The suit. The dreaded two piece that we prepare for, diet for, and have nightmares about. My approach to the bikini is one word: distraction. For example, I am well endowed up top so I like to accentuate the girls as much as possible in order to distract from the lower half which is, shall we say, a Pillsbury crescent roll before it goes in the oven?
J Crew Breezy Dot Bikini, Bottom $19, Top $29
I also like to have my hair out of my face when burning to a crisp on the sand - so this headband I love because it goes all the way around the head; meaning no headaches!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJXOe5uTnYII83lq3SyX9a9lUiJC6yzC4iyk52AJRkF-8oNecBL-SsfJSnRjtNrH-B_k38WMl58p329x6-njsLSE6E1B4eFTV3psjvQfj71uL6HdqlVfZzv7NicwrXZAd-ul79gu7McGr/s320/headband.jpg)
Modcloth, Impeccable Ivory Headband, $9.99
I don't believe in heels at the beach, but I also don't like to see those shredded to pieces $4.99 Old Navy rubber thong flip flops so let's try to find a happy medium.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaFKvV7g82ODWTf-9hJvv4v245caOiHJZmsCJKjZOe6quG4fhgYj0StLKWX0I-_nOg3m0XafDpStxvz8lLAW9Y9h3bojz-k1ztOS7YSnjuNG8869El5wdW9TcAT8uLp_4bJiRFwN05L27/s320/shoe.jpg)
Zappos, Nine West Rhosolyn, $48
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaFKvV7g82ODWTf-9hJvv4v245caOiHJZmsCJKjZOe6quG4fhgYj0StLKWX0I-_nOg3m0XafDpStxvz8lLAW9Y9h3bojz-k1ztOS7YSnjuNG8869El5wdW9TcAT8uLp_4bJiRFwN05L27/s320/shoe.jpg)
Zappos, Nine West Rhosolyn, $48
The beach bag is tough because it's gotta be large enough to carry everything you need for a full day out but it also needs to be machine washable or at least wet paper towel-able because we both know your sunscreen will explode, leak, or uncap inside your bag.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTG84RqdjUqTTpu4XM48h7wDGVnRmEA4395g3NIqUgYPXZ5EhNmRskG803xi-y9v1SilKBpIiAxiXoY92ySlbJCOMpm0wRMvn8d69Q5v5PEKQ4ZVFILSpqKEiYanMKgG1lRikdeT1whDkg/s320/bag.jpeg)
Tommy Bahama, Terry Beach Bag, $38
Victoria's Secret, Tie Waist Cover Up Dress, $29
The final piece is a sassy hat. When your hair is soaked, just put on a floppy brimmed beach hat. Feel free to personalize it by wrapping a ribbon around it or even a pin.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTG84RqdjUqTTpu4XM48h7wDGVnRmEA4395g3NIqUgYPXZ5EhNmRskG803xi-y9v1SilKBpIiAxiXoY92ySlbJCOMpm0wRMvn8d69Q5v5PEKQ4ZVFILSpqKEiYanMKgG1lRikdeT1whDkg/s320/bag.jpeg)
Tommy Bahama, Terry Beach Bag, $38
I'm not a huge advocate of spending loads of money on a beach cover-up because I plan to sweat and/or be covered in sand and/or sunscreen in it. A basic and comfortable dress is perfect.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwUTSc19i-B045_H34IYGUcDGYJQJfIKisSxl7qwDA8gV5-gRx5LsKK9byGM9ai-5XUGog04uHyDyPwUpxWlOPUDWjJcSew8vWMIR_FmRujNvmqVfSnseIEwO6mYQ9ue0h5j6aABWwqoC/s320/cover-up.jpeg)
The final piece is a sassy hat. When your hair is soaked, just put on a floppy brimmed beach hat. Feel free to personalize it by wrapping a ribbon around it or even a pin.