Summer is in full swing and just about everyone is heading to the beach or relaxing and partying poolside. If you haven’t already, you can still get yourself a cute tote to carry your stuff in. Your beach bag should include the following essentials:
- sunscreen (most important!)
- swimsuit (if you aren’t wearing it already, of course)
- sunglasses
- your wallet or a wristlet (to hold your ID, CCs, cash, minimal make-up, lip balm & hair ties)
- a beach coverup
- flip flops, sandals or water shoes
- 2 towels (one to lay on and/or one to dry off with)
- ipod, a book …read more

Are you heading to the beach this Memorial Day long weekend?
And do you have the right beach tote…
Marc Jacobs has put together a sleek, lighthearted beach tote, complete with canvas hat, flip flops and a towel.  Perfect for enjoying the sunshine while making a style statement!

The clear tote is accented with a Miss Marc character and crinkled patent trim.   It’s generously sized to keep your sunscreen, water bottle and book all close at hand and ready for some relaxation.
image: Saks 5th Avenue

I don’t know about you, but I just cannot do it. Pay $658 for a beach tote. Yes, that’s right. $658! This is one of those times when knock-offs are acceptable, right?

I mean, would you take this ultra-nice bag to the beach to get sand and water in it? Or worse, pool water? I mean, what’s the point of being at the beach or the pool if you can’t enjoy yourself because you’re worried about your leather goods?
[photo source: eluxury.com]
Let’s see if we can find a nice knock-off…
Well, couldn’t find a knock-off quite in comparison, but I did find some …read more