Tuesday
Mar312009
Landing in London
Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at 3:17 PM 
Photo credit: Saul Loeb / Getty Images
The Obamas have arrived and Mrs. O has changed clothes! Mrs. O is wearing a chartreuse silk crepe sheath dress by Jason Wu dress paired with a black coat duster by Michael Kors, cinched at the waist by her signature Azzedine Alaia studded belt. If these first two ensembles are any indication, we have much to look forward to this week!
tagged Jason Wu, Michael Kors in Outfits
Jason Wu, Michael Kors in Outfits
Reader Comments (160)
I don't know why everyone is going all nuts about her. She an average looking lady.
Then why on earth are you on a website devoted to her, Lina?
Anyway...Michelle looks fantastic in that color.
Olivia,
Duster is the term for a light layer that's not quite a coat and note quite a sweater. It's usually made out of linen or cotton or a flowing knit and is more to give length and to pull an outfit together than for any more practical purpose.
I think they were first used back in the early days of automobiles, when women would wear a light coat to keep off the dust that blew off the roads, hence the term "duster." Please correct me, folks, if I'm wrong on this.
She looks stunning!! As someone said earlier, 2 out of 2!
She really has fabulous legs, great to see her showing them off!
The whole look is so modern, sexy and fashion-forward. What a great ambassador for modern American fashion and style
Yes, Michael Kors is someone she should really start wearing more. Michelle Obama is the Michael Kors woman. A jet setting go getter who balances work and family, and looks fabulous doing it. His clothes look great on her. I love that she's wearing a shorter skirt length. I just wish the heels were higher. But this look is a winner and I love that she's not afraid to look sexy.
again, they both look gorgeous. after a week off, it's great to have a steady stream of fabulous photos to look through.
Laura and George Bush always came down the steps
overseas together..You can be sure that the Bushes
always did a fine job when traveling overseas..just like I am
sure the Obamas will also..BTW..George W. Bush
and his wife set the record for overseas trips
in the 8 years they were in the White House.
This is the Obamas' first foray..let's see
how it goes.
thanks for all the pics and info everyone!
W-O-W! mrs. o looks FABBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB!
so glad she changed out of that long cream coat by thakoon. i love mrs. o and i love thakoon, but i don't think that piece does a thing for her-- certainly doesn't celebrate her fabulous figure like the Wu/Kors/belt combo!
this is going to be a great fashion week-- i can't wait!
Heels do make outfits looked different BUT for all the folks that want Michelle to wear heels I would suggest:
Get up at 4:30am like Michelle and do a work out.
Then walk around a great big house such as the White House all morning.
Then put on some heels and walk around on some grass, walk up and down some airplane steps, walk around on concrete, wood floors, and cobblestones for a few hours, then comeback in the evening with the heels on and tell us how your feet are feeling *big smile*
p.s. I bought a pair of shoes in Italy a few years ago almost identical to the ones Michelle had on this morning with the 'white and black' outfit - I can wear them all day and evening and my feet never get tired. Michelle will be fifty years old in a few years, she is going to wear shoes for comfort not for photo ops.
can't touch this! mc hammer. the woman is too "BAD" to describe. love her, love him. love AMERICA. and sarkozy, please don't threaten POTUS!
Not to change the subject, but what's up with Maria Pinto? Have she and the FLOTUS parted ways or what? Maria has created some of Michelle's greatest hits and knows how to show off her body. I wonder why we haven't really seen her clothes lately.
I am hoping this does not sound awful, but the comment by Lina saying she is so "average" illustrates just why I am so fond of Mrs. O, and I think can be a role model to just about anyone.
She IS like one of us (and no I am not AA). She came from regular working parents, she worked really hard in school, dated a nice guy co-worker, and had children while juggling work and family. OK, she did it BETTER than most of us, but I see her as so approachable and real. She did not inherit money and position, but got it the old fashioned way.
AND she has not just copied some extravagant style by throwing tons of money at clothes. She has invented her own style and reuses wardrobe pieces, and mixes and matches. She has fun with clothes. She is SMART. She looks drop dead gorgeous because she is being true to herself and is loved by her husband, and takes charge of her life.
Anyhow, she is infinitely more interesting and attractive than a hollywood star or heiress or fashion model.
GBS: Spot on with the "duster" definition...
Dom: Thank you for your wonderful insight...
And Mrs T.: Thanks again for this amazing site!
And our first lady looks absolutely lovely as always...I woke up early - California time - just to catch them board the plane for London...May they have a safe, beautiful and positively memorable trip!
Allison,
I think that's why she's so much more admired than Carla Bruni, who's from a wealthy Italian family and who's claim to fame is modeling and dating rock stars. She's a perfectly pretty woman with nice clothes, but that's about it. You would think the model would be the one people are going gaga over. But it's Michelle. The normal girl, who just happens to be lovely and tall and stylish. Even though Jackie was privileged growing up, the dynamic between her and Grace Kelly seems similar to me. Jackie was the "normal" one and Grace Kelly was the silver screen goddess and real life princess, but she could never command an audience or draw the kind of attention and curiosity that Jackie could. Unlike Grace Kelly, Carla Bruni seems impressed with Michelle herself. Grace was jealous of Jackie.
This is just so glamorous and modern, i love it
Here's a link to lots of photos and THREE videos:
http://thisweekwithbarackobama.blogspot.com/2009/03/left-for-london-arrived-in-london-what.html
@ allison - spot on! We love her because she is real. And it's nice to have a real woman be considered a star for a change.
They've redefined "handsome couple." Both gorgeous, and what a thrill to see them take Europe by storm.
I don't care for the modesty panel (if that's what it is) on the yellow dress, but I don't blame her for styling it that way -- just imagine if she dared show a hint of cleavage -- the right wingers would go nuts.
LOVE yellow! So Spring-y and bright!
If this is what 45 looks like, bring it on! This is so glamorous and modern, i love it.
Just found these two pages with VERY LARGE photos for those of ya'll that want to see the details up close:
Morning outfit:
http://journals.democraticunderground.com/Jackeens/60
Evening outfit:
http://journals.democraticunderground.com/Jackeens/59
Does anyone know the maker of that fabulous belt she wears, I've been looking for a replica, but can't find any. Thanks
Hair and makeup perfect too! Such effortless glamor
@ Marlie, I don't know what you're talking about. Her knees are really nice and smooth.
Wecome to Europe Mrs, Mr Obama, i sincerely hope this trip will be great for both of you.
cordially
My God. They look like the couple on the wedding cake. Forty Five years old and killin it! The yellow looks a-frickin-mazing on Michelle's skin tone.
I love the dress color!
To this comment "You can be sure that the Bushes
always did a fine job when traveling overseas" I take exception. As one example, I was embarrassed for us when George Bush gave the Chancellor of Germany that obviously unwanted shoulder massage. I doubt President Obama will exhibit such a breech of etiquette and violation of personal space.
But, back to the topic at hand: This is so fun to watch our First Couple representing our great nation. Like most of the rest of you, I can hardly wait to see what Michelle will wear when she meets the Queen!
I love our First Lady, but I was wondering what you all think about her expensive wardrobe. She was lauded in the past for mixing designer and affordable brands. Recently, it seems that she's sticking to $800-2000 dresses. I know she's worn a few J. Crew items and does a great job recycling pieces, but I just hope that she's not attacked for her luxurious taste.
dlev-
I for one hope she doesn't wear any J.Crew (or too many recycled items) overseas - she can do that next week when she returns to D.C.
In my opinion when the First Lady of the United States visits foreign countries she should put her best foot forward and dress as well as possible - she is representing the U.S.A. and so far I am very proud of her.
dlev, both Jason Wu and Michael Kor mass market cloths are what the 1st lady wears the most. They in no way cost up to $2000. It ranges from $200 - 1000, depending on the type of cloths. I think if she were to wear Chanel or YSL, then we might have a problem with what the economy is right now.
Hopefully, as our economy improves, she'll be more willing to expand her fashion market.
Totally agree, Leah D.
Yes, times are tough. So the Obamas are paying for their own renovations of the private quarters of the WH. Pres O isn't redecorating the Oval Office. She is re-wearing items, like her belt and cardigans, and shoes.
But she CANNOT go abroad, represent our GREAT country, and wear things that aren't on point. Times are tough, so she won't be wearing a bunch of diamonds and furs, but she should look refined and in custom clothing.
dlev, my quess is that she will be attacked no matter what she does. The good news is that the attacker will be revealing much about themselves and nothing at all about Michelle.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/template/2.0-0/element/pictureGalleryPopup.jsp?id=5968736&&offset=0&§ionName=PoliticsG20
the wives and husbands...
As Leah said, she's representing us, she has to dress impeccably on formal event and foreign trips. I'm impressed with the fact she always picks young American designer who are not known, showcasing their talent, mixing it with one of my favorite All American designer, Michael Kors.
I believe Mrs. Obama is doing for Jason Wu what Jackio did for Oleg Cassini.
Times were tough even when Bush was President and that didn't stop him or Laura from wearing expensive clothing or spending sprees in the White House.
I'm sure if you check the many Right Wing blogs you'll find them pointing out all the money Laura Bush spent while first lady????? Right! Look the attacks on Michelle Obama is purely partisan attacks by some wacko right wing nuts who have never got over the fact they lost the election of 2008.
dlev....Are you serious?! She is the First Lady of the United States not Jameka who works at the Gap etc... She is supposed to wear nice clothing and none of her closes she has bought so far is in the 300,000 dollar range like Cindy McCain or Sarah Palin spent.
Michelle dress in the range that best suites her lifestyle. Heck, if you ask me she is not spending enough on her clothing. Remember folks she is the "First Lady of the United States" never forget that!
I'm relieved that Michelle Obama has dumped the J. Crew for her overseas travel. She IS our First Lady and she should be wearing custom clothing. She looks magnificent in today's outfits.
I like Barack Obama's suit--the cut seems different, and so I wonder if it's one of the custom-made ones that were being designed for him during the past several weeks.
IVA - totally agree.
Mrs. O dresses very economically here at home and recycles quite a bit. But for state dinners and foreign trips, I prefer for her to look well put together without being over the top--and I've never seen her over the top ever. She knows how to work an outfit with fewer dollars, but she does glam well too.
But especially when she travels, she's the First Lady. I am really looking forward to the outfits with the Queen as well as the spouses' dinner tomorrow.
But I do know that if Mrs. O's clothes are tailor fit, she will look polished even if I don't care for the outfit. In my opinion, I don't want to see Gap clothes on the FL for an overseas European trip. No way!
Man, Jason Wu's secured his place in fashion history. I'm not all that fond of his work but I have to admit that FLOTUS always glows when she wears it. And I guess that's the point of all this ...
Allegra ...It seems someone people most likely haters keep wanting to forget that Michelle is the First Lady of one of the most powerful nations in the world. By her even wearing every now and then a J.Crew or off the rack dress is consider is upper circles as out of the norm.
When was the last time anyone heard Laura Bush or past First Ladies say they shopped at less better known shops for clothing?! You would have never caught Laura Bush wear J. Crew that's for damn sure. And yes, I'm glad she is not wearing it for her overseas trip. But who knows she might wear it anyway later on.
Allegra-
Shame on TimesOnLine for using that photo of Michelle in the garden ... they could have used an appropriate photo that would have shown her in a better light like they did the other people on the link you posted! It must be a republican rag!
Leah D.
Well, I believe Times is owned by Rupert Murdoch (Fox News). Need I say more. They knew what they were doing. But I think most Brits are used to this stuff and can read through that and see Mrs. O as who she is--genuine and authentic.
Her knees are fine. I love the colour on her, though not a big fan of the belted duster. Belted outerwear seems strange, and I agree she'd be fine with the belt directly on the dress. Without it, the dress would be pretty boring. Also, her makeup (blush especially) look like they were applied heavy handed.
I just went to that TimesOnLine link. That was a weird choice for Michelle's photo. The one of Carla Bruni was inappropriate as well. I'm pretty sure that her crack is showing. But then again, why would you wear something that showed that? Channeling Joe the Plumber?
Our FLOTUS is AB.FAB. as in ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!!! Love the color, love the length of the dress, love the duster, LOVE the hair (though I also loved the curls she rocked for Stevie Wonder. I hope we see some curls in the near future.)
She loves that black studded Alaia belt! I'm not crazy about it, but I think it looks great with this outfit.
I also want to give some love to POTUS. He always looks so comfortable in his suits. They are clearly tailored for him. Hart Schaffner Marx is an American company that had fallen on hard times, but has been revitalized since POTUS started wearing their suits.
They are such a stylish, fresh, goodlooking couple. And they are OUR President and First Lady. Sometimes I still can't believe it!!
WOW!!
Our First Lady is a true inspiration! We are witnessing history. Let's embrace and celebrate it.
XOXO
Good point, Isonprize - our POTUS looks mighty nice too in his newly tailored suit.
I'm with you, Mrs. T! This is a great occasion. Thank you for providing this forum to appreciate all of it!
I don't know, I think that is her lucky belt. She loves it and wears it at the perfect moments.
The yellow looks great on her. Her hair and makeup are PERFECTO! However, I have a bit of an issue with the way the dress sort of cuts her off at the knees. It looks a wee bit akward against the length of the coat/duster. I love that my Favorite belt is back and I don't mind the way she is wearing it. And of course, I am still waiting the appearance of some heels (sorry, I am partial to them and think they make her look great; she does have great legs; show them off!)
I am somewhat amused at those who seem to think that Mrs. O roams the WH every day on her feet, so she can't wear heels. Come on, the WH is not that huge, plus they have elevators and all other types of comfort, so it would not be that tiresome for her to wear heels on official events. Also, I love that she is wearing designer and do not mind the price tag; she can afford it and she does represent the US; so she needs to look great (But FYI, Jason Wu tailored clothes are not in the 100s, which is what makes them so special. I give today's look an A-.