Who is Maria?

First, let me congratulate Judge Sonia Sotomayor on her nomination to the Supreme Court by President Obama.

Second, Governor Huckabee (do you refer to former governors as "Governor"?), what the heck? Here's what he said, I go off below.

Huckabee Statement on Sotomayor

"The appointment of Maria Sotomayor for the Supreme Court is the clearest indication yet that President Obama's campaign promises to be a centrist and think in a bi-partisan way were mere rhetoric. Sotomayor comes from the far left and will likely leave us with something akin to the "Extreme Court" that could mark a major shift. The notion that appellate court decisions are to be interpreted by the "feelings" of the judge is a direct affront of the basic premise of our judicial system that is supposed to apply the law without personal emotion. If she is confirmed, then we need to take the blindfold off Lady Justice."

I am not even going to touch the substance of his comments. I cannot. I am too confused to even get to that point. Why is he calling her "Maria"? Is he trying to be cute? Is he just ignorant? Does he really not know that her first name is not Maria? If that is the case, did he just luckily guess the name "Maria", which happens to be Judge Sotomayor's middle name? Does't that seem too lucky to be possible?

Now, I don't want to jump to racism or the allegation that someone is once again trying to deny minorities their individuality (akin to calling all black men "boy" without regard to their names), but something seriously seems amiss here.

If you have a more salient explanation, I'm all ears.

Girl Crush?

Is it possible to have a girl crush on the First Lady? Or, if its the First Lady do these great feelings of adoration that I am experiencing go unnamed because they are inherent in the position of First Lady? The outfit she wore to the spoken word event at the White House is just fabulousness. I'm particularly in love with the top. First Lady Michelle, I covet your top.

I dare you to find another First Lady with such daring and developed personal style. I don't think you can. Sigh.....I think I'm in love.

Photo courtesy of Concrete Loop.

Afternoon Tea

Spring has sprung! One of my favorite spring traditions is the afternoon tea. What's not to love? Lovely ladies all dressed up in big hats, adorable dresses and dainty gloves are the hallmarks of this great spring fete. Last weekend, I attended an afternoon tea in Prince George's County, MD. Despite the drive to what I believe is the other side of the world, it was a great afternoon! We dined on finger sandwiches, were entertained by a talented teenage dance troupe, and best of all, there was a hat parade!

I, of course, labored for weeks over what I would wear to the tea. What hat? What dress? Gloves or no gloves? Should the hat match the dress, or simply coordinate? So many questions, only one fabulous outfit!!! Well, I finally decided on a simple palette with exciting accents. See my outfit below. I like that the focal points are at the very top of and bottom of the outfit, and there's elegant simplicity in between.





Also, we mustn't forget the closeup of the shoes! I think that they "make" the outfit! And, yes, I have lavender toes. :-)

Outfit rundown (current season unless otherwise noted)

Hat: Fine Millinery Collection by August Accessories, available at Macy's

Dress: Banana Republic

Cardigan: Express (Spring 2005)

Shoes: Beverly Feldman (purchased at Off Fifth two years ago, season unknown)