Vacation Mode Activated: Must-Have Summer Essentials for 2023

Happy Friday lovelies! Are you ready for the weekend? I know I am! This beautiful weather has me dreaming of a getaway. In truth, my summer vacation is still a ways away, but this warm sunny weather has me counting down the days! I've been thinking the last few days about what summer means for different people. For most, it represents a reset. Kids are out of school, families get more time together, and we all get the chance to get away and go to the places that refresh us. Though summers are refreshing, they can also be busy. A day at the pool means rounding up the kids, towels, toys, sunscreen, snacks, etc. The same goes for trips to the beach. Given that, we've come up with a collection of summer essentials to help make your life easier during the summer months! 

First, let's talk wardrobe. Summer is notorious for being hot, especially in the south! You don't want to spend your summer days feeling like you're melting, so it's best to opt for flowy, lightweight materials and sleeveless designs. Our Charlie B Reversible Bamboo Camis are the perfect example of a summer wardrobe staple! They aren't super fitted to the body, meaning they are perfect for wearing on their own, but they can easily be layered under a lightweight duster, kimono, or sheer blouse for a beautiful summertime look. These tank tops are luxuriously soft and breathable, meaning you won't overheat on those hot summer days. Available in White, Black, and Navy, these tank tops are ultra versatile so you can create countless looks! 

Another summer favorite from Charlie B are our Rolled Up Cuff Shorts. Available in Khaki, White, and Denim, these shorts are a must-have for summer. Unlike traditional shorts that seem to ride up as the days goes on leaving you tugging them down constantly, these Rolled Up Cuff Shorts feature a gracious 6-inch inseam that still helps you beat the heat without making you feel uncomfortable. You'll love the stretchy yet shaping fit that flatters your figure AND the extra leg/rear coverage. These shorts are ultra versatile and can be styled to suit many preferences and occasions! With so many features to love, you'll want these shorts in every color! 

During most summer days, we find ourselves by the pool or the ocean. Naturally, beach towels are essential. But our Dock & Bay Quick Dry Towels aren't just any beach towel. Unlike traditional beach towels that are bulky sand magnets, these beach towels are quick drying, sand repellant, and easy to travel with. Because of their compact size and convenient carrying pouch, they don't take up all of the room in your pool/beach bag, something your shoulders will thank you for as you carry it. So, ditch your bulky, soggy, and sandy beach towels and trade up for these awesome Dock & Bay beach towels!

It's important to stay hydrated when you spend your days out in the hot summer sun. But traditional water bottles don't keep your drinks cold for very long and no one likes lugging around a cooler full of ice to keep drinks cold either. The leading cooling water bottles are super expensive for what they are, so what do you do? Introducing Chilly's Water Bottles from Dock & Bay. From the same brand that brought you cooling towels with innovative cooling technology now comes cooling water bottles! These water bottles hold 500 ml of liquid and keep your drinks cold for 24 hours! The leak-proof technology is super kid-friendly, and your mind will be eased knowing that your Chilly's water bottle is BPA free.

When it comes to bringing all the toys, towels, snacks, and sunscreen with you to the pool, lake, or beach, a tote is an absolute necessity. Our Party Animal Open Tote is just the thing you need! This tote is made of a wipeable vinyl material which means you don't have to fret over spills or leaks! The spacious interior measures 22 x 8 x 15 inches, perfect for fitting everything you need to carry! This tote has a wide exterior pocket that is great for holding your phone, wallet, or keys for easy access! 

Our Large Travel Pouch in Party Animal Print is a matching pouch that easily holds your smaller items to organize the interior of your tote! With this 8 x 11 inch pouch, you can carry your lip balms, sunscreens, and makeup for on-the-go touchups. Featuring the same wipeable vinyl material as the tote, this pouch can be easily cleaned. Use this travel pouch to go inside your tote to keep it from getting cluttered, use it when packing your suitcase, or use it as a makeup bag. There are so many options! 

Summertime is the time to trade your sneakers for sandals. Lightweight and minimal footwear is a necessity during those scorching summer days. Our Midsummer Slides fit these requirements perfectly! Available in Clear and Nude, these slides go with everything! Wear them with dresses and skirts, jeans, or shorts and a fun summery top. The clear slides feature a trendy silver chain on the strap while the nude slides feature the same in rose gold. Do you remember wearing jelly shoes as a little girl? I do. Vividly! Jelly shoes were a rite of passage of sorts, and these slides are a grown up, sophisticated, much more comfortable version! 

Sunscreen is arguably the most important defense from those harmful UV rays, but sun hats are a close second in our book! They keep your face protected by offering you the perfect amount of shade. Our Straw Gold Emblem Hat is just the right size, not too big and floppy like traditional sun hats. You'll love the lightweight feel and Gucci inspired hat sash and emblem. If you're more of a ball-cap kinda gal, then check out our Ball Caps in Black and Tan! These designer inspired hats give you the same shade from the sun in style.

Finally, I mentioned how important it is to protect your skin from the sun with sunscreen, and your lips are no exception! Our Original Lip Treatment by CAREN has SPF 15 and is enriched with grape seed, and avocado oils for a smooth and hydrating formula that moisturizes and conditions your lips while it protects. Most traditional chapsticks with SPF leave you with a metallic taste, but this one has a delicious vanilla flavor! Say no to burnt lips and yes to all day hydration and protection!

I hope you've enjoyed reading about our must-have summer essentials and that you find them helpful! If you decide to try these essentials out, let us know! We always love to hear from our Vine Shopper community!

Blessings,

Madilyn 💜