the red, white, and blue

Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. As a non-citizen (I'm a permanent resident), it's probably a bit strange to have America's birthday be one of my favorites, but what is not to love?! Picnics, barbecues, time at the pool or on the boat, and top it off with fireworks. Apparently food and pretty sparkly lights are the way to my heart. That, and stripes. 

I own more striped things than another other pattern in my closet, so of course I had to add this cute striped dress from Kohl's to my collection. I love that in the context of the Fourth of July, it fits in perfectly (trust, I'm going to be wearing it all next weekend), but then it also works the rest of the year. Paired with summery accessories like sunglasses and sneakers, and it's pretty much a summer uniform. 

Dress: Chaps c/o Kohl's [exact]

Bag: Dana Buchman c/o Kohl's [exact]

Ring: Freshwater by Honora c/o Kohl's [exact]

Sunglasses: Converse c/o Kohl's [exact]

Shoes: Converse [exact]

...and just in case you feel you aren't ready for the upcoming weekend, below are a few cute options. Some are super patriotic (hello, flag shirt!), while other (like this adorable gingham dress) just have enough of the theme going on while still being something you can wear all year long. 

one | two | three

four | five | six

seven | eight | nine

Thank you to Kohl's and ShopStyle for sponsoring this post! 

layering, made easy

Do you guys remember those "layered for you" shirts that were super popular in our middle school/high school days? The ones that had a fake white collar and white sleeves underneath a sweater to make it look like it was layered...but wasn't?

That's what I initially thought of when these new "layered for you" tops came out a few months ago, which made me hesitate at first. Then I saw them on a few people, and kind of loved the simplicity of it. Instead of fake layering a button up under a sweater, I think these are more mixed-media type shirts. I picked up mine at Loft a few weeks ago, and like I've mentioned, I have already worn it a ton of times and have received comments about it every time I've worn it. I think the appeal is that instead of trying to make you believe it's something it's not, these shirts own up to being just two different fabrics. The end result is an effortless "layered" look that doesn't remind you of 2002 ;)

Top: Loft [exact]

Jeans: Madewell [exact style]

Shoes: Converse c/o Shopbop [exact]

Bag: Madewell [save | exact]

Loft has quite a few of these "layered for you" tops currently. I, of course, love the black version - it would look so cute with black pants and bright accessories! 

one | two | three

Still not convinced, and would rather layer your own shirts? Here's my little tip:

via this really old post, when I used to wear blue sweaters over leopard shirts... ;)