10 Things We Want for the 4th of July

We really hate it when the 4th falls in the middle of the week -- it's difficult to go all out when you know you have to be in an office looking halfway presentable the next morning.  However, it does mean that the celebrations this year will stretch out over at least a week and a half, so we're going to need to invest a little cash into some outfit changes and an assortment of other 4th-of-July-friendly goods.  Here are our top 10 wishlist items for this Independence Day, and no, none of them involve an American flag: 

Back Out Romper, $48 -- For daytime, we always recommend not trying too hard, but once the sun goes down we think it's appropriate to ditch the white t-shirt and denim cutoffs for something with a little more oomph. This romper is perfect for any 4th of July nighttime soiree as it's casual and yet just a little bit sexy at the same time.  

Chief Joseph Towel, $48 -- We're all for grabbing beach towels at Target, but if you're planning to cuddle with a cute boy on the beach as the fireworks fly, this adorable towel makes for a pretty stylish seat.  Plus, think of what a cute DIY beach bag it could make one day.  

Original ZZ's Cutoff Shorts, $88 -- So, you'd definitely need to make sure there's a nice layer of tan over the cellulite in order to rock these shorts, but we're more than moderately obsessed with the subtly sexy cut.  Let the other girls prance around in bikinis and 3-inch heels -- betchya you'll get more (of the right kind of) attention in these darling denim shorts. 

St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse, $40 -- The St. Tropez bronzing products are seriously amazing as even we, who are notoriously bad at beauty DIY, can apply them without looking like a golden zebra.  Sure, it's $40, but you'll get several tans out of it, and you won't have to stand naked in front of a stranger or potentially get cancer, either. 

Yakima Bikini Top, $49.95 -- We love this one, but really any non-American-flag-bedecked bikini top or one-piece will do.  And while it's okay to rock a suit with shorts, we would advise against being the girl who runs around the party in her bikini all day.    

Fade Away Shades, $40 -- As sunglasses tend to be the centerpiece of your daytime ensemble, you may as well make them fun to look at. 

Fortune Metal Cuff Sandals in white or brown, $96 -- It's all about the footwear on the 4th, as the rest of your ensemble should be kept fairly simple. We don't think it's ever okay to wear heels (sometimes wedges, maybe) so you'll want to step up your shoe game with some embellished flats instead.  

 

Newfound Bangle Set, $24 -- You can't go to a beach party or BBQ without an armful of bangles.  Can't. Forever 21 has some great ones for under $4, too. 

Neon Denim Jacket, $68 -- The beaches of Southern California can get pretty chilly as the sun goes down, so (neon!) jackets are a must-have.  We also love this Mesh Moto Jacket, $68.

Morning Glory Sparklers, $6.99 -- These remind us of our childhood, and we obviously love anything that makes us feel not the age we are (which varies depending on who we're talking to).  We also love some classic Black Cat firecrackers -- just make sure these toys aren't illegal wherever it is you're partying, as you don't want to spend your Indpendence Day in jail.