Well, well, well fashionistas... June is swift upon us, and things are heating up all over this great nation. Anybody else hearing the waves calling? I sure am! The beach is one of the best things about summer.

I’m not going to go there about whether you’re body is “swimsuit ready”, but I would like to point out 9 heavenly items for your beach bag. It’s a hard job, because there are actually way more than 9 essentials, and your beach bag should be big enough to fit way more, so look for updates throughout the season. Here we go!

1. Statement Shades

Duh. Like, you need shades. This season, big ‘ole statement shades are the bees knees, so let your imagination run wild. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen on your face, however, or you will deserve the raccoon circles in your future. You have been warned.

This is one of my favorite, versatile summer accesories. A huge hat to protect you from the sun and make you look demure, yet bold and fabulous! Go for a hat made of raffia, a hardy material that can stand up to crumpling and folding and still maintain its shape and flexibility. Invest well, these hats never go out of style. 

3. Summer Reading

Oceanside is a great place to catch up on your reading.  Snag the latest beach read, bestseller, magazine, library book... whatever tickles your fancy. Also, books also make excellent face shades when catching a nap on your back. It's a win-win! 

4. Barefoot Sandals

Ah, the perfect beach “shoes”. If you’ve never invested in a pair of beach sandals to show off that perfect pedicure, you really should. There are so many materials and variations, you have a plethora to choose from. For one-of-a-kind designs, check out etsy.com. 

5. Summer Scent 

Right about now you should be starting to wear a summer scent, with warm notes that evoke happiness. Toss a trial-size or solid perfume or lotion into your beach bag so you don't wash of the good smells and end the day smelling like seaweed. Personally, for summer I love citrusy, clean scents with jasmine notes... what's your pleasure?

6. Fan

The beach is hot, but you don’t have to suffer. Pick up a personal fan. I like to go high tech with an electronic personal misting fan, but you can even go vintage with a ladies’ hand fan (perfect for slapping the wrists of those overly-familiar suitors surrounding you on the sand). These come in very handy, when the beach is crowded and the breeze disappears.

7. Long Skirt

Consider this the beach cover-up reimagined for 2013. The long skirt trend provides a fresh update and cover while scoring you major style points. Letting your freshly pedicured toes and glittery barefoot sandals peep from the long hem qualifies you for automatic sirenhood- sexxxy! La vie boheme come to life.

What’s the beach without tunes? With wireless bluetooth technology, no prep is needed. Just connect your ipod or smartphone and you can stream away! Better start making your playlist now.

9. Sandless Beach Mat

Ah, the wonders of modern technology. Instead of or in addition to a conventional towel or blanket, upgrade with a sandless beach mat. Consider this the end of the “hate” part of your love/hate relationship with sand. This mat is made of special military-grade material that filters sand through the mat and away from your tender parts. No scritchy-scratchy... forever! Romantic beach nooky just became an option again. Upside: risky pleasure. Downside: potential arrest. The choice is yours...