Decked out in red, white and blue – I muse on the definition of American style, at a time of great intrigue.
Hello, there dreamers! Writing to you from America, of course.
To say things have been pretty darn interesting in the United States of America as of late…would be an understatement. It’s a crazy time. The news cycle is flipped turned upside down (Fresh Prince-style) about a dozen times a day and I can’t even enjoy an hour long walk without coming back to some crazy breaking news alert my iPhone.
Things are intense and everywhere you go, Americans are on high alert just waiting for the next bombshell to drop. And yet, among the chaos – there is a heightened sense of patriotism in the air. We’re Americans. We’re invested. We’re not giving up. That’s what defines us as a nation.
Watching the news (again) this week, I was struck by the urge to dress myself in red, white and blue and so that’s what I did.
Decked out in classic American style, I took in the sunshine while reflecting on what it means to be American at this passionate, heightened time in our history. While there’s much uncertainty in the air, I think we all know we’re living through a historic time and we’re in it for the long haul – whatever that may bring.
Celebrating American Style
It seems fitting that this outfit in particular is composed of two quintessential American brands: J.Crew and Target.
If you ever get to visit my closet, in it you will find A LOT of J.Crew. And I mean…lots. I have this classic skater skirt in I think four colors and their turtlenecks have become an absolute wardrobe ESSENTIAL for me. From black, to white, to navy, to gray and even Merlot…my loyalty to their turtlenecks is borderline religious at this point. They’re the perfect layering piece, especially when you want to transition a summer dress into fall…OR, like I am here, adding some warmth to a ruffled tank top on an otherwise not-so-hot afternoon.
Of course, American style demands a killer pair of boots and I simply couldn’t escape taking these Who What Wear Target booties for another spin. I picked these up last fall and was delighted to pull them out from the very back of my closet. Blue velvet booties are the the wardrobe must-have I didn’t quite know was a must-have until I put them on…and immediately knew, oh yes…I MUST have these.
(Isn’t that how most must-haves are discovered, anyway?)
The American Style Rebel?
It is kind of funny to me that my version of American style doesn’t exactly fit what the world might stereotype as American style. But what can I say? I’m not a fan of leather jackets and I’m not really all that found of denim.
Generally, I guess I’m a lot more J.Crew and Ralph Lauren than Levis. I’ve never purchased an item from American Eagle and Abercrombie? Goodness, no. Perhaps you could say my brand of American style is more of a prepster look…bordering on nautical, no less. (Which works, because I have a strong love for coastal cities and the Great Lakes.)
What Defines American Style?
If you’re American like me…what about your personal style screams AMERICAN?
Do you have a love a jeans? Are you a khakis with a polo neck sweater kind of girl? Or, perhaps you’re more Southern and love a classic pair of cowboy boots. Or, perhaps your American style is a bit trickier to pinpoint.
American Diversity
One of the many brilliant things about America is the strong diversity, in its people…geography…and style. There’s East coast and West coast apparel. There’s uptown. There’s downtown. There’s urban. There’s country. There’s minimalism like Calvin Klein and advant garde like Thom Browne.
The spectrum of American style is broad and ever evolving – making it particularly fun to explore. It’s that fact alone that makes New York Fashion Week a virtual MECCA for fashion’s biggest rising stars and a most exciting biannual event. (Seriously, just look at my email history. NYFW is the cream of the crop.)
Be it here in America or around the world, fashion seems to look to America as home to fresh vision. Our ideals of confidence and independence are sewn into each hemline and walk runways and sidewalks every single day. This melting pot of people and ideas is, to me, what makes America most great and most defines American style.
American style is multi-dimensional, unapologetic and inclusive.
Oh dreamers, yes – while being American today does come with a lot of questions for the future, it’s also a great time to connect with one another and celebrate that connection as Americans.
We are, by name, the United States of America. 50 very different states, united as one nation.
Diversity seems to be the connecting thread that weaves through both American style and the American spirit. And no doubt, that American spirit is alive and well.
Much love to all of my fellow Americans – and to those of you reading in Europe as well. (Hi there England, Germany and France…I see you!) Thank you so much for reading this random celebration of American style and patriotism. Let me know, what most defines American style…for you! xo
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Shop the Post
Blue Velvet Booties (Similar by Steve Madden…on Sale)
J.Crew Tissue Turtleneck (ON MEGA SALE)
J.Crew Factory Stripped Ruffle-Hem Tank Top (ON SALE!)
Stay stylish and keep chasing your dreams!
XOXO
Kelly
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