The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays because for me it’s all about food, family, fireworks, and FUN!  Plus, I secretly love theme dressing.  Not costumes — themes.  Whether I’m wearing an ugly Christmas sweater or dressing in red, white and blue, theme dressing can be so much fun when everyone joins in!

This year, I’ll probably be sporting my uber-preppy Ralph Lauren American Flag Polo (you can customize your own!), Citizens of Humanity white skinny jeans, and nude wedges to a barbecue.  Later, I’ll probably slip into a little white dress to go out to dinner.  What I really want is this United States Crystal Heart Clutch to accent my LWD, but I might just have to save for next year!

Tell me, what are your plans for the 4th?

I love the fact that hats are so in!  It’s the easiest and most chic way to protect your face from the sun, slyly avoid a bad hair day, and accessorize any outfit.  This season try a Panama or fedora hat as your summer accessory.  They are the go-to topper that can take you from the beach to lounging at a club.  Here are some celebs sporting the look this summer:

Stacy Keibler in a fedora while on the beach in Mexico

Hilary Duff in fitted fedora in NYC

A quick look at tradition: 

What makes a true Panama hat?  Panama Hat: (noun) A natural-colored, hand-plaited hat made from leaves of the jipijapa plant of South and Central America.

What characterizes a fedora? Fedora: (noun) A man’s soft, felt hat with the crown creased lengthwise and a somewhat curved brim. Origin: France, after Fédora(1882), a play by Sardou – the hat style was worn by one of the characters. 

Hats today:

In 2010 however, there are a million styles of these hats.  This classic J. Crew Panama Hat is my favorite.  It reminds me of the 1920s and The Great Gatsby. I can only be so grateful that fashion reinvents itself, and this once strictly-menswear hat is now perfectly acceptable atop my little head with my favorite black string bikini.  

J.Crew Panama Hat

But I couldn’t pass up this super-affordable (it’s on sale!) and oh-so-sweet fedora style from American Eagle Outfitters. With a white tee and a pair of cuffed boyfriend jeans, this is perfect for every day.  Will you be sporting one this summer?

Natural Fedora with Ribbon by American Eagle Outfitters

I recently noticed that designers and other fashion insiders have started pairing socks with heels.  While it is definitely not a look for the cowardly, done right, this trend can be fun and sophisticated.  I think Burberry got it right, pairing socks with heels in similar shades:

Burberry rocks the monochromatic look

Burberry

These ladies also seem to have the look down. They don’t pull their socks up too high, which is very flattering (editor’s note: I have seen the look with knee-high socks, but be wary as this trend is meant to be sweet and not too sexy): 

Sheer black socks and stilettos

This look also works with shorter, flowing hemlines

To try this look yourself, go for a shoe with a chunky wedge or thick platform.  Look for leather, suede and wood materials, and don’t try this with espadrilles!  Here are some hot shoes that would look great with the right women’s trouser sock:

Jessica Simpson's 'Garta' with black trouser socks

Sergio Rossi with tan or white trouser socks

Just remember this is already a bold trend to try, so don’t make the mistake of picking a shoe that is too loud or a sock that is too thick – regular socks won’t work! Your look could end up like this:

Don't pair a loud shoe with thick socks!

Christina Hendricks Rocks Her Double Denim Look

Celebrities LOVE the double denim style and have been jumping on the bandwagon left and right.  It’s a hard trend to pull off without getting the dreaded “Canadian Tuxedo” look, but it’s definitely worth a try if you’re looking to push the envelope.

While the Guardian UK wrote up a list of Double Denim Rules, I still think that it’s tricky to make this style work for those of us who aren’t paid to look pretty or put styles together.

One tip I can give you if you’re thinking about attempting this style: choose two totally different washes like Christina Hendricks did.  Her fiery hair and cognac boots give it just the right pop of color.  I recommend a dark pant like these Blank Denim Skinnie Classique Jeans on sale at Piperlime and a lighter denim shirt like this Lucky Brand’s Shrunken Slub Chambray Shirt.

How do you feel about the Denim-on-Denim trend?  Have you worn this style yet? Let us know!

All aboard!  Nautical-inspired clothing has set sail this season.  Designs from BCBG, French Connection, and Milly have updated the seafaring look with a new sophistication.  Nautical stripes, rope detailing, and red, white and navy blue still prevail,  but with a modern twist.  Shorter hemlines, luxurious fabrics, and simple details dominate these looks, making nautical chic the next best thing.  You’ll be ready to jump aboard with my top 5 picks!

1. BCBG MAXAZRIA Striped Contrast Dress, $208
2. French Connection Tropical Annie Dress, $111
3. Milly Nautical Rope Tunic Dress in Navy, $332
4. Theory Ginny Dinghy Tunic Dress, $150
5. Rag & Bone/SHIRT Stripe T-Shirt Dress, $115