Sunday
Apr052009
A Statement Bow
Sunday, April 5, 2009 at 9:49 AM 
Photo by Attila Kisbenedek/AFP/Getty Images
First Lady Mrs. O visited St. Vitus Cathedral at Hradcany Square in Prague today, wearing an oversize bow blouse by Moschino, a Michael Kors black pencil skirt and her signature Azzedine Alaia belt. The bow blouse, certainly the focal point of the ensemble, is from Moschino's Spring 2009 collection, seen here.
We've seen several sides to the First Lady's wardrobe this week - at times showing grown-up restraint, and at others, modern femininity. We love, then, that one of her final sartorial notes projects a delightfully fun and playful spirit. For the full graphic effect of the bow blouse with black overcoat, click here.
tagged Alaia, Michael Kors, Moschino in Outfits
Alaia, Michael Kors, Moschino in Outfits
Reader Comments (164)
Is Michelle not accompanying Barack to Turkey? No sign of her boarding or disembarking the plane at Ankara. Barack arrived solo see link:http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/slideshow/photo//090405/481/f4262f896544471db3cf21451952b381/
--"Point is well taken Mona…But just imagine how much more Michelle would of dazzled the press and everyone else with even more tasteful designers. J. Crew is much to over rated, priced and making it big time off of Michelle."---
I understand the whole "she's first lady now so she should dress appropriately or make a message", but the way I see it, it's not about dazzling the press or making a statement, it's about Michelle Obama being Michelle Obama -as someone commented earlier, "there is beauty in imperfections"...if she looked prim and perfect all the time, if she wasn't daring in her wardrobe and everyone was unanimous on loving her look all the time, then this blog would be non-existent no? I don't love everything she wears (i'm a jacket person), but I am soo glad Mrs O is brave enough to experiment infront of America and the world. :)
**goes back to lurking and studying for finals!
This look could have been fantastic, but I feel Mrs O is not wearing it correctly - what's w/ the belt w/ this ensemble ? It cuts the blouse at an odd, unflattering level and distracts from the wondrous bow. Also, the hem hanging out of the bottom of the sweater looks untidy.
When I saw the above close up photo, I assumed the sweater was closed w/ just the bow popping out, and thought the look charming but was quite taken aback when I saw the full length photos and the wierd way the blouse was worn.
Great pieces, odd way to wear them.
The stylist would not just get her clothes, but put together looks for her. There is nothing mutually exclusive about Mrs. Obama getting a stylist (at least for the big trips like this one, or key events) and maintaining a look that she likes and finds comfortable for her.
A stylist wouldn't have put together today's disastrous outfit, which does nothing for her.
I think Mrs. Obama could make good use of a stylist who could work with her at the White House before a big trip like this one. I can't even imagine putting together all the ensembles she had--without help. And that person could help her fine tune each outfit before she packs.
All in all, I think she looked great on this trip. She was fun to watch and admired by everyone abroad. Not a bad record!
Mrs. Obama has a hairstylist that has even moved from Chicago to Wash DC.
" First lady Michelle Obama has selected a first hairdresser. • • Hair chat: The top tress handler is Johnny Wright, 31, who was once a hairstylist in Chicago's Wicker Park and met Mrs. Obama two years ago on an Essence magazine photo shoot. • • Hair stats: Wright uses a blow dryer and a flat iron on the first lady and was responsible for Mrs. Obama's Denver hairdo at the Dem National Convention and her March Vogue cover. • • Oh, yeah: Wright, who works in West Hollywood, is now moving his blow dryer to Washington." http://www.suntimes.com/news/sneed/1498603,CST-NWS-SNEED27.article
Agree with Susan. I don't agree on a stylist to buy or pick out her clothes in a way to make decisions for her. Mrs. O is more than capable of doing that. But before a big trip overseas with multiple outfits, etc., she could have someone helping with the fit and accessories that she has already chosen herself. Nothing wrong with that. So she's not relinquishing control of her own personal style, but the finishing touches make for a more tailored look.
But as was noted, Europe loves Mrs. O, so I'm not worried about anything. This woman has it together, is very smart and constantly evolving and it's fun to be on this lovely fashion ride with her!
Why do we think Michelle *doesn't* have a stylist? Is the hypothesis that she wouldn't have worn the belt today if she had a stylist? Because stylists can have different visions from our own, and they can also be overruled.
It seems more likely to me that she does indeed have a clothes stylist (and there's nothing any more weird about that than having a hair stylist.) Which means that the "mistakes" this week weren't mistakes, but quite intentional.
I think we should all be mindful that this is a fashion blog foremost, and many of us here are expert or amateur fashionistas. Reading the comments here one would think MO's dressing sense is catastrophic. Let's remember that most folks out there are not fashion experts and where we see big flaws and problems everybody else isn't seeing any of that. I know a couple of women in my entourage who have been reading the comments on this blog for the whole week and go "WTF" at times.
I'm not saying we should all love MO's outfits no matter what, but I think certain things get blown out of proportion and to an external eye we're really just nitpicking.
I think MO herself said she likes clothes, beautiful clothes, but it's not THAT serious. And if there's one thing we might have to learn during these hard economic times, it's that obsessing over material things can also lead to our downfall. Individually and/or collectively. Fashion should be nice, but it shoudn't be THAT serious. I don't know about you all, but I don't want to take fashion so seriously to the point where I become elitist and bitter a la Oscar De La Renta.
My fear is that one day, because of our nitpicking and because people might eventually stop looking at the substantial things that Michelle Obama does, she'll decide to drop the fashion and wear pantsuits till the end of the presidency. There comes a time when too much scrutiny takes out the fun out of all this. Remember Hilary Clinton. She likes saying the fashion gene skipped her, but I think if she really wanted, she would have hired a stylist and aides to help her (especially since her approval rating was so low). But the level of scrutiny was such that she thought it wasn't worth it.
I've been reading this blog since the beginning. Sometimes I sense that we're in a dance with Mrs. O. Sometimes it looks like she teases us, or tests us. Picks up an idea we mention here. At times she defies us. I see some kind of invisible bond between her and us. I'm sure her, or her people are paying attention to what we say here. I can tell she's changed some things in line with the critiques we've provided. But the cattiness, the "OMG she's so disastruous she's incapable of doing it without a stylist" ... I'm scared that might break that bond.
Let's offer our critiques in a respectful, constructive, and non-apoplectic way.
She's come a long way. Compare the images of today and those of just a year ago. She's undeniably improved her style, the way she carried herself. And to all those who says she needs to learn proper etiquette, I think you need to pay attention and see that she's in no way embarrassing herself. You're the only ones who are noticing these details. I invite you to travel the country. You'll find that most people are well behaved, and they didn't take any etiquette classes.
The other thing I'd like to say is that, if it weren't for this scrutiny we wouldn't even know wether she's wearing Jcrew or any other designer. The prime minister, the queen and other officials don't request to see which fashion label you're wearing. In fact most times people can't tell. What matters is that you look presentable. So I don't understand the "you don't wear jcrew at an official event" crowd. It's not like she was wearing anything scandalous. I like that she wears slightly casual - she reminds us that IT'S NOT THAT SERIOUS. These are the people who for the first time in decades, have made politics so accessible. Perhaps the fashion wants to emphasize that point. Yes she's the first lady, but she's not stuck up there in her ivory tower. You can relate to her, touch her and very safely.
In the end I think all this says more about us, than it says about this wonderful woman. Me and my best friend were wondering if we're not too involved in this star & celebrity obsession thing, that we expect prominent people to reach star like perfection too much. Image sells, but Michelle Obama doesn't have anything to sell. Her role is to represent us wonderfully without losing herself. She's not up there for us to project our ideas of perfection. There's other people for that. I like that she's the kind of role model women feel they can REALISTICALLY aspire to.
Anyway I'm rambling now lol. I'm just saying let's use this platform wisely and put things in context.
For what it's worth, I also wouldn't have worn the belt with this outfit, and I would have tucked it in. It's just that I feel moderately certain that Michelle does have a clothes stylist (while of course also making her own decision.)
@ Iris
Very interesting comments--I enjoy when some people "ramble". Makes for a great blog. Appreciated the J. Crew thoughts to keep things in perspective. I too hope that Michelle never feels compelled to only wear pantsuits.
It is true that she may have had someone with her for styling the outfits, but ultimately, the decision is with Michelle--always has, and always will be. She is her own woman. Whether I agree with an outfit choice or not, the reason why I was drawn to her as an inspiration is her boldness and the fact that she's daring no matter what anyone says. But she is evolving...no doubt about it. She looks a lot different from last year and I am really excited to watch her personal style develop. She's intriguing to say the very least...why else is the President always smiling. :)
This is a great site, especially compared to others. I hope it continues to stay great.
well said Iris!!!
I hope we do not pigeon hole mrs O into just fashion...while it is fun to watch, I hope the media does not turn her into just that...:-)
I love Mrs.O, but clothing wise, this is my least favorite outfit of hers on this European trip and probably ever. The bow needed to be a bit smaller. When I first saw a full picture of her entire outfit all I could see was that huge bow up to her neck. It ruined the line of her body and it was unflattering. When I saw a picture of the back of the outfit, the white shirt was hanging out from under her black sweater. Combined with the shirt not being tucked in and the placement of the belt that made the blouse "puff out" at the bottom, it came off as a bit sloppy. All of the rest of her outfits this week flattered her shape. Not all were my favorites, but they flattered the line of her body. The top of this outfit did not at all. Moschino is known for making playful clothing and the blouse itself is cute, but not a good fit for this outfit. Perhaps a pair of long black, well tailored pants and instead of the Alia belt, perhaps a bright red or blue patent belt at the hip where the pant would rest along with the coat she wore without the cardigan would have looked better. I agree that she may need a stylist to help her mix and match the pieces she already owns to make sure it is flattering to her shape.
Don't like this one, not at all. It's all the blouse's fault. I think this blouse might possibly look good with the pinstriped gatsby pantsuit.
Christina,
Mrs. O doesn't have a stylist. She told the girls in London that she puts together her own outfit.
For someone on this board to merely suggest it's time for her to get a stylist and to say why, well, that means you're a freeper and a right wing hater. People, please. That's one thing I don't like about this site. Honest criticism is seen as bashing and hatred. And everything is rationalized. People on this board actually tried to claim that it was cool that her sweater was mis-buttoned the other day because it was actually avant-guarde and if you saw it as a mistake, which it was, you were a hater. Well, turns out she actually did just mis-button the sweater and it wasn't made that way. And now this outfit today, it's ok if the belt rides up and makes her look pregnant because she's actually not. It's just hard to have an honest discussion about her fashion here. It really is.
I've been coming here a while and it was not always like this. I understand wanting the site to be a safe haven from racism and all the other nastiness that you can find on certain sites, but then, that shuts don't any criticism on a subject that has so many sides, fashion. Saying Mrs. O needs a stylist is an an attack on her or what she stands for. I have to say, some of the sycophants here are bringing this site down. Some of us actually want to talk about clothes and style. Others only want to worship. It does not make for a fun site like it used to be.
whew! so glad no one else took up the "how darling a baby would be" comment, far above...
I speak as one whose one-and-only arrived 3 mo before MY 45th birthday. I lucked out, he's perfectly normal (if spoiled rotten). I was lucky. Sarah Palin wasn't. THINK BEFORE YOU WISH A BABY FOR SOMEONE WHO IS NOW OVER 45, FOLKS!
yeah, I've made this comment before, but it's one of my buttons. I know the folks who have this reaction mean well, but, considering the many possible problems with such a late pregnancy, it seems people are indulging their emotional reactions, need to think a little further before they speak.
You all calling for MO to get a stylist have to be aware that even if she has or gets one she still will wear things as she feels best, she has a strong sense of what she likes and what she doesn't. I remember reading when she had the cover shoot for More Magazine the editor asked her if she would do the cover shot w/out the bow on the dress and Michelle said no. That says to me that others can have opinions but in the end she's going to do what she wants
I think this is my favorite outfit of the trip, its slightly quirky and I think that is Michelle's style.
Perhaps something as simple as having photos taken of outfits before they are worn in public - that show all angles, bending, sitting etc.
There has to be some consideration to how things will photograph, because one poster pointed out she is one of the most photographed women in the world. The edge hanging out in the back and the poofy tummy might have been averted.
I can't wait to her her interviewed some day, 10 years from now, commenting on all the outfits. There will undoubtedly be some "what was I thinking" moments as everybody has.
Love reading all the comments here, what an interesting bunch.
Bow blouse is stunning, but its effect is destroyed by the totally unnecessary belt-under-the-boobs and the stupid cardigan. Each piece is, by itself, fine; added together, they fight with each other and it's the clothes we notice first, not the wearer. Yes, I'm with those who vote she needs a stylist to make sure Mrs. Obama's instincts are honed to perfection. She has good instincts,yes, but has far to go.
Well said Iris. You know, one of the things I love about Michelle is that whether or not she reads this blog or listens to any other good or bad criticism about her outfit choices in the media, I know she will continue to be her beautiful self. She will continue to champion the causes she believes in and hold herself with dignity and grace. That, I think is the most valuable thing she wears every time we see her. The way she spoke to those girls in London was just wonderful and inspirational. I may put my two cents in about a shirt her or a dress there because I love fashion and this site is a portal for that, but I most admire her for her intelligence and confidence. She is truly a role model in every sense of the word because she is her own woman and makes her own decisions despite any harsh criticism or negativity that may come her way. I wish I could be more like her.
Tess, I don't think that you are a "hater," troll or a Freeper. But I saw a picture of the argyle sweater on a fashion website, and it truly is made to be asymmetical. I don't know what else to tell you. Every pic that I saw of her that showed a frontal view, showed one button unbuttoned at the bottom, along with one button hole. That's just the way the sweater was made. Whether it looked good or not is another thing, but it's made to look "misbuttoned."
I woud give you the link to the same pic I saw (it was in a different colorway on a fashion website); but you know how links are held in moderation!
As for whether she needs a stylist, I'm neutral on it. She's got a hair stylist and a makeup artist, and no one is claiming that makes her somehow less genuine. I just find it hard to believe there are zero other people offering fashion advice to Mrs. O, but, who knows.
Sorry that you feel under attack. But I don't know why the critics of Mrs. O sometimes speak as if they are offering the only "truth" that there is. I'm not really talking about you, Tess -- this isn't something I've noticed of you in particular. But there are people who suggest that if you honestly DID like that asymmetrical argyle sweater, then somehow you're a crazy blind hero worshipper. But if you didn't like it, then that's the "truth." The truth is that some people honestly liked it, and some people honestly didn't.
As for how the site "used to be" -- as it draws more attention, it'll draw more different types of people, good and bad. Comes with the territory.
Christina,
Don't don't feel that if someone liked the sweater that they don't know fashion or weren't telling the truth. It wasn't my style, but some people like the argyle and other things about the sweater. But I think the whole sweater debate for me is a reason why Mrs. O could add a stylist to the glam squad. I don't know if the sweater was supposed to button that way, but if people have to wonder if the sweater is asymmetrical or just mis-buttoned, that's making the clothes a distraction. She did an amazing thing in talking to those girls and inspiring them to tears, and still, there were people on various sites talking about the sweater and not the great thing she did that day.
I'm sure she gets advice from friends, but unless she has friend who's a stylist,she's not getting looked at with a professional eye. Simple styling can keep mistakes from happening. Just like you never ever see Mrs. Obama's hair looking anything but stellar, her clothes will always be stellar. And I hope I didn't in any way imply to anyone that she needs to change her "style". I'm not one who thinks she needs to start buying Oscar De La Renta, I'm sure you all have read how I feel about him and those other big names. I think shopping at J.Crew and the Gap and H&M is fine. But make sure the clothes fit properly and photograph well. I think some here may think that getting a stylist means she must change her style and the kind of clothes she likes, and that's not it at all.
Sometimes when an outfit is not styled right, the clothes end up wearing you. It should be the other way around. And getting a stylist can help with that. It's something pretty much all public people do.
Well, I definitely don't think that there's anything about a stylist that somehow shows a lack of genuineness. She has an entire staff of people working for her. People write her speeches. People tell her where to be over the course of her day. One of her gifts is that she is able to seem very spontaneous, but most of her moves are probably planned down to the minute.
And I agree with you about the sweater -- it grew on me BUT, I agree that if someone is saying "is that misbuttoned?" then it's a complete distraction. I did't like that whole outfit put together, and those green-blue shoes made me sad. Though I still do think she was intentionally tweaking her cardigan critics by serving up something REALLY out there...but that's just my feeling!
Getting someone on her staff would would tell her "honey, no" about that belt today is fine by me (I really liked the blouse though.)
I wouldn't mind seeing her wear some Oscar de la Renta. I'd love to see what he might be able to design for a woman of her body type. Give the curvy gals some love.
Thank so much Iris! I so agree! I accept the point of view that she is representing the United States but she is still entitled to be herself. I loved Michelle choices with the exception of the sweater but then again she was at a school so I kinda get it. I am so proud of my FLOTUS!
I wouldn't mind seeing her wear some Oscar de la Renta either because he designs beautiful clothes for women, but after the comments he made I don't think it would be a wise move for her. Most of the designers and people she has worked with on her clothing show a level of discretion and do not criticize her publicly the way he did in WWD. I'm not saying he shouldn't have an opinion, but as a well known designer and public figure himself, he should have chosen his words more wisely.
Tess,
You make some good points, but there are crappy *stylists* as well as good ones, and therefore someone paying a stylist would need to have her own basic sense what looks good and what does not look good. Stylists can have hit or miss days as well!
tess: I see where you are coming from. And I have a sneaking suspicion that Mrs. O had style help that was more than her usual people, for this trip. And I also think that for the most part, each of her pieces fit very well - with the exception of this shirt.
For me, I notice that whenever Mrs. O wears something that's not quite a hit, the discussion becomes - she needs help, a stylist, drop Ikram, go to etiquette school, and so on. Why can't it be as simple as her having a bad day, wearing something that doesn't quite fit right?
I've said this before, I probably am just very easy to please when it comes to judging Mrs. O's clothes. It's fun for me to visit this blog and check out what Mrs. O is wearing. And if Mrs. O thinks she needs a stylist (if she doesn't already use one for events like this past week) then so be it. I only hope she doesn't start looking at dressing for these public events as a chore, worrying about her angles and if she's photographing well from all possible positions that the paparazzi may catch her. I hope it stays fun for her, because it would be much sadder than any ill-fitting shirt, if she starts looking uninspired and inhibited.
I absolutely love the bow. If she wants to stop all the pregnancy rumors she has to stop wearing the belt so high so that the shirt poofs out.
Photo of Mrs. O in Narciso Rodriguez, January 2009 Vogue. She should implant this look, this feel in her mind. Elegant, simple, rich. This is evening wear. There is daywear that has the same elegant, simple feel.
http://api.ning.com/files/hGLPTlC-OmuQZ0MMQ-onUPfWGzQ6hVfrMWswSyoPI0GFj0OuVLn1HrQ5H2tcN-bGf-8Q6MArtxtp5WZb38kf*xTP-59oqpCb/MichelleObamaVogueJan20093.jpg
If that last link doesn't work, try this one. It goes to the Google page where I found that photo.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Michelle+Obama+January+vogue+photo&btnG=Search
It is crystal clear that michelle obama prefers bare arms (from wearing all the sleeveless outfits to rolling the sleeves of almost every cardigan she has wore). I think this is why most of her blouses and dresses are sleeveless but probably depending on the occasion she is advised to wear a cardigan on top of it. The cardigan has come only recently after all the criticism on the sleeveless thing.
I don't understand why she cannot go for short sleeves once in a while instead of wearing a cardigan on top of everything. I personally love cardigans but if not wear correctly it ca n ruin the whole look (like her dress @ meeting w/ the queen).Besides, I think rolling "long" sleeves up to the elbow is quite unfashionable. It doesn't look nice. She can simply go with a mid-sleeve cardigan so she doesn't have to roll it like this.
To me it really looks like she wants to wear sleeveless and belts no matter what, which is fine but matching this type of style to occasion and other cloths is not easy.
This outfit doesn't look good, I think.
Tess, I also agree with you. Good points.
BeeGee,
I looooove that Narsico Rodriguez dress. So simple yet so chic.
Melony,
Hopefully with the warm weather, we'll be seeing plenty of sleeveless dresses and tops. And no cardigans! LOL. I'm not a cardigan person myself, but I think they're fine for everyday. I would like to see Mrs. O add some nice fitted structured jackets to her wardrobe.
I know she doesn't do suits, but she looks amazing in them. I love the suit she wore on the cover of Ebony with the red and black ruffle blouse was pure perfection. And I also like that green Asian inspired skirt suit she wore during the primaries. That was so pretty and different. I think she ought to try more suits and less cardigans, but Michelle type suits. Suits with a flair and uniqueness to them.
A beautiful silhouetted picture of Mrs. O in the Cathedral in Prague....great photography!
(Oops, here's the picture link)
A beautiful silhouetted picture of Mrs. O in the Cathedral in Prague.....great photography!
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Michelle-Obama/ss/events/pl/050108michelleobama#photoViewer=/090405/481/65121f8bce4a4ba19445e17c2823ede1
It's funny how if Michelle wears one thing that's not to everyone's taste, then suddenly people say she needs a stylist. As if we haven't seen the countless celebrities with stylists who still can't get it right. It just goes to show that real style is innate and you're better off being yourself than trying to please everyone all the time. Because it'll never be enough.
the bow was insanely horrible. MICHELLE please get a stylist. Switch it up. No more matchy matchy jackets that match the dress. No more skirts that make your hips look huge. ROCK IT. Look Carla with the lavender dress, she rocked it that day. And please learn to work that belt it is too high on you. I mean if your not gonna use Oscar, Donna, or Vera Wang (which mind you would help you). A beautiful strapless De La Renta dress would have been OFF THE HOOK in Paris but whatever. If you're going to turn your nose up on the old guard you have to come with it. COME WITH IT. GET A STYLIST. Your girl in Chicago is playing you. You need a stylist. Like tomorrow.
Jill,
If by "girl in Chicago" you mean Ikrahm Goldman, I can agree with you on that point. I've read in several articles that she basically picks out items that she feels Michelle would like and sends them to her. Basically, Michelle is not shopping for herself anymore and she's not being fitted. And she deals with Ikrahm and Ikrahm only. When you look at the clothes she wore during the campaign, back when she was wearing mostly Pinto, you'd never see her in a badly styled outfit. Never. Once she started working with Ikrahm towards the end of the campaign, lots of bad outfits started happening. The fact is, Michelle has a better instinct about shopping for clothes than Ikrahm does. It seems to me that Ikrahm sends her clothes that will benefit her store, regardless of how those clothes would look on Michelle. She was dead wrong to send Michelle that funny sweater and that puffy dress. It was an incredibly unflattering outfit. But that's not her concern. She just wants to get the dress out there because people will know you can get it at Ikrahm in Chicago.
That's why she needs a real stylist, not someone who ones a store and is basically using Michelle as a walking advertisement for what's in her store. The idea of Michelle not shopping for herself is not good. She should be shopping with a stylist, not having a store owner basically send her clothes to make her a walking advertisement.
I wouldn't mind Michelle having someone tailor her outfits to make sure they fit right or help her put them together, but even that won't stop fashion mistakes or make everyone like what she wears. Some people didn't like that dress she wore to the NATO concert. Too frou-frou some said and it makes her hips look too wide, yet most people thought she looked great. According to the poll on HP a little over half like this outfit (even though there are a lot of negative comments on the site), so I'm not sure if we should call this a hit or a miss. I personally liked the outfit, but I'm not a fashion expert.
One problem that I've noticed a lot of people have with Michelle is they want her to wear more suits. I think that's part of what's at root of the whole 'why does she keeep wearing cardigans' or 'you don't wear a cardigan/sweater to meet the queen.' Some people see cardigans and the other things Michelle wears as too causual, and for those people only a suit would be appropriate for formal occasions. It's the situation with the sleeveless dress at the state of the union address all over again. To them Michelle looks inappropriate and in need of styling/protcol help.
I love the Moschino blouse, only real fashionista and fashion insiders would appreciate her out of 'norm' 1st lady looks.
The fact that she never had any 'stylist' to tell her what to wear and still manages to grip the fascination of the fashion world, not to mention millions of women attest to her keen sense of personal style and knowledge of fashion. She takes risks and stands out from any 1st ladies of the past.
I agree Katara, especially about the obsession with suit...its like we are stuck with the 80s frame of what a professional woman aught to look like.
here are some beautiful profile pictures:
http://i43.tinypic.com/2a762pk.jpg
http://i43.tinypic.com/35c222v.jpg
http://i42.tinypic.com/1z545k0.jpg
Umm Tess, I don't know how much you know about Ikrahm Goldman or the concept of having a fashion insider like herself send you items....but its Michelle who makes the decision @ the end of the day. For one, Ikrahm was around before Pinto showed up, in fact it was her who first introduced the designer's piece to Michelle Obama.
Its old fashion way of shopping having someone you trust who owns a store known for catering to high end professional women in Chicago. So, I failed to see this little blame about Ikram....its not like she styles or even decides what the 1st lady wears.
After reading several articles, it's obvious that the concept you describe is not what's going on with Ikrahm.
I'm just back in town and haven't read all the comments, but wanted to point out that this blouse was worn on that day out with Mrs. Sarkozy. It appears she wore a vest or scarf over the top and then belted, but it's the same white blouse.
Are you sure Chicagoan?...I thought it was pinkish top she had on with the black pants suit she was wearing during the tour with Mrs. Sarkozy.
Tess, by all means post the articles you are referring to...the only time we've read any depth story about Ikrahm was the NY Times profile which exactly described how I indicated. Now that Michelle Obama can't be in her store, she selects certain pieces for her after speaking to her on the particular engagement she'll be attending. Then she sends out the items for the 1st lady to decide what she likes. So, I fail to see the blame game on Ikrahm.
One doesn't have to like everything Michelle Obama wears...its called personal taste and Opinions....we've all done it. However, to construct a whole complex blame or argument of why she needs a stylist is just weird to me.
I think I've given plenty reason, having mostly nothing to do with Ikrahm, for why Mrs. O should get a stylist. I've written enough about it. But Ikrahm certainly is not the only reason.
I wish she would wear her belts lower.
She scores really high most of the time but to me, this is a "miss". I just don't care for the big bow (I don't think it's age-appropriate, although I do admire her gutsiness) and I'd be glad if I never saw her in a full skirt again. She needs to stick to the pencil skirts. They flatter her curves. She should continue to aim to make her figure look more hourglass.
I love this woman! I have for two years running. However, anyone old enough here to remember Sally Fields in 'the flying nun'? OMG - the bow was carrying Michelle rather than Michelle carrying the bow! I'm sorry, but this made me speak up and I'm not sorry. It was awful with that sky high belt of hers. Love you Michelle but..........wow what a mistake. Sorry you guys.
Did Michelle forget to remove the napkin that she tucked into her blouse at breakfast? Where are the fashion police when you need them?
Ms. O. could wear a burlap bag and cloggs and I would love her!!!!
lol Barbara, I laughed so hard reading your comment, love it. Even though I disagree, it was funny as hell.