Sunday
Oct242010
Must Read Mrs. O
Sunday, October 24, 2010 at 9:41 AM As it's been a quiet few days on the Mrs. O front, I thought you might enjoy this Detroit Free Press interview with Washington Post writer Robin Givhan, which includes insightful perspective on the first lady's fashion influence and beyond. Hope everyone is having a good weekend!
Reader Comments (13)
Ms Givhan makes a strong case for the importance of the image of FLOTUS and how she represents our country, however, Robin would do well to take some of her own advice. There is a small photo of Ms Robin Givhan apparently at a fashion show with the eBay style director, I double clicked it to enlarge it and Oh My! I saw London, France and almost saw her underpants.
OMG! Which one of those ugly old birds in that photo is Miss Givhan? She's got the nerve to be critiquing others. SMDH as I LMBO! Is she serious? At least other fashion critics look good themselves. She is a hotmess.
Its not nice to call someone ugly; nor is she ugly.
I liked the article and her commentary. She has been lambasted so much in the media, I thought she was the devil's spawn.
I guess when you have a way with words and your critiquing fashion - many wont like you. Obviously, she's on top of her game - she has a putlizer prize and other accolades to show for it.
Oh my, the claws are out! Personally, I think Ms. Givhan's views are right on. OK, and I think her skirt is too short. But all that attacking her is not a good way to be.
I find it extremely hilarious when those you usually take delight in criticizing other people's fashion choices are themselves (or rather their supporters) very defensive when the shoe is the other foot, so to speak. I find Ms Givhan in this category. My take on this matter is this, if you are going to have the nerve to set yourself up as judge and jury of all things fashion-related, then you had better make sure that you are well put together at all times when you set foot outside your home. Otherwise when the backlash hits for your lack of maintaining the same appropriate sartorial standard you've castigated others for, there should be no wining or complaints. This is a sure bet way to avoid the hypocrisy label.
Interesting article about FASHION - context and meaning! Missing lately on this thread with all the bickering about who's right or wrong, what's the appropriate way to state our opinions, reading things in postings, openly nasty comments and on and on ... Phew! ...calling Robin Givhan 'an ugly bird' because you don't like her clothes or because you think her skirt is too short but no comment about the article!
Though Ms. Givhans insight is interesting I don't agree with her saying Michelle Obama is 'more cautious than is traditional for the first lady' in her clothing choices. To me it looks more like she enjoys it very much to try something different, a little edge in the fabric, the bold colors, her jewelry and shoes, even her black and white palette isn't boring .. There may be a miss from time to time but all in all it's refreshing and she wears it well.
I, for one could never understand what the uproar was all about when the first lady stepped off the plane wearing shorts. When I travel for work then I wear a suit but it is not unusual for me to have a change of clothes, ready to step into before I land and yes, I have landed in shorts and halter tops.
The first lady works hard and she deserved a holiday like everyone else, why then should she step off in business attire to suit her critics, because let's face it her real fans fans saw no problem with what she had on.
As for the critics, Michelle Obama is a smart woman. She knew before she even started campaigning that the eyes of the world would be on her like no other first lady before her. She does her own thing and I admire her for that. People can write all they like, she has made history and has got herself into the history books until the end of time. When we are all dead and gone, people will still be talking about this amazing lady. Is Michelle Obama bothered by negative press? I bet she isn't.
I just have to say that Robin Ghivan's writing style is very good. Apart from the content! What a hoot it is to read her!
Critics can be hard to take especially if one doesn't harness the emotion a critique creates when it is contrary to one's own opinion or concerns someone one loves. And sometimes slamming the critic--which people think to be hoisting her on her own petard--is something that people relish. Notice I said slamming, not critiquing. There is a vast difference. As to the photo of Given and White, I see a candid-style shot of two very attractive women. They're not posed or airbrushed or made up for a photo shoot. It seems that they're wearing their working clothes--possibly all day and into the evening. A critique of the photo must take those facts into consideration. A critique of what Given has written about the First Lady--a true critique not an ad hominum attack--should inclued a thoughtful analysis of what she has said with an appropriate rebuttal.
It sounds cheesy, but perhaps we should think: What would Mrs. O say? That could be a shining example of what might have been said better here. Mr. O, too, made a very good point earlier in his term. Something in the vein of "calibrating" his words.
Robin has ALWAYS been Mrs. O's biggest hater, and I do not know why her articles are always posted on here. Political writers are more exciting than Robin.
@AM
Receiving a putlizer prize in FASHION is not a big deal.
Also, I have seen Robin in photos and she is not exactly what one will mimick their style after!
@Pat and AM
Robin, dishes out the "attack" so she sets herself up for the SAME critique of who she is and how she dresses.
All, receiving a Putlizer prize is a BIG deal.
i like her writing style and her command of the english language.
Just because someone "dishes out the attack" as you say, doesnt mean you have to stoop that level.
And I maintain, its not nice to call someone ugly and I dont think she's ugly.
When it comes to fashion - some days her style is appealing,some days not - just like the rest of us. She just gets to write about it.
It really goes to the bigger point - of being a Michelle Obama fan. I'm a huge fan of the first lady, but she's human just like me. Her fashion is being analyzed and critiqued (there are many reasons why) and it wont always be pleasing to all.
As a born & bred Detroiter, let me say that I find it very disconcerting to read some of her views on our Michelle. It seems at times she has an axe to grind and some critiques seem to display a disdain that is rather off-putting. When I think of fashion critics (Pulitzer or not), I would think that they would at least practice what they preach. Being front and center at a fashion show, where there is standing room only for photograhers, would make one dress the part and be ontop of their game. I'M JUST SAYING!