Inaugural Ball Gowns

Note to Dr. Jill Biden:
Way to steal the show. Seriously, this Reem Acra gown is equal parts sizzling and stunning. I love the way Acra arranged the fabric on the bodice. The color is appropriately patriotic, and perfect for the occasion. The dress also fits you perfectly, and really highlights your petite frame, and awesome arms. Man, if I could have arms like yours when I reach your age, I will be a happy woman. Actually, lets be honest, I would kill for arms like yours at my age now! Anyway, well done.



Note to Michelle Obama:
Now we reach the main event. I appreciate you wearing white, embracing tradition of either wearing red, white or blue. Few people can pull of a true shade of white, but it looks amazing on you. In theory, I like your dress. You have beautiful arms, and a pretty collarbone, and the asymmetrical top highlights these areas. I don't even mind the appliques that designer Jason Wu used. My problem, is once again with the fit of your gown. It has the fitted bodice, which looks great, but it starts to get flowy at the wrong point of your body. If it was fitted for a few more inches, it would continue to show your great physique, but instead, it draws too much attention to your hips and tummy. You still look amazing, but these little fit issues are holding you back from looking your best. Maybe your husband needs to appoint me as the Secretary of Style? I really think it would help.

Note to Readers:
How many times do I have to say it; the fit of a garment is crucial. CRUCIAL people. Also, I have decided to try to post something everyday. So, keep coming back to see what I have for you.

What did you think of the Inaugural Ball Gowns? Also, I would love to have an event where I have to wear a gown, wouldn't you? I can't even think of the last time I received an invitation to a social event where a gown was required. Hmmm... maybe we should have a stimulate the retail economy ball, where everyone gets to wear a gown. Just a thought.

Inaugural Style

Note to our new First Lady:

For today's Inauguration, you chose the above Isabel Toledo ensemble.  Traditionally many First Ladies have opted to wear a patriotic red look, but your husband does speak a lot about change.  I know I was a little tough on you about the fit of your looks in this post, but today I have nothing but praise for your Inaugural selection.  The yellow-gold color of this coat and dress are stunning on you, and the selection of the tastefully shimmering fabric was en pointe.  I love the adorned neckline on the sheath, and how your stand out ensemble perfectly complements your husbands classic and conservative white shirt and red tie.  One tiny thing, I myself would not have paired this look with moss green shoes.  Maybe it is just the photo, and they are better suited for your outfit in better lighting?

Note to Readers:

Well, we have seen what Michelle Obama has chosen for the first of the Inaugural events, but what will she choose to wear to the Inaugural Balls?  We have seen that fashion's finest were clamoring to dress her in this post.  I can not wait to see whom she chooses, and what they come up with.  What did you think of her look today?

What to Wear

Note to Michelle Obama:

In the height of the anxious anticipation over what you will wear to your husband's inauguration, the geniuses over at WWD had some of the best and brightest designers create a few sketches for you.  You really have the entire fashion world at the palm of your hand, and I am beyond jealous of all the big name designers that created sketches just for you.  My one word of advice?  Make sure whatever you select fits you properly, we all know that is my complaint with your wardrobe (as discussed here).

Note to Readers:

Fashion sketches are always exciting to see, because it is such a personally stylized art form.  Some designers (or their sketch artist) go into full detail on a gown, but only draw lips or a line for the eyes on the face.  Other designers put a great deal of emphasis on the face and the contouring of the person, and less on the rendering of the garment.  Maybe it's just me, but I adore getting a peek at designer sketches, and hopefully you will too.

Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel's Inaugural VIsion


A sketch from the lovely Diane Von Furstenburg


A sketch from my fellow FIDM alum, Monique Lhuillier


Marc Jacobs' take on the Ball Gown


Oscar de la Renta's (Laura Bush's go-to designer) patriotic vision


Click on the WWD link above to see more of the sketches. Which dress do you think she should select?

Rock the Vote

Note to Readers:
A historic election day is just hours away. I wanted to do an election inspired post, to remind everyone to vote, if you haven't already. I voted with an absentee ballot, and love this method, because I don't have to wait in lines at the polls. Anyway, in honor of the election, I want to examine the fashion and style of Michelle Obama and Cindy McCain. One of them is going to be our next First Lady, so let's see who looks the part!


Note to Michelle Obama:
I like that you are brave enough to incorporate horizontal stripes in your Narciso Rodriguez look. I think the black and white color selection is a classic choice, and will almost always look sophisticated. However, your jacket is too big for you, and you will be surprised to see how much a little tailoring will dramatically improve your look. Its all the about the fit Michelle.

Note to Cindy McCain:
I love this camel jacket. From the buttons, to the collar, to the perfect fit, this jacket looks like it was made for you (and maybe it was). This jacket is sophisticated without looking matronly or stuffy. I can't say enough good things about it. My one complaint about this look is the pants. Did you have to wear a matchy-matchy suit? Maybe I just have a personal aversion to completely coordinating separates, but I wish you chose to pair this jacket with something a different color, and a little more interesting.



Note to Michelle:
I admire that you wear "budget-friendly" J-Crew and Gap ensembles to things, and you still look polished and stylish. Sometimes you turn to designers, like wearing Narciso Rodriguez or in this dress you turned to Thakoon. The colors of this floral dress look amazing with your skin, and I love the interesting print. I wish the skirt was less of an a-line, if it fit a little bit closer to the body it would be more flattering on your figure. Minor fit issues aside, I think this is a beautiful dress, and an excellent choice.

Note to Cindy:
(Apparently I am on a first name basis with the women now) You really understand color. This Oscar de la Renta dress is a gorgeous, unique color and I am loving it. The silhouette of the dress is a wonderful play on a shirt-dress, and the full skirt is a wise design choice, and the pleats in the skirt are perfectly executed. Mr. de la Renta has done amazing gowns for the current First Lady, and he did an immaculate job with this dress. Maybe he should run for president?

Reminder to Readers:
Vote. You have the freedom to choose whom and what you are going to vote for, enact that freedom.