Time to return to fashion.... the economy is too depressing and my beloved technology is failing me.
In keeping with tonight's debate, let's look at the difference between Michelle Obama's style and Cindy McCain's. I'm not going to pretend to know which designer labels they wear--Kelley can tell us that--but I can interpret their choices based on appearance.
Both women play it safe most of the time. They tend to choose outfits with minimal fuss that are acceptable to a wide range of tastes. Michele breaks out more often than Cindy does. Check out this green and purple striped number at Mrs. O (a clever site that tracks what Ms Obama wears). Both women love bold, expressive colors, although Cindy seems a bit stuck here. I searched through hundreds of images of her and couldn't find one print outfit--all solids with a couple of subtle striped shirts thrown in for grins. Something about this says "repressed" to me. On the other hand, Michelle wallops us with big ol' smacks of color. Something about this says "compensating for being ordered around by handlers."
Although older than Michelle Obama, Cindy McCain occasionally strays into little girl's land with puffed
sleeves and ruffles (a look I can only imagine on Michelle in caricature). This is an odd choice for a successful business woman, but sometimes relays a softer side that can't find any other way out. Ms. Obama takes the opposite tack, appearing at times in outfits that draw all attention to her hips and can only be described as "I am woman!" The girl's got guts.
What, if anything, does this tell you about their husbands? I would bet my failing iPhone that Michelle's a more aggressive partner than Cindy. Barack has to have some cojones to stay in the ring with her. Cindy probably conforms more to John's moods and needs, but when she's not happy, I'm sure she can spew a continent of coldness his way. His time in prison camp probably helps. Thankfully, neither of these women is as two-dimensional as Laura Bush so we can only hope their mates are likewise more fully formed.
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