'You wore flip-flops to the White House??!!' - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Bill O'Rights · 07-20-2005, 10:04 AM

Quote:

CHICAGO - Before visiting the White House, Kate Darmody thought carefully about her outfit. She bought a dress from Ann Taylor. She put on a strand of white pearls.

And then she slipped on flip-flops to meet the president. So did about half her teammates from the national championship Northwestern University women's lacrosse team, invited to the White House July 12 after a 21-0 season.

She didn't think twice about the footwear until she got an e-mail - in all capital letters - from her brother. "YOU WORE FLIP FLOPS TO THE WHITE HOUSE????!!!!" he wrote after checking out the picture on the team's Web site.

Aly Josephs' mother had the same reaction after seeing her daughter in the front row of the photo - five players away from the president - wearing brown suede flip-flops with a skirt, sleeveless top and matching beaded jewelry.

"Don't even ask me about the flip-flops," her mother said when a reporter began asking her about the picture. "As somebody who is 52 years old, it mortified me. I don't go out of the house without pantyhose on."

Twenty- and 30-somethings pair flip-flops with everything from shorts to cocktail dresses, the thongs acceptable (at least to them) at work and at clubs. For their moms, the shoes were meant for the beach.

One of the hottest trends this summer, flip-flops are no longer a dime-store purchase, with some costing several hundred dollars. They come flat and with wedge heels. They have rhinestones and sequins and flowers. The straps are made of terry-cloth and leather.

But in today's more laid-back society, is there a distinction between ratty old flip-flops and ones from Neiman Marcus? Can they be worn at the White House, arguably the most formal setting in the United States?

Shoe expert Meghan Cleary, author of "The Perfect Fit: What Your Shoes Say About You," says no. In her book's chapter on flip-flops, where she weighs whether "to flip-flop, or not to flip-flop" in particular occasions, she would add a White House visit to the latter category.

"For me, flip-flops are just not for a formal occasion," Cleary said. "But meeting the president, maybe this really speaks more to the worldwide acceptance of the flip-flop."

The Northwestern Wildcats lacrosse team members, however, dressed in skirts and dresses, thought nothing of it. Of the nine women in the front row with the president, four wore flip-flops. The rest wore heeled sandals.

"Nobody was wearing old beach flip-flops," explained Josephs, 20, who wore $16 brown, flat flip-flops with rhinestones, one of about 15 pairs in her closet.

"I tried to think of something that would go well with my outfit and at the same time not be that uncomfortable. But at the same time not disrespect the White House," said Darmody, 22, who decided on a wedge-heel flip-flop. She said that from May to September, "that is all I have on my feet all the time."

The teammates, and their athletic director, commented several times that it was actually the University of Michigan softball team - dressed in khaki shorts, polo shirts and sneakers - that was way underdressed.

"I would have felt out of place if that was what I was wearing," said Darmody, a midfielder on the lacrosse team.

During an appearance Monday on NBC's "Today," Darmody and teammate Shelby Chlopak said players planned to auction off the flip-flops they wore to the White House, with the proceeds to go toward a fund for a 10-year-old girl with a brain tumor.

A number of etiquette experts, meanwhile, generally thought the flip-flops were out of place.

"Many people are confused nowadays about when an occasion calls for dressing more formally. I'd say meeting a world leader is one of those occasions," said Charles Purdy, who writes the "Dear Social Grace" column in the San Francisco Weekly. Lesley Carlin, co-author of "Things You Need to be Told," said wearing flip-flops to the White House is a "huge no-no."

"You see them a lot more, but I've heard a lot of people remarking, 'Those belong at the beach and not at the office.' It may be widespread, but not necessarily acceptable."

Even Joe Guidry, a salesperson at the upscale Stuart Weitzman store in Chicago, said he wouldn't advise women to wear the company's $150 flip-flops to the White House.

Once more, I shall out myself as a man outside of my time element. "Dressing down", and "casual" attire, have gotten to the point where not only do people not care to dress "up" anymore, many, it seems, don't know how, or in this case, seem to to know when.
I see nothing wrong with casual. In fact, I'm dressed in "business casual" right now. But, then again, I also know that, were I to visit the White House, to meet the President of the United States, that I need to dress a little more formally than I ordinarily would. These girls are dressed as if to go to their local Olive Garden. On the other hand, when I take Mrs. O'Rights out to a nice restaurant, of the kind that I wear a jacket and tie to, I often see men dressed in Hawaiian print shirts, beige "cargo" shorts and sandals.

Ustwo · 07-20-2005, 10:06 AM

I don't dress up very often, but I'm just very lazy.

If khakis and a polo shirt arn't good enough, I don't want to go if I can help it.

spectre · 07-20-2005, 10:17 AM

I think people are making way too big a deal out of this. They're acting like she tried sneaking in a WMD to the meet. Relax, it's just a pair of flip-flops. Then again, I'm usually wearing a Motörhead or Pantera t-shirt and jeans, I'm probably the wrong person to make judgements on what other people wear.

Jinn · 07-20-2005, 10:30 AM

To me, formal wear is designed for two purposes: when you want to impress someone, or when you want to show respect for someone. If I were going to a job interview, I'd dress formally because I wanted to impress the interviewer. If I was going to a funeral, I'd dress formally to show respect for the deceased. That said, I really only "like" wearing formal wear becuase I look damn hot in a suit and tie. At work, I wear a T-shirt, jeans, and sandals. My company (a very corporate office) has no dress code. I notice that I'm a lot more productive (aside from my TFPing) wearing this than I would be if I had a throat-killing tie around my neck.

Furthermore, women's formalwear is far different then men's. I really don't see any difference between classy flipflops and lacy heels. They both show off the foot, one just raises it off the ground by a few inches; is one really more formal than another?

Cuatela · 07-20-2005, 10:33 AM

Just because they're "flip flops" doesn't mean they aren't formal or at least semi-formal. Some of them are actually quite expensive and well-made. It wouldn't bother me in the least to see women walk into the White House wearing Rainbows.

Charlatan · 07-20-2005, 10:40 AM

Fashion is not immutable.

She wasn't wearing sports or beach wear. She was wearing suede with rhinestones flip flops.

I have a pair of leather ones that I wear to the office all the time (well when it's warm).

Two notes:

1) Maybe she was trying to make a political statement about Bush being someone who can appreciate a good flip flop.

2) Why is Bush walking with canes in this pictures... is he desperate to look like Roosevelt?

Cuatela · 07-20-2005, 10:44 AM

The canes may have had significance to the team?

Bill O'Rights · 07-20-2005, 10:47 AM

I believe they are lacrosse..."sticks". I dunno what they're called, but lacrosse players use them.

Giant Hamburger · 07-20-2005, 10:51 AM

On the long list list of "bad things" done in the White House I wonder where wearing flip flops would fall?

Charlatan · 07-20-2005, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill O'Rights

I believe they are lacrosse..."sticks". I dunno what they're called, but lacrosse players use them.

ummm... I was kinda joking... but he does look hunched over in an odd pose (even if he isn't)...

Charlatan · 07-20-2005, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Giant Hamburger

On the long list list of "bad things" done in the White House I wonder where wearing flip flops would fall?

For her Mother? Very high on the list.

Never upset a mom who can't leave the house without wearing pantyhose.

Pip · 07-20-2005, 11:19 AM

I'd call what those women are wearing nice casual, nowhere near formal. If I were going to meet the President of the United States I'd wear something more tailored and less flowery. And no flimsy little flip-flops! I don't care how much money they coughed up for those or how much sparkly stuff there is on them, they look ugly and make that annoying sound when you walk with them and are as of yet not approved formal wear. I hope they'll never be.
Still, it's kind of cute that you can come to an audience with the most powerful man on Earth in a flowery little dress and flip-flops. But I can't keep from wondering, if one of those women were going out on a hot date with, say, Brad Pitt, to say, the Academy Awards, would they still wear flip-flops?

raeanna74 · 07-20-2005, 11:29 AM

I guess you can where what you want mostly. Personally if I was the person that you were coming to see, I was the one in authority, and you wore something like that I wouldn't put much stack on anything you said because you portray a less scholarly appearance. All we have to go on in first meetings is our first impression. Does no one care anymore about their first impressions??

I'd be wearing a very tailored suit dress or jacket and slacks with heels. I'd be wanting to show respect and portray as professional an image as possible.

JumpinJesus · 07-20-2005, 11:31 AM

The only place I wear flip-flops is to the pool. I don't like flip-flops as normal attire. I'm just not that casual when it comes to dressing. I can't stand leaving the apartment in a t-shirt. My wife is the same way. She refuses to wear flip-flops with a dress or out of the apartment unless we're going to the pool.

To quote her, "flip flops are horrible! Now, if you're wearing khakis or cargo shorts and you're a man, then flip-flops are okay. There are beautiful heels out there to wear and why would any woman wear flip-flops??" She says this while throwing her arms up. "Anyone buying expensive flip-flops are being taken!"

On the other hand, I understand that many, many, many people prefer flip-flops. It's just not for me. Besides, I've got some ugly-ass feet and don't want people staring at them.

canuckguy · 07-20-2005, 11:33 AM

i believe it was a slow news day. i like those type of days, that means usually there have been no mass deaths...etc. bet she was comfortable though.

snowy · 07-20-2005, 11:49 AM

I really don't think this is as big of a deal as people are making it out to be. Honestly, there are more important things to worry about in the world than this. While I (who wears flip-flops every damn day of her life) would probably not wear flip-flops to the White House (I have several nice pairs of slides for such occasions), I see no harm in it. I honestly fail to see how someone's choice in footwear shows disrespect. That's ridiculous.

shesus · 07-20-2005, 11:53 AM

OK, it has been awhile since I have been in here. February because I have been so busy with school and work. However, my husband showed me this and I think that flip-flops have gone too far. He already quoted me with the arms being thrown up and everything. However, I felt that I wanted to ellaborate on this topic.
First of all, flip-flops are not the 'throw on with anything' type of shoe. They are the 'I am lazy today I am going to pull up my hair, pull out the holey jeans, throw on my favorite t-shirt and go get coffee and cigarettes' shoes. If women are going to spend the time and money shopping for feminine outfits then for goodness sakes get the shoes to match. I would not wear a satiny shirt or a nice dress with flip-flops, it ruins the look. I am not saying that they should have on 3 inch heels, but at least a low wedge or a 1 inch sandal.

Of course, my other pet-peeve is the woman who puts her heels in her bag to walk home in her grubby tennis shoes. I guess I am a style before comfort girl and I have the blisters on my feet to show it. If you are going to dress up to look good, the shoes cannot be an afterthought.

Grasshopper Green · 07-20-2005, 12:09 PM

I love my flipflops. I have many pairs of flipflops. I am wearing flipflops right now in fact. However, I don't think I'd wear them to the White House, not necessarily because I'd be worried what the President or the fashion mavens thought (I couldn't care less what the President or fashionistas think of me), but because I would be worried about what *I* thought of myself; I wouldn't feel good presenting myself in that way. I just don't think this is a flipflop appropriate occasion.

RAGEAngel9 · 07-20-2005, 12:18 PM

I don't think this is a big deal but then I never really got women's fashion.
I can't for the life of me understand why "witch toe" shoes are so popular. I think they look terrible. And low heels screaming old woman.

As for the president part, considering they're college athletes I think a little bit of casualness (new word goodness) is ok.

TM875 · 07-20-2005, 12:19 PM

First of all.... ::insert your own "If John Kerry was president":: joke here...

Anyway, all these shoes are are backless sandals. "Flip-flops" is probably not the correct term to use in describing this sort of footware. They have become accepted, across the board, by females age 16-28, then typical demographic most interested in current fashion. I know that, for example, the high school that I consulted for had to change their dress code rules - because too many of the female teachers were wearing these shoes to class. Fashion is changing...who would have though 10 years ago that jeans and a sport coat would be dress-casual?

Anyway, people are blowing this way, way out of proportion. If it were men who wore this, then maybe that'd be a fashion no-no. But these are young, college-aged women. Moreover, this is a woman's athletic team, meeting the president because of athletic achievement. To me, it would seem strange to have them dressed in ball gowns or suits. They still looked nice after all, and showed proper respect.

That being said, if attire directly correlates to respect, I'd only meet Bush if I were clothed in socks and sweat pants.

Kalibah · 07-20-2005, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ustwo

I don't dress up very often, but I'm just very lazy.

If khakis and a polo shirt arn't good enough, I don't want to go if I can help it.

ahaha couldnt have said it better myself

JustJess · 07-20-2005, 12:30 PM

I love my flip flops. I'd wear them at work if I could. (I really really can't.) However, I might have chosen something different for the White House (that is, if I cared what Bush thinks). But who knows what I would have thought in college? NOW I wouldn't do it, but back then? It's a good possibility. Your perspective on what's acceptable dress changes pretty radically as you get older a lot of the time.

Cynthetiq · 07-20-2005, 12:35 PM

I for one would say it's not proper formal attire. From what I recall in most cirlces formal ettiquette means formal dress shoes. If flip flops have made it to that category because you've made them out of suede and rhinestones, then I guess Ghetto Prom Attire is just fine too.

IMO it just shows that people have no class, short and simple.

ShaniFaye · 07-20-2005, 12:38 PM

/makes a note not to wear flip flops with my corset when I meet the pres

anyone here old enuff to remember the Steve Martin stand up routine "Cruel Shoes"? I will forever think of that anytime I think of high heels....mostly because its true.

Flip flops at a cook out at Camp David might be ok....def not ok in my book for the white house but then my mother taught me when and where I was supposed to look like a lady.

do you know girls even buy designer flip flops to wear under their thousands of dollars wedding dress? It simply boggles my mind. There are other shoes in the world for such occasions that are just as comfy

World's King · 07-20-2005, 12:53 PM

It's not like she was in sweatpants and a tanktop.

And lets hope W doesn't have a foot fetish.

theguyondacouch · 07-20-2005, 02:26 PM

I hate to dress up. Were I to go to the whitehouse, I would give serious though to wearing a tye died shirt, beatup cargo shorts and my boots. Pretty much what I wear everyday. But I would probably break down and put on a polo short and khakis(what I wear to work). But back on the subject, I don't think the girls were under dressed. Under dressed would have been shorts, a baggy t-shirt and slippers.

Lasereth · 07-20-2005, 03:48 PM

This is dumb as hell. Why is it even on the news? The girls look fine, perfectly dressed up to me. It really bothers me that people are making a big deal out of this. WHO CARES! It's not like they went in with sweatpants. I would have looked at the picture and said nothing looks out of the ordinary unless someone pointed out that they were wearing sandals, in which I would have said that it still looks fine. I thought society was beginning to move past what you're wearing and caring more about how polite you are.

-Lasereth

canuckguy · 07-20-2005, 04:38 PM

well said Lasereth, i guess we live in a world were people care more about who your wearing and not who you are. very shallow imo.

ShaniFaye · 07-20-2005, 04:40 PM

yes we do brian1975, there are still people who do job interviews not wanting to see every tattoo you own, how much cleavage you have, or if you wore a gstring or no underwear at all. There are still people that care that you dont wear white shoes between labor day and easter and there are people who know that when you go somewhere like the white house you are respectful enuff to dress for it.

canuckguy · 07-20-2005, 04:54 PM

so her wearing flip flops was dissing the white house? i never knew foot wear could make such a statement. its just shoes. hey atleast she wore shoes at all.

Redjake · 07-20-2005, 05:08 PM

This is pretty ridiculous in my opinion. Looks like we can up the anty as far as news coverage now:

1. Michael Jackson
2. Pope Coverage
3. Random White Girl Missing
4. What shoes people wear to the White House

I can't believe anything was even written about this. If she spit on someone's face I could see it being rude. But they aren't in bathing suits here, it's just sandals/flip flops whatever. Good God. It's summer time. I'd like to think, as unpopular as he may be, our president probably gave as much of a shit as I do about it. Get over it people. It's shoes!!!!! Shoes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am getting fired up

Demeter · 07-20-2005, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redjake

This is pretty ridiculous in my opinion. Looks like we can up the anty as far as news coverage now:

1. Michael Jackson
2. Pope Coverage
3. Random White Girl Missing
4. What shoes people wear to the White House

I can't believe anything was even written about this. If she spit on someone's face I could see it being rude. But they aren't in bathing suits here, it's just sandals/flip flops whatever. Good God. It's summer time. I'd like to think, as unpopular as he may be, our president probably gave as much of a shit as I do about it. Get over it people. It's shoes!!!!! Shoes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am getting fired up

Agreed. This is hardly news.

guthmund · 07-21-2005, 05:00 AM

How stupid is this?

I think they look fine. Nice casual dress for a nice casual photo op. It would be one thing if they were making faces or grabbing each other, but they're not.

Personally, I believe fashion should have more to do with how you feel about yourself, rather than what someone else thinks of you.

JustJess · 07-21-2005, 05:43 AM

While I hardly think this is worth a news report... we do unfortunately live in a world where people do not usually have a chance to make an impression based solely on their personality and character. So you must "advertise" yourself based on how you wish to be perceived. That includes your choice of shoes. Certainly you wouldn't wear flipflops into the average office, it wouldn't be considered professional. Maybe *I* don't give a rat's ass, but that doesn't mean I don't want to give them the appropriate visual cues that indicate they should respect me.

As for the girls... we have to take this into context. They were wearing nicer flipflops, and they are college athletes. Their dress code is different from someone who has already participated in the professional world.

martinguerre · 07-21-2005, 06:01 AM

if someone can give me a good description of how a flat summery dress shoe is differentiated from a thong of sufficient quality, i'll buy that this is a problem.

until then?

a big fat whatever...

BenChuy · 07-21-2005, 08:25 AM

Yah, it is not like they lied and said that they were not waring flip-flops, then changed what they said and said they were just trying to liberate their toes.

Hardknock · 07-21-2005, 08:58 AM

When I first read this I assumed that the team was making some sort of political statement regarding Bush's flip-flop on the rules of firing Karl Rove.

Gilda · 07-22-2005, 07:33 AM

It looks tacky to me. It's not hard to coordinate a nice looking pair of dress shoes, pumps, heeled sandals, or flats if you absolutely must for a special occasion. I don't think it's disrespectful so much as it shows a little lack of knowledge of or disregard for formal courtesy.

Then again, I do a blouse/sweater and skirt or dress with hose and heels to work most days, so my fashion sense is probably closer to mom's than the daughters.

viejo gringo · 07-23-2005, 08:10 PM

that is just standard wear for here in the valley---I see it every Sunday in church---most kick them off and go bear foot after they sit down.....and no one cares.....and "the big guy" in our house is a lot more important than the guy in that house...

Suave · 07-24-2005, 12:34 AM

Wow. Why does that girl have 15 pairs of flip flops?

If I were the president (which I thankfully am not), I would not give half a crap as to what people wore to the WhiteHouse, so long as no genitalia or "private parts" were showing. People get uppitty about far too many things lately. I say fuck it; as long as you don't have an odour that makes me gag or sit on my furniture with your bare ass, there isn't much harm.

Still, I dress myself nicely sometimes, especially when ettiquette demands it, but I don't care what other people do. Hell, wear a Hawaiian shirt to a funeral.

07-20-2005, 10:06 AM	#2 (permalink)
Ustwo Pissing in the cornflakes	I don't dress up very often, but I'm just very lazy. If khakis and a polo shirt arn't good enough, I don't want to go if I can help it. __________________ Agents of the enemies who hold office in our own government, who attempt to eliminate our "freedoms" and our "right to know" are posting among us, I fear.....on this very forum. - host Obama - Know a Man by the friends he keeps.

07-20-2005, 10:17 AM	#3 (permalink)
spectre Junkie	I think people are making way too big a deal out of this. They're acting like she tried sneaking in a WMD to the meet. Relax, it's just a pair of flip-flops. Then again, I'm usually wearing a Motörhead or Pantera t-shirt and jeans, I'm probably the wrong person to make judgements on what other people wear. __________________ "Fuck these chains No goddamn slave I will be different" ~ Machine Head

07-20-2005, 10:30 AM	#4 (permalink)
Jinn Lover - Protector - Teacher Location: Seattle, WA	To me, formal wear is designed for two purposes: when you want to impress someone, or when you want to show respect for someone. If I were going to a job interview, I'd dress formally because I wanted to impress the interviewer. If I was going to a funeral, I'd dress formally to show respect for the deceased. That said, I really only "like" wearing formal wear becuase I look damn hot in a suit and tie. At work, I wear a T-shirt, jeans, and sandals. My company (a very corporate office) has no dress code. I notice that I'm a lot more productive (aside from my TFPing) wearing this than I would be if I had a throat-killing tie around my neck. Furthermore, women's formalwear is far different then men's. I really don't see any difference between classy flipflops and lacy heels. They both show off the foot, one just raises it off the ground by a few inches; is one really more formal than another? __________________ "I'm typing on a computer of science, which is being sent by science wires to a little science server where you can access it. I'm not typing on a computer of philosophy or religion or whatever other thing you think can be used to understand the universe because they're a poor substitute in the role of understanding the universe which exists independent from ourselves." - Willravel

07-20-2005, 10:33 AM	#5 (permalink)
Cuatela Insane Location: NC, USA	Just because they're "flip flops" doesn't mean they aren't formal or at least semi-formal. Some of them are actually quite expensive and well-made. It wouldn't bother me in the least to see women walk into the White House wearing Rainbows. __________________ Any sarcasm was intentional.

07-20-2005, 10:40 AM	#6 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	Fashion is not immutable. She wasn't wearing sports or beach wear. She was wearing suede with rhinestones flip flops. I have a pair of leather ones that I wear to the office all the time (well when it's warm). Two notes: 1) Maybe she was trying to make a political statement about Bush being someone who can appreciate a good flip flop. 2) Why is Bush walking with canes in this pictures... is he desperate to look like Roosevelt? __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke

07-20-2005, 10:44 AM	#7 (permalink)
Cuatela Insane Location: NC, USA	The canes may have had significance to the team? __________________ Any sarcasm was intentional.

07-20-2005, 10:47 AM	#8 (permalink)
Bill O'Rights will always be an Alyson Hanniganite Location: In the dust of the archives	I believe they are lacrosse..."sticks". I dunno what they're called, but lacrosse players use them. __________________ "I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires." - Susan B. Anthony "Hedonism with rules isn't hedonism at all, it's the Republican party." - JumpinJesus It is indisputable that true beauty lies within...but a nice rack sure doesn't hurt.

07-20-2005, 10:51 AM	#9 (permalink)
Giant Hamburger Gastrolithuanian Location: low-velocity Earth orbit	On the long list list of "bad things" done in the White House I wonder where wearing flip flops would fall?

07-20-2005, 11:19 AM	#12 (permalink)
Pip Likes Hats Location: Stockholm, Sweden	I'd call what those women are wearing nice casual, nowhere near formal. If I were going to meet the President of the United States I'd wear something more tailored and less flowery. And no flimsy little flip-flops! I don't care how much money they coughed up for those or how much sparkly stuff there is on them, they look ugly and make that annoying sound when you walk with them and are as of yet not approved formal wear. I hope they'll never be. Still, it's kind of cute that you can come to an audience with the most powerful man on Earth in a flowery little dress and flip-flops. But I can't keep from wondering, if one of those women were going out on a hot date with, say, Brad Pitt, to say, the Academy Awards, would they still wear flip-flops?

07-20-2005, 11:29 AM	#13 (permalink)
raeanna74 I'm not a blonde! I'm knot! I'm knot! I'm knot! Location: Upper Michigan	I guess you can where what you want mostly. Personally if I was the person that you were coming to see, I was the one in authority, and you wore something like that I wouldn't put much stack on anything you said because you portray a less scholarly appearance. All we have to go on in first meetings is our first impression. Does no one care anymore about their first impressions?? I'd be wearing a very tailored suit dress or jacket and slacks with heels. I'd be wanting to show respect and portray as professional an image as possible. __________________ "Always learn the rules so that you can break them properly." Dalai Lama My Karma just ran over your Dogma.

07-20-2005, 11:31 AM	#14 (permalink)
JumpinJesus Junkie Location: Chicago	The only place I wear flip-flops is to the pool. I don't like flip-flops as normal attire. I'm just not that casual when it comes to dressing. I can't stand leaving the apartment in a t-shirt. My wife is the same way. She refuses to wear flip-flops with a dress or out of the apartment unless we're going to the pool. To quote her, "flip flops are horrible! Now, if you're wearing khakis or cargo shorts and you're a man, then flip-flops are okay. There are beautiful heels out there to wear and why would any woman wear flip-flops??" She says this while throwing her arms up. "Anyone buying expensive flip-flops are being taken!" On the other hand, I understand that many, many, many people prefer flip-flops. It's just not for me. Besides, I've got some ugly-ass feet and don't want people staring at them. __________________ "I can normally tell how intelligent a man is by how stupid he thinks I am" - Cormac McCarthy, All The Pretty Horses

07-20-2005, 11:33 AM	#15 (permalink)
canuckguy I read your emails. Location: earth	i believe it was a slow news day. i like those type of days, that means usually there have been no mass deaths...etc. bet she was comfortable though.

07-20-2005, 11:49 AM	#16 (permalink)
snowy Kick Ass Kunoichi Location: Oregon	I really don't think this is as big of a deal as people are making it out to be. Honestly, there are more important things to worry about in the world than this. While I (who wears flip-flops every damn day of her life) would probably not wear flip-flops to the White House (I have several nice pairs of slides for such occasions), I see no harm in it. I honestly fail to see how someone's choice in footwear shows disrespect. That's ridiculous. __________________ If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau

07-20-2005, 11:53 AM	#17 (permalink)
shesus Fancy Location: Chicago	OK, it has been awhile since I have been in here. February because I have been so busy with school and work. However, my husband showed me this and I think that flip-flops have gone too far. He already quoted me with the arms being thrown up and everything. However, I felt that I wanted to ellaborate on this topic. First of all, flip-flops are not the 'throw on with anything' type of shoe. They are the 'I am lazy today I am going to pull up my hair, pull out the holey jeans, throw on my favorite t-shirt and go get coffee and cigarettes' shoes. If women are going to spend the time and money shopping for feminine outfits then for goodness sakes get the shoes to match. I would not wear a satiny shirt or a nice dress with flip-flops, it ruins the look. I am not saying that they should have on 3 inch heels, but at least a low wedge or a 1 inch sandal. Of course, my other pet-peeve is the woman who puts her heels in her bag to walk home in her grubby tennis shoes. I guess I am a style before comfort girl and I have the blisters on my feet to show it. If you are going to dress up to look good, the shoes cannot be an afterthought. __________________ Whatever did happen to your soul? I heard you sold it Choose Heaven for the weather and Hell for the company

07-20-2005, 12:09 PM	#18 (permalink)
Grasshopper Green ...is a comical chap Location: Where morons reign supreme	I love my flipflops. I have many pairs of flipflops. I am wearing flipflops right now in fact. However, I don't think I'd wear them to the White House, not necessarily because I'd be worried what the President or the fashion mavens thought (I couldn't care less what the President or fashionistas think of me), but because I would be worried about what I thought of myself; I wouldn't feel good presenting myself in that way. I just don't think this is a flipflop appropriate occasion. __________________ "They say that patriotism is the last refuge to which a scoundrel clings; steal a little and they throw you in jail, steal a lot and they make you king" Formerly Medusa

07-20-2005, 12:18 PM	#19 (permalink)
RAGEAngel9 Insane Location: Vermont	I don't think this is a big deal but then I never really got women's fashion. I can't for the life of me understand why "witch toe" shoes are so popular. I think they look terrible. And low heels screaming old woman. As for the president part, considering they're college athletes I think a little bit of casualness (new word goodness) is ok.

07-20-2005, 12:19 PM	#20 (permalink)
TM875 Addict Location: Amish-land, PA	First of all.... ::insert your own "If John Kerry was president":: joke here... Anyway, all these shoes are are backless sandals. "Flip-flops" is probably not the correct term to use in describing this sort of footware. They have become accepted, across the board, by females age 16-28, then typical demographic most interested in current fashion. I know that, for example, the high school that I consulted for had to change their dress code rules - because too many of the female teachers were wearing these shoes to class. Fashion is changing...who would have though 10 years ago that jeans and a sport coat would be dress-casual? Anyway, people are blowing this way, way out of proportion. If it were men who wore this, then maybe that'd be a fashion no-no. But these are young, college-aged women. Moreover, this is a woman's athletic team, meeting the president because of athletic achievement. To me, it would seem strange to have them dressed in ball gowns or suits. They still looked nice after all, and showed proper respect. That being said, if attire directly correlates to respect, I'd only meet Bush if I were clothed in socks and sweat pants. __________________ "I've made only one mistake in my life. But I made it over and over and over. That was saying 'yes' when I meant 'no'. Forgive me."

07-20-2005, 12:30 PM	#22 (permalink)
JustJess Unencapsulated Location: Kittyville	I love my flip flops. I'd wear them at work if I could. (I really really can't.) However, I might have chosen something different for the White House (that is, if I cared what Bush thinks). But who knows what I would have thought in college? NOW I wouldn't do it, but back then? It's a good possibility. Your perspective on what's acceptable dress changes pretty radically as you get older a lot of the time. __________________ My heart knows me better than I know myself, so I'm gonna let it do all the talkin'.

07-20-2005, 12:35 PM	#23 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	I for one would say it's not proper formal attire. From what I recall in most cirlces formal ettiquette means formal dress shoes. If flip flops have made it to that category because you've made them out of suede and rhinestones, then I guess Ghetto Prom Attire is just fine too. IMO it just shows that people have no class, short and simple. __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION! Last edited by Cynthetiq; 07-20-2005 at 12:57 PM..

07-20-2005, 12:38 PM	#24 (permalink)
ShaniFaye Submit to me, you know you want to Location: Lilburn, Ga	/makes a note not to wear flip flops with my corset when I meet the pres anyone here old enuff to remember the Steve Martin stand up routine "Cruel Shoes"? I will forever think of that anytime I think of high heels....mostly because its true. Flip flops at a cook out at Camp David might be ok....def not ok in my book for the white house but then my mother taught me when and where I was supposed to look like a lady. do you know girls even buy designer flip flops to wear under their thousands of dollars wedding dress? It simply boggles my mind. There are other shoes in the world for such occasions that are just as comfy __________________ *I want the diabetic plan that comes with rollover carbs. I dont like the unused one expiring at midnite!!*

07-20-2005, 12:53 PM	#25 (permalink)
World's King Here Location: Denver City Denver	It's not like she was in sweatpants and a tanktop. And lets hope W doesn't have a foot fetish. __________________ heavy is the head that wears the crown

07-20-2005, 02:26 PM	#26 (permalink)
theguyondacouch salmon? Location: Outside Providence	I hate to dress up. Were I to go to the whitehouse, I would give serious though to wearing a tye died shirt, beatup cargo shorts and my boots. Pretty much what I wear everyday. But I would probably break down and put on a polo short and khakis(what I wear to work). But back on the subject, I don't think the girls were under dressed. Under dressed would have been shorts, a baggy t-shirt and slippers. __________________ "Lick my frozen metal ass!"

07-20-2005, 03:48 PM	#27 (permalink)
Lasereth Knight of the Old Republic Location: Winston-Salem, NC	This is dumb as hell. Why is it even on the news? The girls look fine, perfectly dressed up to me. It really bothers me that people are making a big deal out of this. WHO CARES! It's not like they went in with sweatpants. I would have looked at the picture and said nothing looks out of the ordinary unless someone pointed out that they were wearing sandals, in which I would have said that it still looks fine. I thought society was beginning to move past what you're wearing and caring more about how polite you are. -Lasereth __________________ "A Darwinian attacks his theory, seeking to find flaws. An ID believer defends his theory, seeking to conceal flaws." -Roger Ebert Last edited by Lasereth; 07-20-2005 at 03:51 PM..

07-20-2005, 04:38 PM	#28 (permalink)
canuckguy I read your emails. Location: earth	well said Lasereth, i guess we live in a world were people care more about who your wearing and not who you are. very shallow imo.

07-20-2005, 04:40 PM	#29 (permalink)
ShaniFaye Submit to me, you know you want to Location: Lilburn, Ga	yes we do brian1975, there are still people who do job interviews not wanting to see every tattoo you own, how much cleavage you have, or if you wore a gstring or no underwear at all. There are still people that care that you dont wear white shoes between labor day and easter and there are people who know that when you go somewhere like the white house you are respectful enuff to dress for it. __________________ *I want the diabetic plan that comes with rollover carbs. I dont like the unused one expiring at midnite!!*

07-20-2005, 04:54 PM	#30 (permalink)
canuckguy I read your emails. Location: earth	so her wearing flip flops was dissing the white house? i never knew foot wear could make such a statement. its just shoes. hey atleast she wore shoes at all.

07-20-2005, 05:08 PM	#31 (permalink)
Redjake I'm a family man - I run a family business. Location: Wilson, NC	This is pretty ridiculous in my opinion. Looks like we can up the anty as far as news coverage now: 1. Michael Jackson 2. Pope Coverage 3. Random White Girl Missing 4. What shoes people wear to the White House I can't believe anything was even written about this. If she spit on someone's face I could see it being rude. But they aren't in bathing suits here, it's just sandals/flip flops whatever. Good God. It's summer time. I'd like to think, as unpopular as he may be, our president probably gave as much of a shit as I do about it. Get over it people. It's shoes!!!!! Shoes!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am getting fired up __________________ Off the record, on the q.t., and very hush-hush.

07-21-2005, 05:00 AM	#33 (permalink)
guthmund big damn hero	How stupid is this? I think they look fine. Nice casual dress for a nice casual photo op. It would be one thing if they were making faces or grabbing each other, but they're not. Personally, I believe fashion should have more to do with how you feel about yourself, rather than what someone else thinks of you. __________________ No signature. None. Seriously.

07-21-2005, 05:43 AM	#34 (permalink)
JustJess Unencapsulated Location: Kittyville	While I hardly think this is worth a news report... we do unfortunately live in a world where people do not usually have a chance to make an impression based solely on their personality and character. So you must "advertise" yourself based on how you wish to be perceived. That includes your choice of shoes. Certainly you wouldn't wear flipflops into the average office, it wouldn't be considered professional. Maybe I don't give a rat's ass, but that doesn't mean I don't want to give them the appropriate visual cues that indicate they should respect me. As for the girls... we have to take this into context. They were wearing nicer flipflops, and they are college athletes. Their dress code is different from someone who has already participated in the professional world. __________________ My heart knows me better than I know myself, so I'm gonna let it do all the talkin'.

07-21-2005, 06:01 AM	#35 (permalink)
martinguerre whosoever Location: New England	if someone can give me a good description of how a flat summery dress shoe is differentiated from a thong of sufficient quality, i'll buy that this is a problem. until then? a big fat whatever... __________________ For God so loved creation, that God sent God's only Son that whosoever believed should not perish, but have everlasting life. -John 3:16

07-21-2005, 08:25 AM	#36 (permalink)
BenChuy Insane Location: About 70 pixals above this...	Yah, it is not like they lied and said that they were not waring flip-flops, then changed what they said and said they were just trying to liberate their toes.

07-21-2005, 08:58 AM	#37 (permalink)
Hardknock Republican slayer Location: WA	When I first read this I assumed that the team was making some sort of political statement regarding Bush's flip-flop on the rules of firing Karl Rove.

07-22-2005, 07:33 AM	#38 (permalink)
Gilda 32 flavors and then some Location: Out on a wire.	It looks tacky to me. It's not hard to coordinate a nice looking pair of dress shoes, pumps, heeled sandals, or flats if you absolutely must for a special occasion. I don't think it's disrespectful so much as it shows a little lack of knowledge of or disregard for formal courtesy. Then again, I do a blouse/sweater and skirt or dress with hose and heels to work most days, so my fashion sense is probably closer to mom's than the daughters. __________________ I'm against ending blackness. I believe that everyone has a right to be black, it's a choice, and I support that. ~Steven Colbert

07-23-2005, 08:10 PM	#39 (permalink)
viejo gringo Registered User Location: Deep South Texas	that is just standard wear for here in the valley---I see it every Sunday in church---most kick them off and go bear foot after they sit down.....and no one cares.....and "the big guy" in our house is a lot more important than the guy in that house...

07-24-2005, 12:34 AM	#40 (permalink)
Suave Twitterpated Location: My own little world (also Canada)	Wow. Why does that girl have 15 pairs of flip flops? If I were the president (which I thankfully am not), I would not give half a crap as to what people wore to the WhiteHouse, so long as no genitalia or "private parts" were showing. People get uppitty about far too many things lately. I say fuck it; as long as you don't have an odour that makes me gag or sit on my furniture with your bare ass, there isn't much harm. Still, I dress myself nicely sometimes, especially when ettiquette demands it, but I don't care what other people do. Hell, wear a Hawaiian shirt to a funeral. __________________ "Few people are capable of expressing with equanimity opinions which differ from the prejudices of their social environment. Most people are even incapable of forming such opinions." - Albert Einstein "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something." - Plato Last edited by Suave; 07-24-2005 at 12:36 AM..