distracted by summer

So, I've been terribly unproductive lately.

What I mean is, I still haven't finished my WPA presentation.

Instead, I've been distracting myself with summer reading, yoga, and plans for a trip my mom, little sis, and I are taking up north to have a girls' trip before my sister's wedding. That's right: Traverse City, here we come! I am so excited to be on the beach, slathered in SPF, but on the beach nonetheless.

via Photography Today

So, I've been starting to collect outfits, pile them up and pack in my head. Am I the only one who does this? I pack and re-pack, and then ultimately have the heaviest suitcase/backpack around. But, I have the perfect clothes for any occasion, all trip-long. 

Here is an outfit that just seems perfectly beachy:

via jcrew

Also, I am still on the search for the perfect cover-up. It should ideally be comfy and lightweight enough to prevent beach shvitzing, while at the same time being dress-like enough to wear to lunch. This one would do the job nicely!

via anthropologie

And then, let's not forget the feet! You certainly don't want to burn them on hot sand, but you also don't want to get hot-feet. Avoiding the ubiquitous flip-flops is also a plus. I feel like I would walk around all summer in these shoes!

via toms

And, of course, let's not forget the beach read! 

Ever since I took a short story class with Steve Amick, I've loved his wry sense of humor and deft writing (and teaching) style. This guy just has moxy. I'm looking forward to reading this novel of his, which is actually set in Northern Michigan, and has been waiting for summer with me: 

I can't wait! What are the summer essentials you're loving lately?