I, too, thought Mrs. O. looked "elegantly understated" in this ensemble. She did, indeed, stand out among the others as a great example of style. Yesterday, however, the sparkly cardigan did not say "spring." Rather, it yelled, "Merry Christmas!" Did anyone else notice the odd, heavy leather straps on Mrs. Brown's left wrist? Was it a watch? It certainly was a "miss" with her outfit.
I'm not impressed with the dress, I don't think it does her any favours. Sorry, but I'm no troll, that's just my opinion. It is too plain-Jane in my view. Why not at least a fabulous broche or something?! It really had nothing. The skirt of the dress is too wide, and it is not good for her figure, it makes her look a lot bigger than she is.
Also, I don't really like the girlie hair. All in all, almost a 1950s girlie outfit, makes me thing of "Grease"!
@ Rachel: I agree with you, that photo is the most elegant one of all. It almost makes me appreciate the dress better!
But I am getting very tired of reducing First Lady Michelle Obama to these ultimately insignificant shallow details. Her gown! Her hair! Her earrings! Her fabric swatches!
The woman is a smart, strong, driven individual. Also she is a Princeton and Harvard Law Graduate who is making history and breaking color barriers
I love the color here for today's look, but I don't know if I like the plaid part. I have to admit I know very little about fashion. It appears that she is wearing the inauguration shoes and she's matching tones with Mrs. Brown. I love the skirt though. Maybe this would be something the Brits might like better.
She does look bright, cheery, and approachable. The fullness in the skirt is very stylish.
I do know she's speaking at a girls school today so I'm hoping to see some footage on that. I have to say that I'm always more interested and impressed with her confidence and demeanor than I am in her clothes. Agree with Mrs. O or not, she always seems comfortable in her own skin.
The BBC website shows some video of Michelle's outfit for today (Thursday). She's meeting with the other wives at the opera for a reading. Appears to be a teal colored dress with a cardigan over it. The cardigan is very interesting.
Btw, is there any info on the double strand of pearls she's been wearing? Are they real or costume? I think today's shoes might be the same teal shoes from the inauguration?
Why is it that every time a poster comments that she’s not fond of a certain outfit, another poster immediately feels compelled to jump in and defend Mrs. O and point out how intelligent and accomplished she is??? I think we all acknowledge her intelligence and competence, and no one even has to say that she can wear whatever she pleases! Of course she can! It’s my impression that this site was intended to be a fun outlet where people who like fashion can comment on someone we all admire.
Who Michelle Obama is and what M.O. wears are two different subjects. We all admire who she is, but that doesn’t mean that we have to love everything she wears. And the fact that we might occasionally dislike something she wears in no way diminshes our respect for who she is OR our recognition of her right to choose her own style.
This site ceases to be fun when it becomes a slamfest. People don’t agree. That’s life. Wouldn’t the site be boring if everyone did agree? What would be the point of reading other opinions if they all agreed with yours? What would be the point of posting opinions if they all agreed? Just a little courtesy, please!
I love it! I think Mrs O's outfit today is bold and cute. I love her style. Brace yourself Mrs O bloggers the naysayers are gonna have a fit with this one. She surprises me all the time. BTW - Sarah Brown seems to be a lovely lady and a very nice host but does the she have a stylist?
I've been looking at this over and over, and you know what--I like it! I'm really trying to get it a second look. On the BBC website, she really stands out in all that color with the other women without being overdone or not approachable. In the BBC clip she's standing in the opera lobby with the other wives, and with the heels, all you see is Mrs. O in her teal.
The only thing I don't like is the fit in the back and the back neck. The daylife photos show a picture of the cardigan in the back. But then again there's only one photo that shows that.
The color is truly bold and daring--even if you like the outfit or hate it. This woman is totally surprising. Barack said that about her that he loved about her and even after all the years of marriage, that she always surprises him and keeps things interesting.
I would agree. Michelle has so many sides--classic, youthful, conventional, and unconventional. Very interesting today. The inauguration shoes are back as well as the pearls!
I like what she has on today (gosh but some of those other wives fashion statements leave a little to be desired). I.would love to see what the dress is like under the cardigan. Michelle marches to the beat of her own drummer...get used to it. She does not conform to what society thinks is beautiful...as long as she feels good she goes with it.
Agree with Donna No Shock---BRACE YOURSELF MRS. O bloggers for today's morning outfit!
I think the posts will have no middle ground. You either love it or not I think. But darn it, this woman is gutsy, confident and comfortable in her own skin. I've had quite a few British friends that wear plaid. Mrs. O has a pattern half on the front, and all of her left sleeve so as not to frighten up timid dressers away.
The skirt is all teal and beautiful to me. Her makeup is bright, dewy and gorgeous as well as her hair. This woman is no shrinking violet--but the bright colors make her seem so friendly and happy.
Let the comments begin...this is going to be an interesting today on the blog I have to say.
I love the dress and was a little iffy about the cardigan but just found some more pics and I really love the cardigan. It has great detail...love the little slits at the bottom of the sleeves.
I was not a fan of this outfit, altho it is growing one. The neckline isn't working-- maybe a boatneck would have been better. It would have looked more elegant.
I like the dress and cardigan but I'm wondering what is the detailing on the back of the cardigan - almost looks like it fastens up the back or something. This pic shows the back - sadly it does not show Sarah Brown at her best. daylife(dot)com/photo/03Xaf5S2fB0Or
I absolutely love this outfit (and I want that argyle cardigan), but what is going on with the cardigan in the back? It almost looks like it's two pieces held together at the back.
I thought that was just me--I'm just learning about fashion but in the back it looks not finished on purpose. Or zigzaged unfinished at the back neck.
I love this outfit but do not understand the back. Maybe someone can explain it to me. Also, what does argyle mean? I'm really trying to grasp fashion. I'm just an Ann Taylor/Talbots girl myself.
1. Wow, now that is a striking cardigan. I'll be interested in knowing where it came from. I love argyle.
2. I think we know those shoes! And, I don't think they match the rest of what she's wearing.
3. I'm not so sure about the whole outfit. The shoes are really throwing me off. But the whole ensemble really demonstrates that Mrs. O is very much her own woman.
When I saw this an hour ago I did NOT like it, mostly because I thought the cut of the skirt was unflattering, but looking at it again now I am really into it and think she looks great. I guess I can only hold out for so long against the first lady's charms. :-)
Someone needs to take those cardigans away from her and give her some cute tailored tops to wwear with her dressy outfits. The green dress is probably quite pretty under that weird-looking cardigan, but we can't tell because the way she wears her cardigans makes it bunch up at the waist. It does not photograph well. Again, loving those heels and her hair is cute, but not loving the outfit. She needs to bring back those sheath dresses.
According to Britain's Daily Mail: "The First Lady kept her famous toned arms covered in the asymmetric creation by Japanese designer Junya Watanabe, which featured a garish argyle pattern and was embellished with yet more sequins. A far cry from her signature sleeveless shift dresses, Mrs Obama also wore a teal-coloured full-skirted prom dress by Jason Wu."
It sounds like this particular columnist wasn't enjoying the outfit too much, but I would hardly call the sweater garish. From the photo at the Daily Mail it's obvious that the cardigan is supposed to recall (or maybe is) two sweaters put together. Interesting.
Michelle is absolutely stunning! However, I wish she would stand up straighter. I know she is quite tall and doesn't want to emphasize her height, but she is such a beauty this would be the finishing touch on her elegance. I love her style and grace.
Garish...? Hmm, I don't think so. Though for me, a really signature piece like that cardigan would prompt me to make the rest of my outfit very subdued. For instance, I might have worn brown pants, or something (has Michelle worn pants yet? I don't think so.)
Donna No Shock, you are spot on that the bloggers are going to have a field day. I like the edginess of the cardigan and love she is wearing argyle in the British Isles. I think I would like the sweater better with a pencil skirt or sheath, but that's my opinion.
On the other hand, my colleague gives the outfit two thumbs down. She can't find anything she likes about the look and feels the shoes do not go with the ensemble.
Again I know this is a fashion blog, but I love the photo of Michelle with the wife of the Indian prime minister. She is so approachable. She and Sarah Brown seem to have hit it off as well.
Why doesn't she just get a stylist? She can wear clothes well cause she's tall and slim but it's obvious now that she really doesn't have an "eye". I read somewhere, I think the NY Times, that she said she wears pleats to make her hips look less wide. It's fashion 101 that pleats actually widen hips. So this lets me know that she really doesn't know fashion. Most women don't know that either, but most women don't have access to stylists either.
This look is more Mamie Eisenhower than Jackie, and Mamie Eisenhower couldn't dress. I think the sweater is "garish" indeed. Looks like something Frankenstein made, all patched together with plaid here and a sparkle their. She could have worn a much more polished look for a daytime opera and tea. I love that deep purple dress chunky necklace she wore on 60 Minutes. That would have been perfect. The top of the dress looks beautiful. The neckline on that dress looks like something she would typically wear. If the dress were a straight shift if would be fabulous. The skirt's looks like something off of "Grease" and the pleats are wrinkled. I don't like this look at all. I was expecting something sharper as she never wears two bad outfits in a row. I just can't believe she actually wore this it's so bad. These last two outfits, and also the very first outfit leaving the WH (which was actually very pretty on her), are so different from what she usually wears. So different and so bad for her. Why is she suddenly wearing Mamie Eisenhower getups, which manage to be both too juvenile and matronly at once. I think because she's not a real fashionista, someone has talked her into wearing some very unflaterring outfits on this trip. And I think that someone is Ikram Goldman or whatever her name is.
Every time I think of this event, and review the photos from last night, all I can say is that Mrs. O look REGAL! Her effortless style is SUPERLATIVE. I get heart palpitations and a little bit weak in the knees from just the thought of how historic all this is. It IS SUCH A BIG DEAL - I mean really! Mrs. O is not only doing Americans proud, but all women!
Wow she's wearing Watanabe?? Don't think I've seen her in his designs before but this sweater I'm not feeling.. in some of the pics it looks ill-fitting. its distracting and I agree with the writer its a bit garish and doesn't really go with the skirt.
But the real fashion disaster is Mrs Brown... my lord who chooses that woman's clothes.. that blue dress is not flattering on her whatsoever.
The only good thing I can say about this outfit is that the color is pretty. It's a typical Michelle color and all color looks good on her.
And please don't call me a troll guys. It seems that even when an outfit is obviously ugly, you all claim it's gorgeous. Give me a break. If Sarah Brown wore this same sloppy getup, you'd all tell the truth about it.
To my suprise, Mrs. Brown actually looked more polished than Michelle today. When you let Mrs. Brown look better than you, something is just wrong. This 1950's thing she's been doing lately is sort of becoming like Hillary's headbands. Something very terrible that the woman seems to think is cute. Michelle's outfit is just plain sloppy and wrinkled.The more I look at it, the more it's garishness fades to the background. It's the terrible fit and the wrinkles I just cannot get over. Who let her leave the house like that?! I want her to get a stylist, and fast. If she wears something like that in Paris, they won't sugarcoat it. She will get slammed.
What's this "10 Downing" I keep reading? It's Downing Street. In an article yesterday I read that the President was to meet the Queen "at Buckingham". Buckingham is a town an hour and a half out of Central London.
Leah D I hear you! I've said several times that none of the events was formal yesterday but it seems that some people don't want to listen! Maybe they're not happy if they're not complaining.....
Opulent, as I had already commented, Camilla Parker Bowles was wearing a sweater cut like a polo shirt therefore you are wrong about the protocol level for the Buckingham Palace reception. Michelle was fine in a cocktail dress and cardigan. If you watch the footage you will see that some women were clearly arriving from work and not dressed up. The Queen had dressed DOWN following her meeting with the Australian premiere, from a suit, to a fairly casual dress.
Important distinction: Protocol is how you behave. Dress code is what you wear. The dress code for this looked like Lounge Suit and means that business dress is appropriate. And seeing as the Queen is quite well known for giving short shrift to people who don't do what she thinks is right, I think we can accept that Michelle WAS appropriately dressed because QEII asked her to keep in touch, and touched her AND was very chatty. If she'd thought she was inappropriate, she would have been barely civil!!!
Finally Opulent, as we keep saying this is not a state visit. Not. A. State. Visit. Therefore any reference to "state attire" is irrelevant. Aside from the fact that there is no such thing as state attire.
Eh? I think you have me confused with someone else.
And so on to today. I'm sorry to say that I loathe that cardigan with a deep and abiding loathing. It's clever, and reminds me of something Prada did about four years ago, but I hate the Argyle. The skirt's gorgeous though and she still looks better than all those women in BORING suits!
I see that Sarah Brown is wearing a clingy dress and giant bottom-enlarging mummy pants, yet again defining all the areas that could be smoothed away.... (small squeak of frustration).
So great to see this dress in its full glory sans opera coat and cardigan - magnificent ! Touche' on a perfect and elegant choice for these grand events.
Mrs. O looked wonderful. All of the ladies have their own style (good or bad).
I just have one question. Does everyone think Michelle is physically really beautiful or are we just saying that? (I think she would be pretty if her mouth wasn't misshapen).
I know finding fault with the Obama's isn't fashionable, but would everyone say she's really pretty (physically) if she was anyone else but the President's wife?
I think everything about her makes her pretty...brains, sense of humor, elegance and that's what makes her appear to be beautiful.
*sigh* so many experts on protocol, too few are really knowledgeable. Props to Posh Tater, who seems knowledgeable for clarifying once again about the nature of the visit. I hate caps but NOT A STATE VISIT, stands out for me. However, PT, I loved that quirky,fun sweater even though I totally get people's objections. Viva la different strokes!
What she is wearing is not nearly as important as how she has been received. I appreciate that she is doing a good job of representing America. She compliments her husband and projects both strength and femininity. I especially like that the crowd outside Downing St. were cheering for the Obamas. They are both winners!
Actually Sailorsgirl and Sandy D., she is beyond beautiful! Clearly you are assuming that only European looks qualify as beautiful. How offensive! Africans, Asians, Anglos' beauty should be appreciated by all.
Yola, I am BLACK and AMERICAN INDIAN and FRENCH. Like Mrs. O's husband, I am a "mutt." I did not say that "only European looks qualify as beautiful." I said that (in MY opinion), Mrs. O is not PHYSICALLY beautiful.
Michelle is highly intelligent, elegant, erudite and warm. I love her INNER beauty! I just don't happen to think that she is PHYSICALLY beautiful.
By the way, I am DEFINITELY not physically beautiful, either.
I don't understand asking such a question.... Beauty is in the eye of the beholder iF you don't think she is physically beautiful no one can object, but I fail to see why there needs to be a poll about it...
I don't particularly thinnk any of the first ladies were all that physically beautiful after all these are not models they are average women who married extraordinary men.
she looked beautiful on the cover of 'people' in the pink lace tracy reese sheath, and on the cover of vogue. she looked elegant in the annie liebovitz shoot, and looks distinctive and distinguished nearly always - except on the rare occasions when we can't understand her sartorial choices and most of us are left wondering, at least at first glance, 'now why did she do that/wear that ?'
now that she's getting back on an aircraft, let;s hope she pulls out the white-and-black goat she wore just before leaving - might be great for strasbourg/baden-baden/nato - elegant yet sombre and formal
and after that please let her really vow paris with some sexy sheaths and bright colours and bare arms !
Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 4:39 PM
Reader Comments (148)
And Bevi, spot on as always...
I, too, thought Mrs. O. looked "elegantly understated" in this ensemble. She did, indeed, stand out among the others as a great example of style. Yesterday, however, the sparkly cardigan did not say "spring." Rather, it yelled, "Merry Christmas!" Did anyone else notice the odd, heavy leather straps on Mrs. Brown's left wrist? Was it a watch? It certainly was a "miss" with her outfit.
I'm not impressed with the dress, I don't think it does her any favours. Sorry, but I'm no troll, that's just my opinion. It is too plain-Jane in my view. Why not at least a fabulous broche or something?! It really had nothing. The skirt of the dress is too wide, and it is not good for her figure, it makes her look a lot bigger than she is.
Also, I don't really like the girlie hair. All in all, almost a 1950s girlie outfit, makes me thing of "Grease"!
@ Rachel: I agree with you, that photo is the most elegant one of all. It almost makes me appreciate the dress better!
Have to admit, none of the other "First Wives" in this slideshow looks great either...
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/01/first-ladies-night-see-wh_n_182043.html
Lovely BBC news article about Michelle's appeal:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7978054.stm
But I am getting very tired of reducing First Lady Michelle Obama to these ultimately insignificant shallow details. Her gown! Her hair! Her earrings! Her fabric swatches!
The woman is a smart, strong, driven individual. Also she is a Princeton and Harvard Law Graduate who is making history and breaking color barriers
I think that this clip from CNN says it all really.
http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2009/04/02/lkl.obama.london.cnn?iref=videosearch
I love the color here for today's look, but I don't know if I like the plaid part. I have to admit I know very little about fashion. It appears that she is wearing the inauguration shoes and she's matching tones with Mrs. Brown. I love the skirt though. Maybe this would be something the Brits might like better.
She does look bright, cheery, and approachable. The fullness in the skirt is very stylish.
I do know she's speaking at a girls school today so I'm hoping to see some footage on that. I have to say that I'm always more interested and impressed with her confidence and demeanor than I am in her clothes. Agree with Mrs. O or not, she always seems comfortable in her own skin.
http://www.daylife.com/photo/060KgO31pa5Ww?q=michelle+obama
The BBC website shows some video of Michelle's outfit for today (Thursday). She's meeting with the other wives at the opera for a reading. Appears to be a teal colored dress with a cardigan over it. The cardigan is very interesting.
Btw, is there any info on the double strand of pearls she's been wearing? Are they real or costume? I think today's shoes might be the same teal shoes from the inauguration?
The outfit for today is on daylife(dot)com. My comment is still in moderation.
I agree the top is interesting--and I think if I was in Britain, I would like it. I love the skirt and the color.
She may change again before she speaks at the girls school. She looks very bright and cheery.
she's certainly not understated today!
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/slideshow/photo//090402/ids_photos_wl/r757452712.jpg/#photoViewer=/090402/481/8d348996f6174976ba881f6aaab1dd10
slideshow of her at the Royal Opera House. She looks stunning, I love the sweater/vest/combo. I know there will be cries of it's too busy, etc etc etc. There will be critiques of her shoes too, they look like the green/teal ones she wore to to lunch with Mayor Fenty.
but I love it.
Why is it that every time a poster comments that she’s not fond of a certain outfit, another poster immediately feels compelled to jump in and defend Mrs. O and point out how intelligent and accomplished she is??? I think we all acknowledge her intelligence and competence, and no one even has to say that she can wear whatever she pleases! Of course she can! It’s my impression that this site was intended to be a fun outlet where people who like fashion can comment on someone we all admire.
Who Michelle Obama is and what M.O. wears are two different subjects. We all admire who she is, but that doesn’t mean that we have to love everything she wears. And the fact that we might occasionally dislike something she wears in no way diminshes our respect for who she is OR our recognition of her right to choose her own style.
This site ceases to be fun when it becomes a slamfest. People don’t agree. That’s life. Wouldn’t the site be boring if everyone did agree? What would be the point of reading other opinions if they all agreed with yours? What would be the point of posting opinions if they all agreed? Just a little courtesy, please!
I love it! I think Mrs O's outfit today is bold and cute. I love her style. Brace yourself Mrs O bloggers the naysayers are gonna have a fit with this one. She surprises me all the time.
BTW - Sarah Brown seems to be a lovely lady and a very nice host but does the she have a stylist?
I've been looking at this over and over, and you know what--I like it! I'm really trying to get it a second look. On the BBC website, she really stands out in all that color with the other women without being overdone or not approachable. In the BBC clip she's standing in the opera lobby with the other wives, and with the heels, all you see is Mrs. O in her teal.
The only thing I don't like is the fit in the back and the back neck. The daylife photos show a picture of the cardigan in the back. But then again there's only one photo that shows that.
The color is truly bold and daring--even if you like the outfit or hate it. This woman is totally surprising. Barack said that about her that he loved about her and even after all the years of marriage, that she always surprises him and keeps things interesting.
I would agree. Michelle has so many sides--classic, youthful, conventional, and unconventional. Very interesting today. The inauguration shoes are back as well as the pearls!
I like what she has on today (gosh but some of those other wives fashion statements leave a little to be desired). I.would love to see what the dress is like under the cardigan. Michelle marches to the beat of her own drummer...get used to it. She does not conform to what society thinks is beautiful...as long as she feels good she goes with it.
Agree with Donna No Shock---BRACE YOURSELF MRS. O bloggers for today's morning outfit!
I think the posts will have no middle ground. You either love it or not I think. But darn it, this woman is gutsy, confident and comfortable in her own skin. I've had quite a few British friends that wear plaid. Mrs. O has a pattern half on the front, and all of her left sleeve so as not to frighten up timid dressers away.
The skirt is all teal and beautiful to me. Her makeup is bright, dewy and gorgeous as well as her hair. This woman is no shrinking violet--but the bright colors make her seem so friendly and happy.
Let the comments begin...this is going to be an interesting today on the blog I have to say.
I love the dress and was a little iffy about the cardigan but just found some more pics and I really love the cardigan. It has great detail...love the little slits at the bottom of the sleeves.
I was not a fan of this outfit, altho it is growing one. The neckline isn't working-- maybe a boatneck would have been better. It would have looked more elegant.
I like the dress and cardigan but I'm wondering what is the detailing on the back of the cardigan - almost looks like it fastens up the back or something. This pic shows the back - sadly it does not show Sarah Brown at her best. daylife(dot)com/photo/03Xaf5S2fB0Or
I absolutely love this outfit (and I want that argyle cardigan), but what is going on with the cardigan in the back? It almost looks like it's two pieces held together at the back.
Chicagoan,
I thought that was just me--I'm just learning about fashion but in the back it looks not finished on purpose. Or zigzaged unfinished at the back neck.
I love this outfit but do not understand the back. Maybe someone can explain it to me. Also, what does argyle mean? I'm really trying to grasp fashion. I'm just an Ann Taylor/Talbots girl myself.
On today's outfit:
1. Wow, now that is a striking cardigan. I'll be interested in knowing where it came from. I love argyle.
2. I think we know those shoes! And, I don't think they match the rest of what she's wearing.
3. I'm not so sure about the whole outfit. The shoes are really throwing me off. But the whole ensemble really demonstrates that Mrs. O is very much her own woman.
When I saw this an hour ago I did NOT like it, mostly because I thought the cut of the skirt was unflattering, but looking at it again now I am really into it and think she looks great. I guess I can only hold out for so long against the first lady's charms. :-)
Don't like it. I only like the hair/makeup and the shoes. The outfit is sloppy.
I'm in awe each time I see our First Couple. I just stumble uopon this site that have some very captivating moments of our First Couple trip overseas. They make me us so proud. http://craighickman.blogspot.com/2009/04/new-faces-for-new-world.html
Someone needs to take those cardigans away from her and give her some cute tailored tops to wwear with her dressy outfits. The green dress is probably quite pretty under that weird-looking cardigan, but we can't tell because the way she wears her cardigans makes it bunch up at the waist. It does not photograph well. Again, loving those heels and her hair is cute, but not loving the outfit. She needs to bring back those sheath dresses.
According to Britain's Daily Mail: "The First Lady kept her famous toned arms covered in the asymmetric creation by Japanese designer Junya Watanabe, which featured a garish argyle pattern and was embellished with yet more sequins. A far cry from her signature sleeveless shift dresses, Mrs Obama also wore a teal-coloured full-skirted prom dress by Jason Wu."
It sounds like this particular columnist wasn't enjoying the outfit too much, but I would hardly call the sweater garish. From the photo at the Daily Mail it's obvious that the cardigan is supposed to recall (or maybe is) two sweaters put together. Interesting.
Michelle is absolutely stunning! However, I wish she would stand up straighter. I know she is quite tall and doesn't want to emphasize her height, but she is such a beauty this would be the finishing touch on her elegance. I love her style and grace.
Garish...? Hmm, I don't think so. Though for me, a really signature piece like that cardigan would prompt me to make the rest of my outfit very subdued. For instance, I might have worn brown pants, or something (has Michelle worn pants yet? I don't think so.)
Donna No Shock, you are spot on that the bloggers are going to have a field day. I like the edginess of the cardigan and love she is wearing argyle in the British Isles. I think I would like the sweater better with a pencil skirt or sheath, but that's my opinion.
On the other hand, my colleague gives the outfit two thumbs down. She can't find anything she likes about the look and feels the shoes do not go with the ensemble.
Again I know this is a fashion blog, but I love the photo of Michelle with the wife of the Indian prime minister. She is so approachable. She and Sarah Brown seem to have hit it off as well.
I'm not a hate so please don't call me a troll.
Why doesn't she just get a stylist? She can wear clothes well cause she's tall and slim but it's obvious now that she really doesn't have an "eye". I read somewhere, I think the NY Times, that she said she wears pleats to make her hips look less wide. It's fashion 101 that pleats actually widen hips. So this lets me know that she really doesn't know fashion. Most women don't know that either, but most women don't have access to stylists either.
This look is more Mamie Eisenhower than Jackie, and Mamie Eisenhower couldn't dress. I think the sweater is "garish" indeed. Looks like something Frankenstein made, all patched together with plaid here and a sparkle their. She could have worn a much more polished look for a daytime opera and tea. I love that deep purple dress chunky necklace she wore on 60 Minutes. That would have been perfect. The top of the dress looks beautiful. The neckline on that dress looks like something she would typically wear. If the dress were a straight shift if would be fabulous. The skirt's looks like something off of "Grease" and the pleats are wrinkled. I don't like this look at all. I was expecting something sharper as she never wears two bad outfits in a row. I just can't believe she actually wore this it's so bad. These last two outfits, and also the very first outfit leaving the WH (which was actually very pretty on her), are so different from what she usually wears. So different and so bad for her. Why is she suddenly wearing Mamie Eisenhower getups, which manage to be both too juvenile and matronly at once. I think because she's not a real fashionista, someone has talked her into wearing some very unflaterring outfits on this trip. And I think that someone is Ikram Goldman or whatever her name is.
Every time I think of this event, and review the photos from last night, all I can say is that Mrs. O look REGAL! Her effortless style is SUPERLATIVE. I get heart palpitations and a little bit weak in the knees from just the thought of how historic all this is. It IS SUCH A BIG DEAL - I mean really! Mrs. O is not only doing Americans proud, but all women!
Wow she's wearing Watanabe??
Don't think I've seen her in his designs before
but this sweater I'm not feeling.. in some of the pics it looks ill-fitting. its distracting and I agree with the writer its a bit garish and doesn't really go with the skirt.
But the real fashion disaster is Mrs Brown... my lord who chooses that woman's clothes.. that blue dress is not flattering on her whatsoever.
The only good thing I can say about this outfit is that the color is pretty. It's a typical Michelle color and all color looks good on her.
And please don't call me a troll guys. It seems that even when an outfit is obviously ugly, you all claim it's gorgeous. Give me a break. If Sarah Brown wore this same sloppy getup, you'd all tell the truth about it.
To my suprise, Mrs. Brown actually looked more polished than Michelle today. When you let Mrs. Brown look better than you, something is just wrong. This 1950's thing she's been doing lately is sort of becoming like Hillary's headbands. Something very terrible that the woman seems to think is cute. Michelle's outfit is just plain sloppy and wrinkled.The more I look at it, the more it's garishness fades to the background. It's the terrible fit and the wrinkles I just cannot get over. Who let her leave the house like that?! I want her to get a stylist, and fast. If she wears something like that in Paris, they won't sugarcoat it. She will get slammed.
What's this "10 Downing" I keep reading? It's Downing Street. In an article yesterday I read that the President was to meet the Queen "at Buckingham". Buckingham is a town an hour and a half out of Central London.
Leah D I hear you! I've said several times that none of the events was formal yesterday but it seems that some people don't want to listen! Maybe they're not happy if they're not complaining.....
Opulent, as I had already commented, Camilla Parker Bowles was wearing a sweater cut like a polo shirt therefore you are wrong about the protocol level for the Buckingham Palace reception. Michelle was fine in a cocktail dress and cardigan. If you watch the footage you will see that some women were clearly arriving from work and not dressed up. The Queen had dressed DOWN following her meeting with the Australian premiere, from a suit, to a fairly casual dress.
Important distinction: Protocol is how you behave. Dress code is what you wear. The dress code for this looked like Lounge Suit and means that business dress is appropriate. And seeing as the Queen is quite well known for giving short shrift to people who don't do what she thinks is right, I think we can accept that Michelle WAS appropriately dressed because QEII asked her to keep in touch, and touched her AND was very chatty. If she'd thought she was inappropriate, she would have been barely civil!!!
Finally Opulent, as we keep saying this is not a state visit. Not. A. State. Visit. Therefore any reference to "state attire" is irrelevant. Aside from the fact that there is no such thing as state attire.
Eh? I think you have me confused with someone else.
And so on to today. I'm sorry to say that I loathe that cardigan with a deep and abiding loathing. It's clever, and reminds me of something Prada did about four years ago, but I hate the Argyle. The skirt's gorgeous though and she still looks better than all those women in BORING suits!
I see that Sarah Brown is wearing a clingy dress and giant bottom-enlarging mummy pants, yet again defining all the areas that could be smoothed away.... (small squeak of frustration).
So great to see this dress in its full glory sans opera coat and cardigan - magnificent !
Touche' on a perfect and elegant choice for these grand events.
Mrs. O looked wonderful. All of the ladies have their own style (good or bad).
I just have one question. Does everyone think Michelle is physically really beautiful or are we just saying that? (I think she would be pretty if her mouth wasn't misshapen).
I know finding fault with the Obama's isn't fashionable, but would everyone say she's really pretty (physically) if she was anyone else but the President's wife?
I think everything about her makes her pretty...brains, sense of humor, elegance and that's what makes her appear to be beautiful.
Thoughts?
What would you suggest she look like. Are african American
@Sandy D are You African American
*sigh* so many experts on protocol, too few are really knowledgeable. Props to Posh Tater, who seems knowledgeable for clarifying once again about the nature of the visit. I hate caps but NOT A STATE VISIT, stands out for me. However, PT, I loved that quirky,fun sweater even though I totally get people's objections. Viva la different strokes!
What she is wearing is not nearly as important as how she has been received. I appreciate that she is doing a good job of representing America. She compliments her husband and projects both strength and femininity. I especially like that the crowd outside Downing St. were cheering for the Obamas. They are both winners!
Sandy D., I agree with you that Michelle is not physically beautiful. (I am Black and American Indian and French.)
Actually Sailorsgirl and Sandy D., she is beyond beautiful! Clearly you are assuming that only European looks qualify as beautiful. How offensive! Africans, Asians, Anglos' beauty should be appreciated by all.
Yola, I am BLACK and AMERICAN INDIAN and FRENCH. Like Mrs. O's husband, I am a "mutt." I did not say that "only European looks qualify as beautiful." I said that (in MY opinion), Mrs. O is not PHYSICALLY beautiful.
Michelle is highly intelligent, elegant, erudite and warm. I love her INNER beauty! I just don't happen to think that she is PHYSICALLY beautiful.
By the way, I am DEFINITELY not physically beautiful, either.
I don't understand asking such a question....
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
iF you don't think she is physically beautiful no one can object, but I fail to see why there needs to be a poll about it...
I don't particularly thinnk any of the first ladies were all that physically beautiful after all these are not models they are average women who married extraordinary men.
she looked beautiful on the cover of 'people' in the pink lace tracy reese sheath, and on the cover of vogue. she looked elegant in the annie liebovitz shoot, and looks distinctive and distinguished nearly always - except on the rare occasions when we can't understand her sartorial choices and most of us are left wondering, at least at first glance, 'now why did she do that/wear that ?'
now that she's getting back on an aircraft, let;s hope she pulls out the white-and-black goat she wore just before leaving - might be great for strasbourg/baden-baden/nato - elegant yet sombre and formal
and after that please let her really vow paris with some sexy sheaths and bright colours and bare arms !
o meant 'wow' not 'vow' - sorry for the typo