We Heart Carole Tanenbaum
Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 6:11 PM 
We are overwhelmed by all of the support we have received today, marking the launch of Mrs. O: The Face of Fashion Democracy.
One such source of encouragement is Carole Tanenbaum, a preeminent vintage jewlery collector, who we interviewed for the book. "It always seems to me that Michelle Obama has fun with what she wears. And I think that's how she makes her selections - things that charm her, colors that inspire her," Carole said.
Carole Tanenbaum's insights accompany a look that Michelle Obama wore for a campaign stop in Pittsburgh, PA during October 2008 (pg. 96-97), when the future first lady paired a J.Crew dress with a 1960s era pin by Hattie Carnegie, acquired through the Carole Tanenbaum Vintage Collection. The image above captures the page in reference.
The Victorian rhinestone sash pin that Mrs. O wore for the inauguration, seen here, was also acquired through the Carole Tanenbaum Vintage Collection. Please check out Carole's support of the Mrs. O book here. And do peruse her simply beautiful and vast collection of vintage jewelry, here.
Reader Comments (7)
It is such a classic, look. Often I find the old jewlery to be the winner...just enough glitz without looking blingy...hum not sure that is a word but oh well...the look is priceless. At last we have a real woman in the white house one who doesn't let power affect her apparel! I raise my glass to you!!
I loved that pin that Michelle wore for the inauguration. Initially, I thought it was part of the suit until I read later that she was wearing a cardigan under the outfit and the pin pulled it altogether. Very smart lady. She wanted to enjoy the memorable day without worrying about keeping warm.
I also love the fact that she "digs" out designers that n one has heard of before rather than sticking to the well known ones.
Ahhhhh, Mrs T. Yet again corrupting the budgets of the "innocent" by recommending wonderful sites like Carole Tanenbaum's. Happy happy sigh..... maybe I won't buy a flight to the US after all. Maybe I'll just buy jewellery.
When I first learned about that vintage sash pin MO wore for the inaguration, I started checking the Carole Tannenbaum website. If you are even slightly interested in vintage jewelry, you will love it.
I spent waaay too much time last night reading Mrs. T's book. It's fantastic. Even though I knew MO took clothes seriously (and believe me when I say I mean that as a compliment), I don't think I ever appreciated the sophistication and depth of her wardrobe choices. It's really extraordinary. The book also highlights several jewelry moments in the last couple of years - events where MO wore Beamon pins, or Binns jewelry, but we didn't get an up close look. We get it in the book, and with interviews as well. I also came away with enormous respect for Ikram. I was always intrigued, and the book just racheted up my interest.
Hi Mrs. T.
May I ask why you chose the cover of the book that you've chosen and not a close up shot or any other actual picture. I'm not liking the cover very much however, I will definitely buy the book due to its contents. :)
Dear Rashmi, I wanted the cover to be classic and timeless, and to read "fashion" - and an illustration helped to capture these things. It was also a different approach than other Mrs. O books on the market. That's the background and I appreciate your question! Best, Mary T.
Thank you Mrs. T. I now see your point. I just purchased a copy through Amazon and cannot wait! Would you be going for a book signing tour anytime soon? If so, pleaasse come to Minnesota! I was there at the Historic Moment when both president and mrs. obama were here and Mrs Obama in the purple dress with the now classic Black Azzedine Alaia belt. She looked stunning!!