I feel like “What’s in my Bag” posts are the most basic of blogger posts, but as someone who is also tremendously nosy about the products other people use, I thought it would be fun to do a quick round-up of what I’m bringing to the beach this weekend!
Of course, this isn’t inclusive of everything – I’m staying overnight with family so I’m also packing a bag of regular clothing, toiletries, etc…but these are some of the “fun” things I’m bringing along!
Raffia Bag: I have had this for years, I’m actually not sure where it is from. It’s really sturdy and holds a lot of items, I think it was originally sold as more of a picnic bag. Here is a similar, fairly-made option.
Towel: I’ve featured this towel quite a few times, from Hilana. It’s a great size, at 71×40 inches, and is made of 50% recycled cotton. It’s light and compact, and Hilana is a certified B-Corp.
Cover-up: I’ve shown this cover-up lots of times on Instagram, from Loomist! It’s hand-loomed in Turkey and does a great job of protecting my shoulders from the sun.
Can you spy me in the sunglasses? 🙂
Sunglasses: My sunglasses are from Madewell. I don’t know, I always break or lose sunglasses and I can’t be trusted with them. This is my second season with these, which is unheard of.
Bathing Suit: My bathing suit top and bottom are from Static Swimwear. This colorway is sold out, I bought it on sale last year at the end of the season. I love their minimal styles, but if I were to shop with them again I’d definitely get the high-waisted bottoms instead.
Bracelet: My lapis bracelet is from Daria Day (gifted), and was handcrafted in Pakistan by their artisan team. I usually wear more minimal jewelry, but for beach trips it is fun to bring out my more colorful pieces.
Water Bottle: Can’t go anywhere without my S’well water bottle! I love the palm print on this one – but here’s a similar beachy one.
Hat: I love a straw hat, but this weekend I’m planning to go kayaking, so a baseball cap is more appropriate. I like a plain, minimal style.
Clutch: This bag is from Tight-Knit Syria (gifted). Their products are hand-embroidered and provide dignified work to Syrian women in Shatila refugee camp, Lebanon. The bag also has a chain strap, and is perfect for holding your personal items at the beach.
Books: I am currently reading The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett and Free the Beaches by Andrew W. Kahrl. I’ve linked you out to my favorite local independent bookstore, R.J. Julia – it’s in the town I’m headed to for the weekend, actually! I cannot put down The Vanishing Half, which explores the story of two sisters across generations – one living her life as Black, and one passing as white. Free the Beaches is non-fiction, exploring the story of activist Ned Coll, who in the ’60s and ’70s sought to open up Connecticut’s beaches to the public. At the time, Connecticut permitted public access to just seven miles of our 253 mile shoreline – most beaches were privatized by wealthy white residents. Today, many of them still are, or limit access to residents of a particular town. It will be an interesting read for me, and personal – the beach I’m visiting this weekend is, in fact, privatized. 4th of July is a great time to continue to explore our history and the fight for justice in the U.S.
Toner: This is one of the few beauty products I continuously buy. I use it in my general skincare routine, but it’s also refreshing to spritz your face on a warm day.
Hyaluronic Acid: This hyaluronic acid serum delivers much-needed hydration to my skin, and it is 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
Sunscreen: This face sunscreen from Honua is all-natural and reef-safe.
Scrunchie: For each scrunchie or headband purchased, Headbands of Hope donates one to a child with an illness.
Hope you all have a nice long weekend,
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