President “Barry” on Image and Style

{Images Courtesy of the New York Times.}

Not only has our new President brought youth, hope, and organically farmed produce to the White House, he’s also brought a sense of style that few—if any—other politicians possess. President Obama (along with the buff and beautiful Michelle) has a casual elegance in everything he wears. From sleek, power-tie accessorized suits at the office to shades and board shorts at the beach, Mr. Obama knows how to present himself. Before his days of political power, President Barack Obama—or Barry as he was called—was a self-aware, image conscious freshman at Southern California’s Occidental College.

Lisa Jack, a classmate of Barry’s and a student of photography, was tipped off that handsome freshman Barry would be an ideal subject to shoot. Barry showed up with a bomber jacket, flared jeans, a pack of ciggs, and a Panama hat. He clearly had put careful, purposeful thought into what he chose to wear and how he wanted to be portrayed. At the tender age of eighteen, Barry knew that “clothes function like identity flashcards.” These photos, first featured in Time magazine are currently on display at the M+B Gallery in Los Angeles.

While I am all for rolling out of bed, throwing on what’s comfortable and not stressing over what to wear, this (apparently) won’t make me the next Commander in Chief.  Image is everything and first impressions do last. Though most professionals won’t acknowledge putting much importance on fashion, looking good matters. Putting deliberate thought into how you present yourself goes a long way. While I’m not advocating transforming into a label-slavin’ Gucci Prada Mama, I am advocating putting careful consideration into how you present yourself to the world by starting with your style. Being naturally good looking, charming, and stylish (like young Barry) doesn’t hurt much either.

Next time you consider heading out in shabby sweats and a faded tee, take a moment and think about the journey of young, self-aware Barry and ask yourself, “is this really how I want to present myself to the world?” I know I will.

Headlines This Week 4/17

• Crystal Renn’s voluptuous figure was recently featured in the Australian edition of Harper’s Bazaar, giving curvy fashionistas some long overdue editorial love. “62% of all American women (18 or older) wear a size 12+, and yet the plus size market is still overlooked.” FashionTribes.com
• Wearing a suit to walk the dog? Even if you’re President of the United States, the style is somewhat jarring. On Tuesday, when the First Family unveiled their Portuguese water dog, Bo, to the world, the President made good on his promise to bring a canine into the White House — and perhaps displayed why suits shouldn’t be worn for exercise. WWD.com
• The new French Elle features eight European celebrities on its multiple covers, un-retouched and wearing no makeup. Well, “Stars Sans Fards” loosely translates to “without makeup” but suggests a sense of openness in French. NYMag.com

• VANS has just re-launched its VANS Customs shoe site, now you can choose from three VANS favorites- the Slip-On, Era or Old School. You can customize by inspirations that VANS came up with or start on a blank slate on a white or black shoe, there are 48 colors and patterns to choose from. Nitrolicious.com
• Rapper and Dancing with the Stars contestant Lil’ Kim might be better known for her friendships with hip-hop superstars like P. Diddy and the late Notorious B.I.G., but in an interview with stylist.com, the Grammy-winner talks about her enduring friendship with star designer Marc Jacobs. People.com
• Throughout the past year, the term “shop your closet” has become ubiquitous with these gloomy economic times. I don’t know about you, but I’ve often dreamed of shopping other people’s closets—Kate Moss’s, Charlotte Gainsbourg’s, my mom’s circa 1963. Gwyneth Paltrow has now made my dream a reality—sort of. Elle.com

The Coolest Inauguration Tees

After days of transitioning, months of campaigning, and years of oppression, the time has come. Today, Tuesday, January 20, 2009 marks the inauguration of the first ever African American president, Barack Obama. Whoever you voted for and whatever you stand for, Tuesday is a time for every American to unite and recognize the historic and momentous occasion. If you managed to wrangle a ticket to DC and an invite to one of the dozen inaugural balls, then glam it out for the rest of us. However, if you’re planning to watch Obama take oath on the sofa in sweatpants with a Corona and some guacamole (like me), your still entitled to don a dash of Obama spirit. I know I will.

Obama Rushmore Tee

“Yep, that looks about right,” says Urban Outfitters. “Damn straight!” says me.

NY Times Obama Tee-Designed by Altru Apparel

Get in the spirit with a splash of good news across your chest. This tee boasts an official re-printing of the actual New York Times front-page from November 5, 2008—the day Senator Obama became President-Elect Obama.

Barack N’ Roll V Neck Tee

Barack N’ Roll at your own inauguration party all day and all night long in this adorable, and spirited tee. Liberal or conservative, black or white, citizen or immigrant, there’s no denying it—change has come!