By JoAnne Laffey Abed
We get it: The ocean (or lake) is calling, and you must go. There is no better place in all of Greenville to get beach ready at a moment’s notice than Splash on Main. Owner Anne Mayher has helped us curate the perfect packing list, along with the cool new items that you need and the scoop on what’s on-point this year to ensure that you’re the belle of the beach.
No beach/lakefront suitcase is complete without the following items:
With sizes to fit nearly everyone and a wide selection of fabulous styles from top designers, Splash on Main has the perfect suit for you. Anne believes it is her personal mission to help every woman in Greenville, regardless of age or body type, find a swimsuit they will not only look great in but love. No other store offers the expertise fitting and high-touch customer service paired with savvy advice and guidance that Splash provides each of its customers every day.
There are so many patterns and textures from which to choose, and many designers are offering options with more heel and arch support to make flip flops more comfortable and functional for everyone, but classic brands like Brazilian-made Havaianas are always a great option.
Is it a dress? Is it a cover-up? Stop. You’re both right. Splash has a great selection of dresses/cover-ups that easily go from the beach to lunch out to a bike ride, keeping you cool, comfortable, and looking oh-so-cute. Anne advises shoppers to look for versatile and lightweight pieces that take up NO space in a suitcase and never wrinkle. Splash also carries dresses and cover-ups that take the concept of multi-functionality to the next level with moisture-wicking and quick dry properties and even built-in SPF sun protection.
Whether you’re rocking Ray Bans, Chopards or cheap plastic, be sure to pick something that captures your personal style. Polarized options are great for sporting activities or spotting sea life, and, new this year, Splash carries a line of Peepers reader sunglasses, perfect for those who need a little help to see their beach reading material.
The ocean is calling, and you must go
Let’s face it: a short trip to the beach requires a lot of stuff. You need a place to carry it all. Anne recommends that you get a silicone or vinyl bag in a cute shade that will stand up to tough use, keep water from soaking in, and clean off without any fuss. She also emphasizes the importance of having lots of pockets, especially outside ones, to keep messy items like sunscreen easily accessible and away from clothes where they could leak or spill, causing stains. She notes that moms especially appreciate having things in quick reach.
Love the beach but hate the mess? Tired of shaking out towels and getting sand stuck to your sunscreened legs? Help is here! Splash has just gotten in a line of microfiber towels designed to easily remove sticky sand with a quick shake. This one is a game-changer, folks!
Few accessories can beat the drama and glamor of a beautiful oversized beach hat, but even if that’s not your style, your skin will stay much younger and healthier if you invest in a beach hat. Splash has lots of options from wide-brimmed beauties to baseball caps and visors.
The latest phones are waterproof, but they still sink. Splash has adorable and practical options for protecting your gear and making sure a rogue wave doesn’t send your sunglasses or phone away forever.
No day at the beach would be complete without this trifecta, so Anne advises that you come prepared by investing in a good waterproof speaker, coozies and coolers to keep the libations ice cold, and a fun novel to keep you occupied when you’re not in the water.
While bikinis are still Splash’s top sellers, stylish one-pieces are coming on strong, as are younger-feeling, more flattering tankinis and monokinis. The most important style trend is a focus on versatility, with many suits offering convertible looks, like removable straps sashes and design elements, cut-outs, and even reversible suits that can provide lots of different looks and vibes. One of her most popular is a monokini from Cosita Linda. The store even has a selection of swim skirts and swim dresses that will allow wearers to go from surfing to shopping without having to change.
Late 80s and 90s fashion trends and colors like neon and hot pink are back in a big way, but matchy-matchy outfits are out. Anne suggests looking for coordinating prints and solids with subtle and very unique patterns to give you a cohesive but completely custom look. Hot colors now are bright yellows, lilac, deep purple and brown. Metallic hues like gold and bronze and shimmery fabrics are also very popular and provide a striking look, while basic black and white are always in style. Popular patterns include geometrics, ginghams, and color blocking.
Whether you’re rocking Ray Bans, Chopards or cheap plastic, be sure to pick something that captures your personal style
Textures have never been bigger – metal threads, woven threads, rope/macrame, beading, and pairing different textures are all featured prominently in current designs.
Ruffles, bows, fringe, it all works and works well now. Use these flirty options to amp up your look and express your personal style.
Anne is a big fan of two South Carolina brands, Charleston-based Citrine and Conway-based Tara Grinna. She also loves the unique mixed prints of Colombia, South America-based Cosita Linda.
Anne recommends that those looking to head to the beach anytime this summer start looking soon, with March being the best time to find the broadest and best selection in many stores. She also suggests leaving an hour to shop properly at a swimsuit boutique to ensure enough time to browse and try on different options. She’s also quick to mention that she understands the level of self-consciousness and fear swimsuit shopping can cause for some women, especially those of a certain age and works hard to make the experience easier in every way for Splash customers. “The right suit is out there for everyone, and we’ve got the selection and skills to make sure you find yours.”
So, give Splash on Main an hour, and they’ll have you ready for ALL the fun in the sun. You literally just have to add water.
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