Beach Days - The Perfect Tote

The weather here on Vancouver Island hasn't exactly been conducive to enjoying the beach, but I'm hanging on to the promise of sunnier and hotter days ahead. I'm totally prepped and ready for when that day comes. I have found the perfect beach tote! It's inexpensive and easily accessible for purchase. It's the Mainstays Collapsible Utility Tote and it's just $16. It folds down completely flat but is wire lined so very strong when you open it up.  Also, because you don't close the top it's very easy to find things inside of it rather than in a bag where everything sort of collapses on itself.

I thought I would show you an example of what I take to the beach on a regular basis and everything fits perfectly into this tote with room to spare.

A water bottle is a must whenever we go anywhere, it's important to stay hydrated and even more so in the summer months.

A towel of course (you could fit two in here) for after swimming.

Sunscreen, I like this spray on wet'n clear from Coppertone for the body and this Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face and Body stick for the face.

Beach toys of course for the kiddies.

I love this Fasten + Go lunch kit from Rubbermaid for our snacks (stay tuned for an upcoming blog post on beach day snacks).

And finally a beach blanket, I LOVE this one from Tofino Towel Co. Technically it's a towel but it's huge and perfect for laying on. This one is the Florencia design.

The front pocket easily fits a big water bottle while the other side holds sunscreen. I use the middle pocket for my phone and about $20 in cash for parking or if there happens to be a food truck near the beach and we have a craving for mini donuts (yum!).

Everything fits in perfectly, so slick!

Don't you just love this towel, so beautiful.

This Rubbermaid food kit is so cool. I love the strap, it's so retro and easily fastens tightly with a turn of the knob.

Lots of storage for a multitude of snacks.

Hope you are enjoying your beach days, or if not yet than I hope you get some hot summer sun soon (don't forget your sunglasses!).

What are your beach essentials? Feel free to share in the comments section.

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Summer Dresses

This is two clothing posts back to back which I don't normally do but they actually go together quite well as bralettes are perfect with summer dresses (you can see mine peeking out of the back of this first one here).

Free People carry so many great boho beachy type dresses and I love the swing style but it's too short for me to wear as a dress so I pair mine with boyfriend style jeans, shorts or leggings...depending on the temperature. This dress is called the She Swings Slip, and is so flowy and comfy. My necklace is from Often Wander.

How cute is this Volcom dress?? And it's on sale...only $30!

I'm loving this dress from O'Neill. It would be so great as a beach coverup. 

If you're looking for something a little bit longer this midi dress from Somedays Lovin is so pretty. I love the colour and the bird design.

And finally this cute black number from Juniors Fox that is on sale for only $32.

Are there any beachy summer dresses you're loving lately? Which of these ones is your favourite? Let me know in the comments below or on Instagram.

Bralettes - A Summer Staple

I heart bralettes so much. They are incredibly comfortable and so sexy. They're made to peek out from under tanks and tees and they just add that little something extra. Dressed up with some fun jewelry, they just scream summer. They aren't made for support however so don't go for a run...ha! 

I've put together a few here that I'm loving along with links to purchase if you're so inclined...

This beautiful coral pink one from Victoria's Secret comes in many colours and is super reasonably priced at only $20.

This hot red number from MissGuided is on fire and only $29.95.

Another gorgeous one from Victoria's Secret and again only $20. I love the lace detailing...so pretty.

This gorgeous triangle one from Free People comes in several colours but this Evergreen Glade is my favourite and only $36.40.

Victoria's Secret again....if you are wanting to purchase several than they are the place to go. I love this beachy print and again...just $20.

 Another Victoria's Secret one (they are just such a good deal...this one is $20 as well), love the detailing on the back.

Great detailing on this strappy backed one from Free People. It comes in lots of colours and is only $36.40.

This is the last one from Victoria's Secret. It's a little pricier at $56.50 but I love the fishnet detailing.

This one from ASOS is definitely a more expensive option but the detailing on both the front and back (click link for more pics) is so pretty. $92.58.

This super cute one I found on Etsy. It comes in both black and white and is only $22.15.

Which one is your favourite? Are you a bralette wearer? Could the lure of comfort and pretty details lure you in if you're not? It certainly worked for me. I started wearing them last summer and it has definitely become a staple in my summer wardrobe.