The Belt of the Season?
Monday, June 29, 2009 at 5:00 PM 
Photo by Mandel Ngan / Getty Images
First Lady Mrs. O spoke at Unity Health Care's Upper Cardozo Center in Washington this afternoon. She was at the center to announce $850 million in Recovery Act grants to upgrade and expand community health centers across the country. To read the first lady's full remarks, click here.
For the event, Mrs. O wore a stone colored, belle sleeved jacket, paired with a wide, silver Givenchy belt and black trousers. A stack of beaded and tassled braclets finished the look. Mrs. O last wore her silver Givenchy belt for a D-Day event in France - might it be Mrs. O's belt of the season?
Mrs. O wore the same ensemble to attend the White House reception for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month later in the day.
Reader Comments (124)
Personally, I loved the belt in France, and I still do. Is it the best overall look MO has ever worn? Probably not, but I give her lots of credit for wearing what she loves, and allowing the conversation to flow.
My take on this "belt riding high" issue that we all notice - and some can't leave alone - is that our dear FLOTUS does not have much of a waist. She is not dressing an hourglass figure.
When she wore that beautiful black, square scoop necked Kors dress with the corset in NY, I was stunned by how shapely she looked - more than I had ever seen. That night she did have an hourglass figure - with curves and a small waist. But then I thought, "Well, yeah - she's wearing a corset!" Then, in the NBC interviews when she was wearing the white blouse with the floral pattern (I think it was when she was walking BO inside the WH), I noticed that her waist/tummy was more apparent than I'd expected. I think this is why her belts (especially the stiff, wide leather ones like this Dior and the famous Alaia) ride up a bit. It's also probably why she doesn't play around with skinnier belts (which would stay put, but accent her real waistline) or belts that ride on her hipline (which could risk pooching over the belt).
But, come on. She's in her 40s, has had 2 kids, and has more important issues on her plate than where her belt is. I give her high marks for wearing what makes her feel pretty (look at that face - that is a happy woman who feels good about herself) and loves clothes. If you like the belt, Michelle, wear the belt and enjoy.
I don't see commenting on a belt as "hurling insults". There IS a difference in making comments about an accessory and how it looks--and hurling insults. I think operafanatic is right--there are reasons the belts ride up.
None of this is real important stuff. It's just that we are women who like fashion and like to comment. I haven't seen any insults.
If you are interested--go over to the chat area as there is a lengthy discussion on the issue of sensitivity when discussing Michelle's fashion choices. I still maintain that as long as comments are respectful---it's ok to be honest.
Eleroy, get a grip, I did not say her breast "hang over her belt" I said the belt is so high her breasts sit on on the belt, and they do.
This is a fashion blog, we are supposed to give our opinions about her fashions.
I've NEVER seen anyone say one negative thing about Ms. Obama as a person. In fact we all LOVE her. But, that does not mean we like all of her styles.
When we like what she wears, we said it, and when we don't, we say that also. That's what this blog is for.
The outfit is alright, although too bulky. I like the belt, but I am not a fan of Mrs. Obama wearing them so high on her body! Her hair and makeup are on point though, and I love the bangles.
She looks flawless!
Love that radiant smile!
Eleroy: You are obviously a misanthrope (look it up). You need professional help.
With regard to the silver belt: I don't think FLOTUS had much choice with this jacket which is short and does not appear to have any buttons. Instead of belts, I believe a structured jacket, fitted tighter in the area she likes to have the belts would look much better. Although the belt is pretty... for a summer look, it would look much cooler and more comfortable without it.
Always looks great even though she has a fetish for belts...
I love the jacket. Very different! However, I would like to know more about the interesting bracelets she has been wearing.
Funny fight over the belt. She does not have the greatest figure. She does very well with what she has. This is why so many people like her. Whoever dresses her does very well. She always looks good. The belt gives her figure a waste. A must for people like me who have has two children and no longer have one. Working out does not necessarily change your actual shape. i do not like this jacket but i do like the belt thing on her. especially on the Oprah cover. i love her use of J. Crew.
Wow, that's a fantastic outfit. I LOVE the jacket and the belt. She looks totally amazing. Great choices!
Nice outfit, but I am so over this high belt thing. In many cases (not all) it is not flattering.
...this is one of my favorite websites...thank you! I love the color of the jacket - neutral, understated, elegance...and I love the bangles - there is a great close-up photo in the Huffington Post today. I just attempted to register, but have not yet received confirmation via email...cheers to all...
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/29/michelle-obama-wears-give_n_222757.html
Eleroy, come on now. First of all, I'm assuming that "Eleroy" isn't your real name, so you can't get on anyone for posting anonymously. (Christina is my real name, but I'm stil posting anonymously since I'm not sharing my last one)
You are going way, way overboard over an issue that is so very minor. I'm speaking to you as a Michelle fan to Michelle fan--you are not doing the cause any favors by being so strident.
My only thing with the belts is that I wish people would stop saying "WHY" does Michelle Obama wear them so high, because I feel like that's akin to saying "why is Michelle Obama so tall?" She wears them that high because that's the way they naturally fall on her body. If one wants to say "why does she wear the belts so much in the first place?" well, that's fine...clearly she likes them. But they look "high" to us because her waist is high (or short, maybe that's the better adjective.)
Hear, hear Christina. I read those comments and I do wonder where people think Michelle OUGHT to wear belts. On her head? Round her knee? Which knee??
Yeah, really. My daughter is tall and her belts sit on her waist the same way Mrs. O's belts sit on hers. Give me a non-fashion post any day of the week if we have to re-hash the same old rhetorical question.
And it would be nice if there could be a civil tone. I suggest if someone's tone is offensive to anyone, try to report the comment, make a case, and see if Mrs. T agrees with your assessment.
I am SO in love with metallics-any shade. Just one item amps up a whole outfit.
Mrs. O wears it all quite nicely! I continue to pick up "cues" from her on what is fashion-forward yet age appropriate.
SD
I think Eleroy has every right to share her opinions just as everyone else here does. She seems to be as irritated as many of us are at the well-couched and neverending stinging digs at the first lady's decision to wear exactly what she feels like.
It is indeed both curious and ironic that some of those guilty of the most stinging of these digs are the very same folks who take offense at Eleroy's post!
Why is she glowing? I notice she is wearing big shirts lately, why?
Thanks Audrey for always seeing through the ruse and convenient political correctness which always seems to be okay as long as it's at Mrs Obama's expense!
You've got to be joking Christen...You of the permanent sadistic mindset??!!
You who come on this site for the sole purpose of disrespecting and taking unfettered digs at Mrs Obama?? You who NEVER has anything nice to say about the subject of this site and yet spend so much time here?? You who's many objectionable posts have prompted my responses?? What a joke!
I don't know what twisted world you live in - but if you think you're fooling anyone think again - throwing out words at others that actually better describe and define you perfectly is amusing!
You sure can dish it but can't take it can you?
Sorry Christina, but I'm not "going overboard" on this and this is not a 'cause' for me-
I suppose we all have different levels of tolerance for disrespectful behavior. To turn a woman who has not asked to be a fashion standard into a caricature solely for the purpose of amusing ourselves is wrong!
By all means let's have a fashion discussion, but let's do it respectfully - this is a living, breathing person! In the fickle world in which we now live, it is very easy to caricature and diminish a serious minded, respectable person and there are those who will use any medium including this well meaning one to do so.
Contrary to what many insist, 'we' do not all love Mrs Obama, let's not kid ourselves!
Hey POSH T,
Completely off topic...(maybe this will stop beltgate!) What do you think about the Queen asking for more money? I heard a brief snippet on the news. Are most Brits on board with this?
Can you direct me to a good royal blog? Thxs.
Eleroy,
Regarding your comment that you posted Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 8:42 PM
You said three things that were very offensive:
1) Who on earth are you miserable people....
2) .... the very useless, unfulfilled, empty and hopeless lives of some who post here.
3) .... of many of these cowards who hide their hateful, ugly selves behind their stupid and moronic anonymous posts
Your outright attack and disdain of posters on this website, while trying to defend Michelle, were worse than anything I have ever seen anyone ever say about Mrs. Obama in these comments.
You, my dear, I believe crossed the line and in my opinion you should probably post a blanket apology for your rudeness.
Have a great day!
OHHHHHHHH Mrs. T! Do you sometimes sit reading these comments with a glass, carafe of wine?
In reviewing comments from previous posts, I am starting to see a pattern emerge when Mrs O wears a unique outfit: Eleroy in her attempt to defend Mrs. O adds a comment that in my opinion seems as if she is trying to kill a mosquito with an elephant gun. Others comment that Eleroy has gone to far. Audrey comes to Eleroy defense, then the entire tone of the posts degrades into less than harmonious somewhat fiery rhetoric.
Since Eleroy and Audrey have been consistent with these types of comments, I do not anticipate an apology, nor do I doubt their sincerity. To avoid the unfortunate consequences that happened last time when these two interjected in such a strong verbal fashion then in effect we lost several of my favorite posters, can we just agree to disagree.
It has been mentioned that there is a thread in the chat room where those who have strong opinions about negative Mrs. O comments have expressed themselves. It is a very interesting conversation might I encourage the criticism of the criticism to hash things out there. I know after I read many of the comments in that thread I found I am more open minded to others opinions whether positive or negative.
Now back to the outfit, I love it. The jacket is so structurally interesting, have we determined the designer. But what I truly love best about following the fashion of Mrs O is how she pulls different outfits together from various accessories that we have seen before. And the bangles are so over the top funky. Also has anyone else noticed how belts are all over the runways being worn high, mid and low which suggests to me that we are going to see of lot of them around for awhile.
Eleroy,
There are many of us who enjoy and support your posts. You have nothing to apologize for. You speak the truth and I applaud you for your ablity to stand up in defense of decency even when strangely unpopular. It is shocking how you who are the kind and fairminded person has been turned into the villain. Wow, what a crazy world we live in.
But never stop because there are many of us longtime but occasional posters who support every single one of your posts and we stand by you.
Take care and God bless you.
I second that!! @ Lota
I second that!!! @ Lota
Traceyorl, while that may be true for you, it definitely isn't for Mrs. Obama- she has a waist, a tiny one in fact. Perhaps she wears belts b/c she likes them; that's always a possibility. Not everything is for the benefit of an illusion. I also don't see the point in saying Mrs. Obama doesn't have the greatest figure, especially since I don't know what consists of one. Mrs. Obama is a long, lean woman with soft curves in nice places. Sounds pretty great to me.
Eleroy: Once again, you have gone WAY overboard. Can't you be more succinct in your postings so that there is no need for you to go on and on? Sadistic? Me? How is it even possible to be sadistic in writing? I have the utmost respect for Mrs. O., and I ALWAYS find something nice to say about her outfits...as in this one....loved the jacket, hated the belt. I am not going to fall all over myself "making nice" about an outfit that is clearly unflattering. I call it as I see it, and I can always find something, no matter how small, good to say. Please do me a favor, and read my postings more carefully. I appreciate it!
Leah D: You are a peach! Even though I tried, I could not have said it better myself. Eleroy's comments are hateful, hurtful and entirely unnecessary.
Talking about where to wear belts. The conversation below ensued between my 4 year old daughter and I over the weekend.
Babe: Mummy, is that your waist? (looking at me as if she is my teacher)
Me: (I’m lost, what is this Babe talking about) What do you mean darling?
Babe: Look at your dress mummy, why are you wearing your belt there, is that your waist!?
Me: (Laughing aloud, she still doesn't understand what is so funny) he he he, ha ha ha
Babe: Why are you not wearing your belt on your waist mummy?
Me: That is where the waist of the dress is darling, not really my waist, but that's where the belthole is. (still laughing)
I was wearing an empire waist dress with a skinny belt, the belt ended up under my bust!
Mrs O.org immediately came to my mind as she questioned the placement of my belt.
This is an unfortunate turn as we all begin a holiday weekend. I am sure Mrs. O and Mrs. T would want us to move on and enjoy ourselves and cease and desist with trading barbs.
The colours are great on her but the style of the jacket and yes, that belt, is unflattering. Mrs. O needs advice - - someone she will listen to - - from a competent stylist who will not only tell her what suits her figure, but suits the occasion. The caption for the photo mentioned that the belt was also worm for the D-Day ceremony last month - - when I saw a photo of her with Carla Bruni on that occasion, you could see that although they were dressed similarly, Mrs. O just missed the mark and Carla Bruni was spot on. A somber ocassion such as D-Day is not the best occasion to wear a wide metallic belt and strappy metallic sandals. Carla Bruni's accesories were subdued and rather than noticing what she wore, you just noticed how great she looked. Michelle still dresses with many of the clothes "wearing her" rather than the other way around.
I strongly suspect that this jacket is by Hanii Y. I was looking at tan jackets today on shopstyle and came across one with a very familiar neckline. here
Further diging on the net led me to this one
here
It is a trench, but something about the sleeve and neck resembles Mrs O's jacket here.
...maybe not, I found another jacket that looks almost exactly like Mrs O's. It is done in dark grey, with the same kind of sleeves seen here by Alexander Mcqueen.
Also seen here.
I've read Mrs O is going to be getting more involved in more serious policy issues---I'm betting we see more of her in jackets over pants/dresses/skirted and pants suits--bets anyone???
Again, I do not find Eleroy's posts offensive, hateful or hurtful; It is all so terribly amusing the attempt to drive that narrative by those most guilty of consistently doing offensive, hateful and hurtful (even if mostly cunningly parsed) on this site.
Maybe some think if they play "offended" and "dismayed" long enough Mrs T might just cave in and muzzle Eleroy while the real offending and hurtful parties again feel free to run rampant.
The crazy thing, Audrey and Eleroy, is that I know tons about what you think about some of the other posters here. But I don't know much about what you think of Mrs. O's fashion. What do you guys think of this jacket and this belt?
Christina: As usual, spot on!
I like the overall effect of this outfit. The neutral color draws the eye to HER, not to the clothes. The first thing I see is her radiant face and smile, her joyful, confident, enthusiastic, loving self. Her very being just makes everyone feel better, doesn't it? I think everyone loves her so much because she lifts people just by being who she is. The neutral tone makes her skin look warm and yummy (if I can use that word in this way.)
I like the shine of the belt giving a subtle contrast to the neutral color of the jacket. And I really like the way this rather loose-fitting jacket enfolds her body, and the way her toned arms emerge from those flared sleeves. It's a soft, comfortable look. I'm not sure what's going on with the collar and opening. There seems to be one too many flaps there. But all of that seems so insignificant compared to the radiance of the person wearing these things. She's just having fun. And I'm enjoying it with her.
I agree that the bangles are great.
So much of my joy is killed here by the same bickering that takes place over and over. Wouldn't it be great if we could all just let people have their opinions and move on? We don't all have to agree on anything. And if we feel offended by someone's comment, we don't need to take the bait.
Thank you.
Experienced participants in online forums know that the most effective way to discourage a troll is usually to ignore him or her, because responding tends to encourage trolls to continue disruptive posts — hence the often-seen warning: "Please do not feed the trolls".
I just noticed that the time of day has been added to the date. Thank you, Mrs. T. This helps a great deal.
Willow: You are absolutely correct. Eleroy is obviously a very unhappy person, and in the future I will not be "taking the bait."
Now I remember why I minimize my visits to this part of the blog. I am just catching up on the comments from the past day or so, and jeez....I don't know what to say. I guess Willow @ 4:27 sums my thoughts up nicely. I wish we didn't have to be so negative on here about her belts - that's what she does. And I wish if people choose to be negative, we can just ignore. I don't even bother anymore like I used to. This blog has always been at it's best when we focus on the positive or interesting aspects of Mrs. O's clothing, as opposed to knocking her clothing choices, and then knocking each other for knocking or defending her.
Dear Christina: I think Mrs Obama looks lovely and adorable! I think in her own way she always does! And even when she wears things that I might not, it occurs to me that we probably just don't always share similar tastes in all things fashion - I'm a Kedem Sasson/Ivan Grundahl/Rundholz gal...doesn't always get the nod from everyone, but it's MY style and taste and I love it - that's what's important.
But most importantly, I get and respect that as an adult she gets to decide what works for her as do I and when she wears things I don't care for, I simply keep that to myself...nothing spoil!
I ADORE the sleeves on this jacket and the color.
I think some people forget that Mrs. O is being original; not tied to a stylist or a magazine.
Don't you see Anne Curry and the other women on the Today show wearing wide belts now?
Don't you see silver shoes everywhere? don't you see cardigans on lots of women?
She is a trend setter; even if you don't always like the look.
I would rather see the First Lady wearing things that most of us could copy instead of some
$5,000 designer look . I am 70 years old and I wear J. Crew cardigans and silver shoes, too.
Char
I wasn't familiar with the designers you just named so I did some quick Google searching -- how interesting! I wish those kinds of clothes could work for me, but, I'm not tall and thin enough, I think (nor brave enough, perhaps)
I have a jacket that is the same length and with the same kind of sleeves as Mrs. O is wearing in the photo above, and it's one of my favorites. And I always get compliments on it. It's prompted me to be just a touch more adventurous; I wouldn't say a kimono-style jacket is THAT out of the box, but for me it is a departure.