How to Pack for a Summer Beach Trip | Beach Essentials ♡

beach
Hey friends! I'm going to the beach tomorrow for a week, so I thought it would be appropriate to share my beach essentials. I'm also going to share the things that I think you should  to pack in your suitcase for a summer beach trip. I hope you guys find this post useful :) Also click here to check out a similar post I wrote about spring break essentials for the beach.

summer beach essentials
Detangling hair brush | sunscreen | dry shampoo | suitcase | maxi dress | playing cards | sunglass strap (different color) | bikini | hat | striped dress | sandals | camera | earbuds | tote bag | water bottle | towel | sunglasses (different color) | makeup bag | book | mascara | phone case | hair ties | sports bra | shirt | shorts | sneakers | flip flops

Hairbrush/ Hair ties
Both are definitely essentials! You should definitely have a hairbrush in your beach tote bag, in case your hair gets tangled while swimming in the ocean. You should also always carry around hair ties with you, because if you're like me they will just disappear.
Here are some of my favorite hairbrushes for detangling and smoothing my hair:
-Tangle Teezer // http://bit.ly/2alznyT
-Wet Brush // http://bit.ly/2al3EDP
-Conair // http://bit.ly/2aoVyVP
Here are hair ties that I really like:
-Ribband // http://bit.ly/2al68SJ

Sunscreen
This is pretty obvious. Sunscreen is very important if you want to keep your skin protected, which I'm pretty sure everyone wants to do.
-Sun Bum // http://bit.ly/2aADSdk
-Banana Boat // http://bit.ly/2aFl9yG

Dry Shampoo
Your hair can get pretty hot, smelly and gross in the beach humidity. You should bring a bottle of dry shampoo to spritz in your hair when it gets greasy.
-Drybar // http://bit.ly/2aHjV2u

Suitcase
Well duh... if you're packing your suitcase you need to have a suitcase. I like these ones listed down below because they are super cute and roomy!
-River Island // http://bit.ly/2aoZSqO
-Tommy Hilfiger // http://bit.ly/2aztPUk
-Northfield // http://bit.ly/2aFm02b

Dressses
I love wearing dresses around when I'm on vacation. The dress serves as your whole outfit, which saves room in your suitcase. They are also a lot cooler than wearing pants and a shirt.
-C&A Yessica // http://bit.ly/2aFlqS0
-John Lewis // http://bit.ly/2aDz9XV
-Urban Outfitters // http://bit.ly/2aFzN8B

Cards
Every time I go on vacation I always end up wanting to play cards. I always end up having to buy new cards, so now I've probably got 10 packs sitting in a shelf in my room. I think cards are great things to pack when going on vacation, because you can play fun games with them when you're bored.
-Bicycle // http://amzn.to/2alD7Af

 Sunglasses/ Sunglass strap
I love wearing sunglasses, not just at the beach but whenever it's sunny outside. Click here to check out my post on inexpensive vs. exensive sunglass dupes. Sunglass straps or croakies are also nice to have so you don't lose your sunglasses. They very conveniently hang around your neck.
Here are some cute sunglasses:
-Betsey Johnson // http://bit.ly/2aqmVP8
-Quay // http://bit.ly/2acHwpE
Here are some cute sunglass straps:
-Kate Spade // http://bit.ly/2aoYF0g
-Lilly Pulitzer // http://bit.ly/2aik2AR

Bikinis
I absolutely love shopping for and wearing bikinis at the beach. You can find really cool and unique ones out there. There are a bunch of different styles that work great for different body shapes. Click here to read my post on bikini and swimwear trends. Here are some of my favorites:
-VipMe // http://bit.ly/2ap3lW5
-Frankies // http://bit.ly/2aSVUVp
-Bikini Lab // http://bit.ly/2aqnMPz

Hats
Hats will protect your face from the sun. They are also something cute to add when you hair is a mess- shhh... no one will know.
-Chic Nova // http://bit.ly/2azx2Da
-Robert Graham // http://bit.ly/2aikxei

Shoes
I think that shoes can totally change an outfit and add a bit of fun to it. I think flip flops, sneakers and wedges are must haves when going to the beach.
Flip flops:
-Havaianas // http://bit.ly/2a8nsJc
-BP // http://bit.ly/2aDDDhe
Sneakers:
-New Balance // http://bit.ly/2aqpwIT
Wedges:
-Dorothy Perkins // http://bit.ly/2aAKNmY

Camera/ Case
Did you really go to the beach if you didn't post a picture on Instagram or at least take some pics?? You can bring a regular camera to the beach or a cute polaroid to take those beachy pics. You can also just use your phone- iPhones actually take amazing pictures. If you do bring your phone with you while your at the beach, you should have a waterproof case on it so it won't get wet from your fingers or the ocean.
-Fujifilm // http://bit.ly/2ap2Zwz
-Apple // http://apple.co/2alHwU1
-LifeProof // http://bit.ly/2ap3FBP

Earbuds
Jam out to your fave Spotify playlist with some earbuds!
-Happy Plugs // http://bit.ly/2a8oMMc

 Tote Bag
You definitely need a tote bag or some sort of bag for the beach to carry your towel, sunscreen and other essentials. I really like this one:
-Very Straw // http://bit.ly/2a9gq73

Water Bottle
Stay hydrated with a cute water bottle! I tend to drink more water when I have a cute and fun water bottle.
-S'well // http://bit.ly/2aIrXZ5

Towel
Lay out in the sun and catch up on a good book with these towels:
-Hunkemoller // http://bit.ly/2aGxxOa
-Gilt // http://bit.ly/2aEum8A
-Gilt // http://bit.ly/2aGrw4G

Makeup Bag/ Makeup
I think having a waterproof bag that you can put your makeup, cash and phone in is a great idea. That way, you can keep your stuff safe from pool or ocean water. I also think waterproof mascara is essential!
-New Chic // http://bit.ly/2a9h6t3
-Maybelline // http://bit.ly/2aqznPi (my all time fave waterproof mascara!!!)

Books
Catch up on your reading for school or for fun! Here are some of my fave books:
-B&N // http://bit.ly/2aEvJEe
-B&N // http://bit.ly/2aIuKBe
-B&N // http://bit.ly/2anvHQt

Athletic Clothes
I really like wearing athletic clothes (like t-shirt and shorts) around the beach. You can throw them over your bathing suit when riding bikes or going into shops which is nice.
-Calvin Klein // http://bit.ly/2anvn3W
-Etsy // http://etsy.me/2aCnZDc
-H&M // http://bit.ly/2aGydn2

I hope you enjoyed this post! What are your beach essentials?

Thea ♡







Spring Break Beach Essentials + What to Bring in Your Beach Tote ♡

2016
Spring Break is on its way, and I know a bunch of people who are going to the beach! Here is a list of things that I think are must haves for going to the beach and bringing in your beach bag. I hope everyone has a fun Spring Break and gets a nice, relaxing break from work or school! If you haven't already, please take my survey for a school project I'm doing on cosmetic animal cruelty (click here). Thanks and enjoy! ♡




Towel (John Robshaw)- 
Definitely don't forget a towel when you go to the beach! This one is really cute, because it has fun little tassles and patterns on it. You will need a towel to dry yourself off with if you go swimming obviously, or to just lie on the beach with. 

Hair Ties (Emi-Jay)- 
Bring extra hair ties in your makeup bag, because you may want to put your hair up if it's really hot. Also if you don't want to get your hair wet then you'll want to put your hair in a bun. I like the cloth hair ties, because they don't leave creases in your hair, and they come in pretty colors and patterns.

Lip Balm (EOS)- 
Chapstick is great to have at the beach, because the heat can dry your lips out, so it's important to moisturize them. Also, some chapstick has SPF in it, which will protect your lips from getting chapped and burned.

Tote (Lilly Pulitzer)- 
You should bring a big tote or beach bag with you, so you can fit your towel in it, as well as all your other essentials. This one from Lilly Pulitzer is really beachy and vibrant!

Dry Shampoo (Batiste)- 
If your hair gets greasy or sweaty, you can spray some dry shampoo on your hair. This will make your hair smell good, and will also make it look fresh and clean.

Water Bottle (Kate Spade)- 
It is extremely important to hydrate yourself when you're at the beach, because you lose a lot of water when you sweat. Water has many important functions, and it's important to drink half your body weight in ounces every day. 

Flip Flops (Aeropostale)- 
You want to bring shoes that you can easily slip on and slip off, so that you don't have to worry about a bunch of straps when quickly taking your shoes off at the beach. You also don't want to bring expensive shoes, because your shoes will get dirty and sandy when you walk on the beach.

Hair Brush (Tangle Teezer)- 
When your hair gets wet, you want to use a comb or a brush specifically for wet hair when brushing it. Wet hair breaks a lot easier than dry hair, so you want to be careful about the brush you use. The Tangle Teezer brush is great at untangling your hair, and the bristles aren't very rigid, so they won't pull out your hair.

Mascara (Maybelline)- 
If you wear makeup while at the beach, make sure it's water proof! Even if you don't go swimming in the ocean, wear waterproof makeup, because you don't want it to sweat off. 

Magazine- 
Bring a book or a magazine to read while you lay out in the sun, so you have something to do! The beach is a great place to catch up on some reading.

Phone Case (Lifeproof)- 
If you bring your phone to the beach, put a waterproof phone case on it to protect it from getting damaged if you accidentally get it wet. You can also bring a plastic sandwich bag, slip your phone inside and seal it, which will keep your phone dry if your fingers are wet. Don't try this when you go into the ocean though, because water will diffuse through the seal into the bag. 

Sunglasses (Steve Madden)- 
Sunglasses are a stylish way to protect your eyes from the sun. There are a bunch of different styles to choose from, and there are certain frame shapes that will flatter certain face shapes. I like mirrored aviators personally!

Sunglasses Case (Madewell)- 
Bring a structured sunglasses case, to keep your sunglasses from getting smushed or breaking in your beach bag.

Sunglasses Strap (Lilly Pulitzer)- 
Use a sunglasses strap to keep your sunglasses always on you. This will prevent you from losing them, and you won't have to carry them everywhere if you don't feel like wearing them on your head all the time.

Makeup Bag (Pour la Beaute)- 
Bring a makeup bag or a small cosmetic bag in order to store things like makeup and hair items. You may want to bring a plastic one, which won't get damaged if it gets wet and water won't sink through.

Nail Polish (Dior)-
 If you get bored at the beach you can also paint your nails. While they're drying you can read your magazine or book.

Sunscreen (Banana Boat)-
 Sunscreen is a must if you're going anywhere sunny! It's important to get a sunscreen with a high SPF.

Bronzer (NARS)-
 If you want to bronze your face a little, then you can brush on some powder bronzer, which will give you a healthy glow. 

Shirt (Billabong)- 
Bring a loose fitted tank top or t-shirt, so you can easily slip it on and off of your swimsuit. You don't want to bring a tight shirt, because it will feel uncomfortable if the swimsuit your wearing under it is still a little damp.

Highlighter (Benefit)- 
Bring a highlighter if you want a little shimmer and glow on your face!

Bikini (Beautiful Halo)- 
Of course you need a swimsuit if you are going to the beach! I really like this blue high neck bikini!

Shorts (Nike)-
Bring athletic shorts to slip over your swimsuit. Jean shorts will be uncomfortable to put on after you've been in the ocean.

Sea Salt Spray (OGX)- 
To add texture and volume to your hair, spray in some sea salt spray. This makes your hair look perfectly tousled and beachy.

Baseball Cap (Roxy Go Live)-
Bring a hat to cover your face, which will prevent your face from getting burned. There are some really cute caps from Brandy Melville and Urban Outfitters!

Other-
Playing cards, frisbees, beach balls, volleyballs and soccer balls are perfect things to bring for a fun day at the beach. 

Thanks for reading! I hope this list helped you for your Spring Break! ♡

Disclaimer: All thoughts, opinions and photos are my own.

What to Bring In Your Carry-On Bag

airplane
I just flew to London a few days ago and these were some of my essentials that I brought in my carry-on bag.

Tote bag- I like to bring tote bags for my carry-on bag that will fit under the plane seat in front of me so that I can reach into it without having to keep getting up and opening the overhead compartments. I nice durable tote bag is good for holding all of your essentials. You can find cute, inexpensive tote bags almost anywhere.

Gum- I always like to keep gum in my carry-on bag because chewing on gum while changing altitudes will help your jaws and ears so that they don't hurt or pop. Also, if you have an overnight flight, it is good to have gum to freshen up your breath I'm the morning. 

Headphones- I personally prefer headphones over ear buds, mainly because ear buds are uncomfortable to me and never fit right. Headphones are perfect because they just fit over your ear. Nice headphones will fit over your ears and will fit nice and comfy. Headphones are definitely a necessity if you are flying, because you can listen to music or watch a movie while you are in the air. 

Magazines- I also like to catch up on my magazines when I'm flying. Some of my favorite magazines are Seventeen, Teen Vogue, InStyle, and People. 

Travel tumbler- You can bring an empty travel tumbler to the airport and fill it up with water or coffee once you cross the security check point. Make sure not to bring any liquids in it through security!

Books- Reading is a great way to pass the time while you are flying. There are so many great books out there. My favorite types of books are historical fiction, teen / young adult fiction and books about dystopian societies. 

Phone- You can't forget about your phone of course! I have an iPhone 6. Make sure to make some great playlists that you can listen to on the plane.

Laptop- Bring a laptop or a tablet if you need to catch up on school work or any other type of work. You can also download games or books on a tablet.

Sweatshirt- I always like to bring a sweatshirt or jacket in my carry-on, because planes are usually cold.

Neck pillow- If you want to catch up on some sleep, I suggest bringing a neck pillow, that way you'll be able to lean your head on something and sleep. You can always find neck pillows in the airport book stores.

Makeup bag- It is a good idea to bring your makeup bag, so that when the plane lands, you can go to the bathroom and touch up if you are going to do any activities right after you leave the airport. Forever 21 has makeup bags with really cute sayings for very cheap.

Wallet- Obviously you need to bring your wallet of you need to buy anything.

Sleep mask- Bring a sleep mask if you want to sleep on the flight. You can usually find these in airport book stores, as well. 

Agenda- You can plan out the rest of your week and look at what your schedule is like for the week. I use this exact agenda to plan out all my school activities and work, as well as other activities. It keeps me very organized.

Mobile charger- Bring a mobile charger for your electronics so you can charge on the go.

 Notebook- You can write down any thoughts or ideas you have in a notebook.

Brush and hair ties- You can go to the bathroom and brush your hair or put it up in a ponytail at the airport.

Thanks so much for reading and please leave any comments below! Also subscribe to my email list to be notified when I post :) 

Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are my own. I made this photo using the Polyvore app.