Thursday
May072009
Pretty O
Thursday, May 7, 2009 at 12:04 PM 
Photo by Yuri Gripas / Reuters
Mrs. O attended a meeting with representatives from Corporate Voices for Working Families, an organization that aims to improve the lives of working families.
First Lady Mrs. O told the group:
"We need to discuss flexible work hours. We need to discuss paid leave for birth and adoption. We need to discuss quality on site child care."
Mrs. O is wearing the floral Etro blouse we got just a peek of in Strasbourg, over a lilac camisole. The layered tops are cinched at the waist with a studded belt by Sacai.
Reader Comments (159)
My first post. Regarding Mrs. A's comment on Michelle's facial expressions that end with her licking her teeth: I think I know where that comes from. Just before Thanksgiving last year, the Obamas sat for an interview with Barbara Walters.
As Michelle began speaking, her husband interrupted her to point out and help remove lipstick on a tooth. "Didn't want anyone to think she had a chipped tooth," was his pragmatic reasoning. I'm sure that is what is going through her mind when she does this.
Also during that interview (she was wearing a dotted sheath) he ended up resting his entire arm on her body so far over that he had to bend his hand back to hold hers. At first he held his hands up framing himself when making his point. By the end his left hand was coming over to join the right one that hovered over Michelle. Very cute and endearing.
Confession: I know squat about fashion and have absolutely no talent in trying to put things together. So I dress fairly simply. However, I truly do enjoy the discussions on this site. But I am a hopeless case, personally.
My attitude towards Michelle and her fashion is similar to the one I took toward the campaign. Everyone seems to want to tell her what to wear, and everyone wanted to tell him how to conduct his campaign. I found it was best just to sit back and wait and appreciate whatever came down the pike jarring as it might seem on first sight. As I became more familiar with the ideas and the fashion, I came to really like them both.
One further observation. I first came across Michelle when she came to Wisconsin to campaign in February. Bill Clinton had just come through and a young writer for the local paper went to Michelle's event intending to write a column comparing the spouses. He got so caught up in her story that he was 20 minutes into it before he remembered he was supposed to be watching other people's reactions. His final decision: Michelle won--hands down.
Keep up the good work, Mrs. T. Yours is a wonderful site to visit.
Post MORE Sharon!!!!! I love when people like you post!!!! It's like a voice of reason. You are right, something about the Obamas gives people this feeling that they know what's best for them. It's uncanny. I think part of that is because they are so open, compared to other political figures, and they appear normal, so people can relate to them easier.
But I always say...Mrs. O did not go to Princeton and Harvard, marry the hotshot Harvard lawyer, and become First Lady on accident, or because she's just average. And same with Mr. O - he's not President due to be average. They know what they're doing, and I wish we could be a little more understanding of their ability to run their campaign, the government, and dress appropriately.
I don't know, talk about her facial expressions, or that she wears belts to do something for her "flat chest," and so on, it just rubs me the wrong way. I know this is a fashion blog, but those comments strike me as a bit disrespectful and not relevant to Mrs. O's CLOTHES.
Here's a video of Michelle today:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hzq-c3V40WQ
Here's a video of Michelle today at the conference:
www(dot)youtube(dot)com/watch?v=Hzq-c3V40WQ
For the bloggers who are under the impression that using wide belts as a fashion trick to enhance cleavage is an attempt to be "disrespectful" and are "not relevant to Mrs. O's CLOTHES" here are at least two links that talk about that as a style trick:
http://www.gloss.co.nz/Fashion/Fashion-Partner/Maximize-a-small-bust.html
and
http://www.ehow.com/how_2246936_dress-curvaceous-look.html
P.S. Most of us really do have good intentions and it really is about clothes and fashion!
Iva--Thanks for the welcome.
I don't know fashion so I have to talk about other things. I'm not terribly aggrieved about the more trivial matters like facial expressions, etc. I think Michelle is adorable whatever she does--same with the president. I've seen just about every event they have done, together and apart, since February 2008 so this opinion is based on a lot of very substantial evidence. Generally, I find these silly matters mildly amusing.
I've also read his books. Iva mentioned the degrees and abilities, etc. that undoubtedly put them in their elevated positions. But on their personal relationship, his opinion that it was her vulnerability that sealed the deal with him is quite interesting and unexpected.
He mentions it first in his second book during the first summer together when he was begging her to date him. He said that a light flashed across her eye when he looked at her that registered to him as vulnerability, that if she let go for even a second that all her plans would come crashing down. He also noted that this was the Michelle he yearned to know.
Then in an interview in 1996, he again addresses her vulnerability. He said that she walks through life tall, strong, beautiful and very able, but he still sees the vulnerability though others often do not. He goes on to say that this is the substance that meshes them together into a very stong bond.
I've puzzled over this often, but have not been able to draw firm conclusions. Anyone have any ideas?
I usually dislike Mrs. O's print choices, but this outfit is alright. It's not overbearing - perhaps because of the lavender solid cami underneath. Purple or lavender always works for Mrs. Obama.
Not feeling the belt. Why does she likes to emphasize her already short torso with these belts? The belt makes the top part of her blouse - which should be buttoned up more - look disheveled.
A standing ovation for you IVA!!!
I can always count on you to say exactly what I'm thinking...lol. Some of the comments have gotten so disrespectful, that they make want to avoid this site altogether. However, I love Mrs. O too much, therefore, I think I am just going to skip certain names from now on!
As an aside, I always refrain from commenting on Mrs. O's clothing when she is "working." As I've said on a previous occasion, I'd rather focus on what she saying than what she is wearing. It is my opinion (and I realize that I am in the minority here) that the focus on her clothes diminishes the message she wants to convey; hence unless it is a social engagement, I personally will not comment on her outfits.
I understand this is a fashion blog, but there is a trend in the MSM (i.e., the HuffingtonPost), to turn every single Mrs. O appearance into a critique of her outfits (I could not believe they stuck in the friggin’ style section after her speech at the Sojourner Truth’s unveiling – the nerve!).
I do want to thank you Mrs. T for including transcripts/videos of her remarks. Keep up the good work!
Just wanted to add. Although I do not know fashion and likely never will, it doesn't mean that I don't think it is important. True, it flummoxes me as it does the president, but I have a healthy respect for it.
AUDREY: "The guilty parties have steadily convinced many smarter regulars here that it is ok to have a dissenting opinion and that their mostly rude and borderline insulting posts represent that contrary opinion…How unfortunate, because there can and should never be any justification for this sort of over familiar, contemptuous and presumptuous messaging especially on this blog that purports to celebrate this remarkable woman-There are a ton of blogs out there that cater more to the Nancy, Mrs A, Mara, BeeGee mindset…To turn this last haven of decent and upbeat Mrs O sharing over to the snarkers, would not only be a shame, but quite a loss-Thank you Mrs T., Zizi, Toi, Bevi, Christina, Posh Tater, IVA, Janelle, Willow, Tia, C., LayoG and all the other wonderful, lovely and positive people with absolutely no agenda or ulterior motives; who consistently make this an uplifting blog worth returning to…"
You're not this blog's moderator, so who made you the nanny of what constitutes "acceptable" fashion criticism or an "insulting"?! Clearly the moderator finds our comments to be just fine and not insulting.
As you said, fashion is subjective and people will disagree. You want everyone to think like you! If we don't think like you about every outfit, we "hate" Mrs. Obama or have an "agenda or ulterior motives" (which of course, you supposedly don't have, with your attempt to drive out anyone who disagrees with your view about an outfit). How boring. Learn to separate fashion criticism from our views of Mrs. Obama as a person, because your mind clearly confuses the two.
You're not the only fan of Mrs. Obama here. We have just as much right to express our opinion on this blog as you do.
Ladies, ladies (and gents)....can't we all just......take this to another blog! LOL----I couldn't resist!
Just trying to mellow out the evening and leave everyone with good vibes tonight since I just had some wine. I always enjoy the comments here and today's no exception.
Wishing you peace, love, and soul (shoot, I'm quoting Don Cornelius from Soul Train now---sad).
Oh, how I wish Mrs. O. read this blog herself, because I would ask her, no, beg her to please, please, please get rid of that belt once and for all.
Lilly, you can just say my name, I don't mind. When I say something on here, I'm cool with being called out.
I stand behind what I wrote because it's how I feel. I take it you did not mean to be disrespectful, and that's fine, your intention has been clarified.
It's very sad that whenever Mrs. O doesn't wear something completely mind blowing, the discussion inevitably goes south. I'll continue contributing, but I think it's best to just minimize my input on "off" days.
For the life of me I cannot figure out how she crammed the white big bow blouse under this print top, with belt around it, under the very close-fitting Alaia jacket she wore on her walkabout with Carla Bruni - was that in Strasbourg? At the time, especially when I saw the jacket from the back looking wrinkled and bunched, I wondered whether she'd gained weight since she wore the jacket during the campaign. Now we know. That white big bow blouse is A-shaped, very full, and made of cotton fabric. All of that stuff under that Alaia jacket, plus this print top and this big belt, must have been misery!
If I were her big sis I'd recommend she get some lightweight long sleeved tees - silk, cashmere blend, whatever, to wear under some of her jackets when she is in cool places. That Alaia "biker jacket" did not need all that bulk underneath.
The print top and edgy S&M belt don't go together. I'm not fond of either.
Black evening gown and Soronen corset were v. good.
@ IVA - I wrote an enormously long blog in support of your post and then thought the better of it. Like Janelle I am mellowed out with a few glasses after planting hundreds of plants in the rain (best time to plant). And I subconsciously came to the conclusion you stated - on "off" days I'll "go under a desk" (love that, Elaine B!)
As Mizrahi just said on the The Fashion Show - we have to learn how to express ourselves without offending each other!
Whoa!!! What happened here? I leave to go out to dinner and come back and there is all this name calling and accusation. I am sorry that I don't love every outfit that she wears. I am sorry that I won't always say something is great when I don't think so. I will always give my honest opinion on what I think about an outfit. If the a** kissers don't like it, then too bad! I;'m glad that some of you are not my friends, because in real life if I looked a mess, you would probably tell me that I looked good. That being said, today's outfit was a miss in my book.
This will sound dumb and over-dramatic, but, I follow a lot of blogs. On one of them, a wonderful family recently lost their very young daughter; she was a premature baby, had several respiratory illnesses, and finally succumbed.
So, when I feel myself getting offended and ready to come back with a hot comment -- and I've definitely given into the urge -- I just try to remind myself that it's just not that crucial. It just isn't. It's the internet. What I feel about a belt, what someone else feels...who cares? This isn't life or death.
It's much more fun to take a comment and try to make something funny out of it (Like the Drop and Give Me 20 Belt) than to get worked up. And laughing is always better than snapping at one another.
Oh and I was raving and made multiple posts about that Michael Kors dress from the other night. Audrey, what were my ulterior motives then? I defer to you to tell me what my motives are since you know better than I do.
@ Sharon - Could be that her vulnerability was mysterious for him, and getting to the bottom of the mystery enticed him. I guess you can say the "thrill of the chase."
I think her vulnerability is the source of his devotion to her and that's why he brings it up so much.
I do remember reading somewhere that Barack found a vulnerability in Michelle. For me, she exhibits a softness, coupled with confidence, that I find very unusual and intriguing. When I see her relate to kids, she seems really comfortable and in her element.
What stamina she has to keep up this schedule and put herself out there day after day. All that, and still be a mother to young girls.
@ Christina - LOL!!!! You also came up with TBG too, right?
I agree, it's not that big a deal. But we're woman and I guess we blow everything out of proportion every now and then.
So the White House Correspondent's Dinner is this Saturday. I think it's black tie. We all agree Mrs. O knocks it out of the park for formal events, so this should be fun. I'm thinking after the black dress at the Time event, she's going to wear something with color.
Oh, now, I'm really interested in TBG! That's no joke! His tallness...his baldness...his seeming inability to smile and his super "hands-on" guarding of Mrs. O...there's just so much to know about him.
(LOL, in case it's not clear)
Maybe it will actually be an Alaia gown this Sat. LOL!
Good night all....
"his tallness...his baldness..." I thought you were about to bust out a poem - "Ode to TBG!"
Well, I'm heading off too. I have an early flight and need to finish packing.
Night guys!
Sharon - I've noticed, too, that Barack talks about Michelle's vulnerability, and sometimes I think one can see just a bit of it coming through, despite her usually confident bearing. Perhaps under all her accomplishment, charm and grace, she is still a little black girl living in a mostly white society, where even her white college roommate did not want to be her roommate because of her color. I would think that growing up a minority in a white society could leave some personal doubts.
Michelle reminds us often that throughout her life, she was told that she couldn't do this or that because she was not good enough (like go to Princeton, or Harvard.) But then when she got to these places she wasn't supposed to be good enough for, she found that she was just as good and capable as the others there.
I don't know the source of Michelle's vulnerability. But maybe I can feel (perhaps I'm just projecting) some of that vulnerability under all her confidence and ability, and maybe that's why I feel rather protective of her. Maybe an unconscious awareness of her vulnerability causes her defenders to become a bit sharp with those who might criticize with too harsh a tone.
Someone told me once that we should think that most people, on the inside, are frightened children, hoping that they will be accepted and loved. This is probably true for Michelle, too. And it's probably true of most people posting here, if we were to be honest with ourselves.
The woman we are all discussing, and her marvelous husband, are such kind, compassionate people, I like to let that trickle down and through this blog and our society.
With a soft and gentle heart.
Michelle said in Oprah's interview that she cares what people think about her and that some of that stuff can hurt.
Will post an old interview where Barack discusses Michelle's vulnerability at length.
I like the color and print of the blouse but that belt is too wide for her short waist and too hard for the outfit.
IVA and Christina,
My lavender argyle sweater is arriving tomorrow and I can't wait! It was on sale and 20% off last Friday when I ordered!
Thanks again Mrs. T for all you do!
Here is the interview again from 1996 that was re-published recently!
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2009/01/19/090119fa_fact_cook
Here is the interview again from 1996 that was re-published recently!
www(dot)newyorker(dot)com/reporting/2009/01/19/090119fa_fact_cook
Here is what he says about the vulnerability.
Source: The NewYorker
Barack:
"Michelle is a tremendously strong person, and has a very strong sense of herself and who she is and where she comes from. But I also think in her eyes you can see a trace of vulnerability that most people don’t know, because when she’s walking through the world she is this tall, beautiful, confident woman. There is a part of her that is vulnerable and young and sometimes frightened, and I think seeing both of those things is what attracted me to her. And then what sustains our relationship is I’m extremely happy with her, and part of it has to do with the fact that she is at once completely familiar to me, so that I can be myself and she knows me very well and I trust her completely, but at the same time she is also a complete mystery to me in some ways. And there are times when we are lying in bed and I look over and sort of have a start. Because I realize here is this other person who is separate and different and has different memories and backgrounds and thoughts and feelings. It’s that tension between familiarity and mystery that makes for something strong, because, even as you build a life of trust and comfort and mutual support, you retain some sense of surprise or wonder about the other person.
You can see that vulnerability flicker in Michelle's eyes sometimes. It's a sort of softening without questioning and without undermining her self-confidence. It's intriguing and endearing to me.
Her father was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when she was only a baby. He and his family worked around the illness, but I imagine the slow but steady deterioration of his health may be part of her vulnerability and softness of heart. It made her cautious yet fearless and brave and big-hearted, too.
She would have been a wonderful teacher.
She just misses the mark with this belt. Picture this lovely ensemble with a simple hook-closure or a single standout button? It looks like it has snaps....sorry, but she just looks "messy" here.
Mrs. A - Thank you so much for that beautiful quote from Barack about Michelle and their relationship. What a dream he is! His intelligence, awareness and complexity of their relationship is enviable. Love them.
It just might escape you Mara, as it tends to seriously sadistic narcissists, that Mrs. T is a real class act.
Does it even occur to you that the incredible restraint, decency, graciousness and civility she and many others here continue to show in response to your infinite awfulness is just their idea of merely tolerating you...?!
As much as traffic is desired and a great thing for blogs, and many deliberately manufacture and allow controversy to enable such traffic; I seriously doubt that Mrs T. thrives on that -
Credibility and decency will always trump cheap hype at the expense of another bleeding, feeling, breathing human being...
You and your ilk are reminiscent of the mean school yard bullies who taunt and taunt and won't let up...
Your sporadic and begrudging back-handed "compliments" wouldn't even be necessary if you truly offered targeted fashion/style input rather than the never-ending petty personal attacks on the first lady...
There are many here who do not necessarily share similar tastes in fashion as Mrs O, but somehow manage to convey this without the petty, irrititating snark and utter disrespect-
I have recommended this site to many friends, family and colleagues looking for a nice, lighthearted place to share about a first lady they quite like and admire - including my 73 year old white grandma who campaigned fervently for them at much risk in her not very open minded community;
They have all reported that they simply couldn't take some of the snark and disrespect and in the spirit of self-preservation opted not to return. I now just send them pictures and they appreciate that...
Can't stress this enough -
As far as decent, positive Mrs Obama related websites go -this is it - and we sure as hell aren't going to cede it to folks like you!
Audrey, you really need to take a chill pill.
This is just a fashion blog! I am sure even Mrs O. will not like your last comment.
I enjoy all the different views expressed on this site. Why is is so important to comment on other people's comment??
Too funny that you ask audrey not to comment on other people's comment and yet you do just that.
I agree with Audrey about the tone of some of the posts. They are crass and turn a lot of people off.
I love Michelle, but I do not wish to be her at this time with people taking such liberties.
Great site Mrs T., but try not to let some of the anti Michelle people here cost you the chance of meeting and getting to know her. I know that I wouldn't be available to anyone who allows their site to be used to attack me.
Take care everyone.
Yes, the New Yorker is where I read that.
These two very special people are changing the landscape of education, critical thinking, and culture in this country.
I think one of the reasons that they are so vilified by right wing media is these very viral critics in the political scene realize how powerful this couple is. I know this is a fashion blog, but to paraphrase Christina from a few threads back, no one has to remind me of that!
What did people think of The Fashion Show last night?
Mrs. Obama is always beautiful in everything she wears!
Ladies, ladies, ladies, let's all calm down. My husband has always said there will be cattiness and "snarking" when more than five women get together to discuss ANYthing. I expect that, so I try to dismiss it.
Remember, too, there are as many opinions and style of dress and taste in fashion as there are women (and men) who post here. Each is valid. And there may well be reasons why--other than simply "fashion"--that we visit this site. I, for one, knew very little about either of the Obamas until late in the campaign other than my son and daughter-in-law are big supporters. Thus, I initially came here to learn just what "it" was that generates such devotion (which sometimes seems to border on fanaticism). I have learned a lot of positives about Mrs. Obama from comments on this site. For that, I thank you, ladies. Her personal fashion sense may not always jibe with mine (and I assume I am allowed to say so), but I have come to appreciate her warmth and her earnestness and her devotion to family.
Elle est divinement jolie....
M, Je suis entièrement d'accord, même quand elle porte quelque chose que je n'aime pas. Quelle délicieuse femme!
Lilly, thanks for those links on how to emphasize a small chest! Mrs.O is on point with these last two tips:
• Always try to draw the eye to the chest, so choose brightly coloured and patterned tops to pair with plain, dark skirts and pants.
• High waisted skirts or trousers, or belts done up tightly around the waist serve to emphasise the womanly shape. The same effect is created by tucking in your shirts and tops.
That aside, I love this floral top on Mrs.O. It compliments her complexion very well. When she wore the magenta rose shift dress in France I thought she was radiant, which leads me to conclude that Mrs.O has a pink undertone, and looks best in warm colours. Magentas, pinks, lavender/deep purple and warm blues seem to work best on her.
Well, I have the day off work, so I slept in a little, then checked my email and--as always--checked in here to see what new photos or comments may have been posted overnight. And what do I find but the same bickering and snarking we discussed yesterday and on numerous days before that! I've decided that some "teams" have developed here since the site first opened. Team one is the overly emotional, overly protective ones who feel that it is their job to protect MO from any honest criticism of her clothing; we'll call them the Defenders, aka the Fanatics. Then there are the honest but mean-spirited, who have proven that they just can't learn a lesson on how to be nice no matter how many days these "play nice" discussions occur; we'll just call them the Meanies. Then we have the genuinely nice but not blind ones who sometimes see an outfit they don't like but know how to express their dislike without getting all worked up and attacking the person instead of the clothes; let's call them the Happy Bloggers. And then there are those who've been reading these discussions long enough to know that they're placing their necks on the chopping block if they dare to speak their minds, so they either stop reading, keep their opinions to themselves, or take the occasional risk--like Elaine I believe it was; so why don't we call them the Under-the-Deskers. And last but not least, we have the Trolls, but then we've learned to recognize and deal with their craziness. You know which team you're on!
Assuming that we're all grown-up people, we should be able to remember from one day to the next that all of the teams (well, most of them) have agreed to play nice from now on. It's true that this is the only good site for supporting the First Lady we all love, so why are some so determined to spoil it?
I love this site. I like to see how passionate you guys get in your posts. I will confess and say that I am an obama (both Michelle and Barack) fanatic and I want to get mad at every person that says something about them that I do not like, but I have learned that I must respect peoples opinions even if I don't like them.(Unless its just downright nasty and malicious) But with the fashion critiques, I just laugh at them.
Now to this outfit. I like that she wears belts, I just think that she should have worn another belt, like the one she wore with that dress at the Sojurner Truth ceremony. As far as why she even wore a belt with this outfit, I think it was to define her waist and not look so boxy because if you look at the youtube video you will see that because the collar is so wide, it is making her broad shoulders look even broader (this is not a diss, just an observation, just remember I am a MO lover). Other than that I like her outfit. You can never go wrong with black pants and the springy colors are great. As usual, hair and make up is flawless.
Also, I wanted to say another reason why so many people love Michelle is because she does not take any of this (her life) for granted. In the video she says she knows that she has a blessed life now, but she also knows how it was to try and balance her family and work life. It is plain and simple, the woman is just relatable.
Let’s be realistic here.....
Mrs. T can only do so much to deter/prevent the anti MO brigade, whose sole mission is to make their presence felt. The onus is on the rational people who frequent this site to ensure that this does not happen. I say... report it and ignore it… they’ll get the message. No one likes to be ignored (or maybe that’s just me lol). I respect positive criticism, but anything I deem beyond that I turn a blind eye to.
I'm not sure what you mean by the "anti MO brigade." Perhaps I'm missing something, but--with the exception of the obvious trolls--I haven't seen anyone here who is "anti MO." A number of people sometimes dislike her individual clothing choices, but I think we all respect and admire the First Lady.
Mrs. O looks fabulous here as usual. The colors in the blouse are particularly flattering, and the makeup looks remarkably natural. The one comment I would make in regards to a potential change would be substituting a narrower black belt for this studded Sacai to highlight Mrs. O's narrow waist. The Sacai belt detracts from the beauty of the blouse as it's too wide.
Mrs.G, I'm with you on the sans belt thing or "Drop and give me beltless".
Her makeup looks perfect, fresh and natural.
The hair looks good too.
But I like the First Lady best in solid colors.
"B" I think you're right, we all respect and admire the first lady, Imagine how sad and hilarious life would be if we had to follow Ms. Palin's wardrobe choices.
B… Yes, you are missing something, but I’ll let you work that one out on your own. I am not using language that hasn’t been used before… notably, by others (“brigade” the exception). I’m inclined to think that it is over-reactive people/nitpickers like you who are turning admirers of MO away from the site. What is my crime? OK, so my name is not well known here… does it have to be to make a suggestion? My post was triggered by the unpleasant tone and cries to do something about it (e.g. see Camille 6:32).