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! 

adopted

We moved to America when I was five, and as a permanent resident but not a citizen, I like to think of myself as an adopted American. I have lived here long enough (most of my life) that I've taken on the language, the customs, and the holidays of my adopted country. Of course, there are parts of me that misses Germany (mostly the fact that my whole family is still there, and the food!!!) but I'm thankful that America has welcomed me with open arms.

Happy (belated) Birthday 'Merica - you don't look a day over 238 ;)

Skirt: J.Crew Factory [current adorable pattern]

Tank: Everlane [exact - so so comfy!]

Cardigan: J.Crew Factory [exact]

Necklace: Forever 21 [exact]

Bag: Madewell [save | exact]

Shoes: Madewell [exact]

Watch: Michael Kors [exact]

P.S. The last time I wore this skirt was the day I renewed my permanent resident card....freaky.

i'm an alien, i'm a legal alien

On Tuesday I had a date with immigration services. As a permanent resident, you have to renew your greencard every decade or so, so this week it was my lucky turn to go.

It's strange, being a permanent resident - you don't always feel like you really belong in either place. In the States, I'm known as the German. I was born in Germany, my parents are very German, and my name is about as German as you can get. But when I go back to Germany, most of the time I'm introduced as the American. I'm Americanized, I speak English better than German, and I feel that America is where I'll more than likely spend the rest of my life. At the same time, I think I would have a hard time giving up my German citizenship - Germany doesn't allow dual-citizenship (except for like... ambassador's children or something) so I would have to choose. Even though I don't plan on living in Germany now, who knows? I would feel like I was betraying my family and my heritage by giving it up, even though I consider America home.

Tee: Everlane

Skirt: J.Crew Factory [same style]

Belt: H&M Mens 

Shoes: BCBGeneration [similar]

Sunglasses: Ralph Lauren [exact]

a happy Fourth of July to everyone who considers America home :)

Linking up with mix and match fashion!