Having made the decision to cover men's political fashion [see Men's Fashion [1] and Blake Caravati Comments on Haberdashery] and David Toscano's Comments on Political Fashion and Haberdashery ] , I could not omit fashion for political women.

Below are pictures and comments from Alexandria Searls and from Joan Fenton, recent contestants in the race for the Democratic nomination for the Charlottesville City Council.

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George,

I was wearing a Kinko's necklace made out of fliers and stickers. Since it had no clasp, I had to hold it on myself.

The result was a somewhat obtrusive protective layer guarding against the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.

The rest of my outfit was very comfortable, however.

Alexandria Searls (electronic mail, March 2, 2002)

Alexandria Searls	Joan Fenton

George,

When the campaign started, I made it clear, I would not wear make up, nor get my hair done, nor change how I dress, and especially no stockings.

Many people have an image of the successful store owner sitting out front, helping customers, etc. My actual job description is closer schlep and fetch and stock girl. My only criteria for dressing is pockets for the cell phone, and something that doesn't tear easily or show dirt.

Well, before the convention, even a best friend that I have known since I was 4 asked "what are you going to wear? Surely you will not wear those shoes and clothes you always wear?" My neighbors at the Millmont Street Shops all asked the same questions (as did my mother, Camille, and others too numerous to mention).

So, I did compromise. No make up, no hair do, but I bought a new top for the convention. But underneath, I still had on the knee high socks. On the outside I looked like I was dressed up, but underneath, it was still the same old me.

Joan Fenton (electronic mail, March 2, 2002)