Careers in Fashion

Monday, July 6, 2009

Sweet land of liberty

Let music swell the breeze
and ring from all the trees sweet freedom's song;
Let mortal tongues awake,
Let all that breathe partake,
Let rocks their silence break, the sound prolong...

Happy belated Independence Day! These photos look patriotic, but were actually taken a few days before the 4th. I decided to snap these Americana-inspired shots before all the craziness of Plymouth July 4th festivities went down. Believe me, it turns into a madhouse around here! But it is, after all, "America's hometown."

Even though I'm a local, I've never taken any pictures in front of the Mayflower II. Two other tall ships are in the harbor right now (and have attracted many the tourist), but the Mayflower especially resonates with me. My mother's side of the family is, for the most part, first-generation American (her grandparents immigrated from Ireland and Portugal); but my father's side has been here since before the Revolution (Betsy Ross is my relative!), making me an ethnic hodgepodge: Irish, English, Scottish, German, French... in other words, a Mayflower mutt. I'm proud of my Euro-mix heritage, and I know so many who feel the same. That's one thing I love about America: within every family tree is a massive melting pot. Variety is, after all, the spice of life!
Dress: Wal-Mart, purchased during my Illinois days!
Layering tank: Target
Jacket: Kohl's
Shoes: Payless
Sunglasses: Ann Taylor Loft

Ahh, gotta love cheap-chic retail. That makes this outfit all-American, too!

I hope everyone had a safe and happy 4th. :)

10 comments:

Emily, Resplendent Tranquility said...

Your red, white, & blue outfit is very sweet! I didn't photograph mine, but I received some comments on it while at work. Is your dress a wrap dress? I like how it drapes across the front.

I can't imagine how crazy Plymouth gets on/around July 4th. It must be madness. I can't wait to be a quasi-tourist again in a few weeks, though :)

Diary of a Young Designer said...

Adorable outfit!! I went a tad cowgirl-ish this 4th though couldn't take any worthy pics since it was soo full where I was at.

Btw, you are so lucky to live around Plymouth, the weather must be so sweet at this time! And I can imagine how crazy it was on the 4th!

xo
Sophie

Ariella said...

You look lovely and that's such a beautiful scenery for a photograph!

I wish I had ancestry from lots of different countries... I always find it really interesting how Americans can trace their ancestry back to so many different countries - it must be really cool being able to track down relatives in different countries, or visiting the countries you have ancestry in, for instance :)

Ariella said...

I forgot: No, I haven't seen Marit's new video yet - I've been a bit absent-minded recently. Which song is it for?

Rebecca, A Clothes Horse said...

You look lovely, that dress is so pretty.

Danielle said...

Great pics! Love that dress!!

Unknown said...

Love your outfit. I especially like that you wore it on a non-holiday :) Tres fab!

Raquel said...

the outfit is perfect for the 4th of July!

it's lovely you have all that blood mix, I've always thought your face had a little a mixed traces, beautiful really :)

KD said...

Muito ben, filha!

Unknown said...

That necklace is truly awesome.!! I will certainly try to get it on my next Ann Taylor visit.