Mary Kincaid on Jul 3, 2009 9:17 AM PDT

July 4th isn't just another day off work or an excuse to take an extra-long weekend trip. It's a day to remember and commemorate the men who drafted the Declaration of Independence, the document that provides us all with the freedoms we enjoy today. And since this is a time when the United States is still engaged in battle, you may find yourself even more tempted to wear red, white and blue to show your patriotism. But I'll caution you that this look can be a bit tricky to pull off without feeling like a walking American flag. So remember that it's equally patriotic to wear red, white, or blue to that picnic or parade or fireworks celebration, or to drop just a hint of this somewhat expected color combo in your accessory choices. Just click the slideshow for some playful RW&B finds for vintage fashionistas.

Alex Gambardella on Jul 3, 2009 7:18 AM PDT

It's no secret that the Gap has been struggling in recent years to keep up profits and keep the attention of buyers. The denim giant may be doing worse than we thought because rumors have begun circulating that Uniqlo is considering purchasing the business. While at first this takeover would seem unlikely (Uniqlo's presence in the United States is nowhere near as strong as the Gap's), Uniqlo actually comes from a rather strong empire called Fast Retail, founded in 1984 by Tadashi Yanai. Yanai reportedly has been looking for new ways to break into the American fashion market. So what would a Gap under Uniqlo regime look like? We have to admit that we'd be interested to find out.


Read more at theFrisky!

Anna Yu on Jul 3, 2009 6:21 AM PDT

Whenever you buy a new piece of technology whether it's a phone or a laptop, you always have to add a protective case to it as well. I mean, you'll never know when you might slip on a banana peel and lose your precious data! An iPod definitely tops my list for gadgets that need extra protection. I've got over 10,000 songs in my iPod and I know it'll take lots of time to recover all the music if I ever lose it. An iPod Shuffle may only hold about 1,000 songs, but that doesn't it shouldn't get a case too! And don't even think about sticking it in some plain and boring silicone case that everyone else has. That's where the WAFER dermaSHOT iPod Shuffle comes in! At less than $15, the tasty looking silicone cases come in three colors (chocolate, vanilla and strawberry, anyone?) and provide shock resistance. Wear it to the gym and I guarantee everyone will be drooling over it!


Price: $13.99
Who Found It: BethC was first to add the WAFER dermaSHOT iPod Shuffle to the Hive.

Ida Hsiang on Jul 3, 2009 5:19 AM PDT

With less than a week left to shop, many are scrambling to find the perfect Fourth of July outfit. The fourth of July is almost like Halloween; you want to find a look that everyone will love (and compliment), but you don't want to spend a million bucks on something you will probably wear once. After careful researching, we may have the answer to a cheap-but-chic Independence Day outfit with Kiss the Girl. Kiss the Girl, aka KTG, has been selling vintage-style tees since 2006. The idea came after the founders noticed how many California girls live in their worn-out, well-fitted, and, most important, one-of-a-kind tees. Instantly, KTG set out on a mission to satisfy the demand. The result? Unique pieces made out of quality materials that get better and softer with every wash. All their pieces are embroidered with some sort of design ranging from big peace signs to smaller images of anchors and swallows. They are so confident in their pieces they event stated this: "Kiss the Girl's unique patchwork designs [on our tees] would make the great Betsy Ross jealous." Plus in addition to their already reasonable prices, KTG is offering 20% off of your entire order-- just enter this promo code when you make your purchase on their website - SUMMER09. For more fashion and style stories, check out www.whatswear.com! Happy Fourth of July!

Anna Yu on Jul 2, 2009 4:27 PM PDT

When I was an elementary school, my favorite field trips were the ones that involved the ocean. From going to the beach to find seashells to visiting the aquarium and exploring the shallow tide pools. What better way to recapture those carefree days than to incorporate it into our wardrobes! Before you think that adding things like coral and seashell prints will make you look like your mom, think again. The trick is to go towards a more subtle route. Don't pile on the coral jewelry with a large sea life printed dress unless you want to look like you're trying out for a Golden Girls revivial! Instead, layer on a long faux coral charm necklace with other chain necklaces. If you're going to do a large statement piece like the seahorse printed tank top, then keep everything else sleek and simple. Take a look at my slideshow for more sea life inspired items that will have you singing "Under the Sea."

Alex Gambardella on Jul 2, 2009 2:18 PM PDT

If you're lucky enough to live within driving distance of a beach (or a lake... or even a pool or sprinkler system, for that matter), chances are you're water-bound or bust whenever the temperatures creep up past a comfortable level. But even the most impromptu of beach trips aren't as breezy as your spontaneous "plans" aim to be -- before you hop into the back of your friend's coast-bound convertible, you have to dash back to your room for your wallet, your sunscreen, your sunglasses, your towel... not to mention a cute beachy bag to throw it in all into! We may not know where you misplaced your swimsuit, but we can help you pick out a posh and practical tote to lug all your pool-lounging loot in once you find it all! Whether your taste is expensive or bargain-hunting, you're bound to grow attached to at least one of these beachy bags that'll keep your stuff dry and organized, no matter how wet and wild the summer adventure (as if you really need another reason to go bag shopping)! Check the slideshow for my 8 beach-friendly favorites!

Lisanne Silverman on Jul 2, 2009 12:13 PM PDT

Holiday weekends mean only one thing: parties, and time to shop all of those holiday sales! Okay... so that was two things. Anyway, here are today's Buzzworthy Deals!


Today is the last day to save an extra 25% on all sale items at Shopbop! Enter code EXTRA25 at checkout.


Now through July 7th, get free shipping on your ae.com order when you buy three or more items- including clearance!


Shop Bloomingdale's 4th of July sale and take 40% off a selection of summer favorites!


Built By Wendy is having one of the best sales ever! Plenty of feminine, carefree looks are marked down.

Ida Hsiang on Jul 2, 2009 10:21 AM PDT

How is it that a living space can get so cluttered? Some people are lucky and are born with the "organized and tidy" gene. I got the "cluttered pack-rat" gene instead. With every new beginning, I promise myself that I will only keep what is absolutely necessary and all that is not under that category will be swiftly thrown, recycled or donated. Instead, there are piles of fashion and gossip magazines dotting my floor, suitcases holding clothes because my closet and dressers are full and shelves of random knick-knacks, accessories and souvenirs that I swear are sentimental, but probably wouldn't notice if they were gone. Some fellow pack-rats have found a creative and environmental way to rid our already small living spaces of junk and clutter and produce objects that are beautiful, funky and totally useful! From trash-cans and large vases made from old magazines (i could make a patio set) to bright, extravagant chandeliers made from "stuff" and a place to rest your feet made up of shoes that used to be on them, innovative designers are helping lighten the land-fill load and make our homes more fun and functional! Because the items are made of recyclables, subtle details will be different, ensuring that you truly have a one-of-a-kind piece. Sounds like something you've been looking for to help set the theme of a new house, or to spruce up a room? Check out the slideshow to see some favorite recycled furniture ideas and find one for your space!

Sabrina Newman on Jul 2, 2009 8:18 AM PDT

At this year's CFDA Fashion Awards, the beautiful Blake Lively made a show-stopping splash wearing a hot pink strapless dress by Michael Kors. Given the bright hue of the dress, Blake kept the rest of her ensemble on the subtle side with a pair of nude Christian Louboutin pumps, and some stunning jewelry pieces from Lorraine Schwartz including blackened gold and diamond hoops, a black jade and diamond ring and a blackened gold diamond mesh ring. Hot pink was without a doubt the shade du jour on the Spring 2009 runways, as seen at Badgley Mischka, Matthew Williamson, Doo. ri, Christian Dior, and many more, and the neon-color trend will be even more potent with the eighties revival on the horizon for Fall. Blake's strapless style is both fashion-forward and classically chic, definitely perfect for summer soirees! Check out my SLIDESHOW for 5 styles similar to the one she sported.

Alex Gambardella on Jul 2, 2009 7:22 AM PDT

Nicole Smith is an editor at CraftStylish, a site dedicated to original do-it-yourself projects for home, fashion, wedding, and more. Below she shares how to sew your own bib necklace... and in turn, save yourself from a thousand-dollar debt at Neiman Marcus!


While looking at the inspirational catalog from Neiman Marcus today, I came across this necklace by Ranjana Khan. The necklace retails for $1,200, and is very similar to this project I made for less than $20, which I call the "Bijoux Necklace." My original inspiration for this project was a necklace by Burberry from their Fall '08 collections. Chunky jewels have been a runway staple the past few seasons, embellishing everything from shoes and headbands to hemlines and jewelry. Get the look quickly with organza (don't worry; it's easy to sew) and faux jewels. A ribbon makes the necklace adjustable for a chocker length or longer. You can also enlarge or reduce the size of the template to any dimensions you like. You'll need: 1/4 yard of organza, 3/4 yard of 5/8-inch-wide velvet ribbon, assorted sew-on jewels, scissors, a sewing machine, a hand-sewing needle, and thread. Get the full step-by-step instructions, along with the pattern's template, on CraftStylish!