Things to do in Sacramento and Beyond: Capital couture

Sacramento Bee/Brian Baer

It was yet another fashion victory for first lady Maria Shriver as she swept into town for the inaugural festivities. She participated in Thursday's kickoff outside the State Capitol appropriately turned out in honor of the event's "green" environmental theme, wearing a green leather coat, jeans and boots (see above). Even though Gov. Schwarzenegger didn't make it to this gathering because of his broken leg, Maria held her own amidst all the celery plants.

Then, earlier today at the Memorial Auditorium for the governor's swearing-in, we think she outdid everyone in a lovely princess-cut coat (shown right). The ruffled collar was perfect for her neckline and hair. (By the way, loved that coif, blown straight and flowing.) And despite the chilly weather, her peep-toed pumps signaled that she was stylishly sans hosiery. Good for her!

I liked that Maria opted for a fitted, full-length coat instead of a traditional and stuffy jacket and skirt. Not that she couldn't have pulled that ensemble off without looking "congressional."

For those who missed the televised proceedings, emcee and former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown took note of the first lady's look and quipped that she was both "foxy and sexy."

"I've waited a long time for that," Brown said, and "he (Arnold) can't catch me."

As for the gala at the Convention Center tonight, we'll keep an ongoing fashion vigil. We've heard the name "Valentino" bandied about. That would be, of course, the famous Italian designer known for his exquisite ball gowns, many of which have turned up on Hollywood's red carpets on such stars as Keira Knightley and Cate Blanchett.

It wouldn't surprise me if she opted for black, as was suggested by Sharon Anapolsky of Julius clothing store in Pavilions. I wrote about the store's Armani Collezioni strapless gown in a story in Wednesday's Scene.

And get this - when I spoke with Sharon today, she told me that someone, indeed, will be wearing that Armani tonight, if not Maria. The store sold the gown to someone else planning to attend the ball! Lucky lady!