Stars & Stripes 4th of July Picnic Chic - Synergy, Horny Toad Organic Cottons

Stripes done right. Striped Tank Dress made of 100% Organic Cotton by Synergy, Santa Cruz, CA

Kick off the summer with a bit of picnic chic that is both comfortable and good for the environment (not to mention sexy)! I'm talking about organic cotton dresses which have come a long way from the beige burlap sacks I remember from years ago. Nowadays textures and hues go way beyond boring brown colorways.  Organic dresses are also expected to support an active, outdoorsy lifestyle many of us are taking to, so fit and ease of movement are going to be things to look for.

Synergy's Tank Panel Dress works on your bike (with shorts underneath)!

What I wear under it all. These Terry Liner Shorts turn anything into bikewear!

Synergy Clothing makes all their 100% organic cotton dresses right in Santa Cruz, CA and offer a fresh take on west coast design. You can take this dress from your Fourth of July Picnic and bike ride to dinner at the club afterwards. Very versatile, flattering diagonal cut with straps wide enough to cover underthings. This is a stretchy cotton dress so you may want to order a size down.

Synergy Tank Panel Dress in Navy/White from Terry Bicycle's Catalog

Lead Photo:
Straw Fedora Tinsley & Daphne Scarf by Pistil Designs
Tank Panel Dresses C/O Synergy Clothing of CA
Gladiator Stiletto Sandals by Mossimo of CA for Target

Horny Toad Dizziness!
First the stripes and now the stars. This organic cotton number by Horny Toad is one of my season favorites.  The Dizzie Dress shown here in Nectar offers soft cotton comfort with a bit of posh sundress flair - perfect from the beach to a dinner date. This is active-wear that just looks beautiful and fresh with an airy fit and two sweet pockets. Adjustable straps and a ruched back make for a perfect fit around the bust-line. Add a little cotton 3/4 sleeve topper for the evening's breezes and the fireworks you'll be (making) watching.

Organic Cotton Dizzie Dress in nectar by Horny Toad

Raffia Sun Hat by Helen Kaminski - Australia
Dizzie Dress C/O Horny Toad 
See my full Dizzie Dress Review on Lucky
3/4 Sleeve Topper by Cotton On
Vista Calf Leather Wedges in Alpaca Available at Nordstrom

HornyToad Dizzy Dress in Lapis

Shore Pleasures: Carve Designs, Fossil Bags, Mossimo Heels CA Style

Shore Dress and Maddie Button Knit by Carve Designs

Beach glamour from California incorporates a laid back attitude with a real appreciation for the outdoors. They days are warm but as soon as the sun goes down, the party is just getting started. You can transition right from the beach to a local club or dinner with ease. That's why this outfit is so versatile from morning to evening. Here's what's up with this sweet California chic style:

Shore Pleasures - CA Style

Hat: Scala Collezione Cowry Shell Hat - Dorfman-Pacific of CA
Dress: Shore Dress in Orient Blue Carve Designs of CA
Top: Maddie Button Knit in White by Carve Designs of CA
Purse: Vintage Crossbody Bag by Fossil
Shoes: Mossimo Perl Cage High Heel Sandals - Target

 
Scala Collezion by Dorfman Pacific Hats of CA
A hat can be the perfect friend, keeping the sun off your face and hiding swim hair problems on the beach! I purchased this straw hat in a resort store at Harrods in Atlantic City, NJ. I have several Dorfman Pacific hats but this is the finest straw one I own. Beautifully crafted, it's a must for a day on the beach.

Dorfman-Pacific Hat - California Styling

Shore Dress by Carve Designs of CA
I like the loose, drop-waist look of the Shore Dress and the adjustable drawstring front allows you to pick the length of the spaghetti straps! The waist is likewise subject to your own ideas as it has built in ruching and elastic.  Add a wide belt or a statement necklace like this cloisonne perfume holder below and you can seriously dress it up for a night of clubbing.

Beautiful cloisonne perfume holder statement necklace with Carve Designs Bikini.

Maddie Button Knit
When the sun goes down on Malibu, you can be comfortable and warm. This cover is made of a light and airy knit and can be worn over your swimsuit, Shore Dress or your cut-offs heading out for some ice cream. 100% cotton knit, it has a snap front, two front pockets and fitted sleeves that can be pushed up.  It packs down extremely well so there's no reason to test the night air without cover when the temps dip.

Maddie Button Knit Cover

Crossbody Bag by Fossil
To transition from the shore to the club or dinner is simple by adding a sweet little crossbody bag like this black leather one from Fossil. Just enough room to hold your cell, keys, a few credit cards and a bit of cash, sling it over your Shore Dress and dance the night away!  Small but mighty, it has so many sections and pouches for it's tiny size. This is a vintage bag but the closest current Fossil Crossbody would be the Stanton Women's Traveler below.

This Hinged iPhone case fits in the Fossil bag

Mossimo Perl Cage High Heel Sandals - Target
I picked these up at Target and really liked how great they felt when I first put them on. They are really comfortable for having a heel this high ("4 inch) but what I like is these are a bit edgy in a relaxed way.  The woven caning accents and the zipper in the back is super slick. Not just sexy but it makes getting in and out of the shoe super easy. These are nicely padded in the ball area and just look amazing for a night out. Expect the bouncers at the door to let you in wearing these!

Mossimo Perl Cage High Heel Sandal - Target

Similar to my vintage Fossil Cross Body Bag:

Fossil Stanton Women's Traveler Crossbody