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12/16/08
Capitol style spotlight: Rochelle Behrens
The Power Suit. It says confident, smart and put together. And yet, women’s suits are a virtual jungle of discomfort, misfit and bad cuts. It’s no wonder that many Washington career women have given up on this staple.
Critical to examining DC’s collective style, it is important to pay homage to those who are buck the “Washington lacks fashion” myth. Rochelle Behrens, 26, a Washington lobbyist by day and budding fashion designer by all other hours of the day, has been inspired by what she’s seen in DC, but knows there’s room for improvement.
Her “no gape” shirt is making a statement of its own. Picture this, you’re in a meeting with your client and your boss, so naturally you’re wearing a button-down blouse and suit jacket. You happen to look down and notice that there is a wide gape in a very inopportune place: your chest. Perhaps even worse, that most important button on your blouse has somehow come undone (no matter your cup size!).
Fed up with impractical, poorly fitting, and just plain boring work attire, Rochelle took to her own, creating the centerpiece to her debut line, The Rochelle Behrens Collection.
Rochelle is continuing to expand her collection, offering an array of figure flattering suits, jackets and dresses certain to fit your frame. See Rochelle most recently on the Today Show:
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12/5/08
WWD: What Should Michelle Wear?
To be, or not to be? What came first - the chicken or the egg? What should Michelle wear to the inauguration? Very serious business, those questions (ok, just the latter).
Bridget Foley and Bobbi Queen of Women's Wear Daily posed the question that many have been pondering since before her husband was elected.
As such, the fashion industry trade publication has pulled together 42 sketches from the world's leading couturiers. From the elegant Michael Kors and Monique Lhuillier, to the extreme Betsy Johnson, and the embodiment of couture, French designer Christian La Croix, the gown worn by Mrs. Obama may very well be the most infamous gown since...well since that Jennifer Lopez Versace number back in 2000.
One could wonder, what does it mean when not only designers are anxiously awaiting the dress of the century, but the whole world is watching in tandem?
I cannot say for certain. But I do know that whatever Michelle chooses, no matter the acolades or the critiques, she will look lovely and she will still be, just Michelle.
Here are a few of my favorites. I'd like to hear YOU what think our First Lady in waiting should wear - send me a comment.
For Evening:
Carolina Herrera
Michael Kors
Nicole Miller
Monique Lhuillier
Christian La Croix
Reem Acra
For Day:
Diane von Furstenberg
Badgley Mishka
12/3/08
11/25/08
11/20/08
11/9/08
White House | Black Market
Update from "First Lady of many firsts."
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The infamous sleeveless, black and white, tank leaf print dress from White House Black Market worn by Michelle Obama when she co-hosted The View on June 18 is now back for sale on the store's website.
It retails for $148 and still have sizes 0-16 in stock.
WHBM is offering free shipping until Sunday (today) and offer $20 a purchase of $80 or more if you are a Little Black Book shopper (the store discount card/program).
Although this is a warm-weather dress, this sold out in minutes as soon as the First Lady-elect told audiences where her ensemble was purchased.
Click here to purchase the Tank Leaf Print Dress.
Style Tip: Michelle's dress made such a statement because she made it her own by adding a sequined, black flower pin on the sleeve - adding a subtle punch of glamour. Broaches and pins add a great amount of character to most outfits.
11/6/08
The First Lady of many firsts
Now that the confetti has fallen and been swept up, the Obama victory moves toward fixing our nation. And with this momentous event, we usher in a new First Lady -- Jackie Obama. Ugh, I mean MICHELLE.
Michelle's impeccable fashion choices have been talked about widely in the media. And for good reason - the woman can dress.
She understands her body, her age, her role and exemplifies who she is and where she's going in each style choice that she makes.
But just as we should not expect perfection from our new president, we, too, must extend grace to the First Lady-elect.
This is the first time a woman of color will take the matrimonial throne of the White House. And just as Michelle understands how to dress for her position, as the public, we must understand their rules of style for a woman of her hue.
Maria Pinto, V-neck Violet Sheath
Many women of color have the luxury of wearing bright, bold colors, because their skin accentuates and accepts deeper tones.
So expect to see bright yellows in the spring time, and bold reds in the winter. She can pull it off, and so she should.
Now many have already criticized her Election Night design choice - some saying it was too busy.
Narcisso Rodriguez, Spring 2009 Collection
But no one should dare say it was not becoming of a First Lady --we should continue to be open-minded, as we were with our nation's first First Lady of Fashion.
Puerto Rico Primaries
Since this blog is about Washington's style choices and what those choices mean to our lives, as Mrs. Obama continues to make stunning decisions, she will continue to be the subject of many blog entries.
Mrs. Obama, welcome to Washington.
Welcome back, Camelot.
Courtesy of Vogue
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