Beach Bag Chic

All Geared Up

There's no shortage of efficient, stylish new gear to make the design diva's trek to the shore hassle-free. The predominance of stripes in this year’s textiles has cropped up in the designs for beach furniture.

While the soignée style of the French Riviera may have spawned the original craze for broad, bright graphics (cabana stripes, anyone?), the new beach stripe takes on modern hues, even with a devil-may-care approach to mixing and matching colors.

Monogrammed Bag
$34
Available at L.L. Bean

Chair
$20
Striped Umbrella
$40
Both available at Target

Sitting Pretty

A low-to-the-ground folding chair is a necessity for beach comfort. This one is extremely lightweight and folds flat for easy transport and toting. A coordinating umbrella makes you belle of the beach.

Striped Folding Chair
$20
Striped Umbrella
$40
Both available at Target

Luxury Loops

A good quality beach towel is a must -- it absorbs more water and won't leave you with a grapefruit pattern on your skin. This sharp version by Lacoste Home in bright stripes will complement any bathing attire.

Striped Beach Towel
$45
Available at Macy's

Top Hat

A pretty, crushable, packable hat is essential to beach survival. Not only does it shade your pretty face, but it also allows you to discreetly peek at that cute cabana boy. And large sunglasses will let you gaze to your heart’s content.

Packable Hat
$98
Available at Anthropologie

Plum Tree Shades
$38
Available at Anthropologie

Sun Scream

Don’t let the rays get you down. Load up on SPF and prolong your stay on the sand. A spray sunscreen, like this SPF 15 moisturizing lotion by Ahava, is wonderfully convenient at the beach, preventing the icky sand-in-the-lotion sensation.

Sunscreen
$21
Available at The Cure Shop

More For Your Summer
> Easy, Eco Backyard Cookout
> Outdoor Lighting and Fabric
> Pretty Pool Houses