I did a double take yesterday when I received a WSJ news blast that New York Governor and famed corruption crusading former NY Attorney General Eliot Spitzer was being investigated for soliciting a prostitute. (Kwame Kilpatrick thanks you for the breather, Mr. Spitzer.) Watching the press conference with Mr. Spitzer's cloaked apology, I couldn't help but feel pain for his attractive wife, Silda.
Public apologies over real or alleged marital infidelities seem to be all the rage these days. So much so that it appears high profile, married women may need a public humiliation outfit in their closet - just in case. Makes me recall an interview a few years back with the CEO of Ann Taylor (one of my favorite stores). She said while Ann Taylor Loft customers might ask, "What do I feel like wearing today?" Ann Taylor shoppers are more concerned with having the appropriate attire. They ask "Who am I meeting with today?" Can't you just envision a woman explaining to the Ann Taylor sales clerk that she needs an outfit that complements a type of public death? Funereal but not necessarily black; stylish but not too trendy. Something that looks good on TV and You Tube but will also garner sympathy and perhaps even a few compliments from fashion writers.
With her black slacks, teal blue jacket and pearls, Ms. Spitzer ( I think she dropped the Mrs. yesterday) can say mission accomplished.
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This was a hastily called news conference. She must already have had a suitable outfit in her closet. Maybe the wives of politicians are canny enough to be prepared.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, what does the wife of a mayor wear to answer charges that she hit an exotic dancer with a "wooden object" for getting too chummy with her husband at a party that never took place?
Black and blue outfit? Go figure. It punctuates the clenched jaw and far away gaze.
ReplyDeleteDecorum aside, can someone enlighten me — why does the wife (Hillary, Dina, Carlita, et.al.) show up at all? Perhaps behind that stoic demeanor they're trying to recall the lyrics to Stand By Your Man.
I,too, could use some enlightenment about why women sit or stand alongside their husbands in moments like this. As a woman, it is less than desirable to see the world in gender tones, and yet I can recall of no situations in which this has been reversed. Well coiffed and attired husband smiling benign support at wife giving press conference? Share any you might recall!
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