Michelle Obama speaks at Disney's Veterans Institute

And if you missed it- the First Lady and Dr Biden honor female veterans at Glamor's Women of the Year Awards!

In Review: Louis Vuitton City Bags

Book Packshot © Louis Vuitton/Jean-Marc Cédile

In October this year, Rizzoli NY released a fantastic new book, providing a fresh take onto the bags of Louis Vuitton.

Louis Vuitton City Bags is the first comprehensive taxonomy of the company's range of women's handbags that date back to the turn of the 20th century. Many of the bags are now household names- the Speedy, Papillon, Alma, Bucket and Pochette are all familiar, and have been instrumental in making LV synonymous with modern luxury.

FAMILY PORTRAIT: FROM THE TRUNK TO THE CITY BAG © Louis Vuitton/Patrick Gries

 The book chronicles the life of the bags, providing the history and timeline behind their launches and the advertising campaigns that accompanied them.

I love the features showing inside some of the bags, such as 'Inside an Alma bag,' and x-rays of the various pieces of luggage. It gives each piece a personal identity, and echoes the popular trend of photographing the contents of one's purse for the 'In My Bag' feature that graces the pages of many a fashion blog.

NSIDE AN ALMA, 2010S. © Louis Vuitton/Patrick Gries

It is fascinating to see the construction of the bags, with features on (and not limited to) the techniques, factory locations, tanning processes, materials, monograms, linings, stitches, hardware and straps, charms, labels, patterns, quality tests, idioms and the language of Louis Vuitton. Similarly, it is great to learn more about the bag families, with diagrams demonstrating how the bags have evolved, such as the birth of the Speedy from the Keepall.

As a fan of fashion and particularly high-end handbags, I never really considered how much time, effort and talent goes into the whole production process. I certainly won't look at a handbag in quite the same way now that I have read this amazing publication.

Louis Vuitton City Bags is perfect for fashion and design students, and admirers of the world of fashion too. This is certainly a great book to give as a gift as we approach the festive season, and one which will form the centerpiece of any fashion fan's collection.

STEAMER BAG (X-Ray image by Nick Veasey) © Louis Vuitton/Nick Veasey

Sophie Blake NY hosts first ever DC launch party at Tabandeh

Sophie Blake

Sophie Blake NY, featured in publications such as Vogue, Elle, In Style, Refinery29, Daily Candy, OK! and many more, will host its first ever DC launch party and trunk show event on Tuesday, November 19, 2013 from 6:30PM to 8:30PM at TABANDEH boutique in Friendship Heights.

This exclusive event will be hosted by top DC Style Bloggers Carlis Sanchez of Spicy Candy DC, Haya Tetroashvili of Good Good Gorgeous, Monica Lavinia of Mona Lavinia, Sara Azani of High Fashion 4 Less, Morgan Fykes of FUNemployment and Cheralee Lyle of Miss Lyle Style who will be on hand to offer styling tips straight from Sophie Blake’s collection of Art Deco inspired jewelry.

Guests will shop the latest Sophie Blake NY collection while sipping signature punch cocktails prepared by Bourbon Outfitters and made with Emperor brand Winter Palace Premium Tzar Vodka.

With an eye for unique design and construction, Sophie launched her first collection with Henri Bendel, New York in 2011. Her designs quickly caught the attention of top editors and have been featured in national and international publications including; Vogue, Elle, InStyle, Redbook, More, OK Magazine, Time out New York, New York Post, Refinery29 and Daily Candy. The collection has been spotted on celebrities and socialites including Julianne Hough, Ashley Madekwe (Revenge), Leandra Medine (Man Repeller), Katharine Mcphee (SMASH), Liane La Havas, Anushka Sharma and Beverly Johnson.

Sophie’s favorite time period is the 1920’s and you can see a strong influence of Art Deco in her designs. She likes to incorporate contemporary style with vintage elements. All pieces are handmade exclusively in New York City and often use limited edition vintage accents, chains and Swarovski crystals.

Sophie Blake

Links of the Week

This week I've been reading...

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Hillary Clinton: 'Turning point for Afghan women'

The Evolution of the Power Suit

Monogram your Jack Rogers!

Jack Rogers

I love the new Women's Circle Monogrammed Sandal available at Jack Rogers! This new style joins the popular Womens Diamond Monogrammed Sandal to make two monogrammed shoes available from Jack Rogers. Color selections include bone, lime, navy, orange, turquoise, pink and fuchsia. All colors come with white whipstiching, and all monogramming is done with white thread.

If you order by 11.59pm EST on Monday November 18th 2013 you are guaranteed delivery by Christmas. Click here to order!

White House Week

On Monday, President Obama hosted a special breakfast in the East Room of the White House for veterans and their families. Richard Overton, the oldest living World War II veteran was in attendance and the President thanked him for his service.

The President was joined by the First Lady, Vice President and Dr Biden when he participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. The First Lady and Dr Biden also penned this op-ed talking about how their Joining Forces initiative is making a difference to veterans and their familes.



On Tuesday, the First Lady visited Bell Multicultural High School in Washington DC, where she gave a speech about youth empowerment and education.

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

On Wednesday, President Obama signed into law the School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act, which will encourage schools to plan for severe asthma attacks and allergic reactions, and provide millions of families with greater peace of mind.

The law makes an important change to the Children’s Asthma Treatment Grants Program and other federal asthma programs, which authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to give funding preferences to states for asthma-treatment grants if they: maintain an emergency supply of epinephrine (EpiPens), if they permit trained personnel of the school to administer epinephrine, and if they develop a plan for ensuring trained personnel are available to administer epinephrine during all hours of the school day. An estimated 9.5% of American children suffer from asthma, and between 4 and 6% of children are affected by food allergies, either of which can strike in an instant, and have life threatening consequences.

New Necklines at Kate Spade Saturday

Saturday

I love to try different tops, and these new necklines from Kate Spade Saturday have really caught my eye.

The Slip and Slant necks are available in a wide range of colors, and I'll definitely be purchasing some in black to add a different touch to my work outfits.

Which are your favorites? 

The Jack Rogers Holiday Gift Guide

Jack Rogers

I'm a big fan of Jack Rogers, and I intend to spread the love this holiday season by buying my friends gifts from their holiday gift guide!

From iPhone cases to Navajo sandals, there's something for everyone. What are my favorites?

These Delfino flats are perfect for all year round.

Keep warm in this snuggly cashmere shawl sweater!

And prep for summer climates with these glitter Navajos! 

SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE

Political Style is undergoing scheduled maintenance - there will however still be fresh content every day!

GIVEAWAY: Dream Dinners giftcard worth $75

Dream Dinners is recognized as the originator of innovative and convenient dinner assembly stores. Created by working mothers Stephanie Allen and Tina Kuna, the Snohomish, Washington-based company was the first to roll out this timesaving concept on a national scale.

Dream Dinners evolved from the homegrown practice of co-founder Stephanie Allen, a working mother who began making fix-and-freeze meals for her family in 1986. By preparing and freezing entrees using fresh raw ingredients, Allen improved on traditional pre-cooked methods, resulting in better tasting meals. When the demand became overwhelming, Allen enlisted the help of long-time friend and experienced business manager Tina Kuna.

The partners hosted the first series of large-scale meal assembly sessions in March 2002, which became the catalyst for opening the first Dream Dinners store three months later.The partners expanded their business model and established a national franchise in June 2003. Allen and Kuna signed 35 new stores in the first six months, selecting from more than 6,800 applications.

You can win a $75 Dream Dinners gift card to spend in any of their locations in the greater DC region. 

These include:

• Silver Spring, MD
• Frederick, MD
• Midlothian, VA
• West Chester, PA

Enter using the widget below!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tory Burch: Her first fragrance

I was super excited when it was announced that Tory Burch was releasing her first fragrance, and as soon as the ad campaigns hit the magazines, I couldn't wait to pick up my first bottle.

I purchased my bottle at the Tory Burch boutique at the King of Prussia Mall in Pennsylvania, it seemed fitting that I buy it in the state that made Burch famous!

This expansion of the Tory Burch line has been long coming, and the fragrance was launched alongside color cosmetics and bath and body products. The creation of Tory Burch the fragrance was a family affair in every sense. The retro-looking gold and orange packaging was inspired by Burch’s mother’s collection of vintage perfume bottles, while the eaux de parfum itself–a “tomboy meets feminine” blend of vetiver, citrus, and florals–is a nod to her late father’s signature scent, as well as her brothers’.

As for color cosmetics, Burch is offering up a streamlined collection for women on the go, including a pink-nude lipstick (her signature shade), a rosy pink lip and cheek tint, a bronzer-blush palette, and a retractable all-purpose face brush. They are almost too pretty to use!

via

Wendy Davis files her candidacy for Governor of Texas

Wendy Davis

It's official! Wendy Davis has filed her candidacy to be Governor of Texas. To follow her campaign click here.

New York

Author's Own

So I am back from my super exciting week in New York City. Every moment was packed, and I can't wait to share with you shortly some of the fantastic things I got up too!

Besides a series of meetings and discussions, I of course took time to do some shopping! My first destination was J Crew, and I got some amazing pieces that will take me from season to season. This was one of my best trips to NYC, and besides the inspirational people and friends that I met, the whole atmosphere was fantastic. The fall colors were spectacular, and I especially experienced this on a day trip to Princeton.

Check out some of my photos from my week on Instagram.

The Lilly Pulitzer Tech Clutch

Lilly

Yesterday marked Lilly Pulitzer's birthday, and what better way to celebrate by purchasing this great tech case featuring the lady herself!

The black and white clutch has a gold leather tassel that adds a touch of glamor to your tech goodies, and it fits an iPad 2 or 3. It's a perfect gift for Christmas! 

Links of the Week

This week I've been reading...

Women who have ruled the week

2 for 1 Warhol

Your LL Bean boot styling guide

Jenna Lyons' 10 Style Commandments

The Tory Burch Cocktail Flat

Tory Burch

Tory Burch knows how to make a statement piece- and this time it's for your feet! Get prepared for the festive party season with a pair of cocktail flats- available in supple lambskin and metallic material, these are perfect! 

White House Week

This week at the White House the President and First Lady surprised visitors attending the first day of the resumption of tours of the Executive Mansion. Check out more here.

On Tuesday, the First Lady took part in Diwali celebrations in the State Dining Room of the White House. Celebrations began with Mrs Obama surprising students at a Bollywood dance clinic where she tried out some dance moves for herself.

The White House

Check out more in the latest West Wing Week:

Must Have: The Waverly Flat by Jack Rogers

These gorgeous black/black patent flats by Jack Rogers are top of my to purchase list! Shop the other colors here.

Julien MacDonald designs bespoke dress for the Fashion for the Brave catwalk finale

Fashion for the Brave

The Fashion for the Brave black tie charity gala at The Dorchester on Friday 8th November promises to be a night to remember, with Julien MacDonald showing his support for the injured soldiers of the Household Cavalry by designing an exquisite bespoke dress exclusively for the event.  The dress, referencing the Union Jack, will be unveiled and modelled by Abbey Clancy on the steps of The Dorchester on Friday afternoon.

Abbey will also be wearing the signature piece in the catwalk show element of Fashion for the Brave - leading the finale in the bespoke dress and a beautiful red lace glove from Sheeva.

Fashion legend Hilary Alexander OBE has created an extraordinary show for the black tie event, featuring the Best of British fashion, and says of the event, “Fashion for the Brave is the absolute apogee of British fashion all in one place, at one time, one dazzling evening in aid of the Household Cavalry and Soldiering On - the 2013 show is going to be sensational!"

Make up has been generously provided by Laura Mercier and hair by Paul Edmonds, Sponsors of this year’s event include The Dorchester, Laurent Perrier Champagne and Sheeva Moshiri.

HRH Princess Beatrice is patron of the event, and will be attending to show her support for the injured soldiers of the Household Cavalry and for the work of Soldiering On, a charity helping injured soldiers throughout life.

Designers who have kindly lent pieces for the fashion show include Alexander McQueen, Marchesa, Hackett, Emilia Wickstead, Jenny Packham, Temperley, Beulah, Jonathan Saunders, Richard Nicoll, Simone Rocha, JW Anderson, Sibling, Henry Holland, David Koma, Holly Fulton, Burberry, Moloh, Hackett, Sheeva, Mulberry, Paul Smith, Michael Van Der Ham, David Koma and Todd Lynn.

For more information click here.

No Ceilings: The Full Participation Project by the Clinton Foundation

No Ceilings: The Full Participation Project is an effort led by Hillary Rodham Clinton to bring together partner organizations to evaluate and share the progress women and girls have made in the 20 years since the UN Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. This new effort will help chart the path forward to accelerate full participation for women and girls in the 21st century, and it is critical to global progress, development and security.

The Project will work with leading technology partners to create a comprehensive and accessible global review that will bring together and widely distribute the best data on the status of women and girls and their contributions to prosperity and security.

Secretary Clinton will also outline a 21st century agenda to accelerate full participation for women and girls around the world, with the assistance of the private sector, government, civil society and individuals.

For more information on the project click here, or watch the launch video below.