At the age of 25 I can look back now at Independence Days past and smile fondly at the bright red, white and blue shirts that my parents dressed me in as a child and then laugh even harder at dozens of graphic tees I saw every 4th of July at my summer jobs at such places at the ice cream shop, Six Flags, and the hardware store.

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Friends, a word of advice, unless you are going on a family outting where you are taking lots of pictures, you are under the age of 8 or over the age of 59, the Patriotic tee needs to be retired like the tacky sweater. Maybe I should throw a theme party, “the Patriotic T-Shirt Party.” It could catch on like the “Tacky Sweater” parties of the holiday season.

So, if you are between the ages of 9 and 58 it is highly recommended that you choose something other then the graphic tee, the face painted shirt or the actual flag as a piece of clothing this upcoming weekend to celebrate your freedom.

Why not go with something more subtle? A white sundress? A bright and shiny red bag? Or a fun blue top? These are all great options and options that are at your fingertips! And of course, if these aren’t giving you that fashion fix you’re looking for stopping by your neighborhood Norddstrom, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, or even Target isn’t a bad idea…just please..do not wear that $5 flag shirt from Old Navy..again this year!

Nanette Lepore lispstick embroidered silk ‘Creole’ top

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Alice & Olivia sky blue jeweled detail tutu dress

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Narcisco Rodrigue White Cut-Out Dress

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Bottega Veneta Oversized Intrecciato Tote

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Kors By Michael Kors Allie Espardille Wedges

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Ashley Shute spends eight hours a day working as a blue jean and t-shirt wearing community organizer in San Antonio. The other 16 hours are dedicated to dreaming about and shopping for the latest luxury fashions. Her style icon is Jacqueline Kennedy; classic, clean, and always professional. You will never find a fake bag in her closet and she wants a collection of Manolo Blahnik shoes before she turns 30.