Let's Get Away: Memorial Day Weekend 2012

This weekend is the celebration of Memorial Day, which hopefully means you’re going to the beach, the lake, a friend’s pool or at least a barbeque!  It certainly does to me!  I’ll be at the lake with some friends, riding on the boat and catching rays.  More importantly, Memorial Day is when we remember those who have died in active military service so that we can enjoy freedom.  The celebration of their lives and our freedom also marks the unofficial start of summer livin’.  Oh how I love three day weekends of sun and fun!

It also means I have to pack…  Do you know how much I hate packing?  It’s in the top 5 of things I least enjoy doing.  But I’m here to make it easy on you.  You’re welcome.  So keeping the patriotic and summer fun theme in mind, below are some ideas of what to wear Memorial Day weekend 2012.

Orange maxi dress:  Orange is The Color of the season and lucky for us it looks great on every skin color!  It warms the skin and provides an instant glow.  Maxi dresses are also very popular as they are easy to style and make your body appear longer and leaner.  When I first ordered this Alloy dress a few years ago people would joke with me by asking if I was headed to the prom.  Oh the riducle fashion-forward people face in the Midwest!  But thankfully, long dresses have caught on and are now easy to find (and wear) everywhere!

Turquoise Beaded Boho Hoops from Windsor, Bangle set from Loft, Raffia satchel with Tassel trim from New York & Co., Orange maxi dress from Alloy, Cotton Herringbone Four Pocket Jacket from Loft, Natasha Accessories Beaded Bangle Set from Dillard's, Sofft "Ravenna" Sandals from Dillard's

V-Neck Maxi Dress from New York and Co., Heritage tie-waist chiffon patio dress from Banana Republic, Blue Juice Desert Romance Maxi Dress from Dillard's

  

Something mint, aqua or sea foam:  I adore the color of these Candie's Color Denim Shortie Shorts that I just found at Kohl's!  Pair it with white and statement-making accessories or a complementing pastel like lilac or pale yellow.

Lace Up Crop Cami from American Eagle Outfitters, Candie's Color Denim Shortie Shorts from Kohl's, Turquoise Beaded Boho Hoops from Windsor, Beaded Wrap Bracelet from American Eagle Outfitters, Knotted Wedge Sandal from Charlotte Russe, Steve Madden Fringy Fringe Hobo from Dillard's

  

White sundress: The white sundress is a summer classic.  Make it sweet and sexy by combining lace with a corset, like this one from Topshop.  I chose to keep it simple with neutral accessories.  Floppy hats and tortoise sunglasses are so chic and offer necessary protection from the sun.  (Did anyone see Schmidt's shout out to tortoise in Gwyneth Paltrow's goop newsletter?  Max Greenfield of New Girl said of his tortoise iPhone case, "Every so often someone will confuse it for leopard print. How embarrassing. For them."  Bahaha!  Love him!)  But seriously kids, protect yourself from the sun this weekend!  I love hats but I don't usually wear them.  Protection from the sun is the perfect excuse to feel glam in a floppy one!

Striped Floppy Hat from Forever 21, Lace Corset Flippy Dress from Topshop, Tortoise sunglasses from Tommy Hilfiger, Knotted Wedge Sandal from Charlotte Russe, Pave and Natural Stone Round Drop Earrings from Loft, Raffia satchel with Tassel trim from New York & Co., Beaded Wrap Bracelet from American Eagle Outfitters

 

Retro-inspired swimsuit:  To stand out in a sea of neons, jungle prints and tribal patterns, try a retro swimsuit.  I found this adorable cherry-print bikini from Old Navy on clearance for $10!  Look for halters with molded cups and sweetheart necklines and fuller briefs in classic colors or nostalgic prints.  Again take advantage of wearing a cute hat this weekend!

Straw Fedora from Forever 21, Cherry-Print Bikini from Old Navy, Whitney Earrings from Tessyla on Etsy, Candie's Color Denim Shortie Shorts from Kohl's, Leather Flip Flops from Gap

 

Tropical print or crop top:  To add spark to your Memorial Day wardrobe throw in something with a bright tropical print or a sexy crop top - perfect for visiting the nearest town pub.  Both of these trends have been heating up the runways and seen on many celebrities this spring.  Pair the jungle-inspired piece with a separate in a solid color to balance the wild pattern.  I added natural-colored accessories with bold neon details to emphasize the eyecatching bright colors without going overboard.  While crop tops may invoke memories of the girls of Clueless and other 90s pop stars, there's no need to worry about feeling like a heifer to rock one.  Today they're easier to wear thanks to high-waisted skirts or capris that cover the navel.

Jaime King, Kristen Stewart, Selena Gomez

Crate Clutch from Alloy, Hawaiian Print Bralet from Topshop, Neon Chain Earrings from Windsor, Neon Faux Cork Wedges from Charlotte Russe, Perfect Circle Skirt from Nasty Gal, Pressed Bangle Set from Forever 21

Now get to packing and have a fashionable, fun and safe weekend!

Thank you to all who have served in the United States military and for the freedom you have allowed me.  Yes, you too brother and cousin.