Belle,

I know this isn’t a usual “fashion” question, but I think it falls  When I was in DC last year I noticed that most staffers had blackberries to do their business on. However, I noticed a lot of younger staffers also had iPhones. Is the iPhone just has acceptable on the hill as a blackberry?

Lizzy

Blackberries are ubiquitous on Capitol Hill.  Every staffer has one, because Heaven forbid we be incommunicado for a single solitary second.  This is why they are surgically attached to our thumbs.  In fact, the only time we are separated from our Crackberries is when we’re sleeping, having sex or bathing.

But as to your question, I don’t know that I had ever considered what your electronic tether says about your sense of style.

Is an iPhone an acceptable Blackberry alternative?  I suppose, but this is one time when the choices are made based primarily on efficacy.  Some offices use iPhones, but most of us need constant coverage in areas that are poorly served by AT&T.  Equipping staffers with iPhones certainly isn’t a choice that everyone can make so, I think there is a certain novelty factor at play.

If you want to pinpoint who in the office possesses power, just look at their Blackberry.

Most staffers carry a Curve or a World Edition Pearl.  But Chiefs of Staff, LDs and Members are the first ones to get the new toys, so most of them carry the new Blackberry Tour.  Of course, this will change as offices buy new equipment in the New Year.  But trust me when I say that you can gauge the office hierarchy by determining in what order you received the new Blackberry.

While most staffers don’t personalize there official phones some do.  I recently purchased a hard case for mine.  I chose a simple but bold red case.  The case protects my device and helps me figure out which one of the six Curves on the table is mine after a long dinner with friends.  Very important.

If you choose to accessorize your Blackberry, I would stay away from Swarovski crystals or zebra stripes.  Just a simple, solid color case will do the trick.  You can find a decent one at any mall kiosk, but the best selection is on Amazon.

Whether you choose to carry a standard issue Blackberry or a tech savvy iPhone, there are only two faux pas to avoid: being caught without your tether at a critical moment (not good) and giving your Blackberry a name.  A former acquaintance called his Blackberry “Hoss” because it was hard-working.  I can’t even remember his last name, but I remember that.

Like I said, naming the Blackberry is not recommended.