Charming, Chic, Classic Mrs. O
Friday, February 20, 2009 at 2:09 PM 
Photo by Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images
First Lady Mrs. O spoke at the Department of Transportation this afternoon, and we have an early report thanks to meta:
"The First Lady just appeared before the Department of Transportation and she looked really beautiful. Her remarks were very warm and gracious. She’s wearing what looks like a large pattern houndstooth short bolero jacket with a large gorgeous pin over a black turtleneck dress - crisp and chic. Her hair is swept up in a low twist. She looks terrific."
By the description, it sounds like Mrs. O's bolero might be this jacket from Peter Soronen. Update: Wow o wow, we are loving everything about this look - the Peter Soronen jacket, the soft updo, the pearl metallic bead cluster brooch (also worn the Kennedy Center). The more we study this ensemble, the more we adore it. Mrs. O's jacket and pin bring an unexpected mix of pattern, texture and proportion, while her black turtleneck and trousers serve as the perfect, pared down backdrop. Mrs. O's updo gives the overall look an easy, feminine sophistication. As a side note, we believe the last time we saw Mrs. O with her hair swept up was on the second night of the DNC in August, when she was also wearing Peter Soronen - one of our all-time favorite Mrs. O looks. The White House has released First Lady Mrs. O's remarks from her visit today, a few of which are included below:
"As you have heard, I have taken on what I think is the fun task of coming to every department in Washington -- because I want to meet my new neighbors -- learn more about the community, get to know our co-workers, every one who's going to be standing side by side with us over this wonderful journey that we're on."
"But it's important as a reminder to let people know that the nation's business is carried out by all of you, dedicated public servants like the folks standing behind me, all of you here, who have devoted their careers, who have been doing this work for decades. So my job is simple: I'm here to say thank you. Thank you."
Peter Soronen in Outfits
Reader Comments (89)
I think the issue about her hair is just speculation. Some people wondering how great she would look with this hairdo or that. It's just fun talk. I didn't note anything else in the mention of natural hair. I think some of the people who post here read something extra into some of the posts.
I'm a huge Obama/Michelle supporter. However, a few times when I did not care for a particular outfit and said so here--other posters acted like it was not ok to state an opinion.
I like most of her outfits--but not all of them--and if I can't say so---what's the point?
I also agree that recycling is the wrong word. Try looking at it as utilizing her wardrobe and showing us how versatile it is.
Michelle was earning approximately $275,000, and had recently received a raise, when her husband decided to run for president. She then went on unpaid leave from the U of C Hospitals (and, considering their recent unpleasant publicity, is probably very glad she's no longer there) to campaign. She also earned money from her service on corporate boards.
He would have earned about $175,000 as a U.S. Senator.
However, in the last couple of years, they've had substantial additional income from his book royalties. Their 2006 tax returns showed an adjusted gross income of over $900,000, and the year before that it was over $1.6 million.
Susan, I see no reason that you shouldn't say you don't like something. I believe this blog is to discuss Mrs. Obama's fashion choices, and discussion includes disagreement (though naturally our disagreements should always be polite).
Yes, the pink lipstick is back. I swear I am going to go get some today. Her makeup in the houndstooth photo looks almost nonexistent, but she looks so put together - that is the fine art of good makeup, you don't see the "makeup", but a beautiful person.
Raisin - I liked your post, thanks.
I like to hear about when people don't like something and why. I sort of see Michelle as public art displaying fashion, body form, motherhood, loving wifeness, and community. Discussion of art can include criticism. As long as we are polite.
My point is that even though I am huge Michelle supporter--and even though all my comments were very polite and only about clothing styles---I was criticized as if it was not ok to say I didn't think a particular dress was flattering or attractive. In fact, I feel like I have to state in every post that I support the Obamas. I understand about naysayers---but if the comment is just about clothing and polite and specific---please don't make a fuss about it. That's what I am trying to communicate here.
There's been quite a few first ladies since Jackie Kennedy. There have also been quite a few changes in style since the early 1960s. I would say that, in general, American dress has become much less formal, and of course, Mrs. O. would be influenced by that. So the idea of not wanting to be photographed twice in an outfit wouldn't really be a part of her style "vocabulary," any more than it would be a part of mine or anyone else who posts here. I'm sure Laura B. wore outfits more than once as well -- I certainly hope she did!
The Obamas can't accept gifts of free clothes. There are strict rules on the acceptance of gifts.
I'm sure Mrs. O *has* purchased a lot of new things, just like other people who find themselves thrust into the media spotlight. All of the pre-inauguration ensembles seemed new. I just find it pretty normal and not that noteworthy that she would wear these lovely pieces more than once. I expect to see all of them again in some fashion, except for the inaugural day outfits. I will be very interested to see how she mixes and matches them.
Anyway, I don't want to take up too much space on this. It's not that this makes me angry or anything, I just never thought of the fact that I have a wardrobe and wear pieces many many times could be considered "recycling." But I think we all generally that she's an exciting style icon. (I would say "fashion icon," but it's more than fashion)
Thanks Allison for the compliment, I gave it some thought and wrote from the heart. I am actually considering starting my own witty blog.
To Susan: There was an influx not too long ago of people on this board who clearly had a problem with Michelle Obama that went beyond her style choices. And you don't have to go too far to find mainstream news sites that say some of the ugliest things about Michelle that you can imagine -- I mean, really nasty stuff. In fact, if you read the comments of pretty much any news site, if it's a story about Michelle you are sure to find someone calling her classless, ugly...I've seen her called Michelle "Shaniqua" Obama, I've seen her called an ungrateful affirmative action hire, I've seen references to her appearance and gorillas and monkeys...
Perhaps that has made other posters here jumpy and overly responsive to people who offer criticism. It shouldn't be that way. Of course normal criticism is completely valid, whether you support the Obamas or not, or all her wardrobe choices or not.
It's just that I don't want this to be another place for people to let their inner racist roam free. NOT that you were doing that.
Believe me, Christiana--I understand what you are saying. I used to post on a political message board--but have stopped posting because of the ugly vitriol there.
I just wanted to make sure that it is ok to say, that dress doesn't do her justice. Or, this is not one of my favorite looks for Michelle.
I love this site--but if every comment is a gushy, "I love it!", it will lose its appeal.
I agree.
Thank you so much Christina for writing your post; I was bumbling along here trying to think of a way to reassure Susan about her feeling that she has to watch how she expresses her views. Susan was not offensive in my opinion.
But there are a few posters I have read who like to needle in subliminal or not so covert remarks that are untoward, and that is in my opinion not okay. I think Mrs. T has done a great job by setting a standard, and I like that fact that we can count on coming here to exchange ideas in a civil and respectful manner.
This site is a welcome haven from the nastiness that is out there on the internet. Mrs. T is very vigilant about maintaining a high standard by making it clear that the haters are not welcome. As long as we can disagree without being disagreeable, I find that the various points of view are enriching. How utterly boring it would be if we all saw things the same way!
I really appreciate the overall quality, enthusiasm and articulateness of my fellow posters.
Ok, I'm glad you all agree with me. I think Michelle is striking and beautiful. My comments will be aimed at considering what makes he look the most beautiful---in my opinion--which may differ from others.
I LOVED her in the dress she wore to give her speech at the Democratic Convention last summer. I also loved her in the camel coat with black on inauguration weekend.
I also like to see her in brighter lipsticks. I think it highlights her face and makes her look great. The pale pink may be a current look, but I don't think it's as flattering.
Thanks ladies for your affirmative comments.
We're going to have a new outfit to see soon, so let's be on the lookout for pictures.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/sweet/1443091,CST-NWS-eastwing22.article
This article is describing Mrs. O's role, thus far, and gives us some insight into this Sunday's governor's event. The event should be fun! That means, hopefully, her outfit will be fun to look at, and discuss.
Happy Saturday everyone! Can't wait for tomorrow night - the Oscars, plus the Governor's Dinner at the White House with Earth, Wind and Fire.
Mrs. T:
Thank you for this blog and your industry in finding and sharing the fashion info and style of Mrs. O. The First Lady has certainly proven to be a "hot" topic in all her public endeavors and presentations. All this has made your job even more difficult than it started out to be. I appreciate you and those who make it possible for me and others to daily read all the marvelous blogs and comments.
Is it possible to limit some input from the same daily bloggers? They are certainly entitled to their views and opinions; but the repetition and back and forth in comments leads me to wonder if this is somewhat selfish and thus diminishing the flow and input we all look forward to.
Is it possible to curtail the number of comments on each blog by the same viewer? Better still, can these familiar people be given the Email addresses of those they wish to communicate with? rather than bore the rest of us with how bright and intelligent they wish to be.
Please keep up the good work and may the high caliber of your product continue. We all cannot agree and should not, but I do so favor that comments be given in a manner that no one's feelings are hurt. Mrs. O. has shown us a powerful visual, as well as oral example of how to truly be a real person to emulate. Isn't all about her, anyway?
I can't wait to see what she wears to the Governors' Dinner tomorrow night. I hope it's fitted.
Great 70s and 80s videos of Earth Wind and Fire...that'll be a great party!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/20/earth-wind-and-fire-to-pe_n_168698.html
More photos of Michelle at the DOT
http://thisweekwithbarackobama.blogspot.com/2009/02/flotus-michelle-obama-at-dot-pictures.html
Though I do not post often, I am opposed to the idea presented by BOOMAMA. If the same folks are adding new information each time that they post, I don't see why they should be restricted to the number of posts they can make. I don't see the back and forth in comments as being "selfish" or as in any way, "diminishing the flow and input we all look forward to." Rather, I see it as enthusiasm for the classiness that this site is. I am sure (or at least hope) that the people posting here realize that this is not a chat room or IM and would therefore restrict their focused back-and-forth conversations. In the end, as long as the comments are focused on the specific entry and deals with the fashion, I don't care how often they post.
I just discovered this photo of her. I've never seen her hair like this:
http://media.rd.com/rd/images/rdc/mag0810/michelle-obama-01-af.jpg
@ dlev - I don't think that hairdo suits her. I like her with an updo for its elegance and sort of catwalk look. I also like her hair with some fullness around the face, such as the style she wore to the National Day of Prayer- i think it has a softening, v flattering effect.
What hair?? Look at those ARMS! Wow, talk about toned. With arms like that, bring on the sleeveless!
Seriously now on the hair, it's too much like a 90's real estate photo in an ad. I much prefer the more current looks on her.
Well put Orleanas...
I don't see why limitations should be placed on the frequency of contribution as long as everyone is playing by the rules of courtesy and has something interesting to say each time. I also think that the line "rather than bore the rest of us with how bright and intelligent they wish to be" is offensive. How does that fit the guideline of offering comments "in a manner that no one’s feelings are hurt"? No one is required to read every comment, and we have to expect that we won't agree with everyone, but responses should always be courteous.
re: arms- yes they are great. She keeps very fit apparently which is also why she looks so much younger than 45. V refreshing approach in this age of plastic surgery
I think the first lady has a lot of help managing her white house closet from the valets and staff available to her. She has help with pressing, cleaning, tailoring, shoes etc. Without taking anything away from her sense of fashion, she now has help looking great day after day in her new role.
I just read an article in the NY Daily News about MO new up-sweep hairstyle and this site was mentioned. This is my first time on such a site. What is this called, blogging? I am not on the internet super highway, I'm on a dirt road!
I have enjoyed reading all 77 entries about this outfit. It is very nice, however, I have lost time so I would like to give you guys my favorites: red suit on the stump this past summer she looked amazing!!,the black suit,the yellow on a Jay Leno,black and white dress on The View, loved the camel and black on inauguation weekend, the lemongrass on the big day and she looked so beautiful in the white goan at the balls. It is a pleasure to see her, although a little conservative for me, she looks GREAT.
Love Mre. O!!!!!
I really like thefashionspot's coverage on Michelle Obama's Style (apologies if someone has already added this link)
http://www.thefashionspot.com/forums/f50/michelle-obama-71565-84.html
Lets support Mrs T and her team here at MRSO for their incredible work and uphold their high standards in offering a constructive insight into Michelle Obama's style.
Below is a link to the Daily News article that contains a quote from our very own Mrs. T
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/02/20/2009-02-20_first_lady_michelle_obama_debuts_new_hai.html
Perhaps Malia and Sasha are waiting for their dog or dogs to arrive! I sure couldn't wait (even as an adult) for as long as the Obama girls have been waiting. :)
Heads up, people!!
At 4 p.m. today, Michelle will be on CSPAN going over the preparations for tonights Governors' Dinner!!
Nyro-
I just looked on the CSPAN dot org TV schedule and it doesn't list that... where did you read that Michelle was going to be on live at 4pm? Maybe they are taping it and showing it at a later date? I do know that Michelle and Desiree are scheduled to go over the menu at 4pm - but haven't seen that it was supposed to be televised. Please give us some more info, thanks :)
My bad. It's being taped.
I would love to see Mrs. O go natural and most likely she is already. This will defintely be the icing on the cake! Go Michelle!!!!!!!
Leah DeMarco:
I was not suggesting that she "blow" all of her money on clothes. I was just clarifying a fact that they are not "poor" either. Remember, Nancy Reagan wasn't rolling in dough (their friends bought the house in CA for them). How she afforded her outfits is anyone's guess.
It's been reported as a blouse and skirt.
I think it is all wrong. It's a wonderful color, it looks great on her but it was not a cocktail party, it was a very important speech.
I think a nice suit would have been far better. A well done suit does not have to be boring if chosen correctly.
Dr. Jill Biden killed it, she looked fresh and smashing in the color and style she choose.
A slight correction...
choose=chose
Michelle Shaniqua Obama has inherent ghetto flair that appeals to the lowest common denominator.