Purple and Polka Dots (by Lanvin!)
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at 4:34 PM 
Photo by Yuri Gripas / Reuters
We are loving First Lady Mrs. O's Spring wardrobe!
To visit third grade students at Ferebee-Hope Community School in Washington, DC, Mrs. O wore a purple polka dot sleeveless dress.
Update: A gold star for Jahmal, who has correctly identified Mrs. O's polka dot dress as Lanvin! The dress comes from Lanvin's Resort 2009 collection, seen in a full-length navy version here. Jahmal's discovery, here, also includes great detail shots. The silk dress features a draped bodice and a distinctive adornment at the shoulder, made of plastic discs accented with tubes and beads.
Thanks to Political Punch (one of our "go-to"s for Mrs. O coverage), we also have an update on the event:
The First Lady visited a group of third graders at the Ferebee-Hope Community School in Southeast Washington, who participate in the school's after-school program. According to her press office, her visit was intended to highlight the importance of after-school programs, particularly those for lower-income children.
Mrs. Obama read the book, "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" by Judith Viorst. Afterwards she and the children talked about what makes a bad day (gum in one's hair, falling in mud on one's birthday) and what to do on such occasions (remember there's always tomorrow).
Update: An important detail we failed to include. Per the Huffington Post, the day also included a meeting with leaders from the dropout prevention organization "Communities In Schools", which provides individual tutoring for the third graders the First Lady met. Thanks to Janelle for pointing us to this Washington Post video:
Reader Comments (248)
Mrs O is so in her element when she is with kids. She is just a ray of sunshine and the kids just feed off of it.
I really like this one, I have a strong liking for purple, even my car is that colour and polka dots always add fun. Oh the arms, makes me want to pick up those weight just sitting in my closet.
Another thing I love how shes been wearing her hair as of late, the bangs and the full body of her hair , not just puffed at the top of her head.
Purple is such a great color but most people are terrified of it. Michelle looks fantastic and I hope that more women will give purple a chance. It's fun but regal at the same time.
Purple Polka Dots on a pure vision of loveliness...Pretty, Pretty, Pretty!!!
She looks beautiful. I love the rich purple on her. I really would love to see more photos of the detailing. But I always love it anyway when she's interacting with the kids.
The purple polka dot dress is beautiful--however I don't think it was appropriate to wear with the children. She needs to learn how to sit like a lady if she is going to wear this style of dress
Those kids are the cuteness.
Purplelicious!! Quite lovely in purple. To add, I'm certain First Lady knows how to sit as a lady. You must remember that she was visiting a 3rd grade class and the chairs aren't adult friendly especially given that First Lady has long legs.
@YourName Phyllis
What about the dress do you find inappropriate to wear around children?
And sit like a lady, I think Mrs. O knows how to sit, every picture her legs are closed at the knee.
Love Lady Michelle with kids. She's never more radiant than with kids. The neckline of this dress isn't the most flattering on her. I think Mr. O's best looks show off her long neck and some of her lovely declote'. I like purple with the white polka dots, but this dark purple does not compliment her skin tone well, IMHO. Glad to see her bare arms again.
Only Mrs. O could look that chic, sophisticated, and well put-together when hobnobbing with elementary school students! :)
http://cafefashionista.blogspot.com
Stunning!
I wonder if the dress is Michael Kors. I remember he did some polka dot dresses for his Spring 2009 collection and he said it was the first time he had ever done bold polka dots.
BTW, that long sequin (or they look like large sequins) thing pinned to the side of the neckline of her dress is a nice creative touch. I wonder if it came with the dress or she pinned it on as we know she loves to do.
Love this! she has been making me smile these past few days with her fashion choices. Lots of new clothes with effortless style. No too tight cardigans, no kitschy, too cutesy Junya Watanabe type pieces and oddly placed bows, belts and accessories! I love it!!!
Watch those arms Michelle! It's time for light weights and more reps.
Mrs O looks lovely as always! I really admire her on so many levels. She's a smart, accomplished, beautiful woman, who has scaled back her professional career to look after her family. A few years ago, I would have spoken very negatively about this. I have always seen myself as driven and very independent, therefore, I believed that if I allowed myself in the wife/mother role, that somehow I would go against all that I had worked hard for. Thank God I was able to realize otherwise. Careers do not define me, and in the time we live in, they are not guaranteed. Don't get me wrong, I still go to work everyday but now know that family is something that should be treasured and is a gift. I'm glad to have the First Lady as one of my role models!
Love her in purple, and this dress is gorgeous!
And not a single belt all week! Yes!
I too am wondering what part of it is inappropriate to wear around children or in what way her sitting posture was unladylike.
ARi--I was wondering about that pin too and would love to see a close up of it!
I think the dress is very cute, but given the low, kid sized chairs it does look a bit awkward. While I do not think the FLOTUS needs to "learn to sit like a lady", I understand the point that was being made above. A longer, fuller skirt (llike the one she wore when she and the POTUS read to some kids) or pants would have make her look a bit more comfortable. I know I hate to be in a position where I am worried that I am going to accidentily flash someone!
I LOVE IT!! this definitely goes up there in one of my favorites, im 23, so this young, funky fun polka dot sheath is definitely up there for me!! I love it
I would love to see a full image of her standing, but I love the silhouette of what i see!!!
ps: does Mrs. O EVER have a off hair and make up date, especially the make-up, it is ALWAYS on point!!!
she looked lovely
i especially liked her hair
and as for the inappropriate talk
have the children not seen knees before?
i could see if she pulled a basic instinct LOL
I'm loving the new eyeliner under the eye look...it makes her eyes stand out
I just looked at the pics again. I think she's perfectly ladylike, but in those little chairs, pants might be more comfortable. On the other hand, she doesn't appear to be flashing anyone, so I think she's fine.
Many of you need to make up your minds on her skirts. When she wears flair skirts for these kind of occasions, she get criticized. Now she wears above her knees, she get criticized. So, what should she wear for visiting school children?
she looks good now that she found her consistent signature style. FLOTUS can only go up from here on.
I agree with peggy. When she wore flared skirts, there were so many negative posts stating she should stay away from them and that they're too cutsy. Some, not all, need to make up their minds. But I'm glad that Mrs. O will wear whatever she wants to wear and that's all that matters. And for those who have just loved her outfits of late....the eclectic quirkiness that I so love about her is still there. It will reemerge so please don't be too disappointed in the weeks ahead. She's got a Lisa Bonet in her (mainly in her daywear) that will appear at anytime so don't expect the sheath look that we all adore to stay for long! LOL
This woman is very daring, very bold and never boring.
Adorable! And made even more perfect by her genuine expression of mirth. :)
Kristan
http://jbu.phuzzymath.net/
Great event, OK dress. I gave it 3 out of 5 stars. Is that a hanging pin of some sort on her left side?
@YourNamePhyllis: There was one photo where I agree she was sitting sort of awkward before the children. I wouldn't call it inappropriate (she didn't flash anyone), but she should be even more mindful of it in the future because it did seemingly come close.
@ Janelle and peggy - Don't you know that before Mrs. O gets dressed, she should make sure she's sitting in adult-sized plush chairs, so she knows what length dress or skirt to wear? And then, she needs to check this blog and see if she should be wearing solids, light colors, a v-neck or scoop neck, flats or heels, a flowy dress/skirt, or pencil.
Jeez...I remember when we just used to comment on the outfit, and not drop all of the qualifiers and comparisons. I'm kind of surprised that this outfit is getting negative feedback. This is such a normal, business/casual outfit.
This dress is fabulous, but you can barely tell in this picture! I have a question about that Mrs. T, you often seem to wait for a "good" picture to come along to post, but it seems like sometimes you post the worst possible pictures for some of the outfits! Like this one, there are other wonderful pictures that are flattering where you can see the outfit, why choose this one?
I love the purple polka dots! They look great on Mrs. Obama. She looks very happy--and that should make the country happy. I am really enjoying the fact that she doesn't think she has to wear a suit everywhere she goes. Of course she could sometimes wear a suit--to more formal events. All in all, I have SO enjoyed her fashion choices.
Here's the pool report of her trip to the school today:
www(dot)thepage(dot)time(dot)com/michelle-obama-pool-report-for-wednesday-may-13/
First Lady Michelle Obama continued her outreach around D.C., and her support of community-based programs, with a visit to the Ferebee-Hope Community School located in Southeast Washington.
Today, FLOTUS was to visit Mrs. Andrea Jacobs' third-grade class. Restless students sang songs like "Old McDonald" and "Wheels on the Bus" while waiting for FLOTUS to arrive.
When FLOTUS arrived at 3:13 p.m., she was greeted by 18 students--nine students (one boy and eight girls) sitting in chairs in circle, with another nine students (two boys and seven girls) sitting to the right of the circle on the stairs. All students (except one) were in school uniforms (burgundy short-sleeve polo-type shirts and khaki pants)
These students were selected because they participate in the school's "Community In Schools" after-school program, where they receive 45-minute one-on-one tutoring every Tuesday. According to a media backgrounder, Community In Schools, headquartered in Alexandria, Va., is the nation's largest dropout prevention organization.
FLOTUS' press office said that her visit is geared towards highlighting the importance of aftercare programs which provide additional support to students and schools that face challenges.
According to the teacher, all students in her class could be considered to be from "low income" families. All receive free lunch and most come single-family households.
The students clapped wheb FLOTUS arrived. She sat in child-sized chair within the circle. She wore a blue dress with white polka-dots. Directly behind her was a green chalkboard with "Ferebee-Hope Welcomes Mrs. Obama" written on it.
FLOTUS asked each student to give their name and age. Most of the students were eight years old. Afterwards, she told them how proud she was of them.
She asked the students if they like to read. All raised their hands. She then asked what books do they like.
One student said the Jonas Brothers. FLOTUS said that she didn't know that the Jonas Brothers had written a book.
FLOTUS then read the book "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" by Judith Viorst.
She pauses after every page to comment on how bad Alexander's day was turning out to be. "Is it going to get better for this kid," she asked.
The students, many if whom admitted that they had already read the story, answered, "No."
How many of you kids like going to the dentists?
Every student raises their hand.
"Well you are the only ones I know. I don't like going to the dentist"
Everything from lima beans, to soap in his eye to biting his tongue.
After reading the book, FLOTUS asked the students, "What do you do when you have a bad day?"
One student said that she remembers that tomorrow will be a good day.
FLOTUS then asked, "What did you learn from the book?"
One student said to never go to sleep with gum in your mouth, as Alexander did in the book.
Another student said that "Nobody's life is perfect."
Another student said, "Every day is not a good day."
FLOTUS then told the students that she had to leave, but before she goes did anyone have a question.
One student asked: "Do you sign autographs?"
FLOTUS said "yes," and that she would sign one for the class on her way out.
Another student ask: "Is it hard being First Lady?"
She said no.
FLOTUS then made the students promise her "that you won't quit. We all have bad days, but please promise me that you will not quit."
FLOTUS gathered for a group photo with students. Afterwards students all wanted hugs. Some got two or three hugs.
She gave the student high-fives before she left.
Transcript to follow.
Later, FLOTUS is scheduled to meet with the Communities In Schools board to discuss how their program works to keep kids in school and how it operates Ferebee-Hope's afterschool program. This meeting is closed press.
Gorgeous dress...!!! The classics...with a spin. Flower touches...her trademark.
Flattering and timeless.
Mrs. O is a wonderful role model for kids....
@IVA
I just love that Mrs. O doesn't go through all that mental programming as you so put so well in your comments to analyze every possible scenario and just wear what she likes. I do think she does think of her audience, but sometimes I'm sure there are days that she just dresses for herself only and that's okay as long as it keeps her smiling and happy. I'm glad she doesn't read the blogs (Sarah Palin does read a lot in the blogosphere and I know how mixed up she is and would be if she were in the WH).
The last thing I want Mrs. O to be is a frazzled, Xanax popping, blank stare-faced, Stedford wife that never blinks! Even when I don't agree with her choices sometimes, I just look at her glowing face that's all smiles and I think to myself, "She's happy" and that's the most important thing. She's the President's main support system and advisor, and goodness knows this country needs help. So if Momma Obama stays happy, and helps to keep Daddy Obama happy, then the country will get happy one day soon!
She looks amazing and she IS amazing. What a wonderful, generous, kind, committed and beautiful First Lady we have. I'll bet those kids never forget this day and the promise they made not to give up.
@Willa
Mrs. T pays for the photos she provides (instead of stealing them like a lot of bloggers do!) I think she posts the best pictures that are available through the service she uses.
Thanks Christina. Dear Willa, I'm sorry you don't like this photo (and yes, they're paid for, which is why we typically have one image per post). I always try to choose a flattering picture of Mrs. O, that also captures this spirit of the moment and shows off what she's wearing. I thought this was a sweet photo that showed Mrs. O was enjoying herself, while dressed in a fun polka dot dress. Of the many I reviewed, I thought it was the best. You are free to disagree.
This is a feminine, lovely dress. I am liking all her choices this spring. Michael Kors has some polka dot dresses in his spring 09 collection.
She is excellent with children. They all seem to really react to her.
Just a 4 min. video and a warm comment from the President to Mrs. O at the poetry jam:
http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=7577034
Just a 4 min. video and a warm comment from the President to Mrs. O at the poetry jam:
abcnews(dot)go(dot)com/video/playerIndex?id=7577034
Children love this woman. They could care less about what she is wearing. But I do! She is drawing us all in, young and old and everything in between. Although I enjoy her every stlye decision, I am becoming more engaged in her relentless approach to her role as First Lady. She is on the move.
I've noticed recently that every function Michelle does is being dubbed a "photo-op" in certain circles. I don't think that's a bad thing. Do people understand that little girls and boys are completely enamored with her all over the world? She is becoming our greatest ambassador; an absolutely gorgeous ambassador.
I still havent found the full video for the poetry jam yet, mine was buffering last night so i missed a good bit of it. I looked on youtube, I couldnt find it on there but I did come across some clips of Mrs. O walking Bo on the lawn...It looked like a video off someone's camera phone.
I wish I knew how to link it,dont quite know how..sorry
i love purple,i love polka dots.i love mrs.o.
Janelle - Thank you so much for posting that clip from abc. I was not able to successfully live-stream last night, so I didn't see Lady Michelle in motion -- just stills. Wow! I have NEVER seen her look more gorgeous or sexy! Whew! I can see why she brings poetry to the President's life, as he said! HOT! Her make-up was out of this world. Her eyes looked amazing.
Whitehouse.gov is supposed to have a video of the whole event up -- maybe by tomorrow. I can't wait.
i think that dress is lanvin! i die
http://www.mytheresa.com/shop/product.php?productid=6287&cat=6&page=1
@Willow, I can't wait for the event to come up too. It was really good, but just too short! It went by too fast. But I'm sure it will be up tomorrow. Also, HBO was there filming as well and it will air on HBO soon, so those that have it can see it on TV. I love how they're including so many people to be a part of the events.
Jahmal, you are so right! The dress must be Lanvin. The link gives a long version.
Mrs. T. - the photo is great. Mrs. O's expression is priceless!
Keep up the good work!
Good job, jahmal. That's the dress. And I agree, Mrs. T, it's a great picture.
Thanks Groovy!!!
And a gold star for jahmal!
Whee!