Presidential Detour

So, Retail Therapy was on hiatus this weekend (Per my resolutions, I’m embracing winter and trading some shopping time for sport), but here’s some fun news you can use. And in the absence of a proper society page, I’d thought I’d temporarily fill in. I hope you’ll allow what is perhaps a one-time deviation – and a nearly presidential one at that.

The PPH reports on Chelsea’s stops/stumps at local colleges, and mentions her stop at Local 188 – the purpose of which was to connect with some Portland young professionals (PYPs, if you will). But, ever the detail girl, I need more. And, readers, you know you do too. I see you grabbing People in the checkout line. So, grab a latte, here’s your Monday morning celeb(ish) fix:

An impromptu trip all-around for Chelsea, (according to staffers, the evening before in Omaha they were trying to decide between Milwaukee, Maine and Louisiana. How we trumped Mardi Gras I’m still not sure, but…) she arrived to a group of local PR folk, state legislative staffers, activists and other ladies and gents about town – some ardent supporters of her mother, and some undecided – all of whom she chatted (and sipped cocktails, see below) with about her mom, her role in her campaign and general election talk. Some thought she looked a bit overwhelmed – and admittedly, the restaurant was crowded, but she powered through with that apple-doesn’t-fall-far Clintonian iron smile, posing for photos and mingling throughout the bar. (See below, friends H. and K. with Chelsea)

So what does she have to say about her life on the CT (that’s campaign trail)? “I have a theoretical job, a theoretical apartment and a theoretical boyfriend.” C., showing a sense of humor, I like it. The PYPs in attendance found her down to earth, and while I’m not sure she swayed any undecideds (tough crowd, this one), her visit was appreciated.

Patrons of the restaurant had a more mixed reaction to her arrival. A table of women erupted in applause and espoused love for the whole Clinton family (and then, perhaps unbeknownst to C., left with their Obama ’08 buttons still very much in tact and prominently displayed on their coats). Others were a bit more bizarre – one mentioned to her that “she looks so much better in person,” – ouch. Pay the passive-aggressive haters no mind, Chelsea, you looked good.

In a gray blazer and dark, cigarette jeans, C. easily slipped into the crowd at 188. Granted, when you’re on the road you don’t have much in the way of wardrobe change, so we’d had a preview of what she might be in the day before in Omaha, but I can at least appreciate the versatility of her outfit – if you’ve only got one to go with, this is a good choice. Chic, yet accessible, and while she wasn’t there to talk about Donatella’s influence, I for one noticed and approved.

In addition to her formal appearances Sat., Chelsea' made another meticulously-planned, but still spontaneous (possible?) stop at one of our waterfronts more celebrated chowder houses. Fill me in readers, any sightings of her, or for those further north, the real politicos?