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It's time to ditch the jumpers, coats and boots, summer is almost here (do a little dance!) Yay! Like with every other season there are a few (okay, a lot) essential Summer must haves. We couldn't be more excited!

1. Florals: florals scream spring/summer. They are more suited to the warmer climate which is why they are a summer must have. The top pick for florals would be a floral skirt, something soft and floaty, wispy and not heavy. A floral dress is also needed as well as some cute floral tops. When buying florals you should insure that the actual floral print is feminine, most are, but sometimes people come out with hideous pieces to confuse you. The floral skirts below are a great example of feminine floaty florals.

Where can I get them? Stores that stock great florals are: Sportsgirl, Forvever New, Valleygirl and Blockout.

2. Singlets: singlets are a must have for every season but especially for summer. Singlets go perfectly with anything and you can get casual ones, dressy ones, in between ones. Get singlets in every colour imaginable and you'll be set.

                                   Casual                                                                                 Dressy(ish)

Where can I get them? If you don't know by now, well, I don't know where you've been living. You can get singlets in all shapes, colours, varieties from almost anywhere. From stores like Cotton On, Jay Jays, Bardot to Kmart, Target and Big W. Singlets don't discriminate and neither should you.

3. Sunglasses: sunnies are a big, no, HUGE must. They not only protect your eyes from the harsh elements of the sun they also help to accessorise an outfit. Because you will, or should be, wearing sunnies every day in summer you should have a couple of different options to choose from. Sunnies come in different colours and styles. For this season I am loving the tortiseshell look and these:

Le Specs by One Teaspoon

Where can I get them? Like with singlets you can basically buy sunnies from anywhere. Places like Sunglass Hut are great, as are just normal clothing stores. The important thing with sunnies is to get a pair that looks good and protects you from the UV rays. The above pair is from my secret sunglasses hiding place: www.oo.com.au/ (they have designer sunnies at way below RRP).

4. Thongs: for the Americans out there I mean the footwear not the underwear. Thongs are perfect for summer, the beach, everywhere. Everybody went crazy, and are still going crazy, over Havaianas. They come in different shades and styles and they aren't too expensive which is great for such a popular brand.

Where can I get them? Any good surf shop will stock Havaianas. I like City Beach.

5. Slouchy Bag: In Summer things tend to stockpile in your bag so you need a big one. That way you can take it shopping, to the beach, everywhere.

Where can I get them? You can get a good bag from anywhere. I suggest: Sportsgirl, French Connection, Equip and Strandbags.

6. Bright Nail Polish: Who wants to be boring and plain in summer? Not me. Your nail polish should suit the season and in summer we are loving bright nail polish colours: pink, blue, purple...let your imagination take you.

Where can I get them? Priceline and Sportsgirl are the best places to find bright nail polish.

7. Sandles: These can be boring but not if you do it right. You can't always wear thongs and if you do, you shouldn't. Sandles with embellishments are great. You can wear them with a floaty summer dress for a party at the beach. Just look at these:

Where can I get them? All shoes pictured are from Betts but any good shoe store will stock some fabulous sandles. Also, if you're strapped for cash try Kmart, Target and Big W. Sandles don't have to be expensive.

8. Day Dresses: These are ideal for Summer because they can easily transform from day to night with a change of shoes, hair and accessories.

Where can I get them? All the above dresses are from Valleygirl but you can also find day dresses at stores like Sportsgirl, Forever New, Bardot, Blockout, Cotton On and Jay Jays.

9. Lip Balm: While not essentially a fashion item lip balm is a must in Summer. Get one that mositurises and you wont be caught out when you have to be somewhere and your lips are chapped. Blistex are the best for Summer.

Where can I get them? Places like Priceline, Kmart, Target, Big W and any chemist.

10. Sunscreen: Possibly the most important Summer must have. Sunscreen will keep you from turning red and stop your skin from peeling.

Where can I get them? Most places will sell sunscreen. Like above: Priceline, Kmart, Target, Big W, any chemist and depending what brand possibly Myer and David Jones.

These 10 essential summer must haves will insure you have the best possible summer this year/09 while being sunsmart and fashionable.

*note* all stores, when first appear, are links to that stores website. When they appear again they are not links.