Good morning, Tuesday. Fifth day as a 50-year-old and so far so good. I'm at my happiest of places, the beach. Even though this is one crazy summer, I feel so happy to be spending my birthday week where I feel the most peaceful and joyous. In my opinion, there is nothing in life better than an ocean breeze and view, and although it looks a little different this year, I can still socially distance by the seaside which is just fine by me.
And no week at the beach is complete without some cute looks. Just look at my fellow Philly girl Grace Kelly.
My sister and I chatted before I packed (way too much as usual) and asked why I was bringing anything more than bathing suits, tee shirt and shorts. I love that idea but I'm not really a tee shirt and shorts kind of girl. It may be true I haven't put on a stitch of makeup since I've been here, but I have enjoyed switching up my cover ups and putting on a little dress to go get some ice cream in the evenings. Pandemics aside, there are some very cute pieces to be had this Summer, and thought I'd share some of my favorites. Let's take it from the top.
A good hat is an absolute must to keep away from harmful rays. Since my bathing suits tend to be neutral and black, I love this bucket hat from Loeffler Randall, for a pop of animal print.
For sunglasses, nothing beats a classic aviator at the beach. I adore these outsized all black sunnies from YSL, and this more affordable version here .
I love beachy dresses of all sorts, but admired these leggy numbers from UK based Juliet Dunn and I'm in love. Animal print yet again and tie dye on this one but suits my mood. Also love this pretty pink number which goes great with tan legs.
In terms of bathing suits, I can't believe I'm saying this but I'm wearing a bikini this summer. This one from Lively comes in smaller busted and larger busted versions, and is supportive and beyond comfortable (not to mention affordable) all at once. Simple and chic. I"m not one for loud prints on suits and always keep it minimal.
I spotted this pair of perfect beach shorts at Givens, a store I found in Cape May last Summer and checked out yesterday and still love. These are from Jungmaven and come in three stellar, surf inspired colors, though I like the classic black and white. So cute over a bathing suit or with a tee shirt. These shorts I absolutely could do. Plus Jungmaven hemp tees and tanks are an absolute, responsibly chic dream.
It's not Summer without a caftan, and Michael Stars is going far beyond his yummy tee shirts this Summer to bring us some super, gauzy caftan realness. So soft and comfy. Great after the beach when back (working from) home in Brooklyn too. And this caftan from new fav brand is just so chic and elegant, but a bit of an investment.
Have you all discovered Freedom Moses? I feel like every NYC fashion girl is rocking these this Summer and I just love them. A great take on the Birkenstock, totally recyclable, and so many fun prints. I am partial to this Memphis one.
For my dream beach bag (I tend to use the same oversized LL Bean tote I've had forever), this one from Loewe is the bag of the season, even if none of us are really going anywhere. So classic and chic and timeless. And in that bag would go this book. Jennifer Weiner, a fellow Jewish gal from Philly, makes for perfect reading at the Jersey shore, which incidentally, is full of Philly Jewish people.
In terms of sun protection, I went all in this year and invested in Supergoop and I'm so not sorry. Loving their glow oil and their body mist so much. For my face, I'm all about StriVectin (the brand I write for). Their illuminating finish sunscreen is quickly absorbed into skin and gives you a lovely glow without clogging pores or causing breakouts. I love it and even put it on indoors to protect against blue light.
In terms of fragrance, I'm still the biggest fan of Nuxe's classic beautiful rose, gardenia, and magnolia summer scent, which I mix with a bit of Heretic's sold out vanilla infused Amber rose, which smells fabulous on warm, tanned skin. That Nuxe scent is one of my favorite Summer must haves.
I highly recommend at least a day trip or ten to the beach this Summer if you can. It feels great to breathe some salty air and stare into the sea, hoping for happier, healthier times. Cause that's what's up this seashell of a Tuesday at the Jersey shore. Yours, in happy places and beachy keen styles. XO