Michelle's Sneakers

[Dr. Shane]

First Lady Michelle Obama steps out in L...0EMoq0YnU&B

While volunteering Wednesday at a D.C. food bank, the First Lady sported her usual J.Crew cardigan, a pair of utilitarian capri pants and, on her feet, a sneaky splurge: trainers that go for $540.

That's right: These sneakers - suede, with grosgrain ribbon laces and metallic pink toe caps - are made by French design house Lanvin, one of fashion's hottest labels. They come in denim and satin versions, and have been a brisk seller all spring.

[text taken from link]

[Dr. Shane]

She is the First Lady for goodness sake. What is up with the media's obsession of politician's clothing? If she is not using tax dollars to buy it, she is free to buy what she wants. Now if she were taking it in exchange for political favors it was different. What? Does the media think that because she is black she needs to dress like she lives in the ghetto?

[carolaa]

She was working in a soup kitchen, Shane. Personally, I think it sends an odd message. But then again, she's working in a soup kitchen and I'm not.

[Dr. Shane]

Yes, she is working a soup kitchen. It isn't as if she is lock away in a castle and out of touch. If she wants to spend $500 on shoes, more power to her. I am sure her kids didn't have to go without something in order for her to buy her shoes.

[Dr. Shane]

Actually, the First Lady wearing capri pants bothers me more than $500 sneakers.

[phkrause]

Besides who would have guessed that her shoes and pants cost so much. I know I wouldn't have.

pk

[carolaa]

IT is not so much as working in a soup kitchen other

politicians and there wife's have help out in places

like this before but they were always dressed up she

was not so pictures were needed

I think it's great they do that. It just seems really odd to wear expensive clothes when you're serving destitute people. I suppose they walk a fine line, because people would be critical if our leaders dressed down too much.

[Amelia]

Actually, the First Lady wearing capri pants bothers me more than $500 sneakers.

What? Why? There is nothing wrong with capris. I think she was dressed just fine for the situation.

[Dr. Shane]

I like capris. That isn't my point. My point is that she is First Lady and the capris are almost beneath her to be wearing. I would rather see her wearing something a bit more expensive than that.

[bonnie]

I like capris. That isn't my point. My point is that she is First Lady and the capris are almost beneath her to be wearing. I would rather see her wearing something a bit more expensive than that.

I would be interested to know if this has been part of their daily lives prior to a photo op.

How many times has the first lady had a direct hand in feeding the poor?

You can bet her capri's did not come from wal-mart if she is wearing over 500.00 worth of sneakers.

[Dr. Shane]

The Obamas have been involved in community work for many years. I that I am impressed with President Obama's sincerity. He passed by high-paying jobs with prestigious law firms to work for a non-profit community organization. I do not question the Obama's intentions at all.

[Liz]

Is it just me or do those sneakers not look worth $500 bucks?

[bonnie]

Is it just me or do those sneakers not look worth $500 bucks?

I have no clue what 500.00 sneakers look like. They could have come from wal-mart for all I know

[Liz]

They reminded me of these:

And then one of her little girls took some metallic pink paint to the toes.

[phkrause]

The funny thing is you get what you pay for. A number of years ago I spent about $125 for a pair of nike's. I had them for about 5 years, maybe longer. A few years ago I bought a pair for sneakers at BJs, cost about $21.00, since I've bought about 3 pairs and probably need another one soon. I guess I should have bought a nike or reebox I'd probably would still not be replacing them yet. So if she really did buy the more expensive ones, and depending how much she use's them, they'll probably last her a long time. I know for me, I used mine for everything, jogging, walking, work. The cheaper ones, which I had 2 at a time, I'd switch of each day still couldn't outlast the more expensive ones. So it would have been cheaper in the long run to buy another pair of nike's. Anyway just a thought.

pk

[Outta Here]

I am sure her kids didn't have to go without something in order for her to buy her shoes.

Someone else's kids may have had to go without, however. For $540 a person could feed themselves for at least 80 days in America.

Oh that our world leaders would dare to give the shirts shoes off their backs feet!

[Dr. Shane]

I think that is an unfair criticism. It is like Judas complaining about Mary spending too much on the perfume for Jesus because the money could have been used to feed the poor.

[Amelia]

I like capris. That isn't my point. My point is that she is First Lady and the capris are almost beneath her to be wearing. I would rather see her wearing something a bit more expensive than that.

But Shane, she was at a food bank! Have you ever worked at a food bank? I have worked at two different types of food banks. You don't want to dress fancy or expensive. 1. because the work can be grubby. Sorting food from boxes, bags and pallets. Packaging bulk foods into smaller portions. Stocking foods onto shelves. 2. cleaning up after all the above activities. Some food banks have plastic gloves, aprons and masks to wear over ones clothing. So the clothing doesn't matter anyway. 3. it's demeaning to dress above the clients you are helping.

As for the shoes not looking the part of $500. LOL I agree. But the majority of the $$$ are for the "name" not the material/construction quality.

One of these shoes is $425 the other is $40. Can you tell which is which?

[Dr. Shane]

Did Eleanor Roosevelt wear Capris when she worked in the soup kitchens?

[Amelia]

Can you prove she didn't?