Saturday
May302009
Date Night in the Big Apple
Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 5:30 PM 
Photo by Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images
First images here. More to follow!
This evening, the President and First Lady are enjoying a date night in New York City, where they'll see the Broadway show 'Joe Turner's Come and Gone' at the Belasco.
Mrs. O wears a square neck black dress, with horizontal bands of ruffles through the skirt. To accessorize, the First Lady adds a stack of diamond bangle bracelets, a blue clutch and Jimmy Choo Lantern heels.
Update: "Another Mrs. A" reports spotting a doppelganger Alaia dress in white at Barneys. Several people have suggested Alaia and we agree - the body hugging fit and detailed ruffle work seem to fit the bill.
tagged Alaia, Jimmy Choo in Outfits
Alaia, Jimmy Choo in Outfits
Reader Comments (354)
@ Jenh. I do not mean to jump down your throat, but what will you do if you were president. Would you like to be locked up in the white house for 4 to 8 years and not go anywhere unless its an official event. For security reasons I think secret service would have you fly a private jet to where ever you go, that will make their job a little easier to. And by the way the president is a taxpayer to.
@Ruth Leslie - I noticed her natural-looking chest area as well, and thought, maybe this is for her lover on their date night... (smile) But it could just have been the way this knit (I think) fell in that area, making it appear that there was little support.
Ruth, you're wrong on all accounts, but whatever.
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE.......JUST LOVE IT!
Gimme some more!!
I keep reading this nonsense about cost and taxpayer money, blah, blah! I won't get into where these people where when GW was spending almost half of a term on vacation, flying to Crawford. Yes, this is a rough time for many but we need to think about what happens when the Obamas visit a restaurant or wear a certain brand... think about them this way, they are a walking stimulus package. A break is healthy for our president and he is not cheap - he needs to be protected and surely no one is going to question the cost of that! So chill and enjoy watching Mrs. O outfit changes.
Jazz, thanks for the article.
I was really struck by this comment: "It worries me because, how many years have they been married, and they're so romantic?" asks Geralyn Lucas, a New York mother and author.
I just came from a memorial service for a mentor of Barack's, and one of the eulogists discussed Leon's SEVENTY-FIVE year marriage to Marian, and quoted Leon as saying that the last ten years were the best. Perhaps he mentored Barack in more than politics!
(Someone said that Leon made it possible for this country to have the first president in its history whose home abuts a reform synagogue!)
I think it was Truman who called the White House "that big white jail".
The Obamas are city people who love doing city things which makes their private life more visible than that of GWB family. Plus, of course, many of us are just more interested in Obama minutiae and seek it out!
Can't really fault the RNC and their minions for grabbing at straws, but we also shouldn't let our enjoyment of the Obamas be corroded by their crap!
I know Obama will eventually do some thing that disappoints me (politicians always do) but this ain't one of 'em.
Oh! The dress?
I love it and think it's perfect for the occasion, but think the silhouette would be more flattering just a smidge shorter.
Pat: "The Republican complained last month as well, when the President took his wife out for dinner. They feel that this President should stay in the White House and work 24/7 without any breaks, for that is what slaves does."
I found this comment curiously enlightening. Previous presidents have been treated as the "boss." Obama is the first president in my lifetime to be treated like an "employee."
Is it just me, or is anyone else the slightest bit squeamish with comments about whether or not Mrs. Obama is wearing a bra? She is the First Lady, not a girlfriend with whom we can snicker and wiggle our eyebrows. Please leave her (and us) some dignity.
Being President of this fine country has its attendant costs--to those who are elected (loss of privacy, for one) and to those who elected them (security costs, for another).
But Mrs. Obama, IMHO, could have found another dress to wear on "date night." The length is unattractive and those 1920s floozie fringes do nothing to flatter her figure.
Thanks to the Obamas I have cemented my plans to jet away to New York for a theater weekend. Ive been wanting to do this for a long time. As for cost...dont they go away to Camp David every weekend?? whats the problem...they stayed in DC and took on day off. They always travel. I'm sure NYC is happy for the publicity. We are a spending society and one way out of the recession is to actually SPEND if you can AFFORD it and not pretend to be poor because it will make the Repugs jealous. I'm so glad I dont have the hater disease. I'm not rich but I'm not going to wish everyone was po like me to make me feel better. I also plurge whenever I can and dont begrudge anyone else the finer things in life.
I think what may look like lack of support in the chest area is simply the cut of the neckline, which is the only part of the dress I'm not wild about. If it were a v-neck, I think it would be more flattering all around.
Whenever a President travels it will cost taxpayers money. For security reasons, press core attendance, etc. If not the taxpayers themselves, then the trips are afforded by the DNC or RNC. No one made even the slightest commotion whenever Reagan, Carter, Bush I, Clinton or Bush II used the aircraft for personal use. But of course, they were white and it came with the job; an understandable perk. If people are to complain about this then we might as well not have Presidents. I don't expect nor demand a sitting President be confined to the White House. They are humans just as we are. If they want to go see a show then they have that right. It's also not The Obamas' fault that our news media decides to broadcast every trip Pres. Obama makes. Most, if not all sitting Presidents went to NYC among other events like concerts (and Olympics) in other states and countries (during the best of times and the worst of times ~even when hurricanes hit) etc.
http(colon)//www(dot)oilempire(dot)us/katrina.html George W Bush backstage at concert in Colorado when Katrina hit!
http(colon)//www(dot)cardcow(dot)com/images/set202/thumbs/card00158_fr.jpg
President and Nancy Reagan backstage at Broadway"s Sugar Babies 1982
http(colon)//www(dot)broadway(dot)com/site_images/sn_060407_clinton_mo.jpg President Clinton at Rent in 1996 with Mo Rocco
http(colon)//www(dot)broadway(dot)com/Jennifer-Laura-Thompson/broadway_news/40347 George W and Laura Bush attend Wicked
http(colon)//www(dot)loqu(dot)com/george-w-bush-and-bill-gates-met-in-the-olympics/blogs/oilntong-1597 Then of course ALL of the Bushes attend the Beijing Olympics!
So Bye!
Please, let's not rummage around in Mrs. Obama's underwear drawer! Even Tim Gunn has given that up as a losing proposition...
Go on, pull the other one MJMR/JoJo..
Did "Lily" ever have any credibility? I think not.
We know every single one of those faux outragers who yet remain obssessed and pissed with the Obama's no matter how hard they try to protest about their real motives.
As some have written previously, these Debbie Downers are simply put seriously twisted and narcissistic. Too sick.
Mrs. T - It's good to know there will soon be an upgrade with registration of posters, so that we can post URL's without being delayed.
I'm wondering if at the same time, the print of our messages could be darkened from it's current grey. Some of us have trouble reading the lighter color.
Thanks for considering.
@ Nancy - I don't know why your comment made me laugh out loud, but I sure did get a kick out of it. I don't know if it is because a 3/4 length dress is now considered "unattractive" or that you used the term "floozie" to describe the First Lady's dress in the same comment where you commented about leaving her dignity and not discussing her bra.
Man, I swear psychologists would have a ball reading some comments!
@ Alsace - spot on. I also find it interesting that for the first time in my lifetime, people are so freely reminding Mr. O that he "works for us," some complain when he takes a break, they deem what is and isn't appropriate for his wife to wear - undergarments and all - and some have even given their 2 cents as to where he should school his kids. I truly believe that there are a lot of subconscious "issues" coming through with people, and I have faith that over time, people will just get used to this new type of First Family.
@IVA (grin) I meant, actually, the 3/4 length is unattractive on Mrs. Obama; it's just not a flattering cut on her legs. But, yes, psychologists would have a ball reading comments here. Male ones, particularly; but haven't men been trying to figure us out for eons?
There just must be something about the words "New York" and "Broadway" that are causing a stir. I can't imagine there would be this much of a hullaballoo if they just went home to Chicago and saw a show and went to dinner.
You have to understand that the Republicans e mail their talking points, and send their paid bloggers to go out and spew their hate. That is all the Republican has left, for they have no ideas nor solutions.
Is my monitor fuzzy, or why am I seeing ruffles where others are seeing fringes? I see nothing of the 1920s in this dress! I see rows of ruffles which I'm seeing on everything this season (2009)! What am I missing?
@Christina, I think you may be right about New York causing a problem (and let's face it, going to an organic restaurant and to a serious play by a black playwright).
There's also the difference between going "on a date" and going "home." A trip to Chicago, eating at their favorite Italian restaurant and taking in a Broadway show on tour, but also seeing her relatives, might have raised fewer eyebrows.
my two cents.. they look great!
I believe in fundamental fairness which is the precedent of this nation. The same standard of how we treat other presidents should apply to the Obamas. I have noticed the constant pettiness that bothers to downright meanness and rudeness. I don't understand the big deal made that they went on date so what? Why loose sleep over it? Did anyone complain when the other 43 presidents traveled for their pleasure? That's the problem with politics, worry about the ridiculous, mustard on a burger, date night etc. Leave them alone. If anything they are an example of what a relationship ought to look like, it requires constant work and keeping your word. He promised her this trip and he did it, good for you Mr. President.
Those commenting on her undergrament and the like, get a life seriously. It's one thing to comment on the clothes and quite another to be so rude. Like the first lady said herself all this stuff on her is just conversation which we are all entitled to have about her fashion but it ought to be constructive. You don't like something give a constructive reason why, don't be rude about it. You would not like it if someone commented that way about you, why then treat others in such a manner? Treat others the way you would want to be treated. Anyways like Mrs Obama says she gonna where what she like whether u like it or not.
I am in glamour overload. Look how Michelle used that striking blue clutch for a punch of color. I love ruffles so obviously I love the dress. Who is it by? I have to know!
They both look amazing. What a gorgeous couple! And thank you, Michelle, for proving that a woman over 40 can be fit, healthy, kind, brilliant, accomplished, and incredibly sexy.
I wasn't going to comment about the bra comments, but the more I think about it, the more I am disappointed. I know this is the venue where we give our thoughts on the first lady, but some things you just keep to yourself. And its kind of obvious cuz the back is cut so low and if she did have one on and u saw her strap, there would be an uproar. I mean really and Willow I love ur comments, but I can't believe you partook in this convo, yesterday you were upset when someone wanted MO to have a baby, so I am surprised you did not get upset by this. I say lets stick to the garments that we can see.
@Nyon - I'm a little confused by the this. I think that it is much more invasive to suggest that the President and First Lady ought to have another child than to comment on the look of a garment and how it fits. Posters on previous threads suggested that Mrs. O' pants fit too tight, others talked about spanx, whether she was wearing them or the need for them. Is it OK to make these comments, but not to comment on support for the upper body?
I want to ad that my comment was really about Mrs. O looking sexy for her man. I'm from the generation where women first decided against wearing bras. I was young, perky, and cute then, and going without a bra was very sexy. My boyfriend talked me into it (raised rather prudish) and liked it.
Mrs. O' clothes are going to be observed and commented on in every detail. If she decided against wearing a bra on this occasion, and it appears somewhat obvious, is there some reason that commenting on this one thing is off limits?
Love it. Love that they're going on a date - they both deserve it, for goodness' sakes - they're young, awesome, and their marriage is a priority - good for them.
Love her look. Love most her looks, she is one of my fashion idols, I've never said that about a First Lady!!!
Here I am again, still struggling with this. I do see that commenting on foundation wear is too personal. But it that's true for the upper body, it should be true for the lower body as well. No?
I'm willing to be enlightened. Thank you.
a short video clip from 2008 with MO commenting on "date night"
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/11/sexy-saturdays-a-look-bac_n_185788.html
I don't know whether commenting on her undergarments is okay or not but it does kind of creep me out.I don't why but it just seems weird.
In truth, the president and his wife are smashing the status quo to pieces by merely being themselves. We are not used to this. A powerful man who is actually still in love with his wife, narry a mistress to be found. The right, suprisingly, uses family values as one of its core principles. Yet, they decry the actions of a president who is walking the walk. The right makes swift judgments and are on their way to complaining themselves into oblivion.
As for the fit of the dress, Michelle is not a young starlet posing for the paps. We are witnessing a real woman in action. Her chest does not need to be sitting directly beneath her chin.
I find Mrs. Obama just perfect with this dress: hair, make-up, accessories, shoes, purse! Just perfect and has the opportunity to show-off her perfect toned body - from arms, to neck to shoulders and legs! Has anyone noticed her shoulder blades!!!! A SUPER 10 look!
@ Mrs. G. -- you're right! They ARE teensy ruffles going 'round and 'round, not floozie fringe. Still don't care for it on her, 2009 fad or not. Let's just leave her lingerie drawer closed, shall we? There's an element of voyeurism at times that I find, ah, unbecoming to grownups. C'mon, ladies, this is not junior high, is it?
Willow, I am not trying to knock you for what you were saying and I read when you said that she probably did it for her man, but I just thought it was surprising to me that you were ok with talking about her going braless. I guess some things just strike a nerve, like 4 u it was the baby, and today for me it is the bra thing. Let me not pretend and say that I have not thought about these things, cuz I saw a video of her walking the dog and you don't even want to know what I was thinking, but I wouldn't even tell u, just cuz. I do get your point about how some think she needs to wear spanx and I personally don't think that is cool either. I just have never taken the time to comment about it. And I cannot tell u why talking about her bra seems strange to me, it just does. And like everyone says u can definitely comment about anything you want. Hey but truly no offense, just was curious at what seems to rub u the wrong way and what does not.
People as uninformed like lily can only show their ignorance because they never paid attention before so they think that what the Obamas are doing is new and it is not. By the way, I think that lily posts negatives under different names. I'd like to assure her, however, that the costs are not covered by her but by all of us who don't mind paying for it and when you add up the total cost there in a lot of money left over for another date night in NY so, lily, dear, you don't have to worry about the cost.
@Christina, I saw the Tracey Feith line at Target, did you happen to see the floral print sleevless dress that with the high neck, it was tight at the waist and flaired out? I had to buy it, granted it was short on me, I'm 6ft but I figure I'm only 24 once I might as well wear short while I can lol.
Since this blog is turning into more of a political disection of the Presidents and his time off then I am going to tune out until Mrs T can put up some guidelines and root out the riffraff.
Thanx and Bye
@dee84:
I didn't see that piece, but that sounds cute!
This is a piece I might have considered -- not as a dress, but maybe as a tunic? But as you can see it's already sold out:
http://tinyurl.com/kue6qk
Don't blame you Anagrom. It's really sickening.
And people like 2 pronged tongue Nancy only further insult one's intelligence.
She raises the Michelle's undergarments and then pretends like she's offended by discussing it.
I wish we'd all stop attacking each other. This thread is clearly played out, and it's time for a new one.
Mrs Obama looks great!!!!!!! I love the outfit. Very sexy!!
Amen, Christina! I was just thinking the same thing.
Here's just a suggestion. Perhaps when we've said all that can be said about a particular outfit or occasion, instead of getting too far afield into politics or sniping at each other, we could stick to the subject of fashion. Someone could ask a question like "What do you think of [name a designer]?" Or "What does everyone think of [name a current fashion trend]?" Many posters already pass along tips, like the ones about new mass market lines from designers, and those are great. But I think posing a question like the one a few threads back about what we most admire about Mrs. O is a great way to keep the conversation friendly and productive. I know I would find that sort of discussion much more interesting to read.
Should be fun when they go on their vacation and we get to discuss Mrs. O's swimwear!
(I'm teasin' now)
Maybe on their vacation they will actually get to swim out of the view of photographers.
(I'm dreamin' now!)
I'm afraid I feel the need to make one more comment. I appreciate the courtesy shown in discussing this.
My confusion arises from the fact that I was raised in a very straight-laced way. Based on that alone, I would not comment on Mrs. O's foundation garments. However, things seem to have changed so much with what is talked about openly by Oprah and so many others, even here, that I slipped into too familiar territory. I think I was wrong to say something so personal, and I shall not do that again. I do ask the forgiveness of anyone I offended.
One caution to anyone who paid attention to my monitor story and to the fact that I said I had gotten a Dell. We returned that monitor this afternoon. Although pictures seemed very clear, print looked very smudged and was taking a toll on my eyes. On the recommendation of someone at Best Buy, we came home with an LG monitor. Print looks much clearer, and we have not yet calibrated the picture to the Mac. I'll let you know. The guy at Best Buy said that LG and Samsung were the highest rated monitors.
Willow, I know u was surprised at the reactions to ur responses, but i hope that you won't feel inhibited in the future cuz truth be told u make great comments and u actually make me think. So, i just wanted to convey those sentiments to u.
I love it! I think they look fantastic...very old 1920's New York. Her dress looks like something one of the SATC girls would wear.
OK... I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH THESE COMMENTS NOW BUT THEY ARE GETTING A LITTLE DISRESPECTFUL AND OUTRAGEOUS! THIS WEBSITE (CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG) IS ABOUT THE FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA AND HER FASHION! NOT ABOUT THE REPUBLICANS NOT ABOUT HOW MUCH THEY SPEND AND HOW MUCH THEY GO OUT, AND MOST DEF NOT ABOUT POLITICS --PERIOD-- (BECAUSE QUITE FRANKLY....ITS THIER BUSINESS). PLEASE STAY FOCUSED ON WHAT THE TRUE PURPOSE OF THIS WEBSITE IS BECAUSE I GET MORE DISGUSTED WHEN I READ ALL THE OTHER SENSELESS CRAP ON HERE. MRS T IM GLAD YOU MADE A STATEMENT BECAUSE I WAS GOING ASK YOU ABOUT THE DIRECTION OF THIS SITE.
BTW: GREAT RESPONSE MRS G!