NATIONAL LIPSTICK DAY

National Lipstick Day on July 29th encourages you to wear your best color. For some, lipstick is the only makeup requirement. Whether sheer and light, dark or bright, July 29th calls for all kinds of lipstick.

Throughout the ages, controversy surrounded lipstick. British Parliament banned it in 1770 calling it a devilish attempt to trick men into marriage. In some circles, lipstick was associated with witchcraft. Occasionally, lipstick contained poisonous materials.

It is said Sarah Bernhardt created a scandal by applying “lip rouge” in public. Surprisingly, George Washington supposedly wore lipstick. While Queen Victoria considered wearing lipstick impolite, one of her statesmen had a different opinion. During World War II, Winston Churchill thought the lip color boosted morale in an excellent way.

Of course, versatility is lipstick’s brand. It changes with a mood or with the scenery. Whether lipstick defines your attitude or channels your inner spirit, wear it on July 29th. No matter your style, lipstick adds a subtle accent or a bold statement. Let your lips speak. However, punctuate it with your lipstick.

NATIONAL LIPSTICK DAY HISTORY

In prior years, National Lipstick Day celebrations occurred on an annual basis with no declaration. As of 2016, beauty blogger, entrepreneur and International Businesswoman, Huda Kattan was named the modern-day founder.  Follow Huda on Instagram for expert beauty tips and use #nationalipstickday.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalLipstickDay

While you flaunt your favorite lip color, pucker up. Take a photo. Give us your best tips and tricks. What’s your favorite color or brand? Share what you love about lipstick on social media using #NationalLipstickDay.

National Camera Day

Everything comes into focus on June 29th each year when we recognize National Camera Day. The day commemorates photographs, the camera, and their invention. A camera is an irreplaceable tool used to record and replicate memories, events, and people/places. Before the invention of the camera, the only resource to document a vision was a painting. Capturing an image of a person or place in a drawing took time and skill. Very few people can perfectly draw the likeness of someone, let alone capture the essence of an event.

The power of a camera provided many with a simple, inexpensive, and fast solution. George Eastman, also known as “The Father of Photography,” brought the camera to the masses. While he did not invent the camera, he did develop many additions improving the use, ease, and production of the camera. His developments made the camera widely available to homes around the world.

While the first cameras were large and bulky, each later design evolved until some cameras were as small as a pen. Today’s digital cameras have many features and variations, making them appealing to people of all ages for personal and professional use. The portable and easy-to-use features not only allow us to take photos quickly, but we can also edit them on the fly. Smartphones with built-in cameras include features that allow us to share photos instantly, too. 

Taking photos has become so easy. According to Business Insider, in 2017, we took over 1.2 trillion digital photos! From a large boxy camera to one that fits in our pocket, cameras have come a long way.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CAMERA DAY

Whether photography is a hobby or your profession, celebrate the day by taking photos. Snap a picture of something or someone you enjoy and cherish the memory. But taking pictures isn’t the only way to celebrate.

  • Take a photography class.
  • Teach someone how to take outstanding photos.
  • Expand your photography skills by learning more about your camera.
  • Try a different style of photography or camera.

Post photos on social media using #NationalCameraDay.

NATIONAL FLIP FLOP DAY 

Each year on the Wednesday after Memorial Day, National Flip Flop Day encourages us to wear our favorite flip flops and show them off!

Thong style sandals are by no means new to footwear. They’ve been around for thousands of years. However, the term “flip flop” has applied to flat-soled sandals with straps between the first and second toes and across the top of the foot since the 1960s. The term also describes someone who changes their mind or an electronic component.

This day strictly recognizes the footwear that makes a flip-flopping sound as we walk, slapping the back of our feet as we head to the beach or make way for the pool. They come in all shades and colors, beaded, bejeweled, and bedazzled. Some are made of leather and cork.

The lightweight footwear is designed to protect our tender feet from the hot ground and sand. They’re also easy to remove and put on quickly. Many flip flops go from the beach to semi-formal dining in an instant, too!

NATIONAL FLIP FLOP DAY HISTORY HISTORY

In 2007, Tropical Smoothie Cafe created National Flip Flop Day to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Every year on this date, customers who come into participating Cafes across the nation wearing flip-flops receive a free Jetty Punch Smoothie. Tropical Smoothie then gives proceeds of a $1 paper flip flop from customers to send ill children and their families to Camp Sunshine.

Camp Sunshine is based in Casco, Maine, whose mission focuses solely on addressing the effects of a life-threatening illness on every member of the immediate family — the child, the parents, and the siblings. This year-round program is free of charge to families.

In 2015, $1 million was raised byTropical Smoothie Cafe for Camp Sunshine. The total amount raised since the beginning in 2007 is over $3.7 million, making National Flip Flop Day a successful fundraiser for Camp Sunshine.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL FLIP FLOP DAY

Flip Flop Day is the perfect time to go shopping for a new pair of flip flops. While you’re out and about, get a manicure, so you can show off your toes in your flip flops. Wear your favorite flip flops and use #NationalFlipFlopDay to share on social media.

STRAW HAT MONTH

As the sun begins its ascent into the sky, signaling the arrival of warmer days, there’s one timeless accessory that effortlessly blends tradition with style: the straw hat. Originating from centuries-old craftsmanship and cultural heritage, the straw hat has transcended generations, becoming an emblem of laid-back elegance and summer sophistication. With the onset of April marking Straw Hat Month, it’s the perfect time to delve into the rich history and contemporary allure of this iconic headwear.

Throughout history, the straw hat has been more than just a piece of attire; it has been a symbol of identity and social status across cultures. From the classic Panama hat hailing from Ecuador to the chic boater hat popularized in the early 20th century, each style carries its own narrative and craftsmanship. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the straw hat serves a practical purpose, offering protection from the sun’s rays while allowing for optimal ventilation during hot summer days. Its versatility knows no bounds, seamlessly complementing both casual ensembles and formal attire with equal grace.

In today’s fashion landscape, the straw hat continues to reign supreme as a must-have accessory for the discerning individual. Whether lounging on a sandy beach, strolling through bustling city streets, or attending outdoor soirées, the straw hat effortlessly elevates any look with its timeless charm. With sustainable fashion practices gaining momentum, the straw hat’s eco-friendly materials and artisanal production methods further enhance its appeal, aligning with conscientious consumers’ values. This Straw Hat Month, let’s celebrate not only the sartorial splendor of this iconic accessory but also the enduring craftsmanship and cultural significance it embodies.

HISTORY

The Headwear Information Bureau sponsored Straw Hat month to remind everyone to put away their cloth and felt hats in exchange for the airier straw hats for spring and summer.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Wear your favorite straw hat or purchase a new one.   Use #Straw Hat Day to share on social media.