Dresses, Old and New
Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 7:19 PM 
Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton
May 20: To greet a crowd at a meeting of the Corporation for National and Community Service, Mrs. O wore a blue - never seen before! - floral dress by Moschino. The print has some resemblance to this Moschino skirt worn in October 2008. 
Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton
April 30:To meet hostesses at the annual Congressional Club Luncheon at the Washington Hilton Hotel, Mrs. O wore Thakoon's floral inside-out dress, last worn publicly for the first Presidential debate in September 2008. 
Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton
May 13: First Lady Mrs. O wore a purple polka dot dress from the 2009 Lanvin resort collection for a meeting with Communities In Schools board members at the Ferebee-Hope Elementary School in Washington. For more fabulous photos of First Lady Mrs. O, see the updated White House Flickr page, here
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Reader Comments (134)
These are some very good pictures of Michelle. She looks so happy and comfortable in all of them shown.
Just lovely. She's been doing so many things we haven't even seen. I hope more events like these will be made public more often.
Mrs.T, I think the dress you linked to on the Moschino website may not be the dress Mrs. O is actually wearing. If you look at the back detailing, there is some gathering and a bow in the back and the dress on the site does not have that. I have a hunch it is actually another dress from the same collection with the same pattern and an A-line bottom.
Here's the link:
www(dot)moschinoboutique(dot)com/item/YOOX/MOSCHINO/tskay/BD67EC2D/rr/1/cod10/34130595XX/areaid//sts//mm/208
Just lovely. She looks great in all the pics.
Mrs.T, I think the dress you linked to on the Moschino website isn't actually the dress she is wearing in that pic. You can see some gathering and a bow in the back of the dress, and the dress you linked to does not have any of that. I think it is the A-line version of the same dress from that collection.
I think that Michelle is a beautiful example of African American sisterhood; a great role model and quite fashionable; She makes me real proud to be a sister!
ALL of these dresses are absolutely gorgeous, and so beautifully summer-y.
I love Mrs. O summer wardrobe so far......I love all the pics. Beautiful!!!!! Simply the best. Mrs O brings such style and class to her role as "First Lady" yet it feels like she is every woman's best friend. LOVE HER!!!!!!!
I love dresses, so I'm very happy to see a First Lady who also likes them and looks so good in them!
Also, I love the photo of her with the Communities in Schools board members. That purple polka dot is one of my favorite dresses so far. Also, I love the fact that ALL eyes are on Mrs. O. It's quite obvious who commands the room! Love it!!!
Good find, Mrs. T! Love all of the dresses, and the commanding yet comfortable position of Mrs. O in the last pic in awesome. She's great! She's going to get me wearing prints now...I've been wearing more colors, now I guess I'll try prints.
The summer dresses are here! Yay! Mrs. O is going to rock the house with her
frocks.
The blue print dress looks gorgeous on her. She just shines in blues. Thanks for posting the photo stream, Mrs. T.
hey guys!!! I'm back. Life has kept me away for a couple of weeks and I definitely have missed looking at Mrs. O and reading your comments. I have been playing catch up the last two days and I have loved everything I've seen. I love all the candid shots of the FL, but it got me to thinking how would it feel to know that every move I make is being photographed. I mean you can't pick ur nose or quickly fix ur undergarments (not that the first lady would do these things) without the whole world knowing. I mean that has got to be a crazy life. And while I am thinking this about her life, I want more. I want to see more of her in public as well as in her private life. Isn't that crazy, I don't think I could live that life, but I want her to live it. Its crazy I know you don't have to tell me.
this is a lovely youtube video called Michelle Obama (Mom in Chief). Very cute pics of her with her girls. I thought other Mrs. O lovers would appreciate it.
http://www(dot)youtube(dot)com/watch?v=XRen8SzNevM&feature=related
comment is in moderation so submitted it again
this is a lovely youtube video called Michelle Obama (Mom in Chief). Very cute pics of her with her girls. I thought other Mrs. O lovers would appreciate it.
www(dot)youtube(dot)com/watch?v=XRen8SzNevM&feature=related
The first two outfits should be kicked out of Mrs. Obama's closet. Not feeling the first one (Moschino). I didn't like it the second outfit (Thakoon) the first time she wore it - it looks like a bedspread - and I still don't like it. Mrs. Obama should stay away from Moschino and Thakoon, because she's never worn a decent outfit from either designer. Her girl Maria Pinto (did they fall out or something? Mrs. Obama hasn't worn her like forever) wouldn't have her looking like that.
The third outfit (Lanvin) is alright.
I like all the little green girls. They're so cute!
I'm in dire need of that purple polka dot dress. Polka dots = love! :)
http://cafefashionista.blogspot.com
Maybe I'm not savvy enough but I love what she is wearing and I'm glad this first lady marches to the beat of her own fashion drum. We could be stuck mulling over tweed suits. I appreciate the color and the prints and I really dont take fashion seriously, she looks great in evernthing she wears.
I love all three, ver fresh very summery! Hope Mrs. O has an event soon, so she can share more pearls of wisdom. I love her intellect as well as her style!
Sweet video Nylon.
@mara
Know Maria and her did not "fall out" is good to try other people.
Today I was @ my doctors waiting room and was looking over an old Vogue Magazine (Apr 2008), when to my utter delight I came across an article about MrO's style and the campaign. I dont remember ever reading that article and that Issue ( Lebron & Giselle on the cover).
Let me tell you it made my wait worthwhile. So did these beautiful pics.
Christina do you 1. know Mrs. T or 2. Work for the blog?
I think Mrs. O looks great in all three of these dresses. I like the summery Machino. It's lovely. She's always totally present to whatever she is doing. Never looks bored or less than enthusiastic. She's great.
Thanks for the photos' Mrs. T. She wears dresses so well.
They look great on her.
@ Mara...you're too funny, really! What makes you happy?
Our first lady Mrs.Obama looks good in anything that she puts on, know matter what anyone thinks.
The summery print dress is just lovely and Mrs Obama looks great in this dress. I checked Moschino on line and the dress is too expensive for me! It is about $850.
I was reading various posting on the site. There was one that questioned whether other First Ladies ever engaged in activities like the ones Mrs. Obama is hosting. There was another response to this that mentioned that just a few First Ladies have had the attention that is given to Mrs. Obama and that could probably be the reason we know so much about Mrs. Oabama and not so much about others. First Ladies have had lots of interests and have engaged in a myriad of charitable, educational and political and meritorious activities. I just checked Google for Mrs. Bush's activities. I found quite a lot to read. Urge other readers to search for First Ladies activities. They did and do have very busy and interesting lifes!
www.vanityfair.com/style/features/2009/06/jackie-michelle-slideshow200906?slide=1#globalNav
there's a poll but i'd rather just look at the pictures of two beautiful first ladies rather than compare them. they both have their own style.
vanityfair.com/style/features/2009/06/jackie-michelle-slideshow200906?slide=1#globalNa
Mara,
It goes without saying that you are entitled to express your opinion; but you obviously know by now that the tone of your comments is offensive, because you've been told so by a few dozen people. Therefore, one can only conclude that (1) you simply don't care that you're being offensive and/or (2) you actually enjoy riling people and this is a safe place to stir things up because you never have to meet any of us. Interesting.
@ Betty
Nope, and nope.
Whoops, forgot to post what I meant to -- I've been wondering if other presidents in recent years have been photographed this much. I know that presidents are documented very closely, including recordings of Oval Office meetings and things of that nature that are only released years after they're out of office. But it's my sense that the Obamas have been photographed more than Bush was -- maybe the combination of them both being very photogenic, plus the historic nature of this presidency.
Or is it just that the pictures are being released widely, more quickly, and there's just as many photos of Bush tucked away somewhere?
Christina,
I think that the public interest in this presidency is very high, and that, coupled with an abundance of internet media, private photographers, and Obamaniacs (I count myself as one of them!) makes for a big supply and demand for images of the O's.
Thank you for posting these photos Mrs.T. I appreciate that while the President is busy doing the work of the country and Mrs. O is noticeably absent from the lime light, you always keep us happy with these fun bites!
I absolutely love the middle photo with Mrs.O and the girls in ALL GREEN! This scene is almost poetic in it's composition.
There is this wonderful piece of artwork filling the wall with an animated Mrs. O standing in front of it, and the girls all turned towards her. I get the feeling that through the lens you see two pieces of art being admired - Mrs.O & then the painting behind her...Nice!
@Bevi
I'm one too! (smile) I was just thinking about it because these photos are more than just a documentation of a presidency; some of the shots are truly artful.
Though, I have to say that it would be strange to have someone taking pictures of me ALL the time. And, I wonder if that may limit how much the girls may travel with them on different overseas trips...maybe the Obamas don't want them photographed so much. I have no idea if that's true; I'm just thinking out loud.
In my HORRIBLE week, Ann#1 you have just made me laugh out loud. Loved your little comment there at the end of your post. (Please see my comment yesterday and about slugs coming out in the rain.)
Mara, you don't know about clothes. Sorry, but you don't. You also know nothing about confidence, style, happiness, chutzpah, elan, brio, maturity and polish. Please, if you really can't say anything positive about what you see here, keep quiet. Then, eventually, when you find a tiny thing that you can be less than scathing about, we can all celebrate together.
Mrs T thank you so much for the reminder about new pics. Mrs O does, as ever, look stunning.
Christina couldn't agree with you more about the Obama girls and travel - I thought the original intention had been to take them to the UK but in the end they didn't - which I think was the right decision. For that reason.
In addition to the reasons others have stated, I think we see more photographs of President Obama because he is energetically accomplishing and celebrating each of his measures that get finalized and approved by Congress. His agenda is about CHANGE and he is articulating his policies on an almost daily basis as he adheres to an ethic of transparency and openness. I'm so grateful for all the momentum he's accomplished and for the coverage we see. He is one of a kind, as is our beloved First Lady, who charms and delights us as she sets her own standard of achievement. I think the whole world is in awe of their brilliance and grace.
Times article on Mrs. O:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/28/fashion/28frank.html
I hope we see more of the "blue" dress in the first picture.
VERY pretty!
Posh Tater: You are SO erudite! I always love reading your posts.
@Ann#1 and Ms. G, you took the bait, really LOL!
Posh Tater, Mrs. G, Ann#1,
Kudos to all of you on calling out Mara. You all hit the nail on the head.
Now we can expect the spiel about how we are all so slavishly devoted and sheepish about Mrs. O's wardrobe choices that we can neither be objective about her "mishaps" or take criticism or less than glowing opinions about Mrs. O's clothes, so Get ready for that post!
As posters have mentioned several times, it's not the difference of opinion that sticks in the craw, it's the biting, scathing, sarcastic embellishments that are completely boring, rude, childish, and lacking in class.
Mrs. Obama looks great in all three. I'm not a fan of the 2nd dress because I don't like that kind of print but she likes it and can pull it off, so my props to her.
What strikes me most is how the women in the 2nd photo are hanging onto her every word. Its testament to her personality, charm and warmth.
@ toni
I too am no fan of the 2nd dress, the blue hues seem to look better on her flawless skin.
@ Christina
let's hope they keep the Bush photos tucked away forever, but seeing all her events makes you wonder if Laura Bush did as much?
@nyon
thanks for the link - fun to watch
All Presidents have a White House professional photographer following them every day at every moment. The very artistic photos of Presidents at the Oval Office, during closed door meetings, on AirForce 1 and with Cabinet members are usually from the White House professional photographer. This time, the photographer is Pete Souza wwww(dot)nppa(dot)org/news_and_events/news/2009/01/souza(dot)html
river rush: if interested in knowing how much other First Ladies did, search google. It is unbelievable how much Mrs. Bush (for example) did regarding literacy, early childhood centers, famine and health care in Africa, women's rights and reading to very young children. I imagine other First Ladies did as much.
I like dress.
http://www.gobrandmall.com
That was my thinking MJMR -- Mrs. Bush's work may not have been documented as closely, but it's not like she was sitting around. But to be honest, even if she had just been "sitting around," I don't think that would have been so bad. I think individual first ladies have the right to decide how they're going to handle their very unique roles.
I know that Laura Bush was one of the hosts of the National Book Festival, held on the National Mall every fall. That's a great event and I'm sure Mrs. O will continue the good work that started there.
Christina I didn't know that, thanks for the info.
I had read that Laura Bush was quite frosty with the W.H. press and I wondered if that intolerance led to less coverage of her charitable work? Not deliberately, but if she wasn't going to play up to the journalists at all, then they probably weren't going to put themselves out for her? I'd be interested in the US perception of that.
Having said that, I was doubly surprised that she did that amazing speech at the White House Correspondents Dinner - she seemed quite happy to play that evening! Very different being in the limelight for one evening I guess.
Yes Bevi, I'm waiting for that posting too! Pathetic slave that I am, ROFL!
@Christina,
I think that your thinking about the O's possibly being sensitive about having their girls photographed excessively is right on. (How's that for a complex sentence?!!)
MO emphasized in her TIME interview that she sets aside time for normalcy in her children's lives. It sounds like other school parents and officials respect the O's wish for their children to experience their childhoods with some degree of privacy.
It's interesting to reflect on the different styles that our First Ladies have brought to the table. And I like that MO acknowledged her predecessors for all the good advice they gave her. "Go to Camp David early and often!"
Have we ever seen a First Family actually relaxing at Camp David, or just traveling to and from? I am curious about that, because I have never paid attention before.
Posh Tater - You're the best. I haven't seen any attempt by Mrs. T to link us yet, have you? Maybe it's my spam filters interfering, or maybe she has not yet had time to it. Either way, I hope it can be done, and I look forward to it. Thank you, Mrs. T.
I think that President O puts himself in front of the press and the people as much as possible to let a very scared country know that there is a leader in charge. FDR did it, too, back in the depression. I believe that Michelle puts herself out there to further the President's agenda, and hers, and, as she has stated, she wants to appear on any magazine cover she can to be an example to all the other little AA American girls coming up. They need to see her as a role model.
I also think that there is just plain curiosity on the part of everyone -- especially everyone white. Who are these black people, really? What are they like? What are they going to do next? Wanda Sykes was on Jay Leno last night, and I think to some extent she summed it up perfectly. "They're waiting for Weezy". Hilarious, and right on, I think. What do you all think?
You can see a video of her here:
http(COLON)//www(DOT)huffingtonpost(DOT)com/2009/05/28/wanda-sykes-mocks-medias_n_208489.html
I am happy to see her wearing the Thakoon dress again. Love the 60s style and print.
Hello everyone: I think Mara says these things just to get a response and I hope this will be last, but I can't believe that there are still people out there who enjoy hurting and get a thrill out of being negative. I do not like all of Mrs. O's outfits for me but if she likes them, who am I to judge? Mara, you need a Michelle hug. What she wears or what any of us wears does not reflect who we are