friday's fancies - stars + stripes

This week's Friday's Fancies theme with Long Distance Loving is stars + stripes. I recreated a very similar outfit to the one I wore yesterday (unfortunately didn't get photos - however I know I'll definitely be re-wearing it sometime soon!) I went a little crazy at the J. Crew sale - where I got a very similar shirt and skirt -  I'll definitely post about the awesome sale sometime within the next few days.

shirt, skirt, sandals, necklace, watch, bracelets, earrings

xo-ally

dresses for the fourth of july

I can't get enough of fun, summer dresses and have spotted so many adorable options when perusing shops online. Here are three of my current favorites that would be perfect for the Fourth of July!

dresses: left, middle, right

I also have a really fun giveaway starting tomorrow!! Stay tuned and check back July 1st at midnight PST to enter!

xo-ally

happy independence day!

[photo]

Last year, I came home from Italy right before Fourth of July. While going through customs, the customs guy was looking at an American girl's passport and said, "Ah, you're born on the Fourth of Juu-liee. Big party, big party!" This made me laugh because of how he said it, but he is right! Today is a day of celebration, and we have a lot to celebrate! I think during all the barbecues, fireworks shows, and other festivities, it is important to remember our country's independence and why we celebrate. 

So on that note, HAPPY FOURTH! Go 'merica :)

[photo]

xo-ally

PS - So a couple of days ago I made this post about some sweets & snacks for the Fourth ... but I think I'm going to go with this one instead - funfetti cake dip. And I want to stick a little American flag in the middle of it to add our country's colors! What do you think?! Are you making anything fun or wearing a special outfit for the Fourth??

sweets & snacks - recipes for 4th of july

With barbecues and parties celebrating our lovely Independence Day coming up this week, I am seeing USA-themed everything, everywhere. I was perusing the web for Fourth of July recipes, and here are some I found!

Red, White, and Blue Cupcakes from One Ordinary Day

These are super cute, and the colored cake make it so much fun!

Nutella Berry Crunch Crackers from LaurenConrad.com

Nutella? Yes, please! This post on laurenconrad.com has a few other 4th of July snack ideas too!

Pretzel Rods from Martha Stewart

I think I'm going to try these! Looks like a good mix of salty and sweet.

Happy almost-Fourth-of-July!

xo-ally

what to wear on 4th of july

Due to a request to do a Fourth of July themed post, I decided to create some outfits inspired by the holiday! These would be great for many festivities surrounding the fourth!

Swimsuit, Cover-up, Hat, Sunglasses, Bracelet, Sandals

I think of a nice evening on a boat when I see this outfit! I love this bright blue swimsuit, which would look cool peeking out underneath the crochet of the cover-up. [My friend has this exact cover-up and loves it! It looks really good on too.] Metallic accessories keep it neutral but classic, and the floppy hat adds some extra glam.

Chambray shirt, Shorts, Flip flops, Swimsuit, Sunglasses

I had to use this adorable flag bikini from a previous post - it is perfect for the fourth! This outfit is more casual and layers a chambray shirt over the swimsuit with denim shorts - what material is more American than denim? The pockets on the shorts have glittery stars sticking out the bottom (I couldn't resist) and I added some blue and white flip flops and red wayfarers to complete the look. Perfect for running around at a barbecue by the lake!

Tank, Shorts, Sunglasses, Watch, Nail Polish, Flip Flops

The red, sparkly nail polish inspired this whole outfit. It's like a firework on your nails! I matched the nail polish with a bright red tank and denim shorts and added classic accessories to not go overboard. I love the pearl and bow details on the flip flops and the leather band of the watch.

Let's celebrate the Fourth of July in style!

'merica

xo-ally