Vote for style

Can a candidate's wife's clothes sway voters?

We know, from the Kennedy era, that a first lady's sense of style can help a candidate's image. And bad fashion, or ho-hum fashion, doesn't do a campaign any favors. What if Michelle Obama were to wear something too ethnic? What if Cindy McCain dressed really dowdy?

At last week's Democratic National Convention, both Michelle and Barack Obama wore clothes made in Chicago: Michelle from designer Maria Pinto, and Barack from Hartmarx.

Fashionistas will be watching Cindy McCain's ensembles this week. So far, her style seems very put together, with not a single hair out of place.

For we, the voters, political fashion is limited to T-shirts and hats. A lot of creative slogans are out there now ("Barackstar," "I'm a McCainiac," "McCain: Mac will clean up Iraq" and "Joebama," to name a few).

New from Sir Alistair Rai, a socially conscious Indian rock-n-roll designer, is the "Barry '08 shirt," which references Barack Obama's nickname in college, and features one of his hope quotes on the back. It's $38, at www.siralistairrai.com/shop/womens-noveltees.html.

The best selection of T-shirts for both candidates is at zazzle.com, including their Obama-mocking "The Audacity of Nope" and "The Audacity of Hype" T-shirts. ($24.40). Another popular anti-Obama shirt reads: "Draft Obama."

Politics and pearls

Barbara Bush, Nancy Pelosi and now Michelle Obama are fans of pearl necklaces. Obama has worn pearls by Carolee, company officials said. In that case, she might like the new CAROLEE LUX collection, which is launching this fall.

Besides pearl and sterling silver jewelry, it'll feature colorful semiprecious stones and gold overlay. The collection is available at Lord & Taylor, Bloomingdales and www.carolee.com.

Politics and liquor

The local Sam's Wines and Spirits chain reports interesting orders during the convention season.

During last week's Democratic National Convention, the orders were more for high-end wines and champagne, along with gourmet cheeses. At the same time, there was also demand for "value wines" that taste good but don't cost much.

This week, for the Republican National Convention, the orders are for mostly classic drinks, such as gin and tonic and rum and Coke. There has also been a demand for domestic beers, such as Miller.

At Woodfield

At 5 p.m. Thursday, Macy's Woodfield is inviting students ages 13 to 18 to an "Identify Yourself Casting Call."

The staff will choose a few lucky individuals to work with a Macy's stylist and select an outfit that suits their personality, and then model it at a back-to-school fashion show at 2 p.m. Saturday. The fashion show will be on Macy's first floor.

If you're selected, the outfit is yours to keep. See www.macys.com/events for details and official rules.