Speaking of brassy

This was a very busy weekend for Hillary's newest accessory to hit the campaign trail: a raffia visor.

Many of the maybe-early primary states got to see this tennis-on-top, beach-on-the-bottom accoutrement as the junior Senator went from state fair to state house and back again. I'm not sure what designer made this (I say designer because it has a little silver leaf-shaped emblem on the rim), but Hill, honey, it isn't suit-worthy. If it's that hot and sunny that you need to shade your eyes, go for khakis and a nice button down or something and skip the full-on blazer. But that's just my opinion.

– AP Photos/Charlie Neibergall and Jim Cole, respectively

A blond, not brassy Hillary could grab the nod

As much as I detest myself for actually reading The Hill, it becomes even worse when I find multiple items to quote them on. Well, today their usually pointless (and, well, let's face it today's is too) 20 questions piece features S. Monae Everett, a stylist and manager at Bubbles Salon on Capitol Hill. Not that I would consider Bubbles a trend-setting cuttery, but unfortunately a lot of the male Members actually do get their hair cut there (even though they have their own in-house barber).

So, without further ado, here are the top trends in D.C. hair:

• "Blond highlights. A lot of blond highlights." Really? For the summer blond is in?

  
  

• "The bob is very popular and the side-swept bangs." Really? Like Posh Spice and Katie and my favorite local blogger?

  
  

• "Men used to think of products as just for women — now they’re using them." Really? Like the metrosexual of 2004 is finally making his way to the Hill?

She also comments on some of the presidential candidates coifs, saying that Edwards' $400 haircut was worth it if it made him feel good and Hillary should go blonder, though she doesn't know if the country can handle it. She also states that Rep. Louise Slaughter has the best hair in Congress, saying she "keeps it nicely curled. I love the color, the height. You can tell she didn’t roll right out of bed." Well, that we can agree on.

To read all the questions, click here...

– AP Photo/Jim Cole

Breaking news: Stress makes you all wrinkled

I'm sorry I left you with such a crappy last blog for so long; and I am sorry that I have to keep saying I'm sorry all the time. I can't make any promises though - work is, well, stressful.

Well, in my trying-to-destress I came across an article in The Hill today trying to tell me if I tell myself, “I am strong,” “I am in balance,” I will be strong and in balance. Anyway, there is a funny quote up top from Kathleen Hall, creator of The Stress Institute in Atlanta, who seems to have no connection to Washington at all...

“I would think [lawmakers] care about the way they look. Their skin gets wrinkled, [and stress] makes you age fast. It changes your metabolism [and] makes you store fat around your vital organs.”

Sounds great! To read some affirmation-centric tips on how to destress, click here...

So he's got a Jag...well, now he's got a Jag that supports Obama

We learned this morning that Karl Rove's Jaguar - while parked on West Executive Ave. near the White House during his trip to New Orleans - was pranked by some fun-loving colleagues who covered it with plastic wrap, toy bald eagles and put an "I (heart) OBAMA" bumper sticker on the windshield. According to Politico, the coworkers say they did it because "they will miss his puckish humor in meetings."

For a silly little video, click here...

– Politico

'The brightest most fluorescent color possible'

Carole Bayer Sager over at Huffington Post had a funny little piece about Hillary at the recent debates. She's spot on - unfortunately because in the spotlight what we usually see is a very scary sight - but what really are the options for men? Here are some excerpts:

Have you noticed that after each Democratic debate, Hillary's numbers rise in the national polls?

The reason is simple.

She enters center stage, in the brightest most fluorescent color possible on the color wheel. She is aglow in bright coral, bright orange, bright yellow; while surrounded left and right by a chorus of dull looking men in seemingly identical dark suits all appearing indistinguishable from one another. What an entrance. ...

She also answers in a softer tone; her manner is less aggressive, more appealing. But she's winning over some of her critics primarily because the male frontrunners simply just don't shine. ... Thanks to the televised debates, the American people got to see Hillary Clinton on stage, her blonde hair shiny, eye makeup, rouge and lipstick in place, standing next to a chorus of men in black -- glistening.

It may be serious business, but it's still show business.

To read the entire article, click here...

– AP Photo/Cheryl Senter

Update

Sorry I've been a little aloof. Work's actually been busier than expected for recess - silly ol' Sen. Craig getting himself into all sorts of mischief. Anyway, I'll try to be better (though I know I promise that all too often...)

By the way, did you hear that Jenna was actually proposed to at Acadia National Park in Maine - that's where I was that day! How come I didn't hear about it until a couple days later? There was no secret service men lurking around that I saw. I guess my high-alert blogging senses were lax because of vacation.

By the way, channeling the Che Guevara t-shirt look, you too can have Barack Obama on your chest. Launching several new wares on his campaign site Monday, for just a few dollars you can don the 100 percent cotton duds.

Wasn't Obama on the cover of this one just a couple months ago?

Thanks for the tip. Another great pol making the cover of the magstands - I guess we're moving even further into the year of political celebrity. At least this one doesn't look too Photoshopped.

As FishbowlDC asks: Who will win this month's magazine candidate-off?

Any thoughts on which cover is better? (Though we all know they both seem a tad ridiculous...)

– Photo courtesy of FishbowlDC reader

On the Campaign Trail: Best Photos of the Week

Fred Thompson holds a baby pig at the Iowa State Fair.

- AP Photo/M. Spencer Green

Barack Obama and his daughter Sasha ride bumper cars at the Iowa State Fair.

- AP Photo/M. Spencer Green

Grace Dodd, daughter of Chris Dodd, covers his mouth as they walk off stage after the Democratic presidential debate Sunday.

- AP Photo/M. Spencer Green

Could that kid be any more scared as Dennis Kucinich and his wife, Elizabeth, take pictures with supporters outside of the Red Arrow Diner in Manchester, N.H.

- AP Photo/Cheryl Senter

John McCain greets veterans after speaking at the Veterans of Foreign Wars national convention in Kansas City, Mo.

- AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

Rudy Giuliani shows off his stuffed monkey during a campaign stop at Dodge's general Store in New Boston, N.H.

- AP Photo/Jim Cole

Barack Obama stands with his daughters Sasha, left, and Malia, right, before speaking to potential supporters.

- AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall

John Edwards waves to supporters as his campaign bus leaves his Iowa campaign headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa.

- AP Photo/Kevin Sanders

And saving the best for last (NOTE: Not a political statement), Giuliani gets a touch of make-up as he prepares for an interview on "The O'Reilly Factor."

- AP Photos/Bebeto Matthews

Tired debate attire

Moderator: So, Sen. Edwards, what do you think about Hillary's outfit for this debate?

Edwards: Well, let me start out by saying that I just think Bill is great. He did wonderful things for this country. But could that jacket get any longer? Or mousier? And what is that thing over there? It looks like it's throwing up ribbon. But, yes, I think the Clinton presidency was a good one.

– AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall