DL's Summer Must-Haves
Sometimes I like pretending I’m a lifestyle blogger and telling you guys about my favorite products that make my life easier or more efficient or just better in general. The irony of this is that I’m writing this from my bed where I lay swaddled in blankets, minutes away from descending into naptitude. Also I am completely the type of girl who raves about a product when I first get it and am obsessed with it for a very short amount of time and then I kind of forget it exists and never use it again...but that being said, I do have some things that I absolutely love (or genuinely need) to use in the summer time, so here they are!
1. Scrunchies
In the summer time, I have basically two hair styles: Down, or half-up-half-down. (In the winter I have one: down). I just ain't a hair guru. I do, however, like to add a little style and color to my hair when I opt for a half-up-half-down look. My mom got me this huge set of neon velvet scrunchies when I was like 9. After a while I thought they were too kiddish, so I stuck them in a box up in the attic. I am so glad I kept them because I am now in love with them all over again and wear them constantly. They're just so cute and 80s, and there's literally every color you can imagine so they match or contrast any outfit! The great thing about scrunchies is that they don't pull your hair like hair ties sometimes do. And if you want some reinforcement, you can always layer your regular hair-tie with a colorful scrunchy and you won't even be able to see the hair-tie.
Where to buy them: I have absolutely no idea where my mom got my huge set of velvet ones, but I know that scrunchies are back in style so you can find them at Claire's, Icing, and Wal Mart, to name a few.
In the summer time, I have basically two hair styles: Down, or half-up-half-down. (In the winter I have one: down). I just ain't a hair guru. I do, however, like to add a little style and color to my hair when I opt for a half-up-half-down look. My mom got me this huge set of neon velvet scrunchies when I was like 9. After a while I thought they were too kiddish, so I stuck them in a box up in the attic. I am so glad I kept them because I am now in love with them all over again and wear them constantly. They're just so cute and 80s, and there's literally every color you can imagine so they match or contrast any outfit! The great thing about scrunchies is that they don't pull your hair like hair ties sometimes do. And if you want some reinforcement, you can always layer your regular hair-tie with a colorful scrunchy and you won't even be able to see the hair-tie.
Where to buy them: I have absolutely no idea where my mom got my huge set of velvet ones, but I know that scrunchies are back in style so you can find them at Claire's, Icing, and Wal Mart, to name a few.
2. Eastland sandals
If you've spent any amount of time with me and took any particular notice to my feet, it wouldn't be long before you noticed that I basically wear the same pair of ratty old tan sandals basically all the time. That's because I have discovered the most amazing brand and style of sandal that exists in the world, and I will wear them until they are literally hanging off my feet by a single thread. These magical sandals are Eastland sandals in the style "Tahiti". I purchased them for $1 at a yard sale two years ago and it was the best decision I ever made. Although admittedly, I almost didn't even try them on because at first I thought they were kind of old ladyish looking, and my mom and grandma had to talk me into it. And hey, maybe they do give off a middle-aged-lady-sandal vibe. But I don't care at all because they are the most comfortable, versatile, life-proof sandals I have ever owned. The soles are plush so your feet just sink down into them, and the straps are real leather so they conform to your foot perfectly. They're slip ons but they are super secure. I cannot rave about these sandals enough.
Where to buy them: Now, it's doubtful (nay, impossible) that I'll ever find a pair just like them again at a yardsale. But, they are available for purchase online, for about $50, on Eastland's website, as well as Famous Footwear, and JC Penney, along with other various shoe stores. Typically I don't spend more than like ten bucks on any pair of shoes if I can help it, but these sandals are worth every cent, and when I inevitably wear out the pair I have now, I will not blink twice at purchasing another pair.
If you've spent any amount of time with me and took any particular notice to my feet, it wouldn't be long before you noticed that I basically wear the same pair of ratty old tan sandals basically all the time. That's because I have discovered the most amazing brand and style of sandal that exists in the world, and I will wear them until they are literally hanging off my feet by a single thread. These magical sandals are Eastland sandals in the style "Tahiti". I purchased them for $1 at a yard sale two years ago and it was the best decision I ever made. Although admittedly, I almost didn't even try them on because at first I thought they were kind of old ladyish looking, and my mom and grandma had to talk me into it. And hey, maybe they do give off a middle-aged-lady-sandal vibe. But I don't care at all because they are the most comfortable, versatile, life-proof sandals I have ever owned. The soles are plush so your feet just sink down into them, and the straps are real leather so they conform to your foot perfectly. They're slip ons but they are super secure. I cannot rave about these sandals enough.
Where to buy them: Now, it's doubtful (nay, impossible) that I'll ever find a pair just like them again at a yardsale. But, they are available for purchase online, for about $50, on Eastland's website, as well as Famous Footwear, and JC Penney, along with other various shoe stores. Typically I don't spend more than like ten bucks on any pair of shoes if I can help it, but these sandals are worth every cent, and when I inevitably wear out the pair I have now, I will not blink twice at purchasing another pair.
3. Gold Bond powder
Gold Bond powder is basically your one stop shop for all summer-specific ailments. Got massive bug bites? Gold Bond. Got a raging sunburn? Gold Bond. Suffering from the dreaded chub rub? Gold Bond. While I've used Gold Bond for all the above mentioned issues, that last one is definitely the thing I use it for the most. As one with thighs that cozily touch at all times, believe me when I say I've tried a myriad of chafing remedies. For me personally, Gold Bond is the brand that actually helps, both with preventing and soothing.
Where to buy it: Gold Bond comes in humongous bottles, medium sized ones, or my personal favorite, the teeny weeny travel sized ones which are perfect for sticking in your purse wherever you go. Gold Bond can be found at pretty much any of your standard grocery stores, and can be purchased online from Wal Mart or Amazon (and other places too I'm sure).
Gold Bond powder is basically your one stop shop for all summer-specific ailments. Got massive bug bites? Gold Bond. Got a raging sunburn? Gold Bond. Suffering from the dreaded chub rub? Gold Bond. While I've used Gold Bond for all the above mentioned issues, that last one is definitely the thing I use it for the most. As one with thighs that cozily touch at all times, believe me when I say I've tried a myriad of chafing remedies. For me personally, Gold Bond is the brand that actually helps, both with preventing and soothing.
Where to buy it: Gold Bond comes in humongous bottles, medium sized ones, or my personal favorite, the teeny weeny travel sized ones which are perfect for sticking in your purse wherever you go. Gold Bond can be found at pretty much any of your standard grocery stores, and can be purchased online from Wal Mart or Amazon (and other places too I'm sure).
4. Blotting sheets
Ya girl is a sweat machine, aight? I don't even have to be doing anything strenuous. Just walk outside on a hot day and a nice moist sheen will just crop up on my temples without even asking me if I wanted it there. When I don't have anywhere important to go, I don't really care if my face looks like a glazed donut. But sometimes I'd prefer a nice matte finish to my face rather than a shiny finish. That's where blotting sheets come in. They're delightfully disgusting to use too, because once you blot your face, you get to see all the oils that were on there and they make all kinds of nasty patterns and shapes on the blotting sheets. It's one of those oddly satisfying and gross-but-fun things to do.
Where to buy them: Again these are available at your local grocery store, but if you want to get them online, you can go to Walmart.com or Amazon.
Ya girl is a sweat machine, aight? I don't even have to be doing anything strenuous. Just walk outside on a hot day and a nice moist sheen will just crop up on my temples without even asking me if I wanted it there. When I don't have anywhere important to go, I don't really care if my face looks like a glazed donut. But sometimes I'd prefer a nice matte finish to my face rather than a shiny finish. That's where blotting sheets come in. They're delightfully disgusting to use too, because once you blot your face, you get to see all the oils that were on there and they make all kinds of nasty patterns and shapes on the blotting sheets. It's one of those oddly satisfying and gross-but-fun things to do.
Where to buy them: Again these are available at your local grocery store, but if you want to get them online, you can go to Walmart.com or Amazon.
5. Aux cord
This one is slightly ironic because currently I do not have a working aux cord that's compatible with my car...but whenever I am in my mom's car you better bet I'll be jamming out to tunes using hers. Anyway, as much as I love the radio and love jamming out to my oldies station, there's nothing like plugging in your iPod (or in most peoples' more modernized case, iPhone) and jamming out to a sick playlist you carefully handcrafted for a roadtrip-- or just a trip to the store. Whoever invented the aux cord was a genius, and I am never in more need of it than in the summer time when riding around with friends is a common occurrence.
Where to buy one: I bought mine at Best Buy like five years ago and it still works perfectly. I think it came in a pack of two but who knows where the other one ended up at...Anyway, you get these basically wherever. Here are some options from Best Buy, Wal Mart, and Amazon.
P.S. That aux cord I linked from Wal Mart is on clearance for .59 cents...just sayin'.
6. Bralette
Now, technically this is not just a summer must-have for me, but more like a year round must-have, since the bralette I bought on sale at Victoria's Secret last year is basically my Official Bra (aka, I wear it like all the time, everywhere, no matter what and prioritize it above all my other various bras). That being said, bralettes are particularly nice to have in the summer when you're going to be wearing a lot of tank tops and strapless shirts and want to show the world something a little cuter and classier than just a regular old bra with spaghetti straps that don't add any fashion appeal. I will admit that when bralettes were first becoming a thing, I was kind of against the whole idea-- like why show the whole world your bra? But now that I have actually found a bralette that fits me nicely and is super comfortable, I am totally on board. My bra straps are going to show one way or the other, I've just come to terms with it. At least now they don't look as tacky. Plus, a bralette is like ten bajillion times more comfortable than an underwire bra. It can take some hunting to find a good one that meets all your personal specifications, but once you do find a great one, it's totally worth it. (I couldn't find my exact one, but the one in the picture looks pretty similar to mine. I would recommend one with a particularly cute back as that's the part that will likely show the most).
Where to buy one: Oh girl, basically anywhere these days. But like I mentioned, I got mine on sale from Victoria's Secret. Quite honestly I would not buy a bra from Victoria's Secret UNLESS on sale, because their prices are exorbitant and they're not very size inclusive (plus I don't like it there because they were rude to me one time, but that's another story). BUT I've also gotten really cute ones from Rue 21, and some adorable ones from Gabriel's. (You can't buy things online from Gabriel's, but you can look up where the nearest store is to you).
P.S. Y'all!! The bra I linked form Rue 21 is on sale for like $4 AND you can buy 2 get one free!
7. Fashion sunglasses
Okay sunglasses should be a no-brainer for summer time. But there are a lot of ugly sunglasses out there and I am not about that at all. There are so many cute, inexpensive sunglasses out there that there's no excuse for wearing ugly sunglasses these days. It's also necessary, of course, to have a different pair for different things. For example, a pair to keep in your car at all times, a cute pair for going out, and a more functional pair you don't care about losing for things like white water rafting or the amusement park. Go out there and get yourself some eye protection people. And make sure it's cute.
Where to get some: My favorite sunglasses have come from Charlotte Russe, Gabriel's, 5 Below, and to be honest, the Dollar General. Sunglasses are basically everywhere.
8. Headphone splitter
This is another friendship roadtrip necessity. I always bring my headphone splitter when my youth group goes to Hershey park because you can have five people listening to the same music at the same time without annoying the rest of the group by playing it out loud. It's another genius invention that I highly recommend.
Where to get one: I'd say your best bet would be probably either Best Buy (that's where I got mine years ago) or Amazon. Ooh the one from Amazon is purple!!
So there you have it folks! Those are some of my favorite products to use in the summer. I'm sure I forgot some, but whatever. Those are the essentials for having a great summer time and making your life easier.
VaughnDL
This one is slightly ironic because currently I do not have a working aux cord that's compatible with my car...but whenever I am in my mom's car you better bet I'll be jamming out to tunes using hers. Anyway, as much as I love the radio and love jamming out to my oldies station, there's nothing like plugging in your iPod (or in most peoples' more modernized case, iPhone) and jamming out to a sick playlist you carefully handcrafted for a roadtrip-- or just a trip to the store. Whoever invented the aux cord was a genius, and I am never in more need of it than in the summer time when riding around with friends is a common occurrence.
Where to buy one: I bought mine at Best Buy like five years ago and it still works perfectly. I think it came in a pack of two but who knows where the other one ended up at...Anyway, you get these basically wherever. Here are some options from Best Buy, Wal Mart, and Amazon.
P.S. That aux cord I linked from Wal Mart is on clearance for .59 cents...just sayin'.
6. Bralette
Now, technically this is not just a summer must-have for me, but more like a year round must-have, since the bralette I bought on sale at Victoria's Secret last year is basically my Official Bra (aka, I wear it like all the time, everywhere, no matter what and prioritize it above all my other various bras). That being said, bralettes are particularly nice to have in the summer when you're going to be wearing a lot of tank tops and strapless shirts and want to show the world something a little cuter and classier than just a regular old bra with spaghetti straps that don't add any fashion appeal. I will admit that when bralettes were first becoming a thing, I was kind of against the whole idea-- like why show the whole world your bra? But now that I have actually found a bralette that fits me nicely and is super comfortable, I am totally on board. My bra straps are going to show one way or the other, I've just come to terms with it. At least now they don't look as tacky. Plus, a bralette is like ten bajillion times more comfortable than an underwire bra. It can take some hunting to find a good one that meets all your personal specifications, but once you do find a great one, it's totally worth it. (I couldn't find my exact one, but the one in the picture looks pretty similar to mine. I would recommend one with a particularly cute back as that's the part that will likely show the most).
Where to buy one: Oh girl, basically anywhere these days. But like I mentioned, I got mine on sale from Victoria's Secret. Quite honestly I would not buy a bra from Victoria's Secret UNLESS on sale, because their prices are exorbitant and they're not very size inclusive (plus I don't like it there because they were rude to me one time, but that's another story). BUT I've also gotten really cute ones from Rue 21, and some adorable ones from Gabriel's. (You can't buy things online from Gabriel's, but you can look up where the nearest store is to you).
P.S. Y'all!! The bra I linked form Rue 21 is on sale for like $4 AND you can buy 2 get one free!
7. Fashion sunglasses
Okay sunglasses should be a no-brainer for summer time. But there are a lot of ugly sunglasses out there and I am not about that at all. There are so many cute, inexpensive sunglasses out there that there's no excuse for wearing ugly sunglasses these days. It's also necessary, of course, to have a different pair for different things. For example, a pair to keep in your car at all times, a cute pair for going out, and a more functional pair you don't care about losing for things like white water rafting or the amusement park. Go out there and get yourself some eye protection people. And make sure it's cute.
Where to get some: My favorite sunglasses have come from Charlotte Russe, Gabriel's, 5 Below, and to be honest, the Dollar General. Sunglasses are basically everywhere.
8. Headphone splitter
This is another friendship roadtrip necessity. I always bring my headphone splitter when my youth group goes to Hershey park because you can have five people listening to the same music at the same time without annoying the rest of the group by playing it out loud. It's another genius invention that I highly recommend.
Where to get one: I'd say your best bet would be probably either Best Buy (that's where I got mine years ago) or Amazon. Ooh the one from Amazon is purple!!
So there you have it folks! Those are some of my favorite products to use in the summer. I'm sure I forgot some, but whatever. Those are the essentials for having a great summer time and making your life easier.
VaughnDL
Comments
Post a Comment