Luxe Top Picks: Independence Day 2013

The Fourth of July is quickly approaching. A time for United States of America flags, barbecues, fireworks, drinks and of course INDEPENDENCE! As you prepare for the festivities, we would like to help by giving you our top picks for Independence Day. (Updated regularly until July 4, 2013)

STANCE – The Fourth Socks – $10

These Old Glory vintage style socks will set you apart from everyone else who will be wearing the current vibrant colored US flag print on Independence Day. I would suggest going bold by pairing these with khaki shorts. Yes, short sand socks. I usually do not suggest this, however, its 4th of July. Everyone will be drunk and having fun. If you would would like to tone it down,pair them with khaki, navy blue or crimson colored chinos or blue jeans. Check them out on STANCE.

Vineyard Vines – NYC Themed Flags and Statue of Liberty Ties – $75

What’s more American than the United States Flag and the Statue of Liberty? These special edition Vineyard Vines United States flag/Statue of Liberty ties comes in three colorways, all perfect for a preppy Fourth of July soiree. Available exclusively at Bloomingdales on 59th in New York City. Also, check out their new collections at the NYC Pop-up Shop also located in Bloomingdales. Finally, Vineyard Vines in New York City (But only for a limited time, so go while you can.)

J. Press York Street – Classic Navy Tote – $35.70

J. Press recently launched their new, younger collection called York Street. The collection features similar items that can be found on the regular J. Press site , however the cuts are slimmer and the prints are more daring. The Classic Navy Tote is perfect for the beach to stow away your towel, sunscreen, ipod, phone, beer, whiskey and all the other necessities to make your beach trip awesome. Priced at only $35.70, it is a steal! Check it out on York Street.

Bullfrog – WaterArmor Sport Insta CoolProtection SPF50+ – $9Protect the skin that you are in! With Bullfrog Continuous Spray (SPF50+) you will stay protected and refreshed. Also, an added bonus, it doesn’t come off when you just into the ocean or pool.

mike’s Frozen Pouches

mike’s Frozen pouches are perfect for the beach, a bbq or just lounging around the house. With four great flavors, there is a pouch for everyone. Tear the top, pop in a straw (optional) and squeeze. Simple right!

If you are of the fancy type, try the margarita oyster shooters recipe below:

mike’s classic margarita Oyster Shooters (Yields 20-25 Servings)

Ingredients:
Oysters
– 2 mike’s classic margarita FROZEN 10 oz. pouches *(Pop into the freezer eight hours before you plan on enjoying it.)
– 20-25 oysters, Blue Point or Gulf Coast
– salt (for rimming)
– 3 limes

Mignonette Sauce
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 1 tsp. minced shallot
– 1/4 tsp. freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions
– Prepare mignonette sauce by whisking all ingredients together in a small bowl and chill for 10 minutes.
– Shuck oysters, removing the oyster from its shell and reserve oyster juice.
– Rim the edge of each oyster with a lime wedge then dip in salt.
– Place oyster back in shell.
– Take chilled mignonette sauce and gently mix in oyster juice.
– Spoon 1 tbs. of mike’s classic margarita FROZEN over oysters.

SMOKE Liqueur

For the vodka drinkers, SMOKE liqueur is made with a unique blend of top-shelf vodka, pineapple, coconut and Moscato. It’s is one of the newest ready-to-drink liqueurs on the market. So be one of the first to jump on it!

Nothing feels better during a hot summer day like an ice cold drink with a hint of mint! Opt for the SMOKE Stars & Stripes to cool down.

Stars & Stripes

1.5 oz SMOKE

1.5 oz. Rose Champagne

Splash of Pineapple Juice

Garnish with mint and a piece of watermelon

Dewar’s Highlander Honey

For the scotch whisky drinkers, Dewar’s Highlander Honey is one of the newest honey-infused whiskys. The blend is made from Dewar’s White Label Scotch and Scottish honey that makes for a great sweet and citrusy taste. You can drink it straight or add lemonade for a great adult summer beverage.

RESQWATER

With all of the adult beverages you will be drinking during this holiday, it’s best to make sure that you are hydrated to prevent those nasty hangovers. Water is always great. However, RESQWATER can help just a little bit more with its special ingredients.

RESQWATER is an anti-hangover drink that is all-natural, gluten free and certified Kosher! RESQWATER is formulated with Organic Prickly Pear Cactus Fruit Extract, Organic Evaporated Cane Juice, B vitamins, N-acetyl, L-cysteine, and Milk Thistle which all help metabolize acetaldehyde (the compounds that makes you feel lousy after drinking). Better to be prepared!

-Phaon K. Spurlock

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