Amendment: Michelle Obama's Election Night Attire

Since I posted this morning about Michelle Obama's election night dress and I've gotten some more info so I'm posting an update and sort of amendment.

Photos [The Cut, Papermag]

I've now seen other photos of the future First Lady in said dress, which as it turns out is actually straight off the Spring '09 Runway of Narciso Rodriguez, and I'm still conflicted. The photo on the right of Michelle with Jill Biden is probably the most flattering I've seen of her in the dress and cardigan/jacket. Perhaps it really depends on the angle? As I watched her walk onto the stage last night with Barack, my first thought was "omg, what was she thinking wearing that, it looks terrible on her!" and on TV, I really do think it didn't come across quite right. But obviously in a photograph you can better manipulate the angle at which you're taking it from and therefore can create a more flattering image.

Overall, I'm still not sure it was the best choice for her. I'm all about equal opportunity when it comes to wearing what's fashionable, but I think we can all acknowledge that with different body types, shapes and sizes, everyone looks their best when dressing for their specific body type. Wearing what looks flattering on your figure is always going to make a person look and feel great, which Michelle usually does, but this dress really drew attention to areas that don't need it. However, I do applaud her choice of designers. She'll certainly be fun to watch over the course of Barack's term.

-B

Let's Get This Party Started

Feeling pretty good this morning, I must say, despite the lack of sleep. I was impressed with John McCain's speech, conceding his loss to Obama. Although he was obviously incredibly disappointed, I felt he dealt with it in a very gracious manner, and this in spite of being interrupted several times by the booing and shouting of equally disappointed Republican supporters. Both candidates definitely put up a hard fight, and the time leading up to last night's historic moment was long, but I think it's pretty clear that most Americans do believe the right man won.

As for Obama's speech, I was moved and found it very hopeful and inspirational. Some of my favorite moments:

"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer."

"And to all those who have wondered if America’s beacon still burns as bright, tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope."

"America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves: If our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made? This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time...Yes we can..."

Such an enormous victory. I'm sure for the next couple of days we'll hear from pundits on all sides about Obama's strategic campaign and what exactly caused McCain to fall short...by a lot. While I'm no political analyst, I think it's safe to say that the fact of the matter is that Americans want change and John McCain simply couldn't convince the people that he would bring it. I'm also certain that his loss has much to do with the current state of our country and the way Americans currently view Pres. Bush. With the Republican party having led this country for so many years and Bush's approval ratings now at an all-time low, this was never going to be easy.

Being in power can be a great thing, but with that also comes difficulties for it is always those in power who are credited with the greatest victories and blamed for any faults. Obama will have a tough time ahead for sure, and I hope that our overwhelming expectations of him will not lead to a backlash. I believe he can bring the change we need, but we should all realize that it can't happen overnight, and certainly not if our country doesn't come together and unite as one.

Eek, okay SORRY I got so politicky suddenly, but you know, this IS important stuff people! But, let's move on now to some fashion! Yay! Because isn't that what really matters? Not to diss our new First Lady, because I think she's just great, but I'm just going to put this out there...what was up with that dress last night? Anyone?

This isn't the best picture to really show it off, but really? That red on it just seems so odd and I'm just not sure it's the most flattering on her. Anyway, I just thought it was a strange choice considering how great she's always looked before.

-B

OMG: History in the Making!

Well kids, I think it's fitting that on my 100th post (yay!) I am incredibly proud to be an American! BARACK OBAMA WILL BE THE NEXT PRESIDENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, I can't even begin to express my excitement, joy, relief and hope. Via CNN:


Looking forward to change and a great future!

Go Obama!

-B

Rock the Vote!

That's right kids, today is the all important ELECTION DAY - DECISION 2008! Come on America, don't f*** this up, GO VOTE NOW (if you haven't already of course). And if you have voted, then you will forever be in my good graces.

So, on this special day, I share a few fashion items with you so that you can express your enthusiasm for the Democratic process:

Photos [Dress, Karen Zambos Vintage Couture @ Shopbop, Ring @ Google, T-shirt @ Revolve Clothing]

I note that the Karen Zambos dress is also reversible, black on the other side, so it's still wearable even after the votes have been counted, and the shirt is just one of many available on Revolve and I'm sure other sites, most of which are on sale now.

And I'm sure everyone has heard about all sorts of freebie offerings today from Starbucks, Krispy Kreme, Ben & Jerry's...and in NYC, even Babeland is giving out a lil' somethin' somethin' for getting your vote on. So, of course, retailers don't want to be left out of the freebie fun.

Photo [Bluefly]

Bluefly is offering a 10% discount off of EVERYTHING, today ONLY.

Anyway, I won't tell you who to vote for, the point, and most important thing, is that you just get out and vote, because this is what makes our country so amazing. I for one was thrilled to cast my vote this morning (and I only had to wait in line 20 minutes!). Sadly, they did not give out the usual " I Voted Today" sticker, which I was kind of looking forward to because this is the first election I've actually gone to the polls for (when in school I voted absentee). Still, I feel really good about it. Needless to say I'm sure I'll be for a while tonight watching as votes are counted, results are tracked and winning predictions are made. Oh what a momentous occasion.

For a quick recap, check this out:

Happy Voting!

-B