Redecoration in the Oval Office

(AP)

Check out Politico's article here

Back to Washington

(Getty)

The Obamas returned to the White House yesterday, after a vacation in Martha's Vineyard and visiting New Orleans on the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Each night this week the President will broadcast an address covering topics from the economy to the war in Afghanistan.

Speaker Pelosi talks women in politics

(Getty)

Speaker Pelosi commemorated the 90th anniversary of women's suffrage  yesterday, with a speech where she reinforced her feelings of wanting to see more females in politics.  Read Huffington Post's coverage here.

The 2010 Alice Award Luncheon: Speaker Nancy Pelosi

(US Congress)

This year the Sewall-Belmont House and Museum will honor Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi for her contribution in breaking barriers and setting new precedents for females across America and the world. The Alice Award is named after Alice Paul, the human rights activist and founder of the National Women's Party. Previous recipients of the award include Secretary Hillary Clinton (2009), Katie Couric (2008) and Tipper Gore (2005.)

The ceremony will be held on Wednesday September 22nd at 101 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington DC. If you would like to attend the event contact Pamela O'Leary at pamela.oleary@sewallbelmont.org or Barb Witten at aliceawards@datocwitten.com. As an alternative call 202.546.1210 or 202.841.6608.

New Style Icon: Princess Letizia

(Image: Getty)

Princess Letizia of Spain is fast becoming one of our new adored style icons. The Huffington Post details her summer 2010 style today. Check it out!

New York, New York

(Image: Google)

As I head for the city that never sleeps this weekend, what are your top tips for what I should see? 

Calon Lan

A song from my homeland, particularly special as I'm not there... This version is one of the best recordings.

Calon Lan (Welsh)

Nid wy'n gofyn bywyd moethus,
Aur y byd na'i berlau mân:
Gofyn 'rwyf am galon hapus,
Calon onest, calon lân.

Calon lân yn llawn daioni,

Tecach yw na'r lili dlos:

Dim ond calon lân all ganu

Canu'r dydd a chanu'r nos.

Pe dymunwn olud bydol,
Hedyn buan ganddo sydd;
Golud calon lân, rinweddol,
Yn dwyn bythol elw fydd.

(Chorus)

Hwyr a bore fy nymuniad
Gwyd i'r nef ar adain cân
Ar i Dduw, er mwyn fy Ngheidwad,
Roddi i mi galon lân.

(Chorus)

English Translation 

I don't ask for a luxurious life,
the world's gold or its fine pearls,
I ask for a happy heart,
an honest heart, a pure heart.

A pure heart full of goodness

Is fairer than the pretty lily,

None but a pure heart can sing,

Sing in the day, sing in the night.

If I wished for worldly wealth,
It would swiftly go to seed;
The riches of a virtuous, pure heart
Will bear eternal profit.

(Chorus)

Evening and morning, my wish
Rising to heaven on the wing of song
For God, for the sake of my Saviour,
To give me a pure heart.

(Chorus)

New Style Obsession: Kate Kanzier Shoes and Bags

August; £10

Jayda; £45

Maya; £85

Stephanie; £25

Norma; £10

I'd like to thank Jen of The Style Crusader for introducing me to London based designer Kate Kanzier. She currently has a fantastic online sale, with many delightful ballerinas starting at just £10! I shall be paying a visit for these beauties, as well as several of her gorgeous leather bags, such as those pictured above.

My love of Canvas...

Big Canvas Bag, $38, Bloomingdale's

I seem to have an obsession lately, not with shoes (although that is still ongoing!) but with canvas bags. Whatever shape or size or design I am interested! I've picked up some free ones whilst I've been here in DC, as well as using my trusty Vivienne Westwood 'I Love Litter' bag to the max. But yesterday, I purchased this little beauty from Bloomingdale's. It is so spacious and roomy, and will serve me well on my flight home. I love the longer strap and the iconic Bloomy's lettering... 

Here's my picks of some other great canvas bag selections: 

One Language: The Text Bag

Team Pelosi! DCCC.org

The Obamas in Martha's Vineyard

(Image: Reuters)

The President and First Lady leave The Sweet Life Cafe, in Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard. The First Family are on a 10 day vacation.

Visit to the White House

(Image: Author's Own)

I'm off to the White House tomorrow, details and impressions to follow!

Emily Blunt's Airport Style

(Images Copyright: Emily-Blunt.org)

As I go on my travels I am inspired by Blunt's quirky yet casual travelling style. What do you think?

Jackie O, Eternal Style Icon

(Images Copyright: Corbis)

Perhaps it is my recent visit to Georgetown, or just being in Washington DC, but I have been influenced by Jackie Kennedy more than ever.

I found some of this new, and not so new photographs on a recent image search and simply had to share. Happy Sunday!

Serendipity

(Image Copyright: Corbis)

Whilst browsing the archives of one of my all-time American favourites, Lee Radziwill, I came across these great photographs of her leaving Serendipity in the 1970s. I am definitely going there now!

If you can't make it to the store, you can buy some of their famous frozen hot chocolate mix on Amazon: Serendipity 3 Frrrozen Hot Chocolate Mix (6 Large Packs)

Last Rendezvous in DC

(Image: Author's Own)

It's my last weekend in DC, and I shall be visiting the monuments, the magnificent Mall and taking time to appreciate the DC atmosphere before I leave for New York next week. Photographs to follow!

Political News Round-Up: UK and USA

Labour on the verge of bankruptcy - The Guardian

Child Poverty: A looming crisis in Wales- The Guardian

Redford stumps for Boxer- Politico

Boxer and Burr launch new Military Family Caucus- Politico

Katie Holmes in the new J Crew Catalogue

(Images Copyright: J Crew)

We cannot WAIT for the new catalogue to be released!!

Katie Holmes as Jackie Kennedy

(Splash News)

Spookingly similar?

Full story here.

Speaker Pelosi voted 'Most Stylish Politician'

A poll in conjunction with The Huffington Post and Weatherproof has voted Speaker Pelosi the most stylish politician. Other nominees included Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Let's take a look at some of Speaker Pelosi's fantastic outfits. Having met her several times, I can certainly vouch that she is incredibly stylish!

(Images Copyright: Getty/Reuters/AP)

Jill Biden on how she loves to run

Dr B has done an interview with Runner's World on how and why she loves to run. Excerpts can be found here.

The Obamas in Florida

(Images Copyright: Getty/Reuters/AP)

Vicki Reggie Kennedy: A Profile

(Image Copyright: Stephen Rose)

The Boston Globe has written a profile on Vicki Reggie Kennedy, read it here.

Something for a (DC) Weekend

(Images: Google)

So this weekend I am off to Mount Vernon and the historic old town of Alexandria. Two great places which I have briefly visited before, so I am looking forward to returning and taking some great photographs!

What would be your ideal weekend and activities in DC?