The inaugural week is not about fashion, but this is a lifestyle column, and like Joan Rivers, Tim Gunn and Women’s Wear Daily I can’t pass up the opportunity to address what the First Lady wore to the inauguration ceremony. Let me just say, the blue silk coat, designed by menswear designer Thom Browne, was a spot-on choice; it fit Mrs. Obama like the grape colored J.Crew gloves she paired with it. The coat has it all: style, fabric, color, proportion and fit. As a seamstress, I appreciate the elements of a well-made garment. I want that coat.
The fashion world reports regularly on the First Lady wearing Target, and J. Crew apparel; I admire that. But I’d be willing to bet a most treasured possession, my grandmother’s 1936 portable Singer sewing machine, that her off-the-rack choices are altered to fit her. The First Lady and her stylist understand that she can wear anything, as long as it fits her well. Her clothing reflects the proper proportions for her body type, that is, the precise hemline, jacket length, sleeve length, skirt fullness, and pant leg width, etc. She proves the point that anyone can look great, without breaking the bank, if clothes are well proportioned and fit you properly, regardless if you’re a size 6 or size 16. Men, this goes for you too; the law of fit and proportion applies to everyone.
I can hear you, “at 5’11” the First Lady would look good in a Muumuu.” Contrary to popular belief, tall people and fashion models don’t look good in everything they put on. Designers design clothing specifically for runway models, women of all body types, and the First Lady. Mrs. Obama’s designer clothing is designed and made for her, not a runway model. The key to her fashion success, whether couture or off-the-rack, is the same as yours or mine– a good tailor.

Best of the Best
Chris Hudson Couture: For couture clothing
150 W Jefferson St, Madison
706-343-0072
chrishudsoncouture.com
Follow Chris Hudson Couture on Facebook to see current designs.
Sartoria Monica LLC:
232 W Washington St., Madison
706-343-0000
info@sartoriamonica.com

Alterations:
If you’ve used someone for alterations, and would highly recommend them, email me at bestdiscovery@aol.com and I’ll share the source. For a full list of alteration services in the area go to: www.yellowpages.com/madison-ga/seamstress

Cathy Best discovers new things daily.

Contact her to share local resources, books, blogs, Web sites and apps you’ve discovered: bestdiscovery@aol.com.

Printed in the January 31, 2013 edition