First, it was the Dad Jeans, that looked a lot like Mom Jeans and made America wonder why the First Lady let the President leave the White House looking like that. Now, comes news that Mr. Obama wears Mandals with his Dad Jeans.
It’s like finding out that Crocs come with a shearling liner all over again.
I’m horrified, but trying not to judge the President to harshly. After all, his predecessor wore Crocs with socks. Presidential seal socks no less.
Though the electorate is still out on whether I consider the mandals an improvement or a lateral move.
Surely, Mrs. Obama’s style team could venture over to the other side of the his and hers closet, don’t you think?
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Fasshonaburu says:
Wait, men can’t wear sandals outside the pool/beach? Does that mean women can’t either? Secondly, I get “murse” because men don’t often carry purses, same with “mankini” and others. But when did it become weird for men to wear sandals?? His jeans, I admit are hideous, but the footwear is so generically vanilla that it really can’t be offensive.
Ms. B says:
lol…actually it is kid of snarky and cute in a “dad” sort of way.
Belle says:
Fasshonaburu–
I think they’ve been “mandals” for awhile, probably since the Birkenstock came into being.
On the plus side, he’s not wearing black socks. But as to your comment, he’s not at the beach (which in my mind, would be fine) he’s at the Spy Museum.
Katherine says:
I think he’s adorable and I’m just glad he gets a chance to be comfy sometimes 🙂
someone else says:
Eh, the sandals don’t bother me as much as the mom jeans and short sleeve button down. As long as his feet are reasonably well cared for, that is. Generally, though, black sandals are tough to make work.
Excellent point, Belle: Michelle’s stylists need to spend time on BHO. It is possible to be relaxed and still look like you’re able to answer the phone at 3am.
Rachel says:
I still don’t understand why a man can’t wear sandals to the Spy Museum. Nobody would question it if I wore sandals to the spy museum. I think it’s these sandals in particular combined with the generally awful shirt/jean combo that’s the problem.
Belle says:
I highly doubt those toes are properly cared for, running the free world and all. Also, I’ve never seen a man who wore Mandals who had decent feet.
Here’s a question, would you judge a man who obviously has pedicured feet?
Allison says:
hilarious post!
someone else says:
There is a difference between “obviously pedicured” and just “acceptably groomed” when it comes to men’s feet. It is a low bar. If they make any effort to not have Frodo feet, then that’s what matters in my book. But to answer the question, yes, I would notice obviously pedicured feet, and I would be impressed. It is an overt threat to my husband’s masculinity, apparently, to get a pedicure. That is, unless I do it. Hence, the low “acceptably groomed” standard.
And now that I think about it, there is a difference between Mandals and just plain ‘ole flip flops. I would expect someone in Mandals to have acceptably groomed feet, if not obviously pedicured feet.
Zoe says:
I don’t think the Obamas could ever be stylish in Belle’s eyes. Just sayin’.
Belle says:
Zoe-
Not true. I think the President has some very nice suits. I also like what the First Lady is wearing quite frequently, I just get upset when people treat her like the second coming. Esp. when they insinuate the D.C. was some colorless, desolate land until Michelle arrived and then BOOM! we were stylish. It’s frustrating.
Alice says:
I take issue with the wash, not the cut of the jeans. What style would you have a man in his mid 40s wear? I always thought of these https://pleatedjeans.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/pleated-jeans.jpg as “dad jeans”
Al Wayswright says:
All Obama is missing is his vanilla Dutch Master blunt or did he burn that fatty in the limo?