Posts
I only have a couple comments regarding the outfits worn after hours on the House floor.
Nancy Pelosi-Nooooooooooo... she was once the Armani suit poster girl was wearing a sweater tent in a unflattering color. I think either she is fighting with her husband who usually buys her clothes or Mr. Armani, which I seriously wouldn't recommend. Sweetie make up with them, pronto.
First Lady Michelle Obama-interesting choice of a sleeveless dress. I liked the color very much. I loved that she coordinated with the young lady from SC. Hugs
Hillary Clinton: love the Lilly Pulitzer pink jacket. woohoo, Hill brought the color tonight.
Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee..honey we love love you, but it's time really to change your hair. Please, things can work out a lot better for you than when Cynthia McKinney let go of her old do. I'm just saying.
Justice Ginsburg: just happy to see you and your doily.
Congratulations to Joe and Jill Biden ya both are still snappy age appropriate power couple dressers.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
DFI the Oscars and you
The stars and their fashions will be covered extensively by others, and while tempting for me to chime in, that isn't the point of this post.
I'd like to draw your attention to what will translate for your wardrobe and why.
Shapes: I noticed three main shapes emerge from the limos:
1. The Disney Princess as modeled by Sarah Jessica Parker, Miley Cyrus & Penelope Cruz -no real world application, pure fantasy and fluffy meringue. Yuck.
2. The Little Mermaid as modeled by Beyonce, Vanessa Hudgens & Taraji Henson, again no real world application, however excellent award show garb.
3. Architecture, Structure and Standing up Straight as modeled by Heidi Klum, Amy Adams, Marisa Tomei and the DFI Oscar goes to Kate Winslet. Yes, there will be real world applications to non-red carpet events. All the above gowns had strong angular lines, pleats, fitted bodices, bold colors, very little drapery and as they used to say few "fripperies".
This will translate into suit jackets with angular necklines, collars will be wider and standing (Heidi's dress). Hems will slightly longer too, but with a side slit. Trim will be contrasting (Amy's dress) and you will see more built in chunky jewelry like in Kate's case seen on the shoulder. We've already seen this, First Lady Michele Obama wore several examples this summer, chunky jewelry like items sewn onto the dress or sweater at the neckline. Big bold necklaces and bracelets are part of this look.
Note that in each of these cases the models/actresses all looked great in them because they were standing up straight. I can't emphasize this enough, I don't care who or what you are wearing if you are hunched over nothing looks good!
I'm working on a follow up post on how to achieve this look.
I'd like to draw your attention to what will translate for your wardrobe and why.
Shapes: I noticed three main shapes emerge from the limos:
1. The Disney Princess as modeled by Sarah Jessica Parker, Miley Cyrus & Penelope Cruz -no real world application, pure fantasy and fluffy meringue. Yuck.
2. The Little Mermaid as modeled by Beyonce, Vanessa Hudgens & Taraji Henson, again no real world application, however excellent award show garb.
3. Architecture, Structure and Standing up Straight as modeled by Heidi Klum, Amy Adams, Marisa Tomei and the DFI Oscar goes to Kate Winslet. Yes, there will be real world applications to non-red carpet events. All the above gowns had strong angular lines, pleats, fitted bodices, bold colors, very little drapery and as they used to say few "fripperies".
This will translate into suit jackets with angular necklines, collars will be wider and standing (Heidi's dress). Hems will slightly longer too, but with a side slit. Trim will be contrasting (Amy's dress) and you will see more built in chunky jewelry like in Kate's case seen on the shoulder. We've already seen this, First Lady Michele Obama wore several examples this summer, chunky jewelry like items sewn onto the dress or sweater at the neckline. Big bold necklaces and bracelets are part of this look.
Note that in each of these cases the models/actresses all looked great in them because they were standing up straight. I can't emphasize this enough, I don't care who or what you are wearing if you are hunched over nothing looks good!
I'm working on a follow up post on how to achieve this look.
DFI and Manners-Yes I do both
OK, it seems I'd written a document for candidates about manners and such... I guess I'd been to a series of parties and seen some appalling behaviour.
Having recently attended a series of fundraisers and Holiday events, I feel compelled to make a few comments. I’m beginning to get the sense that wolves raised many of you.
This is a “progressive” post; if you can’t successfully apply yourself to the first one, don’t bother to move on to the next step.
Party Guest: Let’s start by focusing on those 2 words.
”Party” as in having a good time, an opportunity to meet new people, an opportunity to wear a pretty blouse or dress, an opportunity to bring a friend along to introduce to a group or community.
“Guest” as in accepting some responsibility for your behavior. Arriving on time, greeting the host or hostess, RSVP if asked, making polite conversation, be prepared to introduce yourself to some one you don’t know, offer to help the host if it looks like they need it. Stay in the designated party space, thank the host and leave on time.
If this is a “Fundraiser” you are by default obligated to contribute something. This can be money or if possible, it can be your time or talent. This also assumes that some money needs to be left over at the end of evening; it can’t all be spent entertaining you.
Things you are NOT allowed to do as a Party Guest: Arrive well after the party has “peaked”, use any personal belongings of the host, whip out a book from the book shelf and plunk yourself down in a chair in the middle of the party and start reading it, place glassware on furniture without a coaster or napkin, leave your food plate behind for some one else to pick up, get drunk and obnoxious, assume anyone wants to chase, hold or baby-sit your uninvited children, look like you don’t want to be there. If you are not having fun, go home, we won’t miss you.
Host and Host Committees: Again, I stress, if you haven’t mastered Party Guest, don’t attempt this. The only exemption is if you hire a party planner and contract out the whole event. If this is the case, you probably have too much money, and we don’t know you.
Planning: The who, what, where, and when. Each of these deserves it’s own committee and attention. They work as a symbiotic relationship, some time the “who” determines the “where”, sometimes the “when” determines the “who”. Do not try to plan any important event “on the fly”, unless you are very good and very organized something will turn tragic, assume these events will not be successful. Successful events are always planned months in advance. Have enough seating for at least ¾ of your guests, especially if many are over the age of 50. Young folks can stand for 2-3 hours; the rest cannot be expected to do this.
Host and Host; you too have responsibilities, foremost is greeting your guests and making them feel welcome. Do not stand in clumps and only speak to those you know, make an effort to introduce yourself, and offer to introduce people who don’t look comfortable.
Candidates: You are by far the “ultimate” party guest and host/hostess. All above rules apply to you at all times. You are obligated to be polite make introductions, arrive on time (or arrange before hand with the host to be “ a little” late) Brief your surrogates, have business cards, wear your name badge, shine your shoes, do not bring husbands or wives who don’t want to be there, always RSVP even if the invite doesn’t require it, how else will the organizers know to recognize you? Also, what if your opponent is going to be there, it makes it very awkward for everyone. Don’t pass anything out unless you have cleared it with the host first, unless it’s a business card.
If there is an “entry fee” you must pay it, just because you are a candidate you are not exempt, unless you are someones guest. I have to tell you, some of you candidates are getting a bad reputation for not paying, we don’t care that your just stopping by, you brought your Mother and husband, and they are eating and drinking. If your campaign is strapped, ask if it’s ok to contribute later or pay a reduced rate. DON’T expect to just show up and not pay, remember you are a Party Guest first, then a candidate, not the other way around.
Having recently attended a series of fundraisers and Holiday events, I feel compelled to make a few comments. I’m beginning to get the sense that wolves raised many of you.
This is a “progressive” post; if you can’t successfully apply yourself to the first one, don’t bother to move on to the next step.
Party Guest: Let’s start by focusing on those 2 words.
”Party” as in having a good time, an opportunity to meet new people, an opportunity to wear a pretty blouse or dress, an opportunity to bring a friend along to introduce to a group or community.
“Guest” as in accepting some responsibility for your behavior. Arriving on time, greeting the host or hostess, RSVP if asked, making polite conversation, be prepared to introduce yourself to some one you don’t know, offer to help the host if it looks like they need it. Stay in the designated party space, thank the host and leave on time.
If this is a “Fundraiser” you are by default obligated to contribute something. This can be money or if possible, it can be your time or talent. This also assumes that some money needs to be left over at the end of evening; it can’t all be spent entertaining you.
Things you are NOT allowed to do as a Party Guest: Arrive well after the party has “peaked”, use any personal belongings of the host, whip out a book from the book shelf and plunk yourself down in a chair in the middle of the party and start reading it, place glassware on furniture without a coaster or napkin, leave your food plate behind for some one else to pick up, get drunk and obnoxious, assume anyone wants to chase, hold or baby-sit your uninvited children, look like you don’t want to be there. If you are not having fun, go home, we won’t miss you.
Host and Host Committees: Again, I stress, if you haven’t mastered Party Guest, don’t attempt this. The only exemption is if you hire a party planner and contract out the whole event. If this is the case, you probably have too much money, and we don’t know you.
Planning: The who, what, where, and when. Each of these deserves it’s own committee and attention. They work as a symbiotic relationship, some time the “who” determines the “where”, sometimes the “when” determines the “who”. Do not try to plan any important event “on the fly”, unless you are very good and very organized something will turn tragic, assume these events will not be successful. Successful events are always planned months in advance. Have enough seating for at least ¾ of your guests, especially if many are over the age of 50. Young folks can stand for 2-3 hours; the rest cannot be expected to do this.
Host and Host; you too have responsibilities, foremost is greeting your guests and making them feel welcome. Do not stand in clumps and only speak to those you know, make an effort to introduce yourself, and offer to introduce people who don’t look comfortable.
Candidates: You are by far the “ultimate” party guest and host/hostess. All above rules apply to you at all times. You are obligated to be polite make introductions, arrive on time (or arrange before hand with the host to be “ a little” late) Brief your surrogates, have business cards, wear your name badge, shine your shoes, do not bring husbands or wives who don’t want to be there, always RSVP even if the invite doesn’t require it, how else will the organizers know to recognize you? Also, what if your opponent is going to be there, it makes it very awkward for everyone. Don’t pass anything out unless you have cleared it with the host first, unless it’s a business card.
If there is an “entry fee” you must pay it, just because you are a candidate you are not exempt, unless you are someones guest. I have to tell you, some of you candidates are getting a bad reputation for not paying, we don’t care that your just stopping by, you brought your Mother and husband, and they are eating and drinking. If your campaign is strapped, ask if it’s ok to contribute later or pay a reduced rate. DON’T expect to just show up and not pay, remember you are a Party Guest first, then a candidate, not the other way around.
We here at DFI have a few simple rules.
Let’s review the universal truths for a well-dressed member.
First, take a good long look at yourself and determine what is your best feature. Once you’ve identified that, don’t ever, ever, do anything that will detract from it. Conversely if you have a “problem” area, don’t ever do anything that will bring unnecessary attention to it. For example, thin lips, don’t wear red lipstick, double chin, keep the frilly necklines to a minimum.
Second, how old are you? Age inappropriate clothing is a huge no no. If you are 50 and still shopping at Limited please stop. Trust me they have nothing for you there. Young women, it’s ok to stretch a few boundaries, but serious some of you look like hookers. Young and fun, bright colors, funky jewelry is ok, but if you don’t have a flat stomach, we don’t want to see it.
Third, what is the activity, time and event you are attending? Dress appropriately for the occasion. Daytime events, spare us the glitz, evening events, spare us the sweat suits. If you are a candidate it’s never ever Ok to not look like you are a professional running for office. Wear whatever you want inside your home, but don’t take the zebra prints, stirrup pants and too tight t-shirts into the street.
Forth, fashion is what is being sold in the mall; style is what you do with it. If you have a signature style, don’t mess with it (if it’s a good one). If you want to make a change, do it gradually, not over night. For instance, Mayor Franklin is known for her flower pins, many have been gifts from her constituents. If all of a sudden she just stopped wearing them, it would be odd. But if she wanted to tone them down, they could gradually get smaller and then be worn only for special occasions.
Fifth and in some ways the most important, what time of year is it? There are only 4 items in an entire wardrobe that may be worn year round. They are 1. Black leather pumps, or oxford shoes. 2. Jeans, 3. Khaki twill pants. 4. White, cream or blue oxford cloth shirts. Everything else in your wardrobe is seasonal. Every 6 months is an appropriate time to review, I suggest April and October for Georgia. Just as you don’t wear black leather in July (well unless your going to the Eagle, but that fits with #3) I don’t want to see the same dress in January and August.
Hair and other grooming lessons will be covered under a separate post…
First, take a good long look at yourself and determine what is your best feature. Once you’ve identified that, don’t ever, ever, do anything that will detract from it. Conversely if you have a “problem” area, don’t ever do anything that will bring unnecessary attention to it. For example, thin lips, don’t wear red lipstick, double chin, keep the frilly necklines to a minimum.
Second, how old are you? Age inappropriate clothing is a huge no no. If you are 50 and still shopping at Limited please stop. Trust me they have nothing for you there. Young women, it’s ok to stretch a few boundaries, but serious some of you look like hookers. Young and fun, bright colors, funky jewelry is ok, but if you don’t have a flat stomach, we don’t want to see it.
Third, what is the activity, time and event you are attending? Dress appropriately for the occasion. Daytime events, spare us the glitz, evening events, spare us the sweat suits. If you are a candidate it’s never ever Ok to not look like you are a professional running for office. Wear whatever you want inside your home, but don’t take the zebra prints, stirrup pants and too tight t-shirts into the street.
Forth, fashion is what is being sold in the mall; style is what you do with it. If you have a signature style, don’t mess with it (if it’s a good one). If you want to make a change, do it gradually, not over night. For instance, Mayor Franklin is known for her flower pins, many have been gifts from her constituents. If all of a sudden she just stopped wearing them, it would be odd. But if she wanted to tone them down, they could gradually get smaller and then be worn only for special occasions.
Fifth and in some ways the most important, what time of year is it? There are only 4 items in an entire wardrobe that may be worn year round. They are 1. Black leather pumps, or oxford shoes. 2. Jeans, 3. Khaki twill pants. 4. White, cream or blue oxford cloth shirts. Everything else in your wardrobe is seasonal. Every 6 months is an appropriate time to review, I suggest April and October for Georgia. Just as you don’t wear black leather in July (well unless your going to the Eagle, but that fits with #3) I don’t want to see the same dress in January and August.
Hair and other grooming lessons will be covered under a separate post…
How does DFI work?
For the most part this is a do it yourself kind of thing. I'll write posts, make observations, attempt to be constructive and you can decide if it's helpful.
I'll be happy to answer any questions, please put them in the comments and we'll take it from there.
I'll be happy to answer any questions, please put them in the comments and we'll take it from there.
Welcome to DFI
I won't kid you, Democratic Fashion Institute (DFI) began as a off the cuff joke I made in 2004. I was commenting on Blog for Democracy and I started to refer to my organization as DFI.
2004 was a big year for Georgia politically and for me personally. Activism, political awareness, and Democratic Party dis-organization all collided and it has never been the same for me since. I met people that year who I can't image how I did without them before. Meet ups, start up organizations, message boards, blogs were quickly replacing the more staid Democratic structures and a new community was emerging, it was very exciting.
In Georgia, after 130 years of being "Democratic", we flipped hard into the Red column. Things looked bad for us as a party and a brand. Those of us who were new and had little or nothing to loose took this opportunity to jump into with both feet and pitch in where we could. Looking back on it, it's easy to see that as a group we all had very different strengths but each in our own way we complimented each other. What were my strengths, well you could say I was all about the "visuals". I 'd hear about someone who had arrived at an event looking like one hot mess, and they would be given a DFI "fine". Then in 2006, I was asked to help someone, and it was a lot of fun.
Working full time in an unrelated industry and volunteering with various boards keep me pretty busy through 2008. I'd write DFI help columns, offer advice, work with campaigns and watched the political tide turn nationally. In late 2008, I too became a casualty of the economic downturn, and after 14 years working for a manufacturing company I was out of work. It was a good news bad news kind of thing, and has freed me to explore various opportunities, not the least of which is carving out a small space of blogosphere for DFI.
2004 was a big year for Georgia politically and for me personally. Activism, political awareness, and Democratic Party dis-organization all collided and it has never been the same for me since. I met people that year who I can't image how I did without them before. Meet ups, start up organizations, message boards, blogs were quickly replacing the more staid Democratic structures and a new community was emerging, it was very exciting.
In Georgia, after 130 years of being "Democratic", we flipped hard into the Red column. Things looked bad for us as a party and a brand. Those of us who were new and had little or nothing to loose took this opportunity to jump into with both feet and pitch in where we could. Looking back on it, it's easy to see that as a group we all had very different strengths but each in our own way we complimented each other. What were my strengths, well you could say I was all about the "visuals". I 'd hear about someone who had arrived at an event looking like one hot mess, and they would be given a DFI "fine". Then in 2006, I was asked to help someone, and it was a lot of fun.
Working full time in an unrelated industry and volunteering with various boards keep me pretty busy through 2008. I'd write DFI help columns, offer advice, work with campaigns and watched the political tide turn nationally. In late 2008, I too became a casualty of the economic downturn, and after 14 years working for a manufacturing company I was out of work. It was a good news bad news kind of thing, and has freed me to explore various opportunities, not the least of which is carving out a small space of blogosphere for DFI.
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