Presidential Puppy!

(photo courtesy of nytimes.com)

I know this news makes P and I jump for joy. The Obamas are finally owners of a puppy! According to the New York Times, "the Obamas have chosen a 6-month-old Portuguese water dog — a gift from Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts and his wife, Victoria, to Malia and Sasha Obama." A new puppy with a Kennedy connection? Sounds like perfection to me!

-M

Bows, Bows, Bows!

(image courtesy of mrs-o.org)

While cruising the interwebs, I stumbled across the Mrs. O blog and shared the link with P. It is no secret of our love for America's First Lady (and President). My mom had Jackie Kennedy at my age, we were both graced with the style of Princess Diana, and now I have Michelle Obama in all of her style glory. My favorite look right now? Big bows. Obama rocked one in Prague on Saturday afternoon, giving me the confidence to finally invest in such a top. While the fabric allows for the top to maintain a crisp, clean look - the bow gives a flair of fun (and a bit of an Alice in Wonderland vibe) the the overall outfit.

While Mrs. O wears the new Moschino Bow Blouse from their spring 2009 collection, you and I can look (almost) as good as her in inexpensive options! My favorite? Norma Kamali for Walmart (yes, I said Walmart) sleeveless button-down bow shirt in white. At $15.00 a shirt, you can afford to wear white and not be scared of spilling your glass of Merlot, that pizza sauce from Unos, or that scoop of chocolate Ben and Jerry's on you. Talk about being a true recessionista.

Have some (or more than some) money leftover and feeling so good from spending so little on a trendy top? Splurge at Harrods (or Harrods online for us in the US) on more bow-trendy pieces, like this satin, pearl studded, bow clutch by Moschino Cheap & Chic to keep your ID, iPhone and cash safe (and cute!) on a martini night out with the girls.

-M

Michelle Obama, Topshop and Spring Trends!

(image courtesy of nymag.com & Getty Images)

Can we all just say awesome and give snaps where snaps are due to our fabulous (and fashionable!) First Lady, Michelle Obama? There she is (in the above photo) in London with Mr. President, and is wearing J. Crew. Yes! J.Crew! As in the store that is next to Abercrombie in the malls that you, I and every other New England prepster frequents for headbands, black skirts, fancy flip-flops and cable-knit sweaters. I love the realistic fashionista that our First Lady is. Extra points for the sparkles on the cardigan!

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Also in the First Lady's suitcase is a Toledo dress to meet the Queen in. I love love love love the black and white colorblock styled dress and Jason Wu overcoat. Seems that the Queen loves the outfit too, since she gave Michelle Obama a hug! A hug from royality! It was either the outfit or the high-tech gift, since rumor has it that the Obamas gave the Queen an iPod as an arrival gift. I have a feeling that Mrs. Obama has a "get ready to be a fashionista" playlist like each girl does. I wonder if hers includes "Fashion" by Lady GaGa like mine...

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NYMag's The Cut gave a sneak peek into Kate Moss's new line for Topshop. Take a look, and drool with me. Aren't the sequined dresses and tanks so Serena Van der Woodsen? Perfect for a night out getting martinis or for a Lady GaGa style concert. Plus, extra points for luck to New Yorkers with Topshop opening today! I'm so jealous.

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Part of my love for Topshop is it's relative affordability and style. Everyone who knows me knows that I live for a good deal. That being said, click over to the Keratase Private Sale site and get 30% off of soon-to-be discontinued products! Every fashionista loves good hair products, and Keratase is, undoubtedly, the best of the best. But in this economy, my bathroom has more Pantene than Keratase. The hair gods must have heard my prayers. Hallejuah!

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For you recessionistas (aren't we all?) looking for more bargains, NYMag has several suggestions. Like I always say, inexpensive doesn't equal cheap. Remember that! Even the big department stores are catching on, as designers are even lowering their prices.

-M

NEWSFLASH

Happy Thursday Morning! Enjoy today's news!

No one can tear President Obama (tee hee hee I still love it when I can type that) away from his Blackberry.

You know what mid-week means.... tabloid covers!

I wish everyone took so much interest when I get sick.

Caroline Kennedy, it's okay. Like my mom always said to me, family comes first.

H.Clinton = Secretary of State (finally!)

Oscar nominations are in!

Apparently Vanity Fair thinks Obama likes pomagrantes?

SATC take two. It's official.

-M

Inauguration Hangover

(image courtesy of Reuters)

It's Inauguration hangover today, complete with fashion roundups and musical performances. I for one know that I should have skipped out of snowy Boston and gotten to DC. Why did no one alert me that the Inaugural "Neighborhood" Ball was open to the public last night? No one told me that Maroon 5 was performing. Oh right, and Alicia Keys. And that the Obama's first dance as the first couple would be to Beyonce. Next time I need to be included on such a memo. Rumor has it though that the Obamas got through with their party hopping early last night. Why would that be? Too many glasses of champagne? Too many snooty donors? Did the party end when Maroon 5 put down the guitar?

Anyway, I for one can vouch that I spent all day yesterday watching all the DC festivities on ABC News. And as the day went on, I found myself growing more and more fond of Michelle Obama's fashion choice. Although the yellow/gold color was a bit questionable to me at first, it ended up looking splendidly on her as she and Barack walked down the DC streets. Something tells me that all of a sudden everyone will know of Isabel Toledo's collection, since the first lady sporting your designs is the best PR ever. Evidence of this? An email from Barneys New York this morning in my inbox sending me to this link. Told you so.

But just between you and me - the best fashion of the day goes to the first daughters, who apparently shop at J.Crew just like me (and every other New England prep school alum). Kudos girls.

More political news with Ted Kennedy escorted out of the lunchon yesterday afternoon after reports of seizuring. As a Bostonian, the Kennedy's are my royality, and Pop Culture Paradox sends loads of well-wishes to the Senator.

-M

INAUGURATION DAY!

Pop Culture Paradox loves PRESIDENT Obama

Congrats!!!!

Public vs. Private?

Newsflash! Word got out on Friday that the Obamas have chosen the prestigeous Sidewell Friends School for their daughters Sasha and Malia to attend come January. While some feel that the Obamas should attend public schools in DC for whatever reasons, I, personally feel the Obamas side of this situation. As a child bred in private schools (Kindergarten-12th grade, the first public school I set foot in was my first day of college at UMass Amherst), I have always (and probably will always) be an advocate for a private school atmosphere. The smaller class sizes, the closeness to teachers, the community that's built. It all sounds very cheesy, but I swear that it's true. Also true, however, the pricetag that a private school holds. Sidwell clocks in at about $29,000 per student for the academic year (the girls' current school, the Chicago Lab School, clocks in at a little under 20k/year -- note, most New England area prep schools clock in at about 30k-ish).

Elitest much? Yes. But, do we, and should we, expect much more from families that can afford the private school tuition? With the advantages that private schooling gives to students -- I can attest to a great work ethic, creative thinking, and an emphasis to detail -- why wouldn't the Obamas want the best for their girls?

-M

Obama goes breakfast

Current bidding price on ebay: 202.50
Oh hell, i'd buy it if i had the money laying around.

-M

On the interweb...Obama-mania continues!

Days after the elections, the Obamas are still THE hottest topic

of discussion and analysis on the world wide web!

NY Mag wants to know, do you practice Obamaism?

What kind of First Lady will Michelle be?

Have you thrown in your RSVP for Obama's inauguration?

And now for the hard question: "Can ‘The Daily Show’ Survive the Barack Obama Presidency?"

"Many older blacks see the Obama victory as the culmination of years of struggle. Many younger blacks are more introspective; they see Mr. Obama's election as a signal for some blacks to stop making excuses about their lack of success."

Bush meets Obama...plenty of awkward moments & super-cheesy smiles for photo ops ensue! (Plus the Obamas reportedly get a 90 minute tour of the new house!)

Meet the newest Generation O

Wow M., looks like we weren't the only ones...it seems like everyone has an opinion on the next presidential puppy!

Post Election Newsflash

Anna Wintour is really just like us everyone. Voting in SoHo. Do you think she was a McCain or Obama fan?

Anyway, other election news happened other than our newly elected Commander-In-Chief. California is thisclose to having Prop. 8 pass - which takes away marriage rights to tons of gay couples. This is supposed to be a day of progress and change, but it seems not for everyone in California. Just another reason why Massachusetts > California. FYI, lame ballot initiatives are passing in other states too.

Here in MA, look what's up with the ballot question results?

Michelle Obama wore a piece from Narciso Rodriguez's Spring 2009 last night. How'd she get her paws on that already?

So, Obama's president. What does this mean - VF answers.

I'm sure Michelle is up for it.

Check out what some of America's columnists have to say this morning.

Happy Reading!
-M

(P says: Oh, what a good looking family!! I want to be in the middle of an Obama family group hug...Any thoughts on what this presidential puppy might look like? M & I agree that it will be some impossibly cute lab or equally awesome puppy to complement the Obamas!)

SIDENOTE: Looks like P and I aren't the only ones pondering the puppy question.

In pictures...

A few reactions from around the world...

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of the world - our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand.
To those who would tear the world down - we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security - we support you.
And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright - tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.
For that is the true genius of America - that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

Indian PM Manmohan Singh congratulated the US president-elect on his "extraordinary" triumph and said that ties would grow even stronger. He said Obama's extraordinary journey to the White House would “inspire” people around the world. India’s main opposition party BJP also welcomed Obama's victory, as did separatist leaders in Indian-administered Kashmir. They said they hoped that Obama would live up to a pre-election pledge to resolve the long-running regional dispute.

Pakistan's PM also congratulated Mr Obama, saying he hoped the Democrat would promote "peace and stability".

"With the world in turmoil and doubt, the American people, faithful to the values that have always defined America's identity, have expressed with force their faith in progress and the future. At a time when we must face huge challenges together, your election has raised enormous hope in France, in Europe and beyond," said French President Nicolas Sarkozy

"I applaud the American people for their great decision and I hope that this new administration in the United States of America, and the fact of the massive show of concern for human beings and lack of interest in race and color while electing the president, will go a long way in bringing the same values to the rest of world sooner or later," said Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

Edit by M: Look at more worldwide responses here, courtesy of the New York Times and here from the NY Daily Intel. Apparently Europe is impressed and jealous of America. What's up now.

Election Edition

“If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, tonight is your answer. It’s a long time coming, but because of what we did on this day, at this defining moment, change has come to America." - Barack Obama

It is a good good time to be a democrat in America. Obama's victory last night brought some major (and majorly needed) change. Over and over, CNN kept saying last night, how amazing it is that the same country that elected W. eight years ago, elected Barack Obama last night. While I can go on and on about how this election is one for the history books, and what this means in terms of race relations and progress and civil rights, I won't. That's what the NYTimes is for. While it is amazing and wonderful that we just elected a person of color for our president, I disagree with the Times as they say this morning, "Obama Elected President as Racial Barrier Falls." We elected a new president. It's a great symbol of change -- racially and ideologically -- from what we have had for the past (almost) decade. However. This by no means that the racial barrier that our nation has ridden deep within its' veins has fallen. I think of the two white supremacists that plotted his assassination already. The articles this morning saying to expect more threats. I think of the mistreatment of minorities in a post-Katrina world in New Orleans. I think of the blatant racism and smear tactics that stemmed out of the McCain campaign - those who claimed Obama was a terrorist and un-American. No, no. The racial barrier has not fallen.

The mere fact that McCain supporters during his concession speech repeatedly booed Obamas' name as it was spoken speaks for itself. Considering all of the preaching that has been done about being a 'good American' and putting 'Country First,' it seems awfully un-American and unpatriotic to, you know, boo the President-Elect. Just an FYI.

On a lighter note, did anyone else see what Jill Biden wore last night? That lime green mess? I asked P via instant message if she thought Michelle Obama purposely told her she looked good in that. It's all about how you look in comparision to the person next to you. Just ask Paris Hilton.

I for one, am relieved that this election is over with and satisfied with the outcome. Change is here -- and I don't need to move to Canada anymore - :)

In case you missed any of the election night shannagians, here's some links to recap you, so you can join in on the water cooler conversation too.

Oprah is just like us (or me at least) - getting teary eyed as Obama clinches the race.

A small, Gawker recap of Obama's speech -- and the transcript via YahooNews.

High(low?)lights of McCains concession speech.

A puppy for the first daughters!

-M

One for the history books...

It's been a long time coming...with an estimated voter turnout of nearly 134 million (including many many young people) the United States of America elected it's first black president, BARACK OBAMA!
"Momentous." "Historic." "Extraordinary."...only some of the words associated with the presidential campaign and now, the results...and by no means hyperbole. Yes we can.
As what CNN's Anderson Cooper jokingly described as 'a 20-year campaign' came to a grand cinematic, fantastic and extremely satisfying conclusion, beginning with McCain's fairly gracious concession speech and peaking with Obama's own speech...it was hard not to feel (even if that might last only for a few moments) that suddenly everything would be alright. The sense of optimism that radiated off of my tv screen and streamed into my living room half a world away made it hard for even the cynic buried deep in me to not feel renewed, refreshed and reinvigorated by his words. Yes we can.
From the background scores that sounded like they came out of a Hollywood epic to the color coordinated Obamas (red and black seemed to be the chosen colors)...it was quite a moment to experience.
In a great speech, Obama thanked his "best friend of the last 16 years, rock of his family, love of his life...the next first lady, Michelle Obama," and promised his adorable young daughters that they had "earned the new puppy that is coming with us to the White House..." (Will it will be living in that White House replica that Ellen gave Michelle?)
Throughout his campaign and even during his speech, Obama's rhetoric has focused on issues of
social justice, inclusion, diversity - clearly, the concerns of a younger generation. In McCain's defeat and Obama's win, a real generational shift has been witnessed. This just means that the pressure is definitely ON for young people in the US and also around the world.
The kind of energy seen among young people is reminicent (to me, at least) of the turbulent 60s, but instead of protesting 'the man,' and revolting against 'the system,' it feels like this generation has decided to work within the system and elect 'the right man!'
Yes, Obama promises change but it is the duty of each American now to really come through and demand that this new administration to follow through on their promise
Yes, the expectations are high and Obama will claim an extremely messy inheritance (a couple of wars, a few natural diasters, the economy) from Bush...but we believe, no, we know, he can!

- P

2008 Election = More Intense Than The 2008 MLB Playoffs

As I sit in my living room, I inhale in my Yankee Candle (Sweet Honeysuckle scent!) that fills my room and watch CNN -- as I have for the past few hours. I trust no other news source during the elections (god love Anderson Cooper). I did, indeed, go out and rock the vote this afternoon (after work, as my sleepy self just couldn't drag out of bed this morning before work). Barack Obama just took the electoral votes for Pennsylvania (huge for his campaign), and I kind of wish I could dig out my Obama shirt from my hamper -- forget the fact that I am currently home alone, it's the thought that counts.

In case anyone hasn't kept up with the election (tsk tsk), here's a roundup (complete with YouTube videos!). Consider it your Sparknotes version of this campaign that has lasted forever.

-M

Rock The Vote

In case you've been living under a rock, tomorrow is election day. As in, the day that there is finally light at the end of the tunnel of the past 8 years and I get to wake up before the crack of dawn to try to vote before work.

While I've made my political alliances very clear -- pro-Obamarama, anti-Palin (I still have nightmares of that Katie Couric interview), I don't think I've stressed the importance of voting yet. While you might be like my boyfriend who forgot to submit a request for an absentee ballot, chances are that you're registered and wondering if you'll make time/find time/take the effort to go vote. The youth vote is huge this year (maybe more than ever before?), so please, for everyone's sake, vote vote vote vote. I hate being preachy, but I think we all know what this election means.

For those who haven't been following the campaigns, here are some references so you can make your best educated decision on who to check the box for.

Issue comparision from Boston.com
Where the candidates stand on women's rights

And just for a giggle. McCain showed up on SNL this weekend. :)

-M

Celebrities heart Obama

Have you voted yet?

Why I'm Happy To Be A Liberal

I was going to hold off on my daily postings until the workday truly starts, but I stumbled onto the blog over at fashionintelligentsia and almost died of happiness.

Can we please direct our attention over to Barack Obama's official online store and look, just for a moment, of all of the great designer pieces. I dont know what I want more. As pictured above we have a tee by Juicy Couture, a tote by Marc Jacobs and another tote by Diane Von Furstenburg. Maybe I'll just splurge on all three when the next paycheck rolls around -- just disregard that silly little article that I posted yesterday.

(P. says: You know I had to comment on Obama's "Runway to Change"...gotta point this out...nautical+classic white tee+nod to the past with old-fashioned pin+leftist politics = gets my vote...Ha! Talk about fashion and democracy coming together, literally.)

Also on my shopping list that the lovely bloggers at fashionintelligentsia pointed out to my impulse buying needs? This super pretty Kate Moss for Topshop heart cardigan which will go perfectly with all of my high waisted skirts for work this fall. So pretty, so fantastic, and the US Topshop store is finally up and running!

-M