{Simple Celebration} Independence Day

plates, napkins and dinnerware // large twin pack // cute straws // decor

Happy Independence Day weekend. I know the 4th is not until Tuesday but who are you kidding thinking that you will be actually doing anything remotely productive Monday. Even though I love following different accounts on Pinterest and looking at all the incredible parties, I always wonder how long and how much energy did it take for them to set it all up. Yes, it comes easier to some people but in the end, people will remember the conversation, you demeanor and maybe the food. Pretty much no one will remember what your set up was the next year. Except maybe those who pay very good attention to the details.
I do like to make special occasions pretty and inviting. I always make birthday parties cute and interesting, so this 4th of July we are thinking about having a few people over and enjoying the time together. 

I really didn't want to spend too much money on all the decor so I pulled out stuff that I have and got patriotic plates and napkins. Everything turned out be under $10 at my local ALDI. Talk about being budget friendly! If you want to order something similar I place links under the last photo. Don't over think it and use what you have, and remember to enjoy yourself!

Have a happy 4th of July!

Red, White & Blue {Shopping}

From left to right dresses: 1 / 2 / 3 

Bags: Red Bucket / Blue Satchel / White Tote

Shoes: Wedges / Moccasins 

There is a right way and a wrong way to wear red, white and blue. The right way is to have majority of one/two colors, and just a sprinkle of third. The problem becomes when people wear all three colors proportionally and look like the flag. I mean, if that's what you are going for, have fun, but it doesn't look all that great. This weekend, sport some patriotic colors but avoid looking like the United States has thew up on you. Please. ha! 

Next week Nordstrom starts its Anniversary Sale and you know it's going to be sooo goooood! Better save your dollars and not go shopping for next few days because you are going to want to get your hands on a few things. Let me explain.

WHY: this is a limited time offer on all the new fall styles! How cool is that?!

WHAT: you will find the hottest trends on major mark down before fall season even begins

WHO: it is a sale that covers all their departments - women, men, kids, and includes designer items!

WHEN: the sale starts on July 9th (for cardholders) and on JULY 17th for the rest of the public. Don't wait, the prices will go up on August 3rd and there won't be another sale on fall items until the end of the season (i.e. a few months)!

So there you have it - put your pennies together and get to shopping because you will thank yourself with the first sign of fall. I will post finds and different sale picks next week, then I will cover the rest  of the sale. Come back for the scoop on the latest and best trends!

Last but not least, Emily Schuman of the famous Cupcakes and Cashmere blog is launching her own clothing line with Nordstrom and ShopBop! I love her style and how simple, yet classic her outfits are. You can shop the line on July 6th online or July 10th in stores. The entire collection (check preview here) ranges from $80 to $180 and that's reasonable for such a high end store collaboration. I can't wait to see and shop the pieces! 

J.Crew - extra 40-60% OFF sale styles (code: LONGWEEKEND)

GAP - up to 50% OFF sale

Old Navy - items from $2 tanks/flip flops, $4tees, $6 graphic tees, $8 shorts/swim.

Banana Republic - extra 50% OFF sale style (code: BRGOBIG)

Anthropologie - extra 20% OFF summer sale

ShopBop - tons of sale items. Free 3-day shipping and free returns

Topshop - new items added to the sale. Free shipping and free returns

ModCloth - up to 50% off summer sale styles

SheIn - summer sale with up to 50% off

Neiman Marcus - extra 35% OFF summer sale items + Free shipping and Free returns

Bloomingdales - 20-65% OFF summer sale

 Macy's - extra 20% off (code: FOURTH), or $10 OFF $25 or more (code: FOURTH25)

Kate Spade - extra 25% OFF (code: SETSALE)

Shabby Apple - up to 75% off the entire site!

ASOS - up to 50% OFF entire site!

Ann Taylor - extra 50% sale items

Link Up: Living in Color Style, Mix and Match Fashion 

Shop Red

Shop White

Shop Blue

Patriotic (Sort Of)

dress: TJMaxx (1, 2, 3)
bag: Old Navy (1, 2)
shoes: H&M (1, 2)
belt: H&M (similar)

Happy 4th everyone! I feel somewhat sacrilegious wearing the red, white and blue colors. After all, it's a flag of a nation and people gave their lives for it, not just a fashion statement. That's my personal opinion, and yet I still want to join other bloggers in celebrating this holiday. (Just a side note. Why don't we all look like a Christmas tree during holiday season?)

I hope everyone enjoys their three day weekend and gets some rest. I will be celebrating with family and taking the next week off from blogging. It's our anniversary and I'm doing a 5K run, so need to train and plan some festivities. It's been a long time since I took a break but I think I need it. I'm thinking about changing direction and re-branding, or even quitting all together. Not sure what the next step is and what God has for me at this point but I do know that there more important things out there than outfits. I love dressing well and showing ladies how to be modest and fashionable but maybe that's not my thing in life. As I take time to contemplate, pray and enjoy my family, I hope you have a great weekend. Thank you for reading!

{Shopping} Patriotic

Clock, Espadrilles, Striped Tee, Flag Tee, White Sandals, Striped Crossbody, Bathing Suit, Red Bag, Dress 

I hope you are getting your red, white and blue on for this weekend! With the weather approaching very hot temperatures and the grill sizzling away, it's going to be a fun holiday. I don't have a patriotic outfit picked out yet (I always feel like a flag) but here is a selection of some items to make your outfit a little more holiday appropriate. Hope you are having a great week! 

Modern Americana

dress: Gap 

sandals: Aldo

tote: Old Navy

hat: J.Crew

necklace: J.Crew Factory

Happy 4th to you lovelies! Hope you are enjoying some sunshine, delicious food, and time with family and friends. And since this blog has a sense of style, here is an inspiration for your outfit of the day.

There is nothing more American then jeans and red,white & blue. This look embraces the modern take on patriotic USA colors, in a very obvious way (hello flag bag).

Have a great day!