War of the Wardrobes

It used to be that fashion icons were women from the past. Hollywood starlets, long since deceased, who embodied the idea of true, effortless, chic fashion. Audrey Hepburn, pour example.

But, nowadays, we don’t have to look further than the front pages of our daily newspaper to see powerful and stylish women.

Icons in our midst.

Because, while their husbands play politics, first ladies Michelle Obama and Carla Bruni-Sarkozy are making a name for themselves as true fashionistas.

Very different in their approach to dressing (Obama’s contemporary modern flair and Bruni’s classic polished style), these two women offer a lot of fashion food for thought.

Recently, the two women came together in Strasbourg, where their husband’s were preparing for the upcoming Nato summit.

While the world looked to the city where political leaders were contemplating their future alliances, fashionistas world-wide looked on as they contemplated their future outfits.

The fashion face-off was well documented in the UK’s Guardian newspaper.

The women’s outfits were analyzed, ranted and raved about.

In the face of the recession, many felt Obama’s mix-and-match daring style was a sure-fire winner. She’s not afraid to grab an item from J. Crew and match it with a designer piece. Very economical of you, my lady.

But I have to admit, it’s Bruni’s regal duds that always set my heart a flutter. Sure, it’s mostly grey and the most eccentric accessory is a cleverly placed bow, but if I were a first lady, you bet your scene-stealing ass I’d be draped in Dior.

You be the judge:

Oooh Obama

Whoa, maybe spoke too soon?

Looks like Obama took his eye off the bowling ball on this one.

Today he is being criticized for a crack he made about his bowling skills while appearing on the Tonight Show.
When asked if he’s been practicing his skills in the White House bowling alley, Obama said:
“I scored a 129… I know, it sounds like the Special Olympics.”
Although Obama has since publicly apologized for the comment, the right-wing pundits are already having a party with this one.
I didn’t even notice the comment when I watched. I was too mesmerized by that toothy smile of his.
Oooh Obama.

Solid as Barack

Did anyone else find themselves grinning ear to ear while watching President Barack Obama’s recent appearance on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno?

In a monumental move by a world leader, Obama agreed to join Leno on his nightly talk show - the first time a sitting American president has done so in history.
HUGE coo for Leno and fascinating television for the rest of us.
The media was going wild days before his appearance. Sure, Obama can hold his own during a press conference but how would he make out fielding questions from a comedian? There’s no telling what a comedian will say, right?
What would Obama say about the recent AIG crisis? Is he still the calm, cool, collected man’s-man we saw on the trail? What would he wear? Where is this new puppy? Speculation run amuck!
I thought Obama’s appearance was flawless, mostly because he came across as a truly genuine, smart individual who can explain complicated situations so everyone can understand them. I truly believe that a mark of an intelligent person is someone who is able to take a complex problem and simplify it so even a child can understand. Obama does this with ease.
How many average citizens understand what the AIG does and why the bonuses are unjust? How many average citizens really understand why the United States and the economy-at-large is experiencing the worst recession since the Depression?
Obama was able to explain the situation and offer solutions. Granted, his solutions were pretty vague. I’m sure he’s not even positive what can and should be done to fix this mess. It’s uncharted territory on a very new world leader. But he offers hope and quite frankly, I bought it.
I’m glad Leno didn’t shy away from tough questions, like asking Obama about the criticism his treasury secretary Timothy Geithner has recently faced over the U.S bailout package and his slow reaction to stop AIG from paying out $165 million in bonuses to employees (many of whom are responsible for bringing the American economy to their knees).
Though Obama stayed fairly neutral throughout the mild grilling, he did say that as president, he will not pass the blame onto any one individual. He said he is working towards a strict checks and balance system on large U.S. financial institutions, which could avoid “holding America hostage”, such as AIG has successfully done.
Great! But what happens when the president is not as nice as you Barack? A repeat of George W. in office could spell trouble with these new policies.
Regardless, I really enjoyed the segment. I felt like I was watching my long-lost, trustworthy uncle. An uncle whom, although working incredibly hard and rising above the odds, still couldn’t believe how successful he had become.
It’s that genuine quality that makes Obama such a crowd pleaser, and why I was glued to the screen last evening.
For those who missed it:
http://www.nbc.com/The_Tonight_Show_with_Jay_leno/video/clips/president-obama-319/1067541/