Who plans a wedding right after the holidays? Yikes! The thought of fitting into the new dress I bought pre-holiday pounds is just too scary.  According to Kim Kardashian the best way to look slim in your tight fitting dresses is to invest in a shape-boosting body suit which is similar to a SPANX like garment.  My Beauty Match.com in-house fashion junkie swear by Victoria’s Secret “So Curvaceous Slip”!  This nylon-spandex mini slip fits right under your bra and helps to create cleavage while sucking and smoothing down to the mid thigh.  Phew….Now I am ready to meet a cute guy at the wedding!

Lift & Tighten your Butt!

Reebok Women’s Easytone Reenew Toner,White/Indian Magenta/Pure Silver/Steel,9 M US

We try and spend time in the gym but sometimes all the squats in the world won’t tighten our butt to perfection. Now we can tone outside of the gym to by just wearing Reebok’s Easytone Reenew Toner.  These lightweight sneakers are available in 7 awesome color combos. Easytone Reenew Toners strengthen and tone hamstring and gluteus muscles! With their affordable prices we can have a few pairs

Buy/More Info

Missoni Home – Humbert Throw Pink/Multi

Missoni on a Mission…
September 13th was the day that Missoni launched Target into a whole new atmosphere! We all waited and counted down the days for this joyous event. Missoni created the most gorgeous line of clothes, accessories and house wares for Target. This Missoni line is everything you will need going into Fall. The knits are colorful yet dark enough to be worn with tights and a turtleneck. The capes are to die for-so Audrey Hepburn! From the computer sleeves to the throw blanket there is something for everyone!  Even thank you cards, so you can send one to Missoni to thank them for this fantastic line!

*Unless you were there bright an early Missoni for Target is sold out everywhere, but do not fret as there is more inventory on the way!!

Buy/More Info

Michal Negrin Lovely Hoop Earrings with Blue Swarovski Crystals

Miriam Haskell Brass filigree hoop earrings with Swarovski crystals

Fall Fashion Trend Alert - Miriam Haskell Brass hoop earrings with swarovski crystals. Autumn hued beads and brass turn these hoops into a sparkly accessory to enhance any outfit. These brass hoops are wrapped with Swarovski crystals and glass beads.  Try them with a strapless dress for the next big cocktail party you attend. Visit Miriamhaskell.com for more detailed information – a My Beauty Match Insider favorite vendor!

Buy/More Info

Maybelline New York Colorsensational Lip Gloss, Touch of Toffee 255, 0.23 Fluid Ounce (See all Lip Gloss)

Colorsensational Fall Lip color from Maybelline

Fashion Trend Alert: nude lips for the Fall!  Our friends at Maybelline have introduced 16 amazing nude shades. With names like Mochacino and Sweet Nectar they’re sure to make any man pucker up! Get your lips ready for the Fall season with these great new colors. My Beauty Match Insider top pick!

Buy/More Info (See all Lip Gloss)

Perfect Fit Button™ is the fast, easy way to add or reduce inches on the waist band of your trousers/pants!

Here are some features to help you understand how this brilliant little invention works:

The Perfect Fit Button can:

* Add or reduce waist size instantly

* Locks firmly into place

* Easy to remove when you don’t need it any more

* Perfect for emergency fashion repairs

* Use is on denim, corduroy, suede and even leather

* Ideal for suits

* No sewing skills required

* Allow you to salvage your wardrobe

If your trousers/pants are too tight or too loose, just pop the Perfect Fit Button on and your pants will fit perfectly every time.  It’s great for men, women or kids.

***PLEASE NOTE: this offer is from the distributors of Perfect Fit Button and not from our online magazine, as you will be redirected to the distributor’s Web site to read more about this offer.***

>>> Get more details by visiting the distributor’s Web site:

>>> You’ll find details on this free trial offer on the distributor’s Web site: Perfect Fit Button (there is a buy-one-get-one-free promotion)

***There is currently a promotion and when you order, you Perfect Fit Button will receive the ShoesUnder™ storage as a bonus gift!

© All copyrights reserved to http://www.mybeautymatch.com in all countries.

>>>> If you’re viewing this healthy eating or healthy living tip as part of an aggregated content stream from different sites, or as a re-blogged post, please check out the content on the original Web site at www.myBeautyMatch.com

I cannot tell you how much I love being invited to the annual French Lingerie fashion show!

Last year I went with my friend Krista, but this year I brought along with me my two product reviewers Eleni and Daphne!

There were people fashion, sexy shoes (which you’ll see on the video), gorgeous men and of course amazing sexy French Lingerie.

I honestly think that an event like the French Lingerie is all about what I saw and not what I have to say about the event.

I took loads of photos of some of the latest fall 2009 trends from France when it comes to the sexy world of lingerie and you’ll see from the video below there was a lot of really amazing designs.

You’ll notice in the video that I’ve included a lot of cue cards to highlight a few interesting section. In the middle you’ll also notice a number of photos from a performance from a few talented dancers that honestly reminded me of a Cirque du Soleil show!

>>> I hope you’ll enjoy watching the beautiful designs for fall 2009 French Lingerie trends:

***If you like this video, I’d appreciate it a lot if you could rate it!***

Eleni and Krizia looking Hollywood before the French Lingerie Show!

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Photo by Click O Momento

These evening and wedding dresses are the latest collection by designer Vivienne Dacosta from Mocha Designs and the wedding hair styles are from Michelle at Atlanta Hair Designs!

You’ll be surprised by these designs because these dresses were created for women with curves who have loads of style and sophistication!

I hope you’ll enjoy the slide show as much as I enjoyed the fashion show!

You’ll find more details on the creative geniuses behind the fashion and hair styles here:
1) Vivienne Dacosta from Mocha Designs

2) Michelle at Atlanta Hair Designs

>>>> Here’s the video!

Photo by realSMILEY

michelle_obama_fashion_g-20

Well everyone knows that First Lady Michelle Obama’s style has been the subject of a lot of conversations lately because the recent G-20 was a really fashion show in many ways. Indeed, the whole point of the top 20 leaders of the democratic world meeting for a few days in London was to talk about ways of improving the crumbling international economy. But, let’s face it, you could NOT open a newspaper or read a web site without hearing about “Michelle Obama’s fashion” … even CNN joined in and had daily fashion-flashes of the First Ladies designer  choices.

I know I might be a tad bit controversial here because contrarily to so many people I’m not always taken by Michelle Obama’s fashion sense and in some case I cringe when I see her choices. I still cannot believe the Isabelle Toledo lime green inaugural ensemble paired with forest green kitten heels. In my book, that was wrong-wrong-wrong.

Here’s also where I diverge from a lot of people: I say STOP comparing Michelle Obama to Jacqueline Onasis Kennedy – PLEASE STOP! They have distinct styles of their own and there have been forty years of fashion between the two First Ladies.

Oscar de la Renta was not impressed with Ms. Obama’s constant love of JCrew and her selection of lesser known US designers. I think that acknowledging the work of upcoming designers is a great thing, but I say NO to a JCrew sweater in London for such an important event. That is when you pull out the REAL couture like Oscar de la Renta.

In any case, Michelle’s fashion has caused French newspaper L’Express to publish her top 10 commandments and I’ve decided to translate them for you and see if you agree with the French press:

1) I shall rejoice in colourful clothing: Indeed, the First Lady doesn’t shy away from colour!

2) I shall wear jewellery proudly: Michelle is rarely seen without her strand of pearls.

3) I shall keep them guessing: Michelle is always embracing new and unknown designers.

4) I shall be chic even when gardening: The photo of Michelle in her organic garden was an example of style I approve of!

5) I shall remain fit: Everyone is talking about Michelle fit arms and shoulders, but if you train daily … you want everyone to see the efforts!

6) I shall appear on magazine covers in pink: Michelle chose pink dresses for three recent magazine covers: More, Vogue and People. Pink is a great colour and I’m as partial as Michelle to that shade.

7) I shall never wear Gwyneth Paltrow heels: You won’t see Michelle in 4 inch heels. It’s true that she’s already quite tall (5’11/1.82 m) and prefers kitten heels. That said, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy who is 5’9/1.75 m also prefer kitten heels and flats. When it comes to shoes, I’m exactly like the First Ladies and would look like a drunken sailor if I wore heels higher than 2 inches.

michelle_obama_fashion_g-20_shoes

#8) I shall wear my Alaia belt without restraint: If I had an Alai belt, I’d be showing it off as must as I can as well!!! There is nothing fashionista in Michelle’s approach and I like the fact that she doesn’t consider such an expensive purchase as a one-time-wear.

9) I shall ignore the press’ play on competition: I think that there is NO competition between First Ladies Carla Bruni-Sarkozy and Michelle Obama. I’m quite partial to the First Lady of France’s choice of Dior (I quite like Dior myself), but I think she could learn a lesson or two from Michelle bold colour choices. Indeed, things are grim for a lot of people, but colour makes the world a better place. As for Michelle Obama, I hope she does allow well known designer to dress her and that she stays away from selections that I tend to find a bit matronly.

10) I shall keep wearing black for formal occasions: I’m all for colour, but nothing replaces a smart looking black dress or suit!

You can read the original story here: Les dix commandements du style de Michelle Obama

Don’t forget to read this style post on First Ladies Carla Bruni-Sarkozy and Michelle Obama:

France and America have two very stylish First Ladies over 40!

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mrs_michelle_obama_official_portrait

France and the U.S. are head to head on this ‘beauty AND brain’ race!

Have you noticed how the world of fashion is focusing on the battle of style between First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy of France and First Lady Michelle Obama of the US?

I think that it’s quite fitting because it’s been a long time since First Ladies of powerful countries have been oozing this much style and sophistication.

I should also point out that both First Ladies are the youngest First Ladies in recent memory: First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy (41, born December 23, 1967) and First Lady Michelle Obama (45, born January 17, 1964). For those of my readers who didn’t know … First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy got married at 40 … Ladies there is hope to find love at any age!

It’s true that both ladies live in style capitals (both America and France boast a plethora of highly talented designers) … so you’ll say that their jobs are that much easier when it comes to being seen in public looking polished and stylish … but then what about all the other First Ladies who preceded them and who have been quite frankly a bore to watch.

Am I the only one who has been yawning every time former First Lady Laura Bush made an appearance? And I couldn’t even tell you of any memorable outfit former First Lady Chirac wore. I do understand that the role of First Lady requires a wardrobe that is totally different from Pamela Anderson, but still, it does NOT and should NOT preclude being feminine, girly and fresh.

In my humble opinion … that is exactly what First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy and First Lady Michelle Obama bring to the table.

Along with an incredible sense of style, both of these women are incredible intelligent, eloquent and quite talented in their own field of expertise. First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy is a former-supermodel, speaks five languages, she’s also an accomplished songwriter-singer in France and around the world while Lady Michelle Obama is a Princeton University and Harvard Law School graduate (WOW! WOW! WOW!) and she’s also a successful lawyer who is now taking time to be a stay-at-home mom and supporting her husband who I think has the hardest job on the planet.

I’m so happy to see strong, smart, intelligent women who also care about the way they look … because you can actually be all of that wrapped up in a lovely package and STILL get your message across.

First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy and First Lady Michelle Obama I say BRAVO!!!

So what do you think of the two First Ladies?

Photo of First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy by Wikipedia

Photo of First Lady Michelle Obama is her official White House portrait

It’s no secret that a lot of us will bypass the idea of buying new clothes because of the recession and we’ll do our best to recycle what we already have bought in past seasons. So many of us have already wardrobes packed and I’m sure there are a number of items that still have the price tags on them (by the way, if you’re not wearing it, sell it at consignment stores or on eBay for a little extra cash).

I think Donna Karan said it best when asked about how the financial situation will affect the world of fashion.

Karan said that women will be buying smarter more classic pieces and less frivolity. I’ve always adhered to that philosophy myself since my teenage years. I’ve never bought trendy items because I always felt that for the money, I’d rather buy something I’ll have for a while. That’s also how I can justify buying items that are a little pricier. There are items that I’ve had for years, but every time I pull them out, I have women asking where I bought them … to which I usually answer: “At this point in time, this item is classified as vintage, love”.

If you are going to do trendy, I say look at shops like H & M, Zara, Top Shop, TJ Maxx or Winners. Don’t forget affordable First Lady Michelle Obama’s favourite J. Crew.

>>>> Bazaar’s recommendations to using what you already have in your wardrobe:

1) Big earrings are back! If you have any kicking around at the bottom of your jewellery drawer/box, pull them out!

2) Street shorts: These were popular a few seasons ago to replace the Capri pants, so if you have them, you can surely pull them out. If you have a pair of white or black shorts, you can create a black/white look for the season by pairing them with the opposite colour top.

3) Nude shades are back: Not all nude shades are equal … some are more beige, some more yellow, some more greenish and some more pink. Make sure to choose the shade that looks best with your skin tone.

4) A pencil skirt is NEVER out of style: Well, that’s my fashion prescription! I believe you can never go wrong with a body-hugging skirt if you have the right figure. Certain figures look killer with an A-line skirt (instead of a pencil skirt) that evens out a broader shoulder. If you are slender, then you’ll be fine with a pencil skirt. If you are curvy or have broader shoulders, you might want to opt for a flare or an A-line skirt instead.

5) Big bold belts say BAM! That’s right, not only will a big bold belt make you look thinner because it focuses on the smallest part of your body, but when you go big and bold you make that belt a real fashion statement. If you decide not to update any clothing items from your wardrobe this year … you might want to add a big bold belt to update any clothing item!

6) Cardigans: I never leave without a cardigan because I’m always cold when the a/c (air conditioner is blasting during the summer months). This season, cardigans are featured as a fashion note rather than a practical one. I’m sure that most of us already have one or two cardigans in our wardrobes. If you’ve not been wearing them … now is the time to pull them out.

7) Trousers/pants are a staple: HURRAY! Any style of pants will work for spring 2009 so that means you can really pull out old styles. NOW, I need to warn my readers that anything that you’ve had from the 1980s should not be in consideration. When designers bring back older styles, they always add a modern twist and it shows.

#8) Classic handbags: No doubt that the sales of the $2,000 or $3,000 or even $4,000 handbag will hit hard times because fewer women will be willing to depart from all that money just for one accessory piece. Also, I strongly believe that most of us have enough designer handbags in our wardrobe that we can pull out. If you’ve bought expensive handbags in the past, but they’ve only been sitting pretty in your wardrobe because you’ve been accumulating them season after season … now is the time to pull them out instead of buying a new one. You might want to keep you fashion budget to buy something that you actually don’t have or that needs an update because they are worn out … like a classic pair of black trousers.

9) Boyfriend blazer: This is the longer blazer that falls below the bum. This has been out of style for a while now, but it’s coming back … so if you kept your older blazer, you might want to pull them out. Now, please make sure that the shoulder pads don’t scream early 90s. If they do, take them to a seamstress and have them replaced with more demure shoulder pads.

10) The classic white shirt is another staple: A white shirt is not only timeless, it’s also season-less. You can wear it anything, with anything for many different occasion. One word of caution, make sure your white shirt is always white and new. If you find that you have an older shirt that is looking stained or yellow, it’s time to buy a new one. White shirts rarely go on sale, but you can surely find them at many fashion discount.

Photo by Art Comments

>>>> Black/white keeps coming back!

When it comes to black/white, you’ll see a lot of polka dots and a lot of graphic prints. I don’t think I’ve ever warmed up to the idea of wearing polka dots and I doubt that I’ll start wearing that print now. That said, I do like some of the softer graphical prints that are coming out this season because they are less edgy than they were in the late 1980s when black/white was also very popular.

When it comes to the Queen of black/white you have to take a look at Chanel … because no one does black/white like she does.

>>>>Nude Shades are back!

Not all nude shades are equal … some are more beige, some more yellow, some more greenish and some more pink. Make sure to choose the shade that looks best with your skin tone. If you find that you don’t suit nude shades, you might want to incorporate that trend via a few accessories instead of clothing pieces.

>>>>Trousers/pants will be softer and less constructed

Any style of trousers/pants will do this season, but the runway has been showing softer fabrics and I quite like the movement in the pants that have been featured by designers like Armani, Etro, Blumarine and Nicole Miller.

I’ve found some fashion slide shows from New York Magazine!

These slide shows really give you a great insight on what’s in this season. Make sure to take a look at some of the ugliest fashion to walk the spring 2009 catwalks!

>>>>> 100 Most Fabulous Spring 2009 Looks

>>>>> Spring 2009 fashion I’d never be caught dead wearing – 100 Most Hideous Looks

>>>>> Spring 2009 looks by designer (you’ll be able to see the different trends from different designers on this page).

Photo by Art Comments

When I watch some of my favourite styles and makeover shows like Gok Wan’s “How to Look Good Naked” and Tim Gunn’s “Guide to Style”, there is always a HUGE emphasis on how the proper bra or panties can do wonders for your self-esteem because you end up looking much better in your clothes and that can only boost your confidence.

Well, when it comes to boosting the confidence of many French women, Simone Pérèle has been adding a dash of sexy to many wardrobes for 60 years!

The French lingerie brand is celebrating over 60 years in business (they celebrated their 60^th at the end of 2008)!

It all started several decades ago when Madame Pérèle, a young corset maker in the 1950s, set up her small atelier in a building in Paris. Personifying Parisian elegance, refinement and vivaciousness, Simone Pérèle imbued the brand with a couture made-to-measure philosophy by associating it with comfort, well-being and a strong aesthetic sense.

simone_perele_french_underwear_2

In Bertrand Machet’s 1968 work, “Instants Volés”, Simone Pérèle was quoted as saying:

“In order to reveal their beauty to the fullest, it is necessary to liberate women’s

bodies.”

Simone has also been quoted as saying:

“Women should not have to choose between comfort and elegance.”

Flash forward 60 years and the brand continues to be loyal to Madame Pérèle’s values, creating innovative new styles made from exceptional fabrics.

simone_perele_french_underwear_3

I won’t bore you with all the details of building a brand over the course of 60 years, but I thought these historical highlights were quite interesting!

The evolution of the Simone Pérèle brand:

* 1948: creation of the Simone Pérèle brand.

* 1960: Soleil, the first lace bra with shoulder clips – a sweeping success!

* 1968: In the middle of the feminist movement, Simone Pérèle launches, Pétale, her first invisible bra.

*1985: Simone Pérèle’s children, Catherine and Philippe Pérèle, head the company and

develop the international market.

* 2006: Launching of Andora Group – it is the brand’s first bra made from “Spacer 3D” an

innovative thread that knits three layers of fabric together for absolute comfort and

support.

*2007: The first product in the Epure Group is launched, featuring Superfine microfiber mesh. Its innovation is based upon the extraordinary finesse of the style. The highly advanced knitting technique creates a second skin that highlights the silhouette but still remains comfortable and light.

* 2008: Limited edition re-launch of the Stiletto Basque in order to pay homage to the feminine form.

* December 2008: 60th anniversary of the brand

There is no doubt that you can buy much cheaper underwear than Simone Pérèle, but this is a brand of luxury that I think everyone should have. This could be a great one to add to your gift-list or simply as a gift you offer yourself.

simone_perele_french_underwear_4

You’ll find Simone Pérèle lingerie at 300 points of sale in Canada and just about as many if not more in the U.S. Of course, if you’re in France, it’s a jeux d’enfant (as easy as can be) to find Simone Pérèle lingerie!

I had created a video on French lingerie. This is last season’s styles, but I’m sure you can get inspired to upgrade your undies’ drawer!

rent_designer_clothes_designer_bags

I read Sophie Kinsella’s book ages ago and I could not believe Becky Bloomwood’s shopping addiction.

In a few days, the “Confessions of a Shopaholic” movie will hit the big screen, but I’m curious to see how well it’s going to be received.

I was having a conversation not long ago with a contact of mine and I told her that I had a feeling that given the recent turn of events in the economy, there are a lot of women who won’t want to see the vices that landed them in the poor house on the big screen.

It’s no secret that since October 2008 (when the stock market crashed) the sale of most designer items including high priced handbags and signature shoes has come to a screeching halt because so many people have lost their jobs, seen their retirement funds fizzle into nothingness or seen the value of their house drop by several percent.

It’s gotten a whole lot harder to justify a $2,500 handbag or a $1,600 pair of Christian Louboutin high heel boots … no matter how killer they look on you.

I was watching CNN a few weeks ago when they did a report on how former-fashionistas-turned-recessionistas were finding creative ways of maintaining the appearance they’ve grown accustomed to during the roaring 2002-2008 years.

>>>> Why not rent your lifestyle instead?

One of the fastest growing businesses these days is the designer rental business! That’s right … if you cannot afford it … why not rent it!

confessions_of_a_shopaholic

Since the recent market crash sites like Bag Borrow and Steal have seen their paid membership go from 250,000 eager women to more than 1,000,000 women willing to dish out several hundred dollars each month to rent their designer handbag of choice.

Bag Borrow and Steal carries an insane inventory of designers like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Lambertson Truex, Ungaro, Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, Channel, Lulu Guinness, Rebecca Minkoff, Hermes, Burberry … and the list goes on for kilometres.

I’ve been on their site and I’ll openly admit that I was influenced by Jennifer Hudson’s character in the “Sex and the City” movie.

Personally, I find the prices are a bit high for rentals of a handbag that thousands of other hands have touched. I’m really particular about my couture and a bit possessive … basically I don’t want too many other women to have owned what I now own. I say yes to eBay, but have not warmed up to Bag Borrow and Steal yet.

My friends Joy and Eleni (both are Baby Boomers) are sitting on either side of the fence on this and I’ll let you read their different points of view:

Joy’s point of view:

“I’d rather save for an item or buy a less expensive option than rent. I saw the “Sex and the City” movie, but I’d never rent from Bag Borrow and Steal. “

Eleni’s point of view:

“Most of the really cool bags that cost over $2,000 retail can be had for under $35 per week. It can become addictive and you know how fickle those fashionistas are …once you’ve saved up for an “average” bag of say $1,200, there’s another “must-have on the market. All the fashion gurus will be viewing your hard-earned handbag as yesterday’s news.

I like the concept for special events or outfits…I don’t think I’d be continuously trading each week, but you never know. They don’t ship to Canada … otherwise I’d be all over a Chloe or Dior bag even for a week. I love their concept!!!”

>>>> It’s not only handbags that you can borrow/rent!

The CNN report highlighted that there are a number of stores in America where you can rent designer clothing, accessories and EVEN shoes for an evening.

It seems that a number of CNN reports had rented their couture for the Obama inauguration because since so many people were going to see them, they didn’t want to end up buying an expensive outfit that you might not be able to wear twice.

Now, I know of consignment stores that sell secondhand items from women who have several thousands of dollars of monthly shopping allowances and who like to dispose of last season’s style, but I had not heard until recently of stores where you could rent a Chanel dress that might normally retail for $10,000 for a mere $1,000!

You might be screaming at your computer screen now and saying is Krizia on drugs because $1,000 for a dress is outrageously expensive. I agree, $1,000 is far more than I’ve dropped on a dress, but if I wanted a Chanel for one evening, this might be the quickest way to get it.

Since I shop Euro style, I most likely would never allow myself to drop that kind of cash on something I will not own. I shop at a store where they get suits from the exact same fabric mill that produces fabric for  Chanel suits, but the labels are not Chanel, they have another more affordable line. Where you would pay $5,000-$7,000 for a Chanel suit, you could get something of comparable fabric for $2,200. In my book, I’d rather save to own something like that than rent it for $800 for one night … but maybe that’s me.

I also would rather drop the money on a ticket to Paris or Florence to shop for some amazing clothes that I can actually own … at least if I don’t want the clothes anymore, I can sell it off at a consignment store or list it on eBay. I’m blessed to have Euro friends who open their doors to me whenever I’m in Euro withdrawal.

Now, some might argue that renting designer wear for one special evening is no different than renting a wedding dress and a tuxedo for a wedding. In theory, I agree, but practically, I would NOT want to be seen at a party with my wedding dress three months after my wedding. When it comes to buying couture and wearing it more than once … I truly don’t mind. I can easily change it up with accessories. If I were Halle Berry (good Lord her man is FINE) that might be a different story, but I don’t have too many hungry paparazzi chasing me to splash my photos all over the Internet.

>>>> So would you drop $1,000 to rent a dress?

Another interesting about the CNN report was that they went out and interviewed a number of people and asked them if they would rent designer wear. The respondents were on either side of the fence … some people thought it was a brilliant idea and others loaded the concept of dropping so much cash on something that you cannot keep.

One woman expressed my feelings when she said that she would never want to hold (referring to a handbag) or wear something that so many other people had before her.

I’ll go one step further and say that when it comes to renting shoes … the concept makes me cringe. I don’t bowl for one reason – I’m not putting my feet into shoes that many other people have worn and sweated in (period)!

>>> Would you rent a lifestyle? I’d love to hear your position on this post. Leave me a comment to let me know if you agree or disagree.

Photo by MoonSoleil

Everyone and their dog had an opinion on the Queen of Soul’s Inauguration grey hat with big bow hat. I would never wear that kind of hat, but we’re talking about Aretha Franklin and she should be able to wear whatever she wants!

In fact, I think that Aretha’s hat got the most media coverage in terms of fashion statement and I might even be tempted to say that she might have received more press buzz than First Lady Michelle Obama’s couture choices.

Aretha’s hat was designed by Luke Song (a graduate of Parsons the New School for Design) of Song Millinery in Detroit and last night on CNN (January 27, 2009 on the Campbell Brown No Bias No Bull evening show) it was reported that since the Inauguration Mr. Song has received over 3,000 orders to the Aretha hat and the orders keep coming by the hour!

aretha_franklin_inauguration_hat_3

I’d say that Aretha Franklin has done her part in stimulating the US economy because since Aretha took the stage on January 20th just before 12 pm EST, the Song Millinery has sold over 1,000 of the $179 hat. Aretha Franklin’s wool felt and Swarovski-crystal hat was a customized version that Mr. Song says he did not charge her for!!!

APTOPIX Obama Inauguration

If you are interested in getting your hands on an Aretha-look-alike hat, rest assured that the hat manufacturers will launch a new collection of 12 hats and the line inspired by Queen of Soul’s headpiece will be named after the singer.

>>>>So what did you think of Aretha’s hat? Did you like it or hate it?

michelle_obama_isabel_toledo_yellow_2

This breaking news just arrived in my inbox one second ago about what Michelle Obama will wear today.

It seems the First Lady will go Latin with her design because she’s chosen to wear an outfit by Isabel Toledo at the swearing-in of her husband Barack Obama as the nation’s 44th president on Capitol Hill this morning.

Toledo is a Cuban-born designer who has worked under her own name for more than 20 years and briefly served as creative director for Anne Klein.

No word yet as to what the outfit will look like, but it surely will be stunning because this is a HUGE day for Michelle Obama and the entire Obama clan!!!

Michelle Obama has worn Isabel Toledo’s designs in the past during the presidential campaign.

Michelle Obama has something for Latin designers (especially those of Cuban heritage), as she seems to like Narciso Rodriguez a lot … so much so that she wore two outfits by Narciso’s to the pre-inaugural events on Sunday.

No one inside Michelle Obama’s office will reveal more details on the dress/outfit, but given this is a historic day and this dress will be photographed for every single magazine and newspaper cover around the world, there is no doubt it will be stunning.

Isabel Toledo MUST be quite excited because this kind of exposure can change her career and take her to the international forefront.

As I get more news today on what Michelle Obama will be wearing, I’ll pass it on to my readers.

In the meantime, you can take a look at the dresses that were submitted to Michelle Obama for the weekend festivities: What will First-Lady Michelle Obama wear at the inauguration of President Obama’s ceremony?

My verdict on Michelle Obama’s fashion choices for the inauguration:

I wrote the first part of this post before seeing the Isabel Toledo outfit. After seeing it from every different angle possible, I have to say that I’m a bit disappointed.

My opinion might not be unanimous, but I personally didn’t like either of Michelle Obama’s choices. The Isabel Toledo outfit in chartreuse (yellow-green) is a hard colour to wear by most people and the whole outfit looked quite matronly. I’d say it made her look 15 years older.

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The white gown designed by New York designer Jason Wu was very similar to what Nancy Regan wore on the night of President Ronald Regan’s inauguration in 1981. The style is not fresh or original and since Michelle Obama has dark skin she could have really chosen a bolder or brighter colour than off-white. Also, I could understand the one strap on Michelle Obama’s dress … it almost looked like an after thought.

Here’s Nancy Reagan’s 1981 evening inaugural gown (photo from the Smithsonian Institution)

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What about Jill Biden?

No one is talking about Dr. Jill Biden’s selections! I find Jill Biden’s red coat and high black boots during the day and her red gown designed by Reem Acra during the evening were quite flattering.

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In the end, I still believe that the selections I had picked for Michelle Obama in my original post were better, but January 20, 2009  was about history more than fashion so I will leave at that!

My original selections for Michelle Obama:

I still recommend the Diana Von Furstenberg dress yellow and white suit for the inauguration and the party dress would still be a toss between Monique L’Huillier’s divine dress gown and Michael Kors’ vision in vivid blue!

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All photos of the inauguration from Flickr.