Ann Romney's fashion at the 2012 U.S. Presidential Debates

(Photo credits, from left: Today.com, NYDailyNews.com and Zimbio.com)

Both First Lady Michelle Obama and presidential challenger Mitt Romney's wife Ann wore stand-out fashion for the three 2012 U.S. Presidential Debates held October 3, 16 and 22. Yet, the kind of style we expect from whomever becomes First Lady for the next four years should be the least of factors influencing our vote (for those of us registered to vote in the United States). Most visitors to the Fashion Belle site come because modest fashion is honored here, and certainly Ann Romney, with her commitment to modesty that springs from her Mormon faith, would showcase an array of conservative styles as the next First Lady. Having a friend of modesty in the White House is an exciting thing to anticipate, with polls showing Mitt Romney's good chance at winning the election. We might even see a national resurgence in modest clothing trends for women as a result of Mrs. Romney's influence.

Ann Romney's clothing for major appearances at the debates

Pictured above are Mrs. Romney's looks for the three presidential debates. She likes necklaces, for sure, as confirmed by these and multiple other photos from the campaign trail. The Alfred Fiandaca white suit at the first debate is my favorite. For the second debate, Mrs. Obama wore a pink jacket and dress that matched the fuchia color of Mrs. Romney's Oscar de la Renta dress. The ladies intentionally harmonized their choices in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (Mrs. Romney is a survivor, as is my own mother, of this condition that affects 12% of all women). Mrs. Romney's green outfit for the third debate, also an Oscar de la Renta, appears in some photos to be a belted dress, but many reporters who were there in person are calling it a top and skirt ensemble. The skirt is artfully dyed from a solid fading to a floral print. It would be fun, as an American designer who values modesty, to be asked to create some new designs for a future First Lady Ann Romney.

This race will be close, and you can make a difference

While on the topic of this election, I feel it is important to point out, for those who are not aware, that this race is close. Refusing to vote at all will be effectively casting a vote for Obama, and this is especially true in the key swing states of Ohio, Virginia, Wisconsin, Colorado, Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Florida. Governor Romney has a stronger lead than most news media outlets are publicizing, and every vote counts.

Early in the Republican presidential primaries, much discussion was passed among conservatives from all religious backgrounds about Governor Romney's Mormon beliefs. Mormons themselves were mostly thrilled, though I did hear an interview with one Mormon woman who said she would not vote for him in the primary because he was not conservative enough for her. This woman's stance is similar to that of some Christian friends of mine leading up to the November 6 election (I happen to not be Mormon, raised in a non-denominational church that teaches the Bible). Some conservatives feel that unless a candidate represents most everything they believe, they cannot in good conscience back him with their votes. This leads to weakening of the conservative voice and votes withheld or split among independent candidates, allowing liberals to win elections. Then, the liberals implement policies that are many times farther from the conservatives' views than a "moderate" candidate's would have been, regardless of whether the "moderate" was Mormon or anything else. For anyone who wants a Biblical reference on this principle, check I Corinthians 5:6-13 that speaks of interacting with a certain segment of society that does not share our beliefs because to disassociate with them would mean "you would then have to go out of the world."

Vote November 6!

After listening to most of the last two presidential debates covering national security and reading material online from Mitt Romney's 5 Point Plan that addresses the economy and jobs recovery, I am impressed with Romney's character and preparation to lead the United States and encourage you to consider his qualifications. And if that is not enough, then consider whether or not you can live with your conscience if you decide to withhold your vote and thus favor his opponent. Please vote on November 6. America's future is at a critical stage economically, militarily and morally. Your vote can make a difference.