Best of 2011

The end of the year offers the opportunity to look back at the First Lady's stand out fashion moments from the twelve months prior. For 2011, I'd like to try something new. Below you'll find a short list of my picks for Mrs. O's top 10 sartorial looks from 2011, as well as a poll. I'd love to get your perspective by the numbers so that we collectively declare the best of 2011. Voting will remain open for five days. (Here are the best of 2009 and 2010 if you missed them).

A note: There's a pretty good chance that one or more of your favorite Mrs. O looks didn't make the top 10 below. As you can imagine, whittling down the list was a considerable challenge. Please feel free to use the comments to give any missed looks their due credit.

Happy voting!

 

January 19, 2011: White House State Dinner - Alexander McQueen

March 19, 2011: Palacio do Planalto, Brasilia, Brazil - Rachel Roy

March 19, 2011: Palacio do Alvorada, Brasilia, Brazil - Naeem Khan

May 24, 2011: Buckingham Palace, London - Barbara Tfank

May 24, 2011: Buckingham Palace, London - Tom Ford

May 25, 2011: Winfield House, London - Ralph Lauren

June 21, 2011: Nelson Mandela Foundation, Johannesburg, South Africa - Narciso Rodriguez

September 24, 2011: Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Phoenix Awards Dinner, Washington, D.C. - Michael Kors, Peter Soronen

November 13, 2011: APEC dinner, Honolulu, Hawaii - Vera Wang

December 4, 2011: Kennedy Center Honors - Vera Wang

Images by AP Images / Getty Images / Reuters / White House

Holiday Giveaway: Sparkle, Sparkle

Season's Greetings!

I'm excited to announce this year's holiday giveaway, which is extra special. Alexis Bittar has generously offered a Leger Rose Gold Dogwood Pin just for one of you. As you know, Alexis Bittar is one of the First Lady's favorite jewelry brands, seen here, here and here in 2011.

To enter: Simply leave a comment on this post between now and Wednesday, December 21 at 9:00PM EST. I'll announce the winner (selected via random drawing) on Thursday morning. The winner must have a U.S. mailing address for shipping purposes.

As a thank you to Alexis Bittar, please check out the brand's Facebook page, Twitter feed and website.

And to you, dear readers, thank you for making this a vibrant little online community, three years and counting. May your holidays be merry and bright!

xo Mrs. T

Update: Congratulations to reader mincey! I used Random.org to generate the winning comment, #163. Thanks to everyone who entered. Happy Holidays!

Toys for Tots

Photo by Evan Vucci / AP Images

The First Lady visited a Toys for Tots event at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington today, delivering toys donated by staffers from the Executive Office. On the fashion front, Mrs. O looked festive in a plaid top paired with slim black pants. 

Must Read Mrs. O: People

The President and First Lady (and Bo!) are featured in the year-end People magazine. On the style front, Mrs. O looks chic in a Velvet Pleated Blouse by Rachel Roy, available here.

The First Family

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

The First Family has released a new official portrait. On the frock front, Mrs. O wears a textured black dress by Byron Lars. The First Lady wore the same dress for September 11th remembrance ceremonies earlier this year, seen here. Adorable!