Beach of the Week: Baker Beach, San Francisco

The Golden Gate Bridge makes a glorious backdrop to Baker Beach.

We’re staying close to home with this week’s beach: Baker Beach in San Francisco.  With the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in the background, the views here can’t be beat.  Though San Francisco is known for it’s chilly, foggy weather, the best weather occurs in the Spring and Fall.   This beach is family friendly; even the family pooch is welcome.  It’s a beautiful place to picnic, play in the sand and take a scenic stroll.  Brave souls will enjoy wading, or even swimming, in the chilly water.  Be sure to bring your camera, photo op’s abound here!

Northern California has scads of gorgeous beaches: what’s your favorite?

Check off your packing list at SolEscapes!  Get all your warm weather travel needs: sun hats, swimwear, resort wear and more!

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Gift Ideas for Mom

We know you adore Mom every day, but Mother's Day is the time to really show her how much you appreciate her!  We love these ideas for fun, stylish and useful gifts for Mom

1. Not just any sun hat, but a glamorous sun hat!  The Alhambra sun hat is a classic beauty, with a 4" brim and 50+ UPF sun protection too!  It comes in the feminine white/pink shown here, as well as white/black, black, tan/brown and white/navy.

2. Jewelry always works!  The Color Pop necklace is just the thing; it goes with a casual outfits and dressier ensembles alike.  It brightens a neutral top instantly!  Comes in pink, yellow, green or turquoise.

3. How about a gorgeous tote bag?  The Gigi Straw Tote Bag is the perfect size to carry all her essentials.  It has several pockets, a flat bottom, and a fun chain/bamboo strap.  

4. Summer's coming, sandals are a necessity.  These Keikei's flip-flops are cute as can be!  The colorful beads are made from coconut, making them perfect for the tropics.  They also come in turquoise.

5.  More jewelry?  Yes, jewelry will always make a fabulous Mother's Day gift!  The Calypso bracelet is a really special piece.  The white wooden beads set off the rainbow of colorful stone beads.  And? It goes with everything, making it ideal for travel.

6. Swimming season is right around the corner.  This Bond Girl Tunic cover-up from Glamourpuss NYC is a real multi-tasker.  It's a swimsuit cover-up - yep.  It can also be worn as a top, paired with capris or skinnies.  Or, let down the sides, and wear it as a dress!  It also comes in navy and an aqua jellyfish print.

7. Mom deserves a special night out, and you can equip her with this perfect going-out clutch.  The La Pluma clutch from the ále by Alessandra hat and bag line is beautiful.  The feather pattern repeats across the bag to stunning effect.  It comes in gold and black too.

See these items and more in the Mother's Day Gift Ideas area of the shop!


How will you celebrate Mother's Day?

Beach of the Week: Nassau, Bahamas

Nassau Bahamas: Gorgeous.

The beaches of Nassau, capital city of the Bahamas, are 1) beautiful, and 2) varied.  Or, put another way, there’s a beach for everyone, and each one of them is absolutely breathtaking.  

For the party-seeking crowd, there’s Junkanoo Beach, AKA Spring Break Beach.  ‘Nuf said?  Thought so.  On the opposite end of the spectrum, there’s Adelaide beach: more of a locals destination, it has a mellower vibe.  Snorkelers should head to Love Beach (as should romantics), and families will find calm waters and kid-friendly amenities at Saunders Beach.  

For a real beach vacation scene, Cable Beach is your destination (bonus: many think it’s the best beach in the Bahamas).  And for explorers?  Head to Caves Beach and explore the - you guessed it - caves.
 
What is your favorite beach in Nassau?

 

Start packing for your beach resort vacation: get your sun hats, resort wear, swimwear, sun protection, beach bags and more at SolEscapes.

Beach of the Week: Rimini, Italy

Beach Relaxation in Rimini

The European holiday destination of dreams, Rimini, Italy boasts a long stretch of beach and every activity you could imagine.  Color explodes as far as the eye can see, from the brilliant blue sky to the aqua blue water to the seemingly infinite umbrellas and loungers, in every color of the rainbow. 

Catering to the fun loving holiday-maker, the beach is rife with activities, from volleyball and Frisbee to a rich nightlife.  Top rated restaurants abound, along with luxurious spas, and even a promenade, for your evening stroll. 

Ideal accommodation: The Grand Hotel Rimini.  Not only is this palace like hotel beautiful, it’s also famous for being featured in several of Federico Fellini’s (a Rimini native!) films.

Do you have a favorite beach vacation destination in Italy?


Planning a European beach getaway?  Get your sun hats, swimwear and beach vacation essentials at SolEscapes.

8 Honeymoon Must Have Products

Honeymoon Necessities

Morgana Sun Hat by Gottex |  Architecture Skirted Bandeau Swimsuit by Gottex

Coco Cabana Necklaces by SolEscapes  |  UPF 50+ Lace Up Front Dress by Glamourpuss NYC  

Vela Crochet Tote by ále by Alessandra  |  Coco Cabana Stacking Bracelets by SolEscapes

Broad Spectrum Sunscreen by COOLA  |  Microfiber Travel Beach Towel by SolEscapes

Just Married!  Congratulations!  And to top it off, you get to go on a romantic vacation to a dreamy tropical destination.  Honeymoons are the best!

What to Bring on Your Honeymoon

1. You'll need a sun hat!  Look as sultry as you want while protecting your skin from the potential damage of the sun's rays.  Santorino, in white with a touch of gold, says "bride", as well as glamorous resort (it also speaks cruise ship fluently).  Oh yeah, it's packable too!
   
2. A flattering swimsuit is a necessity for endless lounging at the pool (Weddings are exhausting; lounging is a must).  The Gottex Architecture Skirted Bandeau is simple elegance wrapped up in lovely details.  The internal tummy control does its job while the subtle texturing adds interest.
3. Vacation jewelry can be tricky; you don't want to overwhelm your luggage, and yet you need some bling to liven up your outfits.  These versatile, go with everything Coco Cabana Necklaces mix, match, and go with everything; wear them separately or together. 
4. Cover-up - check.  Going-out-dress - check.  This lace-up dress by Glamourpuss NYC is a vacation essential.  It's made of sun protective material, and ideal as a swimsuit cover-up.  Or... wear it with a pair of fun wedges, add some jewelry (see above), and you've got a chic evening outfit.
5. You have stuff, you need to carry it around; it's a practical need.  Fill that gap with the boho chic fun of the Vela Crochet Tote Bag.  It's stylish and it's the perfect size for carrying your vacation necessities from day to evening.
6. Don't let your wrists get jealous of your newly bejeweled ring finger!  Adorn them with Coco Cabana Stacking Bracelets.  Combined with their counterpart necklaces, they're dazzling.  Work in some other favorite bracelets, and enjoy the arm party!
7. We have to say it: please don't get sunburned on your Honeymoon.  Nothing is more miserable than a sunburn on vacation, and on your Honeymoon?  Just don't.  Please.  COOLA Sunscreen is made of super high quality, natural ingredients that nurture your skin while guarding it from the sun with broad spectrum SPF 45 protection.  Also: they have fantastic scents, this one smells deliciously of mango!
8. You need a towel, but not just any towel: a travel beach towel!  Travel Lux Microfiber Beach Towels are multitasking travel experts.  They pack teeny-tiny (seriously - tuck one in your carry on so you have a blankie for the plane), but fold out to a luxurious 40" x 70"!  They're really handy for beach excursions or even impromptu picnics!

   
Enjoy your Honeymoon!


 

ále by Alessandra Hat Collection in Ocean Magazine

See pages 12 and 13 for Alessandra Ambrosio's feature!

 
Alessandra Ambrosio is interviewed in the Spring 2015 issue of Ocean Magazine.  In the interview, Alessandra answers questions about designing her ále by Alessandra lines of clothing, swimwear and brand new hat collection.  She talks about how important it is to her that her creations are imbued with her own personal style.  Well done, they’re gorgeous!
 
Featured are two choice hats from the ále by Alessandra hat line.  Cabo is fab fedora with a lot of personality.  While the lines and band of the hat are traditional, the fantastic texture boosts it to beach, bohemian chic.  Altamira has a ladylike vibe, with a wide brim and long black scarf wrapped around the brim.  The Altamira sun hat will bring style to the resort, beach, or wherever you happen to be.
 
Find the ále by Alessandra hat collection, as well as ále by Alessandra bags in the shop!

Alessandra Ambrosio's Hat Collection

Beach of the Week: Elafonissi, Crete

Pink Sand Beach on Elafonissi , Crete

We’ve highlighted a gorgeous white sand beach, and this week we’re visiting the beautiful pink sand beaches of Elafonissi near Crete.
 
Elafonissi, or “Deer Island”, is a small island off the coast of Crete.  It is a popular destination for those vacationing in Crete.
 
The blush hues of Elafonissi’s sand get their rosy glow from coral.  The shallow, clear Mediterranean water lures you from the warm, pink sand, inviting you to wade out and take an leisurely swim.  This special place shows up on many “Most Beautiful Beach” lists, so you’ll probably just want to spend the day soaking in that beauty as you relax in paradise.
 
Have you seen a pink sand beach before?

 
The best cure for Spring Fever is a tropical getaway!  Stock up for Spring Break with stylish sun hats, cover-ups, swimwear and more!