Prepare the 21 gun salute, ready your fireworks and get in the patriotic spirit. While we don’t favor holiday dressing– as in Christmas sweaters– we can’t help but get in the spirit every time Independence Day rolls around. Whether it’s due to the summer heat or our patriotic pride, there’s nothing better than a dose of red, white and blue to accompany a Fourth of July barbecue. We’ve got the best of the season’s patriotic picks so you can earn your own salutes this Fourth.
American Beauty by Claiborne Swanson Frank
Jenna Lyons
Erin Fetherston
Dress up your coffee table with Assouline’s American Beauty ($75), a tome celebrating classic American style. Lily Aldridge (new mother and Victoria’s Secret angel) graces the cover and inside, Claiborne Swanson Frank has collected photos of everyone from fashion designers to artists, titans of industry and musicians.
Naturally, our fingers flip right to the ladies of fashion. Peek into first lady of J. Crew Jenna Lyons’ closet and Erin Fetherston’s dreamy New York apartment while you skim through quotes from greats such as photog Mario Testino and the big names from the masthead at Vogue.
American Beauty is available at www.assouline.com
Current/Elliott The Snap Star-print Stretch-denim jacket
Speaking of Lily Aldridge, we could picture the Victoria’s Secret angel wearing the Current/Elliott The Snap Star-Print Stretch-Denim Jacket ($295) backstage at a Kings of Leon concert or heading to and from her L.A. haunts. The new mom’s known for infusing rock and roll style into her sig Cali cool, and we think this star-printed staple is perfect everywhere from Coachella (where she met her hubby Caleb Followill) to post-baby yoga classes in Santa Monica.
For mere mortals, the jacket’s a statement piece that will amp up any summer sundress or bathing suit. But don’t keep it for the after-sunset summer chill. Wear it all year round and you’ll earn gold-star worthy style. Like all of Current/Elliott’s designs, the Snap boasts the perfect blend of cotton and stretch for comfort from the very first wear — no breaking in necessary.
Available at www.Net-a-Porter.com
Lacoste United States Polo
Lacoste United States Polo
For fellas who want to show their patriotism, the no-nonsense Lacoste Short Sleeved Pique United States Polo ($165) takes a staple and gives it an all-American makeover. Part of their Country Flags collection, which includes a veritable United Nations of countries such as Italy, Spain, Japan and of course, France, the stars and stripes are a bold way to keep cool in this year’s record breaking heat (the pique fabric was originally designed to keep tennis player René Lacoste cool while he was on the tennis court). Cut in Lacoste’s new slim fit, the shirt has all the trappings of the prep staple, including the brand’s signature croc logo and side vents for comfort on and off the court.
Available at Lacoste boutiques and shop.lacoste.com
Vanessa Traina in Givenchy
Miu Miu studded leather headband
When Vanessa Traina — the fashion designer/editor/stylist and the spawn of American author Danielle Steele — wore a gleaming silver Givenchy studded headband in 2009, it caused the entire blogosphere to pull out their glue guns and attempt DIY versions (especially since the version that went into production later in 2010 was nothing like Traina’s sci-fi Lady Liberty tiara). Instead of trying to cobble together our own, we’re opting for the more sedate (read: wearable) Miu Miu Studded Leather Headband ($230). It still gives a hint of Lady Liberty while toning down any notion of a pageant queen. The dove grey leather boasts two-toned studs, cones and dots — it’s an accessory that will make a huge impact with hardly any effort, the signature of a true fashion it-girl.
Available at www.Net-a-Porter.com
Sperry Top-Sider Men’s 3-eye Boat Shoe by Band of Outsiders
What’s better for the Fourth than an American staple like Sperry? Mashup an American heritage brand with L.A.’s hipper-than-hip label Band of Outsiders and you’ll get a double dose of Americana. The Three-eye Boat Shoe by Band of Outsiders ($175) is the latest in the labels’ years-long collab (it started back in 2009, also the year of the Lady Liberty headband) and for summer, the range includes patchwork denims and this all-American red, white and blue plaid. Sure you’ve got standard brown leather and maybe a riff or two on the Nantucket standby, but you don’t have anything like this.
Available at www.sperrytopsider.com
Eddie Borgo Gold-plated Northern Star Bracelet
If you’re not feeling bold picks in bright stripes of red and blue or you just want a more delicate way to show your American spirit, the Eddie Borgo Gold-plated Northern Star Bracelet ($375) lets you wear the trend on your wrist instead of on your sleeve.
NY-based jeweler Eddie Borgo is already gracing the wrists (not to mention necks, fingers and ears) of New York’s fashion set — Lauren Santo Domingo, Anja Rubic and more. Known for punky cones, arrows, spiked hearts and his silken tassels, the stars are a ladylike departure for the downtown label.
Available at www.Net-a-Porter.com
Photos courtesy Assouline, Net-a-Porter, Lacoste, Sperry Top-Sider, and Style.com
