Ad Musings: Louis Vuitton

Angelina Jolie in Cambodia.

My Mom was so cranky when she saw Angelina Jolie's new Louis Vuitton full-page ad in the New York Times. Mommy feels that it's in poor taste to sit in the middle of an impoverished country with a several thousand dollar handbag. I agree.  It is in poor taste, and feels very post-colonial. Especially since it's half-French woman with a bag from a French company in former French Indochina.

However, Jolie,  photographed by Annie Leibovitz, gave her fees to charity. Ironically, the specific bag she is posing with is discontinued.  That doesn't really matter, since they're advertising the brand and an idea, not a particular item.  You can read a bit more about Jolie's photo over at Huff Po.  Apparently this is the most recent in a campaign that I've mostly missed, or just didn't connect to one another. Here's Bono and his wife:

Read about Bono and Ali Hewson's spread in South Africa here.

After the jump, lots more about this campaign, including Sally Ride, Pelé, Gorby and more.

Musings: (North) Americana Apparel

Old Navy

It's that time of year again--time to plan what you'll be wearing on Fourth of July! I love holidays that lend themselves to specific outfits, and patriotic holidays are the best kind since they have a built-in color palate.  I just bought this ridiculous Old Navy t-shirt above. It's like patriotic Tourette's. The designers may have been being ironic in designing something this over the top, I'm just concerned that most of the wearers won't be. Either way, I had to have it. Here are a couple more of that same model. I like the Colbert Report-esque eagle. The peace sign one is great for those of us who feel that flag waving can sometimes feel uncomfortably jingoistic. 

Old Navy

Old Navy

If you don't want to go the Old  Navy graphic or $5 flag tee route, here are some some cute, hipper, alternatives, for both women and men.

Musings: The O'Bamas in Ireland

Photo: Aidan Crawley/Getty Images via Mrs. O

The President and First lady kicked of their European visit in Moneygall, Ireland today. This tiny hamlet was the home of Obama's great-great-great grandfather who emigrated to the U.S. in 1850.  Barack had a pint of Guinness at the local pub, Michelle, always the lady, had a half pint. Read the New York Times article about his visit and watch a video clip of his speech to an ecstatic Irish crowd. He even says 'Yes We Can' in Gaelic! 

Photo: Doug Mills/NYT

Michelle wore a Marc Jacobs silk dress with a bold geometric print from his Spring 2011 collection, bright flats, and added a light trench for practicality. The Obamas cut their stay in Dublin short, taking a quick flight to London as to not risk any delays from that trouble-making Icelandic volcano.

Michelle Obama and her affordable BR tote!

Banana Republic

We all love when celebrities incorporate pieces from retailers within our budgets.  The First Lady is the expert in this department, effortlessly combining Mall finds with ready-to-wear and couture designer pieces.

She looked lovely leaving on her trip to Brazil in a Marc by Marc Jacobs ($628) dress and her $120 Banana Republic tote bag.  After all, who better than Banana Republic to dress you for a South American vacation? (If that joke went by you, click here)
 
For a more casual option I've found another cute striped Marc by Marc dress and paired it with another one of our great leather totes for a cute summer vacation look.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Schooner Dress

ASOS: CC Skye Clarity Cuff

BR: Colorful Exotic Hobo

¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Portland, OR: Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

Before we get to the fun parts of Cinco de Mayo, we have to first talk a little bit about the holiday. Let's start off by talking about what Cinco de Mayo is not. It is not the Mexican Fourth of July (Independence Day).  Mexico's Independence Day is September 16, and celebrates the beginning of their War for Independence from Spain in 1810. So if the Fifth of May doesn't celebrate Mexican Independence, what does it commemorate? The Mexican Army's 1862 victory over French Imperial Troops at the Battle of Pueblo, of course.  I recommend heading on over to the Wiki article for a bit more background. TIME magazine comments on the significance of this battle, "Mexico was still occupied by the French a year later, but the Puebla victory came to symbolize unity and pride for what seemed like a Mexican David defeating a French Goliath" (from the article, "Top 10 Drunken Holidays").

The Battle of Puebla, May 5, 1862

Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in the Mexican State of Pueblo, but otherwise it is an American Holiday. It is a day on which those of Mexican Decent and Gringos alike can celebrate the contributions of Mexican Culture to the United States; whether that be through music, food, dance,  or yes, downing a few cervezas y margaritas. 

After the jump, lots more about  Cinco de Mayo.

Musings: Nerd Chic

Christmas present from Mommy

Everyone loves an ironic T. Especially me. People also love work shirts. At my work, we get a free Old Navy Flag T each 4th of July. But what happens if you work doesn't make shirts? What do you do if you are a professional academic whose area of study is so esoteric that no one has ever bothered to screen print about it? Then you demand merchandise from your favorite academic journal database: