Susan Swimmer, Fashion Features Director at More magazine, is one of those names that keeps popping up on our radar. Her valued opinion has been consulted by numerous companies such as American Express, L’Oreal Paris, Not Your Daughter’s Jeans and Ann Taylor. She’s also been known to interview big wigs from just about every industry… Hillary Clinton, Lance Armstrong, Carolina Herrera, Gwyneth Paltrow and Gwen Stefani to name a few. In addition to appearing regularly on The Today Show, Swimmer has been seen on Oprah, Good Morning America, and E! We always love Susan’s picks and were thrilled to have her participate in our Style Icon series.
When I was a little girl I spent summer weekends at the beach in Margate, New Jersey, where I built drip castles at the edge of the surf, feasted on red licorice laces and spent evenings on the boardwalk dressed in frocks with coordinating cardigans. Forty years later and not much has changed—I still spend weekends at the Jersey shore, albeit now a bit further north of Margate, in a town called Spring Lake, New Jersey, and I look forward to it as much as I ever did. I love to swim in the ocean with my kids, sip cocktails on my front porch with friends and, yes, eat red laces by the bagful. My Taigan.com picks include everything you need for your beach weekend—from the perfect tunic and the ideal tote to glamorous bangles and a tropical-hued towel. Enjoy!
El Fleco Crossbody Fringe Bag Silver Leather
This fringe beauty had me at “hello.” I think metallic accessories are neutral wear-with-alls, but never more so than in the summer, when it glints in the sun just so. I love the boho vibe of this bag—it’s a casual departure from all of your structured work bags—and it’s plenty roomy. I’d love it with all-black, I’d love it with all of the summer white shades in your wardrobe, I’d love it with anything denim. Who am I kidding? I’d love it with pajamas. Yes, it’s that good.
The Bella Necklace SkyI am a lover of accessories, especially jewelry, but somehow in the summer time I try to simplify. This necklace provides all the impact an ensemble needs (Color! Size!), giving a style oomph to everything from jeans and a t-shirt to a strapless dress.
White Black Confetti Clutch With Strap
My mother loved clutch bags, and I have fond memories of pawing through her stash as she readied herself for a Saturday night out. I started using them myself many years ago, and now I use them almost daily. My advice? Size down this summer! This black and white number will hold all you need (lip gloss, phone, mints), and the minimal color scheme is clash-proof.
Raja Cotton Tunic Provence on Black
Tan Towel Half Body Plus Towelettes—10 Pack
I do love the look of a suntan, but I can assure you the real rays never penetrate my skin. Oh yes, I am maniacal about using sunblock all summer long (even though I spend many hours swimming and surfing in the ocean) and I compensate by using self tanner as diligently as I slather on the SPF. Hard to apply, you say? Try these and thank me later.
Horn And Rosecut Diamond Bangles
A chic towel is one of summer’s loveliest luxuries. Really, is there anything better than a soft, warm wrap after a dip in the ocean? Nope. I’d love to always have a stack of these at the ready for the parade of friends who frequent our beach house.
Blazer Man Tailored Stripes With Gold or Pumpkin
I love a blazer—it makes me feel instantly pulled together and it provides a bit of warmth in the unavoidable chill of air conditioner—but it’s hard to find versions that aren’t so “work-y.” I saw this and fell hard. Hello, striped lover! The color palette works well with neutrals, looks lovely against sun-kissed skin and will transport the wearer (you, me) to some far-flung exotic bazar. Perfect.
A funny thing happens once the humidity index rises: My hair turns into a frazzled mess. Therefore between June and September chances are excellent that my locks are haphazardly piled on top of my head in some sort of bun/knot creation that varies according to the amount of time I devote to it and whether or not I experimented with products. My point, and I do have one, is that it makes for the ideal backdrop for statement earrings, and wearing them is the one real seasonal accessory change I make. I plan to wear these danglers and become the (green) goddess I am destined to be.
A good robe is hard to find, but oh how useful it is. Warmer months beg for bright, tropical hues and this is ideal. Mornings with a mug of coffee will look (and feel) so much better when you’re wrapped up in something so chic, and for weekends at the beach when overnight visitors are almost always in attendance, I will be suitably attired long before I am actually suitably attired.
I actually know Julia Reed—she has written for me at More Magazine, where I am the Fashion Features Director—and I adore her. She is whip smart and hilarious. She also has a potty mouth, as do I, which I really appreciate. This book is a great read, and would also make a great hostess gift: nestle it in a basket with all the fixings for sangria and everyone wins.
Diamancel Genuine Diamond Foot Buffer #11
It’s sandal season, so heed the call to baby your feet. This handy buffer will make sure your tootsies stay in tip toe shape all summer long.
The Standard: Woven Leather Tote In Black
I’m the mother of two, and even though my girls aren’t babies any longer, somehow I’m still, inevitably, carrying their stuff. Hence this tote, which is the perfect car bag for weekends away. And it’s black, a color I love always, because no matter what you can’t take the New York City out of the girl.
Susan Swimmer lives in New York City with her husband and two daughters. Follow her on Instagram, @SusanSwimmer