Be My Sweetheart?

It is a universally known truth that everyone has an opinion about Valentine’s Day. For some – I like to call them the optimists – it is a wonderful holiday that is meant to celebrate all types of romantic and platonic love.

For others, it is a stressful day, one where you are worried about what your significant other is going to do for you to prove his or her love or what you are going to do for him or her.

For the rest, it is a day of self-reflection, and sometimes self-loathing, about being single on the holiday of love.

But like all holidays, it can be another good excuse to dress up and be festive. Whether you are going out for the first time with a special someone or are having your thousandth best friend date, it is always fun to have a theme to dress for.

If you have casual plans, such as mini golf or cooking at home, a comfortable and girly outfit can be perfect. If you are not a huge fan of Valentine’s Day, or even if you are, try something with a neutral color palate so you do not overdose on red and bright pink.

A good example would be a pretty white or dusty pink top with skinny jeans. Try a top that has lace details in it, making it a little more dressy and feminine. Finish the look with flat boots for comfort. If you want to be a little more festive, add pretty red and gold rings or earrings or give yourself a fun Valentine’s Day manicure.

For fancier plans, a nice dress will make your date say, “Wow.” Again, if you do not want to wear typical Valentine’s Day colors, try a dark blue or black dress. Nobody can go wrong with a little black dress, and there are many different styles to choose from. To give your outfit a punch, wear a shade of red lipstick.

However, a hot red dress can definitely make you look … well, hot. Pair your dress with heels that are gorgeous but will not kill your feet. Wear a leather or a motorcycle jacket over the dress to offset the girliness.

Even if you are feeling like a bit of a Grinch about the holiday, Valentine’s Day can be a fun day to celebrate, no matter whom you are celebrating with. Whether you are going out on a fun date or having a great night with friends, pick a pretty outfit, tell someone you love them, and do not forget to eat chocolate … a lot of chocolate.

Be My Sweetheart? by bnmartin featuring equestrian boots

Red, White, Blue is in the Sky

The idea of “theme dressing” for holidays is one that can cause many arguments between fashion lovers. Some say it is tacky. Some say it is fun. However, everyone can agree on one idea: if the holiday’s colors are bright, there is a great chance of creating one big, flashy eyesore.  

The Fourth of July is one of the easiest holidays to make this mistake with. It seems simple: just grab anything red, white, and blue and throw them together.  Easy, right?

Unfortunately, this combination can go horribly wrong if taken too far. There is a very thin line between looking classy and patriotic and looking like the American flag threw up on you.

Of course, the simplest way to celebrate through fashion is to find a shirt with an American flag on it, put on a pair of denim cut-offs and go. American flag shirts are sold almost anywhere you find clothes; Target, the thrift store, any store in the mall. You will have no problem finding the shirt you need.

But if you want your outfit to be a little more of a challenge, there are many different ways to go. Whether you need an outfit for a dressier event, like a date or party or you just need something to wear to eat barbecue and shoot off fireworks in the backyard, the key is the same: proportioning the colors correctly.

Red and blue are two very loud colors, so using too much of both can cause a big mess. Though I love color, I believe in the saying “less is more”. So, for me, the best idea is to use white to your advantage. Mix it with one of the other colors and use the last color for subtle accessories. Whether casual or a little dressier, the rule of white is one that I will be living by when picking my outfit for July 4^th.

One of the summer’s biggest trends is the American flag denim shorts.  This trend has exploded recently in light of the upcoming holiday. These shorts can be found everywhere, such as Target, Charlotte Russe and Forever21. Pairing a high-waist pair of these shorts with a simple plain white crop top gives you a casual, yet patriotic look.  I personally love neutral colored shoes, so I would wear brown strappy sandals. Add blue or red earrings for a little more pop and you are good to go.

If you do not want to be restricted by the three colors of the American flag, black is another color that can be used to stay subtle. Mixing a flowy plain black tank top with American Flag shorts and blue and red accessories also makes for a cute, casual outfit. If you want a little more color, a pair of red or blue converses are a fun addition.

If you prefer to look a little sassier, try a flowy red high-low skirt. Wear it with a strapless white top tucked in and add a black belt around the waist. Simple black sandals are a smart choice for shoes. Blue earrings or a necklace will work to keep with the theme.

My favorite idea for a dressier outfit is a white sundress with blue accessories. Try a strapless sundress with a chunky blue necklace and bracelet paired with neutral colored wedges or gladiator sandals. For a pop of red, be bold and try a bright red lipstick. It will give you a vintage American royalty look.   

So pick your outfit and have fun celebrating America’s birthday. Eat well, enjoy company, watch the fireworks, and if do choose to wear white, be careful around the barbecue sauce. 

I'm Your National Anthem by bnmartin featuring by malene birger

Spring Inspiration

Spring Inspiration by bnmartin featuring a peplum shirt