Spring Break and Summer Fashion: Beach and Pool Must-Haves

Planning on a sunny Spring Break beach, cruise or pool vacation? Even if you don't hit the beach for Spring Break, summer is coming soon. Here is a list of must-have beach and pool essentials. Reasonable prices a must from this penny pinching mom.

over-sized zippered beach bag: Choose a fabric covered, plastic lined bag large enough to hold all your beach supplies. The ideal beach bag should have several compartment for storage. Many stores, like Victoria's Secret, offer a free or inexpensive beach bag if you buy a certain amount of products. TJ Maxx and Old Navy also sell nice over-sized beach bags under $15.

beach hat or lightweight head scarf: Sun, chlorine, wind and water take their toll on hair and skin. Stash a wide-brimmed hat or scarf to protect your hair and skin in the heat of the day. Fashion Bug, Old Navy and TJ Maxx are my stores for a cute, stylish hat. Retail price: under $15.

sunglasses: TJ Maxx carries nice sunglasses under $10 a pair. Store sunglasses in a separate pocket of your beach bag, in a glasses case or small fabric bag.

cute, comfy sandals, beach shoes or flip flops: Sand and concrete around the pool gets very hot in the sun; be sure to have a pair of comfy beach shoes for walking on hot surfaces. Spending the day at the pool or beach? You'll want your shoes for dinner at the bistro or that drink on the patio. Target, Fashion Bug stores have a great selection of cute sandals priced under $12.

beach skirt or wrap: Many bathing suits come with matching skirts. If you don't have one, pick up a long waist tie beach wrap or short sassy Lycra beach skirt to show off your legs. Take your bathing suit from poolside to patio bar, with a chic matching skirt. Wal-Mart sells cute beach skirts under $15.

beach cover up: Protect your skin from the glare of midday sun, pool chlorine with a lightweight beach cover-up. Most beach cover-ups are made of pretty gauzy fabric so that you won't get over-heated. A cute cover-up goes from pool side or beach to al fresco dining and patio dancing with ease. Available for under $20 from Wal-Mart, Target, TJ Maxx, Old Navy or Fashion Bug.

toe ring and ankle bracelet: I don't go in for tattoos, but I do like a little summer bling. my husband bought me a toe ring about 10 years ago when they were just coming into fashion. On our first dating anniversary he got me a beaded ankle bracelet with bells. I still wear them. Oh, and for the pool or beach, painted toe nails are a must.

Stainless steel water bottle: Available for $4-$8, keep this filled with water as sun and outdoor activity depletes bodily fluids. Rehydrate frequently, even if you are just lounging by the pool.

purse sized beauty accessories: Store these in a separate cosmetic case or zippered compartment.

SPF 15-30 sunscreen: Keep a bottle on hand for when the sun sizzles. Remember the chap stick with sunscreen also. My preference is Burt's Bees or Kiss My Face.

-shampoo with light conditioner to protect hair from sun and chlorine
-hand and body moisturizer and face moisturizer
-waterless razor for quick touch-ups. I keep my Intuition razor with soap attached in my beach bag. A quick trip to the bath house, touch up the legs and I'm ready for anything.
-deodorant
-feminine napkins or tampons
-concealer stick, lip gloss, eye shadow palette and mascara: keep these handy for that post swim pre beach party touch up.

hair accessories: Be ready for an evening of sight-seeing, a stroll downtown or a late night beach party. Keep these supplies available for a quick post swim up-do: folding brush and mirror, pretty over-sized clip or head band and bobby pins.

With a nice bathing suit, you'll have a complete beach or pool to night life ensemble for under $100. For more on fashion and style, visit me at www.diyfashion4u.blogspot.com.