5 Essentials That Should Be In Your Beach Tote

 

We're smack in the middle of this summer (can you believe it?!) and as someone who lives by the shore, I spend a lot of time at the beach. But how many times have you gotten to the beach, sat down, and realized you forgot something you can't live without? It's easy to roll out of bed and throw yourself together for a day at the beach but forgetting your favorite things really sucks. So, we created a must-have check list! 

Here's 5 Essentials That Should Be In Your Beach Tote.

Created by theclosetbychristie on Polyvore

BEACH TOWEL

Our number one essential is- of course- the beach towel. You can't go to the beach without a towel! I prefer to bring two; one to lay on and another to use as a pillow. They also have extra long towels! I don't particularly need that kind but I'm sure it's an essential for people that are tall.

Vera Bradley Cobalt Aztec Towel  //  Palm & Peach Banana Leaf Round Towel

SOMETHING REFRESHING

Sitting around in the sun is really exhausting! It sounds like 'woe is me' but the hot sun is truly an energy sucker. The best way to beat the heat is by bringing something refreshing! If I'm planning to spend the day at the beach, I usually bring a cold water bottle for now and a frozen water bottle for later in the day. You can also bring fruit, infused water, or your favorite Starbucks drink!

Bobble 'Infuse' Filter Bottle  //  Sunnylife Water Bottle

PROTECTIVE ACCESSORIES

This sounds kind of silly but a day at the beach can be dangerous. And trust me, your future self will thank you for this! Be sure to protect yourself by bringing accessories like a floppy hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip balm with SPF.

Gap Straw Fedora  //  Lolita Sunglasses  //  Sun Bum Lip Balm with SPF 30 *BOGO

ENTERTAINMENT

Unless you're going with a group of friends or plan to swim or meditate, bringing some form of entertainment is essential! I live ten minutes from a waterfront, so I often go to the beach by myself for a few hours in the morning. I'm good with my iPhone and ear buds but magazines and books are nice to have, too.

Kate Spade That's Bananas iPhone Case  //  Fossil Happy Plugs Earbuds 

FLIP-FLOPS

I rarely wear flip-flops but I do have a 'beach' pair because these are another essential. You need footwear that you can easily slip on and off! It's also best to wear a rubber pair of flip-flops because the fabric kind tend to get dirty.

Aeropostale Bow Flip Flop  //  Haivaianas Slim Candy Flip Flop  //   Kate Spade Nassau Sandals  //  Charlotte Russe Crochet Sandals

How To Wear High-Waisted Shorts & Look Taller

Have you ever wondered how to get rid of your biggest physical flaw? There isn't a single person in this world that is perfect but it's something we all chase after. Cosmetic surgery, crash diets, steroids and diet pills. Maybe everyone doesn't take these drastic measures but I'm sure we've all wondered how to get rid of a flaw that has been bothering us. What if I told you that you could do that without all of the dramatics?

One of my favorite things about clothing is that it alone can transform your least favorite physical features. If you really know your stuff, you can create an illusion with the right pieces. I don't know if I necessarily consider it a flaw, but I'm pretty petite and sometimes I do wish I were taller. There are many ways to achieve height with clothing but one of my favorites is high-waisted shorts or pants.

We've shown you how to style high-waisted pants. Now let's show you how to style high-waisted pants or shorts with the goal of adding length! 

Here's a few tips on How To Add Height With High-Waisted Shorts!

1- TUCKED IN SHIRT

When wearing high-waisted shorts, a classic way to style them is by wearing a tucked in blouse. That will heighten your waist line and in turn, elongate your legs.

2- HIGH HEELS

I think we all know the benefits of heels! Their sole purpose is to add height, so they are the perfect accessory to complement the high-waisted shorts.

3- LONG STRAP CROSSBODY

Try adding a crossbody with a long strap! This will double the impact of the high-waisted shorts and add even more height.