Trendy Tuesday: Nautical Beach Essentials

Hello lovelies!
School is out, the weather is becoming warmer, and I am dying to head to the beach! The sound of the waves rolling in, seagulls flying overhead, the smell of the salty water mixed with warm air, and the feeling of sand crunching beneath your bare feet. But before you head to your sunny escape, there are a few things that must be packed if you wish to soak up the sun in style. 🙂
And since I am on a HUGE nautical kick lately (aren’t we all??), I thought I would continue that theme with my essentials list! Most of the items but one are under $50, so you can enjoy a nice day at the beach and save your mullah for something else. I had to include a pair of Kate Spade sunnies because that would be an item I would splurge on for the beach. Can’t go wrong in timeless designer sunglasses!

espadrille wedge // seahorse pillow // lounge chair towel // cosmetic bag

tankini // two-piece // phone case // tote // dress

Stripes and anchor towels: You can never take too many beach towels on your trip, especially if there are no lounge chairs left to sun on. Taking two towels ensure you have one to dry yourself off with and the other to lie on. Seriously, there is nothing more uncomfortable than lying down on a wet, sandy beach towel. ICK!

Book: I included a book instead of a tablet because the idea of getting away is to get away from it all. Unplug and relax. There is nothing more relaxing that lounging at the beach and entrenched in a good read at the same time!

Sunnies: Sunglasses are a must if you are to be out in the sun, especially when the sun’s rays are reflected and intensified by the white sand and water. To avoid funny tan lines, take them off while lying on your stomach, but to avoid longterm damage to your eyes, do not go long periods without wearing them. Plus, if you save on all your other beach essentials, you can splurge on that cute pair of Kate Spades you’ve been lusting over!

Tumbler: Hydration is key when in prolonged sun exposure and hot temperatures. Stay cool (and in style!) with this adorable monogrammed anchor tumbler!

Espadrille wedge: I thought about including flat sandals, but if you want to hit the town after a day in the sun, a wedge is the perfect shoe to take you from day to night. Just think of it as the sandal’s classier older brother.

Pillow: You never know until you arrive if you will have a comfortable chair to lie in. Bringing a pillow that is covered in a weather-proof fabric will make sunning a more relaxing experience.

Lounge chair towel: Unless you are lucky enough to find chairs that are cushioned, bring a chair towel that will slip over the edges of the chair and not slip off. That way you can keep your other towel for drying yourself off after a quick dip in the water, and maintain a dry sunning area .:) Also, what could be more perfect than having little pockets on the side to hold your little essentials!

Cosmetics bag: Of course you are going to take your giant beach tote, but who wants to go searching through it to find your chapstick or sunscreen? Keep all of your little items together in one small bag so you can easily access them.

Tankini and bikini swimwear: It’s always a good idea to take more than one swimsuit. One for sunning, and the other for playing around on the beach while staying more covered at the same time. These swimsuits from Target are super adorable and very comfortable (I should know, I have the navy one!)

Phone case: Just because it’s adorable and matches your nautical theme. 🙂

Tote: This huge beach tote from Target is WONDERFUL! At only $35, you can fit everything on this list into one bag and still have room to pack some snackies. And with the money you saved, you can splurge on either a really nice swimsuit from J.Crew (loving the pineapple one!) or a great pair of sunglasses.

Maxi dress: And last but not least, the maxi dress; the most versatile piece of summer clothing you will own! In this cute floral print and at only $41, you will easily transition from beach bunny to club honey!

What are your beach day essentials?

What items do you like to splurge on?