MICHELLE OBAMA'S GOVERNOR'S BALL GOWN: A BETTER FIT FOR THE INAUGURAL BALL?

Personally, I feel that Michelle Obama would have rocked this sequined gown better at the inaugural balls, which was designed by Peter Soronen, along with the new hairdo! Instead, she chose to wear it to the Governor's Ball this past Sunday.

She looks really amazing in this ensemble-- oh well! Better to "step it up" each time you step out!

BEAUTIFUL NEW HANDBAGS BY VALENTINO

If you have a thing for roses, these beautiful totes and satchels in Valentino's new collection definitely make the cut. The flesh-colored, studded leather bag above is a must-have!

While they are not affordable for most people, ranging from around $1,800 - $4,500 at retail, no one can argue that they are works of art!

Look at all of the gorgeous styles and colors:

Aqua taffeta - good for a trip by the beach!

Red taffeta - very hot!

Love this silver and pink taffeta combo!

Pink leather - very flirty!

For your viewing pleasure, click here to see the entire Valentino collection-- you won't be disappointed!

MICHELLE OBAMA'S FAVORITE DESIGNER, JASON WU, AT NY FASHION WEEK

I'm sure the timing of Michelle Obama wearing Jason Wu's gown to the Inauguration balls made him a hot commodity at New York Fashion Week. I bet the orders are pouring in now!

Check out the video, where he talks about when he discovered that Michelle Obama was wearing his gown, which is now a part of history!

MICHELLE OBAMA'S INAUGURATION OUTFIT: HIT OR MISS?

Both Barack and Michelle Obama conveyed through their choice of inauguration outfits that tradition and conservatism weren't how they wanted to show up for the party. Our president looked quite dapper (and handsome!) in his stylish suit, with a single vent long jacket, while our first lady wore a yellow Isabel Toledo suit and accessorized with green gloves from J Crew and shoes by Jimmy Choo. Talk about mixing and matching designers! The color choices were very complimentary to her, I felt.

Personally, I really wasn't that crazy about the first lady's outfit, partly because I couldn't figure out what was going on with it. I found myself distracted by the yellow that peeped out from under her jacket. Was it a scarf? Or maybe a tie hanging from her jacket? The picture below clarifies what it was:

A cardigan! I actually like the dress better without the coat!

A word of advice for the first lady: If you're looking for a non-traditional coat/dress ensemble, call Tracy Reese!

I did like that she chose a gown by an unknown designer to wear to the inauguration balls. What great exposure for this young designer, Jason Wu! But again, I couldn't really understand why she chose this style of a gown, that reminded me of something a young girl would wear to a high-school prom!

I couldn't appreciate the beauty of it until I came across a close-up picture of the detailing:

Now, I get it!!!

Let's not forget about the chandelier earrings:

Very stunning!

And matching ring:

Beautiful!

The close-ups (thanks, Huffington Post!) definitely helped me to gain a better appreciation for Michelle Obama's choices. She is clearly defining her own personal style, and her style does not have rules or limitations.

I think that a hidden message can be found when observing the fashion choices of Michelle Obama. That message is that we should make our our own decisions about what we feel is best for ourselves, and not worry about the judgement that may come from others. An interesting thing is happening right now: Fashion seems to be following Michelle Obama. It just goes to show you that sometimes even top designers can't influence the direction of fashion!

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE 2009 LOREAL PARIS GOLDEN GLOBES' COMPACT?

Do you like this "luxury compact"? I think it's a real beauty!

Well, all of the Golden Globes' female nominees will be getting one of these fine gifts from Loreal Paris, valued at $3650. The compact was designed by Carelle, a fine jewelry company, and is a shimmering combination of lemon citrine and pale green quartz stones set in 18K yellow gold with diamond details in honor of the Golden Globes.

The compact, entitled "Harmony," evokes a calming, balanced aura with yellow citrines that symbolize optimism, positive energy and enhanced creativity. The yellow is a perfect compliment to green as it represents harmony and "attracts success".

One limited edition compact will be listed for sale through eBay Giving Works, eBay's dedicated program for charity listings, with all funds generated benefiting the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF). lt will be auctioned on www.ebay.com/lorealparis following the award show, from January 11 through January 18, with an opening bid of $500.

IS MICHELLE OBAMA REALLY INFLUENCING THE DIRECTION OF FASHION?

Well, according to today's NY Times article, she definitely isn't hurting the industry.

Michelle Obama is being recognized for her ability to successfully combine off the rack items from retailers like J Crew, with top designer pieces, and look fabulous in doing so!

Why would this be appealing to the fashion industry? In these tough times with most people spending less, it's refreshing to know that you don't have to "break your bank" in order to look your best. Consumers may spend their money on one really great designer piece that accentuates the more affordable wardrobe that it's combined with. Its a win-win; spending continues to occur in both lower end and higher end retail markets.

Who would be better than the first-lady to show that this concept can be pulled off?

To read today's NY Times article, click here.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

So glad that 2009 has arrived!

Let's hope that positive "change" is really coming!!!