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

Picnic Glamour Hamptons Style: Craghoppers

Craghoppers SolarShield & insect repellent separates make any outing amazing.

THE HAMPTONS, LI: Here is a cool but polished look that's perfect for the beaches of South Hampton, NY. I've spent many happy summers on the pebbled shores of the Long Island Sound and this outfit is perfect for really any inlet beach but especially those on the Island.  Here's why.

Craghopper's

Amelie with UPF 40+

Craghopper's hails from the UK and makes very fashionable, well made outdoor, travel and resort-wear. One of their innovations is the NosiLife line which includes insect repellent built into the fabric itself. This repellent action is good for up to 70 washings, basically the life of the garment. Added to that is SolarShield offering a UPF of 40+ sun protection. Many of the beaches facing the Long Island Sound have HUGE biting flies. We used to run into the water and stay submerged to avoid them! Clothing like this can be your best friend for a beach picnic or outing where you plan to spend some time out of the water. Sunburn and biting insects will no longer be an issue at your next picnic or outing!


Top: Amelie in White with chest pocket and SolarShield UPF 40+
Maxi Skirt: NosiLife Catilin in Brown with insect/solar protection
Scarf: Pistil Designs
Leather Sandals: Maeve by Naya
Bag: Victoria's Secret Amber Fragrance Gift Set

Do some resort shopping in Sag Harbor in this Gabriella dress!

Craghopper's NosiLife Gabriella Dress
The good news is that you don't have to give up, fashion, style or comfort when spending time outdoors. This Gabriella Dress combines sunblocking, moisture control and insect protection all in one smart outfit. It is fitted under the bust-line, has cap sleeves and a v-neck so it's quite flattering for all figures. Soft, stretchy and ready for anything, it packs and travels well.  Dress it up or down with a belt, scarf, etc. these are great choices for a day at the beach, a summer picnic or BBQ. No one will know your secret, only that you look fantastic!

Gabriella NosiLife Dress in Litchen Green

Hat & Scarf: Tinsley Fedora and OKeefe scarf by Pistil Designs
Bag: Guilden Carry All in Bone by Give Love Cycle
Shoes: Maeve Sandals by Naya available at Nordstrom

Craghoppers Collection c/o Craghoppers UK

Beach Chic Hamptons Style

Hamptons Style starts with a Classic Bikini: Cali Convertible Top, Catalina Bikini Bottom -Carve Designs of CA

One of the things I've always enjoyed about the Hamptons in the eastern part of Long Island is their classic easy charm and sense of style.  Whether you're vacationing at the beaches of East Hampton or the French Riviera, you can set yourself apart by taking a page from this elegant lifestyle that is uniquely New York. Starting with THE perfect swimsuit, the natural sea elements of Long Island beaches are seen in this Carve Designs Sand Dollar print. This lovely design reminds me of the large pebbled shoreline leading out to Long Island Sound. The swimsuit fabric itself has a UPF of 50+ and the Bikini Top has removable pads.

Ready for a day on the beach

If you don't have too much of a tan, you can fake one while still protecting your skin:
  

For Your Face: L'Oreal New Sublime Glow Daily Moisturizer + Natural Skin Tone Enhancer has a SPF of 15  This product evens skin tone and instantly brightens but will deepen your color within 3 days.
For Your Body: Jergens Natural Glow & Protect also gradually creates a natural looking tan while protecting your skin from sun damage with a SPF of 20.

HAMPTONS STYLE POINTS: Be sure to bring a classic pair of sunglasses.  They will protect your eyes from the sun and help prevent wrinkles caused by squinting. You really can't go wrong with a pair of original Ray-Ban Wayfarers.

Sol Cool Hoodie Cover by ExOfficio cools & has an UPF of 50

Resort-wear includes pieces to help you cover up once you're out of the water.  That's why we think this Sol Cool Hoodie by ExOfficio is GENIUS.  The fabric has a UPF of 50 but when wet, it is specially designed to cool you down.  Very light and flattering, you'll look exceptionally chic while keeping cool in the sun. This cover even has thumb holes, ruched sides and an invisible zipper to stow away some lip balm or other essentials.

HAMPTONS STYLE POINTS: Sitting around wrapped in a towel is fine for at home but when you're on the beach, cover up with something that looks fresh with a bit of structure.  This is especially the thing to do when leaving the water even if the beach is private.

A few extras for your beach vacation.

East Long Island beaches are known for their horrible biting flies. Sitting on the beach, they will come from out of nowhere to mercilessly bomb and bite you.  The bites HURT!  So I take along a few packets of Natrapel Insect Repellent which lasts for up to 8 hours. The little individual packets are airline friendly and go anywhere you do. 
If you do get bitten try Ssssting Stop by Boericke & Tafel made with natural Citronella. It really cools and lessens the redness, itch and pain of insect bites. 
I know you'll remember to bring your toothbrush but how about this little Dazzling White - Instant Whitening Pen?  Just the thing before you hit the restaurants and clubs after a day on the beach.
Boar Bristle Brush is especially kind to fragile, wet hair.  Try switching to a softer, natural bristle brush.
Suave 24 Hour Protection Deodorant is an invisible solid so it won't show up to ruin your sleeveless beach look. 
Sport Wash individual laundry detergent packets are perfect travel size.  Sport Wash eliminates odors and safely cleans swimwear and other delicate fabrics.

Sundress to impress: Carve Designs Crescent Dress in Rose Ikat

There is no better way to end a day on the beach than with the perfect sun dress.  Going and coming, it will be your best friend for a smooth transition to shopping in the village or attending a lawn party later on. Since my family lives in East Hampton, we would take the short walk from the house down to the beach with our swimsuits on under our summer clothes. Walking around town in your Bikini Top and Daisy Dukes is not the look you should aim for though!  Most restaurants in the village will not seat you and if they do, expect a bad table.

Sundresses are the way to go and this breezy Crescent Dress in Rose Ikat has so much going for it: Empire waist. V-neck. Semi-fitted with slight A-line skirt. Falls above knee and the cotton voile material is machine washable. This summer dress packs well & does not wrinkle.

HAMPTONS STYLE POINTS: Don't be afraid to don a straw hat like this one from Liz Claiborne.  Feminine, airy and lovely is the look you want!  Also nude or gold cork leather sandals by Børn Shoes NYC are amazingly comfortable and elongate your legs. Understated elegance, clean lines and nature inspired prints sum up this New York casual beach style.