Brass buttons, big buckles, bellbottoms and bombers - fashion continues to recruit military style, ever drawn to the allure of valor! Pieces designed for military uniformity have been translated into civilian chic. Of course, fashion isn’t the only thing we have to thank our military friends for. More than anything, we are grateful to these brave men and women for selflessly risking their lives to serve our country and protect our freedom. As you celebrate this Independence Day with family and friends, remember the heroes who have left theirs behind in pursuit of the greater good. This time of year is the perfect opportunity to show your support and appreciation, whether or not you personally have a loved one overseas. Here are just a couple of ways that you can get involved:

1. Send a Care Package: The United States Postal Service offers a quick and convenient way for you to ship Priority Mail packages to your loved ones serving overseas. The Priority Mail APO/FPO Flat Rate Box features an “America Supports You” logo, and is available free of charge. When shipped to an APO/FPO address, the postage is a flat rate of $11.95 regardless of weight (domestic) or destination. http://shop.usps.com
2. Adopt a Soldier: If you don’t personally know anyone serving in the military, 
Adopt A US Soldier is an awesome way to show someone you care. The mission of this non-profit organization is to connect supportive Americans with deployed soldiers to 
offer encouragement and express gratitude to the brave men and women serving our nation. For more information, visit them online at www.adoptaussoldier.org

Stylista
Keep the red, white, and blue proportionately balanced to avoid over-saturation. Draw your influence from nautical details and have fun with accessories to add your stylish flare.

Preppy Americana
Delicate details speak of your girl-next-door charm. Translate this classic Jackie O summer style through the subtle sophistication of navy and white, accented with pops of red. Perfect this look with classic silhouettes and basic prints.

Eclectic
Anything goes with your outside-the-box approach! Mix distinctly diverse prints like stripes and polka dots, and rock rich hues of crimson and cobalt with splashes of pearly white. Ultimately, you’re not governed by trends — you confidently create your own!

Explosions of vibrant fireworks will soon saturate the canvas of a starry sky! As we join together in celebration of our nation’s independence, take time to remember the women who have allowed us the opportunity to reach for those stars - women who stretched beyond limits and broke through barriers, refusing to accept the status quo. The strong, capable, independent women of today are proof of our country’s continued growth. With style and grace, we have become accomplished professionals in everything we do, from sea to shining sea!

Here is just a sampling of some of the amazing women who have shaped the way:

	Betsy Ross (1752-1836) created a beacon of hope when she brought our stars and stripes to life by fashioning the first American Flag.
	Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906) fought for our rights and gave us a voice! Her perseverance brought together vast numbers of men and women around the single goal of women’s right to vote.
	Georgia O’Keefe (1887-1986) defied labels and challenged the boundaries of modern American artistic style when she played a key role in bringing an American art style to Europe in an era where those roles were typically reversed.
	Katherine Hepburn (1907-2003) won over Hollywood on her own terms and took home an unprecedented four Academy Awards for it! She refused to conform to the norm, appearing as she pleased in slacks and no makeup. The self-confident professional women she portrayed in films (and in real life) were both a reflection and a driving force in the changes in gender relations in America.
	Lucille Ball (1911-1989) had one of Hollywood’s longest careers, appearing in movies and television for over fifty years. She was also the first woman in television to head a production company, and she functioned as a very active studio head. Desilu Productions and I Love Lucy pioneered a number of methods still used in television production today.
	Lady Bird Johnson (1912-2007) spent her term as first lady advocating for the beautification of the nation’s cities and highways. So the next time you’re sitting in traffic, take a moment to thank Lady Bird for showering the freeways with flowers and defying the monochromatic monotony of the road!
	Rosa Parks (1913-2005) refused to be told she wasn’t good enough. With one simple act of bravery, this bold beauty cemented her name in history and began a crucial chapter in the civil rights movement.
	Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (1929-1994) epitomized chic sophistication and captivated the nation with her distinct personal style. Women continue to strive for her elegance and grace with ensembles deemed “so Jackie O.” And her style didn’t stop with her frocks. She infused her innate sense of culture and class into the White House through a multifaceted restoration and preservation project of the interior.
	Vera Wang (1949-Present) was the Senior Fashion Editor of Vogue for 16 years, and left when she was turned down for the Editor-in-Chief position. Rather than fade away in defeat, she went on to open her own design salon where her wedding gowns have attained celebrity status, and she has since expanded her brand name into fragrance, jewelry, eyewear, shoes, houseware collections, and even a budget friendly clothing collection.
	Michelle Obama (1964-Present) is stylish, sophisticated, and totally herself! She’s already made history as the first African American first lady, and something tells us this is only the beginning. For those who are less politically inclined, she gives us a reason to watch the news … and it’s nice to see a little fashion in the White House again! She’s a picture of class and independence, and she makes us proud to be modern American women.

How have you thanked the inspirational women in your life lately?

Supporting your country is always in style! Supporting that expensive jewelry habit, however, might be a little less attractive in these economically cautious times. But that doesn’t mean you can’t indulge your accessory addiction. Check out these sweet treats at just a fraction of the price of their costly counterparts.