By Julie Davis
The essentials for a splendid day in the sun
The sun is shining, the sand is sparkling, and the waves are crashing, all of which signal it’s time to gear up for the beach. With the official start of summer just weeks away, get beach-ready with our picks for the perfect beach or pool bag. From cool hats to a page-turning new novel — start packing.
WRAP STAR
The sarong is the ultimate summer essential. It offers countless ways to take cover at the beach: wrap it around your waist or blanket yourself when there’s a cool ocean breeze.
Design Studio Sarong,
Bain’s Outdoor Living, Rumson
CARRY ALL
The SUV of beach bags, this oversize tote hauls it all—towels, toys, lotions, you name it. It’s made from recycled high-density plastic, making it a good buy and an easy clean.
Recycled Plastic Beach Bag,
Ink Papery, Sea Bright
BOOK GUARD
Book, iPad, Kindle: Whatever you read at the beach, keep it sand and saltwater-free. Zip it up in this clever cover, which doubles as a bag for wet bathing suits.
Terry Book Cover, Jersey Shore Apparel, Red Bank
PAGE TURNER
The Life Boat by Charlotte Rogan is this summer’s must-read. A story of love, choice and survival, it will keep you on the edge of your beach chair.
The Life Boat, River Road Books, Fair Haven
COOL LIDS
Who says you can’t look cool when it’s hot? These hats are perfect for protecting the face from
the sun’s harmful rays and looking effortlessly stylish all the same.
Sun Shadow Wide Brim Hat, Trucker Hat, Billabong, Shrewsbury
HAPPY HOUR
These beer and wine carriers, tidily hold and tote bottles. Roll them up and stuff them in your beach bag for when you want to sit surfside for a sunset drink.
Sea Bag Beer and Wine Totes, Bain’s Outdoor Living, Rumson
SHOPPING GUIDE
Bain’s Outdoor Living
125 East River Road
Rumson
732-530-3210
www.walpolenj.com
Billabong
The Grove West
540 Broad St.
Shrewsbury
732-219-9600
www.billabong.com
Ink Papery
(inside Cocotay)
1080 Ocean Ave.
Sea Bright
732-747-0112
Jersey Shore Apparel
24 Broad St.
Red Bank
732-530-1048
River Road Books
759 River Road
Fair Haven
732-747-9455
www.riverroadbooks.com
