This post is brought to you by Kohl’s.

 Rock & Republic tank (similar), J.Lo jeans, Brian Atwood Wedges, Fringe necklace (similar)

What does it mean to be an American girl? As a kid, I thought it meant you were blond, blue-eyed, and midwestern. But looks have nothing to do with it. It’s a spirit: enlightened, purposeful, free.

My parents were immigrants. They crossed an ocean and desert to get here. I grew up believing in the American dream and the value of hard work, just like them. And like them, I know how sweet it is to turn a dream into reality. That still motivates me.

I have memories of 4th of July: watching my dad precariously light fireworks, ice-cold Coca Cola cans sweating in the summer night, my mom handing out paper plates of carne asada, avocado slices, and warm tortillas, and me—twirling with sparklers in both hands.

It’s been a long time since I wore the stars and stripes, but it feels good. This perfect flag tee is from the Rock & Republic collection at Kohl’s. I tucked it into these Jennifer Lopez flared jeans for a look that’s a little retro—like something my mom might be wearing in one of my memories.

See more red, white, and blue at Kohl’s and the new plus-size Simply Vera collection.

Sending love to all the American girls.