On My Mind: A Beach Bag That’s Also a Work Bag

By,a writer at the Strategist covering wardrobe basics and personal care.She joined the Strategist in 2020 as a junior writer. Previously, she wrote about style at Texas Monthly.
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Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers, Joe McKendry

I went to a surf camp at the end of last month, and the hobby has kind of become my entire personality. After getting back, I spent hours on Facebook Marketplace and found my very first surfboard (named Stewie, since it’s a Stewart). Because a nine-foot surfboard is incredibly difficult to maneuver in and out of my apartment, I’ve been eyeing board bags to keep Stewie safe from dings.

FARO Padded Day Travel Surfboard Bag
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I have this one from Faro saved. I like that it has extra padding and lots of pockets, so I can pack my towels and wet suit all in one place. It also seems to fold down into a pretty compact size that I could tuck away in my closet or car when I’m not using it. It can also be adjusted for shorter boards, and I’m hoping to size down to something smaller eventually.

Aside from that, I’ve completely changed my outlook on swimwear. String bikinis are for a past life. This is probably long overdue, but I’m all about security and coverage now. Of course, I’ve searched our own site and saved tons of suits, especially from theswim-romper,tankini, andswim-shortsroundups. Here were a couple that caught my eye.

Inner Relm Holiday Surf Suit
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Strait The Label Mirage One-Piece Surf Suit
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Kavala Botanica Noir Palme Surf Suit
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Rhythm Cove Stripe Tankini Swim Top
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Inner Relm Gimme Shorts
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I’m also still trying to figure out what I’m most comfortable surfing in in cold California waters. Myspring suit from Rip Curlhas been great so far, but I’m worried that once the temps rise or the inevitable heat wave comes, I’ll want something a little thinner. I have these not-too-thick rash guards and suits saved just in case.

Abysse Pam Rash Guard - Aloe 1.5mm
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Rip Curl Flashbomb 1mm Neo Poly Long Sleeve Wetsuit Jacket
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Here’s everything else I’ve seen recently …

Prequel Skin Lip Visor, Tinted Lip Balm with SPF 30 PA+++ - Mahogany
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Ebb Ocean Club Mini Instant Slip & Shine Hydrating Hair Set
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I didn’t bring my entire skin-care regimen on my trip, but the beauty products I did pack really delivered. I mentioned theNaked Sundays face screenin last week’sBeauty Briefnewsletter, and I also relied on Prequel’s lip visor for sun protection. I go back and forth between the nude and mahogany shades. I also got to test out Ebb Ocean Club’s travel set, and it saved my hair. My locks were frizz-free, shiny, and smooth, even in the humid Nicaragua climate without a hot tool in sight.

Osea Seaglow Resurfacing Scrub
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Post–surf trip, my skin was in need of some extra TLC. I didn’t get burned, but the constant SPF, sweating, and seawater did a number on me. Luckily, I had booked a facial with Osea at its Venice location. The standout product during the session was this hardworking scrub. It helped remove all the stubborn blackheads that had built up on my nose and sloughed off any residual dullness. I left with soft, supple, glowy skin.

Slant’d Issue 07: Lore
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Birthday Girl with Possum by Brendan Constantine
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Earlier in June, I went toLos Angeles Review of Booksliterary festival,LITLIT, and discovered lots of small presses and literary magazines I hadn’t heard of before. I left with my new favorite tote, the latest zine from Slant’d, an AAPI indie publisher, and a book of poetry published byWrite Bloody Publishing.

Clare V. Sandy Woven Market Tote
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Leatherology Petite Dumpling Pouch
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Besides my tote (which unfortunately is not available online), these have been my go-to summer bags. The Clare V. tote is perfect for lounging beach days, and I’ve also used it as awork bagwhen I trek to coffee shops. It’s a step up from a canvas tote but a little more casual than a leather work bag. The Leatherology dumpling pouch has been my going-out clutch. I love the pop of color it adds, and it fits more than you’d expect (phone, wallet, keys, lip glosses, sunnies).

Hill House The Phoebe Nap Top
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Vince Women’s Barcelona Jelly Sandals
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Gingham in the summer isn’t exactly groundbreaking, but this top has been heavy in my wardrobe rotation. It’s flattering but stretchy. It’s breezy but somewhat modest. I’ve been wearing it with everything from wide-leg jeans and high-waisted shorts to long flowy skirts. I almost always pair them with my beloved Vince jellies (a winner frommy hunt last year).

Cambio & Co. Kalachuchi Pearl Necklace
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Gorjana Finley Pearl Dot Necklace
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I added a new necklace to my everyday stack recently. At a styling appointment with Gorjana, they recommended this delicate pearl-gold necklace to go with the Cambio necklace my boyfriend gifted me. (The one he got me is now sold out, but this one is similar.) I originally got the Gorjana as a special-occasion piece, but they pair so well together that I almost never take them off.

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