Independence Day is just around the corner, and dressing patriotically is definitely a ritual of mine. I'm excited to share on Fox 10 this coming Sunday, July 3rd at 7:20am how to dress for the holiday without looking like a walking flag. I'll be sharing tips for women, kids and men.

I think men are the ones that always shy away from dressing patriotically. Jeans are a bit too hot, so there goes their blue option, right? Wrong! This year, try a navy and white striped t-shirt (what guy doesn't love a t-shirt) and red chinos.

Okay, so maybe he won't wear red chinos, but blue chambray shorts could work too. Add some red with a watch or even a handkerchief tucked in a back pocket. It doesn't need to be obvious. More this Sunday!

All clothes from Joules.com, photos by Rennai Hoefer.

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I know many people out there are frustrated with politicians and the overall state of our country. Independence Day doesn't seem to mean much to the citizens of the United States as it did when I was growing up and the years before me. In certain parts of the country you can feel more pride than others, but overall I feel as though the people in my generation aren't necessarily proud to be Americans. I do, however, think that almost everyone I know is thankful to live in the United States and have so much freedom to make a life for themselves and generations to come. I'm especially thankful for three things this 4th of July...

1. A country that continues to fight for equality among gender and race. I can't imagine what it would be like to be a woman in a society that views me as less, tells me what I have to wear and tells me that I can't think for myself.

2. A country that gives me freedom of speech, so that I can write freely on my blog and I can read about anything. Taking time to imagine my voice censored and my creativity put into a box kills my heart.

3. A country that lets me worship my God out loud and publicly. There are people dying every day because of their belief in Christianity. Though I would be willing to die for my beliefs I'm thankful that I don't fear for my life as I worship.

What three things are you thankful for this Independence Day?

Photos by Gina Meola Styling by Alex Evjen Makeup & Hair by Sarah Hubbell and Jess Mangieri Modeling by Steve and Hannah Wright