Affordable Swimsuits + Beach Essentials To Pack

I don’t get to the beach often enough even though I’m just 1.5 hours from Lake Michigan and usually just 10 minutes away when I’m visiting my hometown which seems to be quite often–BUT I did plan a trip with my friend Ashley and I packed up my favorite summer essentials and debuted this new swimsuit–and had a blast!

Finding the Right Swimsuit

I’ve been struggling with finding the right suit I feel comfortable in at the moment since I haven’t been eating as healthy as I should. Summer is always hard for me and with dog fostering and a crazy work schedule–and a hot house without AC, I didn’t have time or any desire to prepare meals in a hot ass kitchen.

So while I start to eat better and make time to meal prep, I wanted some suit options that I felt comfortable and confident in–queue the high-waist bikini bottom! This black pair from Target has been my all time favorite so far and just $17, I was surprised at how great they’ve been holding up and how great they fit.

Summer Swim Sale Faves

I also scooped up this set from J Crew on sale last month–and it’s on sale again 25% off with code MONDAY. I usually wear a 34C and the underwire bikini top fit true to size, and ordered a medium size in the bottoms (which is what I would normally order), and they’re a little too big so I’ll be getting them tailored to fit better. I also love one pieces like this soft pink scoopback version or this super cute, flattering striped one. Shop all J Crew swim on sale here!

Summer Packing Essentials

A towel is never enough so I just bring along a house blanket like this fringe white one from Target! Seems to be cheaper than buying an oversized towel I might use twice a year.

A beach umbrella is a must! I love to alternate between sun and shade and this gives me the option. This beach umbrella comes with a travel bag, making it a lot easier than my current situation of dragging this in the sand with my 100 other items.

I found the perfect beach bag just after I returned from my Mexico vacation and have been waiting patiently to put this to use! I love the embroidery and it’s a little louder than I might normally go with a bag, but it’s playful and fun–just how I want to be on the beach! Target also has a ton of affordable straw bag options!

Summer Skincare

Suncreen options are a no-brainer. Although I forgot to put more on and ended up getting burnt, I have a few sunscreen products I truly love. Bare Republic mineral spray has SPF 50 and although it leaves my skin a little chalky looking for a minute, it has zinc oxide and works well. I also wear It Cosmetics CC cream since it has SPF 50 with zinc oxide and Sugar Sport Treatment Sunscreen with SPF 30 for my lips and to touch up my face.