How You Can Still Have A "Hot Girl Summer" In The Q
*Summer dreams, ripped at the seams*
by CHLOE HECHTER ★ JUNE 25, 2020
As we enter sunbathing season, it becomes more and more tempting to ditch our sofas and hit our favorite outdoor adventure and tanning spots. Although guidelines are becoming a little less strict, it’s important to remember that the coronavirus is still an ever-present issue, and our summer plans may have to be altered as we take precaution. Since the safest place to be this summer is less VSCO-road-trip-with-your-friends and more Scrabble-night-with-your-Mom, here are a few ways to turn your summer around, because we REFUSE to let this hot girl summer turn into a hot girl bummer.
Though we’ve been living in our “groutfit” loungewear for the past three months, the first step of settling into a somewhat “normal” summer routine is getting out your tanks, shorts, and bathing suits. Even if you’re just chilling in the house, putting on what you would usually wear during the summer creates the general mindset that you’re back on your regular summer routine. Keeping as many constants as possible might *almost* trick your brain into thinking that you’re not bored in the house and in the house bored. Cute bathing suits are a summer necessity in our book, so here are a few bathing suit ideas that will make laying on a towel in your backyard make you feel like you’re sunbathing in Ibiza.
Summersalt:
Credit: Summersalt
Summersalt is a female-owned swimsuit company, ethically made in New York City from recycled fabrics. They are designed to make women feel powerful and comfortable in their skin, as they preach on their site that they took 1.5 million measurements from over 10,000 women to inspire their fit. High waisted bikinis and bathing suits with ruffles are dominating Insta this summer, and Summersalt is careful to stay on-trend while baring all body types in mind.
Do Good Swimwear:
Credit: Do Good Swimwear
Do Good hand makes swimwear out of recycled ocean waste in a variety of colors that are meant to be mixed and matched for long-term wear . Their proceeds support various not-for-profit organizations for girls’ education and ocean conservation. Not only does Do Good have sustainable basics, but the tops are only around $38 a piece!
Vitamin A:
Vitamin A’s swimsuits are made in California with a fabric called EcoLux™, which is a blend of recycled nylon fiber and LYCRA® XTRA LIFE™ fiber for a super *hot,* long-lasting fit. There’s a part of the site dedicated to their “Super Sexy Stats,” which actually tracks the gallons of water saved, the amount of waste delivered, the emissions avoided, and the energy they’ve saved. Their suits are a bit more expensive; however, the look, durability, and cause are completely worthwhile.
Zaful:
Credit: Zaful
Though Zaful is certainly not the most sustainable option, their swimsuits are unbelievably cheap and always on-trend. They have literally thousands of options, including an extensive list of tie-dye designs that are inspired by this season’s styles.
Another tradition commonly associated with summer is, of course, working out in order to feel your best at the beach. Since being in quarantine, various fitness instructors and companies have come out with free, online, and at-home workouts that you can do to maintain your healthiest routine for the season. Some of our favorites are:
305 Fitness:
Founded in Miami, 305 fitness is the most fun dance cardio workout. Their classes typically have a live DJ, so it feels less like a workout and more like a party. Who said we weren’t raving this summer? 305 offers multiple classes with almost every style of dance (except for maybe tap, sorry guys) on YouTube for free!
Chloe Ting:
Everyone knows and loves internet fitness sensation Chloe Ting. If you visit her website, you’ll find challenges targeting certain areas of your body that you’d like to work on that span over the course of a few weeks, keeping you busy all summer long. Plus, her athletic gear is always the cutest.
Isaac Boots:
Isaac Boots’ star-studded Insta-live workout is a challenge, but if the Real Housewives can do it, then so can you. He is adorable, hilarious, and will whip you into shape with great music every morning at 11.
A little note: my go-to routine is the 305 Fitness x Tiësto Full Body Workout followed by a Chloe Ting ab challenge! It only takes about 45 minutes and can be found on Youtube for free.
Of course, no hot girl summer is complete without your favorite summertime recipes. Whether you’re cooking for the fam or enjoying a chill day by yourself, these recipes will keep you in a healthy summertime mindset.
Summer fruit smoothie bowl:
Credit: Pinterest
Recipe:
½ cup frozen watermelon
½ cup frozen raspberries and blueberries mixed
Half a frozen peach
1 frozen banana
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon honey
½ cup almond milk
Any desired toppings, such as granola, berries, shaved coconut
Combine ingredients in your blender, pour in a bowl, drizzle some agave or PB on top, and enjoy! We love this recipe because watermelon and berries are in season this time of year, so you’ll get a ton of nutrients in while enjoying a delicious breakfast or snack.
Cucumber salad:
Credit: Cooking Classy
Recipe:
2 large English Cucumbers, thinly sliced ( skin on) see notes.
¼ of a red onion, very thinly sliced
1 jalapeno, seeded and finely diced (optional see notes)
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice ( or use lemon)
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt, or more to taste
½ teaspoon chili flakes
½ bunch cilantro, or Italian parsley, or dill ( ½ cup chopped, more to taste)
This light lunch is so healthy and so refreshing. Personally, I think the chili and lime combo makes everything better, and the combination of spicy and cool makes for the perfect summer salad!
Even though corona completely robbed us of our summer 2020 bucket lists, we don’t have to let it totally cramp our style. Maintaining a traditional hot girl summer routine will help to put us back into the headspace of what summer would usually look like for us, especially focusing on what we can control. Taking charge of your clothes, your eating habits, and your workouts are only the first step. With these tips, you’ll be Cool for the Summer.