Wednesday
Nov112009
Marking Veterans Day
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 12:16 PM 
Image by Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images
In honor of Veterans Day, First Lady Mrs. O has joined the Bidens and President O for a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. Mrs. O is wearing a blue tweed overcoat from J.Crew, last seen in January 2009, belted at the waist for this occasion. We are intrigued by the dress underneath. Might it be the teal Maria Pinto dress worn for the DNC in August 2008?
Update:
Image via PRNewsFoto/THE HISTORY CHANNEL, Pete Souza
Also today, President O and First Lady Mrs. O posed with veterans taking part in the History Channel's "Take a Veteran to School Day." Sans coat, we can see that Mrs. O was in fact wearing her teal Maria Pinto frock from the 2008 DNC.
tagged J.Crew, Maria Pinto
J.Crew, Maria Pinto
Reader Comments (136)
I don't think we are ever going to get past the fact that everyone has differing opinions and that everyone's differing opinions should be respected, I really don't. Like most of these threads they will start with the right intentions and then turn in petty arguing. I truly despair.
OK...So I loved the Teal color on Mrs O. I loved the sweater / dress / belt combo but not loving the look with the coat / belt.
I love the idea someone posted earlier of losing the belt and adding a brooch to the jacket. The boots are very practical (the weather here was atrocious yesterday!) but I'm not loving the weird shape of them around her feet.
She does look remarkably similar to the man behind her in dress, but I highly doubt she planned it!
Just saw a photo taken in the cemetery - from the rear.
Anyone who thinks this belt was a good idea should see it (I could not post it). Once again a wide belt hikes her coat up in the back (it did it with the grey jersey suit jacket a while back). In this case several inches of her dress were showing below the back of her coat. Look at the photo Mrs. T has posted. Do you see her dress showing below?
Result: A needlessly untidy look.
Those who are in public life know they will sit, stand, walk, sit, and on and on, during the course of a single event. Clothes need to be planned in advance so the public person wearing them can forget about them and be in the moment of the event. They shouldn't have to check to see if their jacket or coat is hiked up and make an adjustment in front of a crowd or a camera. If their clothes are not chosen correctly, this kind of thing happens.
Here's the rear view photo of the belt hiking the coat up in only the back.
http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/07zt0tn4NlguT/610x.jpg
BTW, Mrs. Horst looked quite underdressed. Her husband, Brigadier General Horst, was in his full dress uniform. She was in a pea coat, slacks, and red flats so tired they turned up at the toes. Looked like she was headed for the supermarket. Didn't she know she was going to be with Mrs. O?
I don't want to hear about rain. Hardly a flood and they were escorted under umbrellas all the way. Stylish women tough it out in the rain, too.
Well said trinisamba ( my mom is from Tobago). Yes I do agree, being born in America, I too have witnessed the sadness and insecurity here over the years. I guess this is the reason why some folks are so high bent against colorful fashion; disliking it is the equalizer.
Some of YOU need to get a life. Analyzing facial expressions and A FREAKING COLOR makes on look DUMB. I thought the shorts debate was stupid, but analyzing if she was not "supposed" to smile makes you "ms" look crazy. What planet do you all live on with "rules." I never knew that their were "rules" to what colors to wear in a season. I was at Nordstrom the other day and I saw COLORS, did nordstrom miss the rules? Also, to the one's saying Michelle is being treated like all females in politics, NO SHE IS NOT. NO OTHER POLITICAL WOMAN WAS TOLD DON'T WEAR BLUE IN NOVEMBER, OR BE A MAD WOMAN AT A CEMENTARY, OR YOU CANNOT WEAT SHORTS!! Some of you need to step back and thinking about how stupid you sound complaining about WEARING BLUE!!! Grow UP, and GET A LIFE!! This sight has turned crazy commenting and disagreeing on outfits has turned into debate over whether her skirts are 2 inches short. This is why I don't come on this site anymore, it went from I hate this outfit or like it too. Bright colors should NEVER be worn in the Fall, or a sweater is "inappropriate for Teddy Kennedy's funera;" or a grown 45 year old woman needs a handbook on how to dress herself, or she needs to dress like a 60 year old white lady because that is "appropriate" way to dress. This site was funny now its so damn political about freaking clothes, what a difference a year makes.
Ladies ever think that the belt wearing may serve another purpose? I hate to tug at my clothes when out at an event at anytime really. It seems to me the belt holds the coat closed and therefore allows First Lady's hands to be free to greet people.
It just seems that at times she is being considerate of the fact that she needs to be comfortable in these events and the belt helps support that fact. I have used a belt this way to give me freedom to move about. I did'nt have to be concerned that the coat is in place. I think that sometimes Mrs. Obama is being practical with how she dresses, the boots were appropriate for the occasion.. have your ever tried walking in the rain and grass in heels? Have your heels ever sank into the muddy and wet spots.. I'm sure that you would agree practical in some cases is better than being cute.
Mia Monte, not only do you need to tone it down, you also need to proofread your posts. Get a grip....it's only fashion.
Oh people, lighten up - LITERALLY. There are no rules about what colors you can wear in Nov. It is very fashion forward to wear bright colors on a rainy gray day. And the days of matching ones belt to one shoes died in 1955. Geez folks. I will never understand why people feel the need to speak ill of MO's fashions. If you don't like it, move on.
I think she is super fab & LOVE LOVE LOVE her belt & boots.
And the color of her coat is fresh & lovely & fashionable.
It's really quite amusing how a few take issue with anyone who calls out presumptuous and disrespectful posts about the First Lady. It seems to be ok to be flippant and glib about Mrs Obama but the very same offenders and their co-conspirators are quick to take offense and lament about rudeness and a lack of civil discourse on this blog when people point out that they are being insulting to the First Lady. If it weren't so ironic and manipulative it might actually be belly up funny.
We are all smart grown-ups here (I hope), and please some of you guys are really not fooling anyone try as you may with all your red-faced insistence that this is simply about fashion.
Someone argued that some other political women might have been skewered by those of us who favor Mrs Obama, and my response to that is simple: I come here because I adore and remain intrigued by Mrs O. I would not waste one single second on any site dedicated to any of the women mentioned simply because unlike some here, I would never waste my valuable time on people I do not like. I will not expend a bit of energy good or bad posting or blogging about any person I do not respect or adore.
And that my friends is the problem with some who continue to post here: try as they may, their true intentions seep through and it betrays their real feelings even as they vehemently deny them.
Love the Boots!!!
LOL @Mia Monte.....PREACH! I thought we exhausted the "Belt" issue, she likes it! let it go. I love that color on her! funny how nobody mentioned "RED" shoes worn by the lady beside her. That caught my eye as being out of place, nothing says look at me more then a red shoe...but hey to each his own.
@Eleroy, so true especially when some write "I still love her"! why the need to justify unless your intentions need justification...JUST SAYIN
Go head Mia! :)
LOLOL @Stylish yes I was checking out the red patent leather kicks wowzers(could not help but notice them), but chose to move right along *ahem*.
I'm agree with you 100% Eleroy!
@Stylishgurl:
"funny how nobody mentioned "RED" shoes worn by the lady beside her." Maybe because this is the site to discuss Mrs O and not the ladies beside her?
I like the outfit, but not for the memorial service. However, I am glad that she dug out a Maria Pinto design out of her closet. Finally!
I think we expect too much from a woman who is not paid to be where she is.
Love the colours in both photos. Love the belt on the dress.
Hey lasgidi girl, nice to find another gidi girl on here.
Im sooooooooo with christina on this......." I'm not really in the mood for generating/absorbing a lot of emotion over a coat and a belt"
I;m actually sitting on the fence for this but strongly leanng towards the for brigade. Not because of what message shes trying to put across but for how fresh and nice she looks.
Love me some Mrs O...and bout her being our new carrie bradshaw....and not loving everything she wears. i think that is so true
Eleroy: "Co-conspirators?" Are we in the middle of some nefarious plot? Can you not separate the woman from the fashion? When are you and others going to get over the fact that you can like the person without liking something she wears? I have not read a personal attack on Mrs. O. for quite some time on this blog. Where are you finding them?
Jerseygirl:
Please keep your one-sided and laughably transparent admonition to yourself. I could care less what you think seeing as "vulgarity" in your book only extends to telling one so deserving to go to hell.
You seem perfectly ok fhowever with posts that disrespect Mrs Obama even when thinly veiled or cast in so-called fashion language. Calling a belt worn by an adult woman who also happens to be the first lady of the United States of America "idiotic" is as insulting as it gets and anybody who fails to see that is insane.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE IN THE NAME OF JESUS, CAN WE JUST STOP BICKERING AND ARGUING OVER WHAT THE FIRST LADY CHOOSES TO WEAR. IT'S ONLY CLOTHES. CLOTHES DO NOT HAVE A SOUL.
WHETHER YOU LIKE HER CLOTHES OR NOT, YOU SHOULD BE FREE TO SAY WHAT YOU LIKE AND KEEP STEPPING.
IF SOMEONE SAYS SOMETHING THAT YOU DON'T LIKE THEN IGNORE IT. IT'S NOT THE END OF THE WORLD. THE INCESSANT BICKERING AND ARGUING IS JUVENILE AND CHILDISH AND I FOR ONE HAVE HAD ENOUGH.
PLEASE STOP IT.
(@Stylishgurl:
"funny how nobody mentioned "RED" shoes worn by the lady beside her." Maybe because this is the site to discuss Mrs O and not the ladies beside her)
Ooh Really! that is weak argument WEAK! we discuss whatever picture that gets selected, it just happens to be the most are only about MrsO. But since you "Anar" are fairly new to this, I'll let it go at that.
Have a nice weekend everyone!
Camille:
The only "insane" one is you!
You are a newbie and are taking a fun site to new heights with your banter.
This was a fun site where opinions were respected and no one bashed each other or Mrs. Obama. That has changed. I will not allow you (or anyone else) to take this site to the negativity that it is slowly becoming. There are plenty of sites for you (or anyone else) to visit to bash each other and use your vulgar language.
I do not like everything that Mrs. Obama wears and I am not going to preface it with "I love her" but.... I also have stated many times that I do not like the belts; but if she likes them, I love them!
You are reading way too much into someone’s posts (maybe you are psychic). You are a fanatic who needs her own website for other like-minded people. You would not post honest critiques, just those that you deem worthy. What a bunch of crock that would be.
So, I take your posts like the empty can, you know the one that makes the loudest noise!
Absoultely love it. She has a similar style of a friend of mine. Never looking or where what the average does. Think its an amazing look. If she didnt wear the belt she would look like everyone else i guess. And possibly not something she wants to do in her fashion and style.
It was raining folks.. why wouldnt she wear boots. I love them.. someone plz tell or suggest a pair like em
Eleroy, I have peeped that out as well. Things that make you go Mmm!?
Ladies..me thinks you are digging a little too deep trying to find excuses for MO's increasing garish wardrobe choices.
I have to say I'm having a blast reading all the "fashion police" postings regarding the "appropriateness" and lack thereof of the First Lady's coat, belt, dres & coat color, low-heeled boots, her smile, her seriousness. Common on people, get a grip!. I realize some of you will never cozy up to her assortment of belts, and since she's not hearing nor feeling you, GEt OVER IT! Afterall, some of us do like her belts. If you don't, so be it, that's life. As for the color of her ensemble, I LOVE IT! Who says you cannot wear teal in the Fall? I guess it's the same "fashion police" who until recently forbade anyone to wear white after Labor Day. That too has been debunked recently. As for her low-heeled boots, for those of you who thought they were "inappropriate", did you not see her and the President pay their respects to the Fallen in Section 60 at Arlington National Cemetary? What would you expect her to wear as she strolled between the graves on this rainy day, a pair of four-inch designer pumps? Common on, let's be practical here. You should know by now that this First Lady dresses for what's practical and comfortable to her, not you. You reserve the right not to like everything thing she wears, but guess what, you're not wearing it, she is, and that's the point. It's not about YOU, it's about HER and how SHE feels about what SHE'S wearing. At no time have I ever seen the First Lady not look comfortable in her own skin, whether she's in formal or informal or day wear. That says something about the person. So therefore, keep in mind that your "tactful" commentary is fine and welcomed. But we can all agree or disagree without being disagreeable. Be good to each other, ladies.
Jerseygirl:
You are hilarious, hilarious. Sorry to disappoint you, but I've been around here a long, long time. From the very start actually. You might want to go read all the way back (hopefully when Mrs T. migrated to this current format our old posts from the start of the original site made it over.)
Unlike you, I've never presumed to know what influences any persons dress style, nor fancied myself a judge of something as personal as style and taste in clothes, so I choose to click and appreciate or shrug, chiming in mostly when the chatter from the overzealous armchair fashion "critics" begins to veer dangerously into the insult and disrespect zone. Lends no less credence to the fact that I remain one of those "longtime" posters you lay claim to even if my contribution consists mostly of serious pushback against those who will use this fashion blog as cover or excuse for their unmitigated digs at, and disrespect of Michelle Obama. So sorry to blow up your sorry and lame attempt at positioning yourself as somehow more "legitimate" or more "valuable" to this site. Sorry love, the pathetic "newbie" thing ain't sticking, but nice try.
I really really don't understand the posters who come on and say " I hate the belt" ... ITS NOT ON YOU... and YOU are not Stacey London LOL..... leave it alone. Know the difference b/w style and fashion. Do your thing and let MRS O do hers. I know other women who love and rock belts the way she does. They look great. I wish I could rock them that way...
Some nice color for a dreary day, but not loving the belt with this outfit. She should go beltless and mix it up more.
Camille:
I guess I never read any of your posts because they didn't give any value to the conversation about fashion.
I have never presumed to know what is in one's head (that is your department since you are psychic) so please do not put words into my mouth!
I do not understand your logic in your second paragraph. You state: Unlike you, I've never presumed to know what influences any persons dress style, nor fancied myself a judge of something as personal as style and taste in clothes, so I choose to click and appreciate or shrug, chiming in mostly when the chatter from the overzealous armchair fashion "critics" begins to veer dangerously into the insult and disrespect zone. Why are you on a fashion blog if you have nothing to offer in terms of a critique? Are you here to harass posters that you claim insult and disrespect Mrs. Obama? Is this what your life consists of? If that is your main goal, you apparently need to check out some of the sites that actually do the above and patrol them. You will not have to try to read between the lines, as the garbage is laid out in perfect English (you also wouldn't have to use your psychic abilities).
You state: So sorry to blow up your sorry and lame attempt at positioning yourself as somehow more "legitimate" or more "valuable" to this site. Sorry love, the pathetic "newbie" thing ain't sticking, but nice try. You are “new” to me (see paragraph one for clarification).
I am not the poster that you tried to bully with your vulgarity (that post has been deleted, wonder why) so don’t get it twisted. I will continue to call you out when I see some of your idiotic posts. Sidebar: we can keep going as long as you want!
Jerseygirl:
I've pretty much made my point and any half-intelligent person who's read my posts would certainly agree. The fact remains that any rude posts about the First Lady of the United States under the guise of "fashion critique" will certainly get the pushback it deserves, even as I like so many others otherwise continue to quietly enjoy this site without much all-knowing fashion commentary, firm in our belief and understanding that this site was designed to celebrate and uplift, not tear down its subject.
So my post was deleted?? Whoopee doo. For someone who never read my posts you're awfully aware of them (if only the good Lord had been a tad more generous in bestowing the gift of comprehension and articulation, might have helped you plenty.) That deleted post of mine which was very clear in its expressed sentiment and anticipated response, actually requested deletion as I'd pretty much made my point.
But how very strange and curious that you would again use the very same offensive trigger word "idiotic" earlier employed by the incredibly rude "victim" of my so-called "bullying" to describe Mrs Obama's belt. Hmmm??
It is clear however that to continue to engage you would be a complete and utter waste of time seeing as your rambling and unintelligibe jargon unfortunately only betrays a desperately warped and marginally literate mind barely able to grasp even the simplest of concepts including the very pertinent point that even if Mrs T. created this site for uncontained and glib fashion commentary on the first lady as you and some claim, most decent participants understand that there are unspoken boundaries dictated by simple decency and respect for the subject of any blog unless of course it was for the purposes of a "hit job" on said subject.
But you of course remain only intent on blathering for the sake of it while lamely attempting to justify, encourage and defend the indefensible: the glaring disrespect of Mrs Obama under the guise of this over used "fashion commentary" excuse.
So blather on little one, my point's been long made and ironically supported by posts such as yours.
Jerseygirl:
I've pretty much made my point and any half-intelligent person who's read my posts would certainly agree. The fact remains that any rude posts about the First Lady of the United States under the guise of "fashion critique" will certainly get the pushback it deserves, even as I like so many others otherwise continue to quietly enjoy this site without much all-knowing fashion commentary, firm in our belief and understanding that this site was designed to celebrate and uplift, not tear down its subject.
So my post was deleted?? Whoopee doo. For someone who never read my posts you're awfully aware of them (if only the good Lord had been a tad more generous in bestowing the gift of comprehension and articulation, might have helped you plenty.) That deleted post of mine which was very clear in its expressed sentiment and anticipated response, actually requested deletion as I'd pretty much made my point.
But how very strange and curious that you would again use the very same offensive trigger word "idiotic" earlier employed by the incredibly rude "victim" of my so-called "bullying" to describe Mrs Obama's belt. Hmmm??
It is clear however that to continue to engage you would be a complete and utter waste of time seeing as your jumbled and unintelligibe jargon unfortunately betrays a desperately warped and marginally literate mind barely able to grasp even the simplest of concepts including the very pertinent point that even if Mrs T. created this site for uncontained and glib fashion commentary on the first lady as you and some claim, most decent participants show restraint understanding that there are unspoken boundaries dictated by simple decency and respect for the subject of the blog (unless of course it was for the purpose of a "hit job" on said subject.)
But you of course remain only intent on blathering for the sake of it while lamely attempting to justify, encourage and defend the indefensible: the disrespect of Mrs Obama by some under the guise of this overused "only fashion critique" excuse.
So blather on little one, my point's been long made and ironically supported by posts such as yours.
Michelle looks gorgeous! Love the color of the coat and the boots :).
Camille:
You state: It is clear however that to continue to engage you would be a complete and utter waste of time seeing as your rambling and unintelligibe jargon unfortunately only betrays a desperately warped and marginally literate mind barely. Dear, the only incoherent rambling seems to be yours. I made my point that even a two year old could understand the contents.
I throw your own word back at you and you can’t take it? Tsk, tsk. I checked to see if Mrs. T agreed that your post was vulgar and removed it. Don’t read more into it than that.
Judging from the times that you are posting, you are probably sleep deprived, hence the complete illogical, repetitious responses that you are writing!
Hi All,
Thanks for directing me to those additional pictures and offering constructive points of view. I'm writing this several days later, so maybe no one is still reading these comments; nonetheless, I wanted to say thanks.
MS