If You Like Piña Coladas...

via H&M

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Dressing down has never been my strong suit. Picture me, as a 6 year-old, at the beach, in my sparkly bathing suit, with my ruffled plaid purse slung over my shoulder (yes, it was as awesome as it sounds). You could not rip that thing off me no matter how big the waves got or how hard my parents tried. And boy did they try. I couldn't help myself, I was born to accessorize. And yet, I've witnessed more blinged-out beach babes and foundation-plastered trophy wives at the gym than I care to count. So, over the years, through trial and error, I've learned the art of subtlety when it comes to casual style. The goal (always and forever) is looking like you care, but not too much. Never too much. 

Whether you plan on hitting the beach, cottage or pool-deck this summer, swimwear is way more than just swimsuits. If you're like me, you probably spend 86% of your time out of the water with your perfectly-pedicured feet planted firmly on solid ground. Whether lounging on a chaise reading a smutty beach read or making sand castles with your littles, a banging beach wardrobe is within your reach. From sunnies to cover-ups to an Instagram-ready beach towel, the stores are stocked with pretty finds to make your next trip to the water may more stylish. 

Want to make a big splash this summer? You'll be the belle of the beach in these sweet summer finds...

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Friday Find: Beach Beauties

All bags from GAP

Anything goes at the beach. While time might slow down when your feet are planted firmly in the sand, horrendous fashion crimes are committed every 1.6 seconds.  From Crocs to too-tight-everythings, it's best to keep one's eyes focused on a trashy beach read to avoid Speedo PTSD later on. 

You, of course, are a beacon of chic, in your super cute 'kini, sweet shades and killer curves. But even the most savvy of beach-goers sometimes forget about a perfect bag. Consider it the icing on the cake (or the lime in your Corona) to your perfect playa look; and in my mind, the brighter, the more stripey, the better. I've tracked down the cutest under-$40 totes to carry all of your summer essentials, from sunscreen to your cellphone, in style...

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