete broad-spectrum sunscreen protection."
Safe Harbor Natural Suncare Face & Neck Cream SPF 40:
Moisturizing sunscreen lotion
UVA/UVB protection
Silky smooth and quickly absorbed
Blends in clear
Water resistant
Anti-aging treatment rich in age-defying antioxidants
Reduces visible signs of UV aging including wrinkles and age spots
Zinc Oxide (3.5%): An inorganic compound that provides the full protection against UVA/UVB range. Our zinc oxide is naturally sourced mineral that forms a physical barrier on the skin that blocks and deflects the sun’s harmful UV rays away from the skin.
Titanium Dioxide (12.35%): Titanium Dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral that provides additional coverage to block UVA and UVB rays to further reduce UV damage to the skin.
Safe Harbor™ is Free from Chemical UV filters providing maximum , broad-spectrum protection against harmful skin-aging UVA and UVB rays.
Active Ingredients: Titanum Dioxide 12.35% (Sunscreen) and Zinc Oxide 3.5% (Sunscreen).
With Avon’s Bug Guard Collection you’ll be able to enjoy these last days of summer without having to worry about those lingering bug bites. All Bug Guard products are DEET-free and provide long-lasting protection against insects like deer ticks and mosquitoes, and includes double duty formulas that contain SPF 30, vitamin E and aloe as well as an anti-itch spray to soothe bug bites. Available in towelettes, aerosol sprays or pumps, Avon Bug Guard is an easy-to-pack travel essential and will keep you itch-free. Make sure your guests stay comfortable through the day and night by keeping the bugs at bay with the Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Collection! All Bug Guard products are DEET free and provide long-lasting protection against insects like deer ticks and mosquitoes. The collection includes double duty formulas that contain SPF 30, vitamin E and aloe as well as an anti-itch spray to soothe bug bites.
The collection is available in aerosol sprays, pump sprays, lotions and towelettes from $10.00-$16.00
Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition™SPF 30 Bonus Size Pump Spray ($20.00 for 8 oz.from Avon): Provides effective protection against deer ticks, mosquitos, gnats, no-seeums, sand flies and biting midges. This DEET-free formula is dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic. It have a light and pleasant fragrance and an SPF 30. It is lightly moisturizing, and is very easy to use.
Active Sunscreen Ingredients: Octocrylene 10%, Octinoxate 7.5%, Oxybenzone 6% and Octisalate 5%. Other Ingredients: SD Alcohol 40-B, Water, Hexylene Glycol, Polyurethane-1, Fragrance, Aloe Barbadensis Extract and Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E).
Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Picaridin Aerosol Spray ($16.00 for 4 oz. from Avon): Provides strong and dependable repellency against mosquitoes, deer ticks, gnats, no-seeums, sand flies, biting midges and black flies. This comes in an aerosol can, and it is very easy to apply. It has a light scent that fades soon upon application.
Active Ingredient: Picaridin 10.0% Other Ingredients (not listed on bottle): 90.0% Total: 100.0%
Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Picaridin Towelettes ($14.00 for 8 packets. Each towelette, 9" L x 5 1/2" W. Each, .3 fl. oz from Avon): Protects against mosquitoes, deer ticks, gnats, no- seeums, sand flies and biting midges. DEET-free. Resealable bag holds he 8 individually sealed packets. There is a light scent to these easy-to-apply toilettes, but it does fade soon after application.
Active Ingredient: Picaridin 10.0% Other Ingredients (Not listed on package): 90.0% Total: 100.0%
Innoo Tech 20 LED Outdoor Solar Powered Lights Icicle Lights (Check out Innoo Tech's wide variety of solar LED string lights on Amazon): These string lights are absolutely genius! They are solar powered and compact, and therefore are portable and convenient to use. Whether you use them in your backyard or take them with you to the beach or park for your picnic, they are guaranteed to delight everyone.
They are very easy to install, and only need to charge in the sun for about 6 hours before use.
Specs:
1. Color: Multi-color
2. Balls quantity: 20
3. Solar panel type: 70x80mm Amorphous silicon
4. Battery: built-in 1.2V 240mAh NI-MH battery
5. The distance from the first ball to the solar panel: 1.5m
6. The distance between two lamp beads: 18cm
7. Charging time: 6-8 hours.
8.Working time: 8-12 hours
9. Function mode: Steady or twinkling
Package Includes:
1 x 4.8M 20 Multi-color LED Solar Decorative Icicle Fairy Lights with solar panel unit.
Overall Assessment: If you are going to be spending a lot of time outside during the Labor Day Weekend, make sure to have adequate sun and bug protection!
If you are in the market for designer sunglasses at a major discount, then you have to take a look at the great sale going on at Neiman Marcus Last Call. There are so many gorgeous styles to choose from, and just in time for Labor Day! Check out all of their gorgeous sunglasses here.
