May we always remember our shirts
I don’t enjoy the fussing and fighting of politics, but the pageantry and hoopla never fail to enthrall. The recent inauguration had me texting with friends in a frenzy of messages, approving some elements of the pomp and circumstance, and recoiling in horror at others.
As star graduates of our childhood Sunday School classes, we were all thrown a curve when Chief Justice Roberts rushed the oath before President Trump’s family could scramble into place, and he could properly place his hand on the two Bibles held by his wife.
This began the series of texts between old friends.
“Well, this is going to look bad,” texted one from Nashville. “It’s the devil’s way of starting trouble” texted the woman who blames the devil for everything from flat hair to burnt toast. She loves the Alabama road sign that declares the Devil will get you if you don’t go to church and even has it printed on a tea towel.
Fashion dominated our conversation. We were breathless over the First Lady’s choice: a stunning navy blue double-breasted coat dress with matching hat. “MHGA!” texted one friend. “Yes, make hats great again,” replied another. “I’d vote for that!”
Former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden also looked lovely in a design by American favorite Ralph Lauren, though one friend from Mobile remarked, “That shade of purple is just a bit too… purpley.” “You’re just used to seeing it on Mardi Gras floats – I like it,” quipped another.
Then came the coffee-spewing moment: Jeff Bezos’ fiancée, Lauren Sanchez, appeared to be wearing nothing under her tailored suit but lingerie. She twisted and bent in ways that left us cringing—and betting on whether security would escort her off the dais. What was she even doing up there, especially when Governors were relegated to the overflow room?
Our phones bing-binged:
“I’m sure her mother’s on the way with a safety pin.”
“You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.”
“there’s a time and place for everything and this isn’t the time for saucy.”
“What’s wrong with people these days?”
“She wasn’t raised right.”
“Where’s she from?”
“California.”
“That explains a lot.”
“But wait—Usha Vance is from California, and she’s perfect in powerful pink.”
“True.”
“True.”
“Speak it, girl.”
“At least it’s not as bad as Kellyanne Conway’s outfit from years ago.”
“Don’t look now honey, she’s wearing it again this year.”
My son forgot to wear a shirt underneath his jacket one day when he was a high school sophomore. I chalked it up to his brain not being developed. Maybe that’s what happened with Lauren Sanchez. The excitement of the day, combined with the freezing weather in Washington, D.C. must have left her foggy. “Dang it! I forgot my blouse!” she may have thought halfway through the ceremony. “No wonder I felt a draft – Silly me!”
“Money can’t buy love,” said my friend from Pensacola, “but it can buy arm candy.” “Yes,” I replied, “but it could also buy a decent dress and a strand of pearls.” “And I’d bet Amazon would give her free delivery.”
After we all acknowledged that our girl Carrie Underwood pulled out the best save of the day with her last minute a cappella version of America The Beautiful, The Nashville friend summed it all up with a classic Southern benediction:
“Bless her heart and God bless America.”
“And may we always remember our shirts.”
“or the devil will get us.”
Uh – yep. Totally agree! Cover it up, girl, this is the White House, not Panama City Beach!
Ha! Yes! You must be local to know the vibe of PCB. There is indeed a time and place for (almost) everything!
The sign seems like it has been there for decades! I enjoyed watching the coverage and seeing the fashions! Loved your texts, so funny!
Yes, it’s a very old sign. I wrote another story about it years ago. It’s on private property and gets lots of attention. – stay warm today!
You and your friends nailed it, Leslie Anne! The outfits today were stunning. I had to stay up late for the ball gowns. Who wore it worse…Lauren Sanchez or John Fetterman? Perhaps he should have loaned her his hoodie!
Oh dear, John Fetterman! It’s all about respect – for yourself as well as others. We should have pulled you in to the text group! – I also stayed up late to see the ball gowns. I was guessing the First Lady would wear red, my friend voted for blue, and we were both surprised! It was beautiful. If only politics were so pretty!
You are too funny!! 💕 Wish I had a way to forward this, at least to Megyn Kelly. She had a lot to say about showing off your undies in public too. Always enjoy your posts!
Thanks Beth – I heard some of what Megyn Kelly said – she was rough. I guess I need to add a “share” button – you can also find and share the story from my author’s facebook page. The button should be at the top of the page. – thanks for reading, you well dressed lady!
Too funny!! I wasn’t paying that close of attention, I missed a lot!
Love the devil sign, I smile every time I see it!
You won’t have to replay anything to see what I’m talking about. The peep show seems to be all over the internet. It would have been lovely in another setting (her private house).
I didn’t know who she was at first, but thought it tacky and tasteless. So true on the devil sign!
Maybe she wanted us all to learn who she was. Mission accomplished.
Leslie Anne… I love all your fashion observations. My favorite, though, is your son forgetting to wear a shirt to school. Thanks for the chuckle!!
Can you believe it? He had on a jacket with no shirt underneath, so he had to wear the jacket all day. Teenage boys are just strange.