Sunday
May172009
Behind the Scenes
Sunday, May 17, 2009 at 7:09 PM
New photos from the White House Flickr stream. We like! The top two photos are from the Os Cinco de Mayo celebration at the White House, where Mrs. O wore Moschino. The bottom photo is from Mrs. O's recent trip to New York, and features a green floral skirt that we've not seen before.
Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton
Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton
Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton
Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton
Reader Comments (54)
I love the way he loves her.
I just love their open affection....never seen that type of open affection shown before in the White House. It's very refreshing to see.
No words are necessary when they look at each other.....you can feel the love they have for each other in photos so imagine up close and personal.
First Lady you look absolutly amazing as always, I love you so much for being who you are, holla at me
Is that the floral print skirt that Michelle wore on the cover of that magazine with her mother?
We loe Michelle Obama and want her to be free to be as colorful as she can and wants to be without any inhibition of judgement!
Also it is wonderful to see the couple in the Whitehouse are so intimate together and enjoy one another!
Its pretty obvious that being in the public eye has not strained their relationship. Even the pictures speak volumes about the love they share...definately not a political alliance,a true love match!
Oh Mrs T...Like minds - awesome!
I looked through the new additions last night and the first 2 photos you post struck a chord with me and I was going to link to them...
Just beautiful and touching their relationship with each other;
Equal, yet he remains the fierce protector of this seemingly strong/independent woman in the most gentle and renaissance of ways and all without the crass machismo...
They are a couple who really do love each other. Despite the pressures of the office. They take the time out to be close and pay attention to each other.
Does anyone else notice the naughty & knowing grins on the face of the whitehouse staff (doorman in this picture and another doorman in some other) when the president and first lady obliviously share their private moments in their presence...?
The look on their faces...priceless!
I love the affection conveyed between Mrs. O and Mr. O in the top photos. It's as if they still share a puppy love-esque relationship. Adorable! :)
http://cafefashionista.blogspot.com
That floral skirt is not a skirt but a dress. I recognize it from the Essence photo shoot!
R U Sure Marie Renee, because I saw the Essence Dress and it was more Blue/Green. This seems more white/green, doesnt it?
I agree with Marie Renee. This looks like the Talbots dress she wore on the Essence cover with her mother with the cardigan on top (also the cardigan worn for the S. Street PSA). Love it--looks pretty and comfortable. Also, I love the way the President looks at Mrs. O. That's what I'm talking about!
They are beautiful to me!
Agree with other commentators on the endearing affection shared by these two. Truly warms the heart.
On a fashion note, I only know that she wore green for the Sesame Street gig which was her first appearance in NYC that day.
Also did you notice that at the announcement of Gov. Huntsman Saturday morning that his wife wore an apparently Michelle inspired outfit: pink cardigan with a wide belt worn over the cardigan?
Hey Mrs. T, Thanks for the 'New O Photos'. They are great and I do so love the behind the scenes feel of them.
It must be so exciting living this life they have now. I would also imagine it could get suffocating at times too.
Someone constantly outside the door would drive me nuts!
I guess you get used to strolling down to the kitchen with your night time cremes on.
The first Lady told Oprah, that they have gotten so much closer, during the campaign, for you can tell. Time mag photographer who spent 100 days in the White House said, that he is madly in love with Michelle, and that they can close the world out, and concentrate on each other as if they are the only two in the room.
Imagine being madly in love with your wife! Now that's novel - but exactly the way it's supposed to be! Here's to MANY, MANY, MORE WHITE HOUSE PHOTOS of Mr. & Mrs.O lovin' each other in fine style and looking drop dead gorgeous while doing it.
My favourite photo by the way, is the one with the President & Bo playing ball...Such a happy scene - a man and his dog.
@peggy
Wow that is interestong comment from the phtographer.
Lucky girl to have a job like this in the White House!
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/18/us/politics/18rotus.html?_r=1&ref=global-home
A tribute to Potus and Flotus! Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXP-OcJzleo&feature=channel
@Rocky
That pic with him and the dog is just so adorable
Whether it's the two of them together or as a family or by themselves, their ability to focus in the middle of chaos is inspirational. Almost Zen-like! There are a few Callie Shell photos (TIME) taken during the campaign that really illustrate this, particularly a few showing BO standing alone in a stairwell before a rally and just quietly marshalling his resources (and one where he's quietly wiping a little ice-cream drip off a lunch counter.
On the fashion front: My niece is in an elementary school all-county choir & I noticed one little ten year old wearing a black skirt, flats, white shirt, and an unbutton but belted black cardigan. So cute!
I remember Mr.Obama being asked the day before the election what bothered him the most from the other side and he said the attacks against his wife. It clearly signaled how much he loved her and was so protective of her, because while she was roughed up a bit, he was beaten on, kicked, and trampled from so many sides, yet that didn't bother him as much as what happened to her.
Even if he had never publicly voiced his love for her, its very obvious in his actions towards her. While I think he is more likely to initiate the overt PDA, she is very responsive and receptive.
Their chemistry leaps off the photos, one can only imagine how intense it is in person.
Yes Toni, the President has publicly voiced his love for her! He described her as the Rock of the family, and the love of his life. That is everything, don't you think?
Yes peggy, though you seem to be taking issue with what I said somehow (or at least that's how it comes off). All I meant was that sometimes politicians voice their love of their spouse but the ensuing body language and actions present a contradiction of that claim. I believe in "actions speak louder than words".
No, I'm not taking issue with what you said at all, only giving you some information, if by chance you missed it. Sorry, if I've given you the wrong impression. Have a good night!
Lovely photo's, thanks for the link Mrs T. I often forget to go and check on new additions so it's good to get the heads up from here.
May I just share something? I GOT A HATTIE CARNEGIE BROOCH!!!!! Woohooo!
OK, calm, inhale.... exhale.... phoo.
Here is a link that shows Mrs. Huntsman's cardigan and big belt over it plus she is wearing pearls:
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/slideshow/photo//090516/ids_photos_ts/r955911628.jpg/
Will not show as a link, but you can copy and paste it.
Sorry--it did show as a link and it posted right away.
The pictures are lovely. My husband and I snuggled on the couch last night and looked through the flickr photos. He remarked how obvious their love is too.
Re MrsO's outfit as she is getting on the plane. That is definately the sweater from the Essence mag cover, but the skirt is different. The skirt from the cover had more blue in it and the pattern is different. If you go to the flickr site and then view the largest image you can tell.
I completely agree with Brook. The sweater is definitely the same one from the Essence cover, but upon looking at a larger size of the photo you can see the skirt/dress has a green floral pattern with smaller florals, while the Talbots dress from Essence had a larger, blue floral pattern.
As far as the photos, I am in such awe of our President and First Lady. I think they show great leadership capabilities by leading by example and working hard to maintain a healthy balance in their lives. You can see it by the way they work on themselves physically (they both work out and he stays active with basketball) as well as working on their relationship by having date nights even though he is arguably the busiest man in the world right now. They are just good people. It's amazing that they have been married for nearly 20 years and he can still look at her that way. For a long time I was quite skeptical of marriage. After seeing my parents not so happy relationship and eventual separation and never having seen a functional, healthy marriage they really give me hope.
P.S. I just saw an even larger photo of her plane ride to NY and you can see that the skirt has this large stripe detail that goes all the way down the side of the skirt with large gold studs. A very interesting and modern take on the floral skirt. Here's the larger photo:
www(dot)flickr(dot)com/photos/whitehouse/3531555777/sizes/o/in/set-72157618099051717/
Went to the mall yesterday and saw Michelle O influences such as the wide hip skirt, cardigans galore and knockoffs of the black/white dress.
Seeing the Obamas in the elevator...she is the Uhura to his Spock.
@ That Other Mimi
It's so funny that you say that. In a recent Newsweek interview the President said he had just saw the new Star Trek movie at the White House and everyone describes him as being like Spock. Too funny.
If this has already been mentioned I apologize. It was reported in the UK press last Friday (telegraph) that a spokeswoman for Boden, a British mail-order clothing company, confirmed that Mrs. O had requested a spring-summer catalogue. She was alerted to the brand during her London visit. Is anyone here familiar with the brand?
@jayj,
I like Boden a lot. The clothing summer styles are very colorful with a lot of flowery designs and classic lines. It reminds me of Ann Taylor/Talbots/Nordstrom's/Land's End all rolled up into one. I bet she also purchases some things to wear to their vacation to Martha's Vineyard in August. I actually love the "coats and jackets" section of Boden---it's got classic looks as well as eclectic/quirky looks that Mrs. O loves as well. There's a lot of mixing and matching to a wardrobe with their selection going into all seasons. I'm sure Mrs. O will be mixing up a storm this year.
www(dot)boden(dot)co(dot)uk/en-GB/Womens-Clothing(dot)html
Oh yes indeed. Boden is very well known here. They have grown from a small family concern into a major catalogue and online retailer. They do good quality basics, with an outdoorsy feel. They also pay attention to the ethics behind their clothing, which is fantastic.
(I do have a high pitched squeal about designers who still use fur or who don't ensure that their clothes come from an environment that doesn't exploit people. There's no need for it, it doesn't take much to make sure people are safe.)
www (dot) boden (dot) co (dot) uk
I would never have said "oh Mrs O would look great in Boden" but having checked out the summer catalogue, I have to say that most of their summer dresses are ideal! How funny... They launched in the US in 2002.
Boden is casual very pretty stuff. They also have a USA site.
I just saw some of the clothing at boden.com and this dress really caught my eye. It would be so pretty on Mrs.O, especially with the flower detail.
www(dot)boden(dot)co(dot)uk/en-GB/Womens-Dresses/WH146/Womens-Fab-Occasion-Dress(dot)html
This article doesn't directly relate to the President or Mrs.O, but the New York Times did an interesting piece on the current White House Receptionist or ROTUS as the President teasingly calls her. There's also an audio sideshow that shows the Presidential box at the Kennedy Center from different vantage points and describes what goes on behind the scenes. I think it's worth a look.
www(dot)nytimes(dot)com/2009/05/18/us/politics/18rotus(dot)html?_r=1&hp
jayj and others, here is the article that refers to mrs. o and boden:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/fashionnews/5325273/Michelle-Obama-puts-the-o-in-Boden.html
Thanks for that article Ari! It ws really cute. The POTUS reminds me of my dad in that he would get a (typically not to funny) joke and repeat it over and over again, chuckling each time like it was the funniest thing in the world. I forsee many days of embarassment for his daughters! My dad has passed on, but I still smile lovingly at the 'jokes' that once made me roll my eyes. I love that the POTUS seems so down to earth and accessible.
Thanks Ari, that was a really sweet article.
First Lady's motorcade was spotted on FDR Drive this morning: http://tzvee.blogspot.com/2009/05/traffic-alert-michelle-obama-at-met-in.html
Anyone know what time the ribbon cutting is/was held? Can't wait to see photos or video footage.
@ POSH TATER, Congrats on your Hattie Carnegie Brooch!
Describe it...where did you find?
Hi Ann#1. I found it on Ebay and won the auction this morning. I'm absolutely delighted. I've been staring at it for five days, frenziedly chewing my nails and now it's MINE!! Mwahahahaha.
Here's a pic: http://www (dot) facebook (dot) com/album (dot) php?aid=255286&id=781945252&l=518f823b52
I very much like a lot of the Hattie Carnegie enamel flowers that I've seen, but really, when it comes down to it, I'm a sucker for a bit of sparkle, and this was so pretty and in such great condition.
I'm really looking forward to being able to wear it.
Wow! I'm gone for two days and new pics and topics all over the place. Not that my ramblings are needed on this blog (lol)! Anyway, I love the green sweater and skirt combo. It is so totally my style and a chic way to travel. Was it confirmed that the blue ombre hem dress is the Michael Kors portrait dress. It is cute, but I think the protrait seems more fitted. And of course, my preference of her in heels (sue me, I love great shoes)will probably remain a personal bias for most of the next 4 years). Love, love the Flicker pics, particularly the ones posted above (he whispers in her ears and holds her shoulders! I am so swooning!)
Anyway, I read she will be in New York again! Looking forward to an AMAZING outfit and nothing short of that wil do. Yes, ladies and gents, New York is one city that takes its fashionistas very seriously and where they are expected to shine 110% of the time; no room for error or do-over. I hope she avoid the after-6 NY "uniform" and chooses color this time.
One final ting: Does it not speak volume about the power of the first lady's influence that she is as requested a commencemnt speaker as the Prez such a short tine into the presidency? Regadless of the "historic first black president" thing that initially makes it unique and attractive to have her speak, she has showed that she is a quet force in her own roight. As much as I hate to compare,previous first ladies, including Hillary Clinton, mostly had to wait until after their husbasnd'd terms to be granted such honors.