Michelle Obama is pretty fucking awesome

“Michelle [Obama] is not scheming like her wardrobe should make certain points.”

The above quote is from Maria Pinto, the Chicago-based designer that the lovely Michelle Obama patronizes on the reg. She is, of course, the person responsible for the already iconic purple sheath dress that Mrs. Obama wore the night her husband claimed the Democratic nomination. Paired with a wide black Azzedine Alia belt, Mrs. Obama looked classy, distinguished, appropriately sexy, and not to mention, somehow totally fresh and new.

I’m far from the first person to comment on Michelle Obama’s truly fantastic style. Similarly, everyone has made the obvious comparison to this gorgeous lady, so I won’t bore you with another one. But after seeing her knock yet another one outta the sartorial park last night with that fucking beautiful teal dress with flower detail (which I can’t seem to find a still photo of anywhere?) I felt the need to discuss.

After combing through at least 5 articles dedicated to Michelle Obama’s sick style, including this New York Times one, from which I pulled that awesome quote I began with, I’ve been thinking a lot about fashion in relation to history and memory.

For instance, I remember (down to my accessories) what I wore for my mom’s surprise 50th birthday party. I remember what I wore my very first day of work at Mustard Seed, not to mention what Caitie was wearing as well. I remember what I was wearing the day Erie and I found the apartment I’ve lived in for almost 2 years now. Interestingly enough, all of these events didn’t seem that important at the time. It’s only in retrospect that I see how very significant they were.

Anyway, it seems to me that Mrs. Obama’s purple sheath made such an impression because it managed to be modern and retro at the same time. It certainly made a statement, but a gentle one. The fit was right, the color was right, and to blatantly steal from the one and only Michael Kors, “it was the right dress on the right girl.” The fact is, I bet Mrs. Obama could have worn that dress on any number of days as it is appropriate for any number of occasions. However, for some reason she chose to wear it on that particular day. And as it turns out, she chose right. Like really really right.

Back to Pinto’s quote once more, I still think it’s such a great little nugget. Because fashion isn’t about scheming or planning – it’s about intuition. It’s about knowing what works for you. It’s about wearing things that just make you feel good.

Through the several minutes I’ve taken aside to write this post, I’ve thought about it, and despite the fact that I have lots of pieces that I love and have really meant something to me at certain points in my life, I don’t think I’ve had my purple sheath moment just yet. But I’m confident that when I do have it, I’ll just know.

de-constructing the american apparel elitist complex

does anyone else loathe going into american apparel?  i went to the downtown store today (only because i was waiting for a friend).  well, i spent ten minutes looking at the average dumb american apparel shit, all the while being glared at (i swear) by the idiotic counter d00d.  he was wearing a sweatband (unnecessary: their A/C was certainly cranked, because they care a lot about the environment, you know?  they have an organic cotton line, duh), a tank top, short shorts and sperry’s.  are you going for a fucking run on your yacht asshole?  stupid outfit.  don’t glare at me.

should i have felt slighted by this d-bag?  must one dress as though they work at american apparel in order to not be given the death stare?  or would that not work because they’d scoff at how hard said customer is trying?

LOL

literally, i started my day off on the wrong foot.

please bear with my non-fashion related complaints as i am in a relatively foul mood. also bear in mind that due to my poor scheduling ability, tomorrow will be my 9th day of work in a row.

today i worked at my yuppie secretarial job in columbia heights. i was quite pleased with my outfit this morning (all newbies): black peep toe brazilian leather heelz, black cotton sateen banana skirt (actually too big for me but it was $9 at mustard seed…priced by me obvi), sleeveless printed silk tie-neck tory burch top, and black michael kors blazer. i felt comfy and also quite stylish, and scoffed when my mom suggested i wear my “moccasins” (i think she meant boat shoes) for walking from the metro to work. (also, i was not about to keep shoes in my marc jacobs bag, plz!)

i spotted a QT in the metro parking lot this morn, which caused me to dash out of my car to trail him, and i forgot my lunch. when i realized my frozen macaroni and juice boxes (i eat like a 5 year old) were in the car, i was not about to go back because 1) i had almost caught up to cute boy, 2) my feet were already hurting (shocker!). i think i may have made enough eye contact with cute boy to warrant writing a missed connection, but that’s another topic.

upon arrival to columbia heights, i hobbled to starbucks for my daily skim iced latte (i drank grandes up until this horrid week but have gone venti) and also selected a delish chocolate cream cheese muff for breakfast (it complements my calorie conscious beverage perfectly). being lunch-less, i was forced to make another stop, at potbelly’s. (question 1 : is it normal to eat lunch at your desk and not actually have a break and never breathe outside air between 9 and 5?) at potbelly’s i got an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie for breakfast, completely forgetting about the calorie-fest already in my purse.

by the time i got to the office, the stupid skirt had twisted 45 degrees to the left at least 10 times and i was forced to un-tie my neck tie because the shirt had bunched up and twisted to the right and was creating fabric ripples i never thought possible. worse, i could hardly walk. (question 2: is it safe to assume the skirt chose only one direction to twist due to my un-even limp? worrisome follow up: i really was limping on both feet, so shouldn’t that have cancelled out and the skirt stayed in place?)

pretty much, i suffered all day. my left ankle had twin blisters (visually similar to an ample bosom) which i had to pop with a paper clip in the office bathroom. i walked back barefoot from meridian hill to the metro. my mom poured hydrogen peroxide on my feet.

much of today’s problem(s) could’ve been avoided were my red pointy toed flats still in my life (RIP 19-Aug-2008). if you must know (i would’ve told anyways), i got quite drunk at tuesday happy hour and the story ends with soggy shoes.

on a better note, i got two gr8 purchases at mustard seed yesterday, this built by wendy trench:

and square-toed black patent chanel heels for just $30 (!!!!!)

An old woman at 25

It all started when my best friend at work, Katherine, told me that her officemate (and a 60-year-old woman) told her that she thinks she and I have similar styles. My first inclination was to be insulted – this woman is old, she has a bit of a hunchback, and Tyler has given her the nickname “Broom Hilda,” which to be quite honest, is rather accurate.

After I thought about it a bit more, I realized that this lady was probably pretty on point. On average, I wear a vintage dress to work about 3 times a week. When Broom Hilda comes in wearing something that she’s obviously had since college, I find myself coveting it. I also consistently love all of her kitteny heels and colorful 80’s slingbacks.

This begs the question – do I, in fact, dress like a 65-year-old woman?

I’d venture to say the answer is unequivocally: YES. Yes, I do.

The picture below is an example of the kind of dress that I wear on the reg:

To me, this dress is perfect – hits me in all the right places, it’s cotton, I love the colors, and it’s got a kind of understated sexy going on. However, I must note that Broom Hilda would also wear this dress.

Please note as well that I do not actually own this dress, but I found it today on this delicious site. Their shit is kind of expensive, but it’s all in great condition and most of the pieces were undeniably special, not to mention, mostly sold out.

Anyway, back to the fact that I dress like I’m senile - I don’t know if it’s a comfort thing or what, but I’ve never been the kind of person who really dresses up to go out. I think I kind of dress the same all of the time no matter where I’m going or what I’m doing.

This brings me to my next point – the difference between women who dress for other women and women who dress for men – what’s the difference, you ask?

A:The only women who legitimately have style dress for other women.  

If anyone would like to expound on this sartorial truth in the comments, please be my guest.

 

P. Run Season 5 Ep. 6 Recap

I was looking forward to this episode all week.

It did not disappoint.

I will even go so far to say that all of my personal dreams came true:

-Joe finally won!

-Jerrell was not eliminated!!

-Queen Bitch Whiny Face Daniel got Auf’d!!!

I cried when Joe won. I cried at the prospect of Jerrell getting Auf’d. I squirmed with GLEE to see that Daniel has finally been eliminated! Arbiter of fine taste, my ass! Nothing but a big baby, that one.

Moving on!

-Terri, of course, kicks ass, and I loved how defensive she got of her boy Suede when Ms. Lettuce got snippy with him. Her Kabuki-themed piece wasn’t just drag-licious [to borrow a term from Blayne], it was actually beautiful. I was also pleased that Suede kissed and made up with his girl. Again, made me teary eyed [also note that I am menstruating right now]. Also I almost forgot to note the probably important detail that SUEDE COMMUNICATED WITH HIS DEAD GRANDFATHER AND THIS IS WHY HE MADE THOSE LETTUCE BLOSSOM GLOVES. ALSO NOTE THAT THIS HAPPENED WHILE HE WAS WEARING A DOO-RAG.

-This challenge, of course, was created for people like Blayne, Jerrell, and Stella. I was pleased to see Blayne and Stella’s excitement. Also everyone’s annoyance with suffix -licious is humorous and, well, relate-able. Both Blayne and Stella turned out bomb-ass pieces, but I’ll admit that though I am delighted that Jerrell was not eliminated, his outfit was disappointingly not over-the-top.

-I find Keith to be endearing [gay Mormon!] but I consistently don’t like his designs. Oh well, different aesthetic I guess.

-What else can be said? I honestly think all the designers killed it in this one. I can’t imagine not having fun while doing it. I wish there had been more focus on Leanne’s gorgeous origami-esque piece- like Terri, its construction was utterly gorgeous. Perhaps too gorgy for a drag queen? Kenley was perfectly matched with her queen as well and rocked the massive feathers. Korto’s piece was also genius.

I have barely any criticisms or snarky remarks for this episode, because it was just so fucking delightful. I giggled the entire time. Better than Xanax; I’d prescribe it!

Also, don’t judge, but if I were to procure a pink sequin sailor suit I would absolutely wear it, no questions asked.

hoternity

i may very well be the last one to know about this, but regardless: christian siriano is starting a line ‘fierce for moody mamas’ in spring ‘09.

NY mag article
who wants to be the first moody mama?

Words to live by:

For me, style is about not being afraid to try something new but being honest enough with yourself that even though “it” might be “fashionable”, “it” might not be you.

Being a bear is apparently very Chanel

I’m sure we all remember KLag’s delicious interview in the April 2008 issue of the Chinese fashion mag, Prestige. I’ve been unable to find a working link to the actual article, but this Jezebel post pretty much sums up everything you need to know.

So, when I read in this month’s issue of W  that Mr. Ascotsnsunglasses himself was having a plush teddy bear made in his own image, I was a little surprised. I mean, not that he would create a mini version of himself, obvs, but something so – mass produced and child friendly? Really? KLag hates rugrats. Hates em.

Here’s a sketch of the bear beside the man:

I would like 100, please.

Thanks.

Dear Marc by Marc Jacobs,

Why?

Love,

Liz