01. Sandals

Girl, pick up a pair of platform thong sandals. They were the realest in the 90s and are thankfully making a comeback now. Bonus points if the platform is rainbow-striped, or if the straps are bedazzled.



02. Summer beach read

If you've ever been on this blog before, you know I'm going to throw in some type of book reference. Grab an awesome beach read to tote around with you for those lazy days where you want to do nothing but lay in the sun (don't forget the sunblock!).

Awesome beach read qualities?

Lightweight. Yes, physically. Less than 300 pages and paperback are perfect for toting around without weighing you down.

The plot isn't overwhelmingly serious. Think satire, chick lit, romance, twisty thriller.

The writing's not too heavy. You want something you can read mindlessly without having to overthink it.



03. Versatile swimsuit coverup

Swimsuit coverups may seem outdated, but I'm totally a fan. I want to be able to not feel so naked if I'm heading away from the beach or feel the need to hit the streets afterwards. Coverups can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including a pair of denim cutoffs, a loose-fitting mumu, or can be a fun poncho-style coverup you can make yourself with just fabric and a pair of scissors. Check out this easy peasy tutorial.



Take approximately two yards of fabric in a lightweight material (I went with a striped poly/span for just the right amount of stretch). Cut off a strip approximately 3" wide and set to the side.

Fold the large piece of fabric in half, hamburger style (your fabric should more so resemble a square than a rectangle).

In the middle of the fold, cut a line about 12" long horizontally. This is where your head will go.








Place the fabric over your head to momentarily wear poncho-style. Where the smallest part of your waist hits, make a mark on the fabric about 2-3" out from each side of your waist. This is where the poncho will be "belted".

Remove the poncho from your head and fold back in half to make sure the sides are lined back up. Where the "belt-mark" is, cut a slit about 1" long - this slit should go through both sides of your fabric square. Set to the side.

Using the 3" fabric you cut off earlier, cut into three 1" strips. Tie the three strips together into a knot at one end. Braid the strips together in a traditional braid and knot together at the other end to create a long, braided belt.








Place the belt through the slits in the poncho, so you've got a solid belt on one side of the poncho and the loose knotted belt ends hanging on the other side. Place the poncho over your head with the knotted ends in the front. Tie belt to flatter your figure.










There you go. You made a swimsuit coverup!








04. A refreshing beverage

Who here remembers ZimaⓇ, the refreshing citrus beverage from the 90s? Well, not necessarily me because I was a child then, but my sister said it was absolutely one of her favorites, and as a true 90s kid, I felt so enthralled by ZimaⓇ being back for a limited time! You can pick it up in plenty of places adult beverages are sold, but make sure to check out this link to see where you can buy ZimaⓇ near you!











05. Tote bag to carry it all

You definitely need something to tote everything along with you - a heavy duty tote or canvas bag are sure to do the trick, but you'll for sure need something big enough to fit your awesome summer accessories!