I have got to comment on THAT dress.

[hamsterjill]

Flame me. Bite me. Hate me. My apologies in advance.

But in the same way that I feel the photo of Kellyanne Conway with her feet on the sofa in the Oval Office was disrespectful, I feel Melania Trump wearing a sequined dress to the address last night was also disrespectful. Ivanka was no better with her shoulder strap dress.

I certainly realize and stipulate that commenting on clothes can be construed as petty. I also realize and stipulate that we, as a society, have been moving to a more casual code of dress. I actually think that is a healthy thing, both economically, behaviorally and physically.

But there are still times when I think that dress is important when showing respect, and last night was one time when there should have been respect and appropriate dress. Kellyanne should not be sitting with her feet on the sofa in the Oval Office IMHO because the Oval Office is a respected place where business is conducted. Perhaps it would be somewhat different if it were just she and 45 going over a schedule in the evening after everyone had left - I'm not sure. But to have taken that posture in a room full of invited guests just did not sit well.

Neither did the dress of Melania and Ivanka last night. They are both inarguably beautiful women and they wear clothes well. So why not pick a more appropriate outfit for the occasion. Melania's, in my opinion, looked like she was going to the opening of a new casino.

Okay, to be clear here so that I'm not roasted for saying this - the choice of the outfit is the choice of the individual. Duly noted. But when the choice is inappropriate, what does that say about how much thought the individual gave to the respect due the event being attended? It's not like the two of them couldn't afford to have whatever outfit their heart desired. It's the choice that gives me grief.

[no_hypocrisy]

1. Trump's consistent if anything. At his father's funeral, Melania wore a dress with a neckline down

to her navel.

[bdamomma]

2. no class

[3catwoman3]

3. You are totally on target.

I commented on this last night in one of the many threads that were active. People freaked out at Michelle Obama in sleeveless dresses.

IMO, anything sequined or otherwise sparkly is appropriate for a gala or going to the theatre, not for attending an address to congress. It looked frivolous. And the off-the-shoulder thing with the spaghetti straps that Ivanka was wearing was not only ugly, it looked like cheesy cocktail party garb.

[jehop61]

4. Plus,

it's reported her suit cost almost $10,000! Nice way to connect with all those unemployed folks out there.
PS. Ivanka was somewhat more circumspect. Hers was a measly $3500!

[virgogal]

8. Jacky Kennedy was,and is, considered an fashion icon for her designer clothes.

That's the way it is and not even worth a discussion.

[BainsBane]

5. I didn't watch last night

but I just googled the outfits, and they look fine to me. Unless they read quite different on TV, I don't see what the big deal is.
?w=1170

[yeoman6987]

16. There isn't. I thought they were fine. Ivanka's especually was beautiful.

[Demsrule86]

28. Beauty is only skin deep especially with the Trumps...

And the sons shooting big animals in a sanctuary turns my blood cold.

[dhol82]

29. Damn! I thought it was a really ugly dress.

She must have had something better in her closet.

[yankeepants]

40. Amid the skeletons?

[dhol82]

43. Hmmmmm

[smirkymonkey]

22. You think Ivanka's dress looks fine?

It looks sloppy and like it's falling off her. The bra strap showing is especially tacky. It's completely inappropriate. On the other hand, I think Melania looks fine from what I can see in the photo.

[MichMary]

54. Is that a bra strap?

I thought it was part of the dress--a design thing, if you will.

Anyway, I liked her dress. Especially the color.

[Bettie]

57. Looks sloppy to me too

and like her bra strap is showing.

Melania looks fine, a little more sparkly than is absolutely necessary, but not terribly inappropriate.

[DK504]

38. OMG

They both look like they are going to a cocktail party. Inappropriate to me.

Not to be bitchy about women.... but there is a time and place for cocktail outfits. This was neither the time or the place. After seeing Michelle Obama for 8 years we have been spoiled, a gracious and sophisticated lady that never missed the mark. Imagine that.

[BainsBane]

41. I don't care what they wear

I care about the ACA, repeal of the EPA, hate crimes, and families being ripped apart by ICE squads. Trump family fashion choices aren't among the things that trouble me.

[JustAnotherGen]

52. I'm a Russophobe

But the exterior things about all things and people connected to Trump are going to be part of this nightmare. I said to an op yesterday - get used to it.

This "rage" (justifiable) at Trump is going to come out in many different ways. I'm giving people space to use their words.

[Ilsa]

66. Melania's jacket is okay, not too sparkly.

I think Ivanka's dress fits poorly. That right shoulder looks like a haphazard last minute change by the tailor. The fabrics looks too formal as well. Sloppy looking.

Melania's outfit, from what I can see, looks like a dress suit. The jacket is embellished, but doesn't look that much like a cocktail dress or evening outfit.

[LanternWaste]

6. It's a family that bathes in cheap vulgarity.

It's a family that bathes in cheap vulgarity, more at home sitting around a stripper pole in the champagne room of a mid-lever exotic-dance club.

I'd hoped that if nothing else, his daughter and wife would, though their own sense of dignity and grace, act as counter his dull and witless ineptness, but over the last month I've come to expect no sense of decorum, refinement, dignity or sophistication from anyone in this clan of wretched bumpkins and ignorant hayseeds.

[SammyWinstonJack]

51. It's like we elected the Clampetts if the Clampetts were

grifters.

I don't recall who said that just recently but it fits.

[Me.]

7. Did She Have A Choice?

Or was 45 the one with the say? I suspect he wants to show her off and has certain demands.

Either way, these people are very declasse

[dhol82]

30. That was my thought

Would not be surprised if he tells her what to wear for maximum effect.

[Ilsa]

67. He even orders Chris Christi's lunch for him. NT

[luvMIdog]

9. All I noticed was that Melania looks like she's a captive. She looks extremely unhappy

I'd lay odds she wants to leave and can't because he has threatened to take her son away. I'd bet money on it. I'm sure he has scared the shit out of her with something because that is the face of a woman that wants the hell OUT. I'm quite sure he tells her what to wear. And I think she is staying in New York because she hates his guts. Probably a relief to be away from him.

[hamsterjill]

12. I agree that Melania looks quite unhappy.

But she is not the ordinary woman held captive in a relationship. She has Secret Service protection 24/7 and if she wants to leave, she has the best situation possible for doing that.

I'm quite sure you are right in that she finds Donald repulsive. Who wouldn't???!!! But she chose the life she has in order to benefit financially from that life, and them's the breaks. You gotta pay for your thrills.

I have little sympathy for her.

[demmiblue]

10. Melania and Ivanka... meh.

Kellyanne, on the other hand. Oy.

Here is Michelle Obama's 2013 SOTU dress:



She looked stunning in 2016:

[demmiblue]

21. Here is Melania's outfit (for those who haven't seen it):

Besides the cost, it seems rather conservative.

[ornotna]

44. That's it?

I am aghast at how normal it is.

[demmiblue]

69. I know, right?!

[WhiteTara]

11. Well, she did wear a mini skirt

to a funeral; so I don't think she has much sense. She just wants 45 to notice her. None of those people think about anything but their own tiny little story line.

[3catwoman3]

13. The sparkly suit...

...cost almost $10,000.

Makes it even more inappropriate.

[nadine_mn]

14. Someone has to wear all that overstock of Ivanka's line lying around

I know what you mean though - there's is a difference between dressing for a cocktail party vs an event like a speech before Congress

[Vinca]

15. I don't see anything wrong with the dress. It's what's inside the dress that's the problem.

[hamsterjill]

18. Yes, but it was what's inside that picked the dress to wear, too.

I see, and agree with, your point.

Goes back to my point that "respect for the institution" is the issue. It also goes back to the fact that no matter how much money someone has, that fact doesn't necessarily coincide with class.

[logosoco]

17. I do not understand anyone who could wear a dress that cost $3500

I have a lot of clothes, but nothing fancy and all bought at thrift stores, so my opinion doesn't really count here.

The thing that really struck me was how did Ivanka not get teary or reach out to the woman next to her when she was crying in emotional pain? Maybe she was afraid she would mess up her dress or makeup? But even still, I don't know how people control that.

[hamsterjill]

20. Your opinion certainly DOES count.

All of ours should count.

I could never justify spending thousands of dollars on a dress, even if I had that kind of money to throw around. There are too many other things for which the money could be better spent.

I agree as to Ivanka's actions. I did see a snippet of a video where, at the very end of the ovation, Ivanka kind of "leans in" and says something to Mrs. Owens. But I would think that most normal, feeling human beings would have been inspired by the moment to give very the obviously grieving lady a hug.

Cold runs in the family, I think.

[Cha]

25. According to this.. it cost a lot more than that..

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=8731267

[logosoco]

32. The world is a funny place!

I am not even sure if ALL my clothing PLUS my household goods cost me that much together! And much of it I have had for many years!

I may not look well dressed and my furniture may be worn, but when I get right down to it, I am a happy person! I have always had shelter, food to eat, things to learn and explore and people to love. And I did it with very little greed! There is no true caring if a heart is full of greed.

[Cha]

36. I know what you mean, logosoco.. and like the tweet said.. trump's trying to take

away Medicaid from those who make that much in a year.. so that's the problem. Not her damn dress.

[logosoco]

37. It's like they think that people who make very little money don't even deserve to exist.

Like somehow just by there being low income people it takes away from their life.


(But I have also seen working class people complain about others using food stamps and they seem to have the same attitude. I guess it boils down to hatred and superiority)!!!

[MichMary]

55. And if she had--

people here would have been complaining that she was trying to steal the spotlight.

There is plenty to complain about the UNelected T-spawn shaping policy, but I am willing to give all of them a break regarding clothes and things like not touching a woman who is paying respect to her dead husband.

[Goblinmonger]

19. I see nothing wrong with either dress. And the explanation for the feet on the sofa seem legit.

She was trying to take a picture and needed an angle. She wasn't thinking about the shoes and apologized.

That Michelle would have been roasted but the repubs (I know you aren't making that argument, but others have) doesn't make it bad on face. If anything, we need to realize that it isn't a big deal just because we don't like Conway. If anything, it makes her look more human in my mind.

[Dorian Gray]

23. After listening

to Republicans complain about Michele Obama's arms showing in her dresses for the last 8 years, I think that complaining about clothing choices is stupid and a waste of time.

[meadowlander]

50. +1000

Thank you.

[Cha]

24. So Melania's outfit last night cost $9,590.

Link to tweet

[Demsrule86]

26. Melania looks trashy to me and so does Kelly Ann regardless of what they wear...

Melania looks like grasping greedy doll...and Kelly Ann is just unpleasant. I don't like Ivanka either...cold hearted and spoiled are words that come to mind. I don't like any of them...and after having a great first family like the Obama's, it is sad. I liked Bush's girls...hell my kids snuck out and had beer...but these Trump creatures are cut from different cloth.

[liberal N proud]

27. The trumps have no class

This type of behavior is to be expected.

[elleng]

31. 'Sequined' suit (skirt and jacket) OK.

Off shoulder dress NOT.

FWIW.

We have more important things about which to disagree.

[JNelson6563]

33. I suspect he chooses Melania's clothes.

Edited to add: But I think Ivanka makes her own choices.

[jalan48]

34. Given the amount of money lobbyists throw at Congressional members maybe she thought it was a casino

[sprinkleeninow]

42. Word. Made me 😄.

What's her name, melonya? Well anyhoo, her attire wasn't so bad, but orange's offspring,
'taaacky'. My quarter, that's all. (Accounting for inflation.)

[MFM008]

35. Proving a 10 thousand 💸💸💸💸

Dollar dress gives you neither class or taste.

[madaboutharry]

39. I thought Melania looked ok, Ivanka's dress was inappropriate.

Ivanka looked like she was going to a night club. I don't understand her.

[mythology]

45. It's not construed as petty. It is petty

This is just as silly as Republicans complaining about Michelle Obama's bare arms or Hillary Clinton's pantsuits.

Find something useful to call them on.

[hamsterjill]

64. I call them on everything.

I can actually walk and chew gum at the same time, too.

[demmiblue]

70. +1

[Yo_Mama]

46. I think women should be left alone, and Melania's garb is akin to Michelle's for some

of these occasions.

Also, I don't give a flip. I didn't like Ivanka's thing because I am very old-fashioned, but Melania's was fine.

Here is a link to Michelle Obama's SOTU outfits (yes, all of them, and no, we are not obsessed):
http://people.com/style/michelle-obamas-state-of-the-union-dresses-which-was-your-favorite/

I'd say Melania's outfit last night was comparable to several.

If all the real problems in the US were solved, then maybe we could spare time for this, but we can't. It's just an exercise in ignoring the important.

[Rhiannon12866]

47. And she didn't even "buy American:"

Link to tweet

[Skittles]

48. her neck is freakishly long

she reminds me of a Pez dispenser

[Rhiannon12866]

49. I see that now!

And I always will from now on!

[hamsterjill]

59. Thanks for my morning chuckle!

I do see your point!!!! LOL

[Maru Kitteh]

53. I'm with you. None of these people has one little clue about how to dress or behave in any setting

They're a bunch of Rococo hillbillies, without the common sense, folksy charm or the laugh track.


And no C-ment pond either.

[hamsterjill]

65. I laughed at the vivid description!!!!

I'm old enough to remember that C-ment pond!!! And if the shoe fits....

Thanks for the laugh.

[Danmel]

56. Ivanka claims to be an Orthodox Jew

And her Jewishness is used politically to gloss over her father's coziness with anti Semites and white nationalists.
Orthodox Jewish women do not expose their shoulders and that much leg. Very Orthodox women cover their hair in public.
If you are going to use your Jewishness for political cover, at least have the decency to show a little respect for the faith you claim as your own.

[mnhtnbb]

58. Just for fun...here is Michelle Obama at Obama's address to the Joint Session of Congress 2/24/09

Republicans immediately started criticizing her for her bare arms (in February!) because of that dress.


And the description

Update: Mrs. O is wearing a plum silk and wool sleeveless dress, which we're almost certain is Narciso Rodriguez. The dress first debuted during the Inauguration, paired with the long lavender Narciso Rodriguez coat worn again tonight. The dress - with a feminine, modern cut, in a flattering color that was neither solemn nor inappropriately attention grabbing - achieved a tasteful balance.

And contrary to our earlier prediction, the dress didn't seem to make a direct comment on the economy. Rather, in a regal plum, showcasing the First Lady's enviably toned arms, it was a statement of classic Mrs. O style.

http://mrs-o.org/newdata/?currentPage=220

[mnhtnbb]

61. And Michelle's dress at her husband's last State of the Union Address 2016

was also Narciso Rodriguez and available for purchase at Neiman Marcus for $628.





http://fashionista.com/2016/01/michelle-obama-sotu-narciso-rodriguez

[liquid diamond]

60. Why do you hate women? They should be able to wear what they want.

[hamsterjill]

62. I know, right???!!!

Along with "this is dumb, or we have bigger things to worry about, etc.". Makes one wonder why some bother to reply if that's the case.

But, hey, it's what it's all about, right? Free expression.

[tblue37]

63. They tore Michelle apart for a demure dress b/c it was sleeveless! nt

[leftyladyfrommo]

68. I don't get the way Ivanka dresses.

All of the Orthodox women that I seen and read about dress very conservatively. They wear long sleeves, longer ankle length skirts and they often cover their hair when they are in public. Especially married women.

There some very strict laws about dress.