The Political Style Gift Guide 2009: DC Film Alliance's Red Carpet Pass

Searching for the perfect gift which will last all year? Look no further than the DC Film Alliance's Red Carpet Pass- the ideal gift for a movie-lover or an individual who wants to experience a selection of new films each month.

The Red Carpet Pass is available for a $300 donation to the DC Film Alliance, of which $100 is tax deductible. The passes are on sale now at the DC Film Alliance site: www.dcfilmalliance.org or by phone at 202-393-4266. Pass holders will receive monthly updates on upcoming festivals and how to select the perfect seats.

Current participating festivals include: Film Neu, Our City Film Fest, DC Independent Film Festival, DC Film Fest, Heritage Film & Video Festival, Politics on Film, EuroAsia Film Festival, Rosebud Film Festival, DC Shorts, Baltimore Women's Film Festival and Georgetown Film Festival among many others!

Dr Biden discusses her work with veterans

Dr Biden gave an interview to The Today Show last week, discussing her support and work with veterans as she opened her home for a Thanksgiving dinner for military families. Watch the video below.

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The Political Style Gift Guide 2009: The Perfect Christmas Bag

Want the perfect gift for a chic bag lady? Read on!

#1: Longchamp: The Victoire in Noir/Violet (£120)

The perfect size for all your essentials, the Victoire comes in a number of colours. This is my favourite, complete with black patent handles and fold over clasp and a striking oversized purple Longchamp horse.

#2 Mulberry: The Purple Bayswater in glazed goat leather ($1150/£695)

The iconic Mulberry Bayswater, with gold postman's lock comes in a royal purple shade for the 2009 Festive season. Owning one myself (in a deep raspberry colour,) this is an ideal everyday bag to spice up every outfit.

#3 Mulberry: The Oversized Ava in Peony Pink Suede ($550/£350)

This eccentric party clutch is almost too beautiful to use! The soft suede and bright peony shade will bring smile to every fashionista's face.

#4 Tory Burch: The Holland Satchel ($495)

Tory Burch is perhaps my favourite American designer, particularly for handbags. This satchel, featured in Vogue comes in black, berry or olive (pictured.)
#5 Tory Burch: Beaded Mandee Clutch ($395)

This the perfect accompaniment for the little black dress and every Christmas party! It's on my wish-list!

#6 Anya Hindmarch: The Coco Metallic Blue (£295)

This supple leather bag comes complete with attractive gold clasp and chain. Wear it to provide an attractive twist to your Christmas outfit.

President Obama's trip to Asia

The White House

The White House Flickr account has many great images from the President's trip to Asia earlier this month, but I have selected these three as my favourites. President Obama and Secretary Clinton try their hand at making noodles- pretty brilliant!

The Obamas Thanksgiving

The First Family hosted about 50 guests including friends, family and staff yesterday. The menu included:

Turkey

Honey-Baked Ham

Cornbread Stuffing

Oyster Stuffing

Greens

Macaroni and Cheese

Sweet Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes

Green Bean Casserole

Banana Cream Pie

Pumpkin Pie

Apple Pie

Sweet Potato Pie

Huckleberry Pie

Cherry Pie

Giving Thanks to our Service Members

The White House

President Obama telephones American service men and women stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan on Thanksgiving Day.

Behind-the-Scenes at the State Dinner

We're treated today by these exclusive photos from the White House, posted on Flickr. I am happy to see Dr Biden in one of them! I've been waiting in anticipation for two days now to see what she wore, and in the second photo, we can see the back of her dress, which appears to have a beaded bodice and a navy silk full gown. Secretary Clinton looks fabulous, as does Speaker Pelosi!

Copyright The White House

The Political Style Gift Guide 2009: Literature Lovers

You have a friend or family member who is an avid fan of literature- which books should you consider purchasing? Read on for Political Style's favourite books of the year (and some timeless additions!)

#1: Mrs.O: The Face of Fashion Democracy by Mary Tomer ($17.15/£11.47)

Released by the owners of the popular Michelle Obama style-site, this book is laden with pictures from both the campaign trail and the first months of the White House. Featuring exclusive interviews with designers such as Maria Pinto, Jason Wu and Isabel Toledo this book is the perfect selection for any fan of the First Lady.

#2: True Compass by Edward M. Kennedy ($18.90/£13.48)

Finished shortly before his death this summer, Senator Kennedy's memoir talks of his childhood in London and the Cape, his experiences on the campaign trail, his accomplishments as Senator and the relationships with Presidents. It is a truly fascinating look into the life of 'Lion of the Senate.'

#3: Michelle Obama: A Portrait of the First Lady by Life ($16.06/£11.34)

I have just recently ordered my copy from Amazon, but going on my experiences of Life's Barack Obama tribute, I am confident that this book will be equally as fantastic!

#4: Chanel: Collections and Creations by Daniele Bott ($26.40)

This lavishly illustrated publication details the hidden side of the premier French fashion house and is ideal for any fashion fan.

#5: Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat's Jewel Box by Madeleine Albright ($23.40/£20.60)

I have recently featured this publication on Political Style, and readers will know how much I enjoyed looking at Albright's treasured pin collection. For anyone who wishes to see behind the scenes of diplomacy making (as well as a fair bit of style thrown in!), this book is for you.

#6: Promises to Keep by Joe Biden ($10.20/£8.24)

Although Vice-President Biden's memoir was released in 2008, I like to revisit his tales of both childhood and career to inspire me in my own life. I hope it will do the same for you!

#7 The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson ($6/£3.95)

Although I have only just began the first novel in the Millennium trilogy, I am confident that I will soon be purchasing the two sequels!

(All prices correct on Amazon US and Amazon UK at time of being published)

State Dinner Videos

Holiday 2009: The Political Style Gift Guide

The festive season is upon us once again, and this year Political Style will be previewing and profiling some of the best gifts which should be under your tree.

Whether searching for the perfect present from the world of entertainment, literature, fashion, beauty and politics be sure to see what Political Style recommends!

If there is a must-have that you think the world should know about send me an email or leave a comment!

Happy Holiday Season!

This Week's Highlights

MONDAY: The Vice-President and Dr Biden host a Thanksgiving dinner at the Naval Observatory.

President Obama presents the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award.

TUESDAY: The President and First Lady welcome Prime Minister Singh and Mrs. Kaur of India to the White House.

More State Dinner Guests Announced

Further guests include...

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

Energy Secretary Steven Chu

Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner

US Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal

VIDEO: Women in the Military White House Event

Video: Service Nation

Jill Biden spends time with Marines

Even though this is over a month old, it is definitely worth checking out! I wonder why no photographs surfaced of the event?

White House Video: World Series

The First Lady on Iron Chef

The First Lady will appear on an episode of the reality cooking show, Iron Chef later this year. Filmed at the White House, celebrity British chef Nigella Lawson will also star.

Videos from the historic Healthcare Vote: 220-215!

Healthcare has passed!!

House Healthcare Vote

As you are aware, the House will vote on the healthcare bill today. President Obama is also visiting the Hill. More news as it is released.

Entertainment Picks for the Weekend

A smaller version of picks for the weekend, but specifically from an entertainment angle! I have recently started Teddy Kennedy's autobiography, 'True Compass,' and it is as breathtaking as I expected it to be. To any readers who are thinking of getting a copy, rush to your bookstore now!

Music wise, I have rediscovered Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac. The remastered re-release of their Greatest Hits, and Stevie's Soundstage Sessions are the perfect accompaniment to your weekend plans.

White House Photostream: November Images

Pumpkins decorate the Navy Mess in the West Wing of the White House, Oct. 26, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

A giant spider hangs from the North Portico of the White House during Halloween festivities, Oct. 31, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

A performer dressed as a grapevine tree stands at the gate to the north grounds of the White House during Halloween festivities, Oct. 31, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

A skeleton and candles decorate the Blue Room of the White House in preparation for a Halloween reception for military families and children of White House staff, Oct. 31, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama plays peek-a-boo with Maeve Beliveau, the daughter of Director of Advance Emmett Beliveau, in the Outer Oval Office, Oct. 30, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama walks through the West Wing of the White House to deliver a birthday gift to Deputy Chief of Staff Jim Messina, Oct. 30, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama pets Bo in the Outer Oval Office, Oct. 29, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and Marian Robinson welcome children from Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia schools for Halloween festivities at the North Portico of the White House, Oct. 31, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Children from Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia schools participate in Halloween festivities at the North Portico of the White House, Oct. 31, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

First Lady Michelle Obama hands out treats during a Halloween reception for military families and children of White House staff in the East Room of the White House, Oct. 31, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama reacts to performers during a Halloween reception for military families and children of White House staff in the East Room of the White House, Oct. 31, 2009. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan is at right. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

EXCLUSIVE: Mrs O and Katie Couric

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Happy Birthday Laura!

Halloween at the White House

Check out this great video, posted on the official White House Youtube channel.