Sun, sand, swimsuits and Spring Break.

Apart from an icy cocktail and a hot cabana boy, the final touches for your Spring Break packing is an assortment of practical (yet stylish) accessories. The first accessory: the perfect sunhat that is as  fabulous as it is functional. Not only will you look fierce on the beach, but it will also save your scalp and face from too much sun exposure. You’ll also need a great pair of sunglasses to shield you from the sun when you’re laying out… or struggling to stay outside after a late night out. (Sunnies are also great for discrete boy watching. Just sayin’.)

Now is also the time to start scoping out sandals if you need a new pair. Just be smart; Spring Break might not be the time to break in a pair of expensive sandals you love, in the off chance you lose one. Which, as anyone who’s ever been on Spring Break knows, is highly likely. And of course, you need a great beach bag to hold it all (and sunblock, magazines, a bottle of tequila…) that won’t get ruined when someone spills their margarita on it.

What’s that? You need some help picking out the goodies? Well lookie here – I’ve got 15 splendid Spring Break accessories ready and waiting for you. Bon Voyage!

Every year it boggles my mind when boots and wool sweaters start showing up in stores in mid July.
I mean honestly, people! Sweat is dripping down my back and I’m supposed to be shelling out dough on the over-the-knee leather boots and colorful wrap scarves? I think not.

But all these early fall shenanigans in the stores means one thing: they need to clear room.

Enter: the summer sale (!!!).

Pretty much every store you go to (or shop online at) is offering HUGE summer sale discounts. So this week, instead of putting looks together, I’m highlighting 10 of my favorite summer sale pieces. From shoes to vests to cute tops to totes… these are my favorite budget buys that will you can wear now.

Because even though the stores want you to think it… summer is FAR from over and you’ve still got plenty of time to look hot.

Product Information (Left to Right):
Top Row: Vest – JCrew; Boyfriend Jeans – Banana Republic; Tank – Ann Taylor; Ruffle Dress – Bloomingdales. Second Row: White Skinny Jeans – Ann Taylor; Tote Bag – Gap; Zipper Skirt – Bloomingdales; Ruffle Tank – JCrew. Bottom Row: Ring – Banana Republic; Sandals – Ann Taylor

Once upon a time, my great friend showed me a little website she knew and loved called Etsy.com. “It’s Betsy without the ‘B’” she said ever so kindly as I typed it into my browser. She did however, fail to tell me I was going to lose an average of 3 hours a day digging into the website and dumping my very shallow money truck into the virtual Etsy ‘shopping cart.’

Etsy.com is fashion crack. And I love it. It puts me in a happy place of inspiration and vintage goodies. Anybody can share and sell their vintage or homemade items on the site. And anybody can put the light out on their paycheck buy the vintage goods.  But sometimes it can be difficult to find that perfect item going for cheap.  Good thing CollegeCandy is here, because we’ve got proof that 8 Under $20 is so pleasantly possible on Etsy.com.

[Important Note]: Some of these items only have one in stock. So if you really fall in love, act fast and whip out that VISA. Otherwise, just go explore Etsy. It has many many beautiful vintage items to lust after.

I am double lusting over this intricately design vintage purse from India. It’s a modest price is only $11.50.  I knew elephants were lucky.

Awww, Etsy is so amazing. I just want to marry it. Anyway, this super girly lace tea skirt is so unique I want it in my closet right meow. It is perfectly casual for any event and would put the ‘innocently sweet’ message into any outfit. Oh, and it would look to-die-for with a pair of equally unique flats.

The gem selling this item also sells it in yellow and white.  The vintage hanky sleeves are adorable and sweet. This simplistic top would look glorious with a pair of skinny jeans and a Popsicle (just don’t drip on the shirt, please).

This beautiful silk scarf would splash a world of color onto any simple outfit. I’m loving the cool blue color and free-bird tie dye. Perfect for a summer night.

This glorious balloon skirt would look great with a white tee and leather jacket. It’s flirty and versatile and looks way heftier a prize than $19.90.  To top it off, it is a unique design and looks like something that would come straight off the Urban Outfitters rack.

I may have worn KEDS when I was 12, but since I purchased a romper today I decided it would be tangible to take another prance down memory lane. Besides, these flowery red and white ones are cute ya’ll (yep, they come with a southern accent). Anyway, at only $8.50 who could pass these up? They would be cute with anything denim.

I’m crushing over these pale blue mini-rose earrings.  They are like a packet of Splenda on any outfit.  From jeans and a white tee to any flirty sundress, these earrings would sweeten up every look.

This vintage polo beach bag is perfect for a summer afternoon. It’s nautical, it’s casual and the rope handles and leather strap grip are so Hampton beach party, I’m dying to have it as my own.

Summer means beach. Beach means sunscreen, snacks, beach reads, magazines, a towel, a wallet, two pairs of sunglasses (you need some smaller ones so you don’t get those ridonk tan lines), a change of clothes, more snacks…

Basically, a whole lot of crap.

Crap means I need a big ass purse, and by that I mean I’m totes in love with totes that hold all my crap to get me to the beach (even though I still always manage to forget something important….). Instead of dragging your everyday purse to the beach or worse, your mom’s ugly “Acapulco 1992″ straw bag with the sticky sunscreen stains on the bottom, pick up one of these super cute, cheap, totes-cute totes for summer!

And if you’re feeling really creative, create one of LL Bean’s custom-made tote bags. You can pick any of their famous totes (great deal, great size, durable, adorable… it’s no wonder everyone loves them) and pick the colors, the strap length, the shape, etc. to make it all your own. For cheap!

Clockwise from top left: LL Bean, Gap – $39.50, Forever 21 – $24.80, Forever 21 – $29.80, Delia’s – $29.50, TopShop - $20, Charlotte Russe – $16.50, Old Navy – $16.50.

That bag for me at the moment is the Deena & Ozzy Canvas Menswear Tote from Urban Outfitters. I’ve already had a couple of warm weather ensembles that felt like they were missing something and the minute I laid eyes on this bag I knew it was just what I needed.

It reincarnates the lazy, romance of summer with its soft canvas material and adorable buckle strap closure. It reminds me of a student traveling abroad in a romantic European country. And I am ready to bring a little European romance into my totally average American life. The mix of details is genius; the classic canvas tote is updated with a rustic flare from the buckled closure and soft leather detailing.

And the bag is so versatile that you can choose to channel certain details to complete an outfit.

The faux leather trim would complete a sophisticated student look with a pair of cuffed boyfriend jeans, a tank and some oxfords, using the long strap to wear it as a cross body tote. Remove the straps and you’ve got a chic addition to a floral summer dress and a jean jacket. It would even be adorable as a beach bag, big enough to stuff in a towel and some sun block, and an unexpected touch to a string bikini top and some white linen Capri’s (not to mention how seamlessly it would transition from the sand and sun to cocktails on the boardwalk).

And the designer made sure to appeal to a variety of styles by making it in three very distinct color combinations. I’m loving the ivory as my style is feeling more classic and fresh this summer, but for a more modern look the white canvas and black leather has a chic, retro feel, and the pastel blue canvas is perfect for the girly girls among us looking for something more feminine and flirty.

[I want it, I need it, I can’t live without it. There are so many things on store shelves and racks right now that we want to take home and hang in our closets. Things that are so cute, everyone should know about them. We’ll share ‘em with you here (because we’re that nice), but as far as actually getting them goes….well, you’re on your own with that one.]

Cute bathing suit? Check.
Sunscreen? Check.
Awesomely colorful beach bag? Hmm… Maybe not yet.

Well, Roxy is here to save the day with its cleverly named bag, “Dandy Lion.” The bag is made of durable cotton canvas, and its wide platform bottom makes storing your large beach towels a breeze (sorry, I tried to be as clever as Roxy). It has a back wall zip pocket and a slip pocket for your small items (so your cell phone/iPod don’t get lost in the shuffle) and a magnetic snap closure to keep everything secure. The bag is lightweight and big enough to carry your sunglasses, wallet, change of clothing, and all your other beach essentials (like, I don’t know, snacks?). Best of all, it comes in five, you guessed it, awesomely colorful patterns.

Personally, I’m all about the animal print bag in black. It’s bright, striking, and screams, “Have fun with fashion.” It also screams, “Don’t worry about spilling sunscreen/margarita all over me, because I’m totally affordable and you can throw me right into the washing machine.”

Yeah, this bag has a lot to say. And I totally want to hear more. Great beach days, here I come!

The season of sun is finally here, and that means three things: sand, water, and your beach bag! But before you load up the car and head to the shore (or down the shore, for us New Jerseyans), make sure you pack these innovative yet imperative items so you can make the most of your day as a beach bum:

Ostrich 3-in-1 Chair
$89, whateverworks.com

How many times have you been trying to read/tan your back and totally wanted to kill someone? There is no comfortable way to do it! Your elbows hurt, your back hurts, and you are so annoyed you give up and accept your fate as a two-toned human. No more, ladies. No more. Designed with face and arm holes, this chair allows you to rest on your tummy and get some rays without sacrificing comfort. And if you want to sit upright, it easily becomes a regular beach chair, complete with a (necessary) cup holder. The name of the chair is puzzling, but we can forgive the strange name and praise the manufacturer for such a great innovation.

CoolTan Tan-Through Swimsuits
$32.95-$75.95, no-tan-lines.com

Finally, a solution for those unsightly tan lines that result from an otherwise awesome day at the beach! These swimsuits function as a medium-level sunscreen, allowing you to literally tan right through your suit. Just make sure to apply matching sunscreen to exposed skin and limit your time in the sun so that you achieve the perfect tan.

Play and Freeze Ice Cream Maker
$22.99, campmor.com

Everyone loves to eat ice cream at the beach, but not everyone can make their own ice cream. Add the five easy ingredients (cream, sugar, vanilla, ice, and rock salt) to the ball and shake it as you would a martini shaker. Or, for more beach fun, toss that badboy around with friends (or hotties) and cool off with some freshly churned goodness. No more chasing after the ice cream truck for an overpriced treat; if it catches on, this thing just might put Good Humor out of business.

Beach Burner Portable Bonfire
$449, johntunger.com

Nothing says summer like sitting around a bonfire on a warm July evening. This artistic bonfire burner can help you make a safe fire to enjoy with your family and friends. Although it is a bit on the expensive side, you can’t put a price on the memories (or S’mores) you’re bound to make around the fire!

Solio Solar Gadget Charger
$99.95, redenvelope.com

Living in the wired age makes it difficult for us to leave the safety of our electrical outlets. Fortunately, with this solar-powered charger, you can bring along your mp3 player, digital camera, and other gadgets when you head to the beach for the day. This charger takes in and stores 8-10 hours of direct sunlight and charges your devices at the same speed as a conventional charger so you never have to worry about being stuck with a dead battery on the beach. Genius, I tell you.

I don’t get the appeal of the expensive beach babe. First of all, budget beach babe just sounds better. Second, I simply don’t understand the point of spending so much on a bathing suit just because the piping is plaid. What is the point of spending that much on something that isn’t even original. You look down the row of lounge chairs at a hot Miami hotel and it’s like Burberry drank too much last night resulting in a major hangover and then vomited all over the sunbathers.

There are SO many cute bathing suits, cover ups, sunglasses, totes, etc., out there that are muy cheapo but look muy expensivo. Plus, not only do you look like a beach babe, you look like an original that-girl-has-mad-fashion-sense one to boot.

Just don’t forget your SPF. Even I can’t make a person-turned-lobster look cute.

One-Piece:
Not everyone feels comfortable in a bikini, and this one-piece screams retro chic yet whispers oh so softly, “I’m hiding a muffing top in here!”

Bikini:
The sailboat pattern and retro style top is cute, original and, let’s cut to the chase, will make those gal pals that sit on your chest look mad hot.

Dress:
I absolutely LOVE this dress. It makes a super cute beach cover up or the perfect summer sundress. Those bows? Adorbs.

Sunglasses:
Just like a white tee brings out that summer tan, these white frames will make your bronze cheeks glow. And the shape is just right for every face.

Sunhat:
Sunhats aren’t reserved for grandmas anymore. The are the hottest beach accessory this summer, especially for a beach diva like you. Not only will this khaki hat keep your face from getting burned (and wrinkley in 30 years), but will also keep anyone from noticing you checking those beach boys with the six-packs.

Havaianas:
With a twist! A beach staple, obvi.

Beach Tote:
You need a bag for all those water bottles (i.e. flasks), sunscreen, Us Weeklies, and anything else you need for the beach, and this one is perfect. It’s big, it’s bright, and it ties up top so you won’t lose your precious iPod when your friend kicks your bag over as she runs to the water.

Summertime gives me a reason to be a total beach bum. I live for the days spent at the beach just lounging around, sporting my newly purchased bikini (I’m lusting over this one from OldNavy.com $15.00 separates), and all too obviously, scouting out the many shirtless male bodies… Ah, life is good.

Yet too many times my chill shore sessions turn sour when I find myself unprepared for an impromptu post-beach party or happy hour. I refuse to look like a mess in front of potential summer hook ups!

So, ladies, summer ’08 is dedicated to being ready for anything and it all starts with the perfect beach bag.

This nautical inspired number from Forever21.com $14.90, is not only fashionable, but also the ideal size to carry your evening outfit.

And when it comes to this outfit, keep it simple. I definitely recommend a bold mini-dress since bright shades are an absolute essential when it comes to accenting that summer glow you’ve been working on. Forever21.com really has the most adorable options at very affordable prices, like this Eyelet Trapeze dress $24.80.

On to my favorite part: SHOES. We all know the gladiator sandal and wedge are super popular right now. Thank you, Ashley Olsen. But let’s take it a step further and try this gladiator-inspired heel from BakersShoes.com $69.95. This pair comes in both black and brown, so take your pick.

Now onto accessories. Every outfit needs a piece of jewelry that makes a statement. A chunky necklace or bracelet is a must-have right now. But if you’re more of a cocktail ring person, this one from UrbanOutfitters.com $14.99 is a great choice.

I’m a huge fan of straw clutches for summer weather. And after scouring sites for a cute and cheap option, I came across this extremely inexpensive one from OldNavy.com $10.

Your evening ensemble is almost complete. All you need is a little brush of bronzer and swipe of lip gloss and you’re good to go! Try Benefit’s Boxed Powder’s Collection in 10 $28 and Her Glossiness V.I.P. lip gloss $16.

Now you can always go from beach bum to beach betty!