If you are heading out to the beach or pool this summer, you won’t want to be without these amazing essentials!

The Beach Tote:Color-Block Straw Tote Bag $29.00 at Spiegel

This pretty color-block straw tote features full-lining inside with a slip pocket and metal silver handles. I love this bag’s colorful look and beachy vibe and I think  that its the cutest beach bag I’ve seen all season!

The Sunscreen:Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 60 $39.00 at Bergdorf Goodman

Get the highest rate of sun protection there is with this SPF 60 sunscreen. This PABA-free formula is also water-proof and sweat-proof.

The Lip Balm:Neutrogena Norweigian Formula Lip Moisturizer SPF 15 $3.49 at Drugstore.com

Protect your lips with a nourishing lip balm that also has the standard SPF 15.

The Shades:Gucci Large Round Frame Sunglasses $325.00 at Gucci

These sleek and sexy sunglasses feature a grey-gradient lens and offer 100% UVA/UVB protection. Never buy shades without sun protection otherwise that defeats the whole purpose of wearing them.

The Sandals:Scott Hawaii Lanui Tan Flip Flops $42.00 at Zappos

A pair of flat sandals like these will keep your feet protected and comfy when you are lounging in the sand.

Fashionistas are creative people. As artists we like to curate new looks with the clothes we have, rediscover and configure the trends we long forgotten about to work for us now, and of course, shopping for more art to collect. But in our case, its wearable art that we store in our closets. Today’s fashionista is also economically wise, she knows about how to budget, and stick with it. Moreover, she knows how to shop smart buy purchasing clothes she can wear again and again. Pieces that you can work into your wardrobe for different looks on different occasions. Luckily for use, many stores have recognized this, and thus created one piece that can be styled in a variety of ways.

Long gone are the days of purchasing a dress only to become bored with it a week later, just convert to a halter or strapless style! Jumpsuits are all the rage this season, so instead of buying a whole closet full of them, buy one style that you can convert into a variety of looks. Here are 3 convertible items I am jonesing for and why.

Satin Convertible Maxi Skirt $24.50 at Body Central Stay chic all summer long by pairing this long satin maxi skirt with delicate blouses and camisoles. And for nights you’re feeling a little saucy, don this skirt as a strapless dress!

Shape fx The Convertible Control Dress $89.00 at Spiegel This amazing dress gives you four ways to to wear it: a low cap sleeve dress, a deep v-neck tank dress, a halter dress, and a spaghetti halter dress. Even more amazing, the dress was designed to shape and reduce the size of your lower half with a power mesh slip which was built inside. This dress comes in a bright solid shade of tropical orange– perfect for this season!

Convertible Jumpsuit $109.00 at Victoria’s Secret This wide leg dream jumpsuit can be worn strapless, v-neck, crossback, double strap one-shoulder, halter, knotted strap halter, twist front halter, twist around, and back-braided. It also comes in luscious colors like scarlet red, petunia, blackberry, tropical turquoise, and more!