The Best Stuff For A Beach Vacation

Top row, from left: Fedora; bikini top and bottom; sweater. Middle row: embroidered shorts; denim shorts. Bottom row: sandals; bag; sunscreen; headphones

My husband and I are leaving this week on a much-needed, much-overdue vacation. To Anguilla! And without kids! So it's actually going to be a vacation! I can't wait. Doing a little bit of shopping--and a lot of daydreaming--has really gotten me excited. Here's a few of my favorite beach-vacation finds--plus why I love each one.

Genie by Eugenia Kim Crochet Fedora - I am not typically a "hat person," but if you don't feel like bringing home wrinkles and skin cancer as a souvenir, it's essential. I've owned this fedora (with a plain cord in place of the sash) for years, and I love it. It's crushable, so I can smoosh it into my suitcase, and it works just as well for pool days as it does for walking around town. This floral one is a pretty update.

Tory Burch Bikini Top and Bottom - I bought this last week and I am OBSESSED. (I can't stop trying it on!) It's so flattering, and the top is very supportive, which can be hard to find. Plus, it's really sexy in the most sophisticated way. I cannot wait to wear it.

Townsen Zuma Sweater - Sometimes I forget to pack a sweater when I'm going somewhere warm, and I always, always regret it. This lightweight one would be perfect paired with blue or white jeans, thrown over a bikini, or worn on the plane.

Topshop Embroidered Shorts - If I wear shorts, they're usually denim cutoffs. But these are convincing me to get out of that rut. I want to wear them with flat strappy sandals and a breezy white tank (like this one!).

Citizens of Humanity Denim Shorts - I have been living in these shorts this summer so far--they are awesome. They are a bit longer than most denim shorts, which means they cover the top of my thighs (where other, too-short shorts tend to bunch up in the most unattractive way), and that makes them infinitely more flattering. I also love how they're a bit loose in certain spots, but still tight in the right places. They're not cheap, but so worth it to me since I wear them so much. 

DV by Dolce Vita Sandals - I live in flat sandals when I'm on vacation. Honestly, if I'm going to an island, I don't even pack heels anymore--they just end up collecting dust in my suitcase. These flat strappy sandals are sexy and comfy, and when you're on vacation, there's no better combo than that.

Foley + Corinna Tote - A good straw bag is a vacation must. One that's cute like this can double as a beach tote and a day bag for sightseeing, shopping, etc. If you want to be a real packing star, you could even use it as your carry-on, too. Plus, aren't the bright stripes just so fun and cheery?

Oscar de la Renta Sunscreen Stick - I've mentioned before that Oscar de la Renta sunscreen is one of my favorite products--great formula and just so glamorous. This stick version is perfect for travel. I'll slip it into my carry-on, so that I can be protected at the pool...even if the airline loses my bag. (This is totally the kind of thing I stress about!)

Frendz Rose Gold Headphones - Best headphones ever. Cushy (so totally comfy for a long flight), loud and clear (even over the deafening hum of the plane), and just so darn cool (those rose-gold studs--swoon!). I've owned them for about a year now, and I'm never going back to earbuds.

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