Wednesday
Apr292009
Serving on the 100th Day
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 at 11:39 AM 
Photo by Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images
First Lady Mrs. O and Dr. Jill Biden joined 160 Congressional spouses and children to volunteer at the Capital Area Food Bank today. Mrs. O and Dr. B are pictured with Lynn Brantley, Executive Director of the Capitol Area Food Bank and Vicki Escarra, President and CEO of Feeding America. Mrs. O wears J.Crew's Featherweight cashmere argyle cardigan in silver olive salt, paired with cropped gray pants and Lanvin's cap toe sneakers. Click here to see another fantastic image from today's event (thank you American-n-Rome!) P.S. We do love Dr. B's cropped white pants and silver flats!
Thanks to Janelle, who informs us the latter are Tory Burch's ‘Reva’ ballerina flats.
tagged J.Crew, Lanvin, Tory Burch in Outfits
J.Crew, Lanvin, Tory Burch in Outfits
Reader Comments (162)
Oh, and this is another great link to an article about Mrs.O. Well actually it's a link to a scan of her Ebony Magazine Sept. 2008 interview through Google Books. I never got a chance to read that issue and I just found out that Ebony has put almost all of their issues online. It's a great article and profile of her and comments from her mom, Barack, her brother and many of her oldest friends. Anyway here's the link. Go to page 72 for the article.
http://books.google.com/books?id=OdMDAAAAMBAJ&printsec=frontcover&client=firefox-a&source=gbs_summary_r&cad=0_0
From Politico dot com:
Monday:
Michelle Obama will attend a Hispanic Heritage event at a local school in celebration of Cinco de Mayo.
Right on, IVA> Nancy Reagan wore designer all the time. I can't remember people all over her case about it. Michelle, as you said, mixes it up. And let's not forget her Old Navy and H&M outfits.
And IVA, I think Christina made the purchase as well.
Nice remarks from the Congressional Club luncheon to be held monthly (nice family/dog updates as well).
http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2009/04/michelle_obama_leading_first_l.html
..I don't think cameras were allowed so this is one monthly event where we may never see the wonderful outfits that Michelle wears....sigh.
Janelle, Lynn Sweet has the full transcript of MrsO speech if anyone else is nerdy enough (like me) to want to read it. My heart positively soared!
Beyond the delicious little details about the kids and Bo, I loved this little bit the most:
In order to do so, one of the things that I'm proposing and I'm presenting it to you all here now is that we develop a family service project based around the annual Congressional Picnic which will be held at the White House on June 25th. We can bring our husbands and our wives, our children and our grandchildren together as we did yesterday and rally around a common cause.
Beautiful!! I just love this 1st lady so!!
a story on today's event, no mention of her outfit but some nice quotes about Bo & balancing work & family:
http://www(dot)swamppolitics(dot)com/news/politics/blog/2009/04/michelle_obama_leading_first_l(dot)html
& Mrs. O's Cinco de Mayo plans, sounds like she'll be quite busy:
http://www(dot)swamppolitics(dot)com/news/politics/blog/2009/04/michelle_obama_cinco_de_mayo_i(dot)html
Brook, thanks for that reminder. I should have looked at Lynn Sweet's blog first. And yes, I am nerdy enough to read it for sure.
I love this site, but I just love to read/hear Michelle's words after a long day in the corporate world. She is truly uplifting and is some kind of woman. She really is a caring and phenomenal woman.
Speaking of pricey sneakers -- I bought a pair of red and orange sneakers several years ago. They were way beyond my ordinary budget, but I loved them. I am still wearing them. They are very comfortable. When I wear them people stop me and say, "Wow, I love your shoes." (I am sure the people who don't comment but do a double take hate them.) I am sixty-something.
Thanks for sharing the info about her remarks, Janelle and Brook. This was probably a lovely event, but it's good that it's not too much of a media event. This makes it more authentic.
Christine Thresh - I bet Mrs. O enjoys her sneakers for similar reasons. Something different...
Lynn Sweet posted Michelle's speech on
http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2009/04/michelle_obama_i_feel_like_ive.html
but it's not on her Daily FLOTUS page at Daily Politics
http://www.politicsdaily.com/category/the-daily-flotus-with-lynn-sweet/
There is a tidbit there though that says:
...Michelle will be in New York TUESDAY and she will visit the U.S. United Nations mission (across the street from the U.N.) ALSO, on Tuesday Micelle will speak at Time Magazine's glitzy "100 Most Influential People" event.
Ohhhh....this is going to be a great day!
www(dot)politicsdaily(dot)com/2009/04/30/michelle-obama-takes-manhattan-on-tuesday/
Hitting New York for the first time since the Jan. 20 inauguration: Mrs. Obama next Tuesday visits the U.S. United Nations mission (across the street from the U.N.) where she will greet employees along with Ambassador Susan Rice, an early supporter of President Obama's candidacy.
After that Mrs. Obama speaks at Time Magazine's glitzy "100 Most Influential People" event-always an elite gathering of the who's who of the who's who.
WOW!
A photo of the Lanvin sneakers here:
http://michelleostyle.blogspot.com/2009/04/michelle-obama-casual-in-j-crew-and.html
in reverse! Pink sneakers with SILVER TOES!
I like those much better.
Michelle Obama is the topic on Larry King Live tonight. I'm watching it right now, 6 p.m. west coast time, and here at least it's repeated at 9 p.m. and midnight. Not too interesting thus far, a few references to fashion.
I had just woken up when I wrote that post! There was quite a bit of fashion talk. Guests included André Leon Talley from Vogue and fashion editor Robin Givhan from The Washington Post. Other guests were Patti Davis and Nancy Giles.
It was neat to see some of the still shots I've seen on this site come alive in short video clips. I also didn't know the President doesn't like the studded belt Michelle wears often, calling it too Star Treky, and she wears it anyway. I love this woman!
@ Leah D,
Oh the pink Lanvin sneakers look fabulous with the silver toes! Thanks for that link.
Absolutely her trousers are too tight a fit. Unfortunate. I think because she's so curvy , if the hips fit then the waist will be too loose. It's a very common issue. Would love to see her in some beautifully tailored trousers cut for her shape.
As I've stated many times, Mrs. Obama is her own woman and dresses as she see fit.
I am not fan of JCrew, but that is my choice. I have never criticized her for wearing it. She has chosen not to wear the expensive labels and mix and match and again that is her choice.
I will spend money on pieces that I like and I also wear Manolos, Jimmy Choos, St. John and other labels.
What is the big deal about the price of her sneakers? If she wants them, it is her money to spend any way she feels like it. I am a fashion hound and I am not critical of people spending their money any way they see fit.
The sneakers are not my taste, but so what? She happens to like them.
I do a lot of volunteer work and belong to women organizations that do a lot also. I have gone to volunteer looking like a complete bum. People aren't looking at what I have on (thank goodness) just that I am trying to make a difference. My mother was big on community service and I've been doing it since I was 16 years old and continue to this day.
She looked better than I would if I was volunteering. I can still fit into my jeans from my sophomore year of collete (a long time ago). They have holes and are faded, but they join me frequently on my volunteer duties!
Here's the first (rush) transcript of last night's Larry King Live. Discussion of Mrs. O starts after the flu update.
http://transcripts(dot)cnn(dot)com/TRANSCRIPTS/0904/30/lkl(dot)01(dot)html
I especially liked Givhan's comment that Michelle has given women what the fashion industry hasn't -- someone who isn't in her twenties, a starlet, or a size zero, and who incorporates fashion into a "fully evolved life."
seems every month there is something mrs. o wears that i really love. the lanvin sneakers are this month's "should i shouldn't i", moment. i saw the high top ones, $845.00....i am gonna get them. *treats self*
I'm sorry, but if you spend $540 on shoes - they should be gorgeous. These are ugly. (plus her pants were just a little too snug.
@ Jersey Girl, I agree with you about 'much ado' about the sneakers. I am much like you and go to do my volunteer work not necessarily concerned about how I look. however, I am not expecting anyone to snap my picture and post it all over the world. I can be an anonomous bum when and where ever I feel like (although it seems that I always run into some one I know when I run out looking my worst!). MrsO is aware that she is being photographed in these public events and casual/I am going to get my hands dirty clothes do not have to be too snug or inappopriate. Funny, I think the outfits she wore to plant the tree and play in garden were better suited for this event. *shrug*
Here is why MrsO should do an event every day. We get bored and start disecting everything (j/k of course!)
@ Lilly:
Regarding your comment at 5:12 p.m. 4/30...I've been thinking about it, because I think you bring up some interesting points. I hope you don't mind me spinning them out a little bit.
I think you've accurately clued in on some of the inconsistencies among the people who have defending Mrs. O. I think to some extent, though, what you've identified is linked to the inconsistency in arguments among Mrs. O's detractors. It's my sense--you guys tell me if I'm wrong--that early on in her public tenure, Mrs. O was criticized pretty often for dressing too casually, or at least APPEARING to dress too casually. I mean, Cardigan at the Palace-gate was an example of that, as well as sleeve-gate and flats-gate.
But now the argument has shifted, and at least some people are sniffing that $500 shoes are way too much, and that a $2,000 dress is ridiculous. I'm not talking about you specifically, Lilly, but other people on these comment streams have suggested as much.
But I also think it's worth backing up a bit and asking -- why do we know how much those shoes cost? Why do we know how much the Theallet dress cost? Why does it matter? Obvioiusly the internet makes it easy to find these prices out. But Mrs. O isn't the one waving around the price tag. I think that her intent during most events like this has been to look appropriate to the occasion, but not ostentatious or overtly "designery." The clothing may cost a lot, but it doesn't LOOK like it costs a lot.
I contrast this with Cindy McCain. Personally, I like Cindy McCain, and I think that she's done a lot of good in the world. I think she was unfairly attacked for her supposed "$10,000 outfit," which was never substantiated, by the way. But having said all that, I think that I've probably seen Ms. McCain wear pieces that I could more immediately identify as "designer." And that's fine, that is her style and I have no problem with it.
I just feel like judging Mrs. O by the cost of her clothing isn't entirely fair; regardless of what we think about $500 sneakers, SHE thought they were worth it, so she bought them. Did she dress appropriately for the occasion? She wore a sweater, pants, and cute (to me, at least) sneakers. Maybe they were $10,000 pants and 50-gazillion dollar sneakers, but they'e still pretty much what you and I would wear to a similar occasion.
The "optics" didn't read to me as inappropriate, and I don't know why knowing the price of everything she wore should make that much of a difference. I've noted a decided turn in opinion when the price of different outfits become known. But Mrs. O makes more than most of us, and her clothing is generally to be more expensive than what a lot of us would wear. And there is ALWAYS going to be someone who can say "you could have gotten that cheaper." (My mother being one of these people, she's a bargain shopper to the max!)
This is my first time posting a comment and will probably be my last. I am a 25 yr. African American female, currently in grad school, and work for the Dept of Justice in DC. I am off today working on my finals and needed a study break. I happen to come across this site and found the pictures amazing. I have seen Mrs. O up close and she is not a big women. What she has on is fine. I think that many of you and the media are jealous that an African American women that is 45 yrs old looks like she is 35 yrs and has a figure that many of you would probably die to have. I love the fact that she is breaking stereo types that the media has of so many African American women. The media and many of you can not relate to African Americans. I find it amazing that so many of you make so many negative comments. It is a known fact that fashion originates in urban and inner city areas. So many of my friends and I are educated, have great careers. But, most importantly we are happy with our selves and don’t feel the need to tear someone else down to make one feel better. I am not a size 2, but a size 8 and I love my curves. I also wear clothes that show off my figure. I am fit and very happy with my self. As an African American I don’t look for the media or white America for advice. I love the fact that Michelle was raised to be a confident women and not to worry what others think of her. I don’t like everything that she wears, but it’s obvious that she loves what she wears. She always has an inner glow and looks very happy. That’s what matter most. Michelle always outshines her clothes. The frighten thing is that many of you are grown women and behave worse than the children that I mentor. In all the hype the media have created around this woman she has given one t.v. interview this year. That interview took place on Good Morning American and she did not talk about anything pertaining to fashion. Michelle is very intelligent and will not allow herself to be caught up in the fashion drama. My friends and I laugh at the media and the many white people attempts to describe her. FYI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Michelle Obama does not care nor, do many African American women what white American people thinks of us. As African American women I define myself. Please read Maya Angelo peom Phenomenal Woman. This is what Michelle and many otherAfrican American Women process. We automatically have a swagger and confidence that can not be defined nor, duplicated by anyone. My parents taught me to never allow anyone to define you. I defined myself. I am not trying to sound cocky. I am just confident. And, I think this is the first time that many white America is actually noticed an educated African American woman. There are many of us just open your eyes.
Phenomenal Woman
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Maya Angelou
I noticed that no one made a comment about Jill Biden $200 plus dollars shoes. I am not surprised. I like Jill Biden, but she looks like she is going on a cruise not to a food bank. I wished this site required individuals post a picture before making a comment. I am sure that many of you would not post a picture of yourself. I on the other hand wouldn’t have a problem. But, on a serious note, all of you need to grow up and get a life. I am sure that many of you will say that you have a life. I couldn’t tell from your posts. Well I have to get back to my paper.
@ Southngirl1
As much as I have disagreed vehemently with some of the Michelle detractors here, I don't think it's fair for you or anyone to come in, read a few comments, and then start dispensing all these sweeping judgments (in a loooong post.)
You don't know us, we don't know you. Why don't you get to know us more before you assume that everyone is racist and that no one understands black women? You're not the only black woman who reads this board. Coming in, leaving a few drive-by comments and then saying you're never coming back is not a good way to make a point.
Desiree is profiled in the WSJ magazine this week.
http://magazine.wsj.com/features/the-big-interview/desiree-rogers/
I was reading a blog called Jezebel and some of the people there think she's concentrating a bit much on photo shoots and interviews for herself. I don't know. I think it's cool that she's doing interviews, but I can see where they're coming from.
OK..I usually like what Mrs. O is wearing, but this outfit is not cute, and for others to go on like it is., is crazy. Mrs. Biden looks cute. Mrs O., not so much!! Be real.
Southngirl1
I am twice your age and have worked for DOJ your whole life. I read the comments on this site regularly, but rarely add one myself. However, many of the people (I believe mainly women) who do comment seem to be quite educated and in professional careers. They do have lives, but like me, are fascinated with Mrs. O. I think Christina is right that you may need to spend a little more time with the people whose comments you are reading.
I hope you are planning to make a career of federal service, because as Mrs. O points out, the country needs you.
Articlesin the Times called The 10 stages of Michelle Obama's style.(London)http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/fashion/article6187772.ece and one on Desiree Rogers http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/the_way_we_live/article6204624.ece
First post on this site. I live in Scotland & love the site spend way too much time on here.
Thank you Christina for your reponse to Southngrl1. As a Black woman I have nothing more to add to that diatribe.
See, this is exactly why MrsO needs to do an event every day! LOL
Southngirl1:
I am confident in saying that probably MOST of the people who read this blog have "lives", so lighten up a little and
take the chip off your shoulder.
(I am Black and American Indian. I have 3 academic degrees and do a LOT of volunteer work.)
I am not going to defend Southngirl1 completely, since I think the comment was rude. However, I have suggested this site to friends and family in the past, and on ocassion was told that the comments were "catty." So I think if you don't come here often and don't understand the vibe that's been created, it may strike the casual observer as a bit off-putting.
Having written that, as I said upthread, it's not that deep and I do think we can get carried away in breaking Mrs. O down to a point where I feel like a productive conversation is lost.
I am convinced that the basis for this particular discussion of money and what's appropriate or not in terms of expensive clothes, is due to the fact that most people do not like the sneakers. I have noticed that usually, when some don't like something Mrs. O is wearing, they don't just state the fact that they don't like it, some tend to question her judgment and motives. That opens the discussion for all types of comments that can be interesting, but can also be not-so interesting...if you know what I mean.
Anyway, I still love this site and I can't wait until Tuesday when Mrs. O is in NY with Ambassador Rice and when she's speaking at the Time Magazine event. HOwever, Mrs. T, I hope you don't intend to have us wait that long for a new topic!!!!
It is so sad that comments are interpreted by some in racial terms. Nancy Reagan, Jackie Kennedy, Laura Bush, Sarah Palin and Cindy McCain were strongly criticized for their clothing and for their spending - and all were white. Let's just try real "change", please!
I like the sneakers! I think I like them in pink with the silver toes a little bit more, though -- that's sharp.
Otherwise, I know what you mean. When the conversation takes a turn towards prickliness, that means it's time for a break -- have a good weekend, y'all!
I think looking good is important but a pair of tennis that cost that much when we are in a time of unemployment being at one of the highest ever and people are losing their homes because they cannot make their house payment is distressful.
I think it is worse that he is volunteering at a Food Bank with them on, what a slap in the face to the hungry children of our great nation!
Southngirl1,
The majority of people that post on this website are of all races and ages and we love Michelle Obama, what she does, and what she represents. I found your comments very offense and your post is one of the most divisive I have read in a very long time.
Just because someone doesn't like a particular dress or shoe, etc. it does NOT mean that they are jealous or that they are attacking 'the person'. THIS IS A FASHION BLOG and not everyone is going to like every item that Our First Lady chooses to wear, it has nothing to do with jealousy or belittling - people are just stating their opinions due to their differences of taste.
You said: "Michelle Obama does not care nor, do many African American women what white American people thinks of us." Well my dear,just because you are African-American that does not give you the right to speak FOR our first lady.
I get impression by reading your post that you are looking at the world through 'black and white' glasses and that is truly sad in this point in history. It's time to take those glasses off and unite with your fellow 'human beings'.
As far as your Jill Biden comments: People did comment on her $200 shoes and SHE did look appropriate for the event she attended - it looks to me like you have a racism problem that needs to be worked on.
And as far as your suggestion that people should post a photo of themselves before posting a comment - This is America and we ALL have the freedom of speech no matter what we look like.
Have a great day!
southngirl1,
being that this is your first time on this site, you should not speak w/o knowing what you are talking about, and in the process put your foot in your mouth!
This site is dedicated to the respectful analysis, critique, and praise of Mrs. O's outfit, and that is not to take away from the many other awsome attributes that Mrs. O possess. Its funny that you claim to defend Mrs. O, but you are the only one here making this into a negative thing
chill out, seriously!
I think the shoes are nice. I know $540 is a lot of money, but when the Obamas report annual earnings of $3M to the IRS for 2008, considering they did not work hard the full year, they can afford this and a whole lot more, so be cool when they help stimulate the economy. I tried ordering the shoes but I cannot find them in my size yet ...
That Michelle has been named "beautiful" is beyond belief! Dr.Biden looks rather smashing, but she is forgotton while the liberal media falls all over itself praising tacky expensive tennis shoes. Why not dress in clothes from Target and give her clothig budget to charity? A True Beauty would look good in anything!
Southgirl1,
The poem you posted by Maya Angelou is powerful and certainly embodies the pride of African American women.
It does get catty around here at times - usually while we are waiting for new photos and Mrs. O news. And while I vehemently disagree with the idea that Michelle should be judged on how much money she spends on clothes, or that Michelle should be called out on the tightness of her pants, I have made peace with the fact that some people are bothered by that. It's a free country. It's not the opinion of posters that can get to me, but the way in which they are conveyed. There was a very drawn out conversation about that issue a few days ago on this site.
All that said, I do not feel that you have the right to speak for Michelle Obama in terms of she being a black woman who does not care what white people think of her. I think Michelle cares about all people of all colors and affiliations. It's very clear that she is proud of being an accomplished woman, and she is proud of her heritage. It was very moving when she spoke in Emancipation Hall and commented on the fact that now her children, and all black children could gaze upon the statue of a woman who "looks like them."
You will re-visit this blog to read the comments that you sparked, and I hope what you carry away with you is we are aware of Michelle's accomplishments as a strong, intelligent, compassionate woman who is black. And I am sure Michelle admires and respects other women who are white.
The vast majority of posters are also Michelle fans. It's clear to me that Michelle ultimately keeps her own counsel in her wardrobe choices. But this is a fashion and style website and all comment on Michelle's fashion and style. If someone posts a rude or untoward comment about Michelle that is virulent, that person is immediately called out.
And my feeling is your comment about Michelle not caring what white people think is uncalled for. I agree that for you to hit and run, not get to know some of the great people who post here, and make sweeping proclamations and generalizations is unfair. I absolutely believe that Michelle would find your MO a little unsettling.
Be assured that there a people on this site who have very interesting, creative, and full lives. Little by little posters draw themselves out - and it is my pleasure to have come to know a few of them off this site.
I think Michelle was appropriate with the sneakers. She was not serving people food or handing out food on that day. They were pretty much in a warehouse type of facility and she and the congressional spouses spent the time assembling food for two weeks of food for over 1,000 students in need in the D.C. area. The place was basically shut down doing that time while they were there. After the packages were assembled, everyone then left and the Food Bank later distributed the packages.
No one in need saw what she was wearing that day except the cameras that took a picture of her feet. She was moving around a lot that day and wanted to be comfortable and please herself. Again, she was nowhere near anyone but Jill, congressional spouses, and the food bank staff.
I swing wildly back and forth in my responses to the blog and the discussions here. People keep saying the blog is a fashion blog, so those who want to discuss her differently should go elsewhere. But are there other websites where the comment sections have as many contributors and where other aspects of Mrs. O are discussed? If so, could people provide links to them? I haven't been able to locate them. There's Michelle Obama Watch, but it doesn't generate much real discussion.
It's almost as if, by entering the game so early and so well, mrs-o.org has become the preemptive space and that its very format is skewing and limiting the discussion. A daily blog, limited to a single subject (even worse, a single outfit) is not large enough to contain the comments people want to make. That is why everything soon gets repetitive. And it's only going to get worse as time goes on.
A message board format, where many threads could continue simultaneously, would possibly solve the problem and the site could still focus on the "daily outfit." It would be a lot to ask of Mrs. T, but she's got a tiger by the tail here! I wonder what others think. My favorite example of a message board / fansite is vamosbrigade(dot)com, which enables people to follow the career of Rafael Nadal, the tennis player, in a complete way.
Again, I go back and forth. Every once in a while, the blog format here does break out into an interesting discussion. But just not often enough for such an exciting and unique woman as Michelle Obama.
Well the sneakers are the 'talk of the town'.
Here's the text of a poll I just saw:
What do you think of Michelle Obama's $540 sneakers?
They're in poor taste. That's way too much to spend on sneakers, especially in a recession. 59%
The First Lady should look good, and she can afford it. If the sneakers make her happy, there's nothing wrong with it. 41%
I believe Michelle should wear what ever she wants to and spend whatever she wishes.
Would I ever spend $500 on a pair of shoes? No.
But I have spent over $500 on 'one' order of books and films from Italy - so to each their own.
I do think that nowadays clothes and shoes are ridiculously pricey.
I am an African American woman and I love Michelle Obama, she is intelligent and elegant and beautiful and fashionable.
I don't always like everything that she wears and that is just a matter of preference but I love coming to this site to see the pics and read the comments. I assumed that when I found this site that it was intended to be a pro-Michelle site. There are enough nasty things said about her elsewhere online. I just don't think that this is the place to be calling each other out just because you don't agree with what she is wearing or what others say about what she is wearing. It IS possible to civilly disagree so let us honor this lovely woman and each other.
Alsace, I think that a space such as you describe would be welcome (though I shudder to think of the crazies it will attract, having gotten a taste of it here. But such is life.)
I think that the challenge with this particular blog is that this website is run in partnership with outside interests that may not want to go down the road you're describing. And I do not mean to detract one bit from the awesome job -- and it is a JOB! -- that Mrs. T. has done here. She's created a really nice space and I feel like I've made some friends here, despite what some people believe is the cattiness and all that.
But a blog that talks about Michelle Obama as a "woman in full" may be something that someone takes on purely as a labor of love. Fashion is safe and relatively non-controversial (except when you're talking about $500 sneakers, apparently.)
@ Southngirl1
I imagine you will be back to read the responses to your post. Welcome...we are all not vicious,immature, 'without a life people'. Most of us just simply come here to enjoy the FL's latest fashion and follow her ever evolving journey.
I would suggest you put that much time, effort and enthusiasm in your paper. You will surely receive an A.
Pants are way too tight. Class UP please
Southngirl1,
I'll be the first to admit that many of the comments on this site can get negative, petty, catty, and at times rude. However, I have also read some of the most thoughtful and intelligent conversation I've ever seen on a blog site. Never, however, have a read a post as arrogant and self-righteous as yours. In fact, if it were not so arrogant and offensive, I'd actually find it quite amusing! The 25-year-old drops in to straighten us all out and tell us to get lives. I have furniture and dishes that are older than you, I finished my degrees years ago, I'm a college professor, I could be your grandmother, and since I've maintained my high school weight and figure, I wouldn't hesitate to post a photo of myself.
I do want to thank you, though, for pointing out that Michelle Obama is black. That's not something I've really focused on, so thanks for bringing it back to my attention. I don't see her or President Obama as the black first family; I see them as possibly the most intelligent and accomplished president and first lady during my lifetime. As long as people like you use terms such as "black America" and "white America," we'll never solve our race problems. Until we can cease to be black or African Americans, white or European Americans, Hispanic Americans, etc., and just be Americans, we still have a long way to go. A couple of years ago, I had a student from Spain. She wrote an essay on this very subject which I found quite enlightening. She said the first time in her life she was ever asked to check off her race or ethnicity on official forms (things like purchase agreements) was when she moved to the United States, and she was appalled! The posters here are not white America telling black America how to dress! They're Americans--and a few from other countries as well--who greatly respect and admire the current first lady and who enjoy making a few comments about her, her activities, and her fashion choices. Sometimes things get a little out of hand, but that's life.
So you keep working on those papers and studying hard, because you have a lot to learn! And just a little tip: You should live a little more life before you go around telling total strangers to get lives!
tooboo,
Your right she likes the good life. Shame on Mrs.Obama to want to dress like a millionaires wife. Better yet she should be dressed like a slave and servant girl is only fit for her kind right?!!!...Let me guess you were this passionate it over Laura Bush spending sprees during hard times too right?!!!..People like you make me sick "Why don't you just come out and say you hate the fact a Black woman can afford to buy wealthy clothing".
Sounds as though this has turned into a group therapy session. Lots of agendas kicking in over a pair of pricey kicks.
I found out that those Lanvin sneakers are intended to be worn as a quirky thing with dress clothes, not casual. And who loves them the most? Male hip hop entertainers.
Not her best idea, nor were the skin-tight pants. Stovepipe pants, pencil leg pants, whatever you call them, are supposed to skim the body, no trace every bulge and indentation.
She is a very big woman. She should play to statuesque, elegant, even in sports clothes. It can be done. How do I know? My DIL, no millionairess is 6 feet in her stocking feet.
tooboo,
It kills you that she can afford nice things and you can't. Laura Bush said similar things and dressed in wealthy clothing during her husbands rein of terror. Yet, it never once bothered you I bet. Just come out of your racist closet and say it don't be a afraid here I say it for you "That horrible Black woman can afford to buy nice things and I can't she should be punished".."I mean how dare she feel privileged to live in the White and be served in it her type should be in the field." Feel better now I said what was really in your fake heart.
As for her being the downfall for her husband because of pricey shoes get real!!! If during the campaign she didn't slow his rise down to ascend the Presidency I doubt a pair of over priced ugly shoes will end it.