I agree with Lileks that this is just absurd. The flip-flops were too informal, but John Roberts' family was too formal? What on earth does that mean? Their children looked nice, for pete's sake. My brothers and I used to wear stuff like that regularly when occasion called for it, like church or family photos. I darn sure think my mom would've made us dress up when we went to be on TV at the White House! And the caption under the photo is just plain snarky: "Even the clothes are conservative". What could the children have worn to make them look less right-wing, tie-dye and peace signs? Give me, and the Roberts family, a freaking break.
Posted by Sarah at July 25, 2005 01:29 PM | TrackBackIt is a stupid column, unworthy of a great paper like the WaPo. At the same time, though, I have to admit that I raised an eyebrow at their clothes too, especially the way they dressed their son. Formal versus informal isn't the issue; of course this occasion calls for "conservative" formal dress. The issue is what decade the clothes come from. These folks look like they stepped out of the Eisenhower era. When was the last time you saw a seersucker suit with short pants? At least it isn't a sailor suit, but still... :)
Posted by: Pericles at July 25, 2005 10:38 PMI saw the photos too, and my thoughts were: "Gee didn't Jackie Kennedy and the kids wear stuff like that back in the day?"
Posted by: Bubba Bo Bob Brain at July 26, 2005 04:13 AMHow silly. The children and his wife look classy and very nice. Since when has being well turned out become a crime? I think the reporters need a course in Etiquette!
Geesh.
Posted by: Holly at July 26, 2005 05:48 AMYou know what I thought when I saw the picture? Looks like a French family. I swear, that is how loads of French people dress their kids...totally cute, totally 50s. The last time I saw pants like that was on my French friend's nephews at her wedding 3 months ago. That is not a flashback to the 50s, it's an ode to France. Seriously...I bet you that those clothes came from France, or some French childrens' clothes boutique in D.C.
Anyways, funny how they are just grabbing at straws here.
I think the reporter, Robin Givhan, needs to get a life! If he/she can't find something of substance to write about other than what the Roberts children were wearing and how outdated they were (which obviously he/she doesn't have young children, and if he/she does, obviously they're not being invited to the White House), I think he/she might consider finding a new profession. I see children dressed like that in church every Sunday; but then, church may be a little too conservative for Robin.
Good grief!
Nancy
Posted by: Nancy Dunn at July 26, 2005 08:03 AMNot to be catty... Hell, let's be catty! Robin Givhan doesn't need to get a life, she needs to get some fashion sense.
Posted by: Pixy Misa at July 26, 2005 09:56 AMIn fairness, she is the fashion editor. It isn't like one of the political writers penned the column; talking about how people are dressed is her job.
Whether a paper needs someone to do that job is another question. :)
Posted by: Pericles at July 26, 2005 12:35 PMSometimes you just have to get out the old horsewhip and go visit the editor.
Didn't Robin used to be married to Mike Tyson?