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DENVER—Barack Obama has a 33-inch waist, and his jacket is a 40 long. This vital state secret has been brought to you courtesy of Hart Schaffner Marx, the century-old Chicago company that made the suit Obama will wear when he addresses the nation Thursday night at the Democratic National Convention in Denver. "The suit is a dark, solid navy - 97% merino wool and 3% cashmere. It’s a flattering fit and has a soft drape and the material has a nice feel against the skin. The silhouette is a classic fit – he’s a 40 long with a 33 inch waist. Pants are pleated and the pants have an inch and a quarter cuff. This suit would retail at a department store like Nordstroms for $1500." We would like the McCain campaign to release his waist size, and then we would appreciate a serious-minded news analysis piece in the Washington Post determining which candidate wears more electable pants. [Racked Inbox]
RED HOOK—Yet another reason to go to Red Hook: The NYCreates Fall Crafts Festival, which runs every weekend from September 13 to October 26, 1pm—6pm. Vendors will sell clothes, jewelry, and home items, so you can make a nesting day of it and pick up some smaller handmade items after binging on mass-produced Swedish sleekness at Ikea. Expect a fairly high level of quirk: One vendor "sews adorable stuffed animals out of bright African-inspired fabrics and fanciful hats covered in flowers." [Racked Inbox]