Monday
Jul062009
Pretty in Peach
Monday, July 6, 2009 at 10:01 AM 
Photo by Stringer / AFP / Getty
The Os have deplaned in Moscow and Mrs. O is wearing a lovely peach ensemble, reminiscent of her white ensemble worn on D-day, and belt at the waist with a Sonia Rykiel belt. More to follow.
Update #1: Mrs. O wears a Narciso Rodriguez dress, paired with a Michael Kors collarless coat, both in a peachy coral hue. The first lady wore a similar combination from the same designers in white when she visted France last month.
Update #2: The little Os both wear J.Crew -- Malia wears a silk taffeta trench and satin ballet flats by J.Crew, while Sasha wears a twill trench and flats by crewcuts.
Reader Comments (141)
@Christina,
Hi, sorry I missed your question earlier. I keep quoting RickyDee because his "stylist" comment is the only one I ever copied, so it's the only one I have. . . beside my own. His posts were always full of insider info and were written so succinctly that they helped me form my own ideas (on this topic at least). Credit where credit is due! But you're right. I've probably overdone it a bit.
I realize that this is a style blog. But I still have to say that the belts are clearly a part of her signature style. Some women do bangles, some women do great bags, some women always have on a great piece of jewelry. Our FLOTUS loves belts.
Because this is a style blog, I feel that perhaps we need to accept the fact that she has chosen to love and embrace belts. I am not saying we have to like it, but I am saying we should move on! I would love her to wear high heels, but if EVERY post was about her wearing high heels, it would get old, would it not?
We haven't seen a first lady with this much style in a long, long time. Nancy Reagan was arguably the most fashionable first lady since Jackie O. Now we have Mrs. Obama and she is bringing a whole new sense of style. We haven't had little kids in the White House either! I just think it is a great time all around and there are so many other things to talk about, other than her belts. Which are not going anywhere! Clearly!
BELTS, BELTS, BELTS
OK, I'm over it! I will not longer complain about the belts that Ms. O wears with sweaters, jackets, shirts, coats or dresses. Complaining about how terrible they make her outfits look or the fact that the belts cut her lines in half are going on deaf ears. I have to respect her right to wear them over and over again. I do like the color and style choices for her dress and the girls.
However, I will begin my post with BELTS, BELTS, BELTS (but no complaints).
What a far cry from the Europe vacation look where the hair stylist was not being used. The family look gorgeous. The girls are too cute! I love that Malia is allowed to wear her hair braided instead of straightened. Mrs. O looks fabulous, and her hair is done without those real straight extensions that took away from her beautiful full hair. She looks magnificent! Our President looks so handsome and so proud of his gorgeous wife and pretty girls.
Alsace, I think you have made the case beautifully for the use of a stylist; and I don't understand why that strikes such a negative chord with some people. To me, seeking good advice or a second opinion or just an objective set of eyes is a sign of strength and wisdom, not weakness and ignorance. Is there anyone here who's never asked a friend or daughter how something looks? Why do we do that? Is it because we don't know how to dress ourselves or because we're just plain clueless? Of course not. It's because none of us can see ourselves the same way others see us. And when I look at photos of myself, I have been sometimes pleasantly surprised and sometimes appalled that my outfit looked better or worse in the photo than it did in person.
You can also sign me up for the banish the belts campaign. I think that a stylist could point out the areas in which these things are doing her no service. When you stand in front of your full-length mirror and get yourself all smoothed out and arranged, things might look really good. You don't see how the coat is going to bunch up under the arm or over the rear when you start moving about, because the belt doesn't allow it to hang and move freely. I disagree that the belts create shape and definition; I think they do just the opposite. They create bunching and bulging in unflattering places.
Although my own budget has never allowed me to employ a professional stylist, my daughter has been my "fashion conscience" since she grew up. I never pull something off the rack to look at it that I don't hear her voice in my head. And when I imagine her famous line "Mom, just say NO," I often put it right back. :)
SUNRISE TO SUNSET:
•This morning when I awoke and wrote my first comments on their the Obama's departure,
I was like... yea, everyone looks so wonderful and bright!!!
•Then by midday upon their arrival in Moscow, I was like...ok, I've seen Mrs.O look better and
this is not a total failure, but I won't call it a total success either.
• And then finally we have the closing of the day with dinner with President Medvedev and his
wife, I am like...now that's more like it!
In spite of Mrs.O's penchant for belts that seem to (at times) do more harm than good, I have come to accept them simply because it's part of WHO she is, and like the creatures of habit that we are, we always return to what we know and what we love - and who can fault that in ANY woman for that...
Cheers! Tomorrow is another day...
Thanks to everyone who helped me to see that it really was a napkin on Mrs. O's lap, and that Mrs. M had one, too.
Alsace - It's good to see you here.
Mrs. T - It was good to see you suggesting that we simply accept Mrs. O's belts, because she is going to wear them.
I too would like to join the "Banish the Belt" club. Like the colour of the apricot ensemble, tho.
I agree with Mrs. T that the belts are here to stay, though I don't buy into "embracing" all of them. Nor do I think this conversation is going to end anytime soon. Most of us come here because we're into fashion, love the First Lady, and are endlessly interested in what she is wearing. But that doesn't mean we love everything she wears - nor should we. This site would be of no interest to me if it became a 24/7 lovefest for everything she wears. We're not acolytes; we're people with varying degrees of fashion knowledge and savvy who have opinions. I admit that the tone gets a little grating at times, but it seems to even out over time, and I can live with the annoyance. I certainly don't want to shut down the conversation because people get a little carried away with their opinions
I was thinking this afternoon that one reason we get so riled up is because MO has set the bar so high. She burst onto the national political scene a few years ago, and we'd really never seen anything like her. In terms of her clothes alone, she stood apart from every other woman out there - brooches, and lots of them! belts! toned arms, and the right to bare them! new, relatively unknown designers! It seemed like every week there was something new to see and talk about. We got used to being surprised by her, and in a way came to expect the surprises. Is this fair? No. Is it MO's job to entertain us with her clothes? Absolutely not. But do we love it when she surprises us with something new and unexpected? You bet we do!
Give it a week, or month, or a few months. There will be a new something that will captivate us - at least until it starts looking familiar, and we'll start picking it apart too. I blame the 24 hour news cycle - it's like a beast that needs to be fed, and we're in the cage with it.
Mrs. M may be one of Russia's best dressed women but in photographs she looks a good 10 years older than our FLOTUS, and our Michelle is one year younger than she is!
Ace the belt for God's sake!!! It's awful! She wears it under her bust to---what? Emphasize her small bust? To De-emphasize her high waist and big tuchus? Just get rid of it entirely, and all those ill fitted clothes! And see someone like the folks at Calvin Klein, for good old American casual elegance, in fabrics and with a cut and draping that will accentuate your assets--not merely hide your flaws!!!
And btw, that Narcisco Rodriguez B&W number was too tight across her hips!! It gapped when she walked in it. Get some clothes that fit you, Mrs. O!!
The peach ensemble is a beautiful color, but instead of the duster that requires a belt, a fitted jacket would have been my suggestion.
One thing I notice is that Mrs. O rarely carries a handbag when "on duty". Good move to always have both hands free. And she surely has a handler close by with a hanky or a touch up. I read that QEII carries a handbag everywhere because she has a series of codes with her staff that use the bag to signal "get this person out of here" or "give me more time with this one" etc.
Handbag freaks must be disappointed, however, that Michelle O doesn't accossorize much with bags.
They look gorgeous as a family. What a treat for the President that he can make this trip with all of them along. The dress that Michelle is wearing is lovely, and the color looks great on her. She has GOT to get rid of the belts though! I cannot stand it any longer, it is messing up all her (beautiful!) outfits!
When you click on this site, it's telling us that it's under maintenance! I had to click on "cached" to get on! Please check!
What a gorgeous First Family we have! Michelle's dress looked hot pink on my television (which looked awesome by the way!), but I love that the dress is actually a peach color. Personally, I love her belts (and everything about her!) and that's that. ;-)
Mrs.O is wearing the Jason Wu dress she wore for the Barbra Walter's interview for the president's speech in Moscow and for her visit to a Russian orphanage.
I am not a big belt fan -- partly because I think they are uncomfy and bunch up -- so I kind of transfer that knowledge to what she's wearing. I do have to admit that i like the clear one because it does not break up the line of the clothing! Love the outfit -- the whole family looks precious!
Mrs. O is so surprising! I watched footage of her on Russian TV at an orphanage/hospital and accompanying the Prez on stage at his speech early this morning. She's wearing the sleeveless black/white dress (Jason Wu I think) from the Barbara Walters interview before the inauguration, also with a signature beautiful brooch. As someone has pointed out---cardigans in the summer, sleeveless in the cold and winter, Mrs. O is one dynamic woman. Here I thought she would go conversative the whole time in Moscow, but Mrs. O is so confident and her own woman, she wears what she wants when she wants. The Russian media spoke very positively of her and were quite impressed. I could tell that Mrs. O was definitely holding back from hugging the children and showing overt physical contact, which I could tell was hard for her. The Russian culture is very subdued, but she was all smiles and so were the staff and young children. She was very aware of the culture and protocols, and even though the media there does not follow political wives hardly at all, they seemed very impressed with Mrs. O and her comments to the staff and kids and the way she carried herself---they did not care at all that Mrs. O was sleeveless and Mrs. M was covered up (I hate American media--grrrrr). The coverage I viewed was totally focused on the event itself and how the staff really liked her. Mrs. O towered over a lot of people there and she really stands out no matter where she goes. She definitely has that "it" factor for sure.
Mrs. O showed tremendous confidence and stature. She has a very strong presence and looked beautiful today. She is very comfortable in her own skin and it shows. Whether we like what she's wearing or not, Mrs. O is a fascinating woman in our history and represents us so well abroad.
I have just seen a photo of Michelle hugging a nun at the nursing college, so she did get to hug! The Russian TV coverage I saw didn't show this--we know Mrs. O is a hugger and can really connect with people. No pictures I've seen hugging the children so far, but the nun looked very happy to get a hug from our First Lady, so I'm sure the children did too at some point.
Alsace:
I agree with your post and can understanding exactly where you are coming from.
I have always said that she didn't need a stylist, but I am beginning to reconsider my opinion. Mrs O just needs someone to be her second pair of eyes and give her an honest critique of her fashions!
Beautifully said, Janelle. I also had the sense she was taking it slowly fashion-wise, perhaps to gauge the response of the people (political and not) with whom she was in contact. I thought her expression at the private dinner last night was so much more relaxed than it was during the tea with Mrs. M. You pointed out her respect for the culture and protocol of the country she is visiting, and I think that is what we are seeing. Among the many things I appreciate about the Obamas is the faith I have that they do not overstep boundaries and risk another unneeded criticism of our country in the international press. They are wonderful ambassadors at a time we desperately need them.
I haven't seen the tape from today's visit - I can't wait! I've been wearing brooches for years and love it when one (or more) of hers shows up on a garment.
I agree completely with Alsace. When Michelle is on the world stage representing her country, whether it's fair or not, this is not the place to have fun with fashion e.g. endless belts with some clothes that do not flatter her or the occasion. She badly needs a stylist, yes, a team, who can work with her. I don't think anyone would imagine Michelle is the type of person to subject herself to having someone choose her wardrobe for her. A flattering but "boring" suit would have been a better choice for meeting Mrs. M.
I don't claim to be an expert on Russian culture, and some of you may very well be far more knowledgeable than I; however, I did have the wonderful opportunity a few years ago to visit Moscow and St. Petersburg, and--much to my surprise--I found the Russian people to be very warm, vivacious, and gregarious. So I have a feeling we may be seeing some more hugging before it's all over.
@MsG---I too see Mrs. O hugging a lot more in Russia now and especially when she comes back. ABC.com reports that the Father that gave her the hospital tour said that he wished she could have stayed forever. I've found Russian people as well to be very warm and not stuffy at all as often portrayed here in the US---they know how to party too! But what I was mainly referring to in a previous post is the projection of what is expected in Russian culture from political wives and those in higher positions that I'm just learning about. But I sense that Mrs. O just held back at first so that people can get to know her better, and then as operafanatic said, she just slowly eases into it---can't shock people too much too fast, no sudden moves is always the best thing during the first visit with a country where the US has had very strained relations. When Mrs. O first arrived in Moscow, she did look a lot less relaxed and then by this morning, she looked incredibly relaxed. Diplomacy on all fronts is no joke I guess. I know she's probably thinking---"Whew, that wasn't so bad".
There are structural techniques in clothes-making for people who are in the press glare.
Because the press examines Mrs Obama's clothing with a microscope perhaps her advisors should encourage her to take advantage of those techniques.
Princess Diana's evening wear was stayed in the bodice to keep everything in place. Queen Elizabeth's dresses are weighted in the hem to keep the skirt from flying.
Mrs Obama enjoys wearing wide belts and there has to be a way to keep them fixed. That is the issue.
I have 1 wide belt and when I wear it at work (sitting then standing) I notice I am always adjusting it.
Mrs Obama should wear what she wishes.
Why is it on the discussion board we have a thread for those O supporters who "overreact". Yet on the main page you can call for BANISH THE BELT SHE NEEDS A STYLIST OH NO THE SWEATERS. I say again if you consistently do not want to follow the fashion of Mrs O, what and whom she is wearing why INSIST on discussing your personal fashion philosophies on the main page. Since there is agreement in certain categories, I am sure you guys will have a ball discussing how the belt bunches and oh maybe now she needs a stylist, to your heart's content in the discussion room.
I must join the "banish the belt" club too.
what on earth could these belts be holding up?
the kids look great and the President is always so handsome - maybe he is encouraging the belts.
I agree with Kathryn that there are ways of making things work. If you like belts, you like belts; but making them look attractive may require a few special techniques. In my opinion, it's not the belts themselves that are so off-putting; and it's not always even the positioning. It's the things they're worn with and the fact that they usually seem to detract from rather than adding to the outfit. We usually expect an accessory to complement (meaning complete) the outfit, not to look as if it belongs in a different outfit.
And I've been thinking that the reason some people have a hard time putting the subject to rest is that it--for some!--defies logic. It's hard to comprehend the thought process that would lead someone to look in the mirror while wearing a nonfitted garment like a sweater or coat and say to yourself, "Hmmmmm, this needs a belt." Things that "need" belts, IMO, are things that have belt hoops, things that are fitted at the place where the belt will be worn so that the belt can fit smoothly without causing bunching and gathering, or things that are fitted AND need an accessory to punch them up a little. It would never occur to many people to pull a belt around something that was designed to hang freely, so putting one on such a garment defies logic. And when we don't "get" something, it's just as surprising the 100th time we see it as it is the first time. That's my 39-cent analysis. :)
I hope someone is kind enough to show Mrs. O some of these pics with the belts. What may have started out as a good idea is simply not flattering. She looks pregnant with the belts just below her bustline (I seriously doubt that is her intent). And who on earth wears a belt on the OUTSIDE of a cardigan? Really. She's doing okay, but some of her ensembles appear a bit cheap and tacky --- not the image the First Lady should be presenting. Some of the sheaths with matching jackets she used to wear were much more flattering and made her look about 15 lbs. slimmer. She needs a stylist to be traveling with her.
Mrs. G:
Belts worn over sweaters were big during the 70's and 80's and is just a blast from the past.
I vividly remember the style as I wore thin belts around pullover sweaters with skirts and pants.
It is not a look for me that I will repeat.
Mrs. Obama loves her belts. I have stated numerous tyimes that she is very short-waisted and the width of the belts are not good for her body type. Also, the belts don't seem to photograph well and could look better in person.
If she is a typical January born person (I am one), I don't like to be "told" what to wear but will take "suggestions".
Before the chorus starts, no I don't have a personal stylist, but I have determined what style of clothes work well on my body type and my mind is not easily deterred.
Jerseygirl,
I have seen some lovely belted cardigans even more recently than the 70s and 80s. In fact, I bought one from Talbots just a couple of years ago but removed the belt because I don't wear belts well. But the cardigans that are meant to be belted are close-fitted through the waist, they're usually longer, and they're worn buttoned up. The belt can look very smart, I think, because it gives the cardigan the more polished look of a jacket. But I've never seen anyone else wear a belt over a short, open cardigan that's not shaped to have something over the top of it and consequently looks gathered and bunched in all the wrong places. Same goes with the coats. On a fitted cardigan or coat, the belt makes sense (to me!!); on the other, I just don't get it.
But hey, we all make our own choices. I wasn't born in January, but I have a bit of that independent streak, too, so I know what you're saying.
It is getting so freaking tiring to read those same old nonsense re: Mrs. O's belts and cardigans!!! We get it!! You hate Mrs. O's style!!! Find another site where you can discuss how illogical Mrs.O is for wearing something that she obviously loves and feels most comfortable wearing.
Gosh! this blog used to be a fun escape, but now it has come to a point where I dread coming here. I would accord some of these criticisms more weight if their authors ever had anything positive to say about Mrs.O.
I love everything about the way Mrs. O. dresses -- the jewelry, the cardigans, the print dresses -- everything except THOSE DARN BELTS!!! Oh, how I wish she would give them a rest! She is such a beautiful, elegant lady. Why does she persist in drawing attention to the ONLY figure flaw she has: her pear shape (short waist, wide hips)? I'm built the same way and I would NEVER wear a wide belt. It makes me look frumpy and fat. Here's hoping it's a fashion phase and she will soon move on...
I totally agree with MsG and Alsace. Mrs. O. is certainly an intelligent woman, and as such, will hopefully in the near future come to realize that she does, indeed, need a stylist. Being the First Lady is a huge job with much exposure...I'm sure that Mrs. O. wants to look her best while on the world stage, and a stylist would help her do just that.
I really enjoy most of her fashion choices, Her use of color is refreshing and original. I do feel she needs to stop wearing her belts directly under her breasts. She has a short torso and long legs. When she wears her belts incorrectly it ruins her entire look. It also makes her look as if she does not have a waist at all bringing uncessary attention to her stomach area.
I really enjoy most of her fashion choices, Her use of color is refreshing and original. I do feel she needs to stop wearing her belts directly under her breasts. She has a short torso and long legs. When she wears her belts incorrectly it ruins her entire look. It also makes her look as if she does not have a waist at all bringing uncessary attention to her stomach area.
GET OVER IT!!! She likes wearing belts and she is going to continue to wear them. I don't understand why people have to comment on EVERY single post that they hate her belts. You said in the last thread and the one before that and the one before that. Like someone suggested there are chatrooms that you can start now. Everytime she wears a belt, go in that chatroom and complain about her belts until your heart is content, but please give us other posters a break. PLEASE!!
I am sorry, I like the first lady but she looks 4 months with child in this outfit. She does not have the waistline to wear a belt, its under her chest.
whouahou! this peach color is gergous!!!
chic color!!
Its my favorite one though i dont like the dress cut. If Mrs O happen to read this blog, i would suggest her to wear retro dress with structured cut( pastel color of course!), accessorised with handbag. I hope soon she will try a such style.
Amazing as always :)