Beach Packing - Must Have List

We leave for our annual beach trip on Saturday. Every year when I pack, I promise myself that I won't overpack. I pledge that I will take less and that I will wash clothes if needed. That pledge hasn't exactly worked out well in the past. We rent a house with a washer and dryer. There is no reason I need to bring tons of clothes. It's just more "stuff" to bring. But the fashionista in me is always afraid that I will get there and won't have what I want to wear. It is likely a fashion girl freakout instead of a real fear. We are at the beach in North Carolina, after all. Everyone is wearing casual clothes and relaxing. It's not a see and be seen kind of place. I am working hard to stick to the "no overpacking" mantra this year. I've created my must have list and the other items will be held to a minimum.

My Goodwill Trunk Show Caftan

Jersey Dress

San Diego Hat Company Sun Hat

Target Panama Hat (I bought mine last year.)

 

DIY Cut Off Shorts

Ray Ban Green Mirror Aviators (great prices on amazon.com)

Silver Birkenstocks

Gold Gladiator Sandals (bought on amazon.com)

Sarong (bought years ago)

 

Of course bathing suits are on my list but the items above are the additional ones that I can't live without. Some are new (the gladiators, aviators, and the caftan) but the rest are old standbys and items I wore often last year. Add a couple of t-shirts and tank tops and I will be set. By choosing silver and gold sandals, I can minimize the shoes I take. These metallic shades work with everything. I'd also never go to the beach without a big hat and sunscreen. Neutrogena is my favorite face lotion because of the high SPF and it doesn't make me break out. Hawaiin Tropic lotion is always my choice for my body, when I'm lounging. I love the smell. When I'm active, I use a spray that is water resistant like Coppertone Sport. Please be safe and don't forget your sunscreen. Just one burn can damage your skin for a lifetime. I'm battling brown spots that are the result of sun damage from my teens and twenties.

 

 



 

 

What are your beach must haves?

 



Summer to the Max

Maxi dresses are one of my favorite summer, go to, outfits. They are just so easy to wear and a no brainer when it comes to styling. I think they are one of the most versatile items in your closet. By just changing your shoes and your accessories, one dress can be worn multiple ways, dressed up or down. I love all types of maxis.



Click on the photos above for buying information.

 

I was lucky enough to snag this caftan at the Goodwill spring trunk show. I'd been searching for a fun summer maxi. I had a flowy option in mind but at $6, it was an amazing buy. I'll be adding my new crystal green mirror Ray-Bans, these easy gold gladiators and a matte pink lip. All of  these items are all recent purchases and were great deals.



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A flowy, halter maxi is definitely on my summer must list. This one reminds me of the DC cherry blossoms. I'd pair it with my black Birkenstocks, sheer pink lipstick, and pink mirror aviators. I could also change out the Birks for heels and add some sparkly jewelry for evening.



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If you're headed to a summer evening party, you could switch out your little black dress for a little black maxi. Silver flat shoes will be dressy but let you stand and chat. A sheer red lip says sophisticated in a easy summer way. Matching mirror shades will greet the sunset in style.

There are so many great maxi options, in every style imaginable. They work at the beach or at a cocktail party. I love them most because the look pulled together, with minimal effort.

Will you be wearing a maxi dress this summer?

They are in VOGUE

Hi, my name is Deb and I love Birkenstocks ("HI DEB!). Luckily now I don't need a support group to unburden myself. According to VOGUE DAILY (July 29), Birkenstock sandals are back in. For me, they were never out.  Many fashion girls will cringe at this admission because they lump Birkenstocks in with Crocs and Uggs. My two trusty pairs are styles that are no longer available made in silver and purple python. They are my go to weekend shoes. I've walked many miles in them. I've walked beaches, shopping malls, outdoor concerts, tourist sites, even the streets and bars of Key West. The arch support is great for my RA (rheumatoid arthritis). I can wear them all day long. Heidi Klum created a line for Birkenstock. It wasn't until Céline showed a fur lined versions in their Spring 2013 show that the fashion world embraced these sandals.

My favorite pair.

I also own these.

The silver pair above is my go to pair. They fit my feet perfectly and go with everything. I don't have a shot of the purple python pair but I will try to remember to post a shot of them on instagram. The crushed velvet clogs are the pair I wear least but I love the rhinestone buckle and velvet. Somehow , in my warped mind, that helps the horrible shape.

Fashion girls and celebrities are wearing Birkentstocks. Eva Chen, the new editor-in-chief of Lucky Magazine, loves Birks.

 

Celebs and fashion girls seem to favor black and in some cases silver or white. The styles they are wearing are Arizona, Gizeh, and Monterey.



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They aren't the suede hippie shoes that you remember. They come in fresh colors, metallics, and patent leather. For me they are comfortable flat shoe alternative. I always select pairs with something special. If you're looking for more than just basic black, QVC has some fun styles. If you're looking for bargains (prices range, $80 - $120), Birkenstock Express has the answer.



Click the photos above for buying information.

 

Birkenstocks, do you love them or hate them?

NOTE: This post is a nod to all of my Birkenstock loving friends. You know who you are, KP, SP, AL, LL, and many more. :)