Celebrating February: Black History Month

She's graced the covers of Vogue, Essence, Newsweek, O Magazine, New York Magazine, and many more. As Black History Month comes to an end, we wanted to honor one of America’s newer style icons: Michelle Obama. A Time Magazine article inspired me to write this post about 3 weeks ago. What is it that I love about her, you ask? Political views aside, you have to admit she has style.

For starters, she is classy and sexy at the same time. She wears brands that the general public can afford. Earlier this month, Mrs. Obama wore an H&M dress that reportedly cost $35.00. The best part was that she wore it to two morning show appearances, changing the belt in between. Can you say resourceful?! She's been very open about where her clothes are from, which takes the anxiety out of scouring the web to recreate her looks. There’s nothing worse than seeing something in a magazine or on TV and falling in love, only to find that it’s way out of your price range.

One of my favorite looks was her silk chiffon Inauguration gown by Jason Wu. I would definitely wear this. Another favorite is the purple-blue dress she wore to the Mexico State Dinner on May 19, 2010. I like this dress because it reminds me of Halston Heritage. Another thing I love about her wardrobe is her choice of outerwear. She always wears beautifully tailored coats.

She was criticized in the press by Oscar de la Renta for wearing British designer Alexander McQueen to the China State dinner, and I loved her response. She said, "Look, women, wear what you love. That's all I can say."

We want to know. What is your favorite outfit of Michelle Obama's?

Meet Dana Weiss: The Possessionista

Last May, the twitterverse brought Dana Weiss and Basic Boutique together. Dana’s blog reaches about 50,000 readers weekly, and she covers a wide variety of topics, all fashion related. Not bad for a stay at home Mom, right?

We've done several giveaways with Dana, but this time we wanted you to get to know the person behind the blog. Here are a few Q+A's with the one and only, Possessionista.

Basic Boutique: When did you start your blog, "The Possessionista?"

Dana: I just celebrated my second anniversary. I started it in the winter of 2009.

BB: How long, on average, does it take you to find an item that a reader asks you to find?
D: It depends. There are items I know off the top of my head, and there are some I spend days looking for. Sometimes I have access to a stylist or publicist, but not always. My readers usually fill me in on the rest.

BB: What is your favorite TV show to blog about?
D: The Bachelor, because these are real girls so I know I can find what they're wearing. And it allows me to infuse some humor into the process. I love Glee and Pretty Little Liars because what Lou Eyrich and Mandi Line are doing with costumes is really an art. The clothes are the characters.

BB: Who are your favorite celebrities?
D: Ugh. That's like asking me to choose between my children. I love Nicole Richie and Reese Witherspoon. Oh, and Andy Cohen from Bravo.

BB: If you could go to 3 fashion shows at New York Fashion Week, what would they be?
D: Truthfully? I'd probably bail on the shows, go snag some accessories at Bergdorf's and a cupcake from Magnolia Bakery. I think the best fashion shows are on the streets.

Her latest press? Two mentions on InStyle.com. For more information, check out Dana's blog.

What's In Your Handbag Wednesday!

I have a secret. Until last week, I hadn’t bought a handbag since June. I am very picky about my handbags, so it takes me a while to find one I really love. In honor of my new addition, I thought I’d let you peek inside my new Foley + Corinna Dumonde Mid City Tote for "What's in your handbag Wednesday?"

My phone, keys, and wallet are obvious contenders. I will always have at least two different chapsticks in my purse at all times. I’m a bit of a Chapstick junkie. My favorites are Burt’s Bees, Weleda Everon, Suki, and Caudalie lip conditioner. These four chapsticks are on retainer (like Camille's nannies.) Two chapsticks for each lip, but they're usually not around at the same time.

I’m also a germophobe, as I was politely told by my 7 year old cousin this past summer. I’ve watched one too many Discovery Channel shows about Super Bugs. These handy dandy wipes called Herban Essentials are environmentally friendly and smell amazing. They are much more compact than travel size gel bottles. You can find them at Whole Foods.

I try to keep a pen in my purse. It doesn’t always stay there, but it’s the thought that counts. I prefer to keep my important cards in a wristlet, inside my purse. I have yet to find a wallet I like, so this is the next best thing. Plus, if I want to keep my hands light, I can take the wristlet out and I’m ready to go.

There's a sample size perfume in my purse. My favorite is Trish McEvoy #3, Snowdrop & Crystal Flowers. I love this bag because it's convertible. I can wear it around my wrist or over my shoulder. There are also two interior zipper pockets.

I showed you mine. Now what’s in your handbag? Comment on this post, or if you're really brave, post a photo to our Facebook page!