Style Inspiration: First Lady Michelle Obama

You knew this was coming.

Regardless of any woman's political opinions, you'd be hard-pressed to argue with Mrs. Obama's classic, elegant style. She always looks appropriate and pulled-together, but never like she's trying too hard, which I love. She uses color and pattern wonderfully, and has great posture for her statuesque figure. And after eight years of a senior citizen First Lady with daughters dressed to ride the mechanical bull at Crazy Jeb's Chicken Coop, we could all use a well-dressed First Family in the White House. And all this from a French-speaking Princeton grad and Harvard JD recipient. But wait... a Jacqueline-like coif, giant pearls and glowing skin too??? Go America!

"Sometimes I'll talk on the phone while I'm shellin' peas.

Oprah calls it 'multitasking'."
- Mama Smooter, Sweet Home Alabama

Self-pedicures and TV, online shopping and iTunes downloads, driving and drinking coffee, baking and laundry... multitasking is an art perfected by most women I know, including myself. And while it's great to take "me" time to concentrate on the pleasure of just reading a book or eating a meal with no distractions, more often we find that we'd rather get as much done simultaneously as possible, due to a shortage of time.

Well, as the Times and CNN keep reminding me, America is in a recession, and it's being compared to the Depression. So now we're not only short on time, but short on money as well. It would be easy to be miserable in this situation, but here are some great style and beauty multitasking strategies I've found, to keep you looking fabulous through the winter without disrupting your nest egg.


Wellies
They keep your feet dry while stomping through puddles on your commute, or walking your puppy through the park. But they can double as snow boots too, when you put thick wool or fleece socks under them. Wellies also look great under skinny jeans, and with the right tights and sweater, a skirt too.

Benetint
It's called a cheek stain, and works wonders for brightening up your complexion. But you can also use it on your lips under gloss, for a naturally red look that lasts.

Jersey dresses
Sleeveless, floral, lightweight, no matter; your three-season dresses take on a fourth season of style when you layer them under sweaters. A cable cardigan is a safe bet but can still leave a spring vibe. Try one of the new chunky shrugs, a longer, wide-collar winter white cardigan, or a tweed blazer.

Cropped and capri pants
As long as they're not seersucker or white jeans, your shortened twill, denim and cotton pants look like skinny jeans or pants under knee-high riding boots. Or, very dark, medium-weight cropped pants with knee-high boots look very now.



Benefit 10 bronzer
This boz is half bronzer, half pink highlight. When used on cheeks, it highlights cheekbones and gives great summer color. Lately I'm using it as eyeshadow: the brown hue on lids and the crease, and the highlight for my cheeks as well as brow bones.

Our 44th President

Normally I stick to the triumverate of makeup, style and men on this blog. But today has been an historic day, and though this campain seems to have been going on forever, it's worth noting the true value of this election.

Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States of America.

I, personally, am thrilled for this result. I agree with far more of Obama's opinions and future policies than those of McCain. I also think McCain gave a very gracious, well-spoken concession speech, and I wish we had seen more of that side of him during the campaign. I am excited to see what changes come, and hold much hope that they will be positive and worthwhile to the whole country.

And this inaugural ball is going to be awesome.

But what's more important is that, despite individual opinions about the candidates, this is the ultimate story of the American Dream. The American Dream, which seems to have all but disintegrated in the past decade. A biracial man who was raised mostly by his mother and grandmother worked his way to Harvard Law School, and the Senate, and now beyond to the Oval Office.

Two men with passion for America and conviction in their hearts battled to the end, eloquently defending their opinions and making for arguably the most engaging election season we have ever seen, with record turnouts at the polls.

Within less than 250 years of existence, the USA has elected its first African-American President. And if McCain had won the election, the USA would have elected its first woman to the position of Vice President.

Regardless of our differences, I think this whole process should make us all...

- grateful for the opportunities we have

- proud to have a functional democracy

- excited to make progress in the future

- humbled by the immense amount of work ahead

I personally am proud, grateful and thrilled to be a citizen of a country in which dreams really can come true, in which we all have a voice, and in which, as they say, we let the best man (or woman) win.

Cheers to the future!

Hayley