Star-Spangled Gal

, 9 Comments on Star-Spangled Gal

I have created a bit of Independence Day tradition for myself, which is coming up with an American Bicentennial inspired outfit and wearing it to Knott’s Berry Farm’s recreation of Independence Hall. I originally had planned a different outfit for the day, a dress I bought from Tiki Kiki Vintage, but when Junk 4 Joy posted a picture of an utterly over the top dress perfect for the Fourth, I rushed over, tried it on, and bought it.

Standing in front of Independence Hall, a large brick and white building, wearing a dress made of red and white stripe fabric and blue with white star fabric, done in the 18th century style.

Standing in front of Independence Hall, a large brick and white building, wearing a dress made of red and white stripe fabric and blue with white star fabric, done in the 18th century style.

Standing inside Independence Hall, white walls, with mint green trim and warm hardwood floors, wearing a dress made of red and white stripe fabric and blue with white star fabric, done in the 18th century style.

Close up of my necklace - rhinestones creation a circle with "76" done in red and blue rhinestones.

Standing in front of Independence Hall, a large brick and white building, wearing a dress made of red and white stripe fabric and blue with white star fabric, done in the 18th century style.

Standing inside Independence Hall, white walls, with mint green trim and warm hardwood floors, wearing a dress made of red and white stripe fabric and blue with white star fabric, done in the 18th century style.

Standing in front of Independence Hall, a large brick and white building, wearing a dress made of red and white stripe fabric and blue with white star fabric, done in the 18th century style.

Standing in front of Independence Hall, a large brick and white building, wearing a dress made of red and white stripe fabric and blue with white star fabric, done in the 18th century style.

Close up of my shoes - silver metallic with faux buckles, rounded toe.

Standing in front of Independence Hall, a large brick and white building, wearing a dress made of red and white stripe fabric and blue with white star fabric, done in the 18th century style.

Standing in front of Independence Hall, a large brick and white building, wearing a dress made of red and white stripe fabric and blue with white star fabric, done in the 18th century style.

Standing inside Independence Hall, white walls, with mint green trim and warm hardwood floors, wearing a dress made of red and white stripe fabric and blue with white star fabric, done in the 18th century style.

Standing in front of Independence Hall, a large brick and white building, wearing a dress made of red and white stripe fabric and blue with white star fabric, done in the 18th century style.

Standing in front of Independence Hall, a large brick and white building, wearing a dress made of red and white stripe fabric and blue with white star fabric, done in the 18th century style.

Standing inside Independence Hall, white walls, with mint green trim and warm hardwood floors, wearing a dress made of red and white stripe fabric and blue with white star fabric, done in the 18th century style.

Standing in front of Independence Hall, a large brick and white building, wearing a dress made of red and white stripe fabric and blue with white star fabric, done in the 18th century style.

Standing in front of Independence Hall, a large brick and white building, wearing a dress made of red and white stripe fabric and blue with white star fabric, done in the 18th century style.

Since November 2016, some days are more difficult than others. The days leading up to yesterday, and yesterday itself ranked among the more difficult days. In light of the many atrocities of the White House, it is hard to be patriotic and celebrate the United States. As a historian, with a focus on the United States, I know our nation’s history is marred with injustices and harm to our environment, but in between we have made progress to right the wrongs of the past and move toward a more egalitarian and eco-friendly society. Today I see so many attempts to roll back the progress done in the past with regards to race, gender, sexual orientation, and environmentalism. It breaks my heart. So, it is immensely difficult to celebrate the 4th of July in the traditional “Yay USA!” kind of way. However, I decided to look at this holiday in a different light, in the way that our Founding Fathers did – with hope. I am not celebrating what my country is, I am celebrating what it can be, what it might be. I hope that all of this injustice, corruption, and pain helps to turn a tide of change. I want people to be inspired to fight for a better place for all, just as our forefathers did. We are all human, regardless of our race, gender, sexual orientation, and heritage.

Outfit
Dress: Junk 4 Joy, Burbank, California
76 Necklace: Antique Station, Orange, California
Shoes: TJ Maxx

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9 comments on “Star-Spangled Gal”

  2. You sure do rock the hell outta that dress, man!! And what a perfect setting for that photoshoot. ☆HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY☆ (a day late, that is)

    Reply

  3. Oh my goodness, Janey, what an amazing dress – you look stunning in it! The gravity of your words in the accompanying text did bring me straight back to reality. A very considered and thoughtful entry, thank you. If one does not have optimism, all hope is lost.

    Reply

    • Thank you! There is no denying it is a bleak time, but I have surrounded myself with a lot of really positive and progressive people who want to and do fight for change, which aids in having hope and optimism.

      Reply

      • Yes this is becoming more of a bleak time for a lot of us as DC works to destroy this country at it’s very foundation, Thank you for your kind words of wisdom dear.

        ❤️✌️
        BY FOR NOW

        Reply