Firework Hot on the 4th!

The Fourth of July is coming up next week, so now is the time to start thinking about how you want to spend it and what you're going to wear. With all of the flag-wear available right now, you may easily go a little overboard. So how do you show your patriotism without looking like your clothes are made by Betsy Ross? What better way to give salute to the freedom of this country than to give nod to some of the icons of America?

The weather's perfect for taking a quick getaway to the beach (if you can). Give props to those pinups who gave support (wink wink*) to all of the troops who have fought for this nation.

Halter swimwear
$48 - unique-vintage.com

Harajuku Lovers high heel
$23 - karmaloop.com

Floppy straw hat
$15 - windsorstore.com

Vintage shawl
$13 - windsorstore.com

Cat eye sunglasses
$9.99 - amazon.com

Dresses
$75 - unique-vintage.com

If your taking a trip to the Nation's Capital of Washington, DC to see the fireworks on the National Mall, you'll see no shortage of flag-wear. There are ways to rock the flag, without being tacky.

Racer back tank top
$25 - tillys.com

Black shorts
$31 - pacsun.com

Wet Seal slingback sandals
$13 - wetseal.com

Orelia star stud earrings
$17 - asos.com

Orelia leather bangle
$13 - asos.com

Cotton t shirt
$27 - yoursclothing.co.uk

Forever 21 shorts
$20 - forever21.com

Viva La diva
$35 - simplybe.com

Cuff bracelet
$17 - lulus.com

Planning on spending the evening with a date, dancing the night away, or maybe picking up a date at the bar? Then it's time to get dressy! All hail the queen of drapey dresses... Lady Liberty!

ASOS metallic cocktail dress
$37 - asos.com

Poetic Licence black heels
$35 - dsw.com

Forever 21 jewelry
$4.80 - forever21.com

Lipsy floral hair accessory
$20 - asos.com

Dress
$40 - plussizefix.com

High heels
$40 - dsw.com

Sephora Collection nail care
$7 - sephora.com

VerDandi Arti Lady Envelope Handbag
$11 - amazon.com

No matter what you choose to do, do it in style. Remember: It's only one day in the year, so there's no need to splurge. Just have fun!

Rain, Rain...Time to Play!

So it's raining today, and it got me thinking...

What's so unique about rain in the Spring/Summer season is not only is it raining, but it's pretty warm out. Being prepared for the rain in the colder seasons seems to be pretty simple: coat/jacket/trench and whatever underneath with whatever waterproof boots you have. For the warm Spring & Summer, there is so much opportunity to have fun with your warm, rain look.

Here are a few looks, ALL outfits totaling $100 or under!

$95-Groovy Baby

Mod Rain - $95 by jesie-patillo featuring daisy jewelry

Forever 21 retro style dress
$25 - forever21.com

Shoes
$25 - bakersshoes.com

H M magnetic clutch
£13 - hm.com

Forever 21 daisy jewelry
$4.80 - forever21.com

See through umbrella
$20 - modcloth.com

$100-Pastel Bright

Rain - $100 by jesie-patillo featuring a fulton umbrella

Top
$20 - forever21.com

Aso
$30 - asos.com

Shoes
$20 - bakersshoes.com

Forever 21 ring
$4.80 - forever21.com

Necklace
$7.90 - loveculture.com

Fulton umbrella
$17 - asos.com

$98- Edge of Rain

$98- Edge or Rain by jesie-patillo featuring diamond tops

Forever 21 diamond top

$7.99 - forever21.com

Hat
$15 - hottopic.com

Dark Wash Denim Shorty Shorts
$20 - aeropostale.com

Aussie Dogs Women's Med Boot - designer shoes, handbags, jewelry,...
$49 - endless.com

cross thread bracelet $5.80 in BROWNGOLD WHITEGOLD - Bracelets |...
$5.80 - gojane.com

$97- Plus Color

Plus Size Rain- $97 by jesie-patillo featuring striped tops

Forever 21 striped top
$16 - forever21.com

Forever 21 zipper jeans
$25 - forever21.com

Shoes
$20 - bakersshoes.com

Wallet
$15 - pinkice.com

Stripe Umbrella
$20 - accessorize.com

In the end, remember this: Have fun! The Spring and Summer is all about having fun with styles and colors. Choose what you love. Rainy days can feel a bit gloomy, so why not be the quirky bit of sunshine to brighten the day?!