A Banner Day for Women
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 3:26 PM 
Photo credit: Pete Souza / The White House First Lady Mrs. O made a public appearance at the White House this afternoon as President Mr. O signed an Executive Order creating the White House Council on Women and Girls. The council will "ensure there is always an eye kept on how every government agency is addressing the challenges confronted by women of all ages." The President spoke of Mrs. O in his remarks before signing the Executive Order, sharing:
"I've seen Michelle, the rock of the Obama family, juggling work and parenting with more skill and grace than anybody that I know. But I also saw how it tore at her at times, how sometimes when she was with the girls she was worrying about work, and when she was at work she was worrying about the girls. It's a feeling that I share every day."
Mrs. O looked stunning in monochromatic purple, wearing a Zero + Maria Cornejo jacket over a purple dress with a purple satin bow pinned at the center of the neckline. The bow added girlish charm to the ensemble, a nice balance to the refined, womanly lines of the suit. We must say, we are delighted to see the bow back in the mix. It's a signature Mrs. O accessory that we haven't seen for several months, notably last worn for the More magazine cover in October and the first Presidential debate. Black patent leather kitten heels completed the ensemble. 
Photo credit: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images Later in the day, Mrs. O joined Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the State Department to honor recipients of the Award for International Women of Courage. The award recognizes the courage and leadership of women leaders in their struggle for human rights and justice. Additional images from the event, including Mrs. O with Secretary of State Clinton and the award recipients, can be seen here and here. Update: Watch a video from the State Department event after the jump.
Zero + Maria Cornejo in Outfits
Reader Comments (118)
I don't understand the "no hose" trend, either. What is attractive about goosebumps on legs, and sticky, sweaty feet with blisters caused by leather rubbing on bare skin?
Now to the "no-hose"... my view is that to be appropriately dressed for official functions, hose should be a 'must'.
Great colour but not liking the bow so much where it is. Maybe I would prefer it at the waist closure of the jacket?
Anyway I think the shoes are lovely - Jimmy Choo? Maybe it's more a question of comfort in choosing the heel height.
Perhaps the no hose look is regional--or even a big city vs. small town trend. I don't know. I do know that no professional women in Dallas have worn stockings (that's what we call them) in 5 or 6 years! I don't know how that trend started--but evidently it is evident in Chicago as well. Stockings are considered frumpy and out of date where I live. I agree with those who think women look better in them than without.
Michelle at Fort Bragg in classic black with one of her favorite belts:
http://www.daylife.com/photo/0dUO6QmeB7ecf/Michelle_Obama
I like the purple outfit. I dislike the little-girl-like bow...an unusual piece of jewelry would have been better. I dislike bare legs for the most part, but I like bare arms. And I like heels, high or high-ish ones. Heels serve a purpose--they tilt a woman just right so that her ankles, legs, and backside are appealing.
Here is Mrs. O from today. She looks comfortable, casual and chic! http://www.daylife.com/photo/0cDw0hx3Sc39W/Michelle_
Such caring and compassion... no matter what she's wearing, that is her best accessory!
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/85397892/AFP
Her legs look just fine without nylons/hose/stockings. I thought the ones she wore on Inauguration Day were off colour and made her legs look greyish? I think for her they need to be super sheer to add sheen rather than any colour for day (optional according to season) or evening (a MUST in my book).
The bow on the cover of More, at a rakish angle on a contrasting dress, was attractive. On the purple dress directly under her chin it's just "purple? I got your purple right here", goofy. A pin-on bow is not an accessory. It's the left over trim from a little gir's easter dress.
The BOW Poll...
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/12/michelle-obama-brings-the_n_174270.html
Loved the outfit, but hated the bow,and as far as the shoes go I don't even look past her ankles anymore because I know I will be disappointed.
What a wonderful video clip. All those ladies are very inspiring and i actually teared up when the last speaker gave her speech. just amazing.
I liked when Mrs. Obama and Secretary Clinton were holding hands. It was very sweet.
I'm in the crowd that likes the color, appreciates the nice cut of the suite but hates the palcement of the bow. Off to the side would seem to have been better. Great, great color though.
The program at the State Department was wonderful. This site is becoming a guilty pleasure for me. By following the daily activities of Michelle Obama, I am becoming more informed about the tone and tenor of this administration and the vital role of the First Lady. My wardrobe is extremely conservative, however, I am now inspired to add some punches of color and whimsy! By the way, I love that bow.
This was a really perfect look for this event...On television she looked absolutely lovely and spot on as she approached the podium to speak...The color was so rich, yet not overpowering...and the clean silhouette really worked-
And like Mrs T., I too thought the centered bow was such a lovely feminine touch and actually made what might have being an ordinary look that much special and sweet;
It was really lovely...
Have to agree that the colour is the only great thing about this outfit. The style is boring and matronly and the bow and shoes are just horrible.I am in the same demographic as your usually ultra stylish First Lady and it's not an outfit I would want to wear at all.
I think she looks amazing here. Nice touch with the bow. She always manages to look elegant.