Hat Attack! - Skin Cancer Awareness Month

 Top: Vera Moda via The Bay / Hat: Hat Attack / Shorts: American Eagle /
Bracelet: Etsy / Necklace: Urban Outfitters / Sunglasses: Etsy

I know at every corner you're being asked to donate a dollar for this foundation and that cause and it can feel like a bit much. I'm with you. Raising money is obviously most important but I feel these sort of programs lack another very important aspect - spreading actual awareness. Skin cancer, for example, is something that's in the news all the time (especially lately with the debate over minors using indoor tanning beds) but do you really stop to think about it? Being a fair skinned, blue eyed person I am at a much higher risk than many others of becoming one of skin cancer's many, many victims. Me being more susceptible is genetic and runs in my family, so when I was approached by Hat Attack I was more than happy to team up in spreading awareness throughout the month of May. Plus, I was sent two beautiful items to help protect against sun damage throughout the summer. Today, I'm showcasing the Classic Fedora panama hat.

I'm not going to lecture you too much on the dangers of tanning and sun damage, because I know you're all well aware it's bad for you. To me, it's like smoking. People who smoke know it's bad but have their own personal reasons for continuing to do it. I "quit" tanning just over 2 years ago. I made the decision because I don't want to risk cutting my life short or wind up with leathery skin. I worked in a tanning salon for over 3 years and saw it all - doctors' notes demanding refunds because a client developed cancer, women in their 40s looking like they were well into their 60s, and the classic "tanorexic". I stayed there because I was in university and needed a job, loved the staff and clients, but left because I couldn't justify selling time in a bed full of light bulbs that was literally causing damage every second. But, like I said, it's a personal choice and paleness embracement/self tanners are definitely not for everyone!

If you plan on spending a ton of time under the sun this summer (who isn't?) then make sure you've got the basics. Grab some sunscreen (SPF 15 reapplied throughout the day protects you so much more than you may think) and bring a hat. Not only does a nasty sunburn on your scalp put you at risk of cancer, but it's also severely damaging to your follicles and to your existing hair - not to mention you'll have peeling skin everywhere and that's rather unattractive. It surprises me how many gorgeous girls allow their professionally dyed locks to sit beneath the colour-stripping sun rays during summer. You've likely spent some time and money achieving your do, so protect your investment.

I really encourage you guys to check out Hat Attack because their sun protection hats are UV protected and have been tested in an international laboratory. They're serious about keeping you safe while looking chic! If you have any other summer tips for a poor see-through girl like myself, post them below! I'm always looking out for fabulous self tanners and way to avoid looking like a lobster. Red is so not my colour.