Pleated Perfection

Image by Mandel Ngan / Getty Images

Image by Jonathan Ernst / Reuters

First Lady Mrs. O looks stunning in a pleated, orchid purple chiffon gown at the Kennedy Center Honors this evening. More details on the gown and necklace to follow.

Update: Mrs. O wears a corset gown by Peter Soronen and necklace by Tom Binns from the designer's Mutiny of Splendor collection (thanks Torrance!).

Per the New York Times, the evening honored five artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Robert De Niro, Mel Brooks, Gracy Bumbry and Dave Brubeck. Tonight's gala performance followed a dinner hosted by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Saturday night and a reception earlier today at the White House. We are crossing our fingers that a full-length view will surface on the White House Flickr feed. We will also have a chance to watch the event when it airs on December 29 on CBS.

Front and Back of Peter Soronen gown:

Images via Peter Soronen Studio  Tom Binns necklace in detail:

Image via New York Magazine

Rodarte on a Dime

Image courtesy of Target

We must admit, there's nothing that gets us excited quite like a new Target Go International collection.  Last holiday season we rushed off to Target to scoop up finds from Thakoon, delighting in Shibori print cotton tops and bright nylon jackets. This season will be deja vu as we elbow over pretty holiday dresses and lacy cardigans from another Mrs. O favorite, Rodarte.

Likely coincidence (though one we gladly welcome), Target is on a streak of launching Go International collections from a range of Mrs. O's favorite designers: Jonathan Saunders, Thakoon, Tracy Feith and now Rodarte. The first lady has worn dresses by the Mulleavy sisters on at least three public occasions, twice donning a pleated taupe linen dress, as seen here, as well as this spectacular frock in pleated orange-gold lame for the Olympic bid in Copenhagen.

The Rodarte collection for Target appears to most reference the design duo's Spring 2009 collection, featuring lacy cobweb knits and dresses with skeletal references. We won't see the full line up until it hits stores (and the web) on December 20, but the preview reveals at least one ensemble that might suit Mrs. O style fans. Between the bold hue and belted shilouette, we believe the ensemble above - featuring Rodarte for Target's Lace Cardigan ($29.99), Lace and Tulle Skirt ($29.99), and Bow Belt ($12.99) -  should speak to those who favor the first lady's style aesthetic (sans Doc Martens of course).

Update: As if we couldn't be desperate for the Rodarte for Target collection as-is! We thoroughly enjoyed this video from blogger Tavi via Style.com.

...And to All a Good Night

Images by Tim Sloan and Alex Wong / Getty Images

Tonight marks the National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, just south of the White House. As part of the festivities, First Lady Mrs. O treated a group of children to a reading of "The Night Before Christmas." We adore their knitted pom pom hats!

Per the AP, "every president has presided over the tree lighting since Calvin Coolidge in 1923." The 40-foot Colorado spruce was planted near the White House in 1978 and has served as the National Christmas Tree ever since.

On a style note, First Lady Mrs. O kept to basic black brown this evening, debuting a new two-button black wool swing coat. Perhaps we'll see it again this winter?

P.S. Reader chrystelle has observed that Mrs. O's leather cut-out belt, also seen here, may be an Alexander McQueen piece from the designer's Fall 2006 collection. Runway images here and here. We know Mrs. O has worn McQueen in the past, so this certainly may be the case!

Holiday Cheer at the White House

Images by Alex Wong / Getty Images

We wanted to share a few of the wonderful White House holiday decorations, which Mrs. O debuted yesterday. The top image is of the Official White House Christmas Tree, on display in the Blue Room. The Douglas Fir is decorated with eco-friendly LED lights and adorned with more than 800 ornaments from past administrations. The second image takes us inside the Red Room of the White House, decorated with cranberry garlands and wreaths. The final image, a close-up on one of the trees, made us think of Mrs. O's style and her penchant for a good bow!

As we wrote yesterday, Simon Doonan of Barneys is spearheading holiday decorations at the White House this year. We would have expected a touch of the nontraditional, but it appears Mr. Doonan has kept with the classics and they are quite lovely indeed. Click here for further reading on the collaboration.

Upcoming Mrs. O Book Event

Illustration of the First Lady in a Peter Soronen Twilight Gown by Mia Overgaard

Update: Just a quick reminder about our book signing event at Bloomingdale's in NYC - tomorrow!

I'm delighted to announce an upcoming book event for "Mrs. O: The Face of Fashion Democracy" in New York City. On Friday, December 4, I'll be joined by designer Peter Soronen at Bloomingdale's on 59th St. to sign books. (There will be copies of the book for sale on site.)

I would love the chance to meet and chat with more of you. And of course, it will be a wonderful opportunity to meet Mr. Soronen and admire his beautiful work.

As many of you know, Peter Soronen is behind many of the first lady's most glamorous looks. The Twilight Gown worn to the Governors Ball in February (show in the illustration above) and this stunning red corset dress, worn for the Alfalfa Club dinner in late January, are personal favorites. "Mrs. O: The Face of Fashion Democracy" includes photographs of these beautiful dresses, as well as a two-page interview with Peter Soronen, providing insight into his career development and design perspective. Hope you can make it!

What: "Mrs. O: The Face of Fashion Democracy" book signing with Mrs. T and Peter Soronen

When: Friday, December 4 @ 6PM

Where: Bloomingdale's 59th St., New York City (Designer Collections, on 4th Fl.)