Broad stripes & bright stars

Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave...



Fact or fiction? Betsy Ross sewed the very first American flag (making her an early American designer, methinks). Some doubt the truth behind the legend, labeling it a mere folk tale from days of yore, questioning the existence of Betsy Ross herself. But I'd like to point out that Ms. Ross is on my family tree-- otherwise I couldn't call myself a card-carrying member of the D.A.R. ;)



So I'm paying tribute to dear great-great-great.... great... oh, it goes on... Aunt Betsy with a flag-inspired ensemble. This sweet striped sundress was an $8 thrift store find... paired with some $5 Gap flats purchased last summer, it's the perfect choice for a laid-back July 4th. My red Neon, Layla, and guitar, Big Red (yes, I'm rather fond of naming inanimate objects), provide the obligatory pop of color... and make the look utterly all-American.

Happy Independence Day!

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. :)