Although most of us like to go to the beach anytime of year, the true beach travel season is right around the corner. One problem I've often encountered is figuring out how to carry my gear without looking like a mess. We've all been there right, reaching our spot on the beach only to look back and realize we've dropped a flip flop or a hat and have to trek back to retrieve it.  So when Carter McGuyer the designer behind the beach chic label Carter & Co.  introduced me to his products I was thrilled.  The philosophy behind Carter & Co.  is "that beach accessories should be both stylish and practical. We also believe you shouldn’t have to sacrifice fashion while making your voyage to and from the beach." Doesn't that sound perfect!?  

I had the chance to get to know Carter a little bit better and learn about Carter & Co carriers.  Not only are these carriers hand made in the United States but he uses sustainable, American made materials to ensure that his clients receive a high quality and well made product.
 
sealaura: The combination of style and practicality is hard to pull off at the beach.  How did the concept of developing "The Captain" come about?

Carter : With so much to carry for a day on the beach we wanted to look as pulled together as possible.  We thought, there has to be an easier way to manage all of our beach necessities.  I made a couple of samples last summer of The Captain on my kitchen floor, and when we used them the reaction was undeniable.  Beach goers wanted them and had to know where to buy them.  We were simply solving a problem for ourselves but it was clear how helpful the carrier really was.  We know people spend hours searching for "the" perfect bathing suit and work hard to achieve a beach ready body.  So why compromise all of this with a disheveled clumsy attempt to carry beach gear to your favorite spot?  We have all seen it...the guy with three beach chairs, umbrella, cooler, and oversized bag all barely hanging on and ready to drop.  The Captain really made transport easy and fashionable.  

sealaura: What other products are in the pipeline for Carter and Co.?
Carter : We just launched the Skipper last week.  It is a kid's carrier designed to fit ALL the usual tools needed to build the perfect sand castle.  It is oversized in just the right way but still easy for kids to carry themselves.  We added mesh at the bottom to allow for an easy shake or two to rid the sand from the bag before storage.  We are also developing a beach bag organizer that can easily move from bag to bag or simply stand alone.  It will provide a specific location for your beach must haves.  We are also on a mission to develop the ultimate Bocce Ball carrier.  It is one of our favorite activities in the sand.    

sealaura: Do you have any beach packing tips?
Carter : Besides purchasing one of our new beach bag organizer which will make packing and organizing a breeze, I say never let the cooler run dry. 
The Captain

sealaura: Beside "The Captain"  what other item do you consider a must have at the beach?
Carter : Our Bose portable...always nice to have tunes playing.
sealaura:  What smells says summer to you?
My favorite is how the ocean stays with you after a swim.  You can smell the salt water for hours after you leave the beach.  

sealaura:  Favorite beach drink?
Carter : I like to keep it simple, an ice cold import from Mexico.  
sealaura:  Favorite beach destination?
Carter :  It is hard to beat the sugar white sands and emerald water along 30a in the panhandle of Florida.  It is our go-to spot.  
 
sealaura: Do you have any fashion tips for looking stylish at the beach?
Carter :  For guys: We think a v-neck t-shirt from Jcrew with classic cut board shorts like Original Penguin (I have never been crazy about elastic waist band trunks) with Havaianas are classic and easy.  We are also a big fan of what Saturday Surf is creating for guys.  
For women: The cover up is one of the most overlooked pieces, you really set the tone with it.  The right one can look like a runway dress for the beach.  We also think every woman should invest in at least one high quality bathing suit.  Our favorite of the moment is Trina Turk.     
  
Thank you Carter for sharing about your company with my readers.  If you would like to keep up with Carter & Co make sure to follow him on twitter @carter_co and you can also become a fan on FB