An Open Letter To Michelle Obama: Recycle! Wear Vintage!

DAHLING MS. OBAMA -

One isn't quite sure how to word the greeting...should it be "Dahling First Lady"? "Dahling Michelle"? "Darling Wife Of That Staggeringly Handsome President"? Hard decisions, and I have barely started this blog-thing! Somehow I never felt inspired to write to Laura Bush.

We all know how lovely you looked on Inauguration night, in your only-slightly-too-fussy evening gown.


Of course we remember the controversy your official portrait caused, even though you looked sleek and sophisticated in your little black dress. Quietly tasteful is the phrase that comes to mind, Ms. Obama.

The more we get to know you (or at least your public image), the more we see how much you like bare arms, bold colors, daring shapes, a mix of conservative and innovative that few other women could pull off. (Although the blue argyle cardigan with the formal skirt is pushing it a tad, in my opinion.) You have brought J. Crew, Thakoon and Isabel Toledo recognition worldwide.

Ms. Obama, as long as you are playing with your style, why not try vintage clothing?

Vintage offers everything you could want, and then some! Perhaps not in my shops (since virtually all of my stock is plus-sized), but there are countless other sellers out there who could benefit from your support.

Black sleeveless dresses? We've got them! Embellished cardigans? We've got them! Evening gowns in bold colors? We've got them! Interesting belts? We've got them! Sheath dresses? We have them and how, to use a colloquialism.

President Obama talks about economic stimulus packages. I can think of none better than you making an appearance in a beautiful vintage dress! You are not only fashionable, Ms. Obama, you are recycling! And of course, hundreds if not thousands of women will rush to follow your example.

For instance, this chartreuse gown by Pauline Trigere, available at Decades in Los Angeles:

Or this adorable sleeveless bright orange dress from Violetville Vintage on (ugh) Ebay:
Speaking of sleeveless, how about this stunner of a gown by designer Bosand in yellow and white? At http://www.cemetarian.com/:

And one must toot one's own horn. At my high-end shop, The Mad Fashionista's Plus Size Boutique, I have this simply amazing gold/silver/copper brocade gown (forgive me, the model is a bit too small):

http://fashiondig.com/shop/shop.asp?Page=1&MerchantID=5660

My dear First Lady, consider carefully what I am saying. Just one appearance in the right vintage dress, whether it be by Dior or Ceil Chapman, would be a shot in the arm (pardon the pun)to the vintage business!

And of course, you and your staggeringly handsome husband are welcome to visit my posh Central Park West digs at any time. Or here, at my fabulous (featured in Architectural Digest) oceanfront mansion.

Yours in impeccable style,
Ciao
Elisa & Bucky The Wonderdog*

*His behavior will be perfect, as long as you don't bring Bo.

Dateline Washington DC: Inauguration Fashion!

(This is Mademoiselle's assistant, writing up her notes from the Inauguration. I hope she gets good and looped at the post-Inaugural luncheon, she's been impossible.)

It is absolutely frigid out here, even my silk knit lingerie does not help. I am bundled up top to toe. Thank goodness Bucky is back at the Willard Hotel; the little darling does not do well in these temperatures. The estimates of the crowd range from 1 million to 16 million, but all I know is that my toes are frozen.

Hillary Clinton is wearing a cobalt blue coat that would be perfectly acceptable except for that strange ruffle across the back. Laura Bush is wearing a suitably toned down gray ensemble; considering how loudly her husband had been booed on his entrance, it wouldn't do to dress to be noticed.

Dick Cheney is being wheeled out in a chair...how did I ever bring myself to sleep with him back in the day?

Ah, Jill Biden is wearing a wonderful lipstick red coat with an assymetrical collar. It is a bit hard to tell, but I think she has on black gloves with large black bumps on them that resemble nothing so much as Elephant Man disease. Her husband, the Vice-President elect, has on more makeup than she does, it seems from here.



Michelle Obama is wearing a marvelous sheath with a matching coat over it, in gold with white embroidery by Isabel Toledo. She has accessorized it with green gloves and matching green pumps. This is definitely a First Lady with a style mind of her own. I don't care for the jeweled collar, but otherwise, this is an instant classic. (Pardon my fawning, but this is the new administration and your faithful correspondent knows which side her bread is buttered on.)

They are beginning the ceremony--whose hair is stiffer, Dianne Feinstein's or Joe Biden's? Neither one's is moving in the icy wind.



What does Aretha Franklin have on her head? Oh, dear, she is not in good voice this cold morning. Somebody just called out "Sing good!" Poor Aretha cannot oblige. She must have a cold. All the moaning and melismas in the world can't cover up the fact that the woman is having a hard time hitting the notes.

WAIT A MINUTE--I SEE A SPACE HEATER! MOVE IT OR LOSE IT, OLD MAN!

Ha. Cheney thought he could hide it under his wheelchair. Oh, that is such a relief...to be continued!

Ciao,
Elisa sans Bucky the Wonderdog