...And to All a Good Night
Thursday, December 3, 2009 at 7:55 PM 
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!
Reader Comments (89)
The economy is tanking and they seem to be living in a different place.
I see the first lady is wearing yet again an ill fitted Built... I will give Michelle this her hair looks great and the coat she is wearing look fabulous. But, the Built underneath makes her body look extremely pear shape in a bad way.
The entire tree lighting ceremony was adorable and the first fam looked like they had a ball. Mrs. O looks like her usual dignified and beautiful self.
I like these pants on her. She seems to look best when her pants are a little wide in the leg.
Serious teabagger, the WhiteHouse Tree ceremony is TRADITION, just because you have a black president and you suddenly started paying attention to TRADITION does not mean these things will cease to occur.
I think Michelle looks great in this ensemble---and even the belt is an asset. Looking pear shaped in a bad way? In THIS photo? I don't think so at all.
And yes, the economy is tanking---as we knew at the time Obama assumed the Presidency. It's a bit like turning around a huge aircraft carrier---can't be done quickly--and certainly not easy when your opponents are not pulling for you.
It would be very bleak if, because of the economy, the White House did not light the Christmas Tree. And, if that happened, there would be criticism.
I love this swing coat!
I see republican trolls have decided to troll on a fashion website. Michelle looks pretty and I LOVE her brown belt. Keep doing you Chelly!!!! He and she cannot breathe, wipe his butt, walk, brush their teeth without people nagging! I lit my Chritmas tree about two weeks ago, I guess I should be depressed because of the economy.
What a wonderful Kodak moment! Everyone looked nice and co-ordinated tonight. I cannot find a single thing wrong with this night, this family and their fashions, nor with The First Family keeping this tradition alive. Come on...let's give criticism, cynicism and pessimism a well deserved rest!
I get what is happening the Republicans what the Obamas to cancel Christmas so they can then whine about them not being Christians. Anger and deceit never take a vacation. I
You cannot be SERIOUS. As far as WH public events go, this one was pretty low cost. This is an 86-year-old American tradition. Can you imagine if the Obamas had chosen to forego it this year?! OMG! The rightwing would have declared it an outrage! They would have accused the Obamas of "declaring a war on Christmas!" Billo the clown, Dumb Beck, and the Manatee would have a field day.
Please keep your pettiness to yourself, SERIOUSly.
I guess I don't understand this argument that since the economy is in the tank, the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES shouldn't engage in traditional American ceremonies, like lighting the National Christmas Tree or decorating the White House for Christmas, or having a state dinner for a major ally who we need on our side as we ramp up a war that directly affects said ally's enemy??
My mother did not grow up with much money, and she says that in retrospect they were dirt poor. But she said they never really knew just how poor at the time, because her parents weren't sulking, talking about "woe is the family," or anything like that. She said she and her siblings were always running around with friends, getting together with family to have big dinners to save money, and always making sure that the few things they had were kept clean and looking good. So she says despite their poverty, she never felt bad and was able to keep positive and work hard and raise herself out of poverty.
I guess my point is that just because we're going through hard times, it doesn't mean we have to wallow in it, and it certainly doesn't mean our president should stop traditional events. Everything they've done has been modest and tasteful. And if you had bothered to watch the event, you would have perhaps felt a little better since it was very positive and full of good old-fashioned Christmas cheer!
Susan 2, don't let get carried away here. Concerns about the Obamas' public persona and policies are not condemnation. Continuing to attack those who are objective will not change the facts that people are greatly concern about what is happening to the economy and the Obamas appear tone deaf. If they don't get their act together 2010 will be a whitewash and he'll be a one term president. The fairy tale had to STOP now!
For instance the State dinner -overshadowed by the party crashers- was a little over the top. With an economy the worse since the depression the Obamas had the most lavish state dinner, with the largest attendee. History making it was! But there comes a point when trying to make history can look a little tone deaf and insensitive. The taxpayers foot that bill when hundreds of thousands went to bed hungry that very night!
Ever ask the question why support is dropping in the poll and people have moved from wishing the Obamas well to wanting them to do well and feel it is not happening. The honeymoon is over and the presidency is not a fairy tale with a king, queen and princess living in a castle and their subjects around them. The presidency is a public office based on won elections to deliver on campaign promises. Emotions and denials don't deliver votes. Actions and a sense of seriousness and empathy do!
In case you need to know I knocked on doors in many states for the Obamas, phone bank and gave financial contributions. So I am not hater. I am a supporter who want the best for them and know that because they hold public office I have to hold them accountable.
@Serious
Are you out of a job, I hope not because I am and I thoroughly enjoyed watching the First Family tonight.
Notice how the trolls always seem to post first, like they are waiting to pounce. With knocking friends like you, Serious, who needs enemies. This is a fashion blog, go to Free Republic or Beck's website and cast your net there.
Dear All, I understand the reaction, but it's not worth getting upset over. Let's move on, and celebrate that Mrs. O is part of this wonderful tradition!
Whatever your political views, we know there is a time and place for everything. Is this really the place? A fashion blog? Maybe I'm missing something, but it seems that an Op-Ed column in a newspaper might serve some better than this particular forum. This site really is fun...or it should be, even in these perilous times. Just food for thought.
Serious:
I think you'll see in this article from the AP (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h1Hgs1piFy0PaCzZHpD4JZKJdhEgD9CBCQ6G0 ) that the Obamas made an effort to be understated this year--using recycled ornaments, using garland in places that traditionally had a tree, and even recycling dried hydrageas from previous White House floral arrangements and using it as decoration. On the website Obamafoodorama the author there even claimed that dried vegetables from Michelle's garden were used as decoration.
Even the theme: "reflect, rejoice, renew" along with the Obama's commitment to emphasizing community service and food banks I think is done, not only because it's a good message at any time, but particularly timely with the state everything is in.
I understand your criticism, but the Obamas are in a tough place and you obviously can't make everyone happy. But, I think they are handling things with sensitivity to a lot of the issues you raise.
And, as far as things like State dinners...the Obamas have planned fewer state dinners than previous administrations. We'll see if they keep to that, but I think that's relevant to mention.
BUT...as this is supposed to be a fashion blog, I just want to say that Michelle, as usual, just looks glowing! I can't believe she can pull off so many colors--what a gorgeous skin tone!
Sorry Mrs. T - you can delete my comment, I just saw yours after I posted my second one, and I agree. I shouldn't have taken things so "serious"ly.
I agree Mrs. T, let's
Does anyone here knit? A few years ago I made myself a hat much like the ones the little girls are wearing. This may have inspired a new holiday knitting project...
I just love Jordan Sparks' BELT!!! http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Michelle-Obama/ss/events/pl/050108michelleobama;_ylt=AkhPYeGuBZWxQNs_iaaSyDLBaMYA
Just a suggestion but Poltical BS has NO PLACE on this site. Serious go back to BeckLand and call for the BLACK president to cancel YOUR Christmas. This is TRADITION a tradition that brings TOURIST dollars into DC. Surely you are your ILK would not be against COMMERCE!!
Mrs T, I knit and those hats would be a great project. Too bad I live in CA, but it gets cold her at night. Shelly
Is Mrs. O wearing black or brown? The color seems to change from photo to photo.
Mrs.T. the first lady belt is a McQueen.fall 2006 ready-to-wear.
and Tia there is nothing wrong with being pear shape.she looks fabs and the girls too.glad to see her mother there too.
Yes it's no secret the economy is in the tank. But As Mrs. T said, this is not the forum. Mrs. O does not look the best tonight, tired, mostly. Her hair is up as usually, all the processing, good to give it a rest. Nice combo with daughter in a black jacket and mom in the white jacket. What a great collar on the First Grandma's jacket, just beautiful. I must have.
The best moment was Grandma and her dashing jacket. Sasha has her Grandma's happy eyes.
@ Chystelle, do you have a link you could direct me to? I just looked at the Fall 2006 collection and didn't recognize the belt. Thanks!
Mrs. T go in Yahoo search engine, type in alexander mcqueen 2006, click on the link for style.com and you'll see it on the slideshow. It's look # 13 and 14. It might be an easier way, but that's how I got to it!
Kara, thanks for that information. I just want to point out one bit of misinformation SERIOUS claimed in her second post: "With an economy the worse since the depression the Obamas had the most lavish state dinner, with the largest attendee. History making it was!"
The Obamas had roughly 320 guests.
The Clintons:
"September 2000: Clinton toasted a renewed U.S.-India friendship at the largest dinner of his presidency honoring one person, Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Nearly 700 people ate in a tent on the South Lawn, beneath crystal chandeliers at tables decorated with hydrangeas, cream china and gold candles. Their feast included a main course of wild Copper river salmon with red kuri squash and rice bean ragout. Dessert included mango and banner lotus, litchis and raspberry sauce, honey almond squares and chocolate coconut bars."
i'm not computer savvy.but goes to style.com and click on Alexander McQueen name. it links to his collections throughout the years and click on 2006 fall collection.the picture number 13 shows the same belt as what the first lady is wearing.
uhm....I think none of you realize what the trolls are really criticizing here it is not the cost so much that is bother them...If it was they would have hung Bush out to dry last year for celebrating Christmas while the Econmy and war raged on...These people don't like the Obamas at all....Thus, they will nit pick on every thing he says, wears and does that have nothing to do with policy issues...
For heaven sakes!!!!, The dislike for this man has now spilled over on a clothing blog....lol Trolls please get it together this not a policy issue driven blog move along now...
@ Serious,
After reading your initial posting chastising the First Family for having the audacity to celebrate the Holidays by lighting the National Christmas Tree, I had decided to ignore your comment even though I thought it was ridiculous and had no basis in fact, but then you followed it up with another even more outrageous commentary. Let's be real here. What's your real problem? Now I realize that the times we are living in are very trying and frustrating for some, maybe even worse for others, especially during the Holidays. But for you to make the categorical statement that The Obamas are "tone deaf" to what's happening to many Americans in this economy is just ludicrous. First of all, your commentary is riddled with inaccuracies. The State Dinner is paid for by the State Department not the White House. The White House is just the venue or stage in which the craft of diplomacy and protocol is executed to demonstrate to key strategic, political and economic allies, like India, how seriously we value their friendship and commitment to mutually beneficial outcomes. The United States need more allies like India, who are willing to work with us to help find solutions to some of the most vexing global problems today, all of which pre-dates The Obamas arrival in the White House. You need to get out from the fog you're in to realize that if not for the POTUS's (as well as the SOS's) adept handling of international diplomacy and fence-mending since he came into office is what has allowed for the great improvement in the image of the U.S. around the world, so much so that other nations who had been at odds with us have begun to look to us to lead once more. Mind you, that was no easy task, because after 8 years of mismanagement and arrogance, the reputation of the U.S. was near in the toilet internationally. When you add the fact that the recent collapse of the financial markets originated in the U.S. as a result of mismanagement, greed and lack of oversight by the Bush Administration, it's no wonder that the rest of the world held the U.S. responsible and in low esteem. The current unemployment is a direct consequence of this mismanagement. The fact that POTUS has been able to turn that negative trend around in less than one year to the point that most of these countries are now willing to embark on new bilateral agreements with us should be applauded. Instead you want to denigrate it. Could it be that you are assessing the situation from a very narrow lens and are unwillling to look at the broader picture. As the Prime Minister said in his toast at the State Dinner, the billion plus citizens of India greatly appreciate the hospitallity and friendship demonstrated by The Obamas and the U.S. during their visit. That's diplomacy, and believe this, the rest of the world is watching. Now when it comes to the llighting of the Christmas Tree, what is so pretentious about that? Are we to assume that you plan to cancel Christmas this year at your house? Or should we expect that you do what most people will be doing, igiving thanks for life, health, family and friends and asking for God's blessings in the New Year. As the POTUS has said repeatedly, we've been through worse periods in our history and have managed to weather the storms. This too shall pass if we come together, tighten our belts and help each other as we've always done when times are hard. What I admire most about the POTUS is that despite the fact that he is not the architect of this economic disaster that we are now just beginning to claw ourselves out of, he's doing everything in his power to find solutions to these vexing economic problems on one hand while trying to bring a badly mismanaged war to a conclusion that leaves us more secure and to assist India and Pakistan to further secure their nuclear arcenal, which by the way, is also in our national interest. Finally, on the night he won the election the President-elect let it be known that the course we take to get ourselves out of this mess will be steep, that there will be false starts along the way, but that we as a people will get there because we've done it before and emerged a stronger nation in the process. So "Serious", you may choose to be pessimistic and willing cast blame around indiscriminately if it makes you feel better about yourself. Many of us choose instead to extend a helping hand to family, friends and neighbors, especially during this holiday season, but equally as important to find ways to be of service to others in our respective communities. That is what it means to be a good neighbor and a good citizen. Now do your part and stop wining!
More photos @:
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/White-House-Christmas-Tree/ss/events/pl/112809whxmastree#photoViewer=/091204/ids_photos_ts/r3875627657.jpg
@ Mrs. T,
She is actually wearing brown.... I watched it and everything on her was different shades of brown with the same brown bellt she wore at the breast cancer awareness program at the whitehouse.
But she looks fab and I love the hair....
They look great! Love the coat! I'm liking her hairstyle. Very First Lady-ish!
I loved the coat and her hair. I believe the first lady is wearing all brown because I watched it as well and it looked brown to me.
I hate being a sap, but you can't deny the love between these two people.
Here is the pic (I tried to link but it wouldn't highlight and I just got tired)
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Malia-and-Sasha-Obama/ss/events/pl/011609obamagirls#photoViewer=/091203/ids_photos_ts/r926411310.jpg
Nothing sappy about it, Nyon, it's a great picture. And TBG is back!!
That sure is TBG!! I didn't even notice.
His other fans must already be asleep, or they would have noticed too!
Mrs. O looks like a vogue model. I feel like I have just turned the pages
and saw a CLASSY STYLISH VOGUE MODEL, MALIA'S COAT BLENDS IN
NICELY WITH HER OUTFIT, FITTING FOR THE SEASON. The President also
waving, in his tailored suit, great match with Mrs. O's outfit - Poetry is being made.
Look at the smiles and the warmth they transcend to the American People and the world.
Oh.... this is indeed a great moment to be experiencing. I love it. Go Mrs Robinson. I am
falling asleep. Just got home, so will have to read your notes tomorrow.
I haven't posted in a while...Michelle is still her beautiful and elegant self. But she, as I foresaw and posted right here on this site months ago-is being ill served by one Ms. Rogers-her so called friend. The Obama's First state dinner will go down in history as a disaster. Anybody should have been able to have seen the disaster that was coming with this woman as social secretary. She doesn't have the Washington experience or know how to deal with such a job. And many problems are coming to pass-and it's causing ripples still to be seen-now the India-U.S. 2010 American Polo Cup championship is canceled because of this P.R. disaster. I know the S.S. have primary responsibility for security-but Ms. Rogers was informed by the previous gate keeper of the protocol for having someone at the gate to supplement them in case the list had left of or included someone and it needed clarification by the social office. This could have ended much worse-the President, FLOTUS, and Indian PM and his wife could have been hurt or worse. Can't be brushed away. Now Washington D.C. loses the Cup 2010-that was a coup that would have brought many much needed resources and tourism to a city that needs it. All because you have a social secretary that wants as much (or more) attention as the First Lady. She's seen in just as many photos with the President & FLOTUS as Malia and Sasha, check out Yahoo and Getty if you don't believe me. No other Social Secretary has ever promoted herself as much as Ms. Rogers. Michelle-stop being so nice-you're being usurped in your position as the First Lady. NEVER allow a woman like Ms. Rogers to dictate conditions/rules in YOUR home. Be careful. Hope you allow my comment to be seen-it's offered with the best intention-I know Mrs. Obama or her people read this site.
Georgeous family, beautiful spirit~ Merry Christmas everyone!
Nice retro 60's look but honestly, at first glance I thought the belt was an embellishment on her t-shirt, it was placed so high! Yikes!
It would be nice if people stuck to fashion commentary on this site. Let's honor Mrs. T's hard work and wishes and do that, please.
I watched this online last night and I enjoyed everything. I made me want to get out the mulled wine and mince pies !!!!! I could smell Christmas through my computer monitor.
Mrs O looked lovely as always. Her whole emsemble was smart and appropriate for the occassion. I liked the President's speech, the performers, Mrs O's storytelling. I also love the way Mr & Mrs O manage to steal those romantic looks, that kills me every time.
Happy to see the national Christmas tree from my home state thriving after more than 30 years in DC. Thank Jimmy Carter for the living Christmas tree. I think the WH has also done something with the lights to reduce energy consumption.
Re Serious concerns, I have my fingers crossed the Obamas will not go to Hawaii this year as is being rumored (23 Dec.-2 Jan.). Even though it's his home, maybe they should do something more modest in recognition of hard times
I am in total agreement with you, Mrs. T. I sure wish that I was a child in the White House this holiday season...what fun!
I think Mrs. O.'s swing coat with the funnel neck is gorgeous. I just wish she would button her coats, because they are beautiful and would look even better buttoned.
As far as Mia Monte's comment about the President not being able to "wipe his butt" "without comment".....totally disgusting and disrespectful. Could we please keep this site on a higher level?
So chic.
She's a sweetheart, isn't she?
Michelle's outfit clearly looks like a chocolate brown...and it is stunning. Is is the coloring in the photo that is off?
It might be that Michelle chose to wear a darker color so that the adorable little children's knit hats, mittens, scarves and fleece jackets 'pop' onstage.
Yeah Serious like not carrying on a Christmas Tradition that dates since Coolidge is really going to help the economy. Fact the Obama's used decorations from past administrations, along with energy efficient light bulbs that used half the amount of electricity of last years display. Obama also held a jobs forum yesterday at the White House to get new ideas and see which ones can be implemented quickly and which ones can be added to legislation that is in Congress. There is also a report that 11 states have come out of recession. The fact is Bush handed Obama a terrible economy and due to Obama's hard work it is not as bad as it could have been and is turning around. I really don't under why people can't respect that this is not a political board there are many places where they can go and freely discuss the economy and the President no matter their political persuasion. To get back on topic the entire Obama family looks great and like they are enjoying the traditions that come with being First Family.