tpmmedia:

Michelle Obama Sports A New Haircut

First Lady Michelle Obama sported a new haircut on Thursday, her 49th birthday, while meeting with one of eight Citizen Co-Chairs for the Presidential Inaugural Committee.

I agree with Hillary Clinton’s opinion that when her interviewer asked her what designer she was wearing, she said, “you would never ask a man that…”   She’s right.   

When Hillary chopped her hair off as FLOTUS, I hated it.  Now that style and look has grown on me, but I think I still prefer her with long hair - and I applaud the fact that she doesn’t cart a stylist along in her personal entourage, though she could afford it and would get far less criticism.  

And, normally, when a woman of note that is also a powerful woman whose major role is largely centered around philanthropic efforts has a bad haircut or wears an off dress, I just, you know, let it go.  Their good deeds always outweigh what is a temporary look, and a lot of times, my critical eye isn’t as sharp as others. 

What’s most unfortunate is that a millions of people will weigh in on the bangs and this will become an issue that distracts from the world at large… In the end, Michelle Obama getting a new haircut is not a newsworthy enough event for TPM to post about it, or, rather it should not be.  

It is true that the First Lady’s role is somewhat of a trendsetter.  This has been the case for Michelle Obama, almost more so than any other First Lady, possibly second only to  Jackie.  

But, at the end of the day, Michelle is a wonderful First Lady who represents the United States superbly and beautifully, both in the aesthetic and in intellect.   So, a haircut, shouldn’t be “news”, right?  

I mean - shouldn’t we be transitioning to a world that recognizes Michelle’s legal prowess over her ability to choose great designers for outfits for the Inauguration and State Dinners?  Or, if not over that ability, then with the same awe or veracity?  

That’s the struggle, isn’t it?  Because, in all honesty most of the people in the world that will weigh in on the “bangs” will be women.  

Sometimes, we’re our own worst enemy.  

(ETA, because I know I’m going to be called a “hypocrite” for the fact that I commented on dresses worn at the Golden Globes.  First off, a good majority of what I highlighted from that evening (and in general) are things that I like or love.  I don’t tend to trash people just for how they look, but applaud style and good taste when I see it.  Even when I do make a mostly negative comment, I do always try to leave a positive statement or two along with it.  However, people who make their living, based largely on how they look, should realize that when they do look off or inappropriate, they are likely going to hear about it.  Though a trendsetter, Mrs. Obama doesn’t seek that spotlight, except in duty to her husband’s role as either a candidate or an elected official.  It’s true, she has a duty to look presentable and beautiful, and as she has never failed to do either, I think criticisms of her are usually rendered because of racial tensions in this country *shock*.   The fact remains that the First Lady is generally a woman of great character and intelligence that can also be the President’s most influential advisor.  In that capacity, shouldn’t we address more her brains than beauty, or at least place them in the same league?)

ourpresidents:

First Lady Pink

Did your grandmother’s house have a pink bathroom?  You might be able to blame Mamie Eisenhower, who made the color extremely popular when she became First Lady in 1953.

During the next 8 years, Mamie would be listed among the “10 best-dressed women.”  Her favorite color was pink and she wore it often.  She also decorated her home in pink.  The color of this gown, which she wore to President Eisenhower’s Inaugural Ball, was officially called “First Lady Pink.”

Mamie’s many years as an Army wife affected her feelings toward fashion.  Although she always looked put together in her dresses, hats, and gloves, she was very mindful of her budget and did not worry about looking trendy.  “Knowing what to look for and how to tell a lasting fashion from a temporary fad has always helped me to shop intelligently,” she wrote to editors at the 1954 Fashion Press Week.

Mamie Geneva Doud was born on this day, November 14, 1896.

More - timeline of Mamie’s life from the Eisenhower Library

I’m sorry… but, whenever I see Mamie Eisenhower, I think of the fact that she made Jackie Kennedy walk the entire tour of the White House, shortly after she nearly hemorrhaged while giving birth to a nearly premature John, Jr.  A wheelchair was specifically requested, but Mamie didn’t want to have staff “interfere” with Jackie’s visit and didn’t want to be seen pushing the future First Lady, as if she was a servant… Yeah… better to wear out a young mother who had just given birth and was still recovering from a very painful delivery…  

“you should have seen that sunrise… With your own eyes…” (ironic… but couldn’t be helped…)… #birthday #chasingthesunrise #personal #photography (Taken with Instagram)