Get Involved: The White House Project

And now for something new at Style of Politics: a periodic feature called "Get Involved," profiling organizations, opportunities and events that put women in politics into action.

Today, The White House Project.

You can read more extensively about the work and mission of this organization on their website here, which centers on filling the leadership pipeline in civic and corporate arenas with women.

What I think is remarkable is that the White House Project is at a moment of transforming transition: their visionary founder Marie C. Wilson has passed the leadership baton to a new president, Tiffany Dufu. Tiffany is young, ambitious, dynamic and most critically, she is ready and eager to make her own path for the White House Project.  She spoke recently at a luncheon in Washington, DC about her plans as president, part of which include giving the organization more of a presence here, in addition to their headquarters in New York and regional centers around the country.

So, my point is this: if you're in DC, get ready for more from the White House Project. You might want to check out the DC Leadership Circle. And if you're in New York, they're hiring! To go along with Tiffany's new presidency, the organization is seeking a Chief Operating Officer. It's an incredible opportunity, so check it out.

Wear white in May

By now, most people take the old "rules" about wearing white only after Memorial Day and before Labor Day as antiquated. But I do usually advise reserving a white suit until May, unless you live in a tropical climate.

Now that it's May, Senator Kay Hagan recorded a message for Armed Forces week in a particularly great white suit:

The gold trim on this jacket gives definition to the lapels without creating high contrast - an excellent look for her.

Standing Up

Hillary Clinton gave remarks to the Global Diaspora Forum this week. She wore black and white:


We have seen some great examples in the past of stand up collars, like Eleanor Holmes Norton last month. And we've seen great examples of bold, multi-layered necklaces, as on Stephanie Rawlings-Blake in January.

Mary Queen of Scots

Unfortunately, this look isn't doing the Secretary any favors. It's a shame because I think the spirit of this look was right - achromatic, dimensional and a bit feminine. 

But it fell down on the proportions. The collar is so large, I hope I was the only one who thought of Mary Queen of Scots when I saw this blouse, but I suspect I wasn't. A collar just half an inch narrower would have had a completely different effect, allowing for the softness of a ruffle instead of emphasizing the stiffness of the material standing away from her body.

I hope this helps you understand why it's important to try things on, not just for fit but also for proportion!