The deets: J.Crew cover-up, flips, and hat; Star Mela bag; Ray-Ban sunnies; ASOS bikini.

Take me back to paradise! I just spent five days in gorgeous Puerto Rico. We stayed at La Concha per a friends suggestion and it did NOT disappoint. It was only a short cab ride to Old San Juan, it had a casino inside and pretty good restaurants in walking distance. It also had a private beach, which as you can see here, totally awful. Just kidding! It was FABULOUS. I have post vacation depression right now but here are some pictures of my first beach day outfit.

Each year before I hightail it to somewhere warm and beachy, I share my essentials for the trip (last year, year before). Here are the ones I have brought with me to Puerto Rico this week.

1. This cover up is so cute and soooo affordable. I don't really understand people that buy these glamorous pricey ones when they just get wet and sandy. No.

2. I searched high and low for the perfect beach bag, this one was just the right amount of colorful, tasseled, and roomy to make the cut (here are other Star Mela options).

3. I definitely wanted leather flip flops in a neutral tone. Rubber/plastic ones are great but tend to break on me in the sand. I wanted something a little tougher and chicer (aka not rainbows) and ended up on these.

4. Ray-Ban mirrored aviators because they are great with anything.

5. A straw hat that goes with most things for extra sun protection.

6. Actual sun protection, love these two sunscreen products for my body and lips.

7. Not really a beach necessity but I don't go anywhere tropical without this scent. It's just glorious and makes me instantly feel like I'm on vacation because it floods my mind with warm memories, even at home!