Star Spangled Style: Three Looks for the Holiday Weekend

Posted on June 30, 2015, 9:00 am
6 mins

Slide

While the unusually hot weather remains in full swing in Seattle, we are celebrating not only a short week before the holiday, but a glorious one at that. Summer style can be tricky when it is so hot, which means dresses and uber-popular rompers are definitely on the go-to list. With festive holiday events coming up this weekend, now is the perfect time to start thinking about your wardrobe. Red, white and blue, star-spangled style needn’t be relegated to a flag tank top. You can amp up your look with classic color combinations that show a lot more imagination.

 

Star Spangled Style

 

I am more than a little obsessed with off-the-shoulder looks this summer, and the navy Love Sam Off The Shoulder Dress is a perfect example. Exclusive to Intermix, it has flowing Kimono sleeves and a cute, little tie belt that you could switch out if you like. I love it with the Stuart Weitzman Glitter Knee-High Gladiator Sandals, which I own and love so much. Be prepared to be stopped every five minutes when you wear them. Hipanema Bracelets are the ultimate in boho cool, with a groovy stack of eclectic bracelets all held together with a long gold clasp. I gave this ASOS Turkish Delight Tassel Necklace to my friend Kacy last week and had a little trouble parting with it. She has been an amazing help during my recovery from foot surgery and I wanted to thank her. Its combination of woven and braided pieces, tassels and little metal details in red, white and blue that are cool and a little off-the-grid. Kate Spade’s Ziba red sunglasses are a happy detail and necessary for the sunny days ahead. As for the bag, one that is both casual and on trend fits this look, and Mary Y Sol Augusta Shoulder Bag from Favery is it. It is crocheted from sustainable raffia in summer’s hottest shape, the bucket bag, and has the perfect detail: an organically tanned leather tassel pull. Looking good, girl.

 

Star Spangled Style #2

 

The looks I love the most are eclectic, with unexpected combinations and pieces that you wouldn’t necessarily see together, but just work. The core pieces of this look are black not the more expected blue, and take on the look of sophisticated but easy party dressing. The ONE by Theonne Bree Skirt at Shopbop is part of the emerging designers collection and gives a strong base to this look with its bold stripes and wrap silhouette. The Equipment Cara Cami also has a black background that lends a backdrop to its festive star pattern. Turn up the heat with this gorgeous pair of Native American Beaded Earrings found on Etsy, worn with a chunky hammered gold Kenneth Jay Lane Cuff. The Derek Lam Nasen Too Wedge in sassy red suede remind me of a pair of red suede wedges I got in Paris, they are a sophisticated pop of color that bring your look back to 4th of July festivities. Suede is going to continue to be huge into fall, so hang on to that. Grab this Straw Party Starter Box Bag from Henri Bendel and you will knock their socks off.

Star Spangled Style #3

 

Finally, the fantasy look: part designer, part boho, and all on-trend cool. RED by Valentino’s Jumpsuit in red, white and blue floral is so on-point. Go big with Christian Louboutin’s Cataclou gorgeous wedges in denim with summery details. Load up on the gold bangles, then add a pair of the Takara Naos Earrings with their fringy fun. The Tenji Watch from anthropologie is a great combination of unusual material (denim) and minimalistic style that goes well with this seasonal look. I have been carrying a scarf similar to Madewell’s Shibori Tassel Scarf all summer to use as an accessory and/or coverup and I love its big, versatile size and shape. Convertible bags are great for busy summer days, since you can go from daytime activities to socializing easily, and San Fransisco-based Cuyana is one to watch. The soft, off-white leather and clean lines of this bag have modern appeal that complement the busy pattern in the jumpsuit. Perfection.

Show a little star spangled style of your own by thinking a little out of the box this year. Mixing prints or even letting one color, like red, stand out gives a strong impression and a festive air at the same time. Happy 4th of July!

Lisa Cole is the fashion and style writer for Vanguard Seattle, and her work includes covering fashion news and events, runway shows and boutiques. She has her own fashion and lifestyle blog, www.westfultonstreet.com, and is a member of Independent Fashion Bloggers and Fashion Group International.