Assorted Reading
Friday, May 8, 2009 at 11:13 AM 
While Mandi Norwood's Michelle Style has been getting a bit of buzz this week, it's not the only new Mrs. O read in the style section. (Of note: Mrs. O wears a rarely seen Narciso Rodriguez dress on the cover. She wore the same dress to a campaign event in September, seen here.)
Fashion Week Daily has released a special edition of their mini-mag to chronicle Mrs. O's First 100 day of Style. The images and information are familiar, but to experience them all at once, in their high resolution, glossy page glory, is quite a treat. We especially loved the tribute to Mrs. O's favorite designers. The mini-mags are available on newstands and in major bookstores. They can also be bought online here.
Finally, our friends at InStyle have shared their latest photo gallery -- First Lady Style: 10 Tips to Make the Most of What You've Got -- definitely worth a peek!
Narciso Rodriguez in Outfits
Reader Comments (128)
I liked the InStyle Photo Gallery.
Mrs O has done great ..Looking Good
My absolute favorite look on MO is the sheath dresses without belts and without waist seams. The vertical seaming fits the dress to her curves without adding bulk. Beautiful!!!
I received an email this morning from HarperCollins, announcing that Ms. Norwood will be in Chicago next Thursday (May 14) to promote her book. She'll be at the White House Black Market in Water Tower Place, from 6:00 to 8:00 (time is according to the store).
I am definitely going to try to go!
(P.S. that Narcisco Rodriguez looks rocks!)
Great work Ms. O & wishing your family & the Prez a happy MOTHER's Day.
Thanks,
JR Rice
I'd love to pick up both - especially the effort by Fashion Week Daily (love!). What a perfect fashion-forward gift for Mother's Day! :)
http://cafefashionista.blogspot.com
The Instyle Photo Gallery was terrific. Very comprehensive look at Mrs. O's signature looks.
MO always looks terrific. However, I think that she should pay for her outfits. It is my understanding (see comments from Jason Wu that he has never been paid) that MO does not pay for her clothing, in contrast to the practice of all other First Ladies, going back to Jackie, who carefully paid for their many clothes. MO is a multi-millionaire and can afford these costs. In this time of austerity and sacrifice, I think that it sends the wrong message for the First Lady to accept free clothes, shoes, jewelery and other accessories.
She does pay for her clothes. My understanding is that she didn't pay for the her inauguration dress by Jason Wu becuase it was considered a donation to the Smithsonian. Besides that from what I know she does pay for ALL her clothes.
I have also heard that some of the clothes are on-loan and some are offered at a reduced price. I think Mrs. Obama has shown a lot of care in mixing high-low end clothes and most definitely - First Ladies need to pay for their own clothes. All of them have/had income to pay for them.
BTW: I love all the sheath dresses she worn while on the campaign trai. Only hope she would wear more of them for even a classier, more tailored and elegant style. Seldom you go "wrong" with a sheath dresses - a few accessories, nice shoes and you are done!
all of these " i have heards" need to cease.. what are they facts and how do they affect your or my daily life.. come on..
all of Ive heards are silly. sorry
There was an article talking about how Gordon Brown's wife loans her clothes. That makes me wonder what clothes Michelle has loaned if I had to guess I would imagine the strapless Peter Soronen gown for the Governors ball, thats a dress you can only wear once. Nevertheless, bev I doubt she gets free clothes.
I do miss Maria Pinto, what happened to her?
I love the light-hearted, carefree pose Michelle takes in the Rodriquez dress on the left. It totally shows off her great figure. I agree with Mrs. G that vertical seams without a belt (in a dress that fits well) suit her best. This dress is just perfect on her.
I also want to agree with Rocky, who said (at the end of the Pretty O thread) "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." Total agreement. Although she can wear green, turquoise, lemon-grass, they don't compliment her beautiful skin tone as well as the warmer colors, which make her glow.
Back to Michelle's great silhouette above - I have a question. It's for our African American sisters who post here, Toi comes to mind (I don't know the names of others.) I'm concerned about the comments we hear (in the general press) about Michelle having large hips, or being hippy, or needing to call attention to her upper body while minimizing her hips. This seems to contradict the joy I read from African American women who were so happy to finally have a woman shaped like them in the spotlight, and in this singular power position.
How do you, as African Americans, feel about the standard of beauty being applied to Michelle being one that more frequently might be applied to white woman? I feel a little defensive about Michelle's "big" hips. Why can't we have a standard of beauty that recognizes Michelle figure as beautiful without saying that her hips are large?
Why can't Michelle's body be considered absolutely beautiful without the caveat about her hips? My sisters, I really want to hear from you. I think the fashion world could benefit from hearing from you.
Thank you.
The First Lady went for a burger today for lunch. She looks like a teenager.
http://dcist.com/2009/05/michelle_obama_spotted_at_good_stuf.php
I don't think that a) only African American women have large hips OR b) that all African American women have large hips. Many white women have large hips and many black women have slender ones....although, OF COURSE, the body type of African American women makes them more likely to have larger ones.
But, I don't really see this maligning of Michelle's hips that you mention. She's very curvy and I always see that celebrated. In fact, I think it's partly that she is closer to the average women with her body type (except not really cause she's incredibly toned and fit and statuesque, but she isn't like the skinny waif that 90% of women that are widely presented as beautiful in the media are ) that adds to her appeal and the media coverage reflects that.
I would say Michelle get's like 99% positive press, at least since the Inauguration. And thankfully her body type is generally celebrated. Which is terrific of course.
Willow,
I'm not African American, but I do think you make an excellent point. Having been 5'11" tall since I was a teenager, I am quite familiar with the attitudes among many that there is an "ideal" female figure, whereas I believe that women are beautiful for their diversity and individuality.
This doesn't change the fact that we all have certain figure features that we see as more attractive and others we see as less attractive. And we all do our best to dress in a way that emphasizes what we like about our figures and deemphasizes what we don't like as much, but certain things can't be changed. And that's okay! I agree that both individual women and fashion designers need to learn to embrace those individual features which are often labeled as "flaws."
Mrs. Obama went to Good stuff eatery today for lunch. check out the pic.
http://dc365(dot)blogspot(dot)com/2009/05/thing-awesome-see-michelle-obama(dot)html
Theres also an article about in washington post
http://voices(dot)washingtonpost(dot)com/44/2009/05/08/michelle_obama_stops_by_a_burg(dot)html?wprss=44
She looked very cute and casual!
OT-Cute little photo of a very casual Mrs. O leaving a burger restaurant today:
http://dc365.blogspot.com/2009/05/thing-awesome-see-michelle-obama.html
Love her little pony tail.
Thanks, Jenna and Ms. G for your responses to my question. I'm happy to hear the thoughts of our white posters as well. I just wondered if AA women, after expressing such joy that a woman who looked like them, and with the more typical AA body type was in the White House, felt at all put out by comments about Michelle's hips.
I hope to hear.
Thanks.
@ Willow
As a 25 yr old African American female, both of my parents raised me to feel good about myself, my body, and to have self confidence. I was always told by my parents and love ones that I am beautiful. My friends and I never really care about what others or media(white) really thought of us. My parents instilled principals in me early as a child. I am currently engaged to a white Jewish man and he said what he first noticed about me was my pretty face and then my body. He always calls me a brick house. As a child, I dance (ballet, modern, African, and hip hop). I love my curves and would not trade them for nothing. My fiancée and I met in graduate school. He and his parents still can not believe that I am 25 yr old. They always say that I look like I am 18. I thank my mother for providing me with good genes. My friends and I don’t pay attention to media (white). And, I seriously doubt that Mrs. O cares what others think of her and her body. She has too much self confidence in herself.
My parents taught me never to look outside for approval. What someone thinks of me does not matter. It’s what I think of myself that matters. My fiancée and I had a similar conversation and he said that I do not act like females (white) he has dated in the past. My fiancée said that my friends and I carry ourselves with self-confidence and he asked do African American parents teach there kids this. He noticed that my friends and I carry ourselves like Mrs. O with confidence. He noticed this in the past but, just didn’t know how to describe our actions. I told him that most African American parents teaches there kids this early. I take pride in my culture. I as well as my friends do not really look to media for fashion or advice. If truth be told media (white) or fashion magazines do not make honest attempts to market to ethic races or include us in fashion shows. I have only purchased and read Vogue two times in my entire life. One when Jennifer Hudson was on the cover and another when Mrs. O was on the cover. Most African Americans females are not into Vogue, Elle, and etc. And, I am not trying to make this a race issue. I am only stating how many of my sisters feel.
White women normally pay for what come naturally to ethic races (breast, butt, lips, color (tanning products)).
Trust me Mrs. O does not care what the media (white) and others think of her fashion and body. She has a husband, kids, and family that loves her. But, most importantly she loves and feels good about herself. That’s what matters the most.
There has been a Mrs O sighting here in DC today. Seems she and some staff stopped by at a hamburger spot this afernoon. Seems the Obama's really like their hamburgers.
"She whizzed past us, waving and smiling, in a kicky little ponytail and grey capri pants, as the crowd shouted 'We love you!'"
voices(DOT)washingtonpost(DOT)/44/2009/05/08/michelle_obama_stops_by_a_burg.html?wprss=44
She looks great!
I honestly have not heard anything about her hips. Of course the 'media' has a tendency to dissect every female celebrity and/or perhaps these celebrities invite it upon themselves (eg Lady Gaga) but it doesn't appear to apply in the same way to MO which I see as a credit to her by simply wearing what she likes and feels good in.
Donna No Shock,
Can you give that link for the Michelle sighting again, I'm having trouble with the (dot) after "washingtonpost". Something is not working for me. Thanks!
I actually wrote about this 20 min ago but still awaiting moderation. Heres the blog with the pic:
dc365(dot)blogspot(dot)com/2009/05/thing-awesome-see-michelle-obama(dot)html
They mentioned this blog in the wapo article.
Try this Janelle
voices(dot)washingtonpost(dot)com/44/2009/05/08/michelle_obama_stops_by_a_burg.html?wprss=44
Thanks Donna No Shock and Joane,
I was just about to post the little shot of Michelle today from the DC365 blog, but Joane was on the case already. This site is great. Looks like we've all turned into internet detectives when it comes to Michelle.
It was a quick photo but she looked so cute and dare I say....normal! I love that she doesn't feel the need to dress up all the time in fancy designer duds. She needs a break some days. No need to change who she was before coming to the White House. I bet she gets to do quite a bit more than when she's with her husband because it's just her staff in a couple SUVs and not the press pool. It's nice that she can carve out a little bit of normalcy at a nice burger place in somewhat peace. As long as she keeps it spontaneous and not alert the press and can dine privately, I think DC will see her around a lot.
Donna No Shock can you just give me the website and how to find it cuz I put the link you had in the browser and it could not find it and I went to the washington post and still could not find it.
Willow, I hear what you saying, I am and AA woman and it is wonderful to see a woman in the white house that you might see in your own community. As far as the criticism goes, I have not heard to much of it, in fact the time that I have recently heard about her hips was during some interview when MO herself said that she has to work out and that she wore a pleated skirt to camoflouge her hips (and you know you have heard plenty of AA women saying stuff about their hips, which I guess may be a product of the constant slender figures we see in the media). Overall, I think that the FL embraces her curves, otherwise, she probably would not wear those form fitting dresses that she wears. And if the media does start to trip over her hips, I will try to overlook them cuz I know they are use to a certain type and they will just have to get use to it, cuz their is a new woman in town!!!!!
Janelle,
I actually saw her when she came out. I was coming back from lunch. I was in complete shock because when you work up here near the hill you tend to ignore the limo's when you see them. Had no idea she was in that restaurant until I heard the screaming. It was quick and I was in shock so I was glad to come back and find something on it in the Post.
Donna No Shock,
How cool is that! Wow. I noticed in the photo other people were taking cell photos. Maybe something will appear on youtube later. I think if I was there, I would be too shocked myself to take out my phone. Anyway, I guess the bloggers here from DC should stake out all the good burger places around DC, b/c it looks like when Michelle wants a treat from all that working out she does, burgers are her thing! (Last time she went to Five Guys) If there's anything else you observed, please share but I bet she was walking fast otherwise people would probably be running up to her---that is if SS don't get to them first. How awesome for you Donna No Shock! I'm jealous!
Nyon,
Go to the Washington Post and type in 44: The Obama Presidency. You should be able to get it from there
I'm so jealous Donna No Shock, I wouldn't be able to scream because I would be frozen, or I would try to run up to her and be pummeled by the secret service.Lol
Donna No Shock is in shock! Heh. I'm on a train to Boston so unfortunately I I won't be able to give this excellent sighting its own post until then. xoxo Mrs. T
Willow you ask
"Why can’t Michelle’s body be considered absolutely beautiful without the caveat about her hips? My sisters, I really want to hear from you. I think the fashion world could benefit from hearing from you."
This is exactly what makes Michelle stunning that curvaceous body of hers, curvaceous AND toned WOW! Notice that she does not try to hide her hips, she celebrates her 'body heritage" and I think that her husband does too! Isn't that what really matters!!!!
I think that this buzz about Michelle, whether positive or negative, is because she calls the shots and we women who spend so much time people pleasing, like trying to look like some size 4 model and holding others to those images (anyone have teenage daughters) we, at least I am excited for my hippy bi-racial teenage daughter.
Thanks Donna No Shock, she looks very cute and relaxed. I wish the picture showed her face. Love the pony tail as well!
Janelle,
All I can tell you is that it was quick and the people were screaming her name like crazy. At first I couldn't figure out what was going on and by the time I did she was in the car. I just stood there saying to myself "that was Michelle". From what I could see she looked very relaxed and happy to see the well wishers.
for those of you who can never get enough of mrso. here is a pic of her today leaving a burger joint, silver flats, gray slacks and what looks like a j. crew cardigan. My absolute fav is the flippy little pony she dons!! enjoy, maybe someone who was there snapped a better pic to share!!
http://dc365.blogspot.com/2009/05/thing-awesome-see-michelle-obama.html
Godchild - Thank you so very much for your very thoughtful post. I've heard Michelle say the same thing you said -- that her parents taught her to approve of herself and ignore what other people thought or said about her. Thanks also for sharing a bit of your personal history. Every happiness to you and your fiancee.
Nyon - thank you, too, for a similar sentiment to Godchild's. I appreciate this peak into the mindset of minority woman. It may also explain some of that incredible, enviable strength.
Donna No Shock,
It looks like she goes out at least once a month on a Friday with staff. I'd love to see photos of her when she's casual and out and about with her staff, but then again I would hate for all the paparazzi to move from LA to DC for this purpose and make Michelle's life miserable like Lady Diana's. I'm just happy to read stories that she's doing "normal" things at times. If I don't get to see photos or hear she prefers to use the back door to not be harassed or photographed, I'm cool as long as she keeps looking happy and content---that's all that really matters. Bill Clinton used to call the WH the big, white prison. I'm sure she could order in, but who wants to do that all the time, especially when you're used to living in an urban community.
WILLOW: "Back to Michelle’s great silhouette above - I have a question. It’s for our African American sisters who post here, Toi comes to mind (I don’t know the names of others.) I’m concerned about the comments we hear (in the general press) about Michelle having large hips, or being hippy, or needing to call attention to her upper body while minimizing her hips. This seems to contradict the joy I read from African American women who were so happy to finally have a woman shaped like them in the spotlight, and in this singular power position. How do you, as African Americans, feel about the standard of beauty being applied to Michelle being one that more frequently might be applied to white woman? I feel a little defensive about Michelle’s “big” hips. Why can’t we have a standard of beauty that recognizes Michelle figure as beautiful without saying that her hips are large? Why can’t Michelle’s body be considered absolutely beautiful without the caveat about her hips? My sisters, I really want to hear from you. I think the fashion world could benefit from hearing from you. Thank you."
Mrs. Obama IS hippy and has a large butt...and that is just fine! Among us black folks, having booty and some hips is considered a **plus** so she is considered to have a nice physique, especially given her age and having had two children. Mrs. Obama exercises to keep up her figure and she's tall, which are key here. She's putting out good messages to black women about staying fit despite a busy schedule.
I think Mrs. Obama tries to deemphasize her lower body (butt) too much, and overemphasizes her torso. However, I understand why she does what she does, as there is only so much booty that (White) America can handle at one time. LOL
By the way, African American women have different shapes. I am a black woman and I'm proud of Mrs. Obama in her power position. However, I do not identify with Mrs. Obama as a fellow black woman whose shape is like mine. Jackie Kennedy is the First Lady way closer to me. However, I identify with Mrs. Obama's makeup choices (hopefully Mrs. O can get more information on this front!) for her darker complexion and her decision to not relax her hair.
While her use of jewel tones is a good thing, Mrs. Obama could take it up a notch like fashion-forward African women do and really use colors to set off her darker skin tones. She's getting there though.
@ Mara
I'm shocked to hear that you are a black woman. I guess that is where all the subliminal hating is from. I personally haven't seen her de-emphasizing her lower body. What do you suggest she wear? Booty shorts? On the campaign trail, she has worn those tight fitting sweat pants in blue and purple, which really shows off her booty. What clothes have you seen her wear that de-emphasize her booty???? She seems to wear everything under the spectrum. Those capri pants she wears draw emphasis to her booty IMHO.
You cannot give her a compliment and leave it alone. See examples.
For example, you say:
"I am proud of Mrs. Obama in her power position. However...."
"While her use of jewel tones is a good thing, Mrs. Obama could take it up a notch..."
"She's getting there..." (meaning she is not quite there yet)
Dr. Jerkyll and Mr. Hyde tendencies.
Nice sighting of Mrs. A. It's a beautiful day out. I can't wait to get out of the office and go enjoy my weekend.
@ Mara:
I think Mrs. O does relax her hair.
Here's what our Flotus ordered for lunch today!
http://blogs.nypost.com/tv/archives/2009/05/top_chef_wins_u.html
Christina, my understanding is that she gets it blown out and flatironed, as opposed to chemicals (relaxers). At least, that is what I've read in black women's fashion magazines and on websites that focus on black female hairstyles.
Mara - Thanks for your response. I thought this was true, as you said:
"Among us black folks, having booty and some hips is considered a **plus** so she is considered to have a nice physique, especially given her age and having had two children."
If among black folks, it's considered a plus to have some "booty", is it the influence of the white culture that makes AA woman sound like they aren't so proud of their booty and that they want to sort of hide it? I've even heard the gorgeous Halle Barry, who is always one of the best dressed women at any event, talk about how careful she must be in her choices of dress to choose something that will not emphasize her "butt".
I guess I want AA woman to be proud of their "assets", rather than try to hide them. I'm all for people feeling totally good about themselves and not apologizing for themselves, especially when one is as toned and in shape as Michelle Obama is (and Halle Barry, too, for that matter.)
I'm interested in hearing more about his from whoever has a contribution to make.
Thank you.
IN MY OPINION, it is time to STOP dividing up the people that come here to comment on this blog by race, gender, or age. We, for the most part, are all AMERICANS and human beings no matter of our skin color, genitalia, or the region of America that we live in.
In the recent days there has been way too much commentary regarding the posters/commenters. The whole point of this blog is to comment on style and fashion NOT to be commenting or picking on the people that come here and NOT to be stereotyping or to be divisive.
I hope that in the future everyone will be able to find some restraint within themselves to stick to critiquing the clothes and not the critique'ees.
MRS A.: I’m shocked to hear that you are a black woman. I guess that is where all the subliminal hating is from. I personally haven’t seen her de-emphasizing her lower body. What do you suggest she wear? Booty shorts? On the campaign trail, she has worn those tight fitting sweat pants in blue and purple, which really shows off her booty. What clothes have you seen her wear that de-emphasize her booty???? She seems to wear everything under the spectrum. Those capri pants she wears draw emphasis to her booty IMHO. You cannot give her a compliment and leave it alone."
Not the first time that I've said I was black. I certainly don't hate Mrs. Obama. Big fan and proud of her achievements as an African American woman. If you don't like me posting my opinions - just like everyone else here gets to post their opinions - too bad. People really need to chill with their need to stifle diverse comments on this board, just because you disagree.
You're the one who brought up the booty shorts, not me. How stereotypical. One can emphasize one's lower body without looking like a hoochie, but hoochie is what immediately comes to your mind as we discuss a black woman like Mrs. Obama.
By the way, when warranted I've given Mrs. Obama quite a few compliments on this blog without qualification. At least get your facts right.
@ Mara:
Ah! You're probably right, then. I thought that you were saying that it was naturally straight. I figured there is some kind of manipulation going on, and just assumed it was a relaxer.
This is getting good. Mara please tell us what a 'hoochie' is???