INAUGURAL MANIA

Washington is a cynical city.

Politicians come and politicians go.

They all make promises. They all break promises. Some do more damage than others.
People who live in Washington rarely get excited about the arrival of a new administration.
Things are different in 2009.

Like most Americans, Washingtonians are obsessed with Barack Obama.

I partied when he won, but I never thought I’d be as caught up in The Inauguration as I am.

But, lately, I read every word in the newspapers about Obama, his wife, his kids, even his quest for a non-allergic dog. (FYI: According to the Washington Post, the Obamas have narrowed it down to two breeds -- labradoodles and Portuguese water dogs.)
My cousin Suzanne, who lives in London, came to town earlier this week to deliver a scientific paper. She also had a bit of free time to go sightseeing – and do some souvenir shopping.

This was the perfect excuse to check out the latest Inaugural Offerings, while I continued my search for the perfect outfit to wear to the Inaugural Ball.

Everywhere we went, you could get everything from Inaugural Dishtowels to Presidential bobble head dolls.

At Union Station, a Japanese newscaster asked a shop owner if the weak economy was hurting her sales.

Judging by the lines to buy inaugural memorabilia, my guess is that Obama has already put the economy on the track to recovery.
Tomorrow night, this Cinderella is off to her first Inaugural Ball— and you’re invited, too! I plan to take lots of photos.

What will I be wearing?

In addition to my mother's vintage rhinestone necklace and a pair of dazzling earrings, I've chosen a floor length black taffeta skirt with flounces and a flower in the same fabric. It was love at first sight.
The skirt was on a dummy and turned out to be the only one in the store.

I checked the tags and when it turned out to be the right size, I begged one of the salesclerks to undress the mannequin and let me have it!

Choosing a ball-worthy top was tougher. The top options were either too much fabric (too hot) or too skimpy.

I ended up buying two 2-piece sets because I like the satin cami from one and the lacy cover-up from the other.

While Suzanne and I were shopping for collectibles, I bought one more thing to wear tomorrow night … an Obama pin.
I have a feeling, it’s going to be VERY cold in the wee hours of the morning when I dance the last dance and head for home. The pin will come in handy to fasten my scarf!