An Encore Perhaps?
Friday, March 27, 2009 at 10:13 PM By request, we thought we'd revisit two popular ensembles that Mrs-O.org readers would like to see the First Lady wear again. The first, a Maria Pinto coral-red silk crepe sheath dress worn by Mrs. O to the White House a few days following the election. The dress features three-quarter sleeves, an empire waist and a high neckline with a burst of sunray pleats emanating from the collar. 
Photo courtesy of the White House/ Chris Greenberg The second ensemble is a striking black and camel skirt and coat combination designed by Narciso Rodriguez, which Mrs. O wore for the "We Are One" celebration at the Lincoln Memorial during the Inauguration. At the time Booth Moore, Fashion Critic for the L.A. Times, described the look as "strong, elegant, and above all, modern." 
Image via Flickr user Presidential Inaugural Committee / Creative Commons Let's discuss. What other looks or accessories would you like to see make a second appearance? (Personally, we would love to see one of those fanastic feathery pins by Carolyn Rosenberg resurface soon.)
Maria Pinto, Narciso Rodriguez in Outfits
Reader Comments (88)
Definitely the Lincoln Memorial outfit! And also the purple Maria Pinto dress with the pearls! My two favourite outfits of all time!!!
There would be no issue at all with Mrs O recycling for a foreign tour. I think we're all agreed that there's no actual need for a new outfit for every appearance. However, if Mrs O feels it's appropriate to wear new things, then she will. I'm pretty sure the Queen won't be wearing a whole new wardrobe for the event! Michelle will look good, whatever she's got on. I just hope they're ready for changeable weather!!! Freezing, baking, wet, windy... we got 'em all at the moment!
It's worth remembering that this is not a State visit. The President is here for the G20 summit, not as a guest of the Queen. His meeting with her is therefore classed as informal. The most formal bit will be the G20 dinner, where all 20 nation's leaders and their spouses will be present at 10 Downing Street. This would be a black tie dinner, not the full State banquet with white tie and orders.
Uncle Tarquin, I hope your comment is a joke.
Anyways, so the trip is here! I just found this little roundup of the itinerary on an MSNBC blog, for those curious.
"On Tuesday, the president travels to London for the G-20 conference. He’ll remain there Wednesday and Thursday, holding bilaterals with the leaders of Britain, China, and Russia. (By the way, is there a more important meeting he's having than with China's Hu?) On Friday and Saturday, he’ll be in France and Germany (where he will meet with Sarkozy and Merkel, give a speech, and attend a NATO conference). On Saturday and Sunday, he’ll be in the Czech Republic (where he will hold a summit with the European Union and give a major speech on proliferation). And on Monday, he’ll be in Turkey."
Monday, before the Turkey leg, is when Mrs. O is returning. Also, I read in another article that while in London she will visit a local school and I think the prime minister's wife is giving her a tour of the city as well. So she will definitely have some time for solo diplomatic work.
Great scouting reports. I'll be linking into the British papers these next few days!
Interesting! Mrs. O returns all the way to the US on Air Force One before the President gets back? Turkey is a spectacular country so rich in culture, foods and couture.
@MRMR
I was reading last week that Mrs. O wanted to be back for the girls going to school on Monday and even with grandma there, she didn't want to be away that long from the girls. I know on the campaign trail, she never even wanted to stay away for more than a couple of days from the girls.
Also read that Mrs. O wanted to be able to travel to other countries in the summer months of years to come, when the girls are off school to expose them to other cultures.
MRS. O'BAMA LOOKS VERY SLEEK IN ANYTHING SHE DECIDES TO WEAR. IT'S NICE TO SEE A FIRST LADY WEARING CLOTHES SHE FEELS COMFORTABLE IN AND NOT THOSE FLASHY DESIGNERS DRESSES!
My two cents: In the red dress, Michelle looks hot! (And I say that as a very straight woman.) I also love the black and camel-colored outfit. It is a classic look and she wears it well.
i'd love to see her teal DNC sheath again. actually i'd love to see almost all of her DNC outfits again, she looked fabulous that week.
Where has Mrs. O been this last week or so?
I now see their is another Ann. I know Mrs. O has been at Camp David with her girls for spring break.
I saw on a CNN clip today the first family returning to DC.
She has a wonderful black purse/tote. Does anyone know the brand or store? I love big purses.
@MRMR...Air Force One always stays with the President! The US Govt. has other aircraft that can accommodate Mrs. O.
@Posh Tater...We are counting on you for some good insight!
I only have a few requests of what Mrs. O should and should not do.
She should wear fitted clothes. Particularly clothing that is fitted at the waist and she needs a good structured shoulder. No schlumpy sweaters. Jackets and tops with good shoulder lines. Not shoulder pads necessarily, but strong shoulder lines.
She shouldn't wear dark makeup. The lighter makeup and the pink lip gloss looks amazing on her. She should do that. No dark eyes and lips and cheeks. That look makes her look sad and tired. Bright shimmery makeup is what looks best on her.
No flats with dresses. She's a glamazon and shouldn't worry about towering over the other First Spouses. She should wear heels at least as high as the ones she wore at the inauguration.
Wear color! No black or gray during the day. I don't know if they'll have evening events, but no black or gray then either. No white gown either. Color, color, color. It's spring now and she looks great in color.
Wear the right accessories and keep the look polished.
I have to say, I'm nervous though. Michelle has a tendency to drop the ball on big events. The bigger the event, the more likely the outfit won't be her best. Let's hope she's got a new stylist who's going to really make her look her best. She is beautiful and has an enviable body. Overall, better than Carla Bruni, who looks old for her age and has the body of a 13 year old boy. I'll be disappointed if we see the sloppy cardigan sweaters and ill fitting dresses. Now's the time to bring it, First Lady!
Okay, Wednesday can't come soon enough!!!
I'm getting nervouser and nervouser. lol.
BTW to those wondering about what plane she'll take....Ann Air Force One is not one plane-any plane the president travels in becomes Air Force One. The Obamas are arriving in London with several planes-one of them will be used to take her home early. (It makes me sad to write that-I did so want to see her in Turkey) :) But I feel her pain-I hate leaving my kids as well. They're in good hands with their Grandma while the parents are away though!
this is just gossip-and I didn't save the link last week when I read this, but supposedly Mrs. O bought two new designer outfits and also bought J. Crew, Jason Wu and her other regulars.
we'll see soon enough. Tomorrow around 8 pm!!!
MJMR, Actually the Obama's pay most of their expenses, not the taxpayers. They pay for their food, dry cleaning, etc. Michelle forks out for her hairdresser and makeup person.
Tess, I heart you! You are my style critique soul sister. You said exactly all the things I am thinking, especially on the heels and the being nervous about big events. Well, I agree with you about almost everything except the criticism of Carla Bruni; I think she dresses quite elegantly. Looking forward to next week!
What I've seen regarding tomorrow's schedule so far (all times Eastern)
8:00am
The President and First Lady depart the White House en route to Andrews Air Force Base.
8:15am
The Obamas depart Andrews Air Force Base en route to London.
2:50pm
The Obamas arrive in London.
4:00pm
The Obamas meet with U.S. Embassy employees.
I'm with Mark (way back there), I LOVED the black and camel ensemble, and it is my favorite of what she's worn so far. Just really beautiful, classic and sophisticated, like Mrs. Obama herself.
Wow, you all sure are up on all the details of this trip!
I am now looking forward to all the news, photos, and FASHION!
To MS (3/28/09 @ 5:09pm): I heartily agree with the first two choices you made for fashions that Mrs. O. should wear again...they are beautiful. However, the "lovely" green suit with the "photobucket" connection is the most ill-fitted piece of clothing I have ever seen on any woman, man or child. Horrendous!! I have noticed that sometimes the fabulous Mrs. O's clothing is not fitted properly nor are the hems done professionally. She deserves better, and I hope that soon she will demand better!!
Absolutely SICKENING website. WHO CARES what that AWFUL, NASTY, America-hating woman wears?
I am really excited to see Mrs. O this week, but I'm not going to put her up on such a pedestal that she can never look less than perfect. Otherwise, I'll always be disappointed. Whenever her outfits don't suit me, her smile, grace, and charm always make up for it.
I'm sure that no matter who she comes in contact with, they will be charmed and pleasantly surprised. But of course, the leeches on this site are already coming. So the FLOTUS must be doing something right.
The FLOTUS is not a fashion model, but always exudes confidence, strength, and beauty. Keep that in mind guys--and that all is not lost if she fails to "WOW" us every second. Just trying to keep the expectation at a reasonable level. Yes, she has help to look good but still, she's making the decisions and she's only human.
If anyone has footage from London TV or other photos--please post!! This is going to be so great to see her....and of course the president.
She looks great just from the quick shot I saw of Mr. and Mrs. O traveling to Air Force One. I think it's a white jacket, with black trim. The video wasn't that clear, but she looked really classic and excited!!!!
Just watched POTUS and FLOTUS depart for Europe! Michelle looks absolutely STUNNING in a black and white ensemble. Black dress with full-length white coat with black trim at the neck, front border, pockets and hem. I got a Toledo vibe but not sure. Low heeled black pumps. Looked like she also wore white pearls. Just gorgeous. Can't wait to see pictures.
Might also be Narcisso as the coat seemed to have the same sort of tailored styling in the back as the lavender coat she wore. There was only a couple of minutes to take it all in, but in any case, she looked terrific.
omg Michelle looked beautiful, the black and white coat, kitten paten leather heels, the look was pitch perfect
I agree that it had a Todedo look--really nice! Very elegant black/white ensemble, but I want to see a better picture because it was very windy. She looked classic for sure..a good London look. I would love to see higher heels. Maybe she'll wear them when she's at Buckingham Palace. The Queen's husband is so tall. Maybe she'll surprise us.
Man, I haven't seen a picture yet, but it sounds lovely. Now, I'm still nervous because her tan/black Narciso inauguration suit was amazing, but it was downhill from there, IMHO. So I'm still nervous. That said, even though I haven't seen her yet, I'm very excited about the description of the suit. If it Toledo, however, I fear there could be more Toledo to come, and I don't like her style for Michelle. Too loose and flowy. Michelle needs structured and fitted.
Jojo, thanks for the compliment. Michelle has been on point lately, but this is the first really big event since the inauguration, and her glam squad let her down on Jan 20. From the ill fitting pea green Toledo to not doing her hair and makeup for the balls, now that was just a sin and unforgivable in my book. I hope she's gotten new people or the old ones have gotten themselves together.
Ok, I just saw it and I'm pretty sure it's Toledo. It's pretty because it's not a weird color but it's not what I expected. It's basically exactly the same as the inaugural suit and to me, that's not a good sign, IMO. Not to be a downer, but I'm officially nervous now. I hope to God she's not wearing a cardigan under this one as well. Sigh.
I rushed straight here when I saw it... here's an early photo: http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/85731561/AFP
Pearls AND a brooch on the jacket! Loving the texture of the coat.
Her outfit looks Toledo all over, very very pretty and stylish. Appropriate for the occasion. I loved the black white combo with the pearls, very pretty. She looked very lovely and happy walking and holding hands with her husband the President (who looked very well also). I'm so proud of how she carried herself today!
P.S. to the haters-According to the latest Wash Post Mrs. O's favorables have risen to 76&-she's doing something right!
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/behind-the-numbers/2009/03/michelle_obamas_formidable_fav.html
Leah D: about who is paying for the lifestyle of the President and his family: we are paying. It is estimated that between housing (2 homes); a float of cars; helicopters; a private 727 plane, parties, receptions etc... the cost amounts to about %35 Million! So, the taxpayers do pay a lot for the lifestyle of the President ot the United States and his family.
I generlly love the way she dresses but I think the orange Maria Pinto dress was a huge mistake as well as her yellow ingurtion outfit (although part of the fult was apparently the bullet proff vest. The orange pinto made her look like fullback from the back.. The second outfit is delicious as are the florals she wears. I would ask her to NEVER rewear the orange Pinto.
Reportanddeport: You are SO obviously a racist. Please never darken this site again.
The Narcisco Rodriguez outfit with the camel dress coat and skirt with the black trim was my absolute favorite so far for the First Lady. She looked classic, modern, confident, and absolutely chic in it, I could not rave about it more. I would buy Ms. Rodriguez's entire collection and get it straight to the White House!
I will try again as this was not posted yesterday. I think she looks like a fullback in the Maria Pinto dress, especially from the rear entering the white house.
The rodriguez is stunning as is her J Crew outfit at Downing Street today.
I also love her florals
nice, really nice!