Edition #12: I Woke Up Like This
A Beach Wardrobe Formula ☼ A Sunscreen Specialist’s Top Picks for All Skin Phototypes ☼ ICYMI: The Holiday Gift Guide is Here!
I found the canvas bag I want to take on my next beach vacation, and I found it while randomly scrolling through the Instagram account of a Spanish influencer. It gives the Little Liffner Stripe Tote look for less, and it’s canvas like the A.P.C. Diane Canvas Tote that I’ve been eyeing on Gilt. Unfortunately, it’s no longer available on the brand’s website, so I ordered it from an online shop that I am now a little wary about and I’m really glad I used PayPal for this transaction. It remains to be seen whether I receive this bag. If it arrives, I’ll share the link, so bookmark this post for an update.
When I wasn’t stalking Spanish influencers on Instagram, I was filling my Amazon cart with nearly every product recommended by Dr. Julian Sass, sunscreen specialist and Head of Research and Development at 4.5.6. Skin.
I stumbled upon Julian’s website this week on my never-ending quest for sunscreen for Melanin-rich skin. Julian has personally tested hundreds of sunscreens and created an SPF database on his website Skin by Scamander14. What got me excited was that he and I share the same skin phototype (Fitzpatrick Scale 5/6). So I’ve decided to try some of his favorite products and will report on my experience after my next beach trip. Julian’s recommendations, however, are not exclusive to Melanin-rich skin. You can check them out here.
🛍️ Latest Shopping
I once read a feature on a now-defunct blog about a photographer who packed only white gauzy mini-dresses for her beach trips. She wore them over her swimsuits as cover-ups, for apres-sun drinks, and in the evenings for dinner. She referred to them as her “angel dresses.” Even though I read this article many years ago, it has always stayed with me as the epitome of effortless beach chic.
I’m a strong believer in having a wardrobe formula when packing for a beach vacation - it makes packing a breeze! It also makes spontaneous trips more achievable. I’m already aware of what I’m going to be putting in my suitcase - the items of clothing that’ll enable me to dress for function and for my own enjoyment.
My go-to beach outfit formula is denim shorts paired with a tank top or tee that doubles as a swimsuit cover-up. Flip-flops or slides for walking on hot sand and a wide-brim hat or visor to protect my face from the sun. I like to keep my clothes simple so I can experiment with different shoes and accessories.
Right now, on my wishlist are the Rianna Palm Straw Hat (pictured top) and the Harper Hand-Woven Striped Brim Hat (pictured above), both from Brunna.co.
I also like this oversized woven hand fan, but it probably won’t fit in my carry-on.
For evenings, I pack slip dresses (as they take up no room at all in my luggage and don’t require ironing). However, sometimes I’ll pack a billowy dress if I really like it and don’t mind spending the 15-20 minutes needed to get the wrinkles out. Take the Monty Cotton Bubble Dress pictured above for example (See similar at Modern Citizen). I used to pair my dresses with heeled sandals or mules. Lately, though, I’ve been leaving the sandals at home in favor of flip-flops. Long live the trend!
Finally, I like to add a third piece (to use a fashion term) to elevate my basics. Usually, it’s a pair of printed dress shorts or palazzos. Sometimes it’s a white button-down or a convertible sarong. My whole goal when planning my beach wardrobe is for it to be effortless and chic, and I’ve found a formula that works.
Do you have a formula for looking effortlessly chic on your beach vacation? Please share in the comments.
🎁 In Case You Missed It
The 2023 Hammock Society Holiday Gift Guide is here! Share it with everyone who is shopping for you this holiday season!