HAT GIRL SUMMER: OUR GO-TO SUMMER MUST-HAVES

Although the official date to mark the start of summer isn't until Sunday, June 20th, we've been feeling the heat from the hot sun and the dirty South's humidity for many, many weeks now. And to help us schlep through this glorious season and summer fun in the sun time of year, we've collected our favorite of faves that are tried and true must-haves to keep the summer months manageable. All of course with an effortlessly chic sense of style, while not breaking the bank. Practical and functional that actually helps hold the mounds of sh*t that are needed in order to make it at least an hour at the pool or beach. Some yummy cocktails/mocktails that rejuvenate the dehydrated body. And of course, any and all to preserve our delicate face to keep that youthful glow present. Yes, yes, who doesn't want to feel like we're living the life of a 'hot girl summer', but who are we kidding...?!?! A hat and some SPF is where it's at! Hence, the title of this post.

Rebecca Minkoff

Megan Mini Tote Crossbody

Oh hello, there you cute pop of color bag that's the perfect summertime accessory! This crossbody bag by one of my most loved designers, Rebecca Minkoff is always an easy go-to for me. Chic, practical, and big enough to hold everything that you need, but small enough to not weigh you down. And the bright colors add just that extra bit that you needed for your summer outfit!

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        Sunday Forever

Custom Lucky Charm Bracelet

I stumbled across this NYC based and female-owned brand last summer on Instagram and have loved everything they do! After my 876th meltdown regarding the status of my own small business due to the pandemic, I decided to give myself a lil' cheering up gift and created my own charm bracelet. I chose a Swarovski crystal star, gold evil eye (need all the help I can get!), a gold horseshoe, and my birth sign. My wrist has been rocking this dainty number for over a year and I've never taken it off. So the quality is really good.

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Amazon

Crop Top Sports Bra

This built-in crop top is an absolute MUST for the summer. Pair it with high-waisted leggings or bikers for your next workout sweat sesh or try it with denim shorts or a flowy skirt - it's an instant go-to for any outfit! There are so many color choices and the snug fit with its built-in bra allows you to leave that pesky strapless bra at home.

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Supergoop!

Glowscreen SPF 40

Hello Lover! I am forever on the hunt (seriously, ALWAYS) for new sunscreen for the face and body, and last year, Supergoop! released 'Glowscreen SPF 40' and I've been hooked ever since. This lightweight SPF is beautiful on the skin all on its own or can be worn under foundation. It has a lovely dewy finish that leaves the skin's complexion glowing... hence the name. 

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Clinique

Moisture Surge Intense

Hands down, the best daily moisturizer ever! And I'm not just saying that because I worked for Clinique for a million years, I promise. It truly is a great facial moisturizer for both day and night and all year round. If the summertime humidity can hit your skin's oily areas, then you might like the feel of this product. It's more like a gel-cream texture and does barrier repair. Don't be fooled by the summer season heat that brings on the sweat drip, your skin still needs to be hydrated and treated just like the colder months of the year too. 

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Supergoop!

Glowscreen Body

If you're obsessed with a product for the face and you find out that it's made for the body, I mean... that's so obvious that you need both face and body products, right?! ABSOLUTELY! So back to my love for Supergoop's 'Glowscreen SPF 40' for the face... well just recently, they launched 'Glowscreen Body' and I'm equally impressed. Once again, this is a lightweight formula that is SPF 40. Very blendable and there's no white mask residue. Just beautiful, glowing skin with the slightest bit of sparkle. Exactly what I want my skin to be in the summer!

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Amazon

Hydro Flask Water Bottle

Yeti who? Seriously... hands down, this out does any hot/cold water bottle on the market and is a life-savor. Mom of three here and we are constantly on the go. From sporting events, long days at the pool, or working in my studio, the 'Hydro Flask' is always nearby. I have officially joined the VSCO girl tribe and have even decked out my flask with cool 'Schitt's Creek' stickers.

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 Bogg Bag

Original Large Tote

One of the many "why didn't I think of this?" moments in life was when I discovered this amazing, durable, and easy-to-clean beach/pool tote bag. EVERYONE needs this bag! Think of those ugly (no offense, but they are) clog 'Crocs' meets a cute tote bag - Voila! Bogg Bags are epic! Sunscreen explosion? No problem, rinse it off with the hose. A million seashells collected and tossed in because your kids want to take the beach home with them? Easy clean-up. The Bogg Bag comes in different sizes and several colors to choose from. You can also purchase clear pouches that can either hook in on the inside or outside. So throw in all your SPF, beach towels, your next good page-turner read, or 'Hydro Flask' and you are ready to take on the summer.

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Amazon

Wide Brim Beach Hat

Heeeeey hat girl. Everyone needs a good and classically chic beach hat to help protect the face and chest from sun damage. I have a few of these hats and love them and they're inexpensive. They are adjustable which is a must for my odd-shaped head and come in many color options. I also like the size and shape because it doesn't skew my view and I can still wear my sunglasses while wearing this hat.

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Places to visit, books to read & drinks to sip!

Summerfield Farms

Have you got summer plans yet? Well, if you're like me, then as much as I want to get out of town this summer, I'm not fully *there* when it comes to all the travel hustle and bustle just yet. We do have some beach plans ahead, but for the most part, we're still going to keep to our low-key life. If you are in the Greensboro area of North Carolina and want a change of scenery, then I highly recommend visiting Summerfield Farms. Day trip it and see all their cute farm animals, eat from one of their many booked food trucks, or visit the Market for goodies to take home. Need a night or two away? Then book one of their posh cottages or bungalows that are quaint and relaxing. The Farm always has fun and inviting activities scheduled: from family movie night to siping drinks from the 'Well Truck' and listening to live music on their rooftop silos.

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Books to read

Never known a summer to go by without a good book to read while lounging poolside or seated back with toes in the sand. If you haven't noticed by now, I'm quite the Amazon shopper (aren't we all, tho?) and while doing my usual cruise thru on the sight, I came across my latest read, The Book of Lymph by Lisa Levitt Gainsley, CLT. As I am a Pilates Instructor and teach rebounder fitness for a living, and both modalities are epically good for the lymphatic system, I saw this book and into the shopping cart, it went! This book is truly a great read that dives into the power and science of the body's lymph system and shares self-care practices to enhance immunity, health, and beauty. I think we can ALL agree that after this past year and a half, we've been put on *notice* of just how important it is to take care of ourselves. This book was so interesting and one that I will keep within an easy reach to quickly grab for a quick reminder or reference.

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Drinks to sip

Summer just isn't summer if you don't have an ice-cold and pretty cocktail or mocktail to come home to after a fun day in the sun. Freshly pressed berries and herbs mixed with a favorite spirit, (or not!) and something sparkling and bubbly with a copper-toned metal straw will do just the trick. Currently, I am loving a 'blackberry gin fizz' cocktail that can easily be made into a virgin. Everything fresh and pressed, add in lime, and 'she's in the glow'!

Make Mama A Cocktail

Well, that's that! I hope there's something from our summertime must-haves that you give a try. If you do, let us know what and how'd you like it. We hope have a fun and safe summertime season. Wear that SPF all day every day and have a 'hat girl summer"!

xx,

There She Glows