Two Boutiques, Six Fourth-of-July-in-Philly Ensembles

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Welcome to Dress Code, a new feature where we pick a Philly event and ask some of our favorite shops to solve the what-do-I-even-wear-to-that dilemma.

Image credit: Nostalgia

Beer, barbecue, babes in cut-offs, and pyrotechnics. As far as national holidays go, it doesn't get much better than the Fourth of July, and an excuse to get decked out in patriotic stars and stripes is just the icing on the strawberry shortcake.

We enlisted two Philly boutique owners, Arielle Salkowitz of Nostalgia and Alina Alter of Aoki, to style Independence Day ensembles for three celebration scenarios: a barbecue, pool party, and evening fireworks. Find what you're wearing on Friday, after the jump.

Limited-edition fit-and-flare dress, $65; vintage navy blue felt hat, $20; vintage navy blue shoes, $15. Image credit: Nostalgia
Celebration Scenario #1) What to Wear to a July Fourth Barbecue
Arielle Salkowitz, owner, Nostalgia in Queen Village: "This hand-crafted dress, part of my vintage-inspired Earl Salko clothing line, is a customer favorite. It's super comfortable and can be dressed up or down. It comes in many different colors and sizes, but I love the special-edition red, white, and blue fabric because it's perfectly patriotic for a Fourth of July party, but can still be worn long after the fireworks have ended. Pair it with a denim jacket and boots in the cooler weather."

Earl Salko lace print shift dress, $50; vintage black felt hat, $35; vintage sunglasses, $25.
Celebration Scenario #2) What to Wear to a July Fourth Pool Party
"Our Earl Salko shift dress is another best-seller because it's so versatile. Pair it with a slouchy cardigan and a belt in the fall, or throw it over a swimsuit and head to the beach. The lace print is a favorite of mine because you can dress it up. Wear it with a long necklace and funky high heels for an evening look in an instant."

Earl Salko crop top, $30; vintage denim cut-offs, $25; red bandana, $5.
Celebration Scenario #3) What to Wear to a July 4th Fireworks Display
"Our crop tops are awesome because they're designed to be worn with high-waisted jeans; however, they're not super cropped, so you can still wear them with a mid-rise jean and look great without feeling too exposed. I love the cut-off shorts because they flatter any body type."

White Eyelet Crop Top by Lucca Couture, $58; Sail Away Midi Skirt by Sugarlips, $55; Vegan leather Cross-Body Bag by Urban Expressions, $42. Image credit: Aoki
Celebration Scenario #1) What to Wear to a July Fourth Barbecue
Alina Alter, owner, Aoki in Rittenhouse Square: "You can't go wrong with red, white, and blue for a July Fourth barbecue! The high-waisted cut and midi hemline of the skirt keep the midriff-baring crop top subtle but still fun and sexy; just add some espadrilles and you're good to go. This outfit is the perfect pairing of modern and classic Americana, and you'll be sure to look and feel cool—even when things heat up around the grill."

Star Romper by Funktional, $65.
Celebration Scenario #2) What to Wear to a July Fourth Pool Party
"Slip into this 100% silk, star-print romper following a dip in the pool. It's lightweight, simple, and perfect to continue tanning and partying on dry land."

Top and Skirt Set by Joa, $120/set.
Celebration Scenario #3) What to Wear to a July 4th Fireworks Display
"A festive evening of fireworks followed by a fun night on the town is the perfect wardrobe opportunity to venture outside the holiday's requisite red, white, and blue palette. This matching top and skirt set by Joa features iridescent gold detailing and vibrant colors reminiscent of fireworks, and the flattering structured silhouette transitions easily from viewing the fireworks to dancing with drink in hand. You can't go wrong with a nude pump for this one!"
[Editor's note: Aoki is holding a Countdown to Independence Day Sale leading up to the holiday: Tuesday, July 1: take additional 10% off all sale items; Wednesday, July 2: take an additional 20% off all sale items; and Thursday, July 3: take an additional 30% off all sale items.]
· Philly's 38 Best Independent Boutiques, Spring 2014 [Racked Philly]
· How Nostalgia Will Stock the 'Weirdest,' Coolest Vintage [Racked Philly]
· The 21 Philly Shops You Should Be Following on Instagram [Racked Philly]

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Aoki Boutique

115 S. 22nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103 (215) 568-2024 Visit Website