Stars & Stripes Mandatory

The holiday weekend is almost here!   My friends and I are headed up to Tahoe to celebrate in style. In honor of America,  we make this annual pilgrimage a red, white, and blue weekend.  Thankfully my closet is full of accidentally patriotic attire.  (Plus, a stars and stripes swimsuit that comes out just once a year)

If you're stuck on what to wear for the 4th of July, this is basically what my suitcase will look like... hopefully it gives you some inspiration...

Stars and Stripes 2011 by Style-Edition 

Happy 4th of July weekend!

Over the Sea....

I have a total obsession with all of the fun (and affordable) art available on Etsy.   This one from Laura Amiss is my current favorite.   I love how the waves have kind of a 60's/Yellow Submarine vibe. 

Bringing Beach Towels Up a Notch

I've never given too much thought to my beach towels.  Actually, I think all of the beach towels I own were just inherited from my parents over the years.  However,  when I think about it,  a beach towel can make just as much of a style statement at the beach as your swimsuit or sunglasses (which in my mind, are two other beach style staples.)  So, maybe it's time to take it up a notch?  

One Kings Lane recently made some of their popular prints into beach towels.   I have this print (Purchased from Etsy a while back) -- maybe I should pick up a matching towel?

I also think this simple nautical anchor would be pretty timeless. 

Speaking of nautical,  I'm also quite partial to this one from Target.  I've always loved extra large towels,  so that is an added bonus.

Or, if you want something a little bit more fun,  perhaps this rainbow "SMILE" one from Bloomingdales.I might also be tempted to pick up a set of classic towels, from go-to summer outfitter Lands End.  At under $30, including monagram,  they seem like a pretty good deal. I think I'd go for my initials (instead of first name like pictured below)  to make it feel a bit more grown-up.

Currently Craving: Graphic Black & Gold Bangles

Most of my summer wardrobe is dedicated to light and bright colors, but as I got dressed today, I felt like my outfit was missing a statement piece.  I'd love to be able to throw on any one of these graphic gold bangles. 

(Click on the image for sources)

What I Want Now: Bold Black & Gold Bangles 

Black Botanicals

I love old botanical prints,  but my favorites are the ones with black backgrounds.

Something about the black makes them feel much more substantial and even a bit manly.  I see a huge variety of old botanical prints at vintage shops and antiques fairs but the black ones seem to be much harder to come by.    So, I was excited to see that One Kings Lane  had some great looking and affordable reproductions available today.   If you've got a  blank wall that you need to fill, check them out:

 Here is an example of how a black botanical can make a great statement piece over a bed:

Happy Friday!