Happy (early) Fourth of July! Independence Day has got to be one of my absolute favorite days of the year. The steamy DC heat (oddly requisite for the 4th), the outdoor BBQs, the country music, the fireworks — all things I anticipate every year. I’m already dreaming up the perfect getups to show my true (patriotic) colors.
First, for poolside lounging, a sophisticated, simple navy blue bikini like this Melissa Odabash is right on the money ($82, The Outnet):
Tote your poolside essentials in this American flag-esque striped beach bag (on sale for $136, Tory Burch):
A red-and-white striped bikini would also look festive for the occasion — how precious is this little getup by French Connection ($40 for top, $33 for bottoms, Bluefly):
When you head inside for a refreshing brewski, slip into this adorable 3.1 Phillip Lim cover up (I kinda just want to buy it to wear it as a dress…) — you can find it for $250 at La Garconne — and a pair of silver t-straps ($29.50, Gap):
Protect your eyes with these red Gucci shades ($220, Nordstrom) — they’re the eyewear shape of the season:
Perfect with the knotted DV by Dolce Vita sandals I featured yesterday ($54.95, Endless):
This little star-spangled ring might be the perfect topper (Rachel Leigh, $132, Shopbop):
Meanwhile, a patriotic combination of red and blue beach towels are ideal for laying out (Lacoste, $19 each, Macy’s), whether poolside or beneath a canopy of fireworks:
For afternoon BBQ / evening festivities, consider stepping it up with this navy eyelet dress (Kitty, $87, eDressMe):
I think it’d look beyond precious with this perfect-for-the-occasion wicker bag (Magid, $100, Endless) and white sandals (K. Jacques, $245, Net-A-Porter):
Accent with this dangling star necklace — love the idea of recycling it for later use by layering with a fistful of thin gold chains ($70, Max and Chloe):
Also lovely? This little form-fitted Lady Liberty number ($84.99, ModCloth):
I’ve got to admit that I’m not the hugest fan of the bandage-style dress Herve Leger popularized, but there’s something fetching and demure about the variation above. I like the idea of pairing it with this little sailor’s knot-patterned clutch ($72, eBags), but if that seems like there’s too much going on for you, try on a simple pair of straw wedges ($49.50, Swell) with this darling bow-front clutch ($35, Aldo):
Picture perfect with these drool-worthy Bruno Frisonis (on sale for $199, Yoox):
Or, if you’d rather not invest in a pair of shoes you’ll likely only wear one occasion of the year, try this precious little bag — don’t you die over it ($78, Anthropologie)?
And finally — if none of the above tickle your fancy — I love a high-waisted, full skirt (especially after yesterday’s 50s era post!) with a trim little tank and some super high wedges. Try this striped Alice and Olivia ($165, Net-A-Porter) or this seersucker striped See by Chloe ($206, La Garconne):
Patriotic perfection!