Beach Days...

I'm craving a few days at the beach and something about these old LIFE photos makes it seams as though a day at the beach used to be so much more glamorus!

How killer is the striped jumpsuit? (on a sailboat in the 1930s)

Ocean Beach, San Francisco

I am totally in love with large scale beach photos  but my favorites from Massimo Vitali and Christian Chaize tend to be from tropical/exotic spots that I've never visited.  However, to my surprise (via Pinterest) I stumbled upon this stunning photo of Ocean Beach  that I think would look just as amazing as a huge statement print.

I'm considering heading over to the Cliff House one day and attempting to re-create it myself...

(imitation is the best form of flattery, right?)

Bringing Beach Towels Up a Notch

I've never given too much thought to my beach towels.  Actually, I think all of the beach towels I own were just inherited from my parents over the years.  However,  when I think about it,  a beach towel can make just as much of a style statement at the beach as your swimsuit or sunglasses (which in my mind, are two other beach style staples.)  So, maybe it's time to take it up a notch?  

One Kings Lane recently made some of their popular prints into beach towels.   I have this print (Purchased from Etsy a while back) -- maybe I should pick up a matching towel?

I also think this simple nautical anchor would be pretty timeless. 

Speaking of nautical,  I'm also quite partial to this one from Target.  I've always loved extra large towels,  so that is an added bonus.

Or, if you want something a little bit more fun,  perhaps this rainbow "SMILE" one from Bloomingdales.I might also be tempted to pick up a set of classic towels, from go-to summer outfitter Lands End.  At under $30, including monagram,  they seem like a pretty good deal. I think I'd go for my initials (instead of first name like pictured below)  to make it feel a bit more grown-up.

Baja Surf Style

Having spent most of my life in California, I've always had an affinity for laid back surf inspired style.  It's hard not to romanticize life on the beach and in the water.

Much of the clothing I owned (or wished for) in my teens was by surfwear brands like Roxy, Volcom and Hurley.  While a lot of items from these brands now feels a bit juvenile,  I'm still in love with laid-back  surfer girl style.   Plus, when summer comes around, even fashion mags like Glamour and Vogue, (see below) pull together surf inspired spreads.

Blake Lively in Vogue:

Here are my current surfer girl inspired picks..

 The items above:

1 - Every surfer girl needs a hoodie for when the sun starts to set.  This one seems equally cozy and hip - Quiksilver Hoodie ($54.50)

2 - Of course, it's important to block the sun when you're on the shore.  This lifeguard style covers the face, and seems fun and quirky -  Lifeguard Hat ($14.95)

3 - A bikini is a must.  This fun kind of baja inspired pattern is darling - Bathing Suit ($49)

4 - I love the touch of blue and white on the ends of these wayfarer style shades -  Toms Sunglasses ($135)

5 - Another fun layer to stay warm from the sea breeze - Forever 21 Scarf ($6.50)

6 - When I think of beach ladies, for some reason I always envision layers of hippie-ish bracelets - Chan Lu Bracelets ($125)

7 - Short shorts are an easy staple, and this salmon color is extra fun - Splendid Cut-off Shorts ($75)

8 - Colorful flat sandals are a bit more dressed up than flip-flops - BC Braided Sandals ($65)

I can't imagine wearing this dress (below) anywhere but the beach; yet, it seems so perfect..

For full disclosure, I thougth I should share that there was no way that I could write this post without going back and  listening to this. (Surfer Girl by Home Grown)