Stars & Stripes

Today is going to be like Friday for many of us, with tomorrow being an unofficial holiday in preparation for July 4th on Saturday. What do you have planned? Something fun, I hope. I'll be heading to the beach later today to spend a long weekend with my family at our getaway in Pawley's Island, SC. We've been going there for years and really do love it. It's close enough to everything to feel civilized, yet far enough from the strip to feel like a getaway. We love to get crab cakes from the Crab Lady Co. (she catches the crabs herself!) and fry them up at home, take in the scenery of Brookgreen Gardens and just soak in the sound of the waves on the beach while the kids build sand castles.

To celebrate Indepedence Day whatever you have planned you can show your colors with stars and stripes. It's cute for the little ones to wear red, white and blue clothing emblazoned with flags and other motifs, but if you're looking for a more sophisticated way to wear it I have some great suggestions.

Try topping off a blue dress with a white sweater, short-sleeved cardigan or even a belt. Add a pair of red platforms or sandals for a pretty summer look that shows your patriotism.

Top classic American blue denim shorts with a red and white striped top. Team with a cute pair of wedges and some pretty gold star earrings.

Pull on a blue and white top with a red skirt for a chic take on our nation's colors.

Add a red and white bag, scarf or necklace and you've got a look perfect for the 4th of July.

If you need a soundtrack for your get-together or to listen to while watching fireworks, here are a few suggestions:

“4th of July,” by the Beach Boys
“Sparkler,” by Fivecrown
“Burnt by the Sun,” by David Byrne
“Fireworks,” by Plain White Ts
“Long Weekend,” by Rubyhorse
“Popsicle,” by Talking Heads
“Freedom,” by Akon
“Red, White and Blue,” by Robert Plant
“Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer,” by Nat King Cole
“Traffic,” by Stero MCs
“4th of July,” by X

Playlist courtesy of mSpot.com.

Have a happy and safe weekend!