My Fab 5 Summer Items

Every summer, there are always a few seasonal items I have in heavy rotation while basically ignoring the rest of the stuff I own. They are so heavily used, I sometimes wonder how I survived before.  Obviously, that’s a joke to drive the point home about how much I use these things, but still.

Here are my top 5 things for the summer of 2017:

1)  Protective Shades

I own a lot of sunglasses, and among them – a lot of cheap, poorly made, fashionable sunglasses. Fast fashion aside, I wonder why I don’t bother to put the same care into my everyday shades as I do my sport ones, which are all special lenses etc. to protect my precious eyeball cargo. This year, I went for it and purchased some fashionable polarized lenses for my peepers.  I will not go back.

2) Fun Beach Top

I’m a sucker for a slogan tee, just ask my husband/sister/best friend/mom….  etc. etc. I am thrilled to collaborate with Moonlit 13 Clothing Co. for this super cute and very appropriate summer tank, available in pink, heather gray, dark gray and white.  This tank pretty much personifies me in the summer, minus the fact that our beach is fresh water instead of salt (whomp whomp).  The lovely team at Moonlit 13 even gave me a code to share with you all!  Use:  WONDERLAND for 20% of your purchase 🙂

3) Patterned Swimwear

I love the pattern on this 2-piece, and the fit of the bottoms are perfect for my body type.  I always get a compliment on this suit, which doesn’t exactly justify buying it, but it doesn’t hurt 😉  One word of caution for larger-chested ladies: this style of top is a no-go.  Check out similar patterns with different strap options unless you want to risk extreme side + under boobage.  Check out the suit here and see other options.

4) Mineral Sun Block

You don’t need to have babies to use baby-marketed sun block. I have very sensitive skin and often have reactions to chemical sunscreens (hint: anything with the words oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate in it).  I’ve started using physical sunblocks (active ingredients: zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) which offer a barrier to the sun vs. absorbing the damaging rays.  The one downside to mineral sun blocks is they often leave you looking more like Casper than a bronzed beach godess. Baby Bum is a non-greasy formula that leaves minimal traces of white.

5) Bitchin’ Beach Gear

Let’s be honest. This towel serves no purpose other than endless Instagram opps and compliment fishing, yet, I had to have it.  I think it is one of the first things I saw at the beginning of the summer and immediately sent to my best friend stating, “I need this in my life, right?”  The ONLY answer in this scenario is, “Buy 3 of them.”   Is it super well made? No. Will it last for multiple seasons? Also, probably no. Does it make me smile every time I look at it? Yes. That is all.

What are your must-have items for summer 2017? Share with me in the comments!