Let's face it, summer's here and if you're hitting the beach, it's time to shop for some new things. In my opinion, the following are essential summer items.

Must Haves

1. Bathing Suit - stating the obvious. do yourself a favor and find yourself a new suit. nobody wants to see you in that 10 year old suit. trust me, it doesn't look so good now. My new suit for this year is sort of mommish for me(ie. the first year I am not getting a bikini). I decided to go with practical because I am active and I am tired of playing the tug game. I ended up with a pair of pale pink and small black polka dotted boy shorts and a matching tankini top. This is the new one for the year, of course, there are others I'll wear, but nothing really, really old or worn. I have another pair of black boy shorts, as well as a retro looking bikini with a skirt that is light blue with tiny red strawberries that I adore. Don't let the daunting prospect of horrible dressing room lighting deter you. The first time you are out there wearing that new suit, you'll be so glad you got it.

2. Sandals - This is an easy one for me because I am a creature of habit. I wear Salt Water Sandals only. These are flat leather sandals that you can get wet and they won't shrink. You may have actually worn them as a child. Look them up online, they are flat and they go with everything. I have a pair of white ones with little flowers and a pair of plain leather ones. If you need thongs, I'd go with the leather ones by Rainbow. You can't kill them and they are timelessly cool. Need a platform with a wedge? Head off the beaten path. Possibly the cutest pair of shows I ever purchased were discovered in the strangest place. We called it the mall that died. No major department stores in what used to be a giant urban mall. Small businesses had taken over and the place was a bit spooky because it was so empty. There in a small "hipster" shoe store were the girly sandals of my dreams. A slip on with a platform wedge heel and a bow over the toe. Did I mention that the entire shoe was covered with bright red material with little white polka dots? I have a thing for the polka dots.

3. Sunscreen - You are crazy if you are out with no sunscreen. I love the new sprayable kids spf 30 by Coppertone. It is worth the extra couple of bucks because the misery of a sunburn can be pretty intense. The spray may be colder but no more lotion on your hands and missed spots. You are misted with sunscreen and it is waterproof.

4. Sun Hat - Again, if you are going to be in the sun, do yourself a favor and protect your skin, particularly your face. As you get older, the exposure to the sun in conjunction with our rapidly diminishing ozone layer can really mess you up. So, get a hat. The cutest hats I have seen this summer are the big floppy Pucci hats as well as the retro looking Missoni hats. Also, check out the hats by Helen Kaminski. Remember a big brim is not only totally in, it actually serves a purpose.

5. Beach Cover-Up - I'm going with the embroidered tunic by Lily Pullitzer. The shockingly loud prints are made of whisper thin cotton and have a tiny bit of spandex so they keep there shape. Look for them in the pajama/lingerie section of your major department store of choice.

6. Sunglasses - How could I forget? I like all sunglasses. Current faves are a pair of dark brown Kate Spades with large lenses. Not those crazy over-sized bug lenses though. Those are goofy and make you look silly.

7. Shorts - I like the really long fitted jean shorts that fall right above your knee. They look retro and they are cute with everything. Again, a touch of spandex helps them keep there shape. For night try them with a cute white cotton tank top with an empire waist and some casual lace details or smocking and a pair of black ballet flats. Don't forget a cute bag.

8. T-shirts - Easy one, I always wear C&C California. I just got the new Whiskey style with is 3/4 sleeve with a v-neck and empire waist. I have a million of there ballet cut tees with the extra long bell sleeves.

9. To be Continued...