00:00I was compelled to write Commander in Chic, Every Woman's Guide to Managing Her Style Like a First Lady, because that's the gift that I wanted to give to women everywhere. I think that we should all treat ourselves and live a life that says we're the commander in chic of our lives.
00:18I wrote it as a personal style diary. It's a book that I want women to use as a go-to resource. There are shopping destinations in there. There's fitness information at every age. There's information that helps you establish your dress code and the pieces to buy. And then certainly with using Mrs. Obama as a muse for the whole book, there is that important piece. There's a chapter called The Last Word, and that really talks about how you live from within.
00:48Because otherwise, we'd just be all dressed up, with everywhere to go, but no sense of substance. And so, to me, that was really critical.
00:57I first met Michelle Obama in 2006 on an Essence Power shoot. She walked in the door carrying her own clothes, hair and makeup ready. And I was impressed.
01:09And from that moment on, every time I had the occasion to work with her on a photo session, I was like, hmm, really one to watch. Here's one who's owning her life, really in charge of her style, and knowing full well what works for her and what doesn't.
01:26I began to make the observations like so many women who were watching her when she was then a senator's wife. But mothering, busy daughter, busy mother, working, carrying out her style philosophy, and carving out time for self.
01:44So, by the time I worked with her in her home in Chicago, it was really a light bulb moment because there I was sitting across the table from her, her dining room table, and admiring the dress she was wearing.
01:57And she said it was from H&M. And we had a good laugh. And from that moment on, I was like, you know, this is the aspirational vibe. She is the real deal.
02:07The Mickey-isms. They're my style aphorisms, if you will. And I think, because I think style, which is all about self-expression, should be fun. It should be witty. It should be, you know, what you want to say about you.
02:20So, some of my favorite Mickey-isms. And they're teachable Mickey-isms, I want to say. How does it go? This is terrible. Don't buy a single look for any occasion. Unless it's your wedding dress. Then you're allowed.
02:32Because it doesn't make sense to buy one look for one time. It's like, who has cash like that? Crazy.
02:39Another one of my favorite Mickey-isms. When it comes to mastering good health, it helps to be a little vain. Yes, it does. You've got one temple. Why not be a little vain?
02:51Why not really give it your best and monitor it? You know, sometimes it is about micromanaging your health.
02:58We micromanage everything else. Our schedules, our workload. Why not micromanage our temples? So, yes, that's another favorite Mickey-ism.
03:05Hi there. I'm Mickey Taylor. And you're watching Essence TV.
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