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?)

reuterspolitics:

Michelle Obama works on decorations as she welcomes military families, including Gold Star and Blue Star parents, spouses and children for the first viewing of the 2012 holiday decorations at the White House in Washington November 28, 2012. REUTERS/Mary F. Calvert

This woman!  LOVE! 

ourpresidents:

Happy Birthday to Caroline Kennedy, who was born on November 27, 1957.

In this photograph, the five-year-old Caroline is enjoying a ride on her pony Macaroni across the South Lawn of the White House. Macaroni was a present from Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Image: From the holdings of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, March 30, 1962, KN-C20773. Robert Knudsen was the photographer.

ourpresidents:

Jacqueline Kennedy, Painter

jfklibrary:

A watercolor of the White House Jacqueline Kennedy painted as a gift for President Kennedy. JFK hung this painting in the Oval Office of the White House, but we have it on display here at the JFK Library.

thedailywhat:

POTUS Pic of the Day: James Furbush at Sly Oyster wins the caption award: “If ever something deserved to become a meme…”

[whitehouse]

(Source: thedailywhat, via lipstick-feminists)