BEACH BAG ESSENTIALS
Written by Taylor Roberts
With Santa Barbara beaches right in our backyard, we do not have to travel far to enjoy a beach getaway. A perfect day at the beach means being prepared with all of the essentials, so you do not have to get up from your spot in the sand.
Below is our step-by-step guide to building your fashionable and functional beach look:
1. Beach Baggage
These two straw totes are the perfect catch-alls for your beach essentials. The light, neutral colors and textures make them versatile to take from the beach to shopping to happy hour all summer long. Another key feature is that they are structured enough to stand-up, so you can avoid taking extra sand back home with you. Both the Magnolia Tote and the Tash Tote can be found at Coco Cabana boutique.
2. Suit Up & Cover Up
Sunflower yellow is one of the biggest color trends of summer 2020, and the beach is the perfect place to show it off. Brazilian inspired swimwear brand, So De Mel has created this suit to whisk you away to any sunny destination. The simple, chic design is sure to catch eyes while you catch rays. Pair the pop of color with a clean, simple button-up blouse by Frank & Eileen, which is available at both the Wendy Foster State Street & Angel Montecito boutiques. The lightweight fabric is ideal for hot summer days, guaranteeing sheer bliss!
3. Find Some Shade
Accessories can make or break a summer ensemble, and this Gladys Tamez Millinery hat has us covered (literally). The neutral tones of the Leah hat make it versatile for any summer look while relaxing at Butterfly Beach or at the Boathouse for happy hour. Sunglasses are also a must-have in our beach bag. Luckily, sun protection meets style with this Santa Barbara-based eyewear brand. The Mesa frames in Matte Havana from Teddys Eyewear are a timeless aviator with lightweight comfort.
4. Sun Defense
Even under a wide brimmed hat and large framed sunglasses, protecting our skin from the sun is crucial. We want to finish a day at the beach with a sun-kissed glow and not fine lines, painful sunburns, wrinkles, and age spots. Supergoop! and OSEA have curated products to help our skin before, during, and after our beach day. Supergoop!’s new Glow Screen is a clean product to apply under makeup, providing an instant glow and dewy hydration. OSEA, a plant-based skincare brand available at Wildflower Women Boutique, has an Advanced Protection Cream to combat the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. This anti-aging moisturizer will keep your complexion looking smooth and firm, while quenching your skin’s thirst after a dehydrating summer day.
5. If the Sandal Fits
While beach shoes are quickly taken-off, an easy and stylish slide-on sandal is not to be overlooked. The dainty straps of these St. Agni Studio - Seni Slides, which can be found at Angel Montecito, compliment the other natural tones of our beach outfit.
6. Beach Reads
Swapping out business emails for an entertaining magazine is the best way to take advantage of your own mini-vacation. Our current favorite picks include Kim Busch’s book recommendations featured in Santa Barbara Life and Style Magazine’s May/June 2020 issue. Two of the included titles are Cork Dork by Bianca Bosker and American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins. Did we mention these books are paired with drink recommendations, ranging from smoky mezcal to rosé? We could not think of a better duo.
7. Towel Off
Swap out your boring beach towel for a chic, lightweight, and fast-drying Turkish towel. We are currently loving Riviera Towel Company's towels, which are designed in Santa Barbara using sustainable cotton from Turkey. The various patterns and colors are sure to compliment any beach look. Pro tip: use your towel as a beach blanket, sarong, or scarf!
8. Hydration Station
In addition to moisturizing our skin, it is crucial to also hydrate our bodies from the inside-out. Whether you prefer still or sparkling, KOPU water is sure to satiate any thirst while providing a plethora of minerals. KOPU is anything but water out of the tap, as it contains the “beauty mineral” known for enriching our hair, nail, and skin health. The sleek and sustainable packaging is also a definite perk.
What a great article! So many awesome tips to make my beach time more enjoyable! Love it ! Thanks for sharing your tips with all of us.