Dangling attention

Susan Rice was on PBS last week to discuss UN Security Council actions against Syria. She wore a beaded necklace and long, dangling earrings: http://youtu.be/VOMyLg_SL0k

You remember the last time we talked about long earrings, don't you? They can be endlessly distracting, as they are in this case. Part of the problem is that they are so long, they move even when she is barely moving her head at all. They also catch the studio lights, which draws even more attention to them.

The great thing about earrings is that they are easy and fast to put on or take off as needed. In that last minute check before going on camera, I would recommend taking these off.

Rice goes to print

UN Ambassador Susan E. Rice chose a jacket with a bold print for a recent press conference:

The scale and style of the print work for her, but the contrast between white and black is too stark for her.

Something like this might have worked better:

Go with the flow

There are two ways to beat the heat in July and August: Expose more skin (not recommended) or make your clothes lighter and more flowy. UN Ambassador Susan E. Rice chose the latter:

"Mint green pantsuit" doesn't sound like a great choice. But I'm hard pressed to dislike this outfit. It fits well and the colors work for her. Most of all she looks comfortable. Not "I feel like I'm wearing my pajamas comfortable" but rather comfortable in her own skin, with her own look. Sometimes that's the most important thing: know your style. It sort of reminds me of Rosa DeLauro.

Ambassador Rice speaks to the Security Council on Iran

Ambassador Susan Rice wore purple for her remarks on Iran to the Security Council last week. It's worth watching the whole video for two different angles on her outfit:

These colors work for her, as does the round scoop neck which is echoed by the shape of her necklace. My only concern here are her earrings. The dangling shape in this case is distracting, and the close match with her necklace makes for too much of the same design motif within a close space.

Please note that I did not deride her for being "matchy." There is a strong wave in the fashion press right now against "matching" but there's nothing wrong with it when done correctly. You just need to recognize when you have too much of a good thing.

Susan Rice on The Daily Show

Please have a look at the suit Ambassador Rice wore on the Daily Show last week. I want to show you something about fit and fabric. You get the best look at her suit when she walks in at the beginning:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Susan Rice
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There are two things that are unusual about this fabric: it's a little bit shiny, and it's a little bit soft. This would ordinarily make this more of an evening suit, but it works here. She looks dressed up, but not over-dressed. The suit is also very carefully tailored for her. Notice how it ties on the side, causing the waist to nip in and flatter her hips. Not for nothing, she could wear this on an after-work date, which is pretty much exactly how I think everyone on the Daily Show should appear.