Friday, November 28, 2008

Style Icon of the Week

Of course, Michelle Obama. A lot of ink has flown to describe Michelle Obama's style. However for me, she is a rare combination of style and substance. She has a natural elegance, a grace and a non fussy style. Comparisons to Jackie Kennedy are overblown because unlike Jackie she is your everyday woman in her forties - a working mom, exercises regularly and spends an effort in portraying a down to earth style. She has been criticized for some of her fashion choices but I find it refreshing that like any of us she has had her fashion faux pas. I also find it interesting that at important events she coordinates her outfits with those of her children Malia and Sasha as if to put forth a united family front.

All eyes were on Michelle when she spoke at the democratic convention. The pressure was on, the media dubbed it as the most important day of her life and the most important day of her husband's career. She was there to soften his image, to show to the world that their family is like any other American family. Michelle chose a teal sheath dress designed by Maria Pinto. It was a simple understated v-neck dress that won her rave reviews from all. I loved this dress and it earned a can of tuna from Cal.

Thai-born New York Designer Thakoon Panichgul designed her dress on the night her husband accepted the democratic nomination. The dress is called a "reverse Kimono" and sold for $1250. Michelle picked the dress after it was shown on the runway. The dress was too floral for my taste while Cal thought Michelle should have paired it with some high-heels to look more lady-like.

Then came the monstrosity of a dress - The Narciso Rodriguez black and red dress from the designers Spring '09 collection that she wore at Grant Park on election night. The dress was modified from its original version to make it look fit for a first lady. Her saving grace was Jill Biden who looked cold and shivering all through the evening. The dress was awful but I and Cal both loved Michelle's confidence in picking such a bold number and rejoiced in having a first lady who finally breaks out of the boring skirt-suit or pant-suit mould.

Just when I thought Michelle was doing all wrong, saw a picture of the Obamas at the white house with the Bushes. She was back to her sheath dress in a color and a cut that looked fabulous on her. I was not surprised that the dress was a Maria Pinto. The dress retails for $750. She did play it a little safe this time but was appropriately dressed for the event. I gave her two thumbs up while Cal meowed her approval.

Cal and I, can't wait to see what choices she makes for the inauguration day and the balls.

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