Swoop Dreams: Fourth of July

Is it just me or do you love dressing in theme? I’m not just talking about costume parties, which I also deeply love but are tragically not a so prevalent part of adulthood... perhaps more age friendly are those wonderful times of year where themes are encouraged if not required for respectful calendar observance. Perhaps one of the best is the Fourth of July... Halloween is a bit more dicey unless you happen to be a teacher or someone who looks great in orange.

America's colors of red, white, and blue look spectacularly splendid together and it’s one of the few times a year that my borderline crazy obsession with stars seems almost normal.  In this installment of Swoop Dreams, I’m sharing some finds to add to your loosely themed wardrobe whether you will be celebrating the holiday with a trip or just a random Tuesday off of work. And friends. Don’t be fooled. Red, white, and blue themed outfits work all summer long. Or at least they do according to yours truly.

• ONE: I hate being a broken record over here, but we might as well all accept the truth: I love beaded necklaces. This one cheers Fourth of July, but I can also imagine it in so many different outfits that are less patriotic, like using it to dress up a simple white t-shirt. I discovered Mochi at Anthropologie and quickly became smitten with their globally inspired collection that is hand crafted by artisans all over the world. At the moment, I am currently eyeing several other beautiful pieces from their website. 
• TWO: This is my absolutely favorite red lipstick. And that love blossomed before I knew anything about the company. Perhaps you are a skeptical person about doing a “red lip”-- well, take notice. This tint is the gateway drug of red lipsticks. Just light enough to be meaningful but also build-able to increase impact as comfort grows. Plus, it feels great on your lips and has a saucy name that makes you want to sing “Bang Bang” just like Arianna Grande every time you put it on while also patting yourself on the back for your naturally dyed, 85% organic makeup choices. 
• THREE: Sometimes I feel like The Swoop should just be renamed “A Girl Freaks Out About Aging.” Latest terror about aging action: I have promised to no longer go into the sun without a hat. I earlier shared my love of the Cuyana Panama hat, but this Fourth of July, I’m stepping up my game with this Wide Brim Stunner. Not only does it provide more coverage for those days of long term outdoor activity (i.e. sitting on the beach with SPF 75 slathered EVERYWHERE) but I think I am going to look like a girl who should be in Provence casually sipping wine in a lavender field and I am really comfortable confusing people with that illusion. Bonus points--  unlike other hats, these come in made to measure sizes.
• FOUR: My mother is a woman who is up on her trends. So when she recently told me that mirrored sunglasses are in, I took serious notice. I’m just hoping that people don't wear them while talking to me because it is incredibly difficult to not just stare at yourself and totally zone out on the conversation. Don’t even judge me you know it is true. If you aren’t my friend, consider these icy blue Warby Parker sunglasses and donate a pair of glasses to someone in need while you are increasing your own fly-as-heck status. 
• FIVE: Worst part of summer unless maybe you are Gisele? Swimsuits. But even I could get excited about this high waisted patriotic dream from new to me brand SummerSalt. I actually found SummerSalt through an Instagram ad (kudos to that marketing team-- ya got me!). Summersalt is committed to building a sustainable brand, using recycled materials and remaining thoughtful about their imprint on the planet. Best of all, their swimsuits are not exorbitantly expensive, so I even added a matching non-high waisted non-man repelling bottoms in case I miraculously develop the body (or confidence!) of Gisele.
• SIX: Reformation is another example of a great sustainably focused brand that I want to wear but have held back due to silly conceptions I am not cool enough for it. This dress has got me believing that I really can do it. For those less daring or not currently in possession of boob tape, I think this would look equally as smashing with a white silk tank underneath.