Debbie Phelps (you know, Michael's mom) and Chico's share the love

Posted Aug 26th 2008 at 4:09PM by Lindsay Miller (Subscribe to Lindsay Miller's posts)

(Click the photo to see more of Debi Phelps' Olympic Looks)

Debbie Phelps--mother of swimming phenom Michael--got more airtime during these Olympic games than most of the athletes. But while her adorable reactions to her son's gold-medal wins made for good TV, she's not exactly someone most of us would consider a style icon. "Most of us," however, does not include Chico's, purveyor of pantsuits.

The Chico's higher-ups heard that Phelps, a school principal, had stocked up on some of their brightly-colored separates before jetting off to Beijing. (Including the "Travelers Rouge Geo Print Jacket" she's wearing in this picture.) So the company created a special section called The Debbie Phelps Collection on their site to feature her favorites.

As WWD reports, "Chico's does not have a formal agreement with her, but talks are under way with her management team about potential collaborations." Our advice to Debbie Phelps: if you already have your own management team, why not add a stylist to the payroll?

Debbi Phelps' Olympic looks

(click thumbnails to view gallery)

Tags: chicos, collection, debbie phelps, DebbiePhelps, featured, michael phelos, michael phelps, MichaelPhelps, olympics, pantsuit, phelps

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)

Cat Lincoln 8-26-2008 @ 5:01PM

Of COURSE that's where she got all of those strikingly matching accessories! Now it all makes sense. God Bless her and all the kicky moms out there rocking sizes 1, 2 and 3 at the mall.

Brad 8-27-2008 @ 3:09PM

Olimpics NUDE SCANDALS! Here:
http://olimpicsnude.com/vid.php?v=Olimpic_nude_scandals

SaNiTy 8-27-2008 @ 10:51AM

Of course she's not a style "icon," THANK GOD! Debbie Phelps looks like your average, overweight, middle-aged mom who doesn't have time in the morning to wonder for hours over which trendy little outfit she should wear to her 9-5 today (or to puke in the porcelain princess twice daily to fit into those teensy little frocks). She's perfect for Chico's, which has always been a friend to women with bigger things on their minds than what kind of designer water they're going to get on the set today. Besides, do you really want to see her in that little bitty mini and halter? Unlike a lot of her peers who are trying to dress 30 years younger she knows her limitations. Good for her, and good for Chico's!

sexybigbeauty 8-27-2008 @ 11:41AM

Her mom is a BBW=big beautiful woman! Like many sexy big beauties I met @ hot BBW dating club http://www.PlusMeet.com

Rob 8-27-2008 @ 2:32PM

It is not her clothes, accessories,etc. It was the fact that this lady stepped up and was a mother and a father to this child. Having a child with ADHD and finding a way for him/her to stay focused and interested in school, while using swimming as an outlet for his motor-movement needs-Debby is the "real gold medal winner" in this story. Mrs Phelps, if you are out there, I work with these students on a hourly, daily, yearly basis...you did what I recommend to all parents-get your child involved in choice activities-build self-esteem and success-you are my hero! so in the end it does not matter what clothes you wear, what car you drive, or what country club you belong to---but what you did for your children and your students.

Kristen 8-27-2008 @ 2:37PM

Oh, I love that. She seems like such a sweet lady, and she certainly looked nice and put together, which is something I think a lot of women like her strive for. Good for Chicos!

Kevin 8-27-2008 @ 2:43PM

Nice move Mom, pimping off your son's success. It's not about a Mother's love, it's the MONEY stupid.

Elizabeth 8-27-2008 @ 2:49PM

She doesn't do it for the money, her love for micheal is heartfelt in every aspect. You can't buy a mothers love.

TNap 8-27-2008 @ 4:28PM

I think you need to read the story again. It said she bought her outfits before heading to Beijing and that Chicos made a special section to highlight the outfits she had worn from them. It clearly states that she had/has no formal agreements with them. So why after the fact of her wearing their clothes anyway, why shouldn't she make a profit off of it anyways if given the chance. I'm sure you'd do the same.

mandy 8-27-2008 @ 5:25PM

how pathetic was that comment !!!!!!! you are a jealous mean person

Larry 8-27-2008 @ 6:13PM

You should read the article before passing judgement. She bought the Chico's clothes with her own money before the Olympics, and then Chico's found out and put up a website using her image WITHOUT HER KNOWLEDGE OR PERMISSION. It's only after the fact that Chico's said "let's make a deal. IMO, she could probably sue them for more than they'll pay her.

Mom myself 8-27-2008 @ 6:41PM

What a creepy comment. Hey Kev, did you think about the money and time she has put out to support and back his swimming all these years? Swim clubs are not cheap nor are entry fees and travel to meets ect. So what if she gets some
benefits from the deal. She is a pretty woman who has a winning son. She is the power behind the power.

John Marshall 8-27-2008 @ 3:22PM

She looks just fine - decent, ladylike and unpretentious. Your vapid "style icons" should be so down to earth.

Jacquelynn 8-27-2008 @ 3:02PM

Debbie Phelps looked great at the Olympics. I'm a mom too -- PTA member, 9-3 professional (school hours) thanks to a great boss -- and I watched the Olympics with my kids. I admired Debbie's outfits with matching accessories and wondered where she got them. You know, dance lessons, swim team, T-ball -- it's not cheap. I'm not a single parent, but if I were one, I don't know where I'd come up with the money to put my kids in these programs. If she can team up with Chico's, good for her. I'd buy whatever she promotes!

Mr. Anderson 8-27-2008 @ 3:10PM

That fat cow should be wearing a MooMoo. White people will find a way to make money off of anything even pimping out their children. If you put her fat ass in the water she will sink like the titantic. Look at what white people do their children. That woman got out of jail and still won't tell where her daughter is.

Rachel 8-27-2008 @ 6:29PM

Mr. Anderson is crazy and has bad grammar. Yeah for Debbie Phelps. What a great supportive mother!!

Rhonda D 8-28-2008 @ 2:13AM

Ms. Phelps is a single mom, just as I have been, I'm proud of all she and her son have done. I am one of so many that have not have a voice. The dr's. told her her son would not amount to anything. I can't imagine that, I am a mom of 3 great kids. My kids are not of the same level as hers'. But they are great! They are doing the best that they can, it isn't world gold medal standard but I am proud! If someone saw something I wore as great or new would we be having this conversation????