It’s peak summer which means long days, scorching temps, and moms everywhere searching for swimsuits that make them feel both secure and stylish. Shannon Savage, the innovative founder of Left On Friday, has designed a swimwear brand for active women that meets both those goals.
As a mother of two energetic boys, aged 5 and 9, Shannon understands juggling work, family, and self-care during the busy summer months (not to mention the struggle to find a fabulous suit!). Read below for her tips on everything from her summer mom uniform and beach bag must-haves, to entertaining kids by the water and maintaining a skincare routine in the sun.
Every mom has her signature style. What’s your quintessential summer mom uniform?
Effortless light layers! I love Left On Friday’s oversized linen top paired with loose-fitting shorts, or dress paired with a bike short. Comfort is key for me and linen is always acceptable. Does anyone else sweat as much as I do?? Linen is so great for breathability in summer! I also like to cover up my skin versus lay out in the sun, so a button-up linen top is ideal. Keeping up with two busy boys also means I need to be ready to hustle, move, and sweat—but I don’t want to be in head-to-toe active wear.
What beach bag essentials can’t you leave home without?
My phone! Ha, I’m always working. But honestly, if I don’t have a water bottle, my Lucas Papaw lip balm, and a great hat, I won’t survive. And with kids in tow, the bag is always full of snacks like Lara Bars, fruit, chips, and kids water bottles. We go with the flow as long as everyone is always fed.
Kids and water are a recipe for fun, but also potential chaos. How do you keep your little ones entertained at the pool or beach?
My boys are very active and rarely will just sit still so I have to plan accordingly—sit-down restaurants are never on our list! If we are at the pool, as long as we have their dive masks, they will be entertained and underwater most of the time. Also, something that sinks so they can dive for it. At the beach, I always have a stash of digger trucks, shovels and buckets, and balls or frisbees to throw around.
What’s on your reading list?
The Paris Novel is next up for me. I’m headed to Paris to watch the Olympics this summer with Left On Friday to cheer on the women’s Canadian Beach Volleyball team (who we sponsor and will be wearing our uniforms!)—so I thought it was on theme!
The beach can be tough on skin and hair. What’s your secret weapon beauty product for combating sun, sand, and salt water?
I have two skincare products I can’t live without: Serum from ALASTIN Skincare, cream from ZO® Skin Health to keep my skin moisturized and looking healthy, and my favorite face sunscreen from Elta MD. I have really sensitive skin and the sun often causes rosacea to flare up, so I protect it 100% of the time and always wear a hat. Also, I can’t believe I’ve lived this long without discovering hair oil! It has transformed my dry, frizzy hair, especially after ocean swims or pool days. I always have some on hand. RŌZ Santa Lucia Styling Oil is lighter weight, and this Kérastase one is heavy hitting. They both smell incredible.
Summertime is where more often than not, work intersects with life, particularly for work from home moms and entrepreneurs. How do you strike a balance during this busy season?
I start earlier in the morning so that when the chaos of the afternoon hits, I am available for the juggle! And also to be able to spend the quality time when the kids are in good moods. I also plan my weeks so that work commitments, in-person meetings, and work that requires focus are all planned into “power days,” rather than scattered throughout the week. Then I can plan for administrative work or work that solely requires only me to be done remotely or on the road. This really helps with the balance of summer days.
More inspiration from the Local Moms Network:
Olympic Gymnast Shannon Miller on Motherhood, Her Cancer Battle, Simone Biles & More!
