Let's Go to the Beach

So since I hit the beach this weekend & it's the last month of summer [insert major sad face here],  I thought it would be fun to put together a cute Polyvore outfit for a day at the beach.  I really like a caftan style coverup, & am loving this crocheted one by J.Valdi, it's an easy, breezy style & will help to protect your shoulders from the sun.  This bikini by J.Crew is adorable, the top has a cool retro vibe, while the polka dots make me want to sing "it was an itsy, bitsy, teenie, weenie, pink polka dot bikini", & not to be forgotten it is such a pretty pale pink.  A straw tote, like this Rebecca Minkoff one, is perfect to hold all your beach essentials, while the pink of the strap & the simple Tkees flip flops add a pop of bright color when wearing the white coverup.  Keep reading to find out what no beach day is complete without!

J.Valdi Bathing Suit Cover Up: $56 bloomingdales.com
Polka Dot Underwire Top: $54.00
J.Crew Teeny Hipster: $29.99 (originally $44.00) jcrew.com
Rebecca Minkoff Neon Straw Tote: $110.00 (originally $195.00) theoutnet.com

Tkees Zinc Neon Pink Leather Thong Sandals: $46.00 jades24.com
No beach day is complete without sun protection.  I love the saying "Practice Safe Sun", it's something that is so important when spending time outside.  With my very fair coloring & family history of skin cancer (both of my parents), I am crazy about sun protection.  I have tried a million different sunscreens & Neutrogena makes the best by far.  I know there's controversy about high SPF sunblocks, but my attitude is if it's available I might as well use it, & even though it's high you still have to remember to apply it every 3-4 hours, & after being in the water.  The Age Shield is amazing for your face, & helps to prevent premature wrinkles, something no one wants!  The Ultra Sheer is great for your body.  Two very chic additional ways to protect yourself from the sun are a wide brim hat, they look great, & some big sunnies.  The sunnies below are a Prada Cat Eye style, which is also very retro, & while the price is a little steep, good sunglasses are worth the investment to protect your eyes & to help prevent cataracts. 

Prada Oversized Cat's Eye Sunglasses: $245.00 saksfifthavenue.com San Diego Hat Company Ribbon Braid XL Brim Hat: $44.00 zappos.com Neutrogena Age Shield Face Face Sunblock Lotion SPF 110: $10.79 (originally $11.99) target.com Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 100+: $9.89 (originally $10.99) target.com A fun day at the beach last summer!

The weather was perfect for the beach this weekend.

What are your beach day essentials?