[MinuteGal]

If Michelle had purchased these diamond bangles, we'd know about it. The designer would shout it from the rooftops.

As with the jewels worn by big name stars on Oscars night, the baubles are on loan, are worn by the big name, and are highly-insured and protected security-wise for one night, then returned immediately.

Wearing the jewelry for one special event creates attention and advertising both for the wearer and the provider. It often "makes" the designer or company in the fine jewelry wholesale or retail business.

The immorality of this ploy between the designer and the wife of the president is that while there's no obvious or covert kickback for the free advertising, undoubtedly there will be a fat contribution sent to the Obama re-election campaign when the time comes....the contribution being sent in the name of the designer's third cousin twice removed, of course.

This is how it's done in the rarified atmosphere of politics and greed on the highest level.

Leni

[Elle Bee]

if I were in the car business and were to provide a car for you without compensation the value of the 'loan' of the car would be a taxable event to the recipient and perhaps even a deduction to the car business

it's a stretch and say that Mochell is in the high fashion business

a gift would have to be reported ... I don't know how clothing and accessories 'loaned' to politicians has been handled in the past

If you 'loaned' Moochell a Gulfstream for the week I think that would have to be papered up .