Archive: August 25th, 2008

UPI/Landov

With all the speculation around Barack Obama’s Vice Presidential pick, we almost lost sight of another important choice — what is his ultra-stylish wife wearing for her speech at the Democratic National Convention? Michelle Obama is relying on Chicago-based Maria Pinto for a turquoise blue ’50s-inspired style in double-faced wool for her prime-time address tonight. Michelle famously paired a sharp purple sheath from the designer with an Azzedine Alaia belt for her husband’s primary kickoff. Katie McCormick Lelyveld, Michelle Obama’s communications director, confirms the choice for the dress to PEOPLE, adding that there was very little doubt as to the choice. “She’s a friend and hometown favorite.” But as any woman knows, there can always be a last minute switch. Tune into the convention coverage tonight to see her final wardrobe choice — and of course, to hear her speech.

Big Pictures/Bauer-Griffin

It’s hard to find Victoria Beckham dressed in anything short of glamorous. Fitted dresses, sky-high heels and a freshly snipped bob are in constant rotation in this Spice Girl’s wardrobe, but the pair of oversized sunglasses from her own dVb line seems to be one of Beckham’s defining pieces. Working her definitive style, Beckham says she “can’t live without [these] sunglasses.” We’ve all got our own personal flair for fashion and now the editors at StyleWatch want to know which item from your closet best represents your look. Tell us: What’s your signature style piece and why?

Shane Monopoli/Exclusive Photography

Need a little fashion inspiration? Look no further than actress Tara Reid’s new line of dresses and bikinis. Mantra, which Reid is debuting today at the Project show in Las Vegas, features T-shirts, dresses, bikinis, ponchos and hoodies decorated with trinkets, charms and beads in eight bright colors that are meant to inspire emotions. “It’s about putting into the universe what you want in life: Red means love, pink is friendship, green is lucky, black is protection,” says Reid, who found inspiration in her longtime hobby of making charm bracelets. “You’re gonna have a story when you wear this bikini or when you put this dress on: You’ll either get love or meet a new friend or you might meet a guy.” Indeed, her two-piece swimsuits — which come in string, boy short, halter, and bandeau styles — also feature flirty messages like “Catch Me If You Can” or “Single and Ready to Mingle,” and her T-shirt dresses have cut-out backs strung with hand-made chains. And while Reid hopes to see the items (priced between $65 to $180) in major department stores by early next year, she admits that she’s just happy being creative. “I feel like I’m in a really great place in my life, and I love what I’m doing,” she says. “I love acting but I can’t hire myself. If this works, then we’re in business. If not, I tried.” Find out more about the line at justtara.com.– Beth Perry