The wife of Sen. Barack Obama took some time during the couple's campaign stump in downtown Raleigh on Tuesday to talk fashion and some of the challenges of staying chic while logging in long hours on the road.

One of her tricks, she says, is a simple belt.

"I'm big into belts," she said. "Belts make an outfit more interesting."

Wearing a white knit sweater set with a thick white patent leather belt and black wide-leg pinstripe pants, she was her trademark understated-chic self on Tuesday.

She said it was an impromptu outfit and part of the reality of campaign life. She often mixes and matches different pieces to get more mileage from her wardrobe.

"It's been good to have a bunch of stuff to wear in different ways," she said.

While her outfit might have been a last-minute choice, the stunning orange dress she wore later Tuesday at the Obama rally at Reynolds Coliseum at N.C. State was not.

"I know what I'm wearing for that," she said earlier in the day.

Local talent

If you're looking for the latest in Croc fashion, check out a new product by Raleigh resident Lisa Burnett.

Burnett, a former technology marketer, has created Cranklz, a reversible ribbon-covered elastic strap that snaps onto the back of a pair of Crocs.

She came up with the idea last year when her niece started playing with some ribbon on her Crocs.

She has sizes for girls and women. Look for a selection of boys' styles soon.

So far, Burnett has five styles of ribbons, including plenty of pink and green in stripes, polka dots and floral prints. Each costs $10. They're the perfect accompaniment to her other product line, hair accessories, which includes ribbon-covered headbands and hair clips.

Wee Ones, a national marketer of children's accessories, is now a licensee of Cranklz. To find Cranklz, check out the listing of stores at www.monkeylisa.com.

Around town

Enchanting Moments in Fuquay-Varina is having a trunk show of debutante gowns by designers such as Atelier, Augusta Jones, Couture Bridal by Elma Reis, Stephen Yearick and YSA Makino through May 24. Schedule an appointment at (919) 552-6393, extension 102.