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)
The dress is adorable and she looks pretty in it, but a cutoff cocktail dress does not automatically becomes a business casual dress. It does not make any difference to me that she chose to wear it to meet the kids. Although it probably was not the most functional choice for sitting on low third-grade chairs with the whole press in front of her. Please do not bite my head off, I was all gushy about yesterday night's look. I find it a little intriguing that many posters did not get or completely love what they saw as the "eccentricity" of the cropped pants and colorful top Mrs. O wore and instead reverted to complimenting the safer choice of Mrs. Biden's teal dress. I would be interesting to see what the demographics of the like/dislike posters was. Anyway, nice look. And I wish posters would stop berating others for simply expressing their opinions. If it's OK with Mrs. T, then it is OK for the blog.
@ Lilly
We are usually on the same page about the clothing, but I am not with you on the cropped pants. :)
I am 29 and still hated those pants. For me, your pants are either cropped below the knee, just above the ankle (like those ones she went to burgers in) or they are full trousers. This was cut off at an awkward place and were bootcut at that. It was odd
About this dress being an evening dress - I liked it but I can see your point. I have gotten over judging the appropriateness since election night or when Barack won the primary. Or even wearing that beautiful, delicate cardigan to do community service. I have noticed that she wears what she wants to where she wants. So I don't look at the appropriateness of the outfits anymore. I just look at them whether they are beautiful and flattering or not. In this case, this one is. Also, without seeing how it is presented on that site Jahmal linked to, it seems it could pass for day wear. So I am OK with it.
Mrs. O looked great for the children. Most kids love polka dots, and the color purple. When Mrs. O works with students, I am convinced she thinks about their likes, not ours. When she ventures out to schools, i have never been disappointed in her wardrobe choices. Kids like color, pattern, and the unusual. This is a time when I am willing to reiterate that Mrs. O's demeanor, approachability, and softness are as much a part of her look as the outfit she is wearing.
Her legs are held together in a very appropriate fashion and in a position I have seen many a teacher use.
She appears to be so happy when she spends time with children. Being in the classroom is a huge part of Mrs. O's commitment as a first lady, and it is clear that she has a gift for working with kids.
I went to the link and saw the dress as a long gown. So? I don't see it as a cocktail dress in the shorter length. It's a silk dress---and, as such, is suitable for MANY occasions. In fact, I think Mrs. Obama will get a lot of wear out of it--and we will be seeing it again. Perhaps a silk dress such as this one is HER version of a nice silk suit. The dress is elegant, flattering, and attractive. I see it as totally appropriate.
Hooray, she's wearing Lanvin. One of my favourite brands. Such history in that haute couture house of Jeanne Lanvin. Alber must be over the moon. Take that Oscar de la Renta. Michelle's going haute French, and I like it. I love to see her in Chanel, Dior and Givenchy. Look out Carla!
MRS A, I have to say that these types of cropped pants are the must have in Paris. I really love it on her and would like to buy something similar. They usually work best with high heels
Looking at the Lanvin website, I noticed that the price for the floor lenght version of this polka-dot dress is:
€2.679,00. Does this mean 2,679 euros?
Purple .....My favourite color, and the polka dot seems so playful and appropriate for her setting. Mrs. O is truly in her element when she is around kids she beams and is just a ray of sunshine. Cant wait to see more of her Spring/Summer wardrobe.....more purple would be nice.
MJMR, yes that price is in euros. That would equal out to be around $3,600 in USD
I hear you, Mrs. A. I still love the pants, though. And I am in the same age range as you. As one poster mentioned the pants looked better as sher was walking in. I am not particularly fond of using coktail dresses as day/business wear as she tends to do, but that is one of the perks of being first lady. I just think that entire yesterday look worked so well; and I am still in lvoe with that top (anyione found out who the designer is yeyt?). Also, why do we keep saying that the dress was purple when it was reported in the press that it was blue? It does look more navy blue to me.
I love the dress and this kind of modern classic style that ultimately allows her to wear it again in future. Wouldn't call it a cocktail dress as such - to me it's a day dress that is feminine with more than a touch of luxe.
Her hair is looking fabulous these days - soooo much better than during the campaign and inauguation.
I love the beautiful dress, and agree that purple is a great color for Mrs. O...but, COME ON! When sitting in a dress, you need to not only keep your knees together, but your thighs and calves as well. There is a clear up-the-skirt view here of her upper thighs...something I am sure she will not let happen again.
I worry that certain GOP killjoys will soon start to add up the tab for Mrs. O`s wardrobe and ask where the money is coming from. I lived in the Philippines during the late Marcos era when Imelda`s extravagance began to be contrasted in the dissident media to the poverty of the country, and the mood changed to ugly in the course of a few months.
I'd say this is a "tea dress". Lovely daywear. It's more fancy than she usually wears to school setting, so I imagine she had other events to attend during the day.
It's such a beautiful color for her and the fantastic designer for Lanvin, Alber Elbaz, comes across as such a sweetie.
Mrs. T, I've got a request -- Would it be possible for you to reformat the comment section so that posters names lead their comment? It would make reading easier, I think. And allow me to skip some comments altogether! :-)
There was a great profile of Elbaz in the March 16 2009 issue of the New Yorker. It's on their site, but only to subscribers or for a fee. (Jezebel has a commentary based on the story with extensive quotes & NSFW photos!).
Available to all at New Yorker site is an audio slideshow on Lanvin & Elbaz:
http://www.newyorker.com/online/multimedia/2009/03/16/090316_audioslideshow_alberelbaz
Pretty, pretty dress! I must say that after the rocking outfits of the last week I did have a "oh ... a dress, that's ... nice" moment. And then I got the context and the event and the fact that even Mrs O can't ROCK every day! Tis a lovely frock. You could wear that anywhere too, it's so versatile. To the office, for a parent teacher meeting, out for lunch, to the theatre... I like it very much.
Jahmal...I couldn't stop laughing at your "Lanvin...I die" quip!
Visions of a swoon and back of hand to the forehead came to mind - thanks for the great visual!
Hey IVA-
Thanks for sharing the pool report...insightful as always. She is indeed a first lady for the 21st century...no?!
IVA thank you so much for the pool transcript and Janelle thank you for the Poetry evening video.
I'm reminded sometimes of the name of a musical when I read comments here: "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change."
@Lilly: the blouse designer was Basso & Brooke. I've never heard of them before. That blouse was great.
I love seeing FLOTUS with children. Alwsys brings a tear to my eyes the way they look at her, the interactions. I can imagine how those little black girls feel seeing this first lady.
off topic a little bit.
I dvr's and was watching tyra banks show about hair in the black community. I cried full out. I could not believe that some black women really have such low self worth, and are passing it on to their bbs without shame. and that white woman that weaves and perms her mix race daughter's hair just disgusted me. Like she was saying she don't want nothing associated with black on her daughter.
I love that FLOTUS twist Malia and Sasha's hair, and more often than not their hair is left in its natural state. only pressed for functions or special occasions.
I thought of this because in one of the pics I saw FLOTUS run her hands through a little black girl's hair. It just struck me as sweet and endearing, a small affirmation of that little girl's beauty.
sorry for going ot but thought it was worth mentioning. little things like that media/ white people for that matter can never understand.
FLOTUS looks lovely in this dress, she always has a glow when she's with children. She looked fantastic during the Poetry Jam this week. I'm loving her new look.
I think it's ironic that the FL was criticized for wearing the dresses/skirst that flared at the bottom during her other visits to schools, and now she's being criticized for wearing a straight dress. She can't win with some no matter what she wears.
Well POTUS and I love her and her clothes.
Arnette - I guess you haven't looked at the pictures of Mrs. O in the purple dress as I don't think any of the pictures shows her legs or ankles crossed.
Mara - This dress wouldn't be business casual in the midwest--a $2,500+ dress would be laughed at in my office.
I still insist that she needs to dress for the occasion and I don't think she "gets it". In these economic times, I can't image her wardrobe budget or hopefully these designers are giving her the outfits to wear. Has she worn the same outfit twice?
Mrs. Biden does "get it", as she looks fabulous and rarely is she ever shown.
My two cents worth: the long version of the Lanvin purple polka dot dress is absolutely lovely and graceful; haven't seen a full-length standing photo of Mrs. Obama's modified--street length--version, but something would be lost in translation. It's probably not the best choice to wear at a school function where you have to sit in those itsy-bitsy chairs (I'm the same size she is and always struggled with the seating), but perhaps she had a luncheon to go to afterward?
I, for one, don't care how much money she spends on clothes. She's a very, very wealthy woman and her pocketbook is her own. Did anyone else spend so much time and effort toting up the money spent on clothes by any other First Lady--even Eleanor Roosevelt, for heavens sake? With the possible except of Mrs. Carter, they have all had wardrobes that are far out of reach for most of us in the proletariat.
@ Mimi
I have never been one to like something because it is hot. I look at whether it is flattering on the wearer or not. In this case, I personally didn't find them flattering. Too many people walk out looking bad by following trends. I follow them too but I am selective about which ones fit my body and which don't.
The First Lady dress in many different price range outfits. She goes low end, high end and also mixed both. We all have to remember that she wasn't the First Lady forever, for she had executive jobs that was bringing in 300,000 dollars a year. So, she does have expensive garments in her closet. In my opinion is that when you feed the hungry and help the sick, they don't care about the price of your clothes. They are just greatful!
Oh Phyllis, enough with this nonsense. Don't expect everyone to cry for the people who are suffering. Financial hardship has been going around for years in poor countries, but none of us cared for them. I still shop at Saks and Bergdorf Goodman. I still buy designer wear. I'm spending my money and stimulating the economy. Don't hate wealthy people. I want Michelle to wear expensive clothes, possibly haute couture.
@ Mimi
Meant to say:
I have never been one to like something JUST because it is trendy. If I don't like it, I don't. So telling me it is all the rage in Paris doesn't change anything. I know many others find it flattering and that is fine because beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Trendy or not, I look at whether it is flattering on the wearer or not. In this case, I personally didn’t find them flattering on her. Too many people walk out looking bad by following trends. I follow them too but I am selective about which ones fit my body and which don’t.I didn't like those pants and knowing they are the rage in Paris still doesn't change anything.
Phyllis, Mrs.O has worn outfits twice, three times and FOUR times in the case of certain belts and sweaters she owns. If you visited this website regularly, you would know that. Also, Jill Biden, (who is absolutely fabulous, I agree) wore a $3000 Michael Kors dress and matching shrug to the Easter Egg Roll at the White House-- the same event to which Michele Obama wore a blouse and pair of khakis. And Jill looked fabulous in that dress!
So it's certainly not up to you or anyone else to judge how much money wealthy women spend on their clothes. If they can afford it, they should wear what they want. I think it's really tempting to say "Oh...in this economy!" but actually, the way to improve the economy is not to hoard your money. That attitude makes the situation much worse. Rather, those who can afford a vacation, a dress, a house or etc, and want to spend their money that way...should feel free to do so! And that's how the economy will be able to recover.
About the improved hair on Mrs. O:
Mrs. O used to typically do her own hair and makeup often on the campaign trail. Most women with relaxed hair like Mrs. O, especially black women have their functional hair regimen that works for them to look presentable with their hair. Blowdry, hot iron and wrap it. Now her stylist does it, so that is the difference.
That's a nice polka dot dress. Hope she brings the dots back, I miss them!
Here's a small video clip on the school visit!
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2009/05/michelle-obam-3.html
I interpret Phyllis comments on the very high cost of Mrs. Obama's wardrobe to mean that if the administration is so concerned with executives pay and even pay regulation, it seem a quite a bit much what Mrs. Obama is paying for wardrobe, hair and make up stylist, etc. But she has worn her wardrobe pieces more than once.
What a beautiful dress, I wish I had the body to wear one just like hers.
But I have a question. How can she afford all her clothes? I know she has to buy them from her own pocket, I know she has money, I know she "recycles" many of her outfits. But does she get a special discout or something. Some of the prices on the outfits I have seen her on are quite high, and money is not forever, and I don't see her as a person who will spend all her money on clothes. Just a question.
Love to read this blog everyday.
In the case of Mrs. Reagan, I have read that some of the very expensive wardrobe pieces were "on-loan" or provided at a discount. And still she was critized extensively as well.
To Mrs.W; The First Lady look through catalogs and sent others to shop during times when sales are on. The owner of the store will close the store for an hour for her to shop. Her jewelries are borrowed, and her clothes are paid for by her own money. The Obama family is paying to redecorate the white house from their own bank account. How many Presidents have spent their own money for that?
@Phyllis. LOL. where have you been? Mrs. Obama has made wearing clothes more than once fashionable. Re: the price. Her husband is a millionaire from all those book sales and she was earning a pretty sum of money before she became First Lady. She's just unfortunate that people like us are avidly watching everything she wears while previous first ladies were like furniture in the background.
I wish I could a picture of the dress with Mrs. Obama standing. I love that Mrs. O is not afraid of print and polka dots and color!
Did anyone happen to notice this dress is $3.643?? Does this not concern anyone? This is an elementary school? What happened to the First Lady is so common like us....Guaranteed I don't wear three thousand dollar outfits to read to my kids at school...It is very beautiful I will say., and it looks very pretty on her...but say what you want she gets some money for her wardrobe from the govt. She may pay for some of her wardrobe but not all....You just don't hear the media on these outfits...only on the $148 J Crew dresses...It seems to me to be a double standard
A beautiful dress on a beautiful lady, but too much knee and thigh showing.
I was one of the ones who said earlier it was a cute dress, but she seemed a bit uncomfortable. I think it might be good to note that many of us who said the dress, while lovely, would have been better if she was sitting in a different chair or at a different event, complemented her on the skirt/striped blouse/sweater combo she wore to read to children previously.
Both outfits work for some and not for others. No big deal!
Toi--I di dnot see that episode of Tyra, but I heard about it. I hope Tyra realizes that her profession helped to foster the attitude that was evidently displayed on her show. I remember the beautiful Roshumba with her teeny weeny afro not getting nearly the play as Naomi and Tyra with their long flowing weaves. And I too love to see the girls with their twists and cornrows! I just wonder if MrsO is sitting up in the WH with a container of ultra sheen putting all of the twists in that baby's hair! The thought of it just makes me smile
When some people like Phyllis come on this blog and make comments that they think Mrs.O's attire is "too expensive" I have to wonder if they have any concept of fashion retail, because obviously they don't. Even though previous first ladies have blended into the background with very simple suits or dresses, they were often designer, custom outfits that cost upward of $1000. I mean come on! How much do you think a designer Ralph Lauren or Oscar de la Renta suit costs? First Ladies have to look presentable as they are representing the country with pretty much every move they make in the public eye. Mrs.O has repeated many of her outfits an accessories along with wearing pieces costing less than $200 at H&M, J.Crew and the Gap. Plus as a previous poster stated, she and her husband are millionares because of his book sales and she was making $300,000 a year. She can afford to spend money on her clothing.
It is actually illegal for "the government" to give Michelle a clothing allowance. And it's illegal for her to accept free clothes (the exception was the Inauguration stuff because it was all donated to the Smithsonian). And...the Obamas didn't even take the money allotted for each new president to help them redecorate! So there is not really any mystery about where the clothes come from. They go through tremendous pains, as she has said before, to buy all their own clothes. She is wealthy and can afford it, much like EVERY First Lady that came before her. Laura Bush wore exclusively Oscar de La Renta, as did Hillary. And it doesn't really get more expensive than Oscar!
So Michelle is hardly any different. Actually, the only way she is different is that she regularly wears Jcrew and other inexpensive brands.
Deb, why does her J.Crew outfits get attention, because they are uncommon for First Ladies. The staple for first ladies are Oscar De Lenta and such, whose prices would put this dress to shame. Which other first lady has worn J.Crew overseas. Worn Talbots on the cover of a major magazine? Which other first lady can have admirers shop online for the exact clothes she has worn? C'mon people she's first lady not a pauper. I applaud her for wearing high and low price points like shes always done becuase most other first ladies have stuck to high designer wear.
I know this is also a bit off topic, but did anyone catch the Presidents commencement speech at ASU last night. Amazing! I'm glad they didn't give him an honorary degree. They didn't deserve him. I thought it was so great how he turned a snub into a teachable moment for all those students. "Your body of work is never complete". That's going to be a classic speech of his. His IRS audit joke was funny too.
I watched it Ari, it was great and he was funny at times too. Of course I teared up at the inspirational points, like I always do with his speeches. How do you think he'll do at Notre Dame, do you think hell bring up the "controversy" there as well?
I'm sorry the quote he used was "Your body of work is yet to come". Lol. He used their own words against them to give a great lesson.
@ Joane
You know what, I think he will. The way he addressed that controversy with such dignity and class, I don't see why he wouldn't do the same at Notre Dame.
LOL. Y'all are broken records.
@ Ari and Joane - yes, he handled the ASU dustup really well. I think he's going to knock it out of the park at Notre Dame.
Further to the comments about the cost of this Lanvin outfit and some of Mrs O's other clothing, I don't believe that those who say she buys her own clothing are accurate. I beleive that she accepts the clothes as freebies from designers-- a practice not followed by any other First Ladies, to my knowledge. I think that Mrs O usually looks fabulous, but wish that she would buy her own clothes and keep her day wear within a lower price range. In this recession, it seems wrong to me to be wearing a Lanvin dress ($3,000) to a third grade classroom and Lanvin sneakers ($540) to a food bank. On top of that, to accept free clothes seems wrong given the sacrifice and austerity that the President says this country needs to practice.(The only public comment that I am aware of on the freebie issue is from Jason Wu who stated that payment was not offered on his inaugural gown.) As a multi-millionaire and a role model, Mrs O should buy her own clothes and dress in everyday fashions for everyday events. She will still look fabulous.