This Photo of Hillary May Surprise You... But It Really Shouldn't

[L. Coyote]

This Photo of Hillary May Surprise You... But It Really Shouldn't



his photo, taken last month in the backyard of an Iowa State Senator, was posted to the official Hillary for Iowa Facebook page on Saturday.

A voter describes the scene: ..............

[PJMcK]

1. Look at her smile!

She expresses herself so well and sincerely.

Hillary Clinton really isn't the monster that her detractors describe. She's vastly intelligent and has a witty and generous sense of humor- an effective combination.

[fun n serious]

80. Who mentioned race?

Not in this case but RACE issues need conversation.

[greymattermom]

2. Looks like Barack as a kid

right?

[Hekate]

83. He is a cutie with a mischevious twinkle all right

[book_worm]

3. Not surprising.

[misterhighwasted]

5. As a woman in her late 60's I think she is neatly & comfortably dressed.

I have no issues with her signature campaign clothing.
I have seen her wear some very lovely clothing for occasions other than the grueling campaign slog.

She is beautiful.

[longship]

11. Yup! She is.

But the polyester pant suits have to go.

They do nothing for her.

[misterhighwasted]

15. Ban pantsuits. For women and men. No matching pants & jacket.

That goes for Everyone.
Dammit! Enough is enough of that dreadful attire.
We should dress according to the fashion king Roger Ailes.


Enough silly..I recall when pantsuits liberated women from female appropriate attire. Heels, skirt, stocking, garters..even in the frigid Winter.
Pantsuits were the female version of men's suits.
Yes, women could wear pants only if they mimicked men.
See!!!
Then women one day said "F That" and the pantsuit evolved from there, to easy ready-to-wear.
And still is quite appropriate for busy professional women.
I remember my neighbor, she was a secretary for a banker. I adored her in her polyester pantsuit of matching orange pants with orange, green and brown striped jacket.
Of course, the orange shoes & purse just pulled it all nicely together.

And btw, Hillary is SMART TOO! REALLY REALLY BRAINY!
But I KNOW YOU ALREADY KNEW THAT

[fun n serious]

81. I know how you feel...

I literally threw out all my tie die and loose fitting blouses after I saw how they looked on JS.

[bonemachine]

7. Oh, FFS

I have plenty of concerns about Hillary, but neither her goddamn wardrobe nor her goddamn vocal patterns are not among them...

Seriously, this shit is gross.

[longship]

9. Well, my comment was a bit callous, I would agree.

But gees! I wish that she would ditch her wardrobe.

This is a lighthearted wish, as I heartily support Secy Clinton for POTUS.

[bonemachine]

10. It's not callous, it's just gross...

And, as has been pointed out ad nauseum, it smells of systemic sexism. It's really not what I would call constructive criticism.

[longship]

12. Well, if Barack Obama wore polyester suits, I would say the same thing.

It has nothing whatsoever to do with gender. It has to do with ones image on the campaign trail. What's with the pastel pant suits? Why that? Why that exclusively?

I guess she likes that.

So be it. I'll take her the way she is. I just hope that she won't show up at state dinners dressed like that.

My best to you.

[TexasMommaWithAHat]

13. "What's with the pastel pant suits?"

1) Women her age (and especially women with her skin coloring) often go to softer colors that don't look harsh against the skin.

2) Hillary's legs have never been her best feature. We women often dress to accentuate our best features, and to hide or camouflage our worse features. Also, hosiery is completely out-of-style, yet she has the legs of a woman her age. What is she supposed to do? Get a spray tan?

3) Pants give her a broader range of motion, and in those moments when the cameras aren't around, she can sit/lounge more comfortably in pants than in a skirt.

4) She's worn several suits that don't appear to me to be polyester.

[longship]

17. I just wanted to express my opinion, which is still allowed here.

I support Hillary wholeheartedly. But I find her dressing a bit frumpy.

That is my opinion. It is obviously not yours. So be it.

Do not mistake my objection to her taste in clothes as an objection to her candidacy. That would be very wrong.

I made a simple personal observation, no doubt to be misinterpreted here on DU, where everything must be political.

Mine was not a political statement, but of one of personal taste.

Whatever.

[TexasMommaWithAHat]

18. There is no need to be so defensive.

I was simply expressing my opinion, as well.

And I was a Bernie supporter, so I'm not reflexively on the defense about every last criticism of Clinton.

Peace.

[longship]

24. And peace to you, too, my friend. nt

[pnwmom]

72. Alas, maybe there was a need, since longship's post got hidden.

That seems like an over-reaction to me, since longship made his or her allegiance to Hillary quite clear.

And we are all allow to have different fashion preferences, I would think.

[greymattermom]

41. I don't mind the pants

but I like a little color change. Black pants, or open jacket with a different color top, something like that. She does that sometimes.

[EffieBlack]

73. And when she wears stylish clothing

she's attacked because either: 1) she didn't wear it best; and/or because 2) who does she think she is wearing designer clothing that we bet cost at least a billion dollars?

[rjsquirrel]

14. Sexist

not callous.

When was the last time a male candidate was picked on for wearing an unflattering suit?

Same with the voice stuff. It's sexist.

[longship]

20. Well, her pant suits have become more or less iconic.

I just would prefer that she mix up her wardrobe a bit. Even Barack Obama does that.

It is not sexist to say that. And I resent that anybody would accuse a person on that basis.

I guess I should resign myself that this is Hillary's desired look. Strikes me as something from the 80's.

Maybe I am wrong. If so, mea culpa.

[rjsquirrel]

32. The point is not to care about her clothes

She is dressed professionally and comfortably.

I repeat, have you ever heard someone say "these male candidates really need to vary the dark suit and solid tie thing"? Or "looks like he's wearing a Men's Warehouse special?" Or "the red tie again?"

[homegirl]

47. How

right you are.

[ncgrits]

55. Ding ding ding! We have a winner!

It's the SEXISM! Thank you!

It's so prevalent, folks don't even see it anymore.

Everyone needs to watch great documentary "Miss Representation" about prevalence of sexism in the media. Currently streaming on Netflix.

[NCTraveler]

19. She is a grandma.

"She has to ditch her hideous polyester pant suits. She dresses like my grandmother!"

Glad your grandmother has such excellent taste.

[longship]

22. Well, she maybe has that going for her.

I'll still support and vote for her, even if I don't like the pant suits.

We need Hillary's pant suits in the White House! (Shudder!)

[mcar]

27. She looks terrific there!

I respectfully disagree with your assessment.

[radical noodle]

34. She IS a grandmother!

Good grief. Who cares? Trump is a pig and we worry about Hillary's pant suits? Bernie dressed like a crazy old man but I didn't hear anything about that. (and that's not dissing Bernie about his clothing... I'm just saying we don't normally complain about how men dress)

[EffieBlack]

74. Trump dresses like a sloppy, fat slob

And even though he supposedly has enough money to buy suits that fit and, if he can't find any, to hire a tailor to make them fit, we NEVER hear anything about how raggedy he looks.

And let's not even talk about Bernie's slept I-slept-in-this-suit look. No comments ever.

Just Hillary gets the scrutiny.

Interesting ...

[bonemachine]

82. hmmmm

I for one heard quite a few comments about Bernies image...

[niyad]

35. and yet, witness the outrage when she dresses stylishly. she simply cannot win whichever way

she goes.

[Maru Kitteh]

69. And Bingo. Like most women, she is criticized for her appearance continuously.

Pantsuits? Too frumpy!
Nice clothes - Elitist snob!
Casual clothes - Who is she trying to fool!

Doesn't matter.

[EffieBlack]

75. This ^

[annavictorious]

36. The pantsuits have become a trademark.

During Hillary's tenure at State, her entourage was called the "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pantsuit".
And I think she wears the bright colors so she can be spotted in a crowd.

Here's more information about Nina McClemore, whose pantsuits Hillary frequently wears.

"Nina designs a collection of clothing to address the needs of senior professional and executive women and women who are active in their communities. There is a significant void in the apparel industry of clothes for women who want beautiful, elegant, colorful, well made clothing that fits and is appropriate for their position and lifestyle. The collection is made in New York of the finest natural fabrics and is designed to take a woman through all aspects of her life - day, evening and leisure with a strong focus on travel."

http://www.ninamclemore.com/pages/philosophy.htm

The late, great Oscar de la Renta made many of Hillary's formal dresses.
http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/how-oscar-de-la-renta-helped-define-hillary-clinton

P.S. Tim Gunn said horrible, catty things about Hillary's style in 2008.
P.P.S. Those suits are not made of polyester.

[longship]

37. Thank you! I love it!

Even though I do not like the way she dresses. I like that she might thumb her nose to me (and also Tim Gunn).

That is one of the reasons why, although I voted for Bernie in the MI primary, I have no problems with supporting Secy Clinton.

I guess I just need to grit my teeth about her choice of dress. That shouldn't be so difficult since it is a very minor complaint.

My best.

[Hekate]

42. I'm pretty damn sure they are not polyester, nor double-knit polyester

After all, only a few months ago a major hissy-fit was had here about a jacket someone swore was a $12K haute couture creation.

Beyond that, other posters are taking you to task adequately about business attire for women of a certain age.

PS: I found the price range for the Nina McLemore line HRC favors. It's a bit too pricey for me, but then I'm a retired grandma, not a high-powered SoS or presidential candidate. They are certainly less than that mythical $12K jacket!

Prices
The company designs and buys the fabric, manufactures in New York and sells directly to the client so the same quality from other designers is usually 2 to 3 x higher. Blouses $150 - $235; Jackets $450 - $975; Pants and Skirts $295 - $495.

[pnwmom]

46. Um . . . she IS a grandmother. Of two. Nothing wrong with dressing like one.

She's at a picnic, not addressing the U.N.

[longship]

48. I am being owned here.

I gladly recant. She can wear whatever she wants and I won't complain. (not sure about Tim Gunn, though ) My post was just an off hand comment.

Mea culpa.

After all, I like her.

Best wishes to you.

[seabeyond]

51. "48. I am being owned here." So. ;) . Nt

[longship]

52. Well part of being reasonable is admitting mistakes.

I am humbled here. One learns throughout life. As British comic Peter Cook said, "I've learned by my mistakes and I can repeat them exactly."


Glad to see you, Sea.

[seabeyond]

53. I couldn't agree with you more and ALWAYS good to see you too. Nt

[TexasMommaWithAHat]

57. Love your sense of humor

"I am being owned here."



I"m about ten years younger than Hillary, so this thread interests me.

[longship]

58. Well, when ones owned, one should be humble and admit it.

I still don't like Hillary's pant suits, but I promise to hold my objections henceforth.

After all, it is a minor issue and as long as there are no headlines what's to object.

I would like to see her on the stump in jeans once. Just once.

My best to you, my friend.

[TexasMommaWithAHat]

60. Jeans? Then someone would complain

that they look like "grandma-elastic-waist jeans."



It's hell being an older woman trying to dress nicely, but at least Hillary has the money to do the best she can.

[longship]

61. I agree. Grandma elastic waste jeans!

I love this thread. It is a fun discussion.

And I don't mind at all that I stuck my fist into a hornet's nest. That's how one learns.

I love the image of grandma elastic waste jeans, though.

Please Hillary! No jeans!!!! Please!!!

[TexasMommaWithAHat]

62. This grandma has elastic waist capri jeans!

Gasp!

Full length jeans? No elastic waist!

[pnwmom]

63. Didn't mean to pile on. I'm just glad that she's made the world safe

for women who don't want to have to wear stockings or shave their legs every day.

[longship]

67. You guys are cracking me up.

I am glad I poked myself into this thread.

It has been both an education and a relief from the horror of varicose veins, or something. I'll figure it out one of these days.

Suffice it to say, I am chuckling while I post this. This is DU at its best.

To take on something as controversial as Hillary's pant suits and come out of it united. Who has the right to complain about anything?

Whitewater? Pfffthpfffth!
Benghazi? Pfffthpfffth!
E-mails? Pfffthpfffth!
E-mail servers? Pfffthpfffth!
Pant suits? Pfffthpfffth!

She's like Teflon!

She'd better be.

I love you all.

[mcar]

70. Oh I am all over that!

It took me a good while after I moved to FL in 1990 from the NE to realize that pants (sans pantyhose) were much cooler and more comfortable than dresses or skirts.

Then I developed a hernia and couldn't wear pantyhose for a long time. I have never looked back.

[Hekate]

85. You're making me laugh by being contrite. Okay, still friends.

[DesertRat]

50. Oh, for god's sake!

[Thinkingabout]

6. She goes for the younger ones, very near and dear to her, it will not

Stop when she becomes Madame President.

[procon]

8. Great Photo! She looks just like the photos taken of her as a young woman. nt

[mainstreetonce]

16. If Barack had a son...

Cute kid

[shireen]

21. she has a lovely smile

Gosh, I'm not sure if I'd recognize her if I saw her looking that relaxed and happy.

Few years ago, I ran into Barbara Mikulski at a grocery store. Initially, I thought she was a lady who resembled Barbara Mikulski. She just seemed to look so different from the photos and tv appearances.

We ended up standing next to each other waiting for our sandwich orders, and chatted for a while -- mostly about Republicans who were doing something stupid in the Senate at the time (I think it was holding up the budget bill that threatened a government shutdown, or something like that.) Amazing lady. I'm going to miss her presence in the Senate.

[sulphurdunn]

23. Policy, policy, policy!

[rock]

25. I find her very attractive

Of course I have a few years on her.

[mcar]

26. Love it!

Kids like her, just like they do Obama. And that is one cutie pie face!

[Warren DeMontague]

29. Im sure Trump's giant head scares the shit out of them.

[mcar]

30. And that bizarre hair and orange face

For sure.

[Warren DeMontague]

28. Why would it surprise me?

nice picture.

[treestar]

31. Having some fun it looks like

She deserves it after all the hard work!

[NastyRiffraff]

33. She has a million dollar smile

That photo isn't surprising at all. And I like her colorful pantsuits.

[thelordofhell]

38. It's a lovely picture until you look at her hands.........

I know she's old, but her hands look like Zombie hands.........

[Gothmog]

40. Admittedly I was excited but I shook her hand and did not notice anything

[zonkers]

49. Man, I live in L.A. and I thought people were only super body conscious here. As a Bernie fan

who is voting for Hillary -- her hands are fine.

[Hekate]

43. Her hands don't look a day over 68

[metroins]

76. This

Wtf is wrong with her hands?

And I'm a HRC supporter.

[TexasMommaWithAHat]

64. I strongly defend her clothing choices

but - yeah - you can't say she has nice hands.

But it's not her fault, for goodness' sake!

[pnwmom]

65. It's the lighting. Look how shadowed the boy's arms are. nt

[mcar]

71. Seriously?

That great, joyful expression and you comment on her hands?

[Gothmog]

39. I had my picture taken with HRC a month or so ago

This picture does not surprise me one bit. This picture is consistent with my experience with Sec Clinton at a private event. Sec. Clinton enjoys having her picture taken with voters and is really good about taking a smart phone and taking selfies with voters. I shook her hand and got the feeling that she enjoyed meeting voters and taking pictures.

[L. Coyote]

45. I have the photo of Hillary snapping a selfie with DU'er Joe Knapp just the other day.

Joe posted it on Facebook. It is in Hillary's Flickr photo share site:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/hillaryclinton/27930965046/in/album-72157669353518350/

[pnwmom]

68. Thanks for sharing! n/t

[pnwmom]

66. Lucky you! n/t

[Hekate]

44. What a beautiful relaxed smile she has when not under attack. Wow.

[chillfactor]

54. i may wear a dress MAYBE once or twice a year....

I am a grandmother who likes to dress comfortably...and pants are it.

[TexasMommaWithAHat]

59. Ditto! And even if comfort wasn't a factor

Hose are completely out, and my grandma, white, white legs look horrible without hose. (Actually, they're quite shapely...haha, but they still look horrible without hose.)

Now that celebrities and the wealthy can remove every varicose vein and spider vein from their legs and top them off with a spray tan, it seems the masses must now go without hose, too. It's not that I like pantyhose, but it's better than the alternative when attending a wedding. (Funerals - I wear pants!)

[Hekate]

84. My skin is very pale and when younger I used to wear "nude" pantyhose and short skirts.

But I am Hillary's age, and that was a hella long time ago. My grandma had great legs even in her late 70s, but I inherited varicose veins from Dear Old Dad, and even though I got the big one taken out, I am left with spider veins that show up amazingly well through even darker hose. I once was given a sample of self-tanning lotion and tried it in a few discreet spots. Freckles looked black. Veins also became darker. Every damned flaw showed through the dye just as it did through the hose.

To hell with that. I wear jeans, slacks, and pants exclusively, and have done so for nearly 20 years. When I was on some County commissions I laid in a supply of travel knits in 3-piece sets so I could look put together and professional in public, and recycled all my old accessories from my skirt-suit days to change the look from time to time. I gave all the skirt-suits to the thrift store.

Sitting for long hours in a straight skirt is tiring. You have to keep your knees together and can't relax, most especially when sitting facing a camera, a panel of interviewers, or an audience. That wide strip of metal attached to the outside of a secretary's desk is called a "modesty panel" for that very reason.

Again I say: to hell with that.

[TexasMommaWithAHat]

87. To hell with that, too!

[TheDebbieDee]

56. About clothing: She was a horrible human being/conservative

But for my $ the late Margaret Thatcher was the best dressed professional woman I ever saw. She dressed to the nines in her business suits and she always looked sharp and polished.... and stiff as a board!

[L. Coyote]

79. There are no races.

But try to tell that to the people who take pride in their inbreeding.

[annavictorious]

86. I got to meet Hillary during her listening tour of 2000

Hillary was petite and pretty with beautiful skin and hair and clear blue eyes. I didn't expect it, based on some of the snide remarks about her looks. This picture reminds me of what I saw that day.

I had my eight year old daughter with me. She happened to be wearing a tee shirt that said "Girl Power".

Hillary took one look at her and said, "We need more of that."

And of course, in those pre-Iphone days, I didn't have a camera....