When I do things with girlfriends, I inevitably slip back to the mindset of a middle school girl. If we're at brunch and I'm considering eggs, I'll almost always switch up my order for fear of having "food envy" once my friend's waffles arrive. The same goes for nails and whenever I'm at the salon, I like seeing the color combination my friend has chosen before finalizing on mine. But besides my tendency to waver like an adolescent, these are eight of my all-time favorite shades I never question.
1. Bucket Hat - A canvas bucket hat works equally well for while lounging on the lake as it does on a hiking trail.
2. Bug Spray - A non-offensive bug repellent via Coqui Coqui that doesn't smell like, well, bug spray (and I love the chic packaging).
3. Slip-ons - These perforated slip ons are a nice alternative to water shoes.
4. Sunglasses - I usually rely on over sized sunglasses to nip sun-glare in the bud, and love that these gold ones are under $10.
5. One-piece - Packing minimally is at the top of my priority list for a lake trip so I like that this seersucker swimsuit can do double duty as a top.
6. Pull-on Shorts - Easy shorts that have no zippers, ties or buttons.
7. Favorite Childhood Cereal - We always bring little boxes of cereal when we go on trips and I look forward to waking up each morning to Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
8. Protective Lipstick - I always forget to put sunblock on my lips so I'm thrilled that my favorite tinted formula also contains SPF.
9. Portable Speaker - Download your favorite podcasts and bring a tiny portable speaker so that you can listen while hanging out by the water.
1. Tote - Carry an extra roomy tote so you can bring all of the essentials plus a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
2. Wine Opener - Pack a small wine bottle opener so you can try out a brand new bottle in the hotel room later that night or out for a picnic during the day.
3. Chic Sandals - Vineyards are oftentimes nestled into sprawling properties so comfortable shoes are a must. This embellished pair fits the bill.
4. Easy Romper - Rompers are the ultimate easy-to-wear item, but this tiered black one piece also looks fancy enough to wear to dinner.
5. Hat - A lightweight straw hat is perfect for daytime, and you can easily throw it into your tote when dinner rolls around.
6. Wine Stopper - For bottles you don't finish, this marble bottle stopper is both functional and beautiful.
7. Traveling Bottle Bag - These padded travel bags are the best way to keep your bottles from breaking.
1. Pouch - Bring a pouch to the beach to keep valuables safe and sand-free.
2. Gourmet S'mores - Take a classic fireside treat to a new level with this gourmet s'mores kit, which includes hand crafted honey grahams, vanilla marshmallows and salted chocolate.
3. Cover-Up - An easy cover up that would look equally as good with a pair of boyfriend jeans.
4. Bikini - I'm a sucker for a scalloped edge and love the pretty powder blue color on this bikini set.
5. Paddles - I'm competitive by nature, so a trip to the beach has to include some type of game. I like Paddle ball because it can be enjoyed by just about everyone.
6. Wide Brim Hat - A beach hat with a floppy brim so that your face and shoulders get plenty of shade.
7. Turkish Towel - Turkish towels are not only super absorbent but they're large, so a couple of people can spread out on one towel.
8. Lace-Up Sandals - These lace-up gladiator sandals are a little bit more special than flip flops, but just as comfortable.
