Daily Covet: Beach Bag Bingo

On this most dreadful of days, it seems only fitting that I’d be searching for lovely weather essentials for the pool, the lake or the beach. Here’s a roundup of a Bingo’s game worth of cool beach bags I’d love to carry everything I own sunscreen, pool toys, floaties, magazines and snacks in.

How about these cute Billabong bags… how do you choose just one?!

 

 

These Scout bags are some of my absolute favorites. The adorable pattern options and coordinating accessories are but two of the reasons. The other is the fact that the coated canvas make them ideal for seafaring (pool or lakefaring too) days!

 

If you’re tired of losing small items at the bottom of your beach bag, this LeSportsac Clear Haven Tote is for you. The clear fabric means you can see everything in your bag at one time!

 

 

Here’s a good Independence Day option for those of us stateside. Tory Burch’s red, white and blue canvas tote is perfect for celebrating with a poolside barbeque and some festive fireworks.

 

 

What screams summer sophistication more than Target’s oversized tote with a gold-toned handle? I’m loving this bag for more than just the beach, that’s for sure… and it’s inexpensive – a definite bonus!

 

Well, that’s a wrap, as they say! Too all my American readers, Happy 4th of July. Enjoy your celebrations and stay safe!

And for my foreign friends, bon weekend! (Sorry that’s the only one I know with any certainty.)

 

Daily Covet: LOFT and the Riviera… and a birthday wish

I’m super excited to pick up some super adorbs shorts this summer!

And these Riviera shorts from LOFT are at the top of my list. I love LOFT because it’s so affordable – why pay full price when everything is on sale all the time?

Truth be told, I’d love to have virtually all of them! So maybe I can at least pick up a few of my faves!

I would also like to give a shout out to my “Mr. Middle” son, who showed up nine weeks early six years ago. Today he is as big, healthy, strong and perfect as ever. Happy Birthday Super G!

Daily Covet: Schwinn Wayfarer

Summer vacation officially starts for us here today. I’ve spent the morning filling my Google Calendar app with all the activities that are going to keep us busy over the next few months. But there is still lots of unaccounted for time – much of which will be spent outside…. if the sun ever comes out around here.

My second child just learned to ride his bike without training wheels. Grandma even bought him a Spider Man model for an early birthday present. My oldest son rides too, and I can’t think of a better way to spend time than to go riding through our beautiful parks with two of my best guys.

So today, in honor of summer and having kids and doing summer things, I have decided this cute Schwinn Wayfarer Bike should be on my shopping list. Don’t you agree?

Daily Covet: Huit Swimwear

It’s only early March, but I’m already thinking about the summer I’m going to spend by the pool with my three boys.

Why would I subject myself to this before spring even hits? Why would I subject myself to this at all?

You see, I’m on a major quest to look somewhat decent fabulous in a new suit. And the new bathing suit is my motivator. I’ve promised myself a sleek new bathing suit, if I can reach my goals by the time pool days roll around again.

Oddly, searching out the best option to reward myself with has also been a huge motivator. It gives me a visual every day when I am scouring the Internet for the perfect suit.

So far, these two suits from Huit have been my faves. No surprise they are both blue too.

The tops are very structured, which I need because this mom of three boys rarely gets to just sit and lounge by a pool. Instead I’m getting in and out of the “deep end” and reapplying sunscreen and digging for snacks and whatever else my brood needs during the day.

So while the strapless versions of these suits are really adorable, you can bet I’ll not be removing the removable straps. Between the two (here and here), I prefer the boy shorts. In the past, this hasn’t been the best style for me because of my pair shape and short legs. While I can’t do anything about my short legs, I am hoping to eat, sweat and lift my way to smaller hips so that I can finally wear boy shorts with confidence.

We’ve got approximately three weeks until summer rolls around and I’m just one week into my 12-week plan to build more lean muscle and shed some baby-induced (ok everything-induced) pudge.

Wish me luck!

Daily Covet: Ann Taylor Katarina Sandals

Not sure who Katarina is, but I love her sandals.

But seriously, these Ann Taylor sandals scream “SUMMER!” and I’m so ready for warmer weather – especially with a foot of snow on the Midwestern ground.

I love the pale gold color that would look great against summer-tanned feet. There’s a small heel for comfort mostly, and some metal detailing up top too… really a perfect spring break or summer sandal!

                                        Ann Taylor Katarina Sandals

Daily Covet: Letarte Cotton Coverup

Hi friends!

You’re probably wondering if I gave up on LBS.com or what.  Truth is, I took on a lot of freelance writing work recently and am also winding up the school year with my two boys…

This has meant less time shopping for me and a little less to covet.

But fear not, I do have a long list of covets as I head into the end of this pregnancy.  While I’m coveting virtually everything non-maternity, one item I’d love to add to my summer wardrobe is a swim coverup that will “cover” me through the summer.

This Letarte scalloped drawstring cotton tunic is so feminine and so light and so airy, I can imagine wearing it to and from the pool on the hottest of days — now that we are experiencing some 80+ degree weather!

And trust me when I say I’ve got plenty to cover up these days!!  (Are we there yet, baby?)

Daily Covet: J.Crew Bikini

Bikinis?

My family is tossing around ideas about what to do for Spring Break.

My son asked if we could go on a Disney cruise, and followed that up with a trip to Mexico.

While I don’t see our expectant-baby budget taking us on an exotic excursion, we are trying to find someplace warm and inviting stateside.

This means I’ll be on the hunt for warm-weather clothes that will be pool (or beach) ready by March!

I found this J.Crew bikini today.  And while I’m not super thrilled about my baby bump in a bikini, a beige baby bump is better than a white one once summer rolls around, right?!

Plus, this bikini from J.Crew has a fabulous print in two of my fave colors… blue and more blue!

Daily Covet: Chanel Quilted Nylon Handbag

Chanel. Quilted.  Nylon.

Does it get any better?

I adore this Chanel handbag for summer.  It combines two of my favorite trends:  Chanel anything.  And white.

Everything about a Chanel handbag exudes classic elegance and sophistication.

Especially the $2000 price tag!

Daily Covet: Havaianas x 2

I need flip flops.

Never did I think I’d utter those words.  Or need to utter those words anyway.

I love these gold-ish Havaianas FIT with the cute back-strap, and have wanted them all spring and summer.  I have just never gone looking for them.

So I went to Havaianas.com last night to see if they were there.

And they were!  But so were these little beauties…. the Origine Ballerina Espadrille.  Leave it to me, to go in wanting one thing…. and leave with two…or three….or four.

Daily Covet: Meredith Wendell Curved Tote

I love totes.  I’d rather carry a tote during the summer than almost any other bag.  They are ideal for stashing flip flops when you want to start out wearing high, wedge sandals.  Store sunscreen, snacks and drink pouches for the kids.  Or toss in your cardigan for all the places that are highly air conditioned on a hot, summer day.

This Meredith Wendell Curved Tote is perfect for the “tote of the day” job.  Of course, it’s in my favorite color, and the “braided” in handles are a cool, contrasting navy.  Interior pockets, with and without zips, let you stow those smaller objects, which tend to get lost in oversized bags.  And the flat bottom means you can set them upright without everything dumping out.

This cute bag also comes in gray with salmon-colored handles and an apple green (a close 2nd favorite!) with honey-colored, natural leather handles.