Who is ready for the first beach vacay of the season? I am really wishing I was a teacher or a student right about now so I’d get to enjoy a week-long spring break like so many people on facebook seem to be doing. I do take some solace in the fact that we’ll be heading to Seaside, FL for the wedding of two friends at the end of the month, and we have a couple other really fun beach trips to look forward to throughout the summer.  So I guess I can’t complain. Being the planner that I am, I have of course already been putting together a list of items to pack for our beach trip. Here are some of my favorite beach essentials for the summer!

sunscreen // swimsuit // flip flops // sunnies // beach towel // tote bag // scarf (sarong)

Sunscreen:  I was reading through the March issue of Lucky Magazine this weekend, and came across this powdered sunscreen called Tickle Time. It was created by Anne Heche for her kids and is made from 100% all-natural minerals. I know most people despise putting on suntan lotion (me included), so I’m very intrigued. It’s $35 per tube and says it lasts for more than 300 applications. I think Ima’ have to get some.

Swimsuit:  Everyone needs a cute swimsuit for their beach getaway. I prefer to get a few new ones each year, so I usually shop at Target and mix & match my suits for more versatility throughout the season. I actually got the top shown above (just $14!) and picked up some pink bottoms to match the ties. I’m really enjoying the separated from Victoria’s Secret as well — they’re just a little more pricey.

Flip flips:  I’ve been eyeing TB’s fun, patterned flip flops for a couple years now, and I just might have to break down and get myself a pair before our beach trip. They’re $50, which seems a little steep for plastic shoes to wear with your swimsuit, but they’re just so cute. And if they’re anything like the TB flats, they’re well-made.

Sunnies:  I love a good pair of sunglasses, but these are fun for summertime and definitely won’t break the bank. I love the mint green accent, and I love the price, too — they’re just $12.99 at Target.

Beach towel: I recently stumbled upon Haymarket Designs when looking for custom koozies I wanted to have made for my SIL’s bachelorette party (seen in the post from last week). Their website is sort of cuteness overload with all the different options for customizable gifts. The $55 beach towels are so preppy and fun — they kinda make me want to drive straight to the beach right now just so I can use one of them. And with your name on your towel, you’ll be sure nobody steals your pool chair!

Tote bag: You’ll need something to carry all your beach supplies and goodies, and what better than a fun summer tote? This “How Does She Do It” tote just debuted this week with Stella & Dot’s Summer Collection. It comes in several patterns, but the bold blue ikat pattern is sure to turn heads. The bag has a top-zip, snaps on the sides to make the bag smaller, the lining is a gorgeous green with several pockets (even one for a water bottle!), and it’s a steal at only $89.

Scarf:  Why would you need a scarf on your beach vacay? To use as a sarong, of course! I LOVE this new Stella & Dot turquoise ikat summer scarf! It’s just $59 and can be worn several ways as a stylish swimsuit coverup during the day, and then you can wrap up in it at night if the weather turns breezy!