Patriotic Outfits: Baby You're A Firework

Fireworks are wonderful. Unfortunately, every time I've seen a display, I've noticed that I get cold, mainly because it doesn't start until after dark and it is usually over water. To combat this, then, I have created an outfit that can be adjusted to the temperature around you.

This outfit is inspired by the Star Pattern Long Skirt by etsy seller Shovava (that's the skirt to the right). If you like unique, edgy clothing, I highly recommend looking through her store. She has a lot of amazing pieces in there! A bit spendy, granted, but very unique and feminine.

Coupling this with Free People's Girl Talk Graphic Tank adds a cooler flair, with the crocheted back of the tank and its breezy light color. In contrast to the bursting stars of Shovava's design is the distressed graphic of the tank, which proudly bears the American flag. Finally, round out the look with a pair of DressBarn's slingbacks, and the outfit is finished.

Ah, yes, but what about when the sun sets and it gets cold?? I firmly believe every girl should own a good quality jean jacket. Now would be the time to break it out. Or, if you want a jacket with a little more flair that matches your outfit, check out Forever21's Dip-Dyed Denim Jacket. I think that should solve the problem, keeping you nice and warm and ready to be dazzled by the fireworks.

All pictures belong to the companies/people that produce the garments. So go check out their sites, already.

Patriotic Outfits: Out on the Water

I'm convinced the absolute best place to watch fireworks is where they're over the water. For a full day out at the docks, boating or relaxing, a girl must always look her best.

To start off with the basics, a smart sundress is great. I've chosen Coldwater Creek's Mandarin Crochet Sundress to start things off. With a deep red and nice detailing, this dress is both fun and classy. The sleeveless sundress style gives it a flirty feel, yet the high neckline and moderate shaping keep it from being too sexy or slutty. Plus, I love that Chinese look.

For a cover-up, Forever21's Beaded Lace Jacket in blue is just thing thing. Light and fun, it contrasts well with the red and gives some depth to the ensemble. At the same time, it is always a good idea to have a cover-up when you're near or on the water. Who knows what the weather will bring!

Finally, the accessories. I've recently discovered spottedmoth.com and I must say I quite like their accessories. From Spotted Moth, then, I would reccomend the Enamel Cobalt Bangle Set or the red Besotted by Buttons earrings.

But what really makes the look and pulled it all together? Oh, yes. The Shoes. As always, I love shoes, and this pair is no exception. The Liberty Platform from FreePeople!

Warning: side effects of high heels include hurting toes, twisted ankles, blisters and overall sore feet. To combat this, it is recommended that all women who must wear high heels also carry a pair of flipflops in their handbag. Talk to your pediatrist for more information on how to combat the side effects from high heels, or how to solve your addiction to high heels.

Patriotic Outfits: Stars and Stripes

Another day, another patriotic outfit. In contrast to my last post's serious, more professional outfit, today's is purposefully laid back. After all, what patriotic holiday isn't celebrated with picnics? Can't think of one either, eh?

Now, I'm not one to usually wear things exposing my midriff, but if you aren't in danger of muffin-toppage, these tied crop-tops sure can be cute. This denim Octavia Tie Crop Top from Motel does happen to be one of my favorites. With a high neck and buttons, this top does price out to be $50 (gulp), but there is definitely more than one summer's worth of use in it. Now, if you can only keep the tummy to match it....

The pants, likewise, are expensive. FreePeople always is...although they are also the website that has a handy "download picture" button to support my excessive blogging habits. If you look closely on the leg of these American Flag Super Flare jeans, you'll see that the American flag does reside in white on the right leg. Apparently these run a little small, but getting a larger size is a small price to pay for the nostalgia of looking cute in bellbottoms. I'll watch from afar to see if FP has a sale anytime soon.

Of course, every girl needs her accessories. For a day in the park, everyone needs some nice shades, and aviators definitely have a patriotic feel to them (no idea why. Maybe it has something to do with excessive spy movies). As a plus, these glasses can double as Nikita's for dress-up purposes or when the need arises to look exceedingly cool and have reflective sunglasses. ANYWAY. With the laid-back feel of a picnic, little or no jewelry makes the look. Wild natural beauty looks best. Besides, what fun is it to be outside when you have to make sure every hair stays in place?

Oh, yes. I did save the best for last. I fell in love with these Stars and Stripes TOMS. Not sure how appropriate it is to have flags on your shoes, but cute tootsies are very important and it isn't an actual flag so...I'm sure we're all good. I hope. Either way, these are comfy shoes for busy days. Go play some volleyball!

Patriotic Outfits: Running Up The Flag

What does a girl do for patriotic outfits? Why, spend money, of course! (I only wish I had an unlimited budget!). As I sit within a stone's throw of my state's capitol, my thoughts, for some reason, have turned toward patriotism and the 4th of July. Rather than writing a memorial post and wonderful, deep thoughts about our nation's foundations and how they are quickly eroding, I decided to go on an extravaganza and spend lots of imaginary money by posting four awesome patriotic outfits that I have put together through internet means.

Ironically, my American series was inspired by a ~$900 pair of shoes. Rupert Sanderson's Marquita Sandals, to be exact. I absolutely love these shoes (even though they're exclusive to a British store, Selfridge's), but even for shoes I love...I'm not coughing up that much cash. It did, however, inspire me to hunt around for a few outfits that I think are patriotic...and I've tried to make sure they don't totally break the bank, either. Thus, I can promise that none of these outfits are as expensive as those shoes. Anyway, to go with the shoes.

Today's post is mainly professional in taste, so to match with the shoes (of course!) is a beautiful knee-length Vacation Day Skirt from modcloth, as well as a Windowpane Jacquard Top from Coldwater Creek. Finally, make the outfit perfect with some final touches in the accessories--Patriotic Nail Wraps and a Rock Star Spangled Scarf! There. Your patriotism is complete--and each piece can be used in other outfits, too. Unique, but versatile.

Easter Activity: A New Resolve

On the last day of my spring break, I finally find my way to my blog. I had truly meant to be a busy bee and post every day during break, but, alas, I did not. My discovery of America's Next Top Model, my anger for their kicking out Ashley, frustration that I can't find a date for the start of the next Say Yes to the Dress season, and preparations (or, more accurately, frustrations) for a bridal shower have all come and gone unrecorded. Why? I'm not really sure, actually. Perhaps the only reason I'm writing anything now is because I don't feel like doing any writing or French studies right now.

Also, this is my work season. Perhaps part of the reason why I tend to blog gurlie stuff is it helps to balance out hanging with a bunch of cops and firemen. That's a far cry from pretty dresses and over-the-top Pnina designs. Right now, my focus seems to be elsewhere.

But, this is Easter, once the traditional start of the year. Spring is just beginning, Passover is ended, and Christ is risen--a place of new beginnings. Perhaps this may mark a new beginning for me, too. We shall see, I suppose.

Christ is Risen!

Veteran's Day and Remembrance Day 2011

To all those that I love, or, in some cases, that I've never met, who have served their country bravely. I love you all. 

Heroes

By Jared Jenkins

For every life, there is a soul

For every soul, there is a life

For those who have died, we show great appreciation and remembrance

For those who live, along with them live the horrific memories of battle

Some, memories of defeat

Some, memories of victory

Our veterans were more than soldiers

They were, and still are heroes

Kenneth Flowers

F. X. Stevens

R. Nierstheimer, Air Force

 Control their minds with instinct fit 

What time, adventuring, they quit 

The firm security of land; 

Grant steadfast eye and skilful hand 

 Aloft in solitudes of space, 

Uphold them with Thy saving grace. 

O God, protect the men who fly 

Thru lonely ways beneath the sky.

Lord, guard and guide the men who fly 

Through the great spaces of the sky; 

Be with them traversing the air 

 In darkening storms or sunshine fair 

 Thou who dost keep with tender might 

The balanced birds in all their flight 

Thou of the tempered winds be near 

That, having thee, they know no fear 

D. Bevans

For the Fallen

by Laurence Binyon

They went with songs to the battle, they were young, 

 Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow. 

 They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;

 They fell with their faces to the foe. 

 They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: 

 Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. 

 At the going down of the sun and in the morning 

 We will remember them.