Gone to SFP Love Heaven

It's called Letarte.  Just what I've been looking for, sun and swim protection with some style.  I browsed the bathing suits, rashguards, caftans and accessories for a good 45 minutes.  There was so much that I loved, I literally brought 50 pieces into the fitting room.  All this in a really well designed store with an area for the kids to play.

If you live in Greenwich or are in Nantucket or Maui, a visit to the store is a must.  If not, check out their website.  Free shipping!

I was most impressed with their rashguards, for obvious reasons.  All have UPF 50+.  UPF is the amount of ultraviolet radiation that a fabric blocks (vs. SPF which is a "scientific" skin reddening index).  I think it goes without saying, but just in case, wear a bikini top underneath for support/coverage.  They should fit snugly and cling to the skin so they don't bunch up in the water.  My faves:

Make a statement with Letarte's Navy Peace Rashguard, very Cannon Beach,  $174

Love the way this lifeguard inspired design and colors pop in the sun. Melon Cross Rashguard, $174

Skulls seem to be everywhere these days from jewelry to clothing.  Get with it, with the Cobalt Skull Rashguard, $174

I say, if you've got it, flaunt it!  Rock the half-shirt in this on trend, neon Neoprene Shorty, $168

The Dove Rashguard in Orchid is super cute and apt for the Maui-based brand, $174.  I'm thinking a business trip is in order...

Swimsuits and caftans are not to be missed either.  Have fun mixing and matching bottoms with your rashguard.  All are sold as separates, so the possibilities are endless.

Suntan in a Bowl

My exact sentiment when I tasted Longford's Coconut Gelato at bartaco.  It transports me to my Hawaiian Tropic days.  If you are in the area it's a must try.  But it's only available at bartaco, not at any of the Longford's locations.  (Psst, you can buy it from the factory in bulk.  Call 914.935.9469.)

For those not in the area (sorry, I keep doing this), I'm sure they will ship!  Otherwise, here are some really tasty alternatives, both available at Whole Foods.  Luna and Larry's Organic Coconut Bliss Naked Coconut flavor is a non-dairy, gluten and soy free alternative made with, you guessed it, coconut milk.  Its rich coconut flavor reminds me of Longfords but it's overall a bit lighter given the lack of cream.

Talenti Gelato in Caribbean Coconut is creamy and luxurious (I mean, check out the packaging, beautiful).  Its coconut flavor is a bit more subtle but it's rich and creamy the way a good gelato should be. 

Keep 'em Covered

Your daughters, that is.  I'm hoping to keep mine in a sun shirt as much as possible this summer.  Going to be tough as last year she protested, she likes to wear a one piece, like the other kids.  She was also pretty intrigued by the few kids she saw in bikinis.  To all this I say, there is power in numbers, who's with me?

There are a lot of cute rashguard options out there, all with SPF 50 built right in!  I've scoured the web and retail for a suit my daughter will love to wear:

Love Cabana Life's Tie Die Rashguard Set, with it's tunic style top and ruffled bottoms.  My daughter just loves that it's pink! $50

Also from Cabana Life, the Preppy in Pink Rashguard Set is just that, a good choice for the prepster in your family, $50.

Australia's Snapper Rock Rashguard and Ruffled Bottom Set in Floral Garden is a classic choice, available at Garnet Hill, $68.

My personal faves are Roxy's Heart + Soul Rocker's Rashguards in New Black AND Hot Pink, both are rad.  Pair them with a solid or fun printed bottom from Old Navy or Target!  $32

For the kid that must have a princess or fairy, the Seafolly Fairytale Sunvest should do the trick! Love the rouched boy shorts.  $55

Lids

According to Dr. Paul E. Juan, Pediatrician, sunscreen can not effectively be applied to the scalp.  This means it is essential for us all to wear a hat when spending extended periods in the sun.  You should select a hat that is comfortable, breathable and offers enough of a brim to shade your face and ears.  Here are some of my favorites this season, in an array of styles and price points.

Go hipster and splurge on one of these two Eugenia Kim styles, only the biggest name in millinery these days. The Kurt Fedora in Fuchsia, $297.

Or try a larger fedora for more coverage, Eugenia Kim's Courtney Large Brim Fedora in Navy, $297.

If you like something more bohemian and feminine, try this floppy style from surf wear brand Roxy.  I love the way this hat looks from above, like a peppermint swirl.  Swim in Straw Hat in Safari, $34.

Kate Spade's sophisticated and on trend Color Block Sun Hat in Green makes a statement (also comes in a more neutral Navy), $78.

This cute and affordable fedora meets bucket hat from Steve Madden is fun and playful.  The Wide Brim Fedora in Yellow, $28.

If you're into the flirty cowboy hat, these from Tarnish are bright and beachy and come in 5 colors.  The Striped Cowboy hat in Pink, $48.

Nothing wrong with the boyfriend hat.  A trucker always looks good, especially with a pair of aviators.  This one is from Air and Speed Surf Shop in Montauk.  The Surfer Trucker Hat, $19.

Brighten that Smile

White teeth naturally brighten your face, make you look younger and healthier and give you confidence.  All are the same end results as a tan, right?

If I had a hundred dollars for every time someone told me "You have the whitest teeth!" I wouldn't be publishing SPF Love. JK

Seriously, I get so many comments on my teeth.  My secret: Crest Whitestrips 3D White.  They work.  I highly recommend spending the 40 bucks before spending $200+ at the dentist.
 
If you haven't used them before, Whitestrips are thin, flexible films that are coated with a tooth whitening gel containing hydrogen peroxide. Designed to conform to the shape of your teeth, they work by keeping the whitening gel in place against your teeth.  There are a few different products that vary in strength, one being gentle for sensitive teeth and others more powerful to speed up results.  Length of use varies from 5 to 30 minutes a day, for 7 to 28 days.

Crest claims they are 100% safe for enamel.  My dentist concurs and also gave me the go ahead to use the product while breastfeeding. It's the same strength the dentist uses in his office.

Scratch the 40 bucks, spend $25 with this $15 rebate from Crest!

Skin Health for All

SPF Love is proud to announce it's partnership with Family Centers of Greenwich.  During the month of May - National Skin Cancer Awareness Month - SPF Love will be collecting new sunscreen for distribution to Greenwich Family Centers and their Head Start program.  SPF Love will also be giving a talk on skin protection to Head Start families.

Sunscreen donations can be sent to us at any time (please contact us for address), alternately, stay tuned for drop off locations.  If you would prefer to donate cash via paypal (specify contactspflove@gmail.com), we can do the shopping for you!  Law stipulates that all donations must be   Paba free and at least SPF 15.  Thank you sincerely for your continued support.

Places in the Shade: Cannon Beach, OR

It may not be necessary to find shade* as Cannon Beach, OR, gets 76 inches of rain per year (US average is 37) in approximately 187 days of precipitation.

I just spent an amazing weekend at this crunchy, surfers haven. And get this, there was no rain!  While surfing requires a serious wetsuit, as the water was hovering around 40 degrees, there were many places to cozy up.

Sleep

Stay waterfront at The Ocean Lodge, steps from Haystack Beach with amazing views of Haystack Rock (pictured at top).  All rooms have (gas) fireplaces, which are nice even in the summer months, as the Pacific Northwest can get nippy in the evening.  The Ocean Lodge provides bundles of woods and s'mores kits for nightly bonfires (no permit necessary) and a supply of freshly baked cookies and coffee all day long.

Eat/Drink

We had the most amazing meal at The Irish Table: Wild mushroom soup, curried mussels, Piedmontese flat iron steak with Jameson peppercorn sauce and a Guinness ice cream sandwich in a cozy, authentic communal dining room.  During the day, the space doubles as Sleepy Monk coffee reminiscent of a hip, '90s coffee house.

You can't visit Oregon without sampling some of it's many micro brews (Rogue being one of our faves). For lunch we enjoyed clam chowder and house made craft beer at Bill's Tavern and Brew House. Try the Asa's Blonde and Blackberry Beauty.

We had a decent meal at the Wayfarer but would go back for their mixed table-side Caesar salad and the $16 wine flight that was literally 3 full glasses of delicious, local Oregon wine. The views of Haystack Rock, through floor to ceiling windows, was a nice backdrop.

Fun

Visit Cleanline Surf Shop, for board and stand up paddle rentals and lessons.   Wetsuit included!

The kids flipped for Bruce's Candy Kitchen where they have an array of homemade, modern and nostalgic candy along with a plethora of salt water taffy which you can watch being made (so Jersey Shore).

A few cute home design shops to visit: Sesame and Lillies and M Smith Interiors, both nicely curated boutiques for design businesses.

*Note: It is still possible to get a burn on a cloudy day, UV rays can penetrate cloud cover.

Working on a Dream

My husband and I and some friends saw yet another amazing Bruce show last week.  He rocks, at 62.  The E Street Band has been together since 1972 and have recently lost some beloved members. Last year, Clarence Clemons died from complications of a stroke and in 2008 Danny Federici died from Melanoma. My journey began with research, that all started with The Danny Fund. A very worthy cause if you are feeling charitable. The Danny Fund has partnered with The Melanoma Research Alliance where 100% of your tax deductible donation will go directly to supporting melanoma research.  Support the cause.

Fake, No Bake

If you just can't get into the Oscar White look quite yet, may we suggest an alternative to harmful UV rays?

The spray tan.

A crew of SPF Love fans gathered at Benefit Cosmetics on Greenwich Avenue last week for a spray tan soiree.  Guests nibbled on BBMs and sipped Skin G.L.O. and tequila, graciously poured by Green & Tonic, while anxiously awaiting their turn for their spring break tan.

The process: We arrived at Benefit sans makeup and our faces were prepped for the color. They advise not to wear white just in case clothes go back on before skin is 100% dry.  I'm told the solution will come out of clothes, though. The girls and I did decolletes (face and chest) which literally took two minutes with an air pump.

The verdict: The purple beet and aloe based solution gives a nice color that is more of a purple hue than other self tanners that tend to be more orange. We loved that you have a choice of shades from light to light/medium to dark. The color fades with each day, lasting approximately 5 days.  You can prolong color by not washing skin for the first 12 hours and gently cleansing for the next week.  Exfoliating will removed the color rapidly.

Advise:  Start slow.  If going in with winter white skin, opt for the light solution, otherwise you might feel it's a little much. Benefit can help choose the color that is right for you.

FREE TAN:  Benefit Greenwich has offered SPF Love readers an amazing deal. First, if not already a fan, "like" SPF Love on facebook. Then, bring in a friend, a newbie to Benefit spray tans, and buy one tan, the second is free!  Just mention SPF Love when booking.  Decollete, $18, half body, $30, full body, $48.

Benefit Cosmetics
315 Greenwich Avenue
203.742.1441
Greenwich@benefitcosmetics.com

Polished

It's time to get the toes ready for their springtime debut.  While the authorities are calling for bright pinks and purples this season, I like to be different.  Here are my picks for summer toes...

Subtle: Essie's Cocktail Bling.  This pale gray is a fun alternative to light pinks and nudes.

Dark/Deep: If you typically choose something darker, like red, try Essie's Bobbing for Baubles. Its deep sapphire color is also hot for accessories this season. (and then some).

Crazy:  Looking for something fun and youthful?  Try Essie's Loophole.  This heavy metal really makes a statement and is my personal fav.

Try a non-toxic alternative, butter London.  Free of harmful toxins such as Formaldehyde, they claim to be the first company to sell non-toxic nail lacquer in the United States. This one is called Diamond Geezer.  Love it.

In all fairness, while I can't find a list of Essie's ingredients anywhere, I did read that Essie has eliminated the "3 harmful ingredients" (Formaldehyde, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) and Toluene) from their products. Phew.

This is also a good time to caution a few things: 
1. Don't forget to protect your feet in the sun,  they are the easiest to forget and the first to get burnt.
2. Sunscreen can ruin a good pedicure.  Along with sand and salt, sunscreen can take the luster out of polish.  Try, as best as possible, to keep SPF on toes, not toe nails.