Before Memorial Day became a federal holiday and before it became known as the unofficial start of summer, a three-day weekend associated with all things barbecue, sunshine, swimming and picnics (Uh-merica!), it was known as Decoration Day. The name originates from the early tradition of decorating fallen soldiers' graves with flowers and flags, and after its first observance in 1868 Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. Why May 30th? Because flowers would be in bloom all over the country. Ain't that lovely?
Now Memorial Day falls on the first Monday in May, and while I'm sure the flowers will still be in bloom on May 29th, I think we can all agree the holiday has been laced with a Christmas-type of all-up-in-your-grill-consumerism. A lot of sales and emails and discount codes (that don't get me wrong I'll be jazzed about), but not enough memorializing - not enough decorations.
So why the history lesson? Because I'm trying to add some culture up in here. And because honoring the men and women who sacrificed their lives while serving in the U.S. military by taking the time to count your many blessings and not just the items you scored for 50% off should be on all our weekend agendas. And lastly, because there's no way a holiday that [formerly] goes by Decoration Day is going to escape my crazy-collaging-claws.
Utility Shirt - Rank & Sugar// Khaki & Leather Skirt - Derek Lam// Shearling Purse - Brother Vellies// Sequin Mules - No. 21// Vintage Laundry Pin - Rank & Sugar// Lace One Shoulder Dress - MSGM// Fabulous Clutch - Charlotte Olympia// Pink Camo Heels - Jimmy Choo// Camo Sunglasses - Illesteva// Sequin Top - Tibi// Khaki Ruffle Skirt with Tulle Underlay - J. Crew// Satin & Lucite Heels - Brother Vellies// Beaded Camo Clutch - Anthropologie// Striped Top - Johanna Ortiz// Pink Shorts - Paper London// de Gournay Mules - Aquazzura// Pink Turban - Etsy// Camo Dress - Zara// Pink Tufted Sandals - Brother Vellies