The summer heat has hit! Pros: summer. Cons: heat. Speaking of heat, here are some HOT items to spice up your summer.
Disclaimer: I received no compensation in any way for promoting these items.
1. A basic pool float to make your social media look cool
You've seen them on every girl's Instagram. They may be basic, but they are also fun and helpful when you want to take a quick dip and relax. Coming in all shapes, designs, animals, and food, I think the pizza one might be my favorite.
(Pictured: Urban Outfitters Floral Flamingo Float. $56.)
2. A pair of shoes to get sandy. Or muddy. Or to keep clean.
It seems like no one is wearing regular-old flip-flops anymore. It's time to step up the summer footwear game. Trending now are flat platform sandals and simple slides. The "Flatform" is an awesome new trend that not only channels clunky 90's vibes, but are also comfortable and easy to walk in, whether you're wandering Europe, heading down to the beach, or just catching lunch with friends.
(Pictured: Steve Madden "Krista" Flatform Sandal. $89.95)
3. A rockin' tee to keep up with the trends
You've watched it happen: the graphic tee phenomena. Well, you're in luck, because two college students from The University of Oklahoma just created their own graphic tee company. And it rocks. Clothes + Confetti, founded this year by Molly Beffort and Ally Portman, has the cutest tees perfect for the summer heat. BONUS: $1 from each purchase is donated to "Best Friends of Pets" in Oklahoma City. They are currently working on a new collection. I'm excited. Other places to find graphic tees are Urban Outfitters and Revolve.
(Pictured: Clothes + Confetti "Talk Less Tee" $30) (Disclaimer: I do know one of the founders but am not getting compensation to promote.)
4. Some essential goo for your skin so you don't die
With summer comes the heat. Although it is sometimes easy to forget about, everyone needs to be wearing sunscreen at all times when outdoors. Even if you're someone who doesn't burn and just tans (in which case I hate you), you still need that SPF to prevent skin cancer and other horrible things. Incorporate SPF into your makeup, and if your skin is sensitive (like mine), a sunscreen stick won't cut it. Supergoop is my new best friend. They make products ranging from makeup (with added SPF), to lip balm (with added SPF), to face and body sunscreen that not only protects you from the sun, but also helps heal existing damage. Not to mention, it feels great when you put it on. It may be on the steeper side of sunscreen costs, but it's worth it. Treat your skin to the "ooooh-aaaah" sensation of being healthy!
(Pictured: Supergoop Skin Soothing Mineral Sunscreen with Olive Polyphenois SPF 40. $28)
5. A teensie-weensie bikini that will make you look awesome because you're awesome
Swimsuits these days have been pretty pricey. With (adorable) brands like L*Space, Maaji, Mikoh, and Vitamin A, your bank account might need a little bedrest. For a more affordable look, try brands such as Cupshe, RVCA, and Billabong. There are lots of other sites out there that recreate these high--price swimmies and mark them down so that #brokegirls look like #cutegirls.
(Pictured: RVCA Night Light Bralette Swimsuit. $47.20 (on sale) for top; $36 (on sale) for bottom)
6. Some beachy jewelry that makes you look really trendy even if it's questionable why you're wearing it at the beach
Admit it, you want all the jewelry that the girls with 5,000+ Instagram followers wear on the beach. My personal favorites are ALV Jewels and Beaded by W. The layering look is in, and if you dig deep enough on Instagram, you'll be able to find discount codes for these sites. #brokeprotip
(Pictured: Beaded by W Pacifica Choker. $35) (Disclaimer: I do know the owner of Beaded by W but am not getting compensation to promote.)
7. Clip-on camera lenses that'll make you look like you hired a professional photographer to follow you and your friends to the ice cream shop but not in a trying-too-hard way
Clip-on lenses are the way to take a very professional and cool picture without having to pay for a large, expensive camera. Simply clip the lens onto your phone over the camera, and you're ready to start snapping.
(Pictured: Camkix Universal Lense (Sold through Amazon). $14.49)
Hope your summer is ~spicy~