Our Picks: Fun by the water

Summer is fast approaching, temperatures are rising quickly and it’s time to start getting ready to cool off with a dip in the pool or a trip to the beach. Whether you’re just hanging out at the local pool, are lucky enough to summer by the beach or have fabulous vacation plans, here are a few of our favorite items to take you to the water’s edge in style.

TEGAL TUNIC WITH BRONZE EDGE from two new york

This is such a pretty way to stay cool and just look fabulous. I really love this one, but thi line offers many beautiful tunic, caftan and dress options that you’ll be hard pressed to choose one. The Brooklyn-based two line offers beautiful pieces made from cotton saree textiles sourced from India and handmade in Brooklyn. Throw one on and you have the perfect cover up and you’re ready to hit the town for a bit of shopping or lunch without skipping a beat. (visit the two trunkshow to see current availabilities)

Ruched swing tank top with foldover short from j. crew

I always prefer a 2 piece because it offers so many more options and can be easier to find a perfect fit. J. Crew has long been one of my favorite swim suit sources, offering a great selection of separates that are easily mixed and matched in a fabulous selection of styles and colors. While sometimes I still love a bikini, this suit is fabulous and a bit more practical now that I have children and am a bit more sun conscious. The ruched top with a slight swing is pretty yet, forgiving and the foldover bottom offers a bit more ease for running after little ones without going up to a big pair of board shorts or a skirt. It’s grown up, stylish and not in anyway frumpy, so it’s still perfect when you’re not being trailed by tiny children.

The Sandless Beach Mat from hammacher schlemmer

This is very cool and a must have for the beach. Available in pretty blue or orange, this mat made from a material developed for the military, offers 64 square feet of dirt, dust and water free space. It  stays flat, resists moisture and repels sand so you stay comfy all day.

Angela Adams and Sea Bags for J.Crew sail bags from j. crew

Inspired by buoys and constructed from recycled sails, these sturdy bags have a history as well as good looks and sporty features: heavy-duty hemp handles, water resistant material and stainless steel hardware, you can easily tote your personal items from the water’s edge and back and still look great doing it. 

Need something bigger to tote gear for the whole family? We love the Extra Large Zip Top Canvas Tote from Lands’ End. It’s huge, yet manageable, offers great interior pockets to keep everything organized and will stand without tipping no matter how much you stuff inside. Even better it comes with a great price tag of just $42.50 for Natural, $49.50 for colors. This tote will last you for years to come and you will love it.

This summer, for when you want to capture even those wettest of moments, here are two fabulous options. And because rugged doesn’t have to be boring, they’ll even look great while working hard. If you want to just snap a few shots at the beach or on vacation, hand the camera over to your three  year old at the pool or take these into the deep blue sea, you’re all set.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3

This fabulous little camera offers a rugged, waterproof case with a whopping 12.1 megapixels, so you can shoot to your heart’s content at the beach or pool this summer and not worry about your camera. Features inclue 4 active outdoor Scene Modes - Sports, Snow, Beach & Snorkeling and Underwater, LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR 28mm wide-angle lens, 1920 x 1080 full HD video, built-in GPS function, a compass, altimeter, barometer, waterproof to approximately 40 ft, shockproof to approximately 6.6 fee and a whole lot more.

image via toshiba

Toshiba Camileo BW10

If you want somethig a little less expansive, but still rugged, waterproof and ready to go, the Camileo BW10 video camers offers the same 1920 x 1080 full HD video with built-in video stabilization technology and an antiglare screen. Waterproof to 6.5 feet, this one will not go diving, but it will hold up in the pool or at the beach for splashing or even snorkeling. The Camileo also has a 2” LCD, 5 MP still camera and easy YouTube uploads.