What We Want to Buy Now: 06.02.2024
Tents, totes and other seaside musts
SUMMER’S coming. Have you prepped for those lazy, hazy, crazy days? If not, I’ve compiled a list of essentials, plus some nice-to-haves.
At the tippy top of my list—and should be on yours—is sunscreen. The end of every article I read says that the best sunscreen is the one you’ll use. I can’t argue with that. My favorite right now is one my dermatologist (she’s also a Mohs surgeon) recommends. Like the majority of derms, she has gorgeous skin. (I always wonder if that’s a requirement to be in the field.) I frequently quiz her about various products, but so far the only one she has given a thumbs-up to is ISDIN's ultralight tinted mineral sunscreen SPF 50. Cheap, it's not, but it goes on smoothly, practically melting into your face, and this tinted version evens out your skin tone. I don't look any younger but it does seem to protect my face from more of those unsightly brown spots and other damage. And a little goes a long way.
In the heat of the summer, hats are also a must. Lola Hats' Rise 'N Shine Straw Hat in tobacco with a jaunty regatta stripe ribbon in a soft fedora style with a wide brim will turn heads from Amagansett to Antibes Another option—Transat—is named after a 1950s French Riviera beach lounge chair. In this style, the grosgrain ribbon slips through eyelets, and voilà, you’ve got chin ties.
I fell in love a few days ago. On a whim, I went into a newly opened Chanel store selling sunglasses, makeup and perfume in tony Westport, Connecticut. I surveyed the offerings and my eyes locked on a pair of butterfly shaped sunnies. "Gorgeous," exclaimed my daughter-in-law. Even my teenage granddaughter subtly nodded her approval. The practical side of me knows that the most important things about sunglasses is their UV protection, which most brands already have. But instead of those narrow, silly-looking ones now in favor, they should protect your eyes and at least part of your face. I could certainly find something like this Chanel beauty for a lot fewer shekels. Still, my anniversary is coming up in August. Could someone tell my husband?
Ever hear of the company CoolCabanas? Neither had I—until a few days ago when I was strolling along a beach path and noticed about half the beachgoers relaxing on chaises under a tent-like structure that was open on four sides. The people I asked raved about it, saying it was dead easy to assemble and sturdier than a beach umbrella. The top provides UPF 50+ protection and 64 square feet of shade, compared to a large beach umbrella with a diameter of 6 feet and only offering 28 square feet of shade.
This piped raglan rash guard with a handy zipper, removable padded cups and long sleeves is made to protect anyone who wants extra coverage from the sun. It comes in a pink-and-navy color block as well as three other patterns. Are there matching swim shorts? Yes, there are. Glad you asked.
Take a peek at MyLittleBird this coming Wednesday, June 5, for my tips on more beachgoer gear: towels, sturdy totes and the beach chairs that got the nod from ABC’s “Shark Tank.”
Next week in this space, I’ll chat about the history of pockets and their comeback this summer.