First Lady of Style - Michelle Obama

A lot of you know I have a love affair with fashion. I think it began when I was a little girl and my mom used to make my clothes. That talented woman could whip up the cutest dress and matching purse for me out of a bag of scrap cloth. Many times she didn't use patterns. She taught me how to make clothes for my dolls. And from that I learned to design. To put the ideas in my mind into an outfit for Barbie. Let me tell you, my dolls were the best dressed in the neighborhood and the envy of my female classmates.

Photo Credit - Tshein (Flickr)

A younger me entertained the idea to perhaps work in the fashion arena. Maybe a fashion reporter, maybe the actual designer. I even started my college education in a retail major but soon realized my dream was going to be just that, a pipedream. I switched up and went for something practical, business administration with a minor in law. Yah. Booooring, right?  Anyhoo, over the years I've kept my ear to the fashion world. I consumed beauty mags, oohed and ahhed over all the beautiful creations that came out of New York fashion week, and plopped myself in front of the tv every time there was anything on about the fashion world (documentaries, reality shows, etc.).

Once in a while a style icon strikes a chord with me and I get this urge to emulate her in my wardrobe. (And secretly harbor a desire to design for her!)  

2013 Presidential Inauguration

What a beautiful day in Washington, D.C. !
 

Photo Credit - Glyn Lowe Photoworks (Flickr)

 

I love pomp. And pageantry. I love the historical traditions of it all. From the day the inauguration is held to the oaths of office. It's one of those days when I feel my most proudest to be an American. Oh, how I wish I could have actually been there in person to experience it all firsthand, to feel the excitement in my bones.

Then again, its nice to be watching from home where I can absorb lots of background info from all the commentary by the media on every news channel. I feel like a sponge, soaking up every bit of data they throw my way. Like: which president had the shortest/longest inaugural speech; whose bible was used during the recital of the oath of office; whose ceremony was held indoors due to weather; what the first ladies wore and who designed their outfits. I need to know it all!

But most importantly, I am so proud of America for choosing a great man to be our leader. That he was chosen because of what he stands for. What he hopes to accomplish for the good of the American people. And that it has nothing to do with the color of his skin. He's an American. I'm an American. As he said so eloquently in his speech, "WE THE PEOPLE". We are all part of this nation....whatever our race, whatever our ethnicity, whatever our gender and whatever party affiliation we may have or who we voted for in the last election. We all care about this great country and want what's best for it.

Photo Credit - Egadapparel (Flickr)

 

And here we are 150 years from the term of perhaps one of our greatest presidents: Abraham Lincoln. From a time when a man of color could only dream of being free from slavery. To a time when a man of color can be elected to be the leader of the world's greatest country. And elected because of his beliefs, and not because of his race. Mr. Lincoln must surely be smiling from up above.

Most of all, I'm proud of us. We've come a long way baby!

 

Congratulations, Mr. President. And congratulations, my fellow Americans.