Repeat Clothing Alert: Michelle Obama

Last week there was an article on Yahoo! News referring to the first lady of the United States as a recessionista in residence (Reuse, Renew, Reverse: Michelle Obama’s sweater two ways - Yahoo! News).  My immediate thought reading the article confirmed my suspicions: this woman is indeed awesome! We all know full well Michelle Obama is a highly educated and sophisticated woman -- and, being the first lady of the United States, I'm sure she could wear a different outfit every hour of the day.  Interestingly enough, repeating outfits obviously is not a big deal for America's new fashion icon. Take notice my friends, it is not a big deal to repeat clothing, accessories, shoes, etcetera when you're in the public eye. If you are the type of person who falls for the celebrity limelight mantras 'I want what she's wearing' and the 'I can only wear it once' business -- know that it's not a honking big deal to repeat fashion. Gasp! Yes, that's right: "It's Not a Big Deal to Repeat Fashion." Reuse. Renew. Reverse. Love it. As always, stay strong and carry on. The End. [LLIS]

Floral dress at W.H. Mother's Day event, Washington, Friday, May 7, 2010:

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Floral dress at Clinton Global Initiative, Sept. 23, 2010 in New York:

(AP Photo/Stephen Chernin)

Long Live Individual Style™

Poem: Phenomenal Woman by Dr. Maya Angelou

Friends, this is one of my favorite poems. The first time I heard it was in the Spring of 2002, Debbie Allen recited this poem on national television. Unfortunately, I can not remember the name of the darn program -- thinking it was about women empowerment or some sort of showcase honoring phenomenal women. In any case, enjoy!

Painting by Paul Gauguin

Phenomenal Woman

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman

Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Maya Angelou