'Murica! | 4th of July Sequins

Forever21 black and gold sequin skirt // Forever 21 American flag headband //

H&M mesh sweetheart neckline bodycon dress // Forever 21 gold sparkly strappy sandals //
H&M and Forever 21 gold bracelets //

Photography: JJ

Before the calendar starts tearing pages out of itself and it's suddenly the 24th of July, here's what I wore for a sunny Fourth of July in Pitt. Though this almost-all black outfit turned out to be a stifling hot getup for the summer holiday, the way the sequins reflect light made up for the dark colours - they give off a blinding shimmer with each little movement and remind me of fireworks in the night sky. The interesting sequins are black on the top and gold on the bottom so you can run your hand through them to make the skirt more gold or more black. My headband was the centerpiece that shamelessly screamed "MURICAAA!!!"

JJ and I set about exploring downtown, where we normally don't venture. In the park there was a giant fountain where people dipped their legs in to cool off, frisbee-catching pups, BMX-riding kids, pogo stick tricks and all kinds of entertainment. Riding the subway made me nostalgic for St. Louis and the 4th of July celebration we attended a few years back. At every turn that day we seemed to have the best luck and found seats right in front of the firework display. A long, long weekend of fun and adventures accomplished, back to researchin' and happy hourin' (repeat).

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Sailor Mouth

H&M ruffle detail navy top (S) // H&M black and white striped pleated mini skirt (Euro 4) //
H&M apple chunky plastic ring // H&M and Forever 21 bracelets // Forever 21 hummingbird gold layered necklace //
Merona bright orange strappy sandals (5.5) //

Photography: JJ

Today is the last day of July. Holy crap time flies. Quickest update ever in the midst of a clusterschmuck of cramming and work (300th post on Pandaphilia, y'all!). This is what I wore to Kaldi's coffeeshop today (7/31). Had a nice meeting for my community service group, shoved a bunch of chemistry and physics knowledge into my skull, drank several cups of coffee.

August arrives augustly tomorrow - I don't think I'm ready! This means a few days left until the end of my summer research program, 12 days until the MCAT exam, 13 days before I'm flying out to Orlando to see my BFF (first time in Florida - so excited!), 19 days until home in sweet sunny (but not blazing hot/humid TG) San Diego, 30 until senior year starts. This summer is spinning faster and faster out of a normal timescale.

Obsessed with pleated skirts. Can you believe this one was only $10 not on sale? : ) I swear it was dark blue stripes when I viewed it at the store ... Nautical nonsense - my fave. New sandals finally, bright orange and funky for comfortable summer frolicking (my white pair grew mold in the spring o_0). Also, I'm a sucker for quirky rings, if you didn't already know. Chunky apple sauce, anyone?

Last but not least, the giveaway winner for JStyleShopper $100 store credit is ...

[new winner chosen]

Congrats and please email me your mailing address ASAP. A new winner will be drawn in 72 hours if there is no response. Stay tuned for the Alonai Shoes giveaway winner!

Don't forget to enter my Apothica giveaway!