Friday
Jun052009
Mrs. O at the Eiffel Tower
Friday, June 5, 2009 at 5:04 PM 
Photo by Miguel Medina /AFP/Getty Images
We love Mrs. O's Parisian-chic look. The first lady wears soft green vest and shirt, paired with a floral scarf as she and the O entourage tour the Eiffel Tour in Paris.
Update: We've learned that Mrs. O is wearing a Prova scarf and Rick Owens Lilies vest and shirt. Click here to see the pieces in greater detail. Of note, Rick Owens in an American-born designer, who resides in Paris.
For shoes, the first lady is once again wearing her snazzy Lanvin sneakers. For a full-length look at this fabulous ensemble, shoes included, click here.
Continue reading after the jump for a detailed image of a similar style of Prova scarf. The line is carried at Ikram in Chicago. Such excitement!
tagged Lanvin, Prova, Rick Owens in Outfits
Lanvin, Prova, Rick Owens in Outfits
Reader Comments (199)
European women have been wearing scarves for YEARS.
The first thing that goes into my suitcase when I pack for Italy are a dozen of my favorite scarves.
I see nothing new here except that we haven't seen Michelle's scarf before.
LOL...Malia is so cute. Looks like she's holding a disposable camera. This has got to be fun for her since she loved taking pictures during the inauguration festivities.
I noticed in a few of the pictures Michelle is wearing a purple watch. Love the way it matches her scarf. I think the bold colored watches are fun for summer.
I wonder what places the First Family is going to visit while in Paris. There are so many Cathedrals and museums and even Disney for Sasha and Malia. Wish they can escape and walk the pretty, romantic an glorious streets of Paris and MontMartre and dine at a small bistro or aboard a romantic bateau! Wish then well -- it is always lovely in Paris.
Heads Up - Don't forget the OFA Health Care Organizing Kickoff tomorrow. We are in for a fight and always need people with a flair for style to brighten things up!
http://www.obama-mamas.com/blog/?p=257
Hi, Congratulations to the site owner for this marvelous work you've done. It has lots of useful and interesting data.
Sasha's hair is healthy and long, but I've seen little black girlswith hair her length before and it is not rare for black girls to have long hair. I know Mimi apologized but let me get it straight because some people just do not know, or choose to be ignorant.I Love our First Family.
I love MO's scarf and I love that she has a hump and ponytail, its almost like a faux hawk ponytail(the mature version). The girls look so cute and did you guys notice that Malia is popping her collar, she is already a cool girl and has a sense of style.
Oh yeah and it is hard to believe that Malia is just ten years old, lil Sasha's birthday is coming up soon.
The First Lady does not put chemicals in Malia and Sasha's hair - she's kept it healthy that way.
If left to it's own devices - without the harsh chemicals, Black Women's hair can grow quiet well, if allowed to be healthy. Has nothing to do with ' Caucasian Genes'. Black people have muti-racial since the first Slave Master stepped down to the Slave Quarters.
Most Black Americans have White Ancestors.
That Prova scarf adds such a fun, springy addition to her fairly neutral-colored outfit. What an amazing choice of accessory! :)
http://cafefashionista.blogspot.com
Mimi - "Tinat, here is a pic with the girls. You can see their hair is very long probably from their caucasian gene. They sure do not need fake ponitails"
For the record, black people's hair grows just as quickly as any other group's hair. CHEMICALS (via relaxers) and other activities which damage hair are why you see so many U.S. black women with shorter hair, when wearing actual hair length. The Obama girls have no chemicals in their hair, thus not inhibiting hair growth.
Black hair, when worn naturally, appears to be shorter because of the curly hair follicle. However, when straightened, true length appears. I have relatives as dark as any African, whose hair is longer than even the Obama girls.
Nyon - Love your description of her hair (and love that look on Michelle!) You are right on! I've never heard of a "faux hawk" ponytail. Just looked it up on line. I learned something new! Thanks!
This was a report from columnist Lynn Sweet of the Sun-Times today about their possible itinerary; I don't know if it will pan out, what's true, what's gossip or what:
"A dispatch from one of my French connections about the Obama family landing in Paris on Friday.......How they did it, I don't know, but they arrived in Paris all together.
The Faubourg Saint-Honore, one of the very chic-est street in Paris (Hermes, Sotheby's, Lanvin, etc.) where the ambassador's residence and the Elysee Palace are, has been blocked all day and there are many complaints.....Tomorrow's dinner at the Jules Vernes seems to be on.....
and a note from another one of my French spies....The program has been disclosed by the AFP....The 3 girls (First Lady Michelle, Malia and Sasha) went to the Tour Eiffel ....They'll go to Notre Dame tomorrow. Then: private dinner.....They'll go to the Modern Art Museum on Sunday....Then Michelle will go to the Elysée to see Carla + Nicolas Sarkozy and kids
......Then shopping spree in a children's store in VI ème arrondissment (Rive Gauche / Upscale)"
How could they have come together (as Lynn's source reports) when Mrs. O lunched with Mrs. Reagan and had a commencement address on Wednesday? It seems that the press gets in a tizzy when Mrs. O travels without the President because she doesn't have a press pool when it's just she and the girls---which is just great. I like when the media is kept guessing and a bit confused.
When I was Malia's and Sasha's age, my hair was as long as theirs....and all four of my grandparents are black. It wasn't until relaxers started getting put in my head that trouble began on the hair growth front. However, now that I don't use relaxers, my hair grows again.
You guys, the hair comment was innocent and the person has apologized. Let's move on from this topic - I think the statement has been clarified and folks who didn't know certain things about black hair, know now.
The scarf is alright. Not particularly feeling the hairdo (and I usually prefer her hair up); I guess it's the hump. I like her makeup though.
As usual, the girls look cute.
OK! We get it! Most Black Americans are "mutts."
Boy, there are some "prickly" people who read this blog!
(sigh)
"@Christina
Having European blood DOES NOT determaine hair length!! I have seen Michelle with her hair down her back when she was pregnant whith Sasha."
Who said it did? Not I. My only hair comment is that it's not necessarily "taking care of your hair" that makes it grow long. My hair is taken care of but when it's natural it'll always *look* short because it's kinky.
That's why I have it in locs now, because it naturally wants to loc on its own, and I don't feel like relaxing it or straightening it, though I have no beef with ladies who do. It's just hair, and I don't want to get into a good hair/bad hair discussion in 2009; we should be well past that.
I look on this blog all the time and never comment. I just wanted to say that I love how all the people on this site can say something that someone disagrees with and be corrected and still appreciate each others like/love for The Obama Family. On a side note, how wonderful to be young, (or any age for that matter), and visit a foreign land.
This ponytail discussion is why I can imagine the Obamas are not too thrilled to have their daughters photographed too often.
beautiful family ......Mrs O scarf is the perfect accessoryfor her casual attire,make up is good. What a way to celebrate a birthday for Sasha(8).I cant wait to see other photos from Paris.
Politico is reporting the reason for the Michelle's chief of staff shakeup. She didn't enjoy the bureaucratic part of the job. "Michelle Obama has become something of a media phenomenon, whose every move, and outfit, is chronicled..."
In other words - it's our fault!
Janelle,
I believe they meant that Michelle, Sasha, Malia, Ms. Robinson, and Leslie all arrived together in Paris on one plane from the USA and President Obama flew into Paris from Germany today on Air Force One. I'm sure that the pilot of Air Force One could time it just right so that they arrived at the same time as the other Obama plane. Well, that's how I see it.
They all look great I hope the Obama girls have a wonderful summer time vaction in Paris....
Leah D warning: geek alert (smile)
It would be air traffic control, not the pilot, that schedules landings.
@MochaDem,
I just read that too about Jackie Norris on Politico. Did the blogs and inquiries burn her out...after watching the NBC special extended interviews online, we should expect to hear about high turnover in the East and West wings because of the demands, ambitious agenda, and problems that this administration has to fix. It will wear on you for sure, especially if you get overwhelmed by the bureaucracy. I did like that the article said that she and Michelle are very close friends and Mrs. O trusts her a great deal---just wish Jackie could have stayed. It looks like the East Wing is somewhat calmer in tone in comparison to the West, but just as demanding and media driven now and has just exploded in terms of demands and scheduling. I don't think I could deal with the media everyday---I don't have the temperament for it. The press secretary for Mrs. O has 2 Blackberrys just to keep up. ...I guess I do feel a little guilty about contributing to the media phenomenon and blogosphere.
The article said that Jackie is much happier, the move was mutual and finalized weeks ago, and she and Mrs. O are very close and will be working together on community service projects through her office.
From CNN:
After the official ceremony (Saturday in Normandy), the Obama family will return to Paris, where they plan to visit the city's Notre Dame Cathedral and dine at a Paris restaurant.
On Sunday they are expected to visit the Pompidou Centre, which houses a vast collection of modern art, before the president flies back to the United States.
Michelle Obama and the children will extend their stay in the city, lunching with President Sarkozy and his wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, where they will also celebrate Sasha's eighth birthday.
The First Lady is also expected to visit the Louvre Museum, home to the Mona Lisa, before dinner with guests at a Paris restaurant. She and the children are expected to fly out of Paris on Monday.
Someone mentioned picturing the girls running up the Eiffel Tower...No way! It's HUGE! But I really, really hope they took time to take the elevators to the very top and see all of Paris spread out before them. The girls will never forget that!
I will there next month...I've been really looking forward to going! Smack in the middle of the Paris Summer Sales, too! for anyone who's headed over there soon: The tentative dates for the Paris Summer Sales (which are a real event - bargains galore) are listed as June 24, 2009 - July 28, 2009.
The Obama girls will probably squeal when they see some of the offerings on the menus in the cafes. When it got to be too much for me or I didn't recognize a single item of food I knew I was always safe ordering an omelet and some vegetables.
Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The girls will LOVE it! I'm sure they will take home some cute clothing from stores that we may have in the USA but the selection will be very "European". They will be thrilled to have some unique "Parisian" clothes to wear when they get home!
Love the scarf as well. Sasha is just uberadorable and Malia looks her usually mature self.
Bella, would you mind posting the link of Mrs. O pregnant with Sahsa that you referred to earlier. I would love to see it. Thanks
P.S. The "hair" discussion is somewhat funny! Even the pro-long hair bloggers came accross as a little defensive. Does that mean if Sahsa and Malia had shorter and curlier hair we would like them less or be less proud of them? Some made it seem as it is offensive to even suggest that the first daughters would be less than OK if they had short or coarse African American hair.
The length of ones hair is genetic just like the length of ones fingernails. As a rule black people's hair does not grow as long as the average white persons hair. White people were originally from colder climates where they genetically adapted with hair. Black people were originally from hotter climates where one did not need hair to stay warm. Agreed we are all mixed in this country but please Black people...get over it...there are other measures of beauty besides long hair. The tyranny of the hierarchy of hair is destroying us. I see adults that have pulled every last follicle out of the scalp with extensions trying to have long hair. Even worse people are mutilating their young children (physically & emotionally) in the quest to have long hair. My parents had five daughters and never let anyone make any comments about our hair or color. Each of us had different hair texture, length & skin color. Their mantra was "any hair on your head is good hair". I am so happy to have been an adolescent in the late sixties when Black people were proud of their color and their hair and didn't spend all of their time & money trying to figure out how to have long hair. From what I see of Mrs. O I am sure she is raising her children to have a healthy opinion of themselves that is separate and apart from how they look because I am sure that is the way her mother raised her. That is what Black parents need to start doing for their children or else they will never be able to succeed. We need to produce more Mr. & Mrs. Os. Bolstering self-esteem is the way to do it. A great trip to Paris doesn't hurt either.
Have a great weekend everybody.
in fact sasha's hair is shorter than it appears in the picture above. i think this whole conversation started with a visual error.. its the perspective of the shot that makes sasha look like shes wearing a very long, high pony tail. if you see the other pictures, her hair looks the same length it usually does and she's actually wearing it half up-half down
AMV,
You sound ignorant, hair length is NOT genetic.
Another link with pictures. It seems like the FLOTUS is wearing those sneakers again in a bright green color. She looks very french with her linen trousers.
http://justjared.buzznet.com/2009/06/05/michelle-obama-eiffel-tower/
Sasha has a great pair of converse sneakers too!
Also, scientist have determined that EVERYONE descends from Africa, so this hot, sooler temperature thing does not make sense.
I, like most people here, come to this site to discuss the First Lady's fashion.
Please, drop the racial hair discussion!!! Take it somewhere else. This is not the place for it.
I'm not trying to be the moderator but ENOUGH ALREADY!!!
In my opinion long hair on little girls makes them even more cuter! Sasha's long curls that she had during the Democratic Convention were adorable and she looked like a little angel.
Tess, if you've been here before you know that you can't get people to stop talking about what they want to talk about, and definitely not by shouting at them. All you can do is control your own actions. And my form of controlling my own actions is to withdraw until something new is posted.
(But I also want to say I agree with Lilly O @ 10:11.)
I love this blog but I wish this website was somekind of PHP forum where you can edit/delete your own comments because we at times make mistakes.
I can't wait for the new version Mrs T is working on. Hopefully it will have those features.
Once again I'm very sorry about my careless comment.
One last thing -- Mimi, nothing that is happening now is your fault. I knew when someone said "fake ponytail" how this thread was going to end up.
Christina, that's the crazy thing; In defending Sasha's hair I created this whole mess. At least next time, I'll read my comments 3 times before clicking "submit".(smiles)
The girls look adorable - very age appropriate and cute. As I remember they have always had longer hair and I have to admit I never gave it much thought. I have seen pics of Michelle with long hair -- I think the length she has now is convenient for the many events and clothes changes she has to go through every day.
However -- I have to say I think she looks very tired in this picture. The scarf & jacket are terrific -- very stylish -- but she looks tired as she did sometimes in the campaign.
I think the staff change was very hard on her. Probably a good decision -- there have been some glitches in her appearances -- but it is hard to fire somebody even when it's for the best. Let's be honest -- parts of Michelle's public appearances (those run by Desiree Rogers) have been great, others not so good. Jackie Norris, a high school civics teacher, was over her head and not up to the job. This is the very highest level of leadership and Michelle needs the best, she has that now with Susan Sher. But, it's not easy (if you have ever fired anybody, I have) and she does not Look happy. Hopefully the time in France with her family will get her over it. Paris is so romantic! I hope she has a good time.
Wow, I can't believe there more comments about Sasha Obama hair then on her mothers clothing...Good God it's just hair folks. And yes it's all her hair so lets move focus off the seven year old child. Talk about her mother after all the Blog is about Michelle Obama and not named Sasha....Just Saying!
Almost everyone that gets off of an international plane flight looks tired, traveling usually isn't normally a perk-you-up event.
And I don't see why so many people have been looking at Ms. Norris' career change negatively. And who said that Jackie Norris was fired? She was 'appointed' to her new post. She got her degree and now she wants to work in the profession that she studied for. Congrats to her!
Michelle's shoes:
justjared (DOT) buzznet (DOT) com/gallery/photos (DOT) php?yr=2009&mon=06&evt=obama-eiffel&pic=michelle-obama-eiffel-tower-01 (DOT)jpg
They are green metallic toed ... probably the same company as those purple toed ones she wore not long ago.
Full lengths pics here
http://justjared.buzznet.com/gallery/photos.php?yr=2009&mon=06&evt=obama-eiffel&pic=michelle-obama-eiffel-tower-08.jpg
So she is not wearing a cardigan! it's a jacket/sweater combo and the Lanvin shoes she wore at the community service event. I recognize the pants also, she wore them at one of her departmental visits.
EUROPEAN TOUR PART II:
So like I've been trying to keep up with the President ALL DAY, and suddenly Mrs.O and the girls are in FRANCE visiting the Eiffel tower!When am I going to sleep darn it!!! Anyone else remember how hectic the 1st European tour was with the time difference and all!
Anyway, when did Malia grow so tall and is now looking all chic and demure in her salmon jacket with popped collar and ponytail?! The President sure is surrounded by beautiful women. These girls are gorgeous and are definitely following in their mother's footsteps.
I approve of Mrs.O's high ponytail - trés chic. It gives her that young fresh open-faced look - I LIKE. So here's to a weekend of fashion and fun!
I agree, Leah D. I don't see this Norris issue as a big deal. It seems like Mrs. O had a friend she gave a job to, that job didn't fit, so they found something better for her. In the process, she replaced her with a longtime friend and trusted confidante from way back in the day. I actually think that's nice.
In terms of looking tired, I saw a quick video of Mrs. O and her entourage getting back into their cars, and she seemed in great spirits, smiling and waving to the crowd, and looked quite normal to me. I do imagine that she is a little tired, as Leah D wrote, it's a long flight and it's hard to look peppy after such a haul.
We should remember that these are candid pictures, not "1,2,3...SMILE" situations. If she's blinking, thinking, about to talk, just finished talking, something caught her eye, etc., a picture is going to look different than if she's ready and saying "cheese".
But that's just my take. I try not to read too deep into random photos I see of them. I'm a hard person to read, and I have found that all of my life people often wrongly assume a mood or something based on how I look at a particular moment.
Anyone know what time the festivities start tomorrow?
Good find, Leah D. I like the combo top. I'll leave the pants alone. Comfort is king for Mrs. O!