Shopping Editor Sarah Wasilak's 13 Spring Must Haves

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As a shopping editor, I'm well-versed in everything from viral products like the Alix Earle selfie light and coveted Dyson Airwrap to crucial travel essentials such as carry-on luggage and face SPF. So it's no surprise my seasonal must haves run the gamut. In general, my style is founded on function and ease, but with a fashion-girl twist. Therefore, you'll find that when I'm packing resistance bands, they're from a designer collaboration and splashed with eye-catching prints. And when I'm collecting fresh white tees, they're beyond your basic silhouette.

This spring and summer, I'll be traveling a lot — with Palm Springs, Greece, and Charleston on the agenda — so you'll find that the majority of my wish list is devoted to versatile items that are light enough to take with me wherever I go. There are some luxurious upgrades I've made to my home, too — mostly so that my decor makes me feel like I'm still living in an oasis, even when I return from vacation. I've swapped my old bath towels for plush organic cotton and my heavyweight comforter for a bamboo viscose blanket that has allowed me to sleep so much more comfortably in the warm weather.

Ahead, you can scroll through my seasonal wish list and find out how I'm using each of these products to better my lifestyle.

Stretching Strap
shop.lululemon.com

Stretching Strap

Lululemon No Limits Stretching Strap ($18)

I recently started running again after coming off of a lower back injury, and I need my stretching strap now more than ever. I like that this polyester one from Lululemon is easy to adjust with movable buckles that you don't have to tug, and it's lightweight enough for me to pack wherever I go.

Resistance Bands
target.com

Resistance Bands

DVF For Target Flower Power/Signature Leopard/Disco Zebra 3pk Resistance Bands ($26, originally $30)

The DVF x Target collab has everything, from whimsical print dresses and everyday joggers to '70s-patterned coffee cups and splashy exercise bands. In keeping up with my physical therapy exercises to remedy my lower back pain, this set is packable and fun. Seriously: most strength-enhancing sets bore me to the core, but these colorful bands actually make me excited to hit the gym and get to conditioning.

Makeup Set
urbanoutfitters.com

Makeup Set

AppleDoll UO Exclusive Best Of Beauty Set ($59)

I'm a new fan of AppleDoll makeup products, mostly because the nectar salve balm and mascara look so natural. With the addition of a shimmering cream eyeshadow, these three products are honestly all I need for light glam while on vacation this spring and summer. I'm personally not a fan of heavy matte lipsticks, especially when the warm water hits, and I can't even describe how gloriously hydrating this gloss feels as an alternative for your pout.

White T-Shirt
bananarepublic.gap.com

White T-Shirt

Banana Republic Cotton Sharp-Shoulder Top ($60)

This isn't your basic white tee. Come spring, I like to shop for a fresh silhouette that shows skin in just the right places and teams well with everything from denim cutoffs to breezy summer skirts. My white T-shirts tend to fade in brightness over time, too, and sometimes it just feels right to warm up to a new silhouette and re-enhance my style. I love the fit of this boxy muscle shirt. It's breezy, comfortable, and replete with a boat neckline that will complement my everyday necklaces.

Colorful Sunglasses
revolve.com

Colorful Sunglasses

Otra Daisy Sunglasses ($60)

These bright acetate-rim sunglasses are the pop of color my wardrobe needs coming off of a long winter. The brown-tinted lenses feel unique, and the shape structured enough to achieve sophistication, despite the playful colorway.

Plush Bath Towels
buffy.co

Plush Bath Towels

Buffy Deluxe Cotton Bath Towels ($84, originally $105)

I recently upgraded my bath towels to this wheat-colored style, and I now feel infinitely more chic stepping out of the shower. Sometimes, spring cleaning comes with subtle decor changes that enhance your space and boost your mood. For me, it's the little things. I had a tough time deciding between tan and the "Cloud"-sage blend, but it's really all about the plush feel of the 100 percent organic cotton that adds to the luxurious nature of these bath towels.

White Sneakers
freepeople.com

White Sneakers

New Balance 480 Court Sneakers ($90)

Spring always feels like the best time to refresh the white sneaker department in my closet. While I spend most of the year scrubbing my go-to pair after several wears, spotless kicks from New Balance that ring in under $100 work as a nice reset. I like that these heritage sneakers have subtle retro influence with a padded tongue and collar for optimal cushioning and comfort. After all, these are the shoes I'll use for sightseeing, attending concerts, and traveling.

Breezy Shirt Dress
anthropologie.com

Breezy Shirt Dress

Anthropologie The Somerset Maxi Dress ($168)

A packable, breezy shirt dress that works for multiple occasions is ideal this time of year. This silhouette features a ruched cinch at the waistline and wide, cuffed sleeves for air flow. I'll be packing mine on all of my vacations and weekend getaways. It's also made for that plane-to-sightseeing transition since it's so comfortable. Anthropologie offers the look in four different colorways and a size range we can appreciate, including standard, petite, and plus in XXS-XL.

Woven Tote Bag
bananarepublic.gap.com

Woven Tote Bag

Banana Republic Slouchy Vida Straw Bag ($160)

Did you know that Banana Republic makes some of the most classic bag styles? I currently own the Vida bag ($265, originally $380) and receive endless compliments when I use it at the office. The right move for spring and summer is a clear turn to this woven straw style, which comes in both black and natural tones and screams "vacation vibes" to me. Trust me when I say this shape is endlessly spacious, too, with plenty of room for the essentials.

Rose-Gold Watch
bulova.com

Rose-Gold Watch

Bulova Classic Watch ($180, originally $300)

I like to keep my jewelry simple come spring and summer, but it helps to keep a lightweight watch on hand with a thin band that bodes well with my bangles and a few rings. This timepiece from Bulova is made of shatter-resistant crystal, so it's easy to pack, and it has Roman numeral timestamps etched onto the face, which I love.

Luggage
pntrs.com

Luggage

Away The Everywhere Bag ($195) and Away The Medium Flex ($415)

Whether it's a weekend getaway or week-and-a-half long vacation I'm packing for, suitcases that work well together, both from a functional and aesthetic perspective, are key. Away offers a $50 off any bestselling suitcase and bag combo that you'd be smart to take advantage of. Of course, you can separate the roller from the top handle pouch (I personally used the smaller satchel for a one-night stay at The Ryder Hotel in Downtown Charleston, leaving my bigger suitcase at my sister's apartment where I'd be returning to afterwards), but I look at this duo like my favorite co-ord set: they just feel sleeker when they're together.

Bamboo Comforter
cozyearth.com

Bamboo Comforter

Cozy Earth Bamboo Viscose Comforter ($314-$427, originally $419-$569)

My partner and I recently swapped our silk comforter for a lightweight bamboo viscose alternative with a standard fill, and we're sleeping so much better at night. The fabric is naturally breathable and moisture-wicking — which comes in handy for me as a hot sleeper during the warmer months. If you have a positive experience and want to add a sleek-looking duvet cover, my favorite feature is the anchor loops that perfectly match up to the Cozy Earth Bamboo Duvet Cover ($239-$284, originally $319-$379), so you don't have to worry about both pieces shifting as you move around.

Denim Heels
nordstrom.com

Denim Heels

Jacquemus Mismatched Pointed Toe Slingback Pumps ($810)

I usually like to splurge on a pair of spring- and summer-appropriate shoes that feel trendy in the moment, but are so swoon-worthy, I know I'll treasure them for a lifetime. Slingback heels are having a moment, and the denim finish on this mismatched pair makes this style all the more eye-catching. My favorite part? One upper has a circlular adornment while the other has a square. I always find it's little details like these that take my outfits to the next level.


Sarah Wasilak is the associate director of commerce at PS. With plenty of experience in the shopping market, a keen interest in SEO, and 10 years as an editor at the brand, she enjoys writing across the lifestyle and health-and-fitness categories. She has bylines at PS, InStyle, Elle, Refinery29, Who What Wear, Elite Daily, Byrdie, and The Quality Edit and aims to amplify minority voices in all her work.