OUTFIT DETAILS: HUNZA G SWIMSUIT* | TEVA ORIGINAL SANDALS* | TESALATE TOWEL (GIFTED) | BY MILANER BAG | APPRVL BANDANA | JANESSA LEONE HAT*
OUTFIT DETAILS: FAITHFUL THE BRAND DRESS (SOLD OUT, SIMILAR) | RAY-BAN SUNGLASSES* | MISSOMA NECKLACE*
Are any of you going on some form of summer vacation this year? As you know, Nick and I did our recent roadtrip through Wyoming — which, while such a fun trip, was not quite the beach-filled Hawaii vacation I had envisioned. Although we made do as best we could. Stopping by a lakes for a picnic in the sun, evening reading in parks. Wherever we could stop and catch a glimpse of Summer vacation, we took it.
Needless to say, for most of us, this year will be the Summer of Staying Home. However, staycations in parks, local beaches or lakes, or even your own backyard (lucky duck), can still exude that feel of relaxing vacation if you put a little effort in. Wear something cute and summery, just because you want to. Pack a cooler of drinks and a good book. And, most importantly, bring all the summer accessories you would to an exotic beach, to bring that feel of “my day today is fancy lounging and I’m not sorry.”
Below, I’ve rounded up my favorite Summer accessories that have lasted me through many travels and trips to local spots. Sustainability is, as we know, about finding quality products and reusing them as often as possible. All of these items are stowed away in my bag whenever I head out for a lazy Saturday — whether its on the beaches of Hawaii or in the grassy area behind my flat. (But if I can, I’ll choose Hawaii, please and thank you).
My Go-To Summer Accessories
A SAND-REPELLING TRAVEL TOWEL
If you just read my Sustainable Summer Capsule Wardrobe post, you will have witnessed how I wax lyrical about this Tesalate travel towel. Firstly, it comes in a two-person XL size (shown here), which if you have ever been in a relationship, you’ll know having enough room for two of you on a towel is a small miracle. Secondly, it packs down small — enough that we recently brought it on our Wyoming roadtrip and used it for everything, from picnics in the park to dips in the lake. Thirdly, it’s woven from a tech-forward AbsorbLite material that actually repels sand. You read that right. Repels sand. It’s also incredibly absorbent and dries in a flash. We’ve used it countless times since receiving it, and I highly recommend this towel for all your summer travels.
This item was gifted to me to review but under no obligation to review nor review positively. This opinion is completely my own, and we really did pack this way on our recent vacation!
AN ALL-PURPOSE BEACH/FLYING/EVERYTHING TOTE
I’ve had my variety of large summer toes over the years, from the one I bought in the souks of Marrakech (ruined all my silk items) to a minimal black tote (not great for beach and SO HEAVY). Where I’ve found my best purchase has been with the Travel Elena woven tote by Milaner. The woven pattern makes it almost look basket-like, while the well-made leather makes it classic enough to wear beyond the beach — the ideal in-between, all-purpose tote for Summer. It’s an investment piece, for sure, but one you’ll keep for years.
However, I still think a basket bag has a place in any capsule closet. Plus, when buying one, you can often support local artisans and not spend a whole lot of money. My favorites are this one by Dragon Diffusion, and this one from Etsy*.
A WIDE-BRIMMED FEDORA*
I recently purchased the Simone hat from Janessa Leone*, and I love it so much, this is the third blog post I’m featuring it on. It was a lifesaver in the Wyoming heat, and unlike other beautiful (expensive) hats, it’s designed for packing down and travel. And while yes, it’s expensive, when I tried it on compared with my old Gap fedora, I was astonished at how bad the latter looked in comparison. Word of warning: while it does pack nicely, read the company instructions on how to fold it properly.
LIGHTWEIGHT SANDALS FOR ALL TERRAIN*
I featured these Teva Original Sandals* on my Summer Capsule Wardrobe post, because since receiving them they’ve barely left my feet. They are the lightest shoes on the planet, making them perfect for tossing in a tote and running out the door if you need. They are great in the elements, hold-up to hikes, and bridge that ugly-stylish look just enough for heading out to dinner. If you’re looking for something a little dressier, the TKEES Gemma sandals* are a great alternative (also featured in my Capsule Wardrobe).
LARGE-FRAME SUNGLASSES*
I’ve had the Ray-Ban Round sunglasses for years, and they’ve popped up in my blog posts countless times. However, I have been thinking about switching up the standard for the larger size, which cover more of your face and, hopefully, more glare. If I’m not wearing my Ray Bans, I’m wearing my Messy Weekend Liv shades (gifted). These are the Jackie-O style, large, slightly cat-eyed, perfect black sunglasses. For me, they’re more of an Autumn/Winter sunglasses. But as they have a strong UV protection, they’re great for summer, too.
TRAVEL SPF*
Welcome to California life. I would actually call this a year-round accessory, because the sun is so strong here compared with the UK. My favorite is the Soleil Toujours Organic Sunscreen mist*, which comes in a very handy travel size. Overall, though, when I need SPF, I turn to SuperGoop. Their face sunscreen is still by far my favorite SPF. This travel can of SPF50 is the perfect hot summer day companion.
A REFRESHING FACE MIST*
My love for Omorovicza’s Queen of Hungary face mist* knows no bounds. I first mentioned it in 2016, and I’ve always had a travel-size bottle ever since. Whether to the beach, on a plane, or just a picnic in the park, I stash this in my tote, ready to refresh and brighten my face on hot days. At home, I keep the Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator for my skincare ritual, but I’d happily bring this one, too.
*Links indicate affiliate links. This means, if you choose to purchase the product linked here, at no additional cost to you I will make a small commission. Thank you for supporting sustainable brands, and thank you for supporting this blog!
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