Top Ten Summer Essentials

1. Moisturizer— We’re young, we’re beautiful, we can’t imagine a day where we’ll wake up and the wrinkles around our eyes won’t just be there when we laugh- they’ll be there permanently. Unfortunately, time stands still for no fashionista. The best way to delay the inevitable is to moisturize. If you are unsure of which one to choose, look for one without oil and with SPF. Sun protection is important all year long, not just summer. In addition, don’t be distracted by expensive moisturizers, do your homework. Anyone can moisturize, even on a budget. My moisturizer: Oil of Olay for Sensitive Skin. Another suggestion: tinted moisturizer. No one wants to caked in makeup all summer, and tinted moisturizer makes your skin glow, and eliminates the need for heavy foundation.

2. Sunblock— I know that you want to look thin and sun-kissed this summer, but remember, do it slowly and safely. If you know you burn easily, use a high SPF and spend just a little bit of time in the sun each day. If you don’t burn easily, use a lower SPF and spend just a little bit of time in the sun each day. I’m not saying don’t spend the day at the pool or on the beach… just take some shade breaks!

3. Sunhat— Who doesn’t love season-specific accessories? Sunhats are fabulous because they protect your gorgeous face even when you aren’t thinking about the sun. And if you have the confidence to rock a giant sunhat, you’ll steal the show practically everywhere you go.

4. Beach bag— There are so many versions of totes out there, it makes a girl’s head spin. You can get one practically anywhere. I prefer Shopbop, but if you are on a budget, Target, H&M and Urban Outfitters all have great choices as well. Practically anything can serve as a beach bag, it simply must meet two important standards: it must be large because you have to be able to bring a day’s worth of versatility and it must be machine washable because sand is dirty! It also helps if it is colorful, because summer is meant to be fun!

5. Jumpers/Rompers— Why do I love! love! love! these trendy pieces? Because I don’t see them as a trend, but more of an emerging summer classic. What is better to throw on over a swimsuit and look perfectly ready for the country club/beach bar/restaurant? Throw a chunky necklace and some bejeweled thong sandals in your beach bag, and voila! An adorable ensemble that is easy and more exciting than a sundress.

6. Swimsuit— Duh. Of course, you need a swimsuit. But make sure that you spend as much time looking for this important piece as you do all of your other important closet staples. Ensure a great fit, and that the colors and patterns are great for your pre-tan body. It is essential that when you’re as exposed as you are in a swimsuit, you feel your most confident, so find a suit that makes you feel your best.

7. Flip-flops— Again, this seems so self-explanatory, but there are so many adorable sandals on the market this season, that I suggest buying one pair that will last you a lifetime and a few pairs of cheap ones… I suggest Urban Outfitters, Target, and Old Navy for the cheap ones. For the investment pair, decide the purpose and your personality before you buy. Are you a girly girl? Buy a pair of Tory Burch from Shopbop, Nordstrom’s or Saks. They’re trendy in a classic way, and they go with practically everything summery. Are you a more active girl? Buy a pair of Rainbows or Birkenstock’s. They are comfortable, will last a lifetime, and once you break them in, they’ll become your favorite shoes!

8. Chapstick— Okay, I’ll admit, I’m addicted. But all biases aside, most Chapsticks have SPF, and remember ladies, your lips can burn, too!

9. Cheap sunglasses— I understand the desire to buy some super cute Chanel shades to rock on the beach this summer. Nothing is more fun that seeing a beach full of girls green with envy at the sight of your super expensive and exclusive shades- until you sit on them. Or lose them in the ocean. Or toss down your beach bag and crush them. I have done all of these things. And I will admit, I am a terrible eyewear caretaker, but for summer, when you wear them day in and day out, go cheap. I suggest the convenience store on the highway to the beach. Or, if you are more of a poolside lounger, Wetseal always has incredible summer deals on sunglasses. Not only are they cheap, but they are almost always buy-one-get-one-free! That way when you destroy one pair, you have a back-up pair ready to go!

10. Water bottle— I started the list with hydration, and I’m ending it with hydration. Because when the temperature is high, you sweat, and when you sweat, you dehydrate. There is nothing that will make you look worse than dehydration. You know the way you look after a long night of drinking? Well, that is dehydration baby. Nothing else. Find an adorable water bottle, and drink water constantly! It will keep you looking fresh through all of your summer activities.