Glam Or Spam? Special Inaugural Edition

What do you think of Michelle Obama's inauguration outfit, by Isabel Toledo? Kate Betts at Time calls it "glamorous," while LAT blogger Elizabeth Snead explains its practicalities.

But a harsh Groomzilla weighs in by email: "Heinous! The dead sunflower color with the ridiculous rhinestone collar was a huge miss. Was she wearing a glittering poncho over a ballgown? Was it a halter dress clasped at the neck with a brooch, covered by a sequined capulet with shoulder pads? What on earth was she thinking? Her daughters looked elegant and glowing. Mom looked like she stumbled into the Laura Bush Collection for Kohl's."

"Heinous" seems rather strong to me, but the Laura Bush comparison rings true: She does seem to be playing "First Lady." Groomzilla notwithstanding, the outfit struck me as safe, though the olive gloves were a creative touch. Olive isn't my favorite, but I do love leather gloves in interesting colors.

What do you think?

UPDATE: Cathy Horyn narrates a slideshow of Michelle Obama's inaugural week fashions, with good photos I hadn't seen elsewhere. I'd never thought about what a large wardrobe of coats she has.

Posted by Virginia Postrel on January 20, 2009 in Fashion, Current Affairs, Glam Or Spam

Glam Or Spam? Tasty Delight

The Buccellati watch didn't make time with the DG picky-ratti, but no matter.

In honor of Virginia's birthday, how about this colorful morsel?

(Before any smarty-pants comments, it's not from here.)

Posted by KateCoe on January 14, 2009 in Glam Or Spam

Glam Or Spam? Watch This

Deep Glamour readers didn't want to get tangled up in the London nightclub.

Perhaps today's offering is more timely.

Posted by KateCoe on January 08, 2009 in Glam Or Spam

Glam Or Spam? Step Into My Parlor

DG readers voted against the Alessi cutesy-pie nativity scene almost 2 to 1.

Anyone feel like getting caught in this web? (Click photo for a closer look.)

Posted by KateC on December 31, 2008 in Glam Or Spam

Glam Or Spam? Away With The Manger

Readers nixed the Santa Cow, from a shop in Vienna.

Continuing our stable theme, what do you think of this nativity scene? Adorable or horrible?

Vote below, and don't forget the comments.

Posted by Virginia Postrel on December 23, 2008 in Glam Or Spam

Glam Or Spam? Where's The Beef?

Deep Glamour readers evidently prefer a very virginal, i.e., sparkle-free (or at least blue), Mary. (The fuschia Madonna is from the same Westwood Borders that gave us the Sassy Six-Year-Old post.)

Here's a stable-mate, togged out as Santa Cows.

Are you bullish? Or should we moo-ove on?

(photo by Merisi.)

Posted by KateC on December 16, 2008 in Glam Or Spam

Glam Or Spam: Our Lady Of Fuschia Glitter

By a narrow margin, readers gave the black Christmas tree a thumbs up. Black is the new green.

Continuing our color-oriented seasonal theme, what do you think of this Virgin Mary statue, plucked from the Christmas-merchandise display of a major retailer?

Just the right sparkle? A camp classic? Or an incitement to iconoclasm?

Posted by Virginia Postrel on December 09, 2008 in Glam Or Spam

Glam Or Spam: Noir Christmas

DG readers found no joy in Faith Hill's hairstyle on her album cover. Kids, it's tame compared to some of her other looks.

Just in time for a lack-luster holiday shopping season, the Christmas tree in basic black. Pearls optional.

Glamorously Goth? Or trying too hard?

If a tree falls in the mall, does anyone hear it?

Posted by KateC on December 02, 2008 in Glam Or Spam

Glam Or Spam? Holiday Hair

Madonna may be the new face of Louis Vuitton, but DG readers aren't buying LV's Pulp Weekender on Madge's say-so. You overwhelmingly voted it hideous.

This week we go from pop to country: For her new album of Christmas songs, Faith Hill sports a new hairstyle. What do you think of it? Mom hair or the waves of the future?

Posted by Virginia Postrel on November 23, 2008 in Glam Or Spam

Glam Or Spam? It's Your Bag

DG wo't be taking our readers out for drinks at Sweet Love Hangover judging by the response. Eater LA's fans had the same reaction, so majority rules.

And speaking of Madge, what about her latest bag?

Right-on red to match that Kabbalah string?

Or Luxury Vinyl?

Posted by KateC on November 17, 2008 in Glam Or Spam