Happy Independence Day, America! And happy 4th of July to the rest of the world!

If you're anything like me, I'm sure that your thoughts on waking up today were something like this:

"It's the 4th of July! Apple pie and BBQ beans, baby!"

"What is America going to be offended about today?"

and of course,

"How is Chelsea going to wow us with her sartorial elegance on this fantastic 239th birthday of America?"

Well, thanks for asking!

The 4th of July is the day for wearing red, white, and/or blue. I've always been really good at dressing up for the holiday-- as long as your only criteria are red, white, and/or blue.

2009-- a 9-month pregnant selfie- blue maternity dress

2010- Red AND blue, because jeans are inherently patriotic!

2012- Look at this fantastic outfit: red, white, and blue; patriotic stripes; way cute hat!!
I don't remember at what age I realized my little sister was cooler than me...
Me: Blue, blue, and pink.

2013- My friend bought this dress for me in China on taobao.com.
She made me buy one because she was buying a bunch and they were cheaper than even buying the material to make them--
which is always a good reason, right?
Plus: red, white, and blue in a fireworks design. It's like they made it just for me. Thanks, China!

2014- The rest of my family looked super cute.
But it's hard to dress the kids all cute and then still care enough to dress myself--
especially before I decided to care.

A few weeks ago I shook off that taobao dress and wore it with a belt. It wasn't an amazing outfit or anything, but it got me thinking. I tend to consider a dress as a complete unit, but when I see outfits on Pinterest or wherever, there are always layers. Like cakes. Or onions. Or ogres. So I decided to wear the taobao dress as a background layer for a complete outfit on top for the 4th of July this year.

This is history in the making, folks. Never before have I planned ahead what I would wear to a party-- and especially not three weeks in advance! This is revolutionary!

Not like 1776 Revolutionary... just... new.

I bought a chambray shirt (which, when I last wore one in 1993, was just called a denim shirt) and a chunky blue necklace. I figured I'd tie the shirt at my waist and have the necklace as a statement piece. 

Now, I'm not the world's best shopper, whether online or in person, and when I got that necklace in the mail, I realized the only time I'd be able to wear it was if I was Pharaoh of a cheap plastic version of Egypt.

When I asked him, even Kevin, who doesn't usually have strong opinions about what I wear, told me, "You can wear a necklace, but you can't wear THAT necklace."

So here you have it. I have another necklace-- quite understated, especially in comparison-- and I look like I put thought into my clothes!

2015: Wearing a handbag AND a handbag

Action shot

So happy 4th of July, everyone! I hope you have a great celebration wherever you are!
And if anyone's doing a Moses play in Sunday School, come talk to me.