Wednesday
Jun032009
Mrs. O Lunches with Nancy Reagan
Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 6:11 PM 
Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton
Mrs. O lunched with former First Lady Nancy Reagan today. The lunch came after President Mr. O signed a bill creating the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission, which will honor the 100th anniversary, in 2011, of the late president’s birth.
Mrs. O has fully embraced a summer palette, wearing a striped T-shirt and floral cardigan from Gap (on sale for $24.99!), and white textured pencil skirt. A single strand of pearls and diamond bangles accessorized the look.
Update: Mrs. O wears a Michael Kors, Spring 2009, white lacquered boucle pencil skirt.
tagged Gap, Michael Kors in Outfits
Gap, Michael Kors in Outfits
Reader Comments (181)
Just a quick thought from the NBC "Obama specials" -- Bo LOVES Mrs. O. I can just tell. It makes sense, he probably spends more time with her than anyone else in the family. But it's awfully cute.
Christina, I think Mrs. O mentioned awhile back that she's the one who gets up at 5am or something to walk Bo :-)
Really like this look. The sweater is sold out in most sizes. If you're XXL or XS :-) you're in luck.
@Christina,
I noticed that too about Mrs. O and Bo. I think she's done the majority of the training of him and has really bonded with him---very cool. Though I think Brian Williams would have stolen Bo and taken him home if Mrs. O let go of that leash for a second---Brian seemed to want to play with Bo so bad.
I LOVE the bold stripe/floral combo...so daring and looks fantastic. Typical of her forward style to mix patterns, I think it looks terrific. The white looks great paired with it...but my personal pet peeve is skirts that wrinkle when all you've done is commit the crime of sitting down. Its not the fault of Mrs O OR the outfit, its the skirt fabric! I think she needs a more durable fabric so she doesn't get caught with wrinkles. Had to say it.
Thanks, Nyon, for the link to the extended MO interview. It was my favorite part of the whole evening. How can anyone watch Michelle for any length of time and not fall in love with her? She is just so real, so calm, so fun, so positive, I think I'm not alone in wanting her for one of my best friends. Did you see the stars in Brian Williams eyes, as he related to her? At one point, they were so obvious. And he was genuinely sad when he got the "evil eye" from some staff person to let him know his time with her was up.
We are all so lucky to have this wonderful woman as our First Lady. She and her husband are very special people -- so ordinary and like us -- and yet so extraordinary. They are a blessing for us all and for the world.
It moves me to prayers of gratitude and protection for them.
@ Foo, I have to disagree, I don't think the diamond bangles go with everything, and I don't think they go with this outfit either, this is definitely more of a pearls only, light-lunch kind of outfit, no diamond bangles, i feel those bangles are for more formals occasions
but I love the outfit none the less, and its so affordable!! I love that Mrs. O has not abandoned her whole high/low wardrope that is one of her staples!!
On this enlarged version of the photo:
w w w (DOT flickr (DOT) com/photos/whitehouse/3592769423/sizes/l/
to me it looks like some sort of solid band on her wrist and not the diamond bangles.
I normally do not care for stripes but I love the color of Michelle's top and print sweater - love the whole outfit!
@Tia and CeCe:
I completely agree that the sweater appears too small and is pulling on Mrs.O. I, too, think she is absolutely terrific in her role as First Lady, but sometimes I think she needs to tone it down a little, fashion-wise.
I think Leah D is right, those are not the diamond bracelets...it is a single band.
OperaFanatic I agree with you that the President does look - to me anyway - a little more tired now, but then hey, some days I look every inch my years and some days I really don't. Maybe he was having an off day. In the car going to get hamburgers, Mr O looked better than he did in the Blue Room - maybe it's just not his colour?! Looking tired on the way back from their date - well they have said they can't do dinner AND a movie because they are up so early they're too tired.
Todays outfit is sweet - I very much like the skirt and the prints. However, I really feel that the pinks ought to match exactly if you're clashing the pattern and I'm picking up (on my monitor anyway) different pinks. Which I'm not a fan of. However, it's a fresh pretty spring outfit. I might have left the pearls off too...
The cardigan isn't too tight. It's fitted. If you ever wear a cardigan, sometimes they move when you move (amazingly), so it's possible the photographer caught Mrs O without her realising that the cardigan needed pulling to the front a little. Jeez you people, she's not wandering around with a 24/7 stylist you know! Just going from getting the kids ready for school to an engagement to a lunch and probably fitting in going to the bathroom! We don't all look flawless all the time!
If you look at the photo on the flickr website and click on original size, it shows you the largest size of the photo and the best detail. The bracelets appear to be the diamond bangles, but just about six of them. Love those diamond bangles!! Someday I'll have some!
It does seem like the pinks are not the same color. I agree, Posh Tater, I like them to match exactly.
Love this combo. To bad its already sold out in my size. But that is great for the economy!!!
She usually looks great but this outfit is missing something. The skirt is nice but don't like the stripes together with the flowery cardigan.
It's great day, Loved the Prez Speech in Ciaro. On my way to gap after work today.
Yay for everyone.....lol
I agree with the others who say that the sweater is a bit too snug. Sometimes that is difficult to see on yourself--but it shows up in this photo. I would also have preferred a solid color shirt under the print cardigan.
But, I think Mrs. Obama looks charming in spite of these two things. And using the Reagan china was a very thoughtful touch.
I love how Mrs. O is wearing Nancy R's favorite color - or the color I always associate with her - red! Mrs. O always seems to go the extra step. Often she wears something that has a special, but subtle, connection to the person or group she is visiting. Very thoughtful.
Looks to me that the sweater fits perfectly. Cardigans look nice when they are fitted, without a lot of baggy material riding around the middle.
The floral sweater also come in a beautiful periwinkle color.
Unfortunately not available in my size, sigh. And when was Mrs. O shopping at the Gap, I must ask??? And why wasn't I invited?
Another thought on the Obama White House specials -- I've watched them both now and I didn't see a particular negative bias from Brian Williams. I actually thought the depictions were quite positive. Now, I thought Williams' questions were inane, but not from bias, just because they didn't seem very probing or thoughtful. The "Do you ever take a moment to just look around and think, wow, I can't believe I'm here" question has been asked and answered about a dozen times now. Part of me wonders whether any other president was asked so often if he ever feel unworthy of the office...but I digress.
I think the quick cuts and stuff were intended to make it look more like a reality television show, for better or worse. Mostly, for all the repetition that NBC had cameras all over the place for a day, and they were in every nook and cranny of the White House, I don't feel like I learned that much new. I'm curious to know what others thought.
Forgot to mention - love the pearls too! They're a great length. They remind me of the strand SJP (aka Carrie) wore throughout the SATC movie! So fashionable!!
christina:
I watched part two of the special.
Most of the questions had been asked before and there was nothing new to be learned (except for Bo, I am a big dog lover and wanted to give him a pat and belly rub).
On a side bar, I can't wait for the new website and message board.
I do not have anything to add about Mrs. Obamas outfit from yesterday. It has already been stated.
Hi Christina,
I actually think that our boyfriend Rahm was a high point in the shows. His outlook was, shall we say, refreshing(?)!
I did notice as others did that Bo bonded well will MO, and that came as no surprise. You made a good point that the editing and fast action was an intentional choice to make the point that long, hard, fast-paced hours are what go into the White House offices.
I do not know that I learned much else that was new - but seeing the front line of the administration in "real time" was in and of itself a new experience.
Brian was bland and not the person I would have picked for the assignment. I like Willy Geiss, but I doubt he has the clout with NBC to get that assignment.
I know this blog is about MRS O but I have to mention that I was extremely proud of my President today. I woke up @6AM to listen to his speech and OO MY...what a great man. It takes courage, intellect and pragmatism to be able to put together and deliver a speech like that. I hope He'll be able to craft the peace between Israel and Palestine and also the muslim community.
I love my president and First Lady!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh, Rahm is great - I love the way he can barely conceal his contempt for the media (while also playing them like a drum behind the scenes, I am sure.) He's so deliciously evil! And hot.
My favorite part was when BriWi asked Rahm "How does it feel to hear your Supreme court candidate being called a racist?" I thought Rahm was going to jump across the desk and choke him.
Kudos to POTUS for an exceptional speech this morning. I am so proud to have him as our President. He also looked very stunning in his dressed down gear and sun glasses touring the Egyptian sites too. The man get finer and finer.
There is NOTHING too snug about Mrs. O's sweater. If it was bigger it would look saggy and ridic. She looks beautiful and as usual she represents perfectly.
I think the First Lady's skirt (although it's hard to see the detail) may be this one from J. Crew:
The Eyelet Pencil Skirt, in White $138
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/skirts/pencil/PRDOVR~14865/14865.jsp
We've had a tip from Red Carpet Fashion Awards that the skirt is Michael Kors boucle pencil skirt. I'm trying to confirm with the Michael Kors team and will report back!
I've noticed that I'm not able to get some of the links lately. Is there a reason that some of the links are in gray and some are in black. I can get the black but not the gray. I love every thing about this site and I don't want to miss a thing!!!!!!!!!!! I check you out at some point every day. Keep doing what you're doing. I love it. Best wishes and God bless to all the wonderful contributors out there.
Gwen, it has to do with the way the commenter chooses to post the link on the board. Mrs. T mentioned in an earlier thread that there are some changes coming to the board, and you won't have to worry about that any more once those changes take place.
Hey Christina,
I thought last nights/part 2 with BriWi looked a little strained and uncomfortable at times. The best way I can think to describe it is when relatives/guests over stay their welcome at your home! MO looked comfortable in her sit down interview. I thought PO had had enough in his. He certainly didn't care for the 'travel' date night question.
I'm guessing the whole NBC entourage was begining to get in the way. (?) I did notice only a breif passing of Desiree in the hallway.
I like the color/pattern combo, but the sweater and top does indeed look too small, and the skirt is too prone to show wrinkles.
To those of you disappointed that your size is gone in the Gap cardigan--consider trying a "tall" from online. I absolutely love Gap's tall selections--it gives you an extra inch or so of length (arm length too) but the rest of the proportions are pretty much the same. If it doesn't fit you can just take it back to a Gap store.
I was half listening to the Gayle King show this morning on my way in to work (late listening to the president) and she said something about flying ot DC after her show to go to an event where Oprah was being honored and MrsO was speaking. Has anyone heard anything about that? Evidently it is a black tie event. We may get to see the lovely MRsO all glamed out again! I love that!!
So many comments to react to: ( I apologize beforehand that this is not well edited.)
@Christina - I didn't think I learned much from last night's Part 2. That's why, for me the highlight was the extended interview on the web, which Nyon linked to.
I also noticed today, and in PO's trip to Five Guys, something that pains and relieves me. I think that the strain on the President's face (which pains me) comes from the prison he usually lives in. Two kinds of prison: 1) Physically his is restrained from moving about on his own. He's not even allowed to leave his car at Five Guys until someone lets him! What a prison! 2) The mental prison. His attention is imprisoned all day long with constant focus on the problems of the country and the world, and with constant attention to people (reporters and some petty elected officials) asking inane questions and making ridiculous statements that are quite beneath his superior intelligence, and which he must patiently and politely pay attention to and respect. What a terrible discipline he must exercise all day long to put up with it all. One of the reasons he ran for President was because he was impatient with the childishness of the politics in Washington, and around the world. From his superior intelligence and his eclectic background, he sees clearly an overview, but must deal constantly with those who see only their narrow little view. He plays chess while others play checkers. The strain of needing to constantly put up with the pettiness of it all, while at the same time showing patience and restraint -- I think this is the strain I see on his face in the White House.
So, the relief I notice on his face at Five Guys and on his trip to Saudi Arabia and to Egypt, is that he gets out of the prison for a short time. My worry about what the office is doing to him, and how prematurely it appears to be aging him is somewhat relieved today when I see the same youth (not exactly), determination and freedom radiating from his face during this incredible speech today, as I saw during his speeches on the campaign trail. No doubt, this is why he wants to make at least one trip outside of Washington each week to address an audience of Americans in their home cities about some current issue. It's a vacation from the prison, it lets him hear from the people, who he loves, respects, and who aren't caught up in the pretensions and fakery of politics.
Now, for today's speech! Whew! Have we ever seen a leader like President Barack Hussein Obama? Not in my lifetime. I'm no longer as religious as I was raised to be, but I am deeply spiritual. I must say. I was so impressed with Barack Obama when I first heard him address the Democratic Convention in 2004, that I immediately knew that he MUST be our president some day. Then during the campaign, it seemed to me that he was DESTINED to be our President and the leader of the world. There were just too many things that would have defeated someone else, that he managed to come through with increased stature. And then today, watching him address the world and it's fighting factions in such an honest, humble, and inspiring way, I think, "Can anyone not feel the hand of God on this man?"
This is such an historic moment for the world. We have a president who respects Islam and knows the Koran well enough to quote respectfully from it to it's devoted followers. Having lived in Muslim Indonesia as a child, he can address Muslims like no other American leader ever could. It's like destiny (the hand of God) was on him from his unusual birth.
President Obama is unafraid to speak aloud to the world what has previously only been said behind closed doors and in whispers. He is unafraid to call out the Israelis, the Palestinians, the leaders of Iran. He is unafraid to speak up for the freedom of women to dress as they like, and to be educated.
I am simply in awe of this man and this moment. This is a courageous and honest beginning. Now, he must work to lead the children of the world (yes, even the leaders of the nations are children caught in old grievances and not able to see a way forward to their own peace and prosperity) by spelling out for them concrete steps they can take to realize the dream.
I believe that the mission President Obama began today (prepared for for many months) is where he wants to spend his energy. I think the strain is about how much of his energy is used up with pettiness, when there is so much that needs to be done to move the world toward what he wants to leave for his daughters and for all the children of the world.
I'm sorry for carrying on like this. I could not help myself.
Does anyone here ever watch TLC's "What Not To Wear?" You CAN use different prints, patterns and textures - mix/match color - shoes and handbags do not have to match - use color accents through scarves, brooches, shoes, bags etc. I think a lot of the comments here are from ladies who really don't know how to dress or honestly just don't like how Mrs. O dresses. That's fine. But take time to explore what works for your skin tone, your figure, what's the best color pallet for you? I applaud Mrs. Obama for her bold fashion choices. Sometimes you just have to open yourself up to something different. Step out of your "bland" box. All the women and I in my family have been dressing like her for years. Its says something about you when you take time to take care of you. Sometimes you get so busy taking care of others you let yourself go. Add bold color and textures to your (grey, black, bland) wardrobe and see what it does for your confidence! You don't have to spend a lot to get these looks from Mrs. Obama. I shop consignment stores, check out the sales and even sew some pieces if I want. Sometimes a simple accessory is all you need. I don't have a lot of money but I sure am not going to look like it. Step out the box for a change and lighten up a bit by brightening up your lifeless wardrobe!
Per Politico.com, it appears Mrs. Obama is going to Normandy on Saturday, and the Obama girls are going to Paris with them on Sunday. Thay is going to be fun, Paris I mean. What will she wear to Normandy?? Another showdown with Carla Bruni??
Willow -- I couldn't agree with you more.
I was disappointed that I had to miss part one of the White House special; but after watching part two, I decided that unless part one was a LOT better, I didn't really miss anything. I agree that Brian Williams is as bland as dry toast, and he didn't seem comfortable. I also agree that it was tasteless, tacky, and insulting to ask about the date night controversy. I was so proud of PO for giving him a flat "No" in response and then sticking to it when Williams pressed for a different answer. I don't feel that I learned anything new or interesting, and the cameras moved so fast that I didn't even see very much of the great house.
I'll also agree with Christina that Rahm Emmanuel is very sexy and interesting. All of the comments about him remind me of Pres. O's comments at the correspondents' dinner. It was Mother's Day weekend, so the President wished all of the mothers a happy day. Then, with a devilish gleam, he said, "Mother's Day is a tough day for Rahm Emmanuel, because he's not accustomed to putting the word 'day' after 'mother.'" Then he couldn't stop smiling.
On a fashion note, I have to be the bad person and say I didn't care for Mrs. O's outfit choice. This probably says a great deal more about my age (older than dirt) than it does about anyone's fashion choices, but I would have had a different sense of the occasion. I see this occasion as her being the hostess who has invited people (the world!) into her home, and this didn't seem like a hostess outfit to me. I don't think she needed to whip out the Laura Bush or Hillary Clinton suit (although those were fine choices for them), but perhaps a nice casual dress--sundress maybe--would have seemed more appropriate (to me).
And just a note to Bea and others who still have trouble distinguising between disagreeing with an opinion and judging the person who expresses the opinion, I don't think there's a single person who comes here often who hasn't said at least once that she or he didn't care for a specific outfit or part of an outfit. Drawing broad assumptions about who we are or how we dress based on that one comment is presumptuous to put it nicely. I am one who commented that I don't care too much for the stripes and floral combination here, but that doesn't mean that I never like any combination of patterns or that I think she should have been dressed in grey, black, or bland. And it certainly does not mean that I don't know how to dress myself or that I have a grey, black, or bland wardrobe. I actually have quite a reputation for knowing how to dress, and I even watch What Not to Wear, and I still don't care for this particular combination. This doesn't make me a bad, stupid, or blandly dressed person.
Well, I hope everyone is having a great day, and thanks to all who make this site a welcome diversion!
I love it. I think its an interesting mix and I think it works. Personally I'd rather her takes risks and give us something to talk about than be too perfect or too mediocre. 5 out of 5 for me
When I started reading that thoughtful and deeply spiritual comment, I knew it was from Willow before I even saw her name. Everything you said was so true and I agree wholeheartedly.
Just because "You CAN use different prints, patterns and textures" does not mean that every combo works. While it is fine and fun to experiment, when your trials and errors occur in front of the whole world it is somewhat magnified. I love the way Mrs. O dresses for the most part (and I am not just talking about her classic sheath dresses); for instance I am still trying to find out the designer of that great blouse she wore for the poetry reading, which a lot of people disliked with the cropped pants! Just because some of us happen not to like a certain look does not mean we "don’t know how to dress" or "just don’t like how Mrs. O dresses." It is just a question of personal taste. There is a French proverb that says: "Des gouts et des couleurs, on ne discute pas." which more or less means "to each his or her own taste." More power to Mrs. O for experimenting with fashion, but that does not make those of us who point out what we dislike as her "misses" fashion-challenged. Mrs. O has the right to her fashion sense and the prerogative to ignore all of our critique and know-it-all comments (including mine) and and we have the right to our opinions.
Bea:
I think that it is very presumptious of you to say that those who don't agree with this particular outfit don't know how to dress.
Most women have different tastes and no two are going to agree on everything. This is not bad thing.
Just because something appears on "What Not to Wear" does not make it the gospel. I have watched that show (only when flipping channels) and some of the outfits are really not that flattering for the person who is wearing them. It's better than what was originally in the closet, but not by much.
I have been following fashion for a long time. Do I listen to everything that they say is in? No. I still have my own style and still strive for the classic look.
Would I buy this particular sweater set? The answer is no. I have never shopped at the Gap (except for khakis) and don't intend to start now.
Just because Mrs. Obama looks very nice in some of her outfits does not mean it will look the same on me. I do not copy other people's style.
I have commented on her clothes as everyone else. There are plenty of hits and misses. It's her style and I don't knock her for wearing what she feels comfortable in.
When I first noticed Mrs. Obama some years back, how she dressed did not enter into the equation. She was a corporate woman and juggled a lot of things. That is what impressed me with her. Once the media became involved she had to change her personality. I miss the outspokeness and playful ribbing that she gave her husband. I miss the opinions that she had about issues beside being a mom.
I really miss the old Mrs. Obama.
I just notice that if anyone (as a previous poster stated) doesn't agree with what Mrs. Obama is wearing, then you are chastised. This is a fashion blog and all opinions (those that are not flattering) should not be criticized.
I am happy that this format is changing as there is only so much that can be said about a particular outfit. Either you like it or you don't, give your reasoning and what else is there?
Mrs. Obama is more than just the fashions that she wears.
Well said, Jersey Girl! I am nostalgic about the Original Mrs. O too (Smiles). Hopefully she does not get stiffled too much during the next 4 years that we get a chance to see her if Prez O is fortunate enough to be elected to a second term and politics are not as much a factor in who she is and what she does.
The Reagan China... very nice!
Jersey Girl and Lilly O you miss the point that has been made again and again and again here: it does not matter if you do not like what Mrs O is wearing. Just say so nicely. Lots of us manage it without sounding like we're trashing either Mrs O or a fellow poster.
Also Lilly O, I'm not sure why you would still be trying to find the maker of the poetry reading top that Mrs O wore when it's been correctly identified already. Basso & Brooke.
Stiffled? I love that word.
I've not been visiting this site much these days as I came to the realization that watching Mrs. O carry about her day is a time waster and does nothing to improve my own life. if I want the quyality of life that she has or close to it, I need to spend more time doing me and less time watching her. That being said, seems like I am not missing much. Two months later and it is still the same old same- This is just like that London 10 Downing Street outfit.
Post Tater:
I am not missing the point. I have yet to see any posters that are really mean-spirited and downright nasty.
What you consider not nice posts, I may not interpret them that way.
I have only seen a few (and I mean very few) posters that actually trash Mrs. Obama and I have called them out.
Some posters have shied away from posting because they have been criticized if you don't agree with the masses.
I will repeat that all comments should be welcomed.
I do not like everything that Mrs. Obama wears and have stated so in numerous posts. Even with my "nice" posts, some posters have said something if I disagreed with their assessment.
I resent you implying what I missed. I have not missed anything.
Posh Tater already called the poetry slam top as Basso & Brooke. It's from their Spring '09 line, and was originally shown as a dress. They do some very cool things, with lots of prints, textures, and fabric combinations (stripes and florals together: eek!). NYMag has a link to their Fall '09 collection, and much of it is pretty great. I'm guessing we haven't seen the last of them on MO.
LOVE, LOVE IT...She puts together patterns that I'd never think would go well...but they! Guess who just bought herself a cardigan and shirt from Gap?
Like some others here, I have a long background in high end fashion - in retail and for myself - so have always followed my own direction. That said, I have never worn a sweater set in my life. Not even in school. I have a hunch that Mrs. O may wear these because her arms are very long and her waist relatively short. A sweater enables her to have the body of the sweater hit her where she wants it to and she can push the sleeves up. I noticed she pushed the sleeves up on the lilac Mizrahi ensemble she wore to the museum in NYC.
I agree with those who think it is unkind to slam those who do not share our fashion opinions. Fashion is very fleeting. True style is a bit more rigid - it includes a sense of the appropriate - but very personal. Some don't know the difference.
It seems to me that many who frequent this site become restless when there is nothing new to talk about. That's when it gets a little testy.
I don't mind combining stripes and florals -- April Cornell does it beautifully with her linens. But proportions always matter.