Identify the modifiers, both words and phrases, in the following paragraph from “An Image a Little Too Carefully Coordinated” by Robin Givhan. Are the modifiers effective, or are they excessive? Cite specific examples to support your view.
There they were—John, Jane, Josie and Jack—standing with the president and before the entire country. The nominee was in a sober suit with the expected white shirt and red tie. His wife and children stood before the cameras, groomed and glossy in pastel hues—like a trio of Easter eggs, a handful of Jelly Bellies, three little Necco wafers. There was tow-headed Jack—having freed himself from the controlling grip of his mother—enjoying a moment in the spotlight dressed in a seersucker suit with short pants and saddle shoes. His sister, Josie, was half-hidden behind her mother’s skirt. Her blond pageboy glistened. And she was wearing a yellow dress with a crisp white collar, lace-trimmed anklets and black patent-leather Mary Janes.