beach bunny

A couple of years ago my friends and I went on a girls weekend to Vegas.  I know, I know, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas....but this blog is about beachwear.  :)  The first day we arrived we threw our things in the rooms and got into our swimsuits to head to the hotel pool.  Being Pacific Northwest girls, we didn't want to waste any time taking advantage of the sun.  The six of us hopped into the elevator, and Kelly, the tiniest of the group, was sporting possibly the biggest beach bag I have ever seen.  It was bigger than she was--- the rest of us could hardly get into the elevator around it--and no one could stop laughing.  I mean, I get it, this small lady is the mother of three kids so when she packs for the pool she's bringing towels, gear, sunscreen, toys, snacks, magazines, and everything else you can think of for a family of five.  Its a little hard to get out of that mindset and realize you only have to think about what YOU need for what is hopefully relaxing fun.  Hence the name, "girls weekend".
That funny incident came to mind when I packed for the last couple of trips to the sun.  Whether you have a family trip or an adult weekend, a car trip or a plane ride will effect the size and shape of your bag.  I am definitely a fan of mixing the high and the low, and when it comes to a beach bag--starting at Target can be great way to go.  The Calypso St. Bart for Target bag is a sassy way to say hello to the sun, and pretty enough to carry on the plane.  Should you feel like stepping it up a bit, Marc by Marc Jacobs Preppy Straw Rose Tote (could the name be any longer?) is fabulous.  I also love the ethnic print and style of the bluma project orange print beach bag for a bit of hippie chick cool.
A few years ago, everyone had on trucker hats at the pool, (remember Ed Hardy--eek) followed by cowboy hats, and now every man and woman I saw seemed to be sporting a straw fedora (including me).  I purchased one when I was in Palm Springs and crushed it accidently on the way home, so had to commit to wearing its replacement on the plane when I took my next trip.  Its one of those vacation purchases that will actually work well back in my real world summer wardrobe (hoorah!).
Swimwear coverups are just as important as your actual swimsuit--throwing on a pair of shorts and tshirt over your suit is a thing of the past, ladies.  DVF makes some of the most glamourous coverups out there--sophisticated enough to take you from your pool chair to cocktails without a thought.
While I love Target, once again, for cute and affordable covers, I am not a fan of their swimsuits.  I have found time and time again that a bit of investment in a great suit means you can wear it for many seasons, and the cheaper suits just seem to stretch, pill, and become worse with time than my actual figure!  NG.  Who do I love the best for swimwear? JCrew.  We all have our body issues, but they have styles and sizes for every beach bunny.
Finally, what to put inside that beach bag of yours?  I am finally going to read The Help by Kathryn Stockett, which my friend Kacy lent me quite awhile ago and Chef's Walk Seattle by Tom Douglas on Kindle.  That and my Clarins sunscreen, a pair of Ray Bans and I am ready.  All I need now is a plane ticket....