Inaugural Ball Flaunts Fashion Made of Trash

(NEWSER) - Aretha Franklin’s inauguration hat has been mercilessly mocked by some, but lots of people want one of their very own. The Detroit millinery where Franklin has been a customer for 20 years has been flooded with calls for orders, the AP reports. But Aretha wannabes soon learn that the hand-molded $500 hat isn't for sale—it was custom-designed for her. Instead, customers can order a slightly different version for $179. More»

Cuban-American outfits Mrs. O; first lady adds green shoes, gloves

(NEWSER) - The fashion world has been breathlessly waiting to see what Michelle Obama would wear to the inauguration, and the new first lady didn’t disappoint, donning a sparkling lemongrass sheath dress (no traditional suit here) from Isabel Toledo. To ward off cold, parts of the coat and sleeves were pashmina lined, reports the Los Angeles Times, and lace was layered over wool. Michelle tacked on green J Crew gloves, along with green shoes. More»

Next First Couple will be stretched thinner, by one gala, than Bushes in '05

(NEWSER) - The new First Couple will have plenty of opportunity to showcase their dance moves, the Washington Post reports, with 10 different inaugural balls scheduled for the night of Jan. 20—one more party than President Bush had in 2005. But the question on many minds is: What will Michelle wear, and will she give us (outfit) changes we can believe in? More»

Her fashion sense has jolted an ailing retail sector

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama may decide how to stimulate the economy, but it's Michelle who's teaching America how to look good in it, CNN reports. She's dumped the traditional first lady look for a "recession chic" fashion—a brazen mix of little-known designers like fellow Chicagoan Maria Pinto and bargain buys from J Crew and Target—that inspires everyday women and has jolted a slumping retail sector. More»