My beach essentials: the co-founder of Left on Friday

Date

06.20.19 More info+

The swimwear entrepreneur’s go-to sunglasses, sunscreen, and cover-up

Laura Low Ah Kee is uniquely qualified to talk about beachwear. In 2018, she and Shannon Savage founded the swim line Left on Friday. The brand was created to fill what the two saw as a gap in the industry. “Shannon and I actually dreamed up the idea for Left on Friday after we’d both taken adventure sabbaticals to beach locations (she was in Australia, I was in Maui),” Low Ah Kee explains. “We were shocked that we couldn’t find a single swimsuit on the global market that held up to physical activity but also looked chic.”

The two bonded as early Lululemon employees (Low Ah Kee was director of merchandising, while Savage was vice president of product) who were passionate about sports. “I’ve been active my entire life, it’s a huge part of who I am,” says Low Ah Kee, who lists her favorite activities as kiteboarding, surfing, stand up paddleboarding, and beach volleyball. “My soul comes alive when I’m at the beach,” she says.

Here, her must-haves for a day by the ocean.

Illesteva Lisbon Sunglasses + Fora Black & White Cord

At the beach, you must have good sunglasses that you love. I have the navy ones, and I actually got the strap when I was in Lisbon.

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Left on Friday Sweet Victory Top + Left on Friday Hi Hi Bottom

I'm currently obsessed with these two pieces in the Sweet Chili Heat, Aperol, and Hot colors. I wear them to Pilates and under my slip dress almost every day.

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Las Bayadas Beach Blanket

I was gifted this recycled cotton blanket, which is made in Sayulita, Mexico. The profits go towards sending kids to school. It’s perfectly oversized, fun, and portable.

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Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF50

I’m into this sunscreen since it’s waterproof, reef-safe, and free of oxybenzone, octinoxate, and PABA. It also feels light on your skin.

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Aritzia silk dresses

Going to the beach is just part of the day, not the day, whether I'm in Hawaii, Italy, or at my home beach in Venice, California. I might go from shopping to beach to dinner, so I need a go-to dress I can wear over my suit. This one, the Christine, is comfortable and appropriate for the entire day.

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Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne

When I lived in Maui, my friends and I would set goals for our water sports activities. One of mine was landing a backroll in kiteboarding. When we achieved a goal, we would open a bottle of Champagne. Popping bubbly on the beach is the best, so it stuck.

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Best of Furthermore: June 2019

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