Stunning in Peter Soronen

Image by Paul J. Richards / Getty Images

The first lady is a vision in blue this evening, wearing a stunning one-shoulder gown by the great American designer Peter Soronen. There is a quality about this look that is pure perfection -- at once timeless and timely, embodying a thoroughly American brand of glamour. From the classic, handcrafted gown, to the impeccably chosen accessories, our first lady has never looked better. What a moment!

The azure blue gown was created using three layers of fabric -- chiffon over lame chiffon and silk. As is Peter Soronen's signature, the gown features a corset top with a lace-up back. The concept of the gown, one-shoulder aside, recalls the lavender Peter Soronen dress Mrs. O wore for the Kennedy Center Honors in December.

In an interview with the AP, Peter Soronen commented on his design: "I love the structured bodice that I do for her. I put it in a lot of my dresses. I drape, pin and stitch all that lightweight chiffon -- this look works well on the first lady." In a quote to Mrs-O.org, Soronen added, "I am honored again that our First Lady has selected my designs for the White House."

Update: A new detail to report! Mrs. O's shoes last evening were Jimmy Choo "Jasper" Rhinestone sandals. The first lady also wore a pair of Sutra Jewels blue sapphire and diamond earrings. Click here to hear Peter Soronen talking about the gown on Access Hollywood!

Top two images Getty Images / Bottom image Reuters

A Grand Welcome

Image by Jim Young / Reuters

The much anticipated state dinner festivities have begun! The president and first lady welcomed Mexican President Felipe Calderon and First Lady Margarita Zavala to the White House with an outdoor arrival ceremony earlier today.

First Lady Mrs. O dressed in a classic raspberry coat and dress (confirming designer), paired with a statement bib necklace and black pewter heels. The turquoise and orange flecks of color in the necklace certainly pop against the pink dress - gorgeous!

The first ladies later visited New Hampshire Elementary School in Silver Spring, Maryland, which was awarded the USDA's Healthier US School Challenge Silver Award in 2009. Note Mrs. O's change to orange-gold flats!

Update #1: Mrs. O wears a carmine viscose jersey dress with carmine silk nylon coat from Calvin Klein Collection, Pre-Spring 2010.

Update #2: Mrs. O wears a necklace by Erickson Beamon.

Photo by Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP

One Fabulous Frock

Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton

The White House has a released a photo of the First Lady posing with participants from the Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride, taken three weeks ago. This is our first static look at the fabulous floral frock Mrs. O chose for the event. Any ideas on the designer? This dress is just beyond gorgeous!

Update: The first lady is wearing a Fall 2009 dress by Los Angeles-based designer Barbara Tfank. For more on the designer, click here.

A Moschino Moment

Image by Alex Wong / Getty Images

The first lady announced today that the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation, a group comprised of food retailers and trade associations, has pledged to remove 1.5 trillion calories from their products by the end of 2015. The pledge comes a big win for Mrs. O's "Let's Move" initiative.

Announcing the good news, Mrs. O turned to a coordinating jacket and skirt by Moschino, first seen in October 2009, here.

Modern Classic

Photo by Paul Morigi / Getty Images

The first lady attended the 2010 National Military Family Association Summit at Georgetown University today, debuting a new emerald green dress paired with a classic double strand of pearls.

I am the first to acknowledge that the comparison between Mrs. O's style and that of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis is often made much too literal by the American media. However, one can't help of acknowledge a bit of inspiration in Mrs. O's choice of ensemble above -- the solid bold color, high neckline, and longer sleeves all seem to recall an early 60s style influence. Lovely!