Happy 4th of July {Patriotic Fashion Inspiration}

I hope everyone is having a relaxing 4th of July. I'm waiting for the hubby to get home so we can fire up the grill. In the spirit of the day, I thought I would some patriotic fashion inspiration. Old glory and red, white, and blue are always in season, so rock these looks all summer long!

Beach Bunny on a Budget {$50 or less!}

Heading to the beach? I know I'm daydreaming about a few days in Ocean City (hopefully soon!) Here are loads of my favorite beach picks...all under $50!

Swimsuits
Beach Towels
Sun Hats
Totes
 
Flip Flops
Sunglasses

Weekend Style {Stripes, Studs + Lace}

I've been on a mission to add more color to my wardrobe. I'm 100% guilty of defaulting to black sweaters and skinny jeans. So you can imagine my excitement when I found lots of colorful pieces at the Old Navy outlet sale. One of the things I picked up was this green and beige striped, long-sleeved, light-weight sweater. The green fits in perfectly with this season's bright colors trend, while the neutral beige tones it down for everyday wear. 

When styling this, I knew that I wanted to play with patterns and textures. I paired the knit top with a pair of black Jessica Simpson Kiss Me Jeggings. Then I layered on a cream-colored gauze scarf with lace edging from Wet Seal. The contrast of the cream against the sweater made both items pop. I added a little edge to balance out the lace with this studded envelope clutch by Lulu from Nordstrom. I finished the look with a pair of green braided sandals from Wet Seal and some basic aviators.

5 Gorgeous Pearl Cluster Necklaces

If you know me, then it's no secret that I love pearls. When I was trying to pick a necklace to go with a simple black v-neck sweater the other night, I found myself wishing for a pearl cluster necklace. A statement look that is effortlessly elegant and chic. So I did some research and found five swoon-worthy pieces that can easily be dressed up with a cocktail dress and some heels or down with jeans and a sweater like the look I was going for.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

From this sampling, you can see that these are available in lots of styles and at comfortable price points. Definitely a great investment! Pick one that can be mixed and matched with other jewelry in your collection. Number 5 would pair great with crystal studs or a cuff bracelet and amber earring would make the tones in 3 or 4 pop. 

***

• What is your favorite statement necklace?
• How would you style these?
• Do you have a pearl obsession to?

Let me know below!

Affordable Accessories {$10 or less}

Affordable Accessories {$10 or less} by Dana Renee Style

The right accessories can transform your look and brighten up an outfit. Here's some that won't break the bank!

Clockwise from top:

• These beaded bobby pins are perfect for pinning back your bangs or accenting a tousled up-do ($5, JC Penney)
• Pair this adorable elephant necklace with a basic tank or t-shirt ($2.80, Forever21)
• This French Heart Shopper's Tote would be great for the farmer's market ($1.50, Forever21)
• Brighten up your travel bag with the orange satin train cosmetic case ($8.99, Macy's)
• Bring some edge to a sundress with this spike stud necklace ($7.98, Nordstrom)
• Wear this turquoise cuff bracelet alone or add it to your arm candy party ($8.80, Forever21)
• Use this simple belt to cinch dresses or shirts at the waist ($5.60, Kohl's)
• This chic lightweight scarf can take you from day to night ($4.99, Charlotte Russe)

Effortlessly Chic {Date Dresses}

Whenever the hubby and I head out for a date, I love taking the opportunity to dress up a bit. My go-to date outfit has always been a flirty dress. It's something that makes me feel pretty and feminine, and it is effortlessly chic. Pair colorful a dress with flats during the day or heels at night and your good to go. I've rounded up some of my current favorite styles. I am drawn to colorful pieces with interesting cuts and details. These are great for spring and summer and can easily transition to fall by adding tights, a cardigan, and ankle boots. What is your go-to date outfit?

Spring Essentials Dresses by Dana Renee Style

Choosing a Trench Coat That Will Take You From Spring to Fall

I love a trench coat! This versatile piece will take you from rainy spring to the cool parts summer to chilly fall, earning the stamp of a wardrobe staple in my closet. When picking out a trench, here's some things to look for:

• Color: You'll want a neutral color that will work with most of your outfits. I love tan/camel and black, but shades of red, gray, brown, and cream can also work.
• Length: Trench coats come in all sorts of different lengths from hitting somewhere around the hips all the way down to below the knees. Be sure to try on different options to see which cut is the most flattering on you. Keep in mind that you'll also likely be wearing this coat with flats, heels, and boots so you'll want to pick a universally flattering length. I like mine to hit mid-thigh.
• Cut: You can find straight cuts, a-lines, and flared bottoms on trench, giving you lots of options. I  like a coat that is mostly straight, with just a hint of flare at the hem line.
• Fabric Weight: Be sure to get an all weather coat with a light- or mid- weight fabric and avoid the heavy wools and knits that are reserved for winter coats.
• Details: Look for durable hardware, interesting collars or cuffs, and placement of a belt that will let you cinch your waist!

Once you have an idea of what you like, be sure to shop around! There are trenches at every style and price point. You are bound to find something flattering and wallet friendly! Here's a few of my picks at different price points. What about you?

Neutral Trench at Any Price Point by Dana Renee Style

The Avengers Black Widow Inspired Look

Tonight the hubby and I were watching The Avengers and I couldn't help but want to recreated the monochromatic, edgy look that Scarlett Johansson sports as Black Widow.

This look is pretty simple to recreate (minus the superhere-esque stretch fabric!). Start with a black jacket like a fitted leather jacket or motorcycle jacket. Pair this with a pair of skinny black jeans or pants, and accent with slouchy knee high black boots (bonus points for cool hardware) and a belt with a geometric belt buckle (I didn't go for red, here but you definitely could).

Modernize this outfit for everyday wear outside of your local biker bar by adding a bright colored cami under the jacket and a statement necklace.

Now, if only I could keep the temptation to dye my hair red at bay...

Black Widow Look by DanaReneeStyle