10th Commandment: December 17

Dec 17, 2012

Posting will be a bit lighter this week, as I will be traveling. My Grandmother passed away recently after a long bout with pancreatic cancer, and while we are all deeply hurt by her passing, we are grateful for the extra time we had with her thanks to some wonderful doctors and nurses. 

It’s almost the holidays, so I’m in the market for a new pair of jeans.  I’m thinking bootcut. You can wear them with flats, heels and, if your boots fit your calves snugly, tall boots.

Elected Official

Burberry Chelsea Indigo Bootcut Jean ($225)

Hill Staffer 

Joe’s Jeans Icon Bootcut ($158)

Paid Intern

Michael Kors Saucalito Bootcut ($70)

Look for Less

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  1. val says:

    Sorry about your grandmother… but seriously, nothing on CT?

    #Tonedeaf

  2. terri says:

    Belle – thank you for the jean options. For me, buying a pair of jeans is only seconded by the frustration of trying to buy a swimsuit. Thank you for these options

  3. helixy says:

    Sorry for your loss, Belle. It seems as though this year–especially this half–has been particularly difficult for many when it comes to those things. Hope you're hanging in there, peace and blessings to your family.

    These are great jean options – I'll be in the market soon, myself.

    @val – You don't know what the rest of the content for the day consists of, and if she doesn't feel like touching on it, that is her business. Don't judge.

  4. S says:

    Val – Not everyone needs to publicly comment on what happened in Newton. If you want to join in on the conversation, Facebook and Twitter could probably use another person making an ignorant, uneducated statement.

  5. anony says:

    I am so sorry for your loss, Belle, but I agree with Belle. I think it is a bit disingenuous to not also mention that posts might be lighter this week because, oh, you're a lobbyist for the NRA and you might be just a bit busy there…

  6. anony says:

    That should've said agree with Val.

  7. helixy says:

    What the heck? Why is everyone being so critical? If she has taken time off to be with family or to attend a funeral, then that's that.

    Nonsense like this is exactly why anonymity may have been preferred in the past. Don't just assume things.

  8. Ellen says:

    If you have such an issue with Belle, email her. Attacking her behind a screen name is immature and unprofessional. She does not owe any of you an explanation for why she is an NRA lobbyist. Let ger grieve the loss of her grandmother in peace with her family.

  9. Mel says:

    Sorry for your loss.

    Also, ladies, try to separate the politics from the girl. You come to this blog because you agree with Belle's sense of style. I doubt her politics have anything to do with you reading this blog..

  10. Maggie says:

    As others have mentioned previously, Belle probably cannot publicly comment on anything related to Newton on her blog. Most companies and organizations have a strong policy on that. I get that one of the consequences of not being anonymous is that you are going to have people clamoring for her to comment but you really have no idea what's going on behind-the-scenes. If you're looking for commentary on this national tragedy, there are PLENTY of other places to go.

  11. tina says:

    Ugh… I feel guilty reading this blog now. Sorry Belle, but i'm done as well.

  12. Leslie says:

    This is a fashion blog. Back off kids.

  13. Jean says:

    I'm so sorry for your loss Belle, and thank you for keeping this a pure fashion blog. I appreciate the effort and time you put into giving us all something lighthearted to read.

  14. Amy says:

    What the heck ladies? Here I thought the outpouring of comments would be consolation. It's a horrible thing to lose a loved one. Belle my prayers go to you and your family in a difficult time, as they do to victims of the recent tragedy.

    Now I'm going back to reading Belle as a fashion blogger, not as a political representative.

  15. Sam says:

    I find it incredibly insensitive that you have not commented on the Connecticut massacre. Sure, you work for the NRA and may be contractually obligated not to comment on the situation, but I thought you were a moral person with values. I was clearly wrong and can no longer look past the fact that you sold out and essentially lobby day in and day out for people to have the right to bear assault weapons. You're part of the problem and seriously need to address this horrific situation.

    I really used to love reading this blog, but sadly I'm done. I''m disgusted by your sponsors and that by me visiting this site I contribute to you. I hope your sponsors pull their ads. You'll be fine since you have enough blood money from the NRA to buy all the clothes and boots you could possibly ever want.

    Stand up for what's right and show some sensitivity to the issue, “Belle,” or should I say Abra? I really hope you do.

  16. Anna says:

    I am a liberal Democrat and loathe the NRA, but I don't come here for political commentary. I wouldn't expect, nor do I think it appropriate, for a fashion blog to comment on the tragedy in Newtown, regardless of where the writer works. Everyone can agree that this was a despicable tragedy without the need to plaster the internet with their feelings.

    Belle, I am so sorry for your loss. Even when a death is expected, the pain of never again seeing your loved one hurts just as deep.

  17. m says:

    Ditto to everything Anna just said.

    I am very sorry to hear about your grandmother, Belle.

  18. amandal says:

    I agree wholeheartedly with Anna. I am far on the other side of the aisle from Belle, and also abhor the NRA, but I do not read this blog for its political leanings. In fact, I think Belle does a fantastic job not pushing her views on her readers.

    I am disgusted with the events in Newtown as well as with similar events that have occurred throughout the year, and I pray that we as a nation will finally find a way to address these problems. However, this blog is not the forum to do that.

    Belle, I am sorry for your loss. I understand the feelings you are going through as I just lost a grandmother myself in a similar manner.

  19. D says:

    I'm so sorry about your grandmother, Belle. Safe travels to you and your family.

  20. Jen R says:

    Well said, Anne! I couldn't agree more. I've been so disgusted by the ignorant comments that Belle's blog has been receiving this weekend. It's uncalled for.

  21. S says:

    Wow Sam, I hope you only buy American made products and not anything made in China where companies might employ children to make their stuff. Do you also drive? I hope you're okay with supporting oil companies who get their products from Middle Eastern countries that commit horrible crimes against gays and women.

    Get off your high horse and stop judging someone for what they choose to do for a living.

  22. CynthiaW says:

    Really, someone's grandmother dies after a long illness right before Christmas and this is how some of you respond? Is that the sort of thing that you would say to Belle's face? I'll bet not – shame on all of you for using a tragedy as an excuse to a: push your political agenda and b: attack a blogger going through a tough emotional time.

    I'm sorry for the loss of your grandmother, Belle, and I'll be praying for you and your family.

  23. j says:

    Belle,
    I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your grandmother. No matter how much extra time you feel you got with her, losing a loved one is never easy.

    Ladies, this is a FASHION blog. It has been a great place for everyone, regardless of political affiliation to come and talk about fashion. Why make it more that that?

  24. helixy says:

    Belle – I'm sorry that so many people are acting this way. There are so many things being said, and I want there to be another voice in your corner.

    I would also like to direct everyone to Belle's Manifesto, listed here: https://caphillstyle.com/about-chs/ – I'm going to quote a couple things from it: “Started in 2008, Capitol Hill Style (CHS) is a fashion blog for women who don't want to sacrifice their sense of style for professional success. CHS features styling tips, beauty product reviews, and professional guidance for fashionable ladies with serious jobs. Because as the very wise Johanna Cox once said, “a serious job is no excuse” to dress poorly.

    CHS is dedicated to the belief that women should dress for the job that they want, not the job that they have.”

    AND especially:

    “Capitol Hill Style is Belle's escape from policy discussions about the serious issues confronting the nation and the world.”

    How dare you comment on her morality, you presumptuous asses. How dare you EXPECT or DEMAND that she a) deviate from the purpose of this blog which has helped so many of us. b) write about a topic that might cost her her job and livelihood c) write about something that maybe, just maybe, AS AN INDIVIDUAL she does not feel comfortable writing about.

    If your heart doesn't feel right about it, that is unfortunate. Stop reading, then. Don't make nasty comments or thinly veiled threats. YOU are the insensitive monsters. I am also on the other side of the aisle from Belle – I don't come here for politics (and she does not include them here!), I come here for fashion advise from a trusted source.

    Get over yourselves. Why do you want to hear about a massacre of children everywhere you turn, anyway? Freaks.

    Belle, thanks again for posting even in light of your personal loss. You've shown dedication and consistency.

  25. anon says:

    Belle has commented on politics in the past. And she's chosen to no longer keep her identity secret. It's her choice to put out this blog — and garner a small profit from it. And, just as newspaper subscribers can write in to complain about the actions of its reporters or editorial board, it's perfectly fair for her readers to criticize her actions on her blog. Not all comments need to be fawning.

  26. L says:

    It seems counterintuitive for these commenters to be responding to such a terrible tragedy with such vitriol toward a fashion blogger, of all things. Despite everyone's own personal beliefs, there is absolutely no excuse to be so hateful. Some of these comments are shameful, Belle – I hope you know these people are not the majority of your readers.

    Also, I will keep your family in my prayers during this difficult time.

  27. AC says:

    Belle–I'm very sorry for your loss. I recently lost a grandparent as well, and it is never easy. I wish upon your family strength, love, and courage during this difficult time.

  28. Michelle says:

    I'm surprised my the comments on this post. Ladies, you don't believe that the lawyers who defend convicted killers are criminals themselves, do you? Just because you disagree with the NRA, they have a right to organize and lobby for their constituents' interests. I'm sure you would not want to lose that right in the wake of a tragedy in which your cause could be fingered. In times such as this it is important that we remember our constitutional rights and not allow tragedies to color the way which we view them. If we want to change the right to bear arms out of the Constitution we should be LOBBYING to do so. Those who feel we need the right to bear arms more then ever should be LOBBYING to keep that right. We have the right to lobby for whatever cause we choose. Go lobby for gun control (as I will be doing), but do not victimize someone for being the voice of a group of individuals. We cannot afford to be one-sided in this society.

    Belle, mourn your grandmother and spend time with your family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

  29. Heather says:

    I wonder if Belle would rethink her line of work if her grandmother had been gunned down with 19 other elderly people at an old-age home by a mentally ill kid toting his rich mother's assault weapons? Seriously, if you work for an outfit like the NRA, like it or not, your work defines who you are. Would I read the blog of an America-hating al Qaida operative? No, I would not. And the NRA for all intents and purposes is a terrorist organization if you go by body count and the absolute lunacy of its propaganda. Wake up. It's not her “political beliefs.” It goes WAY beyond that

  30. Mary says:

    Belle, I've been following your blog for a few months now but I'm not sure I've ever commented. I am sorry for the loss of your grandmother.

    I spent part of my weekend at the hospital with one of my co-workers who is now under hospice care following a short battle with cancer. Another friend lost her dad on Saturday, and yet another friend is expecting the loss of her dad this week. I am sad about the events at Sandy Hook. But I am consumed with the family that is here with me. I think insisting that everyone be focused on Sandy Hook is very uncaring toward the people who are in our lives who need us right now. How are we being compassionate by saying that one tragedy is more deserving of attention than another?

    Belle, take as much time as you need. I will be delighted to read your future posts when you return.

  31. Katy says:

    Belle prayers with your family in this difficult time

  32. Megsy says:

    If you are a reporter, writer, editor, etc. that chooses to make a profit and also increase said profit by trying your hand at the fame it garners via not being anonymous then you must also take those rewards with the risks that come with them. One being, a lobbyist for the NRA, which I think is despisable, will garner even more attention and hate after an elementary school shooting that utilized semi automatic assault rifles.

    Most agree those weapons and the gun show loopholes should be banned and are disgusting, but there's always one group that seems to argue and use unlimited funds to keep them – the NRA – your employer – and hence I feel no sympathy for you. I believe that the world reaps what it sows and that all life choices define you and also your future. And NRA lobbyist is something I define you as a morally corrupt and empty person. So all those in pain from deaths fo loved ones cause by guns, were partly caused by the lobbyists and the people who are paid to keep it there – you Abra – and may you reap the same pain you bring to others.

  33. MidWestChic says:

    So sorry for your loss, Belle. Try to enjoy the time with your family and know that you are in many of our prayers! Travel safely.

  34. helixy says:

    @most recent anon – Except they were semi-auto pistols, like what POLICE carry. The perp didn't use assault rifles, you are clueless.

  35. Rachel says:

    @helixy

    Except he did use a semi-automatic assault rifle. It has been widely reported and police have confirmed that was the weapon that was used to kill the victims.

    https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/17/us/lanza-used-a-popular-ar-15-style-rifle-in-newtown.html?ref=us&gwh=65157B57B53C0B29E310353B086D0EDB

  36. EK says:

    So sorry for your loss, and for the vitriolic comments from others. Looking forward to remaining a long-time reader, in no small part due to both the quality of your advice and your ability to leave controversial political discussions off of a fashion and style blog.

  37. bess says:

    Where else does such a discourse exists? Nearly no where. Applaud your tolerance Belle. These vehemently vengence filled posts exacurbate the problem of non communication. Let a solution oriented discourse begin in earnest. Thank you President Obama, for your remarks last night. A voice of reason at a time when passions and hate run high. And thank you Belle in advance for being part of the solution.

  38. KLo says:

    Belle,

    I'm terribly sorry to hear of your loss. I wish you safe travels and peace to you and your family as you grieve. Thank you for the gracefulness with which you've thanked your Grandmother's caregivers.

    Best wishes

  39. AMS says:

    Sending thoughts and prayers your way during your time of grief.

  40. LMS says:

    So sorry about your loss. Hang in there. I love your blog, and I will continue to read it.

  41. Katherine says:

    I'm very sorry about the loss of your grandmother.

  42. Ms. B says:

    Thinking of you Belle. and love the wash on the Burberry jeans.

  43. Sarah says:

    I can't imagine what you're going through after the passing of your grandmother, especially in the wake of the horrible events of Friday. Personally, it has made me reflect on those I have lost, and has made me hold my loved ones a little closer. May you have peace in this time of loss, a safe flight back to Montana, and continued thick skin as others have reactions to this tragedy which will only prove to be inappropriate in hindsight.

  44. love it says:

    those burberry jeans = gorgeous! (…love your blog, Belle, and praying for you and yours!)

  45. Ali says:

    I wanted to comment on this post since Newtown and Sandy Hook is fresh on everyones minds. I went to Sandy Hook elementary and I live in Sandy Hook now. I have not logged onto my computer since Friday morning because of how painful reading everything is. I typed in this blog, as I do usually everyday, and I too was surprised not to read anything about my home. I want to thank you, Belle, for giving me something positive to read, to take my mind off the fact that I will never see some of these children again. I will continue to read your blog whether or not you comment on Sandy Hook. I want to leave politics out of this tragedy for the moment. We, as a community, need to focus on the families and let the politics and bickering come later.

  46. Kelly says:

    I'm surprised ya'll stuck around for so long. I stopped reading here regularly after the Neon Suit Incident and the way Abra responded to her commenters.

    https://caphillstyle.com/capitol/2012/1/11/10th-commandment-january-11.html#comment16541236 (what the heck?)

    Her lack of response/acknowledgment about this doesn't surprise me. She doesn't owe us anything, but we've known for a while how she treats her readers. All this talk with no response from her is starting to feel like that scene from Mean Girls when Regina George stands there and watches the Burn Book chaos unfold in the hallways.

  47. phel says:

    @ Kelly – classy…you have revealed more about yourself than anything snarky Belle could ever say. It would be interesting to know how you treat your co-workers and what gossip you dish up at the bar. Stone throwing in anonymity. How brave. Thanks belle for keeping the forum open. Heartbreak is envelops our country, as we ask why. The reasons being so complex.

  48. Kelly says:

    I don't completely understand your response, phel, since it appears there are some dropped words, but my comment was merely to make mention of the fact that it's unsurprising that she's refusing to acknowledge it here. And I did say she doesn't owe us anything. She doesn't.

    But you attacking me makes you no better than the very stone throwing you were rallying against.

  49. phel says:

    not really attacking you kelly, but it does come across that way. I am frustrated a bit by some of the comments. As a long time reader, almost since the beginning but rare poster in the comments I find some of the post particularly mean. I should have addressed it more cumulatively, even in cryptic commentary, you just happened to be the most recent post. My apologies. The intent of the comment was meant to applaud belle for her open forum and those who continue to be understanding of the complexity of her position with her employer. It is not unusual for employees to be held to a no-comment policy. This is true in most professional offices, in service on the Hill with Senators and Congressman and other employers especially in the atmosphere that is D.C. – again, your opinion is your own. As for me I will continue to read here and value Belle's advice. Phelomenia

  50. AbsolutelyDC says:

    So sorry to hear the news about your Grandmother. Losing my grandfather was one of the hardest things I ever dealt with. I can't imagine how difficult it would be during the holiday season. I hope you and your family are able to get through this tough time together.

  51. AP says:

    1. Belle, I'm so sorry for your grandmother's death.

    2. Heather, the barnyard called. They want you back.

  52. Elle says:

    … I can't even. Those who've turned this into a vitriolic political shaming should be absolutely ashamed of themselves. It doesn't matter what kind of blog this is. Belle lost her grandmother. To belittle that, to politicize it, to manipulate it and twist it around…. ::shakes head:: Be ashamed of yourselves. I cannot IMAGINE how I would feel if after losing my brother earlier this year people had the stones to leave shit like this for me. No, I know how I would feel. Angry. Because who are any of you to say how she should feel, dictate what she should say, have any right to speak to her about her own life and what she does with it?

    You don't like who she is, what she does, how she chooses to live her life? Be a grown up, keep your negativity to yourself during her mourning period, and move on. No one's forcing you to be here.

    All that being said, Belle, I wish you the best. Having lost my brother so suddenly and unexpectedly this spring, I know there's nothing anyone can say to make it better. You just have to get through it. I hope you can let all the negativity just roll off. Will pray for you and your family.

  53. Angie says:

    Sorry about your grandmother. I don't have time to read all the nonsensical comments above but just so you know, I enjoy your blog and I don't need every blog and Facebook page I read to comment on everything in the news.

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