Yes, we all waited excitedly to see the inaugural activities a few weeks back - and to see what Michele Obama would wear each step of the way. And, like always, she did not disappoint! Ms. Obama is the muse that all fashion houses have been looking for all these years. She personifies how a beautiful, intelligent, woman, mother, wife, and working professional should look. She doesn’t dress too trendy or matronly for a ‘middle-aged’ woman, the elusive demographic that designers have been missing the mark (and dollars) on all these years. I love that Ms. Obama has her signature colors and cuts/styles that she is drawn to and looks fabulous in. More importantly, I love the fact that she chooses emerging designers who are culturally diverse and talented.

As modern mamas, we can all watch and learn from Ms. Obama, such as:

1. Fashion is not a luxury - it’s a right: Fashion should not have to be expensive. Ms. Obama goes from haute couture, to J. Crew, to White House Black Market to Old Navy - and looks fabulous in each instance.
2. Rocks the low, kitten-heels and ballet flats like none other!: Have you ever chased down your wee ones on the playground at the daycare after a long day at the office in 3″ Manolo Blahniks?! I have…and will never do it again. Kitten heels are professional and sexy for work, and your feet will thank you later.
3. Flatter your best assets…and don’t be overly critical of your ‘perceived’ flaws.
4. At special events, your kids should look nice, but they still should look like kids. Young kids don’t need couture, nor make-up…ever.
5. Find your signature colors and develop your own sense of style - don’t just follow trend after trend.

Most working professionals between the ages of 35-45 have a hard finding work appropriate clothes that are still stylish — and don’t break the bank, because currently, there is not a lot to choose from. Fortunately, I work in a creative field, so I don’t have to dress as traditional as some, but I still need to look polished and professional at the office. Here are a few labels that I tend to be drawn to for stylish, affordable, and professional clothing.

- Kensie
- I.C.E
- Ellie Tahari
- BCBG
- Hale Bob
- Theory

What are some of your favorite designers? …And what was your favorite inaugural day look for Ms. Obama?

the boston globe had an article on the newest trend in retail therapy that has emerged due to the current state of the economy. the new trend has a name - the ‘returnista’, which is the definition for someone who shops, then stresses out about their purchases, and then returns the unused/unopened items back to the store. some due it out of stress, others guilt, and others just for the thrill of the hunt and their addiction to shopping.

as stated in the article: Unlike “wardrobers” - crooked shoppers who buy with the intention of using their purchases before returning them - returnistas are guilty of nothing more than a bad case of buyer’s remorse. Some have lost jobs and know they shouldn’t be shopping at all, others haven’t seen a decrease in income, but worry they should be saving for an uncertain future. Some feel guilty about spending when others can’t.

as a self-professed shop-aholic, I know that I have bought and returned this year. some out of guilt, and some out of uncertainty - although I also think I have purchased more high-end items due to some of the extreme sales and closures of local businesses and boutiques. I do try and limit re-think purchases when shopping in small boutiques since the return and credit-card fees add up for these family-owned businesses, but with kids in tow, it is so much easier to ‘throw it in the cart’ and decide whether to keep the items later, once you are in the comforts of your own home.

with the global economic crisis and as a modern mama - has your shopping patterns changed? what have you given up or settled for that you may not have done in the past? what is the best bargain you have scored (if any)? or have you not made any changes to your spending habits?! do share!