During the year I work on staff at an independent school, and I am lucky enough to get a very generous summer vacation.  This summer I enjoyed every minute of my break...spending time with my family and friends, taking trips, and of course starting this website, Living Luxe for Less!  But now that Labor Day is around the corner, my summer vacation has come to an end, and yesterday I went back to work.

So now that I am back to work and the sun is shining, of course I can't help but wish that I was still at the beach!

If I were headed to the beach today instead of the office, here are a few of the fashionable but affordable items that I would take with me!

There is one splurge in this outfit and that is the Roberta Roller Rabbit Kurta which is $70.  Although this item is on the expensive side, this is such a great purchase because you will get so much use out of it!  I wear my RRR tunics and pareos all summer long, and I get so many compliments on them!  This kurta top would also be great with white jeans and sandals, or an espadrille wedge...don't just save it for the beach!

In this outfit I would say that the tunic is the real stand-out piece, and then I have selected other attractive, but low priced items to finish off the look...

I love a good one-piece!  They are classic and chic, and also so comfortable!  This Old Navy swimsuit is a beautiful color, and surprisingly most sizes are still in stock so late in the summer.  It also has been marked down from $29.99 to $16.99 and it is a great deal!

This Essie Lilacism nail polish looks great with the green suit, and it is on sale for $4.99.

I know that no one wants to wear expensive jewelery to the beach, so I found these "cheap and chic" accessories to complete the outfit.  The bamboo bangles are only $1.50 for the set, and these starfish earrings are on sale for $14.99 at Overstock...two great deals!

This J.Crew straw bag is so versatile it will go with all of your outfits to the beach, will fit all of your things, and it is also on sale for $34.50.

The beach towels are also a great deal...$10 for the set so you don't have to go to the beach alone!

Of course no trip to the beach is complete without a good book and a refreshing cocktail.  I am almost finished with The Three Weissmanns of Westport by Cathleen Schine, and if I were going to the beach today this would definitely be in my beach bag.  This book is fast paced and funny, and it is a great book for a day at the beach!  And doesn't this margarita look good?  Yummm!

Are you headed to the beach today?  If so, what will be in your beach bag?

The Christmas Tree Shops are a chain of bargain stores that are known throughout the Northeast, but which originated in Cape Cod.  Although their name makes you think that these stores only sell Christmas accessories, the Christmas Tree Shops actually have a great selection of  items that range from home decor, kitchenware, food, toys, and linens.  And if you go to a Christmas Tree Shops near the beach there is a good chance that you will find a great assortment of discounted nautical  home accessories that you could use in your beach home.

The Christmas Tree Shops have such a vast selection of discounted items that I always make a point to visit one of their stores when I am in Cape Cod.  Last week when my family was visiting the Cape, I was lucky enough to stop by the Christmas Tree Shops in Orleans!  Here are a few highlights from my trip...

If you need seashells or sea glass this is where to buy it!  It's only a $1!

They had a huge selection of Nantucket baskets all for $3.99-$4.99!

A magnet board that says "Welcome to the beach"...wouldn't this be perfect in the entryway or kitchen of a house on the beach?  And it was only $6.99!

A starfish cutting board for cheese and crackers, $4.99.  They also had a sand dollar version!

Pink and Green desk pad...I bought this for my sister! $3.99

Although the Christmas Tree Shops originated in Massachusetts, they now have locations in 15 different states!  I believe it's a great resource for cheap, but attractive home accessories.  The next time you drive by one, you should check it out!

Whenever I go away on vacation I always want to bring home a little something with me to remember my trip.  I also have a soft spot for all things nautical, so I am especially excited when I have a chance to bring home a coastal home accessory that will remind me of my trip all year long!

This past week I went to Cape Cod with my family and on our one rainy day we went shopping in Chatham.  If you ever have a chance, you should check out the stores in Chatham, MA.  They have a great selection of home decor, clothing and jewelry stores, along with many wonderful art galleries.  One of my favorite stores in Chatham is Three Buoys because of their interesting and well priced selection of home accessories.  Here are just a few of my favorite coastal home accessories for $30 or less from Three Buoys:

Starfish Frame, $25.  I think I might like this frame a little more without the raffia tie, but I still think it is a fun coastal accent for your living room or bedroom.  My favorite part about this frame is that it is weighted, so it would be a great bookend or accessory on a bookshelf.

Anchor Bottle Stopper, $15.  This will keep your wine fresh, and remind you of your fun summer vacation every time you refill your wineglass!

Shell Plate, $16.  This glossy decorative plate would be great for jewelry or on a desk or vanity.  I have one just like it where we put our keys!

Black and White Print Bag, $32.  And while you are shopping for your home, why not pick up an accessory for you?  I thought this was an adorable bag for the summer, and such a great price!

Where is your favorite place to shop when you go to the beach?