Beach Day Style Notes
The best lip sunscreen, self-tanner favorites, cover up finds and beach bags that will go the mile.
As a born and bred beach girl who has never lived more than 10 minutes from the ocean, this is a topic I love to chat about. Now that we’re in the thick of summer I thought it was a good time to highlight a few style notes and favorite things when it comes to beach days. Our summer is always a bit delayed here in Santa Barbara and we’re just now getting our warmer days, which means the beach bag is officially stocked and ready to be a rotating door until September/October.
first and foremost… the prep
Nothing makes me feel better in a bikini than having a little tan. Or any outfit for that matter! And now that I’m at the age where I’m trying to reverse the days that I sat a little too long in the sun, I’ll gladly be faux tanning while finding my shade under an umbrella or hat. I’m a big fan of gradual tanning lotion… it feels easy and fool proof. I really like this one (and I have a code SamW15) as well as this one (which has an immediate bronzing affect). I just tried this tanning spray—a little more involved, as you spray it on and wash off later—and was really really impressed with the caramel color I got, worth the process!
bathing suits
Swimwear is such a personal thing depending on your body and what feels comfortable… I prefer classic low sitting bikinis (not too skimpy in the bum) and tops that work with a smaller chest. With that in mind, here are my favorites that work for me…
Anemos… I’m a major fan girl of this brand because I live in their square neck open back one-piece, also love the fit of their triangle bikini and recently got the knot bandeau style.
Fella… the Australian brand makes one of the only balconette style tops that actually fits me and flatters what I’m working with…
Malia Mills… a longtime favorite of mine (wore her suits through both of my pregnancies) because the fit is always exceptional… that low cut style that I prefer. I’ve been living in this one-piece this summer.
Eres… I will never quit this triangle bikini… the material and fit is next level and the best investment. Just got a second this summer in the tomato red color!
Cover up notes
I’m going on summer number three with this linen shirt… I have a couple now because I rely on them so much. I love the look of the linen worn in, find them ideal when I want to protect my shoulders at the beach and they pair so well with little shorts (love these and these) or a sarong wrapped as a mini skirt (favorites here and here).
Equally love a cool vintage tee paired with any sarong/short as well… or a great track short like these blue terry shorts or this GAP pair.
I’ve talked about crochet a lot lately so here are some options that would go well with a tee or linen button down… obsessed with these cotton lace shorts that would really show off your bikini underneath (also not too precious for the beach)… this black crochet skirt… also on sale and in a longer dress style (under $200)… these striped bloomers and these longer drawstring shorts.
sun protection
I keep a basket in our front entry credenza that is the home for all and any sunscreen. I make my entire family sunscreen up before we leave, otherwise it doesn’t properly go on or we just plain forget and the kids run off. We always bring an umbrella (this one is our favorite), hats (a baseball hat for the kids and this one for me) and plenty of rash guards—this is the chicest one I have found for myself while these solid colored ones are great for the kids.
Our favorite sunscreens… this stick I rely on for the kids. A surfer once handed it to me and said it’s the only thing that keeps him from getting burned on his face—apply thick! On my face I use a mixture of this tinted SPF (my holy grail favorite), or this U Beauty one is amazing too and this mineral SPF 50 milk that I love the moisturizing feeling of (especially after going in the ocean)… for body we all love this mineral spray and this one too (mostly because it smells SO amazing) and this coconut milk SPF 50, again so great as a moisturizer too! This one is on my wishlist, a bronzing zinc based mineral sunscreen with SPF 30 that I’ve heard is also moisturizing.
Don’t forget your lips! This one is hands down my favorite ever. I’m addicted to the way it makes my lips feel and I doesn’t taste weird.
the gear
These chairs were the best investment. They’re so lightweight, easy to carry and so comfortable. I also got them because I was sick of sitting in a high back beach chair that interfered with my wide brim sunhat—these hit right at your shoulders unless you recline it more, which it also does!
This umbrella… we’ve had ours for over five years—love the pattern even more faded.
Big fan of the cooler tote bag versus a square… so much easier to carry. B&P makes some really chic designs, they just did a collab with Jenni Kayne on this one.
Turkish towels only! They take up less space, have stylish designs and are just easier all around to bring to the beach. There’s a store here in Santa Barbara called Riviera Towel Company that is the most fun to shop at and pick your colorways.
Thin, but giant beach blanket like this or this are nice to have… we usually bring a couple for the kids to lie on.
the beach bag
Last but not least, and maybe the most important… a good beach bag. Some favorites to note…
I love the simplicity and size of this raffia tote… the Alex Mill canvas tote in the Weekend size (personalize this one too) is perfect as a beach bag and has an interior zipper pouch (I feel like I’m always having to put something valuable or small in it at the beach)… the extra large LL Bean canvas boat tote is such a classic vibe and ideal for towels and all the beach things… love the structured shape and minimal design of this one… the chicest striped canvas tote out there.
This striped cosmetic bag has been ideal for staying organized (also the best spot for phones or sunglasses) and keeping a few essentials ready to go in our beach bag at all times… like sunscreen, Ursa Major face wipes (ideal for in-between sunscreen applications, also great if you want a little refresh after swimming or sweating), this small pouch for little important things, tar remover (tried and true even on swimwear), hair ties and clips.
And a cute dog to keep you entertained!
Hope you’re having a great summer weekend! Updated codes for weekend shopping below.
xx Sam
Violete Grey // Samantha15
Coco & Eve // SamW15
Loren Stewart // Samantha15
U Beauty // Wennerstrom20
La Ligne // Samantha10
AMO Denim // Samantha15
Simkhai // SamW10
Merlette // Samantha15
Jenni Kayne // Samantha10
Dehanche // SamanthaW10
Oak Essentials // Samantha10
Salt & Stone // Samantha15
Sold Out NYC // Samantha15
Love this! QQ on the beach chairs -- how do they stay put if you put your full weight on the back? Will you fall backwards? Love the idea of them if they actually do stay put!