Unless it’s a Bruce Springsteen concert or the 4th of July, an outfit composed of red, white, and blue is usually a “no no” for me. Kind of like wearing red and green around the holidays – another “no no.” There’s spirit and then there’s spirit and the line between the two is very slender - you’re either the obnoxious person who shows up at a holiday party dressed like a Christmas tree or the meany who refuses to wear any sort of patriotic color combo on July 4th. Come on, not even a blue stripe on your sweater? A star? What gives!?

I received this pair of A|X Armani Exchange pants a couple of weeks ago and admit the whole red pants thing is still a bit of a challenge for me. I either go monochromatic or end up looking like I have more American pride than Uncle Sam. But last week I decided to give in to my nationality and hold up my American passport for all the world to see – not really – though as you can see I did go patriotic from head-to-pointy toe. Sometimes you just gotta embrace a look with a big ol’ bear hug and say to hell with what everyone else thinks (or what my mirror is telling me).

{ Bop Basics blazer, Joe Fresh blouse (similar here), A|X Armani Exchange pants c/0, Boutique 9 heels c/o, Zara bag, Ray Ban aviators, Forever21 & nOir jewelry bracelets, vintage watch }

Like my pants? Want some of your own so you can give Uncle Sam a run for his George Washington dollar bills? Then check this out and meet me there!

//photos by Emily Malan