Dress Barn, Double Knit, Michelle Obama and Me

A bunch of us Pit Bull people are going down to Austin to lobby the legislature. Stop #1 was the hairdresser - my overgrown hair that is usually in a ponytail is now a cute layered 'do inspired by Alexis on American Idol. Now, I need something to wear that doesn't make me look like a hillbilly who lives on a sheep farm with 5 dogs. It's going to be a long day, so the ideal thing would be a double-knit or matte jersey dress in a transitional or year-round color or muted print. A knit is a must for a long trip because I want something that stretches and does not wrinkle.

We were in our closest small city for date night, so I dragged my husband into Dress Barn. I can't say it without going, "Dress Barn! MOOO!" I mean, who would place the word BARN in a clothing store for women? Nonetheless, when I need a dress in a hurry I can find something there as the selection is better than the name implies.

I was delighted to find a sheath dress in my best selling rayon-poly-spandex double knit but the style wasn't for me. The sales lady said that they had a lot of Jackie Kennedy-type sheath dresses in and I said something about how Michelle Obama must be driving up demand for those. Then the lady said, "Ugh, Michelle Obama. I wish someone would teach her how to dress! She doesn't dress like a First Lady."

Oh, here we go. Once again, I am going to get in trouble for gushing about the Obamas while too close to the Red River. "Michelle is the best thing to happen to the fashion industry since 'Sex in the City.' It's been a long time since the general public has even been interested in fashion. Besides, she's young and fit and wears it well."

Well, the sales lady and I probably came to an impasse but hopefully I gave her some thought about which side her bread is buttered on.

I tried on a dress but it hit the fattest part of my knee, so the search continues at the outlet mall down in the big city. But my quest has given me more appreciation for our gracious First Lady and her impact on the industry. Even though, in almost-Oklahoma-Texas, Michelle's impact might never be fully recognized or appreciated.