Political power couples - did they carry the look?

Posted to: Between the Seams
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By Jamesetta Walker
The Virginian-Pilot
© January 20, 2009

On one of the coldest day of the year, on a day that wasn't his, President George W. Bush still couldn't mask his charm at President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration. There you had an exiting, unpopular president dressed in all black – and he still looked chipper and dapper! Go figure. Gotta love it.

Outgoing first lady Laura Bush also rocked. She was impeccable in her baby blue suit. She looked vibrant. And her hair looked so glowing that she could nab an endorsement for a hair-care product. And did you see former President George H.W. Bush and former first lady Barbara? They both had on plum overcoats and purple scarves. The looked coordinated and fashionable.

New vice-presidential first lady Jill Biden's style was rather youthful for a lady of state. Her look bordered on rock star: a red, above-the knee coat with a rounded asymmetrical collar and black boots. First daughter Sasha Obama also could have worn that outfit. But you go girl. It's a new generation of leadership.

Vice President Joe Biden's choice of a bright blue necktie demonstrated his flair and confidence. Love it. The Carters - don't you just adore them. They look so healthy and organic. Unpretentious. Rosalynn's light blue scarf worn with her overcoat added a soft, reassuring touch.

Blue seems to have been a popular color among the power people. Sen. Hillary Clinton looked vibrant in her electric/royal blue swing coat. Hillary also is letting her hair grow. If she stops now she can retain the chic shape of her haircut. And former President Bill Clinton? Well, he looked, shall I say ... slick. The addition of his buttercream scarf to his svelte black overcoat was totally GQ.

But back the bright blue. Outgoing Vice President Dick Cheney had on a perky blue tie. Cindy McCain was rockin' it too with her electric blue swing coat. That's what I say: If you have to be bundled up to deal with the cold, you may as well heat things up with some color. Cindy's hair was pulled back in her signature loose bun. It's a look that continued to work. John McCain looked cold.

And last but not least – the Obamas. I'm not sure there is anything that President Obama could put on and look bad in. It was pleasantly surprising that he didn't coordinate his shirt and tie with first lady Michelle's mustard yellow and green outfit. His crisp white shirt and rich red tie spoke power plainly and strongly enough. Mrs. Obama was absolutely stunning in her embellished sheath and matching coat. The most eye-catchiing components of her look were her green gloves and green pumps. The leather gloves were from J. Crew and the patent pumps were made by Jimmy Choo, the Associated Press reported. I predict that green gloves will be the rage.

As for her ball gown, I'd expected her to choose a curvier silhouette in a jewel tone and with a small train. Instead, she wore an off-white, off-the-shoulder Jason Wu gown. It boasted a full skirt, appliques and beading. The dress looked more girly than stately. She still looked radiant. Let's just take this dress to the Smithsonian and move on.

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Disappointed

Submitted by sd1955 on Sat, 01/24/2009 at 1:21 pm.

I expected Michelle to be subdued but elegant for the swearing in. Not in an unstructured coat with a ribbon closure and rhinestone collared accent underneath. Daughter in a jacket with a ribbon wrapped around it. Although kids like to dress themselves at that age! But with stylists on hand and various gowns made in many colors to choose from, wearing white and the one shoulder look seemed like an afterthought since it hiked up the back and made the zipper off center, it appeared to be hurried and unfinished. Movement was not planned for, too much fabric for dancing but she is stately and looks the part. The discounted look did not match the Jimmy Choe shoes, for sure.

@ Emily

Submitted by Souper on Wed, 01/21/2009 at 6:27 pm.

How many family's homes, exactly, do you think she would have saved from foreclosure had she only worn those $20 Kmart Blue Light specials?

First Lady Michelle Obama

Submitted by sandydumont on Wed, 01/21/2009 at 11:14 am.

First Lady Michelle Obama has shown that she has a flair for color; and she looks fabulous in jewel tones. I was disappointed in her color choice for the Inauguration. Color has been my passions and specialty for 30 years, and the pistachio-toned yellow coat-suit didn't suit her. I adore Michelle, but I feel compelled to add that the coat closure fell at the wrong place. It was too high and would have flattered her figure more had it closed at the natural waistline. Hourglass figures are always in!

The First Lady looked absolutely divine in white. Good choice of color and style. With one tiny exception. Sorry, can't help it if I do "thin slicing." The shoulder strap looked askew. It would have been better had it been moved closer to the shoulder. It would have created a beautiful, uninterrupted flow of lines. As it, it sort of sticks out and catches the eye too much.

I hope Mrs. Obama will stick to her jewel tones and basic black. She's too important and too much of an inspiration for this country for her to ever be "stuck" in the wrong color again.