Campaign Trail Jewelry: Ann Romney Vs. Michelle Obama
Anyone who tells me that a person’s behavior does not have any impact on how his/her significant other is viewed by others, is clearly deluded. As made evident by Ann Romney and Michelle Obama at the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, respectively, how a woman behaves, carries herself and presents herself will sway opinions about her significant other.
The Romney team sent Ann out to humanize her husband while the First Lady set out to remind people the President is one of them. In both these womens’ missions it was important to be humble and relatable. I my initial post, I set out my advice for both ladies for the campaign trail; here’s how they’ve measured up thus far:
Ann Romney looked better than I’ve ever seen–she was feminine, glamorous and elegant. She wore a red Oscar de la Renta belted dress from the designer’s pre-fall 2012 collection and gold costume jewelry. Oscar de la Renta is a favorite of First Ladies past (Laura Bush, Nancy Reagan, Hillary Clinton) and Mrs. Romney’s choice of the designer is a statement that she belongs amongst her predecessors. The decision to wear red, the political power color, is bold and refreshing and a step outside of her usual comfort zone of beige and white, but was it a bit too much? Did it come across as a bit arrogant? The gold costume jewelry played against the dress nicely and lent a nice POP of gilding and opulence. Note the bracelet worn in the photo above, its funky and sizable and suggests a bit more playfulness. Ann Romney looked fabulous, unfortunately, glitz and glam is not what she needed to bring home her message.
Michelle Obama chose a scintillating dress by Tracy Reese, J. Crew pumps, and eschewed her usual statement jewelry for a pair of simple earrings and her wedding ring. The message and execution were flawless. The dress was lovely but affordable (Tracy Reese usually prices in the $200-400 range) and made by an African-American designer, sending the message that Mrs. Obama is one with the middle class while supportive of American designers, African-Americans and women in one neat little stroke. The jewelry was subdued, it said listen to what I’m saying not what I’m wearing, and the wedding ring was a great visual that solidified her support for her husband. The J. Crew pumps, comfortable affordable footwear by a brand that is a staple for the younger demographic makes Mrs. Obama relatable for the younger female demographic.
Overall, Ann Romney did well. She looked like a First Lady. Her choice of designer, color and style of dress gave viewers the visual image of a First Lady. However, compared to Michelle Obama, Ann Romney comes off as stand-offish and privileged yet again. Mrs. Romney’s choice of clothing was elegant and expensive (Oscar de la Renta prices over $1,000), her choice of red with gold accessories may have gotten her a bit more attention than necessary and it may have come off as arrogant. In an election that is very focused on unemployment and easing the suffering of the American people, these choices matter and one woman reinforced her message by her appearance better than the other. What do you think?
Big Kiss and Bigger Diamonds.
JZP
Thank you for an even-handed analysis
Interesting comparison of price of dresses. I’d never have guessed Romney’s dress was that much, but it did her alot of favors. Ditto on the cuff bracelet – super accessory which added hipness that I’m sure does not exist in our Mrs. Romney had it not been for a savvy dresser. I loved Mrs. Obama’s dress and shoes – such delightful colors on her! But from the podium, which is where she was the majority of her time, the top of the dress looked like a tank top. A very pretty tank top. A bit of a strange choice, even if her arms are super killer. I think an address of that gravity requires sleeves. Not sure why, but I kept thinking that. Plus a few bracelets would not have harmed the ensemble. Smooth and fluid – maybe a matte 18 k flat link wide mesh?
@Stylepage, it’s reassuring that you think the analysis was even-handed, I struggle with diplomacy sometimes. ; )
@Chris I didn’t even consider whether bare arms appropriate when addressing the nation. You do have a point there, but if I had that kind of muscle tone, I suspect I might be inclined to break a few rules to show them off too.
BKBD,
JZP
love just loved michelle’s outfit and her speech was amazing!
amy
Leopard and Lillies
Both women looked good. The red dress was eye-catching as anything red usually is but the dress that Michelle Obama wore was exquisite for the blending of beautiful colors and the simplicity of the princess line. I’m going to look at Tracy Reese designs more. The issue of sleeves simply belongs to personal choice and choosing what one can wear best. As for jewelry, sometimes less is more but, again, it’s personal choice.