What We Heart

Labor Day Weekend Edition

by Rebecca Grites

The late August sun may feel like heaven on Earth, but it's pure hell on your hair. Pick up a bottle of Simply Organic's Sun Shine Heat Activated Spray before you hit the beach and long live your tussled locks. A couple spritzes will lock in natural moisture and nourish roots, leaving hair beach-breezy and lush for your entire stint in the sand.

These rounded cat-eyes, available in chocolate and slate, are a far cry from the boxy (and no longer foxy) Wayfarers. The lenses have a dark-to-light fade from top to bottom, so try as the sun might, those rays won't irritate your pretty peepers. They're a splurge, but consider it a "For-Me, From-Me" Labor Day present.

In the spirit of Labor Day, you will inevitably be crashing your sort-of friend's cousin's neighbor's beach house at a most untimely hour. These kind of things deserve more than a scented candle of appreciation. Pack one of Nooka's funky, futuristic time pieces (pictured) for your gracious host — they're water-resistant and come in summery shades of hot lime green and bright orange.

HALF OFF DEPOT

Why live life at full price?

Local designers Kylie Grant and Myles Smutney have teamed up for this Topstitch-exclusive line, which uses 100 percent repurposed vintage fabrics. Their sundresses come in several colors and patterns, but we're thinking the pea-green-and-black wide plaid number would look great with some funnel cake.

If you're still reading, you pack a monster beach bag. But where to stuff your towel, suntan lotion, shades, snacks, hydration of choice, camera and stack of gossip mags? Betsey Johnson's hot pink "Ships Ahoy!" tote is large, in charge and waterproof. Even better than the giant anchor and playful studs? There's a Betsey in Atlantic City for all you last-minute beach bums.