Summer Essentials from {Bits of Beauty} If you’re going on vacation to somewhere warm {or if like me, you live in a place like Miami}, these are the essentials you’ll need to get you through the summer. When I’m traveling, I try to pack as light as I can. I kept that in mind when compiling this list. 
Bikini or One Piece - J. Crew has some great pieces. Almost their entire collection is mix and match, with nearly every cut you can imagine. I speak from experience in telling you that their swimsuits are well-lined and have quality fabric which makes the suit more forgiving. If you need a swimsuit, start here.
Multi-tasking dress - You need a dress that you can wear as a cover-up and easily change it into a night out dress. T-bags, Sky, Splendid, Urban Outfitters, and J. Crew offer dresses with flexibility. A jersey type material is preferable. I prefer maxi dresses because a quick change of shoe is all you need to change from casual to party-time. 
Pretty sandal/flip flop - Forget gladiators. {Do you really want to have crazy tan lines on your feet?} Get yourself a pair of Corso Como thong sandals and call it a day. 
Heel - Metallic is always a safe-bet. but you can be as creative as you want to be. Make sure it’s nice and high, to compensate for the casual air of the dress. 
Light cardigan - J. Crew has some great light cardigans that are just enough to keep you from getting goosebumps if you happen to pop in somewhere that has the A/C cranked up. 
Blazer - This one is optional, but I suggest it. It can totally transform your outfit, day or night. 
Accessories - Here is where you get really creative. Belts, hats, and jewelry are what change your outfit. With a plain dress, a big earring or statement necklace is key. If you chose a dress that is very loose for your cover-up, then belt it for the evening. Get a big bag for day-time and keep a clutch inside with some essentials. Later, you can pull the clutch out, change your shoes, add some accessories and throw your flip-flops and swimsuit into the day bag. These and more items, here.
Meet Jen she is our Bits of Beauty Fashion Expert. Great fashion tips on how to pack light but look your best. I absolutely love the Jcrew sweater. Those detail ruffles in the front are darling. I know what I’ll be adding to my wish list.
gift girl
So it is no secret I like the sparkly!
Shimmer & Sparkle
When the sun is shining, I always feel the urge to wear something that sparkles as well. Of course, there’s no chance I’ll shine brighter than the sun but a girl can try right? Below are my favorite picks that will make you shimmer and sparkle day or night!
Metallic-diamond jacquard skirt from J.Crew (was $148.00 NOW $99.99) - This gorgeous silk & cotton blend infused with metallic threads is perfect for brunch on the beach followed by a rooftop happy hour. With it’s A-line silhouette and inverted pleats, this skirt can be matched with flats for a casual look or heels for something a bit dressier.
Bernardo Must Stone ($178.00) - Comfortable, cute, and sparkly.. what else could a girl need? A simple slip-on flat decorated with it’s crystalized stone embellishment makes for the ultra versatile summer sandal.
ginette etc… Sparkle Braided Wrap Belt ($85.00) - Made of metallic leather this can cinch short shifts, beach cover-ups, or even a simple maxi.
Vintage Reva Metallic Clutch by Tory Burch ($350.00) - With a removable strap with a fold-over front, this elegant clutch can be taken to dinner, drinks, or even shopping on the boardwalk! True to classic Tory Burch style, this bag is as versatile as it is stylish. Available in gold or silver.
Tooshie Hamptons Triangle Bikini ($285) - Shocking magenta mixes superbly with a bronze metallic trim, adding just the right amount of glamour to your poolside wardrobe.
Stila 24KT gloss ($22.00) - Made with genuine 24KT gold this non-sticky gloss gives your pout a sparkling and shiny makeover. With Vitamin E to nourish and anti-oxidant and hydrating protection from Vitamins A & C, Stila ensures you pamper your lips while you dress them up. Not to mention to intricate handmade Indian bindi that adorns the tube!
Prescriptives All Clean Sparkling Cleanser for Oilier Skin ($21.00) - I use this cleanser a lot during the summer since the heat causes sweat and oil to increase. The beta-hydroxy acid scrubs makeup, oil, and dirt away to deep clean and unclogs pores.
Bobbi Brown Sparkle Eye Shadow ($24.00) - A translucent base is mixed with a combination of shimmering pearls and glitter to create a soft powder shadow. The formula glides on smoothly and clings to the lid for a crease-proof look that lasts the whole day!
Be sure to check out http://thecandidcommentary.com/
and to add these shimmer and sparkly finds to your wish list. Thanks Dee!
gift girl
I like Reese Witherspoon’s laid back look but I think it’s way too busy. Take, for example, the blue dress against the gray cardigan - it’s just confusing and looks like she threw on any old sweater she could find. And then there’s the fringed sandals that I think make her legs look shorter than they actually are. For the Celebrity Redo, I swapped out her blue dress and added a chic white dress with pockets which really pops against the gray cardigan (LOVE me a dress with pockets!). I kept the fedora but switched out the fringed sandals for jeweled one’s. Best of all this entire redo is under $100!
Heather Gray Cardigan - $9.80 at Target.com
Princess Sunglasses - $12.50 at Delias.com
Textured Ring Necklace - $4.80 at Forever21.com
Contrasting Band Fedora - $12.50 at Wetseal.com
Jewel Stone T-Strap Sandals - $19.50 at Oldnavy.com
Pocket Front Front Linen Dress - $19.90 at Forever21.com
Be sure to check out fashiongrail.com
and to add these fabulous items to your wish list.
gift girl
Here’s a new shoe trend that I added to my Wishpot wish list. The Gladiator Sandal
If you haven’t jumped on the gladiator sandal bandwagon yet, do it this season! Gladiator sandals look adorable with mini dresses, skirts and shorts, and they are comfortable for all-day wear. The Madeline Anni Shoe ($39.00 at jbandme.com) is an adorable gladiator sandal in pewter. I’ve been wearing them for weekend shopping trips and I also wore them the other night with a flirty little springtime dress. The adjustable double ankle strap is sexy and adds extra security. True to this season’s trends with its metallic sheen and strappy style, the Anni is perfect for adding a touch of effortless glam to your look.
What do you think of my newest pair of gladiator sandals?
I heart them from the bottom of their gladiator soles!! Thanks Anna.
gift girl
Bikini or One Piece - J. Crew has some great pieces. Almost their entire collection is mix and match, with nearly every cut you can imagine. I speak from experience in telling you that their swimsuits are well-lined and have quality fabric which makes the suit more forgiving. If you need a swimsuit, start here.
Pretty sandal/flip flop - Forget gladiators. {Do you really want to have crazy tan lines on your feet?} Get yourself a pair of Corso Como thong sandals and call it a day. 
Heel - Metallic is always a safe-bet. but you can be as creative as you want to be. Make sure it’s nice and high, to compensate for the casual air of the dress. 
Light cardigan - J. Crew has some great light cardigans that are just enough to keep you from getting goosebumps if you happen to pop in somewhere that has the A/C cranked up. 
Blazer - This one is optional, but I suggest it. It can totally transform your outfit, day or night. 
Accessories - Here is where you get really creative. Belts, hats, and jewelry are what change your outfit. With a plain dress, a big earring or statement necklace is key. If you chose a dress that is very loose for your cover-up, then belt it for the evening. Get a big bag for day-time and keep a clutch inside with some essentials. Later, you can pull the clutch out, change your shoes, add some accessories and throw your flip-flops and swimsuit into the day bag. These and more items, here. 
