Fashion History Being Made At The White House – Creating Your Own Fashion Legacy

There is a tremendous buzz around our nation, and perhaps around the world, asking the question, what Michelle Obama will wear to the inauguration? It’s an amazing piece of a historic event – the role that FASHION will play – and rightfully so. The endless newsreels playing for the last few weeks have been looking back at past first ladies and the styles and colors of their inaugural ensembles. And, of course, in this case, there are two little girls to “ooh and ahh” over as well. What a day to be a dress maker!

By now, if you were up early, you saw Michelle Obama leave her (very) temporary residence in a golden yellow brocade dress with a matching long jacket and long silk scarf – smiling and waving to news crews as she entered St. John’s Church in Washington DC with her husband – the 44th president of our country. It felt like every news channel you turned to did a critique of her outfit – how it seemed to match the color of the church – that it was a “happy” color and embraced Mrs. Obama’s joie de vivre when it comes to fashion. That it was classic, and yet still her own. (Who can forget the amount of commentary about her daring black and red ensemble on the night of the election?)

I, for one, love the acknowledgement that the media is giving to fashion today. For those of us in the clothing industry – from fabric designers, to boutique owners, to seamstresses and tailors and factory workers – well, this is a really great day for us. We are center stage all day today – and we know it!

But truthfully, we know something that everyone else might NOT know. We are center stage EVERY day – and it’s not just for the big occasions. (Okay, we don’t all have an inaugural ball to go to, but we all have those once-in-a-lifetime events – like weddings and proms – where we have that “perfect” dress that gets a million photographs.) Rather, it’s the smaller occasions where WE know that we literally make or break people. It’s the first date with the best looking guy in the office. (And it’s the dinner where you meet his parents.) It’s every single day that you go to work. What we do matters. It really matters. We are literally the thread that ties us all together, from generation to generation.

Clothing isn’t just something to buy, wear, and toss away. Be sure to save those special pieces to hand down to your daughters and nieces. Fashion has a way of coming around again and again (can you say skinny jeans?). And what doesn’t come around becomes great stuff for school plays and Halloween costumes (poodle skirts and white leisure suits, anybody?). For plus size women, there’s also the tremendous honor of having some great fashion in the right size when the young women in your life are struggling – both financially and with their identities. Even plus size women like Oprah Winfrey have shared that finding the right dress in her size has driven her to tears on the MOST special occasions, like the Emmy’s.

You will be more than the hero when you have that gorgeous plus size little black dress for someone’s special New Year’s Eve – or a beautiful plus size blouse to accent a great suit for that big interview. As plus size women, we KNOW how important it is to dress to impress and dress for success! Having those special wardrobe pieces to pass down is pretty wonderful.

I have visions of Michelle Obama’s daughters, one day in the far future, unwrapping beautiful dresses from some treasured garment bag wrapped carefully in tissue paper, and saying to their own daughters, “This is the dress your grandmother wore to meet the King of England, and this is what she wore when she met the President of France.” Our clothing is far more than what it seems; it’s part of our life story. So the next time you have a great dress that you adore, take a picture of yourself in it at the occasion and then, when you save that dress and wrap it carefully in tissue, throw the picture in the box too. We aren’t all “The First Lady” but we ARE all part of a very intimate history to be treasured as part of our own legacy.

About the Author

Stacy Montgomery, Sales VP for Sealed with a Kiss Designs (SWAK Designs,
Plus Size clothing
) has built her career around her passion, embracing her own unique beauty and plus-sized body. Sealed with a Kiss Designs
http://www.SWAKdesigns.com
is a leading manufacturer of affordable and trendy
plus size fashions

Child Large (Size 12-14, 8-10 Yrs) Nifty Fifties Costumes $20.13 This Nifty Fifties Costume is back again by popular demand! It’s fun, and reasonable too! – The Little Greaser (Search Greaser from our storefront) is a great costume for the guys to go with this!…

Poodle Plus Skirt – Black $24.99 Let’s go to the sock hop! Dust off those saddle shoes and slip on some cute bobby socks and get ready to twist the night away in this sweet and sassy Black Poodle Skirt. Show your fab 50′s style in this Black Poodle Skirt with a poodle patch and a sequin trim leash. The Black Poodle Skirt has a black elastic waistband. Fits dress sizes 18-22….

Fifties Poodle Set Plus Adult Costuume – Plus Flirt with the 50s in this poodle skirt set for full-figured adults! Poodle Set plus size costume includes a jacket striped top and a skirt with sequined poodle. Fits up to a dress size 22….

Plus Size Poodle Skirt 50′s Costume – Womens Full 18-22 .x{color:#83C22D;margin:0px;font-size:12px}.y{color:#A56EBA}PLUS SIZE POODLE SKIRT 50′S COSTUMEFifties Costumes(Item #FIFT102)Size: Womens Full 18-22Includesjacket shirt skirt w/applique Adult Halloween Costumes – This Plus Size 1950′s Poodle Skirt Costume includes the pink jacket, pink and black striped shirt and the black skirt with poodle applique….

California Costumes Women’s Poodle Skirt Costume This Plus Size Pink Poodle Skirt is perfect for that special Sock Hop or 50′s Event! (Skirt only)…

Pink Poodle Skirt Plus Adult Costume – Adult Costumes $50.00 Pink Poodle Skirt includes pink skirt with poodle aplique and sequin trim. Top, neckerchief, and shoes not included. Available in Adult Plus sizes 1X and 3X….

Poodle Skirt Adult Plus Costume $29.99 The Poodle Skirt is pastel pink with a black poodle applique. Shoes,shirt,jacket,belt and neck scarf are not included.

Complete Poodle Skirt Outfit (Red & White) Adult Plus Costume $159.99 Poodle skirts & crinolines are one-size-fits-most,elastic waist,they stretch from 22″ to 52″ waist and are 27″ in length. Made from comfortable and easy to care for poly/cotton broadcloth with a hand-embroidered chenille 8″ walking poodle patch & leash. Complete Poodle Skirt Outfit Includes: Red Skirt with White Poodle,White Blouse with White Poodle,Black Crinoline,Black Cinch Belt,Red Chiffon Scarf,White Bobby Socks with Poodle Pin,and Red Cats Eye Glasses.

Pink Poodle Skirt Adult Plus Costume $24.99 Pink Poodle Skirt includes pink skirt with poodle aplique and sequin trim. Top,neckerchief,and shoes not included. Available in Adult Plus sizes 1X and 3X.

Complete Poodle Skirt Outfit (Turquoise & White) Adult Plus Costume $159.99 Complete Poodle Skirt Outfit Includes: Turquoise Skirt with Black Poodle,White Blouse with Black Poodle,White Crinoline,Black Cinch Belt,Black Chiffon Scarf,White Bobby Socks with Poodle Pin,Black Cats Eye Glasses.

Complete Poodle Skirt Outfit (Pink & White) Adult Plus Costume $159.99 Complete Poodle Skirt Outfit Includes: Pink Skirt with White Poodle,White Blouse with White Poodle,Black Crinoline,Black Cinch Belt,Black Chiffon Scarf,Pink Bobby Socks with Poodle Pin,and Black Cats Eye Glasses.

Complete Poodle Skirt Outfit (Black & Pink) Adult Plus Costume $139.99 Complete Poodle Skirt Outfit Includes: Black Skirt with Pink Poodle,Black Blouse with Pink Poodle,Pink Crinoline,Pink Cinch Belt,Pink Chiffon Scarf,Pink Bobby Socks with Poodle Pin,and Pink Cats Eye Glasses.

Poodle Skirt,Top & Scarf Adult Plus Costume $39.99 Includes: Skirt,top,scarf. Does not include belt or shoes.

Seashell Lined Swim Skirt $44.96 “This sporty, mid-thigh, stretchy and full-cut swim skirt features a built-in brief. A very swimmable style, cut a little shorter than our longer swim skirt, it is perfect for showing off your great gams! The built in brief has a comfortable plus-size fit and a conservative leg opening. Fully covered no-chafe elastic waist. Embroidered with a Junonia seashell at the hem, your guarantee of exceptional fit and quality. Mix and Match. 50 UPF UV Sun Protection. ”

Seafarer Jersey Skirt $19.99 “Fun, flirty skirt features contrast binding at the hemline. Slightly shorter cut is petite-friendly. Elastic waist.”

AquaSport Swim Skirt $69.95 “Sporty, mid-thigh swim skirt features slit accents and a built-in brief with conservative leg for added comfort and support. Fully covered no-chafe elastic waistband with inner draw cord adjusts for a comfortable and secure plus size fit. This fabric builds stretch into the knitting process and uses NO spandex for maximum chlorine and fade resistance. Perfect in the pool, pack this in your bag for travel, as it dries very quickly and looks great with flip flops and a tee on the beach. Mix and Match. 50 UPF UV Sun Protection. ”

Seashell Knee Length Lined Swim Skirt $44.96 “Walk in the waves, play in the pool, shop in your flip flops, this at-the-knee length skirt is so comfortable you’ll wear it all-day long, whenever the sun shines! Built-in brief is a comfortable plus size cut with conservative leg. Sun-protective stretchy fabric shields those sensitive thighs. Embroidered with a Junonia seashell at the hem, your guarantee of exceptional fit and quality. Mix and Match. 50 UPF UV Sun Protection. ”

Stretch Microfiber Zip-Off Skirt $19.99 “Mid-calf piece zips down to an above-the-knee skirt, creating two styles in one. Features flat front panel, front zip fly, front pockets and 3/4-elastic waist. Brushed for softness, this crisp, durable and water-repellent material holds its shape for active or casual wear. ”

QuikWik Power Play Tennis and Walking Skirt $39.95 “Hit the courts or the walking path in this tennis-inspired skirt/ Built-in inner shorts guarantee chafe-free comfort. Our exclusive QuikWik fabric is endlessly soft and stretchy, moving with your body without binding or chafing. The smooth, non-cling, wicking fabric pushes moisture away from your body keeping you dry and comfortable. Side slits and fully encased non-chafing elastic waist with subtle ball pockets on each leg. Pack this versatile skirt for every trip. 50 UPF UV Sun Protection.”

Complete Poodle Skirt Outfit (Turquoise & White) Adult Costume $159.99 Complete Poodle Skirt Outfit Includes: Turquoise Skirt with Black Poodle,White Blouse with Black Poodle,White Crinoline,Black Cinch Belt,Turquoise Chiffon Scarf,White Bobby Socks with Poodle Pin,Black Cats Eye Glasses.

Complete Poodle Skirt Outfit (Pink & White) Adult Costume $139.99 Complete Poodle Skirt Outfit Includes: Pink Skirt with White Poodle,White Blouse with White Poodle,Black Crinoline,Pink Cinch Belt,Black Chiffon Scarf,Pink Bobby Socks with Poodle Decal,and Black Cats Eye Glasses.

Complete Poodle Skirt Outfit (Black & Pink) Adult Costume $139.99 Complete Poodle Skirt Outfit Includes: Black Skirt with Pink Poodle,Black Blouse with Pink Poodle,Pink Crinoline,Pink Cinch Belt,Pink Chiffon Scarf,Pink Bobby Socks with Attached Poodle Emblem,and Pink Cats Eye Glasses.

50′s Hop With Poodle Skirt Adult Costume $36.99 Includes stretch velour top and flannel skirt with sequin trim and poodle patch polka dot scarf. Available in adult sizes Small,Medium and Large. Shoes and socks not included.

Complete Poodle Skirt Outfit (Red & White) Adult $159.99 Poodle skirts & crinolines are one-size-fits-most,elastic waist,they stretch from 22″ to 52″ waist and are 27″ in length. Made from comfortable and easy to care for poly/cotton broadcloth with a hand-embroidered chenille 8″ walking poodle patch & leash. Complete Poodle Skirt Outfit Includes: Red Skirt with White Poodle,White Blouse with White Poodle,Black Crinoline,Black Cinch Belt,Red Chiffon Scarf,White Bobby Socks with Poodle Pin,and Red Cats Eye Glasses.

Poodle Skirt and Onesie Pink/Black Infant Costume $36.99 Includes: Onesie,skirt,belt.

Poodle Skirt and Onesie White/Pink Infant Costume $36.99 Includes: Onesie,Skirt,Belt.

Side Kick Plus Size Costume $49.5 Costume includes dress with attached circle skirt, eye mask, belt with buckle, cape, gloves.

Debbie Does Detention Plus Size Costume $59.5 Costume includes shirt, pleated skirt, suspenders, removable garter, tie.

Mini Poodle Skirt (Black/Pink) Adult Costume $39.99 Includes: Top,Skirt,Scarf. Does not include shoes.