Shortly after Michelle Obama’s appearance as a guest host on ABC’s the View, her choice of clothing began attracting media attention, turning political and general assignment journalists into fashion critics. NBC’s Today show claimed that "fashion icon" Obama had started a "frock frenzy." Before that, NBC's Lee Cowan, who has said covering Barack Obama makes his "knees quake," gushed that "Michelle Obama had always been there, dressed as brightly as her husband's smile."
Well today, Chicago Tribune fashion columnist Wendy Donahue took a stab at political commentary, using Obama’s dress as her news hook.
Donahue’s June 23 article, "That 'Obama Dress,'" makes it seem like Obama's choice of fashion has more to it than just looking good, it's highly symbolic as well: "Pundits will wonder whether it was a reference to 'ebony-and-ivory unity,' Slate.com said, also pointing out that the brand's name, White House/Black Market, points to Pennsylvania Avenue."
In an effort to make Obama seem less elitist and more middle class, Donahue wrote:
Obama disclosed that, on this occasion, she was wearing a $148 print dress from White House/Black Market, accented with a brooch. . . . I'd guess this down-to-earth wardrobe choice might simply be part of a broader effort, by her husband's campaign, to soften her image and make her more relatable. I'll admit it works for me.
A $148 dress is "down-to-eart"? How many "down-to-earth" women can afford to go out and pay that much for one dress?
Donahue even seemingly urges readers to buy the dress saying that "You might still be able to find 'the Obama dress' at White House/Black Market, one of my secret sources of always affordable, updated classics (mostly in black and white, as you might guess) and great shoes."
Of course, White House/Black Market isn’t exactly a friendly neighborhood, down-to-earth clothing store. It is more of a fancy women's boutique. Dresses featured on the Web site range in price from $88 to $298.
Perhaps Donahue is just mimicking the style in vogue with her counterpart at the Washington Post, fashion editor Robin Givhan who has generally used her columnist’s pen to skewer conservatives while gushing about liberals’ sartorial sense, particularly that of the Obamas. After Barack Obama's speech in St. Paul, Minnesota, Givhan wrote about Michelle Obama’s purple dress:
The choice of violet stands out because it's not one of the primary colors so beloved by political spouses. Historically, it's regal. Today, it's fashionable. Michelle Obama seems to choose her hues based on what looks best on her, ignoring the political how-to manual. And so it's no surprise that we should see colors like violet -- or chartreuse -- that are atypical. She is not standard first lady material. She is a black woman dressing to flatter her skin tone. Can shades of pumpkin or mustard be far behind?
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
This damned dress must be
June 23, 2008 - 17:25 ET by Chris NormanThis damned dress must be the most famous dress since the blue one and if I hear about it one more time, I won't be responsible for my actions.
Blue Dress
June 23, 2008 - 18:53 ET by BarrackWhat if you hear about the blue pant suit one more time?
www.benbarrack.com
I am sick of this
June 23, 2008 - 17:42 ET by bigtimerI am sick of this dress..the commentary and the woman who wore it.
Nobody cares in the real world.
Nobody!
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Wilson
bt, It looks like our
June 23, 2008 - 17:47 ET by Chris Normanbt,
It looks like our thoughts are tracking together again. see above. :)
LOL Chris... Well, as mb
June 23, 2008 - 17:53 ET by bigtimerLOL Chris...
Well, as mb likes to say...GMTA!
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Wilson
We should be in one of those
June 23, 2008 - 18:06 ET by Chris NormanWe should be in one of those Frank Luntz test audiences, jabbing the negative buttons. :)
On the other hand, if they're going to do this anyway, it might be the kind of thing that will reveal to more people the grotesque bias that exists in the media. They might even get as sick and tired (as we are) of these crude attempts at glamorizing and canonizing the Obamas. This may all blow up in their faces, eventually - we can hope - maybe - oh, please...
Women's wear
June 23, 2008 - 18:15 ET by AndersonMichelle Obama should wear the native dress of her early American benefactors. Brown shifts woven from dirty cotton. What makes her think she deserves better? She isn’t Cindy McCain, afterall.
Oh Andy the Dandy is back
June 23, 2008 - 18:19 ET by bigtimerOh Andy the Dandy is back ...cute by half too...
Btw..you may want to inform the rest of your leftist msm your opinion.
Double dare ya.
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Wilson
What a stupid and irrelevant
June 23, 2008 - 18:52 ET by Chris NormanWhat a stupid and irrelevant comment.
Gone With the Wind
June 23, 2008 - 19:02 ET by AndersonChris,
Sorry, I was just thinking about “Gone with the Wind” and the idea popped into my head.
Prissy: Mammy, here's Miss Scarlet's vittles.
Scarlett: You can take it all back to the kitchen; I won't eat a bite.
What a stupid and
June 23, 2008 - 19:02 ET by NewsbusterbrownWhat a stupid and irrelevant comment.
A typical Anderson post.
“There are no easy answers' but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right.” - Ronald Reagan (1964 Republican Convention)
" turning political and
June 23, 2008 - 18:18 ET by Chris Norman" turning political and general assignment journalists into fashion critics...fashion columnist Wendy Donahue took a stab at political commentary"
When it comes to covering the Obamas, the lines between news and entertainment aren't just blurred but erased. This is like watching a freakin' carnival on LSD...
Or turning fashion critics
June 23, 2008 - 19:19 ET by motherbeltOr turning fashion critics into political pundits. Remember WaPo fashion reporter Robin Givhan's dissection of the Roberts family when he was announced as a SCOTUS pick, as she decreed that "the Roberts family went too far."
Here are some excerpts:
....His wife and children stood before the cameras, groomed and glossy in pastel hues -- like a trio of Easter eggs, a handful of Jelly Bellies, three little Necco wafers. There was tow-headed Jack [....] dressed in a seersucker suit with short pants and saddle shoes. His sister, Josie,[....] Her blond pageboy glistened. And she was wearing a yellow dress with a crisp white collar, lace-trimmed anklets and black patent-leather Mary Janes. [...]
The wife wore a strawberry-pink tweed suit with taupe pumps and pearls, which alone would not have been particularly remarkable, but alongside the nostalgic costuming of the children, the overall effect was of self-consciously crafted perfection.
More about young Jack:
In a time when most children are dressed in Gap Kids and retailers of
similar price-point and modernity, the parents put young master Jack in
an ensemble that calls to mind John F. "John-John" Kennedy Jr.
[How gauche!]
But apparently, comparing the Obamas to the royal Kennedys is perfectly appropriate!
Shoot 'em all; let God sort 'em out! - Marge Simpson
Can shades of pumpkin or
June 23, 2008 - 18:22 ET by Roger the ShrubberCan shades of pumpkin or mustard be far behind?
My word. The McCain campaign had better watch out if Michelle shows up wearing something goldenrod, sienna, or, gasp, FELDSPAR!
Shrubmeister,
June 23, 2008 - 19:09 ET by BlondeFeldspar?
Too funny!
What's the real color for that? I know the real word for pumpkin (burnt orange) and mustard (baby **** yellow)....but feldspar?
You are truly a man of many talents!
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Blondie!!!
June 23, 2008 - 19:54 ET by Roger the ShrubberPut me on the spot next time, haha
Had to look up to see what the color is (I just remembered it from a class back in college...)
I found it!
Better yet, here!
Ah so, Shrubster
June 23, 2008 - 19:56 ET by BlondePumpkin on steroids.
Got it.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Mustard will be "ochre",
June 23, 2008 - 19:24 ET by motherbeltMustard will be "ochre", pumpkin will be "not a sunny color, but a strong orange matching her personality".....
Too bad they don't have a girl and a boy....you know, Caroline and John-John.... well, nobody's perfect.
Shoot 'em all; let God sort 'em out! - Marge Simpson
I love ochre. Especially
June 23, 2008 - 19:46 ET by Roger the ShrubberI love ochre. Especially Shrek.
Feldspar, Shrub?
June 23, 2008 - 19:54 ET by BlondeDavid Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
What does this say about the
June 23, 2008 - 18:22 ET by allamericangirlWhat does this say about the mental state of these people. I suppose we will see everyone running around at the Democrat Convention In their little frocks giving each other knuckle bumps.
They will all be chanting about how much they love change.
Can't wait to see Chris Mathews in his little frock.
I think I prefer to be influenced by Cindy McCain and I will now go have a beer.
"I have always been proud of my country"- Cindy McCain
Titillated?
June 23, 2008 - 18:34 ET by AndersonI am beginning to think that a portion of the conservative base is becoming Barack Obama titillated. Shore up the base, oh Conservative Brethren and Sisters. Throw a few extra sandbags on the levy, make a few more man-sized sandwiches and pray to God we have been right all along!
Andy... Titillated... Ar
June 23, 2008 - 18:39 ET by bigtimerAndy...
Titillated...
Are you nuts?
Troll on as you always do...
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Wilson
"We?"
June 23, 2008 - 18:39 ET by Indiana JoeYou got a mouse in your pocket or something?
IJ...
June 23, 2008 - 19:10 ET by BlondeDon't know about the mouse, but I think he has a gerbil.......
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
I am beginning to
June 23, 2008 - 19:06 ET by NewsbusterbrownI am beginning to think
If you say so.
“There are no easy answers' but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right.” - Ronald Reagan (1964 Republican Convention)
What is it about Democrats,
June 23, 2008 - 19:53 ET by Jack BauerWhat is it about Democrats, they have tax and levy on the brain.
Unless you mean levee, what the rest of it means I have no frackin' idea.
It's a dress. Seriously,
June 23, 2008 - 18:23 ET by balboaIt's a dress. Seriously, these people need to calm down.
As for the price, I don't know what constitutes a reasonable price for a nice dress. Can one of the female posters weigh in on that?
boa..I could care less one
June 23, 2008 - 18:29 ET by bigtimerboa..I could care less one way or the other...we all may have varying opinions on areas and our tastes...this isn't about that anyway...
I am sick of the ridiculous over coverage of the danged I hate America unless my man wins POS for a woman and what she wears.
I remember well what the msm did to Nancy Reagan and her classy taste in clothing...the msm were obsessively critical and sick filty critters when it came to her.
It is what is inside those pieces of cloth that matter to me.
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Wilson
It's all about the
June 23, 2008 - 19:12 ET by RukusIt's all about the "Non-issue REMAKE of MO". LOL! If she wears rags it will be "we're showing we can be like anyone else is of the down troddin' masses". After all her political posturing before, now it's how she is just SO like everyone else! Pandering is going to have to be re written in the books this year. How obvious can she be?? Nancy R. was a class act, this is ridiculous! BT, you are spot on!
"Nuke 'em 'til they... oh hell, just shoot 'em!"
bt, if you're still here,
June 23, 2008 - 19:45 ET by motherbeltbt, if you're still here, see my commet way up above, in response to Chris, about Robin Givhan and the Roberts family, if you need another example about how they treat conservatives. Fashion as politics.
Shoot 'em all; let God sort 'em out! - Marge Simpson
Mb... Just read it...I
June 23, 2008 - 19:54 ET by bigtimerMb...
Just read it...I remember that well, I wouldn't of it you hadn't done the excellent work there...the msm were brutal...they made me sick to my stomach (along with the dems in the Senate as to the hearings)..they hypocrisy is staggering isn't it?
Make fun of the family, contrast it to the Kennedy style retro..yet Michelle is the new Jackie O...when it suits their sick leftist fantasies.
Disgusting.
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Wilson
Really?
June 23, 2008 - 18:43 ET by Anderson"These people?" The best you can do?
I'm talking about the media,
June 23, 2008 - 18:57 ET by balboaI'm talking about the media, Anderson.
Damn, bal, you've been
June 23, 2008 - 19:25 ET by Indiana JoeDamn, bal, you've been spending too much time here, and it's rubbing off. Now you're drawing troll-hits!
;^D
Hi IJ... I just saw this
June 23, 2008 - 19:32 ET by bigtimerHi IJ...
I just saw this so you beat to me to the response I was going to give boa...
Amusing when trolls don't know boa yet......
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Wilson
I know! I got people
June 23, 2008 - 19:33 ET by balboaI know! I got people sarcastically proclaiming my intelligence one day, newbies impugning my posts the next! Hmmph!
Quit fighting it, bal.
June 23, 2008 - 20:12 ET by Indiana JoeQuit fighting it, bal. You're known by the company you keep.
;^D
Same distinction
June 23, 2008 - 21:10 ET by AndersonFor sure!
Bal,
June 23, 2008 - 19:22 ET by BlondeA fair question, fairly asked. So I'll answer.
If one is a nattering nabob of the media, $148 is a very inexpensive amount to pay for a dress. The dress, in fact, is not bad. I'm not sure I'd wear it...but again, it's not my style. I can imagine friends of mine wearing it tho.
However, if one is a working woman on a budget....the full price of that dress at $148 is too much, but what makes it fun is to pick it up for about $35 on super mark-down sale. THAT is reasonable. Regardless of the one's budget, the point of recreational shopping is to find a bargain!
Now, I've spent far more for my clothes than that, and far less, too. But for the media to CARP incessantly about how "reasonable" and "regular" this dress makes MO is just plain nuts. Think about it...for someone who makes $15 an hour...this is 1/4 of a week's pre-tax pay. So....how many women spend that much on one dress? (Remember, and sorry for being girly here....but you did ask! There are also shoes to consider. And shoes should cost at least as much as the clothes, IMO).
Okay, that's my fashion police statement for the day. Hope that helped, bal.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Fair enough. Thanks.
June 23, 2008 - 19:30 ET by balboaFair enough. Thanks.
Mammy's dress
June 23, 2008 - 22:54 ET by JudithA reasonable price but with her $329,000 annual salary could she have not affored more? This campaign is already driving me over the edge. The libs have gone INSANE. They don't even make sense when they talk. I like the comment about all of them wearing this "frock" at their convention "nightmare" and giving each other fist bumps. Cracked me up.
Fashion icon? not so sure...
June 23, 2008 - 18:51 ET by SickofLibsOther, possibly less inspiring, B+W patterned species:
Holstein cows
Poison dart tree frogs
Dalmations
Kingsnakes
Killer whales
Birch trees
Zebras
Triggerfish
Her husband
SoL... ROFLMAO! Those
June 23, 2008 - 18:58 ET by bigtimerSoL...
ROFLMAO!
Those are priceless..especially the last one.
Throw in the NYT's and WaPo ect too...
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Wilson
black and white
June 23, 2008 - 22:57 ET by JudithThank you. I haven't laughed this hard in a long time. May I add one: reality/insanity.
Judith... ROFL...Works
June 23, 2008 - 23:03 ET by bigtimerJudith...
ROFL...Works for me...
Good to see you here..haven't seen you for a bit.
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Wilson
Michelle's Peace Dress
June 23, 2008 - 18:54 ET by BarrackIf you look closely, the black design forms words that say, "Eat more popocorn and drink more coke".
www.benbarrack.com
Latinos not represented
June 23, 2008 - 19:17 ET by BarrackIf Michelle was trying to convey unity, why did she leave the Mexicans out?
This is absurd..... And the Obamas are to blame.....
www.benbarrack.com
I'm with Chris and Big on this one
June 23, 2008 - 19:53 ET by DelsaGet over this frekin dress already.
I thought she took the drapes from some old house and stitched it together. Then I found out she paid $ for it and to top it off, my dearest liberal friend said she thought it was a great dress.
I suggested to my friend she was just a fashion queen and ended it.
I hope Michelle O has one in every color because this damn dress is ALL she has going for her!!
Did I spell Frekin or Freekin or ...correctly?
Careful, Delsa
June 23, 2008 - 19:53 ET by BlondeDoncha be comparin' Michelle Ma Belle to Scarlette O'Hara....you'all have the race pulees aftah yo in a flaaash!
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Darn it Blonde
June 23, 2008 - 19:55 ET by DelsaI can't get away with anything?
You clever devil. You caught me!
Color me Melanie
June 23, 2008 - 19:59 ET by BlondeMizz Scahlette.
I don't know nuthing bout weah'in deesinuh cloaaathes.
(Nor does MO, but THAT's a different matter, LOL).
This is as much fun as we girls can have without spending money, yes?
<edit> P. S. Ah mint da fashun po-leece.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
What if Michelle stopped shaving her legs?
June 23, 2008 - 20:02 ET by nkviking75I wish Michelle would stop shaving her legs for a month just to enjoy the verbal contortions the media would have to go through to sell it as a "fashion trend".
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.
nk... ...and they
June 23, 2008 - 20:04 ET by bigtimernk...
...and they would...
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Wilson
nk
June 23, 2008 - 20:06 ET by BlondeSheesh, fella....grossed me right out with how bloody spot-on you are with that observation.
The media is just SICK!
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
NKviking75
June 23, 2008 - 20:07 ET by upcountrywaterThat would be a GREEN fashion trend.. all the power saved not whacking off the haairrr. <cough hair ball>
Power Equal to a jet plane ride.
Liberals62%
IranianUranium
Impressing the French
June 23, 2008 - 20:09 ET by nkviking75Another advantage (by liberal standards): The French would be impressed.
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.
Not just the power...the
June 23, 2008 - 20:14 ET by bigtimerNot just the power...the oil based by-products saved on the use of the razor blades/packaging ect... lotions and notions used during and afterwards...lol.
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Wilson