I thought the First Lady looked amazing throughout the day. While the J Crew outfit was my favorite, I love this look. It was a terrific transitional outfit, and it set the right down for the dinner. Bravo, Mrs. O!
@ Chicogaan...a difference of opinion does not make anyone a troll...
@ Tia and LYla...we have a difference of opinion...appropriate is clearly defined when there are protocol standards. It is no different from saying someone is inappropriately attired for an interview or for their work enviornment. There are standards for all types of state events as well as employment.
Michelle looks fabulous in whatEVER she wears but when there are standards it does provide a reference for what is deemed appropriate or not. I made no comment on her bare legs or arms, which seems to be a common point of contention.
Protocol means everyONE does not have a different definition as the standards have been clearly defined as what is appropriate. If you disagree with them...fine.
It simply means you too disregard protocol standards. Not that it is 'my idea'. Protocol is protocol.
Her status as mother, lawyer, wife has not one thing to do with protocol. Protocol is about her status as First Lady. Michelle, can express her personality that does not mean it is protocol. Her attire is too casual when it includes a sweater. Did you see anyone else in a sweater? Not that it would matter to you since it appears you are willing to say whatever she does is fine. Other people, nations and heads of states follow protocol.
To me it is no different than how athletes are also held to different standards when they represent their school and are instructed on what is appropriate when representing the university. What I do not get is why folks think that is somehow acceptable not to adhere to the standards as set forth.
If you think she looks different from other first ladys that is on you not me. I made no such comment relative to the other ladies, nor do those other ladies represent America so, I could care less how they present. As an American I do believe commentary on the First Lady of the USA is reflective of the nation and not her individual personality.
rachel - I love that picture. She looks so delicate and I swear, her husband is such a gentleman with her.
I started loving this outfit this afternoon, and as I keep seeing more pictures and now this video of them, this outfit is spot on for the occasion. As time goes on, this outfit will be considered iconic.
i know she is from chicago. but wearing just that in london at night? WOW. she is strong. and yea ... its not a formal state dinner, so the DRESS she wear was just right.
the reviews are in and they are all uniformly gushing. As for a cardigan being un-stately: this was not a state occasion, it was a meet and greet in her quarters. and be sure that all the protocol people checked it out before she even thought of wearing it. Those who thought she should wear color--the UK Press noted the conservative choice and loved her for it. Well played Mrs O
She looks lovely. The dress is marvelous and perfectly suited for dinner. The addition of the sweater for tea with The Queen was a lovely touch. I think she transitioned well w/limited time for 2 very different occasions.
Actually, Opulent, Her Majesty's "people" no longer provide any specific attire specifications to those meeting with her because they realize it's not what one does these days. There's no official protocol. The FLOTUS wore a lovely dress and covered herself b/c, Lord knows, the "no spangles during daytime and no bare arms ever" crowd would have been screeching about "propriety".
Her Majesty, by the way, was not wearing state attire, either, because this wasn't a big whoopdeedoo state function. Note the lack of formal gown, crown, etc. She was dressed nicely, of course, but not for a formal state event.
This is the kind of thing that gets me. How do you know this? I mean, really, how do we KNOW for sure that sweaters cannot be worn on state occasions, that "protocol" frowns on this? How can we say this with such certitude? How many state occasions have we observed, really? I would bet that most of the people here, including me, are paying attention to First Lady Fashion for the first time in eight or so years.
I do take the point that some things are inappropriate for some occasions. I wouldn't wear cut-off jeans and flip flops to a job interview. But it's just that so many folks are making so many definitive pronoucements about articles of clothing, and I just don't think it's that straightforward. For instance, the outfit that was worn this morning...I looked at it and thought it was pretty formal, certainly a step up from regular daywear. Others looked at it and thought it was too casual. Once you get out of jeans-and-flip-flops, it really does start to become a matter of opinion.
I have said it before and now I'll stop: anyone can like an outfit or not like an outfit; there are some I like and others I don't like. But to become the Protocol Police about it, like there's this book that everyone is reading from and somehow Michelle just missed it...no. I just don't think things are always that straightforward.
I think the challenge of adapting a single outfit for two very different occasions is being lost on many and Mrs.O is not being given enough credit for being able to pull that off magnificently. The tea with the Queen was informal but the dinner was semi-formal, so to be able to make that outfit work well for both so that she wasn't over-dressed for tea and under-dressed for dinner deserves high praise.
When you look at the video above and the photos on daylife of them arriving and leaving the dinner she looks fabulous especially with her best accessory (the President). In the full photo of the spouses, she looks great and she stands out.
"Changing into an elegant black-and-white Isabel Toledo dress from springy J.Crew pieces Wednesday in London, first lady Michelle Obama showcased her versatility and officially became one of the fab four of the political fashion world in the modern era--joining Jacqueline Kennedy, French first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy and Princess Diana."
?Worn to Buckingham Palace, her Toledo dress with full skirt and tulle underlay earned plaudits precisely for its understatement. For her first meeting with Queen Elizabeth, she topped the sleeveless dress with a black cardigan and a Jason Wu duchess-satin opera coat on the way in."
"For dinner later, the cardigan came off--no international incident. (Kennedy as well as the queen wore sleeveless gowns with gloves for their dinner in 1961.) Nor would it have been scandalous for the Obamas' informal meeting with the queen, for that matter."
"There really aren't the same conservative old rules now," British-born Avril Graham, executive fashion and beauty editor at Harper's Bazaar, said."
Been watching her on the news today and I thought she looked radiant. I also love her hair styled like this...it really accents her cheekbones and opens up her face.
This outfit is a hit. I don't think many of the pics are doing the look justice. The best photo I found is on michelleostyle.blogspot and it is just beautiful! Another winner!
I remember my mother having lovely beaded cardigans with sparkles and jewels, and I have owned them myself. They are not casual. Also, a really fine cardigan is almost like fur in its lushness and feel. Carla Bruni wears sweater sets often.
All the unsatisfied people on this blog, relax. I garantee you all that the first lady will shock everybody on saturday when she finally meets the FL of France. I have a hunch that Michelle is saving the best for Saturday..stay stuned
Is there a problem with the site tonight, because comments belonging to someone appear under my name (Trade at 7:35 p.m.).
Mrs. O looked terrific in all of her outfits today. The cardigan and skirt were amazing, but I also liked the dress she wore this evening as well. Bravo, Mrs. O.
I agree that Her Majesty. was very taken with Mrs. O., because the Queen never touches anyone except family. Even she and Philip are not touchy in public; the most you ever see is the kids and grandkids giving her a kiss on both cheeks. She shakes hands, of course, but little pats like that are most unusual. She certainly didn't give one to Annie Liebovitz :)
As far as the dress is concerned, I liked it better with the cardigan, and as I said earlier, I adore the skirt. But it's not bad without it. Also, we aren't seeing these things in person. Video and film don't always capture texture and detail.
Mimi, yeah i watched Larry King.Overall the show was positive, i mean theu guests were really positive about Michelle. However, Larry king did piss me off a lil bit with his tone, implying that Michelle committed a faux pas by touching the queen on her back, while it was obvious that she was reciprocating the gesture of the queen who touched Michelle too..Right now on tv u have anderson cooper talking about the fake faux pas...these so called journalists never stop to dissapoint me...sigh
I don't think it was a faux pas at all. I saw it on anderson cooper as well. The Queen had her arm around Michelles' back and Michelle put her arm around the Queen as if it were her Mom. To me a very kind gesture. The Press and the Brits' just need to go to the pub and have a pint and relax!
Maybe the Queen in her dotage is reflecting on how she wants to relate to people as opposed to what protocol calls for. She broke protocol in several ways during the period after Diana's death in an effort to reach out to her public, and because she was advised to do so.
Perhaps she wants to respond to Michelle in a more personal way. People tend to forget that sometimes protocols can get in the way of human interaction, and the Queen might be more concerned about reaching out to Michelle than doing things by the book.
Larry King and other pundits need to fill air time. Personally, I think that the Queen showed gumption to touch Mrs. O, and Michelle responded in kind. It was a genuine exchange of admiration and respect.
@ Opulent - The White House Chief of Protocol undoubtedly has a far better clue of what attire is most properly worn on what occasion than any single one of us here. We have no place second guessing her or him. Moreover, that person has undoubtedly been in contact with many other protocol officers from the G-20 to determine what attire the women will wear for which occasions.
I think that what's most notable is that Mrs. O's attire did not outshine that of her hostess and it was not OTT respective to the other First Ladies. When POTUS is trying to build relationships with the other G-19 it is important that Mrs O not come in and completely overwhelm the other women as if she's the most important one there. She is, of course. But it's not her job to send that message with 'PAY ATTENTION TO ME' clothes. She chose simple, understated clothes to reflect that she's just one of the girls and I think that's absolutely correct.
And one more thing. The Queen, according to the protocol articles linked in either this or the other thread, does NOT touch people beyond a handshake. So that she put her hand on Mrs. O's back in a friendly gesture indicates to me that the Queen, the ultimate arbiter of protocol and etiquette, has deemed Mrs. O's international debut a success.
I am sorry to see the bickering. Some us us have familiarity with protocol, state occasions, appropriateness. Some do not. It is one thing to look lovely. It is another to look appropriate to the (in this case, very special) occasion. Everyone here wants Mrs. Obama to put her - and the country's - best foot forward. I have not seen any trolls. Just sincere people who felt comfortable being kindly frank and got flamed for it.
She's stunning, I think she's starting a fashion revolution. Sleeveless for formal occasions. Pity Carla wasn't there, but can't wait to see the 2 stunning first ladies together on Saturday. I think people overseas love them more than Americans.
Posh Tarter- Did you even notice what the other First Ladies wore? Michelle's out fit fit right in. This wasn't a real formal event. It was a working dinner, hence they only had 2 courses. Michelle looked great, but compared to most of the other first ladies Michelle looked GRAND. I mean a couple of people poured themselves into their dresses (and they really shouldn't have). Some people looked like they were from Dynasty or Dallas (not in a good way). We are truly fortunate to have a First Lady that get it.
The First Lady will join the other G-20 spouses for a trip to the Royal Opera House Thursday morning. They'll then have a private lunch. From - Time/ThePage
(this corrects my previous post that wrongly stated that the opera event was supposed to have been after Wednesday dinner.)
Bevi, I think your comments on Larry King are correct. Knowing him, he's just asking the question... is it okay now, what does it mean, blah blah blah. It's something to talk about. Sigh... like there's nothing else.
For my part, I think the Queen subconsciously picked up on the warmth that Mrs. O exudes. Remember all the photo montages of her hugging people? She's a 'hugger' -- she reaches out to people and they reach back. I'd love to see that little backrub-from-the-Queen right there with them, because it really says something amazing!
On this site, we look at the clothes, but Mrs. O is in talks with the West Wing of the implications of overstated vs. understated for every occasion in line the constraints of protocol. This was not a state dinner in the evening. It was not a formal event to meet the Queen. It was a "meet and greet".
Michelle was dressed appropriate and looked great. Her clothes, like it or not, have to reflect the theme of the Prez' tone at the G20. I don't want to interject politics, but when I generally don't understand her choices, I always keep that in mind.
As an intelligent woman, she chooses her clothes but she has to always keep in mind her husband's goals and the view of the U.S. which is trying to rebuild fractured relationships around the world. I guarantee you this, she will dress to compliment her husband's theme, that he's come "to listen, and to lead".
That invokes subtle approachability to me, and the First Lady has been invoking that in her dress and style, as well as just being herself. She isn't faking it; she is authentic. But her clothes are to make a statement but also not to overwhelm or overpower.
I liked this dress, but I almost felt like it was a little too plain. This could have used some of the sparkle of the J.Crew cardigan.
This is just yet another outfit where the beautiful subtle details are probably lost in the photographs. I don't think it's a coincidence that the outfits that are universally loved seem to feature bright, solid colors and large pieces of jewelry. Those dresses seem to photograph very well and it's easier to see what to like, so to speak.
Michelle is stunning and radiant in whatever she wears, no doubt about that (it's in the end how you wear things, not what you wear). She is the First Lady of the world. Yet to me (coming from continental Europe) she could be more stylish on both occasions (tea and dinner). The first impression both times was simply - underdressed. A good example of what to wear on a bit more formal events is Carla. Any visit to queen or to a high profile dinner is rather formal (for Europeans at least).
WOW, everybody is an expert on protocol and on what is appropriate all of a freaking sudden! Please, pray tell What is so inappropriate with this lovely dress?! Please! Get over yourselves!
Anyway, here is an absolutely stunning shot of her http://www.daylife.com/photo/02XL3Or7ZZ7j2?q=Michelle+Obama Love the dress without the sweater! I felt the pearls clashed a little with the JCrew outfit, but they worked perfectly with this one!
Her mother must have been beaming all day watching her!
Attn: T'Other Mrs O: There is no such office as the "White House chiefof Protocol". The OFfice of the Chief of Protocol is part of the Department of State, and that office has been unoccupied since Jan 20, 2009. (That might explain the wierd presents and total lack of protocol the Obamas display in their formal roles).
Pearls: Once again, Michelle wears a double strand. Wrong, wrong, so very wrong.
The dress. Maybe it looks better in person. It looks like a badly fitting tank top and skirt. Michelle usually avoids this kind of neckline because she doesn't really fill it out well. It llooks badly cut and kind of sags. It isn't the right kind of material -- it just looks too plain. Here's a great pic of Michelle and the Queen:
Could some of you folks just take your all protocol-knowing, dissenting, nitpicking opinions elsewhere and let those of us shallow, swooning Mrs O lovers stew adoringly and uniterrupted in our blissful ignorance...?!
The first lady and her choices are simply fabulous; And we love her and every single personal fashion choice she makes! Deal with it...
And as far as many of us are concerned, this website is simply put, a wonderful escape and a haven from all the manufactured and contrived "controversy" & faux "outrage" - Thank you again and again Mrs T!
We love it here and urge those of you who enjoy effusive dissension and nitpicking over minutiae to really consider sticking with the various other sites and blogs that thrive on criticizing Mrs O...and there are quite a few to pick from.
This is certainly not the place...And it begs the question; How is it possible that any person could spend any amount of time and energy furiously posting on a blog dedicated to someone they don't like - It's just absolutely insane; plain crazy!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 4:39 PM
Reader Comments (148)
I thought the First Lady looked amazing throughout the day. While the J Crew outfit was my favorite, I love this look. It was a terrific transitional outfit, and it set the right down for the dinner. Bravo, Mrs. O!
@ Chicogaan...a difference of opinion does not make anyone a troll...
@ Tia and LYla...we have a difference of opinion...appropriate is clearly defined when there are protocol standards. It is no different from saying someone is inappropriately attired for an interview or for their work enviornment. There are standards for all types of state events as well as employment.
Michelle looks fabulous in whatEVER she wears but when there are standards it does provide a reference for what is deemed appropriate or not. I made no comment on her bare legs or arms, which seems to be a common point of contention.
Protocol means everyONE does not have a different definition as the standards have been clearly defined as what is appropriate. If you disagree with them...fine.
It simply means you too disregard protocol standards. Not that it is 'my idea'. Protocol is protocol.
Her status as mother, lawyer, wife has not one thing to do with protocol. Protocol is about her status as First Lady. Michelle, can express her personality that does not mean it is protocol. Her attire is too casual when it includes a sweater. Did you see anyone else in a sweater? Not that it would matter to you since it appears you are willing to say whatever she does is fine. Other people, nations and heads of states follow protocol.
To me it is no different than how athletes are also held to different standards when they represent their school and are instructed on what is appropriate when representing the university. What I do not get is why folks think that is somehow acceptable not to adhere to the standards as set forth.
If you think she looks different from other first ladys that is on you not me. I made no such comment relative to the other ladies, nor do those other ladies represent America so, I could care less how they present. As an American I do believe commentary on the First Lady of the USA is reflective of the nation and not her individual personality.
Sweaters are casual, they are not state attire.
rachel - I love that picture. She looks so delicate and I swear, her husband is such a gentleman with her.
I started loving this outfit this afternoon, and as I keep seeing more pictures and now this video of them, this outfit is spot on for the occasion. As time goes on, this outfit will be considered iconic.
i know she is from chicago. but wearing just that in london at night? WOW. she is strong.
and yea ... its not a formal state dinner, so the DRESS she wear was just right.
Love them both, so cool, so attractive and young. Swoon.
the reviews are in and they are all uniformly gushing.
As for a cardigan being un-stately: this was not a state occasion, it was a meet and greet in her quarters. and be sure that all the protocol people checked it out before she even thought of wearing it. Those who thought she should wear color--the UK Press noted the conservative choice and loved her for it. Well played Mrs O
She looks lovely. The dress is marvelous and perfectly suited for dinner. The addition of the sweater for tea with The Queen was a lovely touch. I think she transitioned well w/limited time for 2 very different occasions.
Actually, Opulent, Her Majesty's "people" no longer provide any specific attire specifications to those meeting with her because they realize it's not what one does these days. There's no official protocol. The FLOTUS wore a lovely dress and covered herself b/c, Lord knows, the "no spangles during daytime and no bare arms ever" crowd would have been screeching about "propriety".
Her Majesty, by the way, was not wearing state attire, either, because this wasn't a big whoopdeedoo state function. Note the lack of formal gown, crown, etc. She was dressed nicely, of course, but not for a formal state event.
Cheers.
"Sweaters are casual, they are not state attire."
This is the kind of thing that gets me. How do you know this? I mean, really, how do we KNOW for sure that sweaters cannot be worn on state occasions, that "protocol" frowns on this? How can we say this with such certitude? How many state occasions have we observed, really? I would bet that most of the people here, including me, are paying attention to First Lady Fashion for the first time in eight or so years.
I do take the point that some things are inappropriate for some occasions. I wouldn't wear cut-off jeans and flip flops to a job interview. But it's just that so many folks are making so many definitive pronoucements about articles of clothing, and I just don't think it's that straightforward. For instance, the outfit that was worn this morning...I looked at it and thought it was pretty formal, certainly a step up from regular daywear. Others looked at it and thought it was too casual. Once you get out of jeans-and-flip-flops, it really does start to become a matter of opinion.
I have said it before and now I'll stop: anyone can like an outfit or not like an outfit; there are some I like and others I don't like. But to become the Protocol Police about it, like there's this book that everyone is reading from and somehow Michelle just missed it...no. I just don't think things are always that straightforward.
FL Michelle is pictured right in the center, because she is the center of the show! Go FLOTUS!
I think the challenge of adapting a single outfit for two very different occasions is being lost on many and Mrs.O is not being given enough credit for being able to pull that off magnificently. The tea with the Queen was informal but the dinner was semi-formal, so to be able to make that outfit work well for both so that she wasn't over-dressed for tea and under-dressed for dinner deserves high praise.
When you look at the video above and the photos on daylife of them arriving and leaving the dinner she looks fabulous especially with her best accessory (the President). In the full photo of the spouses, she looks great and she stands out.
Well the verdit is in...from the Chicago Tribune
"Changing into an elegant black-and-white Isabel Toledo dress from springy J.Crew pieces Wednesday in London, first lady Michelle Obama showcased her versatility and officially became one of the fab four of the political fashion world in the modern era--joining Jacqueline Kennedy, French first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy and Princess Diana."
?Worn to Buckingham Palace, her Toledo dress with full skirt and tulle underlay earned plaudits precisely for its understatement. For her first meeting with Queen Elizabeth, she topped the sleeveless dress with a black cardigan and a Jason Wu duchess-satin opera coat on the way in."
"For dinner later, the cardigan came off--no international incident. (Kennedy as well as the queen wore sleeveless gowns with gloves for their dinner in 1961.) Nor would it have been scandalous for the Obamas' informal meeting with the queen, for that matter."
"There really aren't the same conservative old rules now," British-born Avril Graham, executive fashion and beauty editor at Harper's Bazaar, said."
Been watching her on the news today and I thought she looked radiant. I also love her hair styled like this...it really accents her cheekbones and opens up her face.
The Project Rungay boys aren't terribly impressed. Oh well. You can't win 'em all.
http(colon)//projectrungay(dot)blogspot(dot)com/2009/04/shelley-o-watch(dot)html
Opulent,
Could you share with all of us what the protocol is? You seem to be very well versed with regard to this, please enlighten us.
Thanks!
K.A.
tomorrow we will be able to see michelle again talking to some young girls
This outfit is a hit. I don't think many of the pics are doing the look justice. The best photo I found is on michelleostyle.blogspot and it is just beautiful! Another winner!
Mrs. T, I liked your interview on access hollywood tonight and I love this web site. Keep up the great work.
Deltona, FL
Here it is: http://s76.photobucket.com/albums/j4/cnrward/Ethnic/?action=view¤t=610x-11.jpg
A winner!
I remember my mother having lovely beaded cardigans with sparkles and jewels, and I have owned them myself. They are not casual. Also, a really fine cardigan is almost like fur in its lushness and feel. Carla Bruni wears sweater sets often.
All the unsatisfied people on this blog, relax.
I garantee you all that the first lady will shock everybody on saturday when she finally meets the FL of France. I have a hunch that Michelle is saving the best for Saturday..stay stuned
oops!! typo, i meant *guarantee* and *tuned*
Is there a problem with the site tonight, because comments belonging to someone appear under my name (Trade at 7:35 p.m.).
Mrs. O looked terrific in all of her outfits today. The cardigan and skirt were amazing, but I also liked the dress she wore this evening as well. Bravo, Mrs. O.
Oops. Please ignore my comments about comments. I now see that they appear above the name and not below the name. Sigh!
I can't wait to see what Mrs. O is wearing tomorrow.
Did anyone watch Larry King today? It was all about the first lady. I think she stole the show! America should be proud!
I agree that Her Majesty. was very taken with Mrs. O., because the Queen never touches anyone except family. Even she and Philip are not touchy in public; the most you ever see is the kids and grandkids giving her a kiss on both cheeks. She shakes hands, of course, but little pats like that are most unusual. She certainly didn't give one to Annie Liebovitz :)
As far as the dress is concerned, I liked it better with the cardigan, and as I said earlier, I adore the skirt. But it's not bad without it. Also, we aren't seeing these things in person. Video and film don't always capture texture and detail.
Mimi, yeah i watched Larry King.Overall the show was positive, i mean theu guests were really positive about Michelle. However, Larry king did piss me off a lil bit with his tone, implying that Michelle committed a faux pas by touching the queen on her back, while it was obvious that she was reciprocating the gesture of the queen who touched Michelle too..Right now on tv u have anderson cooper talking about the fake faux pas...these so called journalists never stop to dissapoint me...sigh
I agree with Mimi Larry King didn't have to go there
But First Lady looked Beautiful as always
That was a dress she had on wasn't it at first it looked like a Shirt and Skirt combo
I don't think it was a faux pas at all. I saw it on anderson
cooper as well. The Queen had her arm around Michelles' back
and Michelle put her arm around the Queen as if it were her
Mom. To me a very kind gesture. The Press and the Brits' just need to go to the pub and have a pint and relax!
Maybe the Queen in her dotage is reflecting on how she wants to relate to people as opposed to what protocol calls for. She broke protocol in several ways during the period after Diana's death in an effort to reach out to her public, and because she was advised to do so.
Perhaps she wants to respond to Michelle in a more personal way. People tend to forget that sometimes protocols can get in the way of human interaction, and the Queen might be more concerned about reaching out to Michelle than doing things by the book.
Larry King and other pundits need to fill air time. Personally, I think that the Queen showed gumption to touch Mrs. O, and Michelle responded in kind. It was a genuine exchange of admiration and respect.
I think the Obama's did wonderful in Britian
@ Opulent - The White House Chief of Protocol undoubtedly has a far better clue of what attire is most properly worn on what occasion than any single one of us here. We have no place second guessing her or him. Moreover, that person has undoubtedly been in contact with many other protocol officers from the G-20 to determine what attire the women will wear for which occasions.
I think that what's most notable is that Mrs. O's attire did not outshine that of her hostess and it was not OTT respective to the other First Ladies. When POTUS is trying to build relationships with the other G-19 it is important that Mrs O not come in and completely overwhelm the other women as if she's the most important one there. She is, of course. But it's not her job to send that message with 'PAY ATTENTION TO ME' clothes. She chose simple, understated clothes to reflect that she's just one of the girls and I think that's absolutely correct.
And one more thing. The Queen, according to the protocol articles linked in either this or the other thread, does NOT touch people beyond a handshake. So that she put her hand on Mrs. O's back in a friendly gesture indicates to me that the Queen, the ultimate arbiter of protocol and etiquette, has deemed Mrs. O's international debut a success.
@Bevi...totally agree with you.
I am sorry to see the bickering. Some us us have familiarity with protocol, state occasions, appropriateness. Some do not. It is one thing to look lovely. It is another to look appropriate to the (in this case, very special) occasion. Everyone here wants Mrs. Obama to put her - and the country's - best foot forward. I have not seen any trolls. Just sincere people who felt comfortable being kindly frank and got flamed for it.
She's stunning, I think she's starting a fashion revolution. Sleeveless for formal occasions. Pity Carla wasn't there, but can't wait to see the 2 stunning first ladies together on Saturday. I think people overseas love them more than Americans.
Posh Tarter-
Did you even notice what the other First Ladies wore? Michelle's out fit fit right in. This wasn't a real formal event. It was a working dinner, hence they only had 2 courses. Michelle looked great, but compared to most of the other first ladies Michelle looked GRAND. I mean a couple of people poured themselves into their dresses (and they really shouldn't have). Some people looked like they were from Dynasty or Dallas (not in a good way). We are truly fortunate to have a First Lady that get it.
Thursday morning...
The First Lady will join the other G-20 spouses for a trip to the Royal Opera House Thursday morning.
They'll then have a private lunch.
From - Time/ThePage
(this corrects my previous post that wrongly stated that the opera event was supposed to have been after Wednesday dinner.)
Bevi, I think your comments on Larry King are correct. Knowing him, he's just asking the question... is it okay now, what does it mean, blah blah blah. It's something to talk about. Sigh... like there's nothing else.
For my part, I think the Queen subconsciously picked up on the warmth that Mrs. O exudes. Remember all the photo montages of her hugging people? She's a 'hugger' -- she reaches out to people and they reach back. I'd love to see that little backrub-from-the-Queen right there with them, because it really says something amazing!
On this site, we look at the clothes, but Mrs. O is in talks with the West Wing of the implications of overstated vs. understated for every occasion in line the constraints of protocol. This was not a state dinner in the evening. It was not a formal event to meet the Queen. It was a "meet and greet".
Michelle was dressed appropriate and looked great. Her clothes, like it or not, have to reflect the theme of the Prez' tone at the G20. I don't want to interject politics, but when I generally don't understand her choices, I always keep that in mind.
As an intelligent woman, she chooses her clothes but she has to always keep in mind her husband's goals and the view of the U.S. which is trying to rebuild fractured relationships around the world. I guarantee you this, she will dress to compliment her husband's theme, that he's come "to listen, and to lead".
That invokes subtle approachability to me, and the First Lady has been invoking that in her dress and style, as well as just being herself. She isn't faking it; she is authentic. But her clothes are to make a statement but also not to overwhelm or overpower.
I love the pearls
I liked this dress, but I almost felt like it was a little too plain. This could have used some of the sparkle of the J.Crew cardigan.
This is just yet another outfit where the beautiful subtle details are probably lost in the photographs. I don't think it's a coincidence that the outfits that are universally loved seem to feature bright, solid colors and large pieces of jewelry. Those dresses seem to photograph very well and it's easier to see what to like, so to speak.
Michelle is stunning and radiant in whatever she wears, no doubt about that (it's in the end how you wear things, not what you wear). She is the First Lady of the world.
Yet to me (coming from continental Europe) she could be more stylish on both occasions (tea and dinner). The first impression both times was simply - underdressed. A good example of what to wear on a bit more formal events is Carla. Any visit to queen or to a high profile dinner is rather formal (for Europeans at least).
She is just so awesome.
I freaking love her for the simplest things.
WOW, everybody is an expert on protocol and on what is appropriate all of a freaking sudden! Please, pray tell What is so inappropriate with this lovely dress?!
Please! Get over yourselves!
Anyway, here is an absolutely stunning shot of her
http://www.daylife.com/photo/02XL3Or7ZZ7j2?q=Michelle+Obama
Love the dress without the sweater! I felt the pearls clashed a little with the JCrew outfit, but they worked perfectly with this one!
Her mother must have been beaming all day watching her!
Link to 'large' close-up photos:
journals(dot)democraticunderground(dot)com/Jackeens_for_Obama
Sigh.
Attn: T'Other Mrs O: There is no such office as the "White House chiefof Protocol". The OFfice of the Chief of Protocol is part of the Department of State, and that office has been unoccupied since Jan 20, 2009. (That might explain the wierd presents and total lack of protocol the Obamas display in their formal roles).
Pearls: Once again, Michelle wears a double strand. Wrong, wrong, so very wrong.
The dress. Maybe it looks better in person. It looks like a badly fitting tank top and skirt. Michelle usually avoids this kind of neckline because she doesn't really fill it out well. It llooks badly cut and kind of sags. It isn't the right kind of material -- it just looks too plain. Here's a great pic of Michelle and the Queen:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/G20/article6018322.ece
Christina,
I have to say that better to be plain than be too overdressed. I thought Michelle was elegantly understated
Michelle Obama was the 'belle of the ball', here is the slide show from the state dinner - She was by far the best dressed.
http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/Sq_jnoyUokV/World+Leaders+Arrive+Downing+Street+Dinner/3NJNjjdUgsr
Oh for crying out loud!
Could some of you folks just take your all protocol-knowing, dissenting, nitpicking opinions elsewhere and let those of us shallow, swooning Mrs O lovers stew adoringly and uniterrupted in our blissful ignorance...?!
The first lady and her choices are simply fabulous; And we love her and every single personal fashion choice she makes!
Deal with it...
And as far as many of us are concerned, this website is simply put, a wonderful escape and a haven from all the manufactured and contrived "controversy" & faux "outrage" - Thank you again and again Mrs T!
We love it here and urge those of you who enjoy effusive dissension and nitpicking over minutiae to really consider sticking with the various other sites and blogs that thrive on criticizing Mrs O...and there are quite a few to pick from.
This is certainly not the place...And it begs the question; How is it possible that any person could spend any amount of time and energy furiously posting on a blog dedicated to someone they don't like - It's just absolutely insane; plain crazy!