Editor's Choice: The BEST Summer Beach Bags and Accessories

Beach and Pool time just got cooler. Philip Stein Tote & Pistil Fedora

These are some of my favorite summer totes, beach bags and accessories for sun and sand! Trending now but will remain true classics you can call on year after year.

Quirky Mesh Bottomed Beach Tote and Matching Clutch

Quirky? Maybe. However the Shake Sand Sifting Beach Bag has a mesh bottom and flap to let the sand out. Pretty close to genius in my book but did you catch the little matching clutch? It has the same set up so no sandstorm there either. Roomy and well thought out, it has a zippered inner pouch and straps with just the right drop length. Coated canvas fabric in a sand beige, it's perfect for the beach blanket. See them at Quirky.com

Matched up! Quirky Shake Beach Tote & Clutch

Woven Bag with Pewter Sand Dollar by Newport Style

I saw lots of these handbags and totes while on vacation on Nantucket Island. Beautifully handwoven of natural ata grass, this bag is made for resort living with a large black grosgrain ribbon and pewter dipped sand dollar on the front. See more at NewportStyle.net

Handwoven Ata Grass Bag

Bamboo Handled Woven Bag from Hawaii
My brother purchased this for me while shopping on the Island of Maui. It's just the right size for your keys, wallet and cell but pretty enough for lunch at the Tiki Bar. Has a zippered closure and little pouch within.

Bamboo Handled Woven Bag from Maui & Mia Flower Halo

Beachy Accessories
Here are some fun accents to go with your summer wear. While I might not wear this in the water, the Mia Flower Halo has a pure Polynesian flavor going for it. When the stars come out...it lights up! Perfect for the club after a day on the beach. See them is various colors at MiaBeauty.com

Light and airy. Woven straw Fedora by Pistil Designs

Pistil Fedora
You definitely need sun protection on the shore. Do it in style with this sweet woven straw Fedora by Pistil Designs. Has a bright, cloth headband and easy fits larger heads of hair. By PistilDesigns.com


 

Bracelet that doubles as a necklace and visa - versa

Vanesa Farfan Jewelry
This Leather and Silver Bracelet/Necklace from Vanesa Farfan is very versatile and should be a definite inclusion in your resort bag. Made with fine quality leather and silver plated charms, it can be worn everyday but still look great for cocktails. See more jewelry designs from VanesaFarfan.com

Leather & Silver Bracelet/Necklace by Vanesa Farfan

Sailing to Nantucket from Cape Cod.

Totes and Jewelry c/o Philip Stein, Quirky and Vanesa Farfan respectively.

Beach Chic: Helen Kaminski & Horny Toad Nantucket Style

Beach Chic Picnic-Horny Toad Dizzie Dress in Nectar

Summer means backyard barbecues, picnics by the pool and trips to the beach. Yes, pack your swimsuit but be ready for time out of the water too! Sometimes we don't plan ahead but when you do, YOU will be ready for that impromptu shopping trip or tour around the resort town. I've spent such beautiful days in Sag Harbor, Long Island to Nantucket Island, Mass. shopping along the village streets and this is how the classy ladies pull it all together:

Beach Chic Outfit

Hat-Crocheted Raffia Sun Hat, Helen Kaminski of Australia
Dress-Sizzle Sun Dress in Nectar, Horny Toad 
Knitted 3/4 Sleeved Topper in Coral, Cotton On
Shoes-Earth Vista Wedged Sandals in Alpaca, calf leather available at Nordstrom

Helen Kaminski Provence rollable, raffia hat

 Helen Kaminski Hats are handmade in Australia using natural raffia. These are crocheted so the unlike a woven hat, is more airy while allowing maximum sun protection on the beach. I purchased this hat at Nordstrom after my previous hat blew into a swimming pool at a party and wilted!  I asked for something indestructible that would not die if water hit it. The sales women pointed me to these hats.
Helen Kaminski Crocheted Raffia Hats pack easily as they are rollable. Practically bulletproof, it's the last sunhat you'll ever need to buy.

Naturalizer Penny Handbag in Orange Leather is the perfect travel & touring bag

Horny Toad Dizzie Dress in Nectar
This sundress is so lovely and comfortable, you're going to want to leave those cut-offs and tee shirts behind. Not too dressy but perfect for a warm summer day. Add a 3/4 sleeved topper once the sun goes down or for a little extra coverage in the sun. Dizzy Details include comfortable straps, a gathered back, front placard and darting for a fitted shape around the bust-line. The peachy-coral color ways compliment most any complexion with a blush of color and you can dress it up with a pretty necklace. Two generous pockets keep this dress fun and casual but very practical for a day out.

Back of the Dizzie Dress by Horny Toad

Earth Shoes: Vista Wedge Sandals in Alpaca, genuine calf leather. These sandals are made for comfort but you would never know just looking at the details and styling. This is a very balanced wedge sandal made for walking on the beach and off into the sunset afterwards. The lining of this sandal is so soft, cushioning your steps on the sand or sidewalk. I really like the tan tones of the Alpaca which nearly disappear into your own tawny legs! So show up with a beach chic look for your next summer outing as this outfit shows both styling and comfort.

Vista Wedge Sandals by Earth Shoes are available at Nordstrom