A few beach essentials

I love going to the beach above most other things, but have none of the right gear, and am looking to up my game in that respect. This water bottle, in a bright Liberty floral, would be a nice start.

File this under totally unnecessary but pretty nifty: a leather towel harness for a more hands-free beach existence.

 

This insulated waxed canvas tote from LL Bean is backordered (this similar one is available) but it is so good it’s worth waiting for, I think. Such a stylish (and surely durable) way to carry your cold items.

Such an excellently graphic beach towel that reminds me of this 1968 Olympics poster, which I covet hugely.

This bright tapestry makes a perfect beach blanket.

You can’t beat a French market basket for lugging all the essentials, and this is pretty well-priced (and also, check out this one with backpack straps).

 

For those who are serious about conducting a civilized beach picnic, these lightweight bamboo plates are pretty cute.

And how about some wood cutlery? I dig the look of this stuff, and it’s so damn convenient.

And finally: I seriously crave shade the moment I get to the beach, and am very tempted by this simple, stylish tent. It actually doesn’t look like it would be too tough to set up, either.

Things I bought, things I want

Well guys, I’m packing up the rental car and heading out to Sag Harbor for the 4th, so this will be my final post of the week. See you back here Monday, have a fantabulous holiday (share your own plans in the comments if you’re feeling so inclined), and meanwhile, check out this organic linen leopard print tunic from Emerson Fry, which is going to make the best beach cover-up.

I suppose I’ve got animal prints on the brain, because I also think this tee is pretty great.

A pair of cropped Levi’s jeans that have a waistline that is high but not too high sounds exactly right at the moment.

I dig the kind of abstract heart print on this Anine Bing blouse.

The cracked-suede effect on these Adidas is so cool and weathered-looking.

And more sneakers: the pink and red here really appeals.

A super-lightweight, flowy hippie girl dress for wiltingly hot days.

Monday links

• LA-based artist Thrashbird turns crumbling concrete structures into big designer bags. (Colossal)
• These color photographs of World War I are pretty astounding. (Kottke)
• Here is a fun clip from a new documentary about female punk pioneers The Slits. Fairly NSFW. (Dangerous Minds)
• On the occasion of her retirement, Times obit writer Margalit Fox takes a stab at composing her own. (NY Times)
• “17 Real-Life Would-You-Rathers I, A Woman, Have Had to Ask Myself.” A funny/depressing little read. (McSweeney’s)

Writing swimsuit posts always makes me cranky, 2018 edition

Actually, this year I didn’t go to nearly as dark a place as I typically do looking at swimsuits, I think because there is no shortage of really cute, wearable options available right now that it almost makes the prospect of looking for one exciting. Almost. I am reasonably at peace with my body and its flaws, but nothing throws those flaws into sharper relief than trying on swimsuits in a poorly lit department store dressing room with unflattering mirrors, so I make all my purchases online: far better to have to deal with the pain in the ass of making a return than to endure the former. And with that thought in mind, let’s look at some suits: I like the bustier detail here: it’s just the right amount of fashiony.

Strategic ruching keeps this one flattering.

I typically avoid horizontal stripes in a swimsuit because they tend to widen one, but this red, white, and blue number is so well-cut that I still think it would look really good on.

This is made of some magical material that holds in your stomach, and I like the Grecian vibe of the design.

The smocking at the bustline here is so cute.

A polka-dotted halter suit is so excellently retroish.

I usually don’t go in for lace-up anything, but it’s so well-executed here that I totally would.

And here’s a lace-up in extended sizes.

This looks pretty bare without really exposing anything much.

Diagonal stripes are kind of fun and new wave, and definitely slimming too.

Just a good classic tank suit.

I dig the army green and thin straps here.

I used to own this embroidered suit (and I’ve shown it to you before, I’m pretty sure) but the dog chewed it up. Now that it’s marked down I am tempted to (but probably won’t) spring for another, because it is so damn cute.

The colorblocking here is bold without being too much.

This is rather spendy, but I think it’s just about the chicest thing ever.

And finally: I like the idea of a plunging neckline that doesn’t plunge too perilously deep.

 

Thursday links

• These wildlife photos, from the National Geographic travel photographer of the year contest are pretty stunning. (My Modern Met)
• This story, about a “socialite” grifter who duped all sorts of fabulous people in New York, is pretty juicy. (The Cut)
• It’s Tracy Morgan and it’s been too long. (Vulture)
• I like these sculptures of everyday objects made from scraps by artist Lydia Ricci. (Kottke)
• The time somebody tried to make glass dresses a thing. (Atlas Obscura)

 

In the mood for colorful sneakers

 

I think these Pumas are so cool—and even quite versatile—in mustard yellow. I also like them in purple, and this improbable-but-it-works maroon and orange platform pair.

These Adidas originals are so excellently candy-colored.

This pair is by the Brooklyn-based sneaker company Greats, and I find them quite graphic and appealing.

I wish I had a lipstick in this color—it’s a perfect plum.

This is such a good dark green, and they’ve got a little snakeskin detail on the tab, which I like.

OK, these aren’t all that colorful, but why not have just a tiny bit of fun with a leopard-striped pair?

Of course I love the blue and black color scheme of these Vans Old Skools.

Here is an easy way to indulge the trend for all things lavender, if you’re feeling it. Also: this.

The colorblock situation here appeals. I also like them in gold.

Such a happy, poppy pink.

I like the slightly faded-out blue on these Adidas Gazelles.

And I also I dig the striped lining on this chambray pair from New Balance.

I think these are spectacular.

And these have way too much going on, but it all kind of works.