Monday
May042009
'Spring is Here' (Updated)
Monday, May 4, 2009 at 6:48 PM 
Photo by Yuri Gripas / Reuters
That is the sentiment -- put best by our own LeahD -- projected by Mrs. O's dress du jour, a citrus yellow, beaded delight. The President and First Lady are hosting a Cinco de Mayo event at the White House tonight, and if Mrs. O's dress is any indication, the mood is festive! (Does anyone know why the Cinco de Mayo celebrations are happening today rather than tomorrow?)
To see the exquisite hand beading on Mrs. O's dress, click here. To see the volume of the skirt, click here.
Update: The acid green satin dress is from Moschino's Spring Summer 2009 collection. (Thank you Mr. William for the tip!)
A new video from Politico:
Reader Comments (155)
You know, I would go bonkers if my every outfit was critiqued with such temerity. Yet, Michelle continues down her own path. Picking what she likes, what she feels most comfortable wearing.
Sense of self is a mighty good thing.
She chose a delicious color for the occasion. And the twinkling details add just enough spice.
I see Jill Biden's sleeveless light purple dress as her way of supporting Michelle Obama's sleeveless dresses. How sweet. There are still good people, black and white, in the good old USA.
Janelle or anyone, I can never get CNN videos to play (or NBC/MSNBC ones either.) All others work fine. Any clues? Thanks.
nice, happy, cute and whimsical dress
just wondering if there are any mexican-born american designers that michelle is likely to be championing ?
could be that the dress was designed by one of them
I like the shape of the dress, easy and flowing, and so right for a dress with an empire waist.
Here's the date video, very interesting
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/offbeat/2009/05/04/moos.obama.date.night.cnn?iref=videosearch
I just heard on CNN This Morning that Michelle will speak at the UN Mission at 4:00 p.m. today. Sometimes she runs a little early or a little late, but check cnn(dot)com/live and hopefully they will cover the event in its entirety if there isn't a lot of other events going on at the same time.
@ trudy, I'm not sure about the CNN videos only not playing for you. I had that problem awhile back and had to get a new computer b/c slowly but surely, I got to a point where I couldn't view video from any online network. Sorry I couldn't help.
The Guardian (UK) mentions Mrs.O's sneakers:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/may/05/shortcuts-fashion-shoes-michelle-obama
Color excellent, especially since I'm not always a fan of Mrs O's color choices (namely the hot pink and purple). Pale but bright greens and blues, yellow, orange/salmon...these are knockouts!
Lemongrass (or whatever color it is) is not Mrs. Obama's best color. The beadworkis fine, but the dress is oddly shaped and thus doesn't flatter her figure at all.
The top of this dress is absolutely lovely. The color is unexpected and the beadwork adds a bit of shine and whimsy. I am not so sure about the shape at the bottom, but I will reserve judgement until I see a better picture of it. The side view that MrsT linked too is not that flattering.
That being said...the menu sounds possitively yummy!
Really great speech, great dress!! :) Obama's execution and prose on the speech was very touching, and her dress' beadwork is so seriously cute!!
i really love this dress; the color is great on her, the details are whimsical and flirty, and the silhouette seems a little 60s inspired to me. not every outfit has to be a figure hugging one, and i thought the "baby doll" quality of this dress was very fun and flattering; i don't think she looks flat chested at all, the dress just doesn't draw focus to her chest in that way. the best word i can come up with to describe this look, is that it's just very pretty.
Mrs T -
There is a feature on Jason Wu's apartment in this week's New York magazine. Of course, he talks about dressing the First Lady. Here is the link if it is OK to post:
http://nymag.com/homedesign/spring2009/56431/
@ Janelle Thanks for the awesome vid!
Those who say beads and those who say flat-backed rhinestones are both right. The decoration starts out at the top with flat-backed pastel rhinestones. They are spaced closer together as the beading moves down the bodice. Near the bustline they are interspersed with beaded dangles. Interesting effect.
But the set-in belt of clear rhinestones, put on in pave style, kills the delicacy of the bodice beading.
Sleeves are a pretty change with the bateau neckline. The skirt does not do a thing for her, however.
I'm almost afraid to say this, but we are seeing a lot of difference in the color of her clothes from site to site. I am wondering if they are going overboard trying to lighten her skin a bit and it affects the color of her clothing?
Whoops. I was wrong. Delete rhinestone references. Those are pastel sequins affixed with little crystal beads in the center. Near the bottom of the bodice, little dangly beaded bits are added. Inset belt is more sequins, sewed on in pave effect.
Sorry about that.
fyi to menukjau . check you info source ref 5 de mayo not celebrated in mexico. mexicans around the world celebrate 5 de mayo. if you knew and understood the story of that amazing victory over the then powerful french army led by napoleon, you'd understand the reason for the celebration. this is not their "independence" day so to speak, but it is an independence of sort from the tyranny of the french military. just a brief history note. flotus is always slamming in everything she wears! i absolutely love her and the potus!
@BeeGee:
I think what you may be seeing is the effect of different photographers and different light in the various locations where they are standing. It's strange to me too, because it can be dramatic.
I know there was one outfit she had on that looked blue to me, and everyone else said it was purple. Or maybe it was the other way around? Anyway, every picture taken then looked somewhat different to me, even though they were all shot at the same event. Light can be tricky.
BeeGee:
I take offense to your suggestion that Mrs. Obama is "trying to lighten" her skin.
Are you for real?
Mrs. Obama is a proud American, who happens to be black. I am quite sure that she is not trying to change her "complexion" to please anyone.
Her skin tone is perfect. She can wear any color that she wants and look great.
Can we say the same for you?
Jersey Girl, please reread what I (carefully) posted. I did not even suggest that she would do such a thing. Here it is again:
I’m almost afraid to say this, but we are seeing a lot of difference in the color of her clothes from site to site. I am wondering if they are going overboard trying to lighten her skin a bit and it affects the color of her clothing?
I was referring to the various sites that post photos. They do make changes in brightness, hue, and so forth. That is all I said. I wouldn't dream of offending anyone.
Yes, Christina. Different light. Notice the difference between the light level in the Politico video and the posted still from Reuters. Nothing has been done to "correct" the brightness in the Politico video. Because these "corrections" are done by various photographers or processors or those who publish the photos, you can understandably get a wide range of hues.
BeeGee:
I stand corrected and owe you an apology.
Sorry for reading the post wrong.
You're very kind to come back with that. I meant to disrespect. Words can be tricky, can't they?
CORRECTION (good grief!):
You’re very kind to come back with that. I meant NO disrespect. Words can be tricky, can’t they?
(Haste can be disastrous, too.)
LOl, Mrs O don't need secret service, she can just hire all of you. People are so protective. Thats great!!!!!!
I know the article is about Carla Bruni, but since it mentions Mrs.O and mentions why they were wearing similar coats in Strasbourg I think you could find it interesting too:
http://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/2009/05/05/carla-sarkozy-style/
I am pretty sure the vast majority of this bloggers disagree with me - but I find that, overall, the wardrobe pieces of Mrs. Obama seems a bit not appropriate for her age. She is young but the pieces she has worn recently seem too "girlish", especially for White House functions. She looks pretty but maybe she should wear more tailored pieces (and I do not mean pantsuits or jackets all the time...)
Mrs. T could you find out what products Mr.O uses on her hair?
Any pictures from today in NYC?
Francesca - that is interesting. The word that comes to mind when I read about Carla's tendency to mirror her peer is "strange." But it's very smart of her since everyone is always expected her to be the model and the spotlight is always on her looks, which can be distracting from the actual substance of what is going on.
Tailored, smailored. If Mrs O stuck to the shellaced DC three piece grey suit mantra I really would'nt be following what she wears and there would be no need for this website. Mrs. Bush stuck to the rules and was largely ignored, if Mrs. O stuck to the rules noone would be discussing what she wore.
I think she gets her look right more often than not. She is neither showy nor ostentatious, but her little tweaks and shows of individualism get attention. I would'nt change a thing. I'm getting rid of those horrid man-uniforms and getting some "girly dresses" to go into my wardrobe.
Yes, I had the same reaction, something more like "Why would she do that?" :-) However you made a very good point, I had not considered that alternative. Thanks God Mrs.O does not "mirror" anybody and only shows her true self.
@MJMR - I can see what you are saying to a certain extent. Her clothing, lately, are oftentimes very playful, which can be construed as girly.
But what about the green dress she wore on St. Patty's Day? And what about the black velvet suit she wore to the dinner they had very early in the presidency? What about the sequin dress she wore to the governor's ball? What about the deep purple off the shoulder dress she wore to the women's dinner event she hosted at the White House? From the Time Mag pictures, what about that gray ensemble with the pearls that she wore when they hosted the National Black Publishers at the White House?
I think it is pretty obvious that Mrs. O is going to wear a whole variety of different looks, and she's probably never going to fully conform to certain norms of what's considered "mature" or "First Lady-ish," etc.
I don't know what is or isn't appropriate for various events that a First Lady attends or hosts. To me, what wouldn't be appropriate is if Mrs. O was always wearing dramatic jewelry and makeup, or showing too much skin. I don't really care about cardigans vs. suit jackets, or pencil skirts vs. puffy skirts. My criteria for appropriateness is: does it offend people's sensibilities? She's not a lawyer going to court, where what's appropriate is pretty much a rule: suits. So, I guess I feel like she has a lot of leeway to be experimental and I like her for that.
Anyway, we have at least 4 years of all types of styles from Mrs. O. Look at her from the campaign. We saw suits, leggings, khakis, sheaths...I could go on and on. She's versatile.
So I think we should all stay tuned and just enjoy the ride.
IVA, what a graceful post.
Words do matter. There are ways to say things that are warm and friendly. And words that are intended to smack down. Our words say a lot about who we are.
@MJMR Thanks for your comment; as you will be able to tell from some of the responses you'll get, it was a brave thing to say. But I do agree with you. If Mrs. Obama were simply a wealthy Chicago society matron, she could be "girly" and "individual" and "fierce" all she wants, but I think her position (even if not elected, like her husband) carries more "gravitas". She is not just representing herself, she's representing all American women on the world and national stage. Softer, more feminine stuff is delightful, but some of her choices look just plain silly on a 45 y/o woman who is First Lady of the United States. Care to join me in the Bad Girl corner, MJMR?
Hello again! Just to make sure you all understand that all I have said refers to SOME of the pieces she has worn lately. There are some that are just FABULOUS. And I do not mean A SINGLE THING negative about Mrs. Obama personally. Why should I?
As I recall when Jacqueline Kennedy went to the White House with her husband she called upon designer Igor Cassini to guide her clothing choices. He designed many of her lovely evening gowns, gowns we still admire. Although she was "to the manner (or manor) born" she wanted to project just the right tone. She realized that everything she wore would be photographed, scrutinized, applauded or slammed. And that the all of this would reflect upon her husband's presidency and the United States.
My concern about Michelle O's guru Ikram is that Ikram is a fashionista to the max and a vendor. She represents a number of designers. It benefits her and the designers. In an article about her some months ago it was mentioned that she liked to go 'way out there with designs the designers themselves had done to punch up their runway shows, designs that were never intended to be worn by real women.
Without endowing Ikram with any negative motives, I question whether she understands the position of First Lady well enough to guide Michelle O. Remember that (also early on) Michelle O said that for years she was a "jock who didn't care about clothes". She loves them now. It would be nice if she had a trusted someone - not to control her, but to counsel her.
Just my two cents.
@BeeGee -- excellent points! (It's Oleg Cassini, btw--I'm old enough to remember when Jackie was First Lady. )
@ Nancy, and MJMR: At the risk of being labeled a troll, a racist or the big R I will join you in the Bad Girl corner. I agree with you both. The pieces she wears most of the time maybe be pretty, fashion-forward, or feminine, her choices are borderline silly on a woman her age and of her stature. The designers she chooses cater to a "younger" set. And while Mrs. O has both the figure and the panache to carry off some outfits, that does not mean that she should. I am by no means advocating that she wears boring square suits everyday, but there are some gorgeous occasion specific attires that she can wear. I command her PR people for making her drop the suit in favor of dresses so she can appear "softer," but she does not have to sacrifice gravitas for individuality. (And yes, before her style makeover during the campaign, Mrs. O used to wear mostly suits, so it is not all about her being comfy and all. I'm not mad at her, just making a comment and wanting to see her always put her best foot forward. Maybe she should adhere to the motto, when in doubt, go the "safe" route. Now let the backlash against the BG start(smile).
Thank you, Nancy. Looks as though it's time for me to creep off this third rail and do some real work.
Thanks, BeeGee. That was my intent. I don't think people need to be placed in a "bad girl" or "good girl" corner if they don't particularly care for Mrs. O's style. I tend to think that her educational and employment history, the causes she promotes, and her words and deeds carry more gravitas than any tailored suit or dress ever could.
One last thing: I have close female friends and family members in various underdeveloped countries, and I cannot express to people here in the U.S., the love they feel for our First Lady, and the empowerment they get from her life story and from the way she lives her life. As many people have written on this site about in the past, it is a shame if we sum up how Mrs. O represents our country based on her clothing. She really means more than that to many people.
You know, Nancy, I think it's an interesting point. I wonder if Mrs. O is making a conscious effort to, I don't know, maybe "remove" herself from professional life and make clear her more domestic role now?
(And I mean no disrespect toward women who work inside or outside the home in what follows!)
I don't know about you, but for most professional women, business clothing is pantsuits, or suits with skirts. But the vast majority of the time we see Mrs. O, she is wearing softly tailored separates, cardigans and slacks, dresses, long full skirts. I know she HAS the suits because we've seen her in them before.
I just wonder if she is consciously or unconsciously dressing herself less like a stereotypical business woman. Could part of that include dressing, perhaps, more youthfully? Is she making a conscious or unconscious attempt to come across less "threatening?"
(Many profiles of her mention how she is attempting to re-establish her image, because during the election season I think it's fair to say opinions on her were very mixed, and some were quite negative.)
I don't know the answers to these questions. It's just something I've thought about.
Nancy, what outfits have Mrs. O worn that looked just plain silly? I think she dresses appropriately for her age. How many 20 somethings do you see walking around with a puffy skirt and cardigans on. Not many I am sure. Maybe she has inspired some to dress that way but for the most part, we are wearing baby doll dresses and tight jeans and mini skirts, etc. and I have not seen the first lady wear anything of the sort. So, while I respect your right to have an opinion, I definitely disagree with it.
Nancy,
No one's going to jump on MJMR or you, you are simply stating your opinions but , we have the right to disagree with you.
I certainly would not visit this blog more then 10 times a day (no life) if she stuck to the Laura Bush'ish outfit; think about it, Mrs. O's diversity of style, color, fabric and even designers is what makes her stand out from past first ladies. Why would we want her to change and wear a uniform just to fit a preconceived idea of "appropriate"? As long as she's comfortable with what she wears I'm happy for her. I may not like all outfits but as long as she's happy that's all that matters.
Think about, do you think her causes would garner this much attention if she stuck to the "same-ol tailored suit"? No, to this day I still can't tell you what Laura Bush championed or what Hillary did besides trying to revamp health care. I say Kudos to Mrs. O!
Perhaps some people are so use to seeing the tailored suits on first ladies that they’re having problems adjusting to the change, just a thought.
Durn. One more comment re Jojo's comments. The other day I looked through some of the campaign era photographs. What a difference. Very classy dresses, soft suits, smashing-looking sportswear. Long pants. Simple tees. One all black outfit comes to mind. Very little tricky stuff. And very few dirndl skirts except in summer.
The misses now have to do with someone's ignoring that she is a statuesque woman. If I were statuesque, I'd play it for all it was worth!
Another thing I was thinking is that some of this is a learning process. Being a first lady isn't something that you grow up knowing how to do, goodness knows. She was Michelle Obama, private citizen for 42 years, and now she's Michelle Obama, hottest celebrity in the world, for the past 2-3 years. I think that she's still developing her "uniform."
It's so easy for men! Tie, shirt, suit, done.
BeeGee:
So sorry to be posting multiple times in a row, but you bring up a really interesting point regarding what she wears now vs. during the campaign season.
More and more I do think there is a deliberate attempt to looks more soft and casual now, and sometimes it works and sometimes, not so much.
I think it's just going to take some time to learn how to shoulder this whole First Lady thing entirely gracefully. Kind of like the president himself, she's really hit the ground running and has been out there a lot. It'll be very interesting to see what she's wearing in, say, a year.
Ladies, of course I realize there are those of you who disagree with me--that's what makes this site fun to visit.
Christina poses a very interesting question: perhaps, yes, Mrs. Obama (through her mentors) is deliberately striving to NOT look "threatening" and "businesslike." I know from my own experience--after I left the professional world--that I often deliberately dressed differently from, say, my husband's female associates when at business-social events, cocktail parties, etc. (wore a dress rather than a suit, for example, or open-toed shoes rather than pumps, and so on). And, yes, it's a process...becoming First Lady is definitely a different gig than being a Candidate's Wife. We are ALL learning.
I just have'nt seen any outfit on Michelle that looks horrible. Questionable like the white bowtie? Yes but even that was'nt as bad as what I see other people wear. She wears whatever she has on well. I'm so glad she got rid of the OLD tailored suit, I HATE that damn tailored suit, its time for something different. They are even trying to bring back those HORRID shoulder pads!! NEVER!