Michelle Obama has taken casual to a haute new level.Here are the aforementioned shoes, just in case you were wondering.
While volunteering Wednesday at a D.C. food bank, the First Lady sported her usual J.Crew cardigan, a pair of utilitarian capri pants and, on her feet, a sneaky splurge: trainers that go for $540.
That's right: These sneakers - suede, with grosgrain ribbon laces and metallic pink toe caps - are made by French design house Lanvin, one of fashion's hottest labels. They come in denim and satin versions, and have been a brisk seller all spring.
They're shoes," the First Lady's reps sniffed when curious reporters inquired about the fancy footwear. Michelle has stepped out in Lanvin before while getting down to business. A week ago, she shoveled dirt at a tree planting while wearing the line's chiffon tank.
Dresses and strappy pumps cost upward of $1,500, while tops go for $400 to $1,000. Other celebrity fans of Lanvin's costly kicks include Ellen DeGeneres and Kanye West, who has blogged about his faves.
As the family's primary dog walker, Michelle clearly requires comfortable footwear.
"I got up at 5:15 in the morning to walk my puppy," she joked Thursday. "That's how my day starts. Even though the kids are supposed to do a lot of the work, I'm still up at 5:15 a.m. taking my dog out."
Some are saying that in light of how up in arms many on the left got at Sarah Palin's bankbreaking shopping spree last Fall, it's hypocritical that nobody is raising a stink about Michelle-O's extravagant footwear. Naturally I disagree.The Obama's made almost $3M last year between salaries and book sales. They are not broke, so they can clearly afford such shoes. Palin's "shop till you drop" episode included outfits for her entire family, paid from the campaign coffers of a cash-strapped GOP. And for all the fervor over Palin's gear, lets not forget that it was spiteful McCain staffers who leaked that story (among others that discredited her). So, The Usual Conservative Suspects need to fall back.
On the flipside, I can somewhat understand the "wrong place/wrong time" sentiment. The homeless shelter where I serve meals once a month with fellow churchgoers tells volunteers to be mindful of outward displays of wealth like pricey watches and jewelry. While I doubt that any of the kids receiving bagged meals at Capital Area Food Bank knew or cared what Lanvin shoes are, perhaps a less expensive pair of kicks might have been more appropriate for the occasion. I'll give you that much.
Either way, since we got ladies in the house, I figure I'll ask ya'll.
Question: Ashy or Classy? What do you think of Michelle-O's expensive kicks? Were they appropriate for this sort of event? Do Conservatives drawing a parallel to Palin have a valid point about double standards?
First Lady Michelle Obama steps out in Lanvin sneakers and they're only $540! [NYDailyNews]
Double Standard Couture [Townhall.com]
