Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Ring pop

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand gave a floor speech last week on the Violence Against Women Act. She wore black, and an unusual ring: http://youtu.be/roJ9-s-IKow

The senator is of course well known for the mostly-black color palette of her wardrobe. But in this outfit, we see a little pop of color via a turquoise ring on her right hand. It works because the color is bright, but the style is subtle. Like this one:

Monday, April 23, 2012

A natural for cream

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley spoke at an award ceremony for volunteers last week. She wore cream: http://youtu.be/t5i0YdCv1AA?t=1m20s

Light creamy colors can be difficult to pull off, especially on camera. But this jacket looks great. Why?

1. Cream can make some people look washed out, but the governor's skin tone naturally lends itself to this color.

2. The texture and color variation that this tweed fabric lends to the look, along with the organic folds of the draped collar, prevent the light color from looking severe or reflective.

3. This video was taken in a natural setting, without glaring television studio lights.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Baltimore Brilliance

Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announced her "neighborhood mom" contest last week. She wore a beige blazer and multi-strand pearl necklace: http://youtu.be/QZBSXPU_J-o

The mayor seems to have really hit her stride with her style in 2012. The contrasting piping on her jacket helps give definition to a garment that could otherwise look bland. Her makeup is present but tasteful, the necklace is bold but sophisticated and not too distracting (a problem she was having earlier in her term). This look is an example for us all.