Hey Guys and Gals!

I want to give a special shout out to all of my fellow Americans on this very special day.  Most of you know that today is July 4.  But, what some of you may not be aware of is that today is The United States of America’s Independence Day.  We Americans most commonly refer to this day as, “The 4th of July” or simply just, “The 4th.”  Everyone here knows exactly what you are referring to if you say that.  I won’t go any deeper into the history of this date; I’ll leave that for those history buffs and bloggers out there.  But, what I would like to do, is invite you in to learn a little more about me and my own history.  My story allows to me to say that, while I was not born in this country, I am most certainly a representation of who “We the People” are.

Let me give you the fast track version…

I was born in Seoul, South Korea, adopted as an infant here in the U.S., and raised in an AMAZING Italian-American family of south and west Philadelphian roots.  And then, I married into a somewhat similar (loud and food-loving) culture, my Jewish Fam.  I am a self-proclaimed Francophile who has lived and worked in France, speaks French, and loves anything French, aka a Francophile.  With the hubs and kids in tow, I globe trot the world as frequently as possible! (And, for the record, I’m quite convinced I was French in a past life as well, if you believe in that sort of thing.  My bestie, who just so happens to be French, would even take it a step further and clarify that I was most likely Parisian…No wonder I keep her around!?!?)

In my Made in the U.S.A Instagram Post today, I just wanted to take the time to recognize how proud I am to be an American.  That, as I stand holding my country’s flag in front of the historical Independence Hall, where our Declaration of Independence was handwritten and signed by our founding fathers in 1776, I recognize that I am a by product of what this nation stands for.  I am a mixed bag of cultures, beliefs, and experiences. I have the freedom to explore, self-cultivate, and be whoever it is I want to be!  My grandparents and great-grandparents came from Italy to find better choices, more opportunity, and more freedom.  My parents chose me, giving me a loving family, a place to learn, and the means to explore.  I was made in the U.S.A. and with this I do recognize comes a responsibility… A responsibility to my children and grandchildren and all friends and foes around the world, to teach them the value of diversity, tolerance, and perseverance.

Print Pocket Shorts: Old Navy || Ruffle Sleeve Bodysuit: Urban Outfitters ||  Lace Bralette: (similar) and (similar) || Bracelets: Bourbon and Bowties here and here || Leather and Gold Wrap Bracelet:  Stella and Dot || Necklace: similar and similar

In today’s look, I am keeping it backyard celebration friendly.  I have my trusty old denim cutoffs from Old Navy with American Flag Pocket lining, topped by my fave ruffle sleeve Bodysuit brought to you by Urban Outfitters.  The lace bralette has made its way back into the blog, most notably because it is cute, practical, and just easy to pair with anything.  Western boots are only from our favorite Frye, and voila I’m BBQ party ready!

I’ve rounded up the styles and similars so you can recreate this easy summer look!  The flag print pocket liners on the cut offs make for good additions at any time of the year!

From the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave… Happy 4th Everyone!

xoxo,

Laura