Keeping Up with the Obamas

I've expressed my appreciation for Mrs. Obama shopping in her closet here on PPT before and even wrote a story about it for the old gig that was picked up by Shape.com. As the wife of the U.S. President who is currently leading a country facing a massive recession, she's wise not to boast new, expensive looks every week.

Well, the First Lady recently did it again. The mom-in-chief wore a J. Crew ensemble that we first saw last year during her first Jay Leno appearance. Mrs. O rocked the same blouse, pencil skirt and cardigan again last week at a health care event at the White House. This time around she flipped the look by losing the brooch and adding one of her signature wide belts.



Loves it!

Here are a few key points for all of us to remember when shopping in our own closets like Mrs. Obama:

1 - Investing in quality -- not necessarily expensive -- clothing is key. Remember that a bargain isn't a bargain if it falls apart after three washes. By the same token a good deal loses it's value if it just sits in your closet and never sees the light of day.

2 - Taking care of garments to ensure a longer lifetime is crucial. Washing whites with the other whites. Handwashing delicate items. Dropping our boots and shoes off at the cobbler when necessary. Taking clothes to the cleaners and tailor when appropriate are all important in extending the lifespan of the clothing and accessories we love.

3 - Stacking up on items that fit our lifestyles and paying less attention to trends. Mrs. Obama frequently wears pencil skirts and separates that she can easily mix and match. She's also a fan of shift dresses. All of these items are ideal for a wife and mother on the go and are essentials to most female professionals working in an office setting.

Attempting to keep up with the Jones has put many of us in debt. Let's try something new.

Black Ballerinas: Remembering my Father

Last month I had the honor of attending not one but TWO events where Mrs. Michelle Obama was the keynote speaker. As I mentioned before, I have been given the plum assignment at work to cover the First Lady. Quite honestly though, May 5th was the first day that I had a real "AHA!" moment about it all.



In the morning, I had the chance to hear the Mom-in-Chief herself speak at the re-opening of the American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. Any excuse to visit the MET is right up my alley as it is my fave museum in the Big Apple. But furthermore, there were children from all over NYC attending the ceremony – even Cambria Heights, Queens (a mere 10 minutes from where I grew up). The genuine, warm hugs Mrs. Obama gave those students (most of whom looked like me) even after the event was over and some of the cameramen begin to leave, gave me a feeling I will take to my grave.



Later in the day I went to NYC’s Lincoln Center for the American Ballet Theater opening. It was a huge deal and the attendees were a who’s who of NYC society. Guests included Renee Zellweger, Caroline Kennedy (who introduced Mrs. Obama) and Susan Fales-Hill. There were a whole ‘lotta other folks there who I didn’t recognize but from their seat’s closeness to the stage I know they sign big checks. People were dressed to the nines and since I LOVE to people watch I enjoyed the "show" way before the curtains were raised. This was about the time I had my "AHA!" moment.

My father (RIP) was adamant about me learning ballet at an early age. While he didn’t necessarily want me to become a professional ballerina (although he wasn’t opposed to that either), ballet dancing, like piano playing, was a skill he thought a little girl would just benefit from having. He would tell me that it would help me with my posture. He thought most ballet dancers had a graceful walk. And while I took ballet lessons as a little girl (along with piano) I never perfected the dance form. Never perfected piano playing either…

While I watched the ballet in Lincoln Center that evening of May 5th, I felt my father’s presence stronger than I had in a long, long time. I imagined telling him all about it the moment I left the center and giving him a blow-by-blow of the day’s events. I then imagined his roaring gut-belly laugh when I reenacted certain scenarios. I cried several times that night (as I am crying now) – I’m sure the people around me thought I was a little nuts. Here I was, this young Black woman from Jamaica, Queens at major foo foo, chi chi events twice in one day with the First Lady of The United States of America! I knew, on that day, my father was smiling right along with me.

Long before we even knew Barack Obama existed my father would tell my mother I needed to know how to properly set a dinner table because I might eat with the President at The White House one day and I would need to know what fork to use when. I haven’t eaten in The White House (yet) but it isn’t nearly as far fetched now as it was back in the 80s when he called it. And I actually did break bread with the then Mayor of NYC, Rudy Giuliani during a black-tie affair for a scholarship I received my senior year of high school. A man who grew up on the gritty streets of South Philly and South Jamaica, Queens envisioned all this (and much more) for his little girl. Pretty special, huh?

Despite the success of Alvin Ailey and The Dance Theater of Harlem, the very idea of Black ballerinas used to be an oxymoron to some (and still is for others). Black women were supposedly not built to be great ballerinas. But, sorta like Michelle Obama, lots of Black young ladies defied the odds and succeeded at it anyway. Now I know that is what my father was trying to teach me all along. It was never just about ballet, piano or even table etiquette as much as it was about being able to hold my head up high wherever I was – be it Gracie Mansion, The White House or a greasy spoon in South Central L.A.

Thank you Daddy. Happy Father’s Day.

First Lady Sleeveless Drama

My bad. I'm swamped y'all. I plan to post (late) tonight but in the meantime, check out this gallery I worked on for the j-o. It has been getting an enormous amount of feedback so I thought I'd share with my PPT folx.

I personally think that Mrs. Obama's arms are the LEAST of America's worries right now. What do you guys think?

Enjoy and Happy Thursday!

My First Lady Covers Vogue: A Critique

I was/am in a funky mood. I shoulda gone to church but I didn't for silly reasons and now I'm regretting it. Hopefully the smoke will clear soon (real soon) and I can get back to being happy. I'm about to get into some Proverbs right after I finish this post. That always helps me put things in perspective. Hopefully blogging, especially about my First Lady, will be theraputic too.

Despite my funky mood, I did manage to find pleasure in reading the March 2009 Vogue cover story. Admitedly, I have been anticipating it's arrival for weeks now, ever since I learned that Michelle Obama was going to grace the cover. So I picked it up yesterday. What do ya think?



First and formost, Vogue sure isn't suffering in the ad department by the look (and weight) of this issue. The older East Indian woman at the NYC Penn Station store where I purchased my copy went out of her way to tell me how many people are buying the issue and it literally just hit newsstands this week. Very telling. But NYC is another universe. I wonder how it will sell in the Bible Belt and Middle America...

I like, but don't love, the cover. I think Michelle looks good but there are a couple of post-production things I'm not too thrilled with. However, her arms look fantastic and the fuschia shift dress works on her and for the seated shot. There is also a spread of Michelle writing wearing a J.Crew ensemble that I really like because she looks comfortable and at ease and the colors work for her complexion. Don't care for the opening spread of her on the phone though.

I don't want to give too much anyway as I realize most of you might not have read the piece yet. I will say that I think Andre Leon Talley did a good job. While the article did leave me wanting a little more (but maybe that's because I already know so much more about her than the average Vogue reader). At the end of the day, Vogue is a fashion pub. Still, I think Talley was able to get some real jewels in and I've shared a few of my faves below:

Michelle on growing up in a modest, working class community:
"We like to joke that the South Side of Chicago is our Kennebunkport. We learned in our household that there was nothing you couldn't talk about and that you found humor in even the toughest times."
Don't know where Kennebunkport is or what it represents? Don't worry, I had to Google it myself. It's an upscale town in Maine where many of the world's wealthiest go to "summer". I love that Michelle doesn't come from money and wasn't even involved in most of the things middle/upper class Black folks are supposed to participate in (no Jack & Jill meetings for her or Craig as kids, no Link galas for her mother Ms. Marian, no vacations in Sag Harbor) yet she still became our country's first Black First Lady.

Talley on his first meeting with Michelle:
"I first met Mrs. Obama at an impromptu dinner at Oprah Winfrey's house in Santa Barabra, CA, on the eve of the divine Ms.O's Legends Ball in 2005. I was seated between the then Senator Barack Obama's wife and Tina Turner. Do I remember what Michelle was wearing? Not at all. What I do remember was how informed she was on so many topics."
For those of you who are wondering why everything this woman wears sells out in hours and why she's being lauded as a style icon when you think she usually looks mediocre at best, reread the above quote from Talley. Hopefully, you'll start to get it soon.

Oprah on Michelle:
"Michelle Obama is a full-blown, grown-up woman. An authentically empowered real woman who looks and feels like a modern woman in the 21st century, allowing us to see the best of ourselves in her."
Point blank, this is just a dang good quote. And it is making me feel a whole lot better about the current growing pains I'm having.

Talley on the Whistle Tour:
"As we rolled along, I thought of my own journey. How many among the crowds gathered to watch us pass were like me--an African-American who grew up in the Jim Crow South, whose father drove a taxi, whose uncle Lewis was a barber, whose grandmother was a maid her entire life--and turned their eyes to the Obamas not just with hope but with recognition?
Wow.

Other highlights in this issue are the feature story on Melinda Gates which I haven't finished reading but I look forward to doing so because she seems to be a real grown-up woman too. I was not too thrilled with Liya's fashion well story, Desert Fox. Don't get me wrong, Liya looks as gorgeous as ever. But how cliche is it to use an African model in yet another safari inspired story in 2009? After taking a real life safari last year in South Africa I'm really annoyed by it. Surprisingly, I enjoyed Wintour's editor's letter. I appreciate when an EIC takes the time to share their genuine thoughts and feelings with their readers. Here's a snippet:

"There is no doubt that we live in the toughest and most trying of times: wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and Gaza; a global economic recession of historic proportions; and a planet whose physical and biological health grows more imperiled by the day. These are the facts, and we are forced to face them whether we like it or not. However, there is another fact that bears mentioning: We are resourceful and resislient people who have survived far worse. (Couldn't help but to think about my maternal Grandma here.) As I talk to fellow members of the business and fashion communities, it seems that we can too readily succumb to doom, gloom and fatalism. I'm not a Pollyanna. But it is critical that we not exchange one bubble (euphoric consumerism) for another (funeral pessimism). The truth is we are blessed as ever with drive, talent, and practical, proactive measure can be taken to improve our lot."
Way to go Anna!

Did you read the March 2009 Vogue yet? Please share your thoughts about the cover story or any other article in the issue.

What Michelle Obama Owes You

Absotively nothing.

However, some folks of the Black Artists Association seems to think otherwise. The group is livid that our First Lady has not notably worn anything by Black fashion designers. BAA cofounder and former model Amnau Eele said she will make a formal appeal to the First Lady's office regarding her outrage. "It's fine and good if you want to be all 'Kumbaya' and 'We Are The World' by representing all different countries. But if you are going to have Isabel Toledo do the inauguration dress, and Jason Wu do the evening gown, why not have Kevan Hall, B. Michael, Stephen Burrows or any of the other Black designers do something too?" Eele told Women's Wear Daily last week. Eele added, "She [Obama] had seven slots to wear designer clothes. Why wasn't she wearing the clothes of a Black designer? That was out moment."


First Lady Michelle Obama rocking a Maria Pinto frock.

Sigh. I guess I better get used to this. For the next eight years (yep, EIGHT years), the Obamas will be placed under an enormous amount of pressure to "represent". I really think our First Lady's fashion choices are a matter of a tree simply being a tree, for the most part. She also appears to be a creature of habit, sticking to the folks she knows. Maria Pinto is a prime example. Quite frankly, I was happy to learn she was wearing Jason Wu because he wasn't really on anyone's radar for her to wear. Oscar (de la Renta) would have been kinda predictable as would Pinto have been at this point. She likes to keep folks guessing and the fact that he is only freakin 26 years old was a plus for me too! Yay for the underdog. Now, are there Black designers I'd like to see Michelle wear? Of course! I've already mentioned that Edward Wilkerson of Lafayette 148 would have Michelle even more smashing. He's a beast. And since she seems to favor flirty print dresses for day, Tracy Reese should certainly be a staple in her wardrobe. Because she is nearly 6 feet tall, I imagine that she wears at least a size 11 shoe. Samanta would be a great footwear choice for her since they offer stylish heels, strappy sandals and sophisticated stilletos for women who don't wear a standard size 8.

And we also don't know if Michelle's people actually reached out to any Black designers or not. I believe I'll hold on and see what the end will be. Let's give the woman a chance already before we start publicly pouting to reporters at WWD.

What do you think? Are the folks of the BAA being too critical or do you agree with their beef? Leave me a comment and let me know.

UPDATE: B. Michael tells the BAA not to speak on his behalf.

UPDATE #2: Eele defends herself on ESSENCE.com.

People, this is exhausting.

My Top 8 People, Places and Things of 2008

So uh, yeah, this is a lil' late. My bad, ish happens. Regardless, I'm quite interested to know what you guys agree and disagree with so please leave me a comment with your two cents. This post wouldn't be complete without acknowledging a few of the dope (and not so dope) things 2008 meant to me personally. I finally made that trip to South Africa (Maybe I will actually upload those pics in '09?), spent a glorious day solo in the Everglades and made significant strides in my career (it's all about the plan). I also lost a couple of family members (RIP David and Darryl), gained a new one (Welcome Khloe!) and learned what it really means to forgive someone and to be forgiven. While PPT is far from what I want it to be and know that it can be; it's like me, a work in progress.

So, here are the things that were on my radar in 2008:

HAIR: Keri Hilson, Victoria Beckham and Janelle Monae get my award for maintaining the hottest tresses in 2008. Keri's modern day 70's flip with blonde accents kept me interested when I became bored when everyone else was sweating Rihanna's strands. Victoria Beckham got shorty again the way only she can. And Miss Janelle brought back the French roll! I love French rolls and have been waiting for their return. Plus, Janelle is as cute as a button (Her skin is FLAWLESS!) and I like that she wears her naturally curly hair in a style we've really only seen on straight hair.

Hilson kept a fresh do in '08.


Monae rocking her updated version of the French roll.

FASHION: Michelle "I know I've been sweating her all year" Obama. No real explanation here. She's the epitome of fly to me. Even when she rocks something I don't necessarily get, I love her style. I guess if I had to choose my favorite look from her last year it would be the purple shift dress and the black patent belt worn during the now infamous "fist bump". Michelle was killing 'em that night! Our soon to be First Lady is this blog's tagline "Style goes way beyond clothes" personified.

Purple Power

MUSIC: About 75% of the music I listen to was released at least 10 years ago. All the more reason for me to be excited about Jazmine Sullivan's "official" debut in 2008. My homie Tress put me on to Jazmine a few years back and I was instantly a fan based on her rendition of Resentment. I had the opportunity to meet the Philly songstress last year, right before her album dropped, and she was such a sweetie. Oh and all those Grammy nominations she snagged? Lovin' it.

FILM: I'm not a big movie goer and in fact my friends clown me about all the flicks I haven't seen. But I, along with most of the world, got super excited about the Sex and the City movie. I know it got a whole lotta hype that many would argue it didn't quite live up to. However, what I appreciate the most about the film was that it crushed so many stereotypes and predictions about women not turning up in big numbers at the theater. Yeah, I tend to root for the underdog.

ECONOMY: The word recessionista replaced fashionista in 2008 and for good reason. Ish hit the fan. Between the bailouts, the layoffs and the crazy oil prices, it was a bumpy ride for all of us. I've been blessed to stay afloat financially for the most part but I've altered my spending habits and focused more on what really matters to me.

THE REAL (AND NOT SO REAL) SOCIALITE: Bravo's reality series The Real Housewives of Atlanta struck gold for the network, breaking records and getting a second season. But the five women left many wondering how "fabulous" their lives really were when the cameras were off... Maggie Betts on the other hand became a presence on the mainstream front (she's been a fixture in NYC society circles) and unlike Genevieve Jones... Well, I'm not gonna go there. It seems kinda silly to boast about Betts coming from a wealthy and "connected" family when folks are b-r-o-k-e. My point is simply that she was "that girl" in 2008 for the fashion and media crowd.

Betts out and about.

BLACK IS BACK (Hopefully to stay this time.): The All Black Vogue Italia had me and most of you reading this going nuts! Again, I give most of the credit for this to Bethann Hardison for fearlessly getting the conversation started about the lack of Black models on the runway back in 2007.

And last but certainly not least (insert drumroll here)... BARACK OBAMA. Yes. He. Did. Not too much to say about this man that hasn't already been said. I am grateful that in addition to donating to his campaign and making phone calls to folks in PA among other things, I was able to use PPT as a platform to encourage people to vote last November. That is a beautiful thing. But the journey has just begun and there is a lot of work to do. For all of us to do. Looking forward to what 2009 will bring and hope you are too!


MR. PRESIDENT

EXCLUSIVE: Michelle Obama's Fashion Stylist Speaks

Gotcha!

I don't have any exclusive with the stylist of Michelle Obama. The last I read, the Chi-town native wasn't officially working with one but I'm sure that is going to change very soon if it hasn't already. Now, let's get a couple of things out of the way. I am officially a proud member of the Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama Fan Club. Need proof? Read this and this. But even I think constructive criticism is appropriate when it is well, constructive. In the words of fellow Chicagoan Common, "If I don't like it, I don't like it. That don't mean that I'm hatin'."


A runway shot of Michelle's election night frock.


Runway to Realway: The much-talked about Narcisco Rodriguez dress on Michelle.

So, here it is - Michelle usually gets it right in my humble opinion. I think she is always dressed appropriately for her age and she has figured out her body type (she has an hourglass shape). But she does have the occassional miss (like on election night) and I have a few suggestions of things her stylist might want to adopt (and a few things she should continue doing) to make her look even more fabulous consistently.


Lady in Red - Michelle is not afraid of color.

Hometown girl Maria Pinto has been holding it down for Michelle and should certainly continue to do so (she is responsible for the fab red dress Michelle wears in the above pic) but below are a few other folks worth our future First Lady's consideration. These designers also create clothes for real women with real bodies:

Lafayette 148 - Edward Wilkerson is slept on by the masses. His tailored pieces will take Michelle from power lunches and brunches to PTA meetings for Malia and Sasha.

Donna Karan - This NY native has long been Seventh Avenue's darling and for good reason. Karan's innovative usage of jersey will compliment Michelle's curves.

Oscar da la Renta - The Dominican designer should be a go-to guy for Michelle when she starts preparing for the black-tie dinners that will quickly start to fill her calendar come January.

Other Style Notes...

Shoes with a heel - Michelle steers away from heels and at 5'10 one can only assume it is because she doesn't want to tower over her husband. Still, a 2-3 inch heel can be slipped in every now and again to give her look more of an overall polished punch.

Hair - Michelle's tresses are always shiny and healthy looking. Keep doing what 'cha doing Michelle!

Make-up Artist - Michelle's make-up can be hit or miss - early on in the campaign her brows were a bit hard. I suggest she get one great make-up artist and stick with him/her then get an equally fabulous back-up. Someone she should consider is Sam Fine.

Lastly, I think that Michelle should continue to embrace bold color as it looks so right with her complexion but prints can be tricky and don't always read well on camera. Solids are probably best when cameras are around (which will be the next four years...).

Now when all is said and done, Michelle probably doesn't give two hoots about what me or any other blogger, critic or reporter has to say regarding her style. And why should she when she has this?


Awwwww!

Still, this was fun to write. Do you agree or disagree with my advice? Did you like the dress she wore last Tuesday night? Leave me a comment and sound-off.

Beyond Barack: We Need To Be More Aware And Get Involved Folks

Other other day Mr. TK said something that has been on my mind kinda heavy since. He was frustrated about a business situation when he mumbled, "Sometimes knowing a little about something is worse than knowing nothing at all." After I let his statement marinate for a bit, I realized how much it related to the way I (and most of the folks I know) associate with politics. While it is fantastic that we are all on Team Obama and eat, sleep and dream about the presidential election, I think most of us have forgotten about the other politicians who have a strong impact on our lives as well. Everyone (even my five and seven year old nieces) knows the importance of voting next month. And it is certainly important - without a shadow of a doubt important. But guess what? The pothole on your block that took six months to get filled? A local politician tends to that. The disgust I often have when shopping in my local supermarket because of a lack of fresh(er) veggies and poultry? A local politician. Your kid's after-school program slipping with quality extra-curricular activities? A local politician yet again.

In light of Mr. TK's comment, I want to make it known that I am far from knowledgable about politics. But, over the past year or so, I have been much more aware of what is going on with the federal government simply because of Barack Obama. And yes, this is a beautiful thing. But, me not knowing who my councilman, congressman, borough president, school district president (it shouldn't matter that I don't have children), local judges, and even the folks who run my co-op board are is pretty pathetic. NEWSFLASH: Even after Obama gets to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, we can't go back to being zoombies. Having just returned from South Africa, I am reminded of how much most Americans take democracy for granted. (Yeah, our democracy is f**ked up but try voting in Jamaica.) Add to that I'm a Black American, and there is an entire extra layer of guilt for me because some of my folks truly fought for me to have this right. And I know they didn't intend for me to just exercise it every 4 years.

Michelle Obama was on Larry King a couple of weeks ago discussing how great it is that this election has gotten people engaged again. As if we have been awoken from a deep slumber. And now I really get what she meant. (Told y'all I have delayed reactions.) I have challenged myself and I challenge you to research your local politicians so that you can really be educated. And after November 4th, keep up with what elected officials are and aren't doing in your 'hood. Yes, I'm busy, you're busy -- everyone is busy. But we all make time for the things we find important.

We've been sleeping long enough.

Sorry I have yet again posted about something not related to "conventional style" but this is what is on my heart and mind to blog about today.

I Know What Men Like, Part Dos

So as promised, below is the second part of the candid convo with my friend Anslem in a quest to find out what men truly think about what women wear. In part one, we got an idea of what he liked (sweatpants!) and didn’t like (make-up) among other interesting tidbits. We also played a game of Rate This Look. Here are Anslem’s responses to pictures of some women who generally have a style I dig. Anslem didn’t always agree. Check it out:


Michelle Obama: Michelle falls into like the Wall Street type and that can be extremely sexy. She’s an older woman and she definitely has it going on.








Vanessa Simmons: She looks approachable here. To me, this is sexy even though she’s just wearing a [basic] top and jeans with her hair in a ponytail under a hat.






Rihanna: Rihanna is tricky because she has a lot of different styles. Sometimes she is too much for me. The yellow jeans look is the cutest. I could talk to a girl wearing that. And the white dress on the right is extremely elegant. The haircut works for her too, she has a big forehead.






Lauryn Hill: She just has a beautiful face. Some might argue that she looks like a little boy here [with the hat and scarf] but she has gorgeous lips, eyes and complexion. I knew her style better back in ’98 when she was wearing locks but she’s still an attractive woman.

































Kelis: She can be a hot mess sometimes. To me, this is not attractive. She’s trying too hard. That side hike is too high. Sometimes different isn’t good. I had to hold my laughter in when Ans responded to this one. I happen to love Kelis in this dress!






Gabrielle Union: This dress is form-fitting but not too much. She’s wearing it well; the color compliments her skin. When she smiles, her whole face lights up. By the way, Gabby is still my girl crush.







That’s all folks. Some of Anslem’s responses were kinda expected: confidence is sexy, trying too hard isn’t. Ya know, the sorta thing men say "on record" all the time. However other stuff really surprised me: sweatpants and long , flowy skirts can be a turn-on, over-the-top lingerie (often) is not. How many times have I freaked out in the past because (ahem) I didn’t have on a "matching set"! Geez…

Were you surprised by any of Anselm’s thoughts? Why or why not? I wanna know so leave me a comment and share your own opinions por favor.

Word on Seventh Avenue is...

I was so excited to see that Constance White made #7 on Fashion's 50 Most Powerful List in yesterday's New York Daily News. She so deserves it. White is presently the style director at eBay but has also completed stints at The New York Times, Elle and WWD. She is also the author of Style Noir. In addition, she provides her expertise to a gazillion of television shows and other media outlets on the whos and whats of fashion. And personally, I know that she truly cares about those on the come-up. In writing this post, I pulled out my copy of Style Noir and saw that she autographed it during a book signing at F.I.T. while I was a student there. Since then, I have come to know her as a mentor and even a colleague. Kinda crazy, right?

Number one on the list was Vogue's Anna Wintour. Like it or not, I think they were correct about that pick. Um, let's just say people take Anna's calls. Others I was excited to see make the cut include creative director of The Gap, Patrick Robinson (I interviewed him for the day job and he's a seriously talented designer), uber SATC stylist and boutique owner Patricia Field, what ya know about a wrap dress Diane von Furstenberg and Brandusa Niro, editor in chief of Daily Candy (Although they clog my in-box with emails, I so adore the witty and informative writing of this site). And the wildcard (but not really) on the list was billionaire mayor Michael Bloomberg. Surprised? The fashion biz is the second highest ranking industry (profit-wise) in NYC and basically, 'ole Mike runs this town.

(Have a look at the entire list here.)

Ev, a PPT reader, wanted to know who designed Michelle Obama's brooch that I mentioned in my last post. Well Ev, I did find out that the dress was by Michelle's trusted Maria Pinto (she turns to her designs quite often) but the brooch was apparently straight from her jewelry box. Yet another reason to love Michelle's style.

Michelle Obama's Style Definitely Goes Way Beyond Clothes...

Last night I was an emotional wreck. First, I was pressed to watch The Black List on HBO since a few of my colleagues had gone to screenings and couldn't stop raving about the doc. I enjoyed the diversity of the profiles -- from Al Sharpton and Chris Rock to Thelma Golden and Zane. Good, good stuff. I did miss the end of Bill T. Jones because as much as I was enjoying the program, I couldn't miss a second of Michelle Obama's speech at the Democratic National Convention. (I guess TiVo would solve that little problem, huh?)



I began watching just in time, as her brother Craig was introducing her. That alone got me teary-eyed because I am very close to my older brother as well. Without exageration, I cried no less than three times while watching Michelle's speech. And then cried again when Malia and Sasha came out to join their mom on stage. Folks, THAT was history. And I'm so grateful that I had an opportunity to experience it in my lifetime. I know there will be a plethora political analysis disecting her speech today in all the major (and not-so major) media outlets. How she is (or isn't) an asset to her husband's campaign, how she did (or didn't) resolve any issues of her being elite or unpatriotic. I can't do that though.

I also can't bear to write about Michelle's flawless shiny hair last night during her speech. Or speculate on how fast the aqua-green, v-neck dress she wore will sell out. Or even how she accessorized the look with a brooch that could have easily went into the matronly zone yet she still managed to look very modern and fresh. Nope, I can't do that today. For one, I've written about her style, at length, here on PPT before. But moreover, the grace, confidence and all-around swagger that Michelle exuded last night had NOTHING to do with what she was wearing. Please understand this. What she displayed has to come from a place within. As much as I love fashion and I recognize how important outward appearance can be, I am much more concerned these days with quality education for children of working class people (and no I don't have kids of my own), affordable housing (Yes, I do own a home) and health insurance for the working poor (Even though I have excellent benefits). Michelle genuinely seems concerned with these things as well and I think her life's work thus far indicate such. Her values on family, work ethic and womanhood are what made me cry last night, I couldn't care any less who designed her dress to be honest.

One lesson Michelle did remind us all of during her speech was:

You wear the clothes, don't let the clothes wear you.

And she didn't even charge us.

Get a more in-depth look at Michelle's style recipe here in a piece I worked on, Commander in Sheath, for the 10am-6pm. (Click on the main pic to view the photo gallery.)

Exclusive: Michelle Obama Addresses The New Yorker Cover

…That’s when I wondered was I here for "the cause" or because,
‘Cuz Ray Charles can see the ghetto,
Was told to be strong and I could beat the devil.
-Nas, Doo Rags

Work wear essentials will have to wait until tomorrow. Gotta get some other stuff off my heart and mind right now. I thought hard about whether or not I was gonna mention the now infamous New Yorker cover here. (Click on the link if you need to see it. I refuse to post that foolishness on my blog.) The cover has gotten way too much attention already. It’s ugly (I mean ugly in the way an old southern Black woman calls ignorant behavior ugly) and I didn’t want to repeat much of what everyone else has already said on their blogs. So yesterday evening I decided not to address it.

Where are the turbans, guns and burning flags I wonder?

But then earlier today, I stumbled upon the September 2007 issue of Essence magazine. In it is a feature story on our girl, Michelle Obama. I believe this was actually the article that made me fully aware of her gangsta. Well, when I revisited the article I initially read some ten months ago, I came across this quote:

"I know who I need to be. I’ve come to know myself at the age of 43. Now maybe if I were 23 or 33, I’d still be struggling with that. But I’m a grown-up. I’ve seen it up, and I’ve seen it down, and I know who I need to be to stay true to who I am and keep my family on track."

Folks, I don’t think we have seen the dirtiest this race will be just yet. And while I am still pissed about this cover (and let’s all take a moment to acknowledge how offensive it is to those of the Muslim faith, those who were/are a part of the Black Panther Party and those who are of Arabic heritage as well) and probably will be for a minute, Michelle’s above quote gave me exactly the solace I needed to deal with this. She and Barack knew when he decided to run that ish wasn’t gonna be fair. Neither of them would have accomplished what they have thus far in life if they stopped when ish wasn't fair or right. Of course I can’t know for sure but I think Michelle’s quote just perfectly sums up how she feels about this whole mess.
I started this post off with a few lyrics from one of my all-time favorite musical dudes, Nasir Jones. The lyrics are from his under the radar album, The Lost Tapes and I thought they were fitting for a time such as this. Oh and since I was so pressed to attend his concert tonight in NYC, I missed the VIP preview day of the Tracy Reese sample sale. But I honestly didn’t need to go. I need new furniture much more than I need a new dress -- I can’t afford both right now. I wanted him to perform Doo Rags tonight and he didn’t but I have saved money (for my new plasma) as I result of attending his show. See, Nas is a poet and a budget enforcer!

The regularly scheduled blogging should resume tomorrow. Thanks for reading.

P.S. - I know I reached with the title of this post but I needed to get your attention.