Red's Shoe Diaries: Patriotic Polka

The World Cup Block Party on Mass Ave. fills the streets with soccer fans awaiting for the start of the The World Cup Game where the US will play Belgium in Brazil Tuesday, July 1, 2014.

Who knew that soccer would bring out so much patriotism in Indianapolis?! Thousands of Hoosiers gathered on Massachusetts Avenue earlier this week for a U.S. vs. Belgium World Cup match viewing party. Photo by Matt Detrich, Indianapolis Star (see more of the Star's fantastic coverage of the block party here).

On Tuesday, I ran into a friend and former colleague at one my favorite sushi haunts. She was wearing a fantastic shift dress in a graphic print. When I complimented her on it, she mentioned she was headed straight from her office to a public block party to cheer on the U.S. in its World Cup match against Belgium and had to "dress for the occasion" in patriotic hues of red, white and blue. Bravo, Judy!

Blouse (Tommy Hilfiger); Blazer (Jones New York); Grosgrain and striped ribbon necklace (Burlington Coat Factory); Anchor necklace (gift); Shoes (Bass)

I always dress for the occasion and, during the week leading up to Independence Day, that definitely means sporting the colors of Old Glory. However, when you work in a professional office setting, Old Navy's annual Flag Tee (a 20 year tradition for the retailer) isn't going to cut it. Like my friend in her patriotic yet office-appropriate dress, I stick to garments that capture a bit of the American spirit but fall short of elementary school teacher clothes emblazoned with the Star Spangled Banner, the Statue of Liberty and Sparklers.

Pants (The Limited); Anchor bracelet - I love these! (Kiel James Patrick); Watch (Anne Klein)

In fact, this particular look favors nautical stripes and polka dots instead of the Stars and Bars, so its longevity is not limited to July, and I'm sure to wear it a few more times before summer's end.