Why do we care so much about Mrs. Obama's pearls?

In the last three days alone, I've read half a dozen articles about politician's wives' or women politicians' sense of style. Why do we scrutinize Michelle Obama and Nancy Pelosi and comment on, say, their legs or their beautiful pearls more than their political views, but never talk about Bush's tie or Obama's shoes?

Style mavens know that first--and second--impressions count. A First Lady--and lady politicians--will always come under scrutiny from the fashion press. That's the way it goes. With campaign season in full swing, we pick apart every hemline, every string of pearls, every inch of fabric, looking for clues to the woman behind the fashion.

"Everyone knows that people respond to the way you look when you run for office," André Leon Talley, an editor-at-large for Vogue told the International Herald Tribune. "A black Camelot moment is the right moment for the Obamas," he added. "And so the faux pearls, the A-line dresses, the Jackie flip are obviously all part of how her image strategy has evolved."

An article in the Boston Hearld entitled "Hail to the Chic: Cindy or Michelle?" says that Michelle Obama and Cindy McCain exude a confidence and flair not seen in national politics for a long time.

“They’re total fashionistas,” said Susan Mullins, president of BackBay-based image consulting firm Susan Style. She praised both women for dressing stylishly, yet age-appropriately. Fashion criticisms of the two women are minor, said Mullins, who wishes both women were less TV camera-concerned about wearing prints. And while both love pearls, Mullins wishes Obama would “spice it up a bit.”

“I love her Wilma pearls,” she said, referencing her oversized ones reminiscent of “The Flintstones” character. “But my suggestion is doubling them up.”

Ginger Burr of Total Image Consultants in Lynn agreed about Obama’s conservative jewelry choices. “Michelle has the opportunity to have a little more fun, be a little more adventurous,” she said.

Burr said Obama’s bolder belt statements - “they’re not wimpy, they definitely have substance”--make her look comfortable in what she’s wearing.

“It makes her approachable,” she said.

Seems when it comes to politics, clothes--and pearls--really do make the (wo)man.