Summer Essentials: Best Beach Bags of 2013

There's still plenty of time to squeeze in trips to the beach and pool during this last month of summer, and if you're in the market for a new pool/beach bag here are some great options!

Lilly Pulitzer Shoreline Tote Chin Chin

I have this bag and actually use it as just a regular tote bag, but Lilly markets it as a beach bag. The inside wipes clean easily and there is an interior zip pocket for keeping iPhones and such dry and sand-free.

Lilly Pulitzer Insulated Cooler Bag

Lilly Pulitzer's insulated cooler bags are actually my top choice for a beach bag. I have the Limeade Floaters print from two years ago that I still use and it has held up well! You can fit a decent amount of stuff in it and it zips across the top. As an added bonus it comes with a pink Lilly Pulitzer bottle opener! (I have this cooler bag in Chin Chin as well, that I use as a multi-purpose bag.) 

I don't have these next few bags so can't speak from personal experience of their usefulness as beach/pool totes, but they are all adorable and appear very functional as well:

Stella & Dot How She Does It-Navy Stripe

My Stella & Dot Stylist Sarah highly recommends this tote as a beach bag. Multiple interior pockets, including a water bottle holder, make it easy to stay organized!

Vineyard Vines Nor'Easter Tote

This nylon tote from Vineyard Vines also has multiple interior pockets and would be a great beach tote.

Marley Lilly Monogrammed Large Jute Tote

This monogrammed tote from Marley Lilly comes in multiple color options!

Bamboula Ltd. for J.Crew Market Tote

This woven tote has a beachy vibe!

What have been your "go-to" bags for trips to the beach and pool this summer?

-L

xoxo

What's In Your Pool Bag?

We may have reached the midpoint of summer, but there's still plenty of pool and beach days ahead. Here's a look at what I pack for an afternoon by the pool:

From my Polyvore set

I love using my Lilly Pulitzer insulated cooler bag as a pool bag. The essentials I pack in it include sunscreen for both my face and body, my iPhone, iPod, a good book, and a Lilly snack sack bag to hold loose items. I also bring along a Lilly lunchbox with a couple of can drinks and a Tervis Tumbler with a travel lid full of ice water. I like to bring an extra-long towel as well (not pictured) to spread on the lounge chair.

And here is what I wear:

From my Polyvore set

What are your pool bag essentials?

-L

xoxo