Thursday, August 20, 2009

Michelle Obama Shorts vs Inaugural Outfit

I am comparing Michelle Obama’s shorts to her inaugural outfit. After reading about both outfits, I have realized that the critics and journalists who wrote the articles are being very strict about what she wears. When it comes to her inaugural outfit, she was given compliment from left to right from LA Times. It seemed like all the critics were in love with her outfit that she presented to the public. But when it came to her wearing shorts, the critics looked at it in such a negative way. They felt like since she is the First Lady, then she must always be dressed up in a conservative manner at all times. Then I started reading what the people had to say, and they surprisingly were completely opposite from the critics for both outfits. They hated the inaugural outfit but loved it that she was able to dress differently as being the First Lady.

After reading what the people had to say about the critics’ reviews and comments from Newsweek, I agree with the people. Even though it is unusual to see the First Lady in shorts instead of a suit, I feel that as long as she is still dressed in a presentable manner, then nothing is wrong with it. Coming from a fashion perspective, she is dressed perfectly for the occasion and she knew how to present herself in such a way that would still hold a good reputation for her and her family. I am glad that she is able to be different from the rest of the former First Ladies, the way things are perceived today is not like how it used to be. People are more accepting to showing some skin, as long as it is done in a presentable and mature way and as long as there are still limitations to the outfits.

Another thing that is to be noted about Michelle Obama wearing shorts is that she was on a family vacation to the Grand Canyon in the summertime. It is just common sense to be dressed for the weather and the occasion. If I were to be on a vacation to the mountains, I would not allow myself to wear a business suit with heels in the hot sun. I would be much more satisfied if I was in something comfortable, and in her case, something appropriate at the same time.

Now when it comes to her inaugural outfit, I thought she looked stunning and once again, I am glad that she is able to be different from the rest of the former First Ladies. Just like her wearing shorts on vacation, I felt like even though her style is different from the rest of the First Ladies, she is still able to realize that she must always dress appropriately for any occasion that she attends. I feel that she has done this for all occasions that she has attended and for that I am pleased by how she is confident with what she wears and she does not let what other think affect how she dresses.

In the end, I feel that what the First Lady and her family wears should not be such a big issue unless of course, they were to be dressed inappropriately. I also feel that there are more important things that we all should be focusing on when it comes to the President and the First Lady, such as what they are doing for our country. But people will always have their opinions about the President and the way they should present themselves.


LINKS FOR ARTICLES:
http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/thehumancondition/archive/2009/08/19/who-exactly-is-outraged-at-michelle-obama-s-shorts.aspx?GT1=43002


http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/thedishrag/2009/01/a-yellow-dress.html

Event Assignment

So for our class assignment, we were responsible for attending an event that would help us in our fashion field, as well as the different sections that we are responsible for. My section that i am responsible for is Celebrities & Trends.

For my event, i attended Alive After 5 in the Epicentre. Alive After 5 is an event in which local bands are given the opportunity to play their music, which is basically considered a free concert every Thursday. Besides music, food and drinks are also available for people who attend the event. On occasions, there would be different vendors that give away free samples to people. Just another way of promotion for companies to get their products and services out to the people.

There are many people that attend this event every week, varying from different background, age, and style. Considering it is still summertime and this event is held outside, my observations resulted in seeing a lot of women in sundresses, skirts, and shorts. Maxi dresses were also seen throughout this event, some were solid colors and some consisted of different patterns and colors. Gladiator sandals and flip-flops were also seen a lot at this event, mainly because there is a lot of walking involved so wearing heels in the hot sun is not preferred for many women. Bright colors were seen from hot pink to turquoise. These colors were spotted on handbags, shoes, dresses, and even on some sunglasses.

Overall, the styles that were featured the most were considered more casual but comfortable at the same time. Another thing that i noticed was that the style was more casual from around 5 to 8, but after that, the style transitioned to a more dressy attire. This is due to the clubs that open up in the Epicentre at night. Many people would rather dress up to go out to clubs and bars when the night time comes around. Minidresses and heels were seen more after 8 o'clock.

Even though i had to focus on getting my work done, i enjoyed the event. This event allowed me to enjoy the nightlife seen as well as the nice, hot weather that took place.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Event Assignment Plans & Ideas

Next week for class, we are responsible for attending different events that are going on locally. In doing so, we are in charge of observing the event itself and observing the people that are present at the event. While at the event, we are to interview people who will we feel will give us useful feedback about the event and how it relates back to fashion.

An event that I am considering in attending is Alive after Five in downtown Charlotte. This event is held once a week, on a Thursday, in the Epicentre. This event showcases local bands and different food and drink vendors. With live music and different vendors, this event always brings in a crowd of young people. After attending the event, people usually like to go to the bars and restaurants that are located in the Epicentre as well.

At this event, there are many people that I can interview. Some people that I have in mind are the coordinators of the Alive after Five event, the promoters, the bands, the customers, and maybe even the employees at the different restaurants in the Epicentre. With so many people that I can interview, this will allow me to see the different opinions about how people feel about the event and why they do or do not like it.

Some questions that I may ask are...
1) What brings you to the Epicentre?
2) Do you attend this event weekly?
3) What do you like/dislike about this event?
4) Do you feel this event is successful/unsuccessful?
5) Are there any ideas that you have that can better this event?
6) What are some fashion trends/items that you see people wearing to the Epicentre?
7) Do you think this event show run year-round or just over the summer?
8) What type of people attend this event?

These are just a few questions that I have in mind for possible interview questions. This event will run from 5 until 9.
I am a student at The Art Institute of Charlotte. I am a Fashion Marketing student and I am currently taking a fashion journalism class. In this class, we are responsible for creating a blog. This blog will consist of different ideas from me and my classmates. Also in the blogs, we will cover different topics in fashion, from what not to wear to the latest trends in fashion to ways to stay in shape. Blogging will allow us to express our thoughts and feelings towards fashion to others, as well as allowing us to better our writing skills and techniques.