Pool Your Tips

Yay, You!  You're on vacation! That's awesome, no doubt you deserve it. I love the water. The beach, a pool, a lake. Any aquatic scenario fills me with joy. Unless it involves the Titanic😱. I'm actually born on the exact cusp of Capricorn and Aquarius, and I definitely exhibit both traits. I especially love the sounds involved with a body of water. Calm lapping, children splashing and laughing. Sun dappled happiness.

I recently upped my poolside game fashion wise, which makes me feel not shlumpy. Since regular weekday routine can often look that way, I really enjoy busting out my best looks on vacation. I mean I have the stuff, now is the time to use it. I think of it as relaxed glam. The tunic thing just isn't for me. There are many cute ones out there, but whenever I used to wear one I felt like I was in maternity clothes, which in turn put me in a crappy, very not sexy, very forget it I'm going back to the room to watch TV mood.

First, comfort is key. Anytime a chick is prancing around in heels all made up and looking like she just spent two hours getting dressed for the pool, it is so lame. This should be quick, cool, effortless chic. It's easy. Obviously start with your favorite bathing suit or bikini, the one that makes you look and feel your very best. Sandals must be cute and practical, otherwise you'll regret it. Sinking into sand, chasing kids, water everywhere. Functionality will not only be necessary, but prevents the trying too hard vibe. I prefer Birkenstocks. I have them in white, black with studs, and gold. They always look chic and easy.

Over the years I've unintentionally amassed a nice collection of cover ups. I've gotten rid of a lot over the years that ultimately looked matronly. I'm left with items that can double as actual clothes, which is key in maintaining the unassuming effortlessness. Lightweight jumpsuits, gauzy shifts with or without a roughed-up belt, a sexy mesh skirt worn with a crop top, an unfussy romper. One of my favorites is a long overall dress made of parachute material from DKNY, that I wear with no shirt under, just over the bathing suit. I have this ancient white sarong that I'll wear with a white tank. They also sell really cool sarongs now that look like sheets, and can be used as a blanket. I love things that have multiple uses. I stick to neutrals color wise; white, black, occasionally another color if the material is light enough.

I tie it all together with random gold jewelry, quite a bit of it, but nothing that can't be easily removed if I go in the water. Funky earrings. Some rings, a thin wrap bracelet. Keep the rings a little loose if your fingers swell in the heat like mine do. Sausage Party.  I love to layer necklaces but I keep them in the same family of yellow gold. It's the most glamorous for this setting, I feel very 70's.

There's something about the color of the accessories mixed with the blue sky and water, as well as with the golden sun, that makes for a gorgeous, shimmery vacation vibe. Natural shine all around. We wait all year for this, right? Awesome shades, cool beach bag, tinted lip balm, a good book, and a sign in front of you that says "don't bother me". A little zip pouch for the jewelry if it needs storing. And really look around you and take it all in. The sights, sounds, and scents of vacation are medicinal. I'm so happy for you that you are getting the break you deserve. Enjoy this time, absorb where life has taken you. Breathe in the fresh ocean air (chlorine works too). Save me a lounge chair and a flavored mojito. Miss you!