The slouchy yet ironically structured Zimmerman bag offers the right amount of ease and form to any summer day. Said to be inspired by the breezy beaches of Australia, its light weight canvas design and braced leather outer layer makes it perfect to sling on a beach towel or stash extra goodies in after a long day of shopping. The soft leather will age to perfection in no time and the 10” double strap makes it easy to pick up and go, making any summer getaway both quick and easy, without being heavy or overbearing.
$350 at
Shopbop
Thanks to Kate Spade’s clever SPF Jitney tote, you’ll never forget to wear sun block again! In bright orange canvas, the practical bag is a cheerful choice for the beach and its deep bucket shape lets you pack in all those sea-side goodies, and then some.
$206.25 at
Bloomingdales
This season, a sassy jumpsuit is an absolute must-have and Missoni is at the top of the trend with its easy, breezy woven romper. Featuring the brand’s classic zig-zag pattern, this relaxed bohemian piece is ideal for your commute to the beach or just for romping around the city dreaming of being at the ocean.
$795.00 at
Net-A Porter
It’s a well-known fact that current H&M headliner, Matthew Williamson, is a bit of a marvel when it comes to summer style. So it’s no surprise that his Rope Tie Bikini was our top swimsuit pick (at least on the higher end). In soft lavender with tasty sherbet accents, the designer’s sophisticated bandeaux-top bikini reigns in the look of the season and the suit’s juicy color-combo will make for a sassy pop once you’ve mastered that coveted base tan.
$269.50 at
Net-a-Porter
Despite economic despair it’s nice to know the bathing suit has retained its ego. This asymmetrical bandeau top with matching bottoms from Urban Outfitters is just as off kilter as the market is these days, but it’s far more glamorous. The slight ruching on the bust offers the top the stability it needs for varying bust sizes, and includes boning on the sides for added support. The adjustable ties on the side of the bottom allow for a perfect fit, making it a choice investment when considering your summer style (and your wallet).
$39 per piece at
Urban Outfitters
Tired of trying to hide that spicy romance novel? Well cower no more. The discrete and powerful new Kindle DX allows you the option to forgo the monthly book club read with discretion. Confidently download books—and blogs—or whatever your passion may be, and head to the beach with ease. The paper-thin hand-held is approximately 1/3 of an inch thick and can hold more than 3,500 books—perfect for skimming a naughty tale between your intellectual pursuits. Feel free to get lost in the summer sun, as the long battery life can run for days on end. Short on time? The 3G-wireless (no hot-spot necessary) lets you download books in less than 60 seconds and the words never smudge in the heat.
Pre-Order the New Kindle DX for $498 at
Amazon
Usually, tanning goggles are reserved for indoor ultra-violet rays. But leave it to the ever-daring Tom Ford to amp-up protective eyewear for a public appearance. Undoubtedly the chicest solution to the dreaded “raccoon tan,” Tom Ford’s bronze tanning goggles are our favorite flippant summer extravagance.
$450 at
Bergdorf Goodman
Poolside revelry is more about dressing up than getting wet, so why be caught without your jewels? When gathering by the pool, or even at the ocean, slide into something lux with Alexis Bittar’s summer bangles. Since the early 1990s, when Bittar first established his relationship with Saks Fifth Avenue, the jeweler has been celebrated for his light and airy Lucite designs. Bittar’s spring collection all seem to pick up a unique hue from the sun and add a little something fun to any standard suit. These timeless bangles are an invaluable investment and will keep you looking pretty all year round.
$225 at
Alexis Bittar
The easiest way to escape to the shade, the perfect sun hat is a beachside staple. With a wide, woven brim and sweet little bow, The Gap’s Floppy Straw Hat is just the right combo of classic beach-drama and carefree cool. And its no-hassle frame allows you to stuff it in your bag without worrying about crushing its shape.
$24.50 at
The Gap
The whole world seems to be going straight to video, so why shouldn’t you? Never miss a moment (or a bikini-clad YouTube possibility) with the new HD Flip Cam Mino. This tiny video camera powers up in four seconds and has a USB attachment for easy downloads, making even the hastiest moment easy to catch. It has an internal memory of 4GB and comes in four different sizes, not to mention “power-save” option makes it simple to slip in a bag and forget; it’s memory works even when yours wont and it shuts itself off long before the battery dies.
$179-229 (cost is dependant on size) at
Flip
Bright, fun and totally wild, neons are the hue of the summer. Electrify your seaside look with the Essie’s yellow Funky Limelight polish. Seen on such style icons as M.I.A. and
Natalie Portman, this shocking shade is bright enough to stand out against the sand.
$8 at
Essie
The torrid tales of harmful UV rays are as commonplace the cold, but you don’t have to avoid the sun altogether. After launching in 2007, Suboo, the international luxury beach accessories firm, created this retro umbrella that offers all day protection and even spans large enough for two. The wide brim offers complete coverage on the beach and its lightweight to carry, so tuck yourself behind the scenes and finally enjoy some privacy in the sun.
$99.95 AUD at
Suboo
With Hermès’s orange and cream printed beach towel, it’s cool to be a fish out of water. Whether drying off after an ocean-dip or simply soaking up some rays on the sand, this bright, terry-cloth towel is a smart and stylish choice—though we know spending $530 on a towel seems outrageous, but it is Hermès. Think of it as the terrycloth equivalent of a really great bag that will last for life.
$530 at
Hermès
It’s hard to go wrong with a pair of Ray Bans, and this season’s new Retro Cat glasses are no exception. Combining the downtown-cool factor of the classic Wayfarer shade with the glammed-up feel of an oversize frame, these fun and edgy shades radiate this season's cool-factor in every color of the rainbow.
$129 at
Nordstrom
Between early evening clambakes and poolside fêtes retouching your eye makeup can get tiresome. However, Dior’s new innovative DiorShow Iconic Extreme waterproof mascara boasts long-wear action and thickening powers too so you can stay bright and in the moment all day. The tiny bristles add volume to even the smallest lashes, and the stay-put formula makes it possible to swim without fear of black streaks.
$27 at
Sephora
Eco-chic has come a long way, and ushering in summer’s high style with a sustainable mindset are accessory designers Ashley Lowengrub and Dara Gerson, the husband and wife team responsible for the nature-inspired looks of Alkemie Designs. Their entire Maiden Voyage collection is not only a reflection of the earth and its critters, but also said to be a nod to Art Nouveau movement. All their pieces are created from 100% “reclaimed” metals and are constructed entirely in the USA. Go forth in good conscience.
$171 at
eConsciousmarket.com
A little texture goes a long way and these K.Jaques sandals are the perfect pitch. The slight grain adds the perfect amount of durability to the façade of this strappy sandal and the wide thong design offers your foot room to breath on even the hottest of summer days. The neutral color works with just about anything and easily goes from day to night without having to pack an extra pair in your tote. K.Jacques, the “Artisan createur de Sandals” from St. Tropez has been concocting these summer designs since 1933 and the timeless looks are guaranteed to last you for summers to come – after all, the shoes are all constructed by cobblers at their design firm, so ever single detail has certainly been checked twice.
$212.18 at
K. Jacques
Equal parts cute and comfortable, Topshop’s jelly gladiator sandals are a beach-beauty’s best friend. Whether walking by the water or keeping cool at a seaside cafe, these vibrant strappy jellies are a edgy new take on last season’s gladiator style. The best part? Made entirely out of soft rubber, they’re only $20 a pop, so you won’t hurt your feet or your wallet!
$20 at
www.topshop.com
