And So With the Sunshine

“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” –from The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Something about summer is always rejuvenating–from the sunny days outside by the water, barbecues with family and friends, to tropical vacations in exotic places. It’s busy and relaxing all at once.

I re-read Gatsby every few years. Like thousands of American students, I first read it in high school and was blown away by this classic tale of lost love and broken dreams. I studied it again in college and grad school, and it’s truly one of my favorite novels about disillusionment, the American Dream, and that futile attempt to recapture the past.

I’ll do a more in-depth post on this novel soon, but this summer quote seemed perfect for this week’s post. 4th of July always feels like the real kick-off of summer, and the weather in Oregon starts to get consistently sunny.

I’ve been in the pool every chance I get and thought this would be the perfect time to talk swimwear and pool accessories (how adorable are these little drink floaties by Blush? They look so sweet floating in the water 😍 As a kid, I definitely would’ve commandeered these for my Barbie dolls).

We also have an upcoming trip to Miami and the Caribbean, so I’m starting to put together outfits and swim attire.

I’m obsessed with all the pineapple prints and accessories that have been rampant the last couple years–from bikinis to home decor, this trend is truly everywhere.

Bikini:CupshePineapple Floaty: Nordstrom (similar) Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

How many pineapples can I squeeze into one picture? 😉

This pineapple floaty I purchased at Nordstrom last year, and my pineapple swimsuit was an Amazon find by the brand Cupshe. I love Cupshe’s swimwear–adorable prints and styles at affordable price points.

Bikini: OP (similar here and here) Sunglasses: Ray-Ban (similar)

I also love neon colors for swimwear. I tend to wear a lot of neutrals in my day-to-day life, so one area I reach for bright colors is with swimwear. This classic string bikini is by OP, and I linked similar styles. My husband and I were at Tao Beach Club in Vegas in the above picture (located at the Venetian, which is one of our favorite places to stay!)

Bikini: Cupshe Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

This was on another Vegas trip when we were staying at Caesar’s Palace (their pool is by far my favorite on The Strip). I love this swimsuit from Cupshe, and I purchased the set on Amazon for under $20! I love the crisscross detailing of the top and the fun leaf print.

One-piece Swimsuit:BillabongDenim Shorts: Forever 21 (similar) Panama Hat: J. Crew (similar options here and here) Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

This black number is one of my go-to swimsuits right now. It’s a one-piece by Billabong and is still available on Amazon in multiple sizes and colors. My Panama hat is from J Crew and is a timeless classic.

I love how one-piece swimsuits are back in style, and they’re so great to pair with denim shorts for an effortless summer look.

Give me some sun and a good book, and I call that a perfect Saturday! ☀️ Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!