FIRST LADY FASHION

Jacqueline Kennedy was known for her sense of style — and her pillbox hats. But she was not the first to set a stylish standard. Dolley Madison also wore "the finest fashions." It was once said of her, "she looked a Queen ... it would be absolutely impossible for anyone to behave with more perfect propriety than she did."

A guest at an 1825 soiree held by the Monroes described Elizabeth as "regal-looking" and noted more details: "Her dress was superb black velvet; neck and arms bare and beautifully formed; her hair in puffs and dressed high on the head and ornamented with white ostrich plumes; around her neck an elegant pearl necklace. Though no longer young, she is still a very handsome woman."

Even Mamie Eisenhower was known for her "bangs, sparkling blue eyes, her outgoing manner, her feminine love of pretty clothes and jewelry."

This year, the U.S. Mint will be issuing four circulating $1 presidential coins, featuring our first four presidents. In connection with that, four half-ounce gold commemorative coins will also be minted featuring their wives. The 2007 First Spouse Coins include Martha Washington, Abigail Adams and Dolley Madison. Since there are no known images of Martha Jefferson, a symbolic rendering of Liberty will be featured. The First Spouse Coins are scheduled to be released in May, around Mother's Day. Additional coins and commemorative coins will be issued in coming years.

Sources:

"The First Ladies," by Margaret Brown Klapthor, White House Historical Association

whitehouse.gov/history/firstladies

The National First Ladies' Library; firstladies.org

wikipedia.org

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