Are you beach ready?  I don’t know about you, but each summer I arm myself with the essentials to make every summer day the best it can be. Whether your escape is to a Newport Beach pool or beach, a well-stocked tote is crucial. Keep these items in your bag all season long and you’ll be ready to go at a moment’s notice.

First, you’ll need a roomy carry-all bag. Because you’ll soon fill it with all your surfside must-haves, look for one with interior pockets and sturdy straps. Canvas and mesh bags abound in boutiques this time of year, or you can never go wrong with a classic straw tote. Invest in a quality bag now and you’ll take it to the beach for years to come.

C. Wonder Signature totes are the perfect carry all and can found at Fashion Island and cwonder.com

Next, assemble the perfect poolside ensemble. The only attire you really need aside from your swimsuit (check out SwimSpot at Fashion Island for the best selection), is a fabulous hat, a comfortable cover-up and a sensible yet chic pair of shoes. Although ball caps and fedoras provide adequate protection from harmful rays, a colorful floppy hat adds a touch of timeless elegance. Pair it with a fun romper to achieve that breezy summer style. And to protect your tootsies from the heat of the pavement or sand, complete your look with a pair of strappy sandals.

Harper’s Boutique: Re:Named Apparel Romper, Dolce Vita Sandals and Kulakai Jewelry

Then gather your protective gear. When frolicking in the summer sun, it is important that you make applying sunscreen a priority. According to the American Melanoma Foundation, you should apply sunscreen before going outside and reapply about every two hours. In case you do get burned, be sure to keep some aloe vera close by. Hint: Store aloe gel in the refrigerator for an especially cooling effect.

Whether you’re riding your beach cruiser to the beach, stand up paddleboarding or just relaxing poolside, you need to keep your skin protected and moisturized. Coola and Maui Babe lotions are Swinspot’s top picks.

Finally, toss in your miscellanea. A big, fun beach towel is a staple in any well-packed summer bag, perfect for lounging in the sand or drying off after a swim. To stay hydrated and fend off hunger, bring your water bottle and snacks like dried fruits, granola bars and nuts. And what woman braves the beach without quality summer read?

Ruby Mint: Luxury Beach Towels found at Bardot Boutique, Ornate Home and Ruby-Mint.com