4th of July Style

Independence Day is most certainly one of my favorite holidays - second only perhaps to Thanksgiving. What's not to love about BBQs, beers, and celebrating your country with friends and family? If you have been following my blog or Pinterest for awhile, you know I love Americana - so why not take this perfectly opportune day to rock your stars & stripes, and red, white, & blue?!

{tee / sandals / scarf (similar) / cutoffs (more sizes)}

This is essentially what I will be wearing tomorrow - when I'm not floating in the pool! Comfort is key on marathon days, and I can't wait for a hot dog and summertime cocktails!

{hat / sandals / dress / purse - still available in orange (similar in blue)}

Don't want to go so literally with your stars and stripes? You can still say stylish and summertime-friendly with a breezy dress, a cool neutral colorblock Panama hat, and some bold primary accessories!

{dress / booties / purse}

Need to dress it up a bit? Try a beautiful white dress, some cute booties, and a fun and patriotic statement bag!

What are your 4th of July plans? What outfit will you be rocking?

Friday's Fancies: Back to School!

As Summer begins to come to a close, and Fall swiftly approaches, it's time to think about back-to-school outfits! As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression, so choose your first day outfits wisely! ;)

{vest (similar) / boots / tee / necklace / skirt / backpack}

Your teenage years are a time to keep it fun and light, so why not mix it up with a flippy skirt, printed backpack, a classic tee and vest combo, and some awesome combat boots? Tip: switch our your boring laces for same cool neon ones - use every chance to show your personality and make a statement!

{coat / purse / shirt / loafers / watch (similar) / jeans / belt / ipad case}

Congratulations! You're enrolled in a university and it's time to get serious about your future - but not too serious about your style! ;) You can play the grown-up with a structured bag, a classic coat, and understated accessories - but have a little fun with some bright colors and fun patterns, and don't forget to trick out your laptop/iPad case! Tip: Your gadget accessories give you a chance to show your personality without words - and incorporate a little pattern mixing, too!

{watch / necklace / ring / purse / shirt / flats / skirt}

Can't forget about us teachers! The first day of school is as much a chance for teachers to make a first impression as it is for students, and your outfit has a lot to do with that! Keep it classic with traditional shapes - an oxford, a pencil skirt, a round-toed shoe, and structured bag - but have a little fun with a delicate pattern and pretty accessories! Tip: Have a little fun with a monochromatic palette, but if it feels to bold, anchor it down with a nude shoe and neutral accessories!

What will you be wearing on your first day of school?

P.S. Need more inspiration? Take a look at my Back-to-School Style post from last year! :)

Coast to Coast Style: Americana Inspiration

It's that time again! Sarah and I are back with some Coast to Coast style inspiration! Our end-of-June theme, just in time for Independence Day, is Americana! Americana can mean different things to different people, so I wanted to provide you with some Americana Inspiration to fuel your fashion fire!

To some, and certainly often to me, Americana is epitomized by the grand ole flag! I am a sucker for anything American Flag-themed, be it a scarf, graphic print, or anything red, white, & blue! Whether you're rocking patterned pants or an awesome pair of boots, representing the stars & stripes definitely shows your patriotic spirit!

When Sarah & I decided on the American theme this month, for some reason, my thoughts immediately strayed from my typical love of all things traditionally American, and went right towards classic, somewhat preppy American style. Whether you're going to rugged Indiana Jones-esque oversized panama hat and jeans, crisp white + blue with neutral accents, or plaid & classic converse, there is something about traditional style that is incredibly clean, comfortable, and strikingly American!

Please head back tomorrow to see how Sarah & I epitomize our Americana style from Gulf Coast to West Coast, and get ready to link up your own Americana looks!

Leather, Military, Leopard, Stars & Stripes

{jacket: nordstrom | cardigan & jeans: old navy | tank & necklace (gift): forever 21 | boots: steve madden}

So, I've been super into layering lately. We hit a cold spell here in So Cal for awhile. I know you're probably scoffing at me, but 30 degrees in Southern California is COLD!Anyway, when I layer, I love to mix color, pattern, texture, shine... I've learned a lot from Stacy & Clinton over the years. ;) Pairing (faux) leather, olive military, leopard, and stars & stripes - you can't mix much more pattern than that! Plus, this top (it's actually a muscle tank) was a random purchase at the Forever 21 in Vegas. I was feeling kind of shlubby that day, so I ended up buying this top because it is craaazy soft and super comfy! Plus, in case you all didn't know, I'm a sucker for stars & stripes!

By the Donzerly Light...

{Tank: Old Navy | Jeans: Forever 21 | Huaraches: Steve Madden | Necklace: Vintage via Aloha Swap Meet | Watch: Urban Outfitters | Scarf: Free People}

Fun story. I've known the Star Spangled Banner for as long as I can remember. I don't know how or when I learned it, but somehow, I did. I mouth the words at baseball games all the time, and I know it perfectly. I can't sing it like Beyonce can, but I at least I know the words. Or so I thought. About a year ago, my mom was teaching her Kindergarteners the Star Spangled Banner. The lyrics were printed nicely on handouts for them to refer to. And that was when it happened - I realized that donzerly was not a word. I spent 24 years thinking that the lyric was Oh, say can you see by the donzerly light... Nope, I don't know what donzerly means or what I thought it could possibly mean. However, I was certain that was what the song said, and that donzerly was a word. For TWENTY-FOUR YEARS. But turns out, it's dawn's early light. I know that you all knew this. Welcome to my world.

The 4th ---> 3 Ways!

If I had to describe my summer break so far, it would outfit-"lite." I've only been off of work for 12 days now, and I have spent almost half of those days in pajamas. And I ain't complaining'! Still, I wanted to at least give you all a little something to keep you occupied in between outfit posts. Since the 4th of July, Independence Day, one of my favorite holidays, is only a mere 7 days away, I thought I'd share a few outfits to take you wherever you may be next Wednesday... Whether you're celebrating at the beach, the BBQ, or the bars, here are a few looks for you!

My plans are still up in the air for next week... what will you all be doing to celebrate the good old US of A?!

Old Glory

{Top: Forever 21 | Cardigan: Old Navy | Pants: Urban Outfitters | Moccasins: Minnetonka}

As many of you may have read before, there are few things I enjoy more than a USA/flag motif, Native American flair, and most importantly: mixing them together. Not only does this outfit have many of my favorites things (corduroy and chambray included), but it was super comfortable, and the sleeveless top really helped me out this week with our random 78 degree weather. Thanks a lot, Mother Nature!

Red, Beige, & Blue

{Top & Watch: Nordstrom | Jeans: JustFab | Scarf: Free People | Boots: Steve Madden | Necklace: Boutique}

I'm so in love with this scarf! It is actually super gigantic and an almost exact depiction of a real American flag. Who knew Old Glory could be so fashionable after all? I decided to mix this USA staple with my arrowhead necklace (for the true Native American touch) and my cowboy boots - because what's America without the good old Wild Wild West?

Perhaps I went a little overboard on the proud to be an American theme.

Oh say can you seeeeeee?

{Chambray shirt: Target | Cardigan: Old Navy | Pants: Urban Outfitters | Boots: Steve Madden | Scarf: Free People | Heart pins: bando}

If you check out my blog with any frequency, you know that I have an affinity for anything with an American flag theme. So luck have it, I happened upon this bananas scarf! When I got it in the mail, I was shocked by how HUGE it was - it's the size of an actual flag! I'm an avid online shopper, but I have a recurring flaw of forgetting to check out dimensions - on almost everything. I'm still trying to figure out the perfect way to style this scarf so that you can see the stars and stripes in all their glory.

By the way, I am pretty sure this outfit made me look like 1 (or 3) of 3 things:
1. A flight attendant. Would you like a beverage?
2. Like I am marching in a 4th of July parade. Left. Left. Left right left.
3. From the back, I could most certainly be mistaken for a Target employee.

Keep your eye on the grand old flag.

{Sweatshirt: Romwe | Jeans: Old Navy | Boots: Minnetonka | Watch: Nordstrom}

I'm pretty into all "USA" themed clothing. I saw this sweatshirt on Pinterest and bought it immediately. Do you see a trend here? Pinterest > buy immediately > where is my money? Yeah, I see that, too... (FYI, It's pretty much the softest and comfiest hoodie that I've ever had the pleasure of cuddling up in.)

P.S. Enjoy my thug life outtake.

P.P.S. Did you check out Aasim's guest post on holiday style earlier today? It's a laugh-out-loud and fashionably informative must-read!

P.P.P.S. Did you miss out on my My Memories Suite giveaway? (It's a great program - I use it to make my buttons and headers!) Well, now you've got a chance to win this fun scrapbooking/graphic design software from the lovely Sarah over at Think Twice Style!