Wednesday
Sep302009
Bidding in Electric Blue
Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 6:44 PM 
Pool Image / Reuters
The first lady gave a speech this evening at a dinner in support of Chicago's 2016 Olympic bid. In a change of ensemble, Mrs. O wore a custom electric blue jacquard sheath dress by Jason Wu accessorized with a glass pearl necklace by Erickson Beamon.
tagged Erickson Beamon, Jason Wu
Erickson Beamon, Jason Wu
Reader Comments (53)
Cute. Up close it looks like that dress has some kind of subtle python print. A little edgy but very appropriate. And that necklace is a statement necklace if I ever saw one.
Here's a video of her speaking
http://nyhederne.tv2.dk/article.php/id-25433341.html
The necklace is a WOW!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/30/michelle-obama-arrives-in_0_n_304045.html
Ooooohhhhh!!!
I noticed the necklace before anything else. Erickson Beamon makes outstanding pieces. If I could only have a few moments to raid Mrs. O's jewelry box. Her accessories are to die for.
Bevi, that's what I said.
I noticed the wonderful necklace first also, but then I saw the beautiful color of the dress. They look fabulous together!
Oh, and I know this is old news but remember the skirt Mrs.O wore at the white house to promote Chicago's bid for the Olympics a few weeks ago seen here?:
http://mrs-o.org/newdata/2009/9/16/en-garde.html
Well I had been wondering who designed it because I thought the print was so intricate yet abstract and I found a shirt with the same pattern here:
http://www.matchesfashion.com/fcp/product/Matches-Fashion/Tops/erdem-erd-w-5044nfss-tops/12367?colour=blue&source=UK&siteid=61259
by up and coming British designer Erdem. Then just a few minutes ago I was reading an article about Sarah Browns new look and how she has "taken a cue" from our First Lady and started wearing young designer labels, one being Erdem and she looked fabulous in a dress by the same label. Here's the article:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1217041/The-fashionistas-verdict-How-Sarah-Brown-transformed-mousey-dowdy-partner-Fashions-First-Lady.html?ITO=1490
I have to say since the G20 events last week Mrs.Brown has been looking great. I think she's learned the value of expression through clothing and a good makeup artist and hair stylist. Thankfully Mrs.O learned that early on.
Mrs. O looks stunning in this blue ensemble and the necklace is to die for!
You'd need to be large (read: tall) to wear that necklace.
Beautilicious!! Ok, is it me or does The First Lady seem intent on wearing a shorter seam length on this trip and maybe as she transitions into fall? It`s rare for her to wear her skirts and sheaths above or at the knee to public events. Lady Michelle is so exciting and bold with her fashion. I`m loving that Beamon necklace. Does anyone know if she kind of re-arranged it to look that way?
@ Kate, she does have an impressive collection of (large) necklaces. But you are right, and I think they balance well with her frame. Her hair,makeup and legs are fierce too!
I love the interesting color of this dress, which I cannot name. Is it purple, blue, a combination? The tone-on-tone color with that amazing necklace is very sophisticated. I think the style of the dress is lovely and it accentuates her waist without a belt. I would have preferred the hemline to be a little longer, but overall, it's another interesting and original home run.
THE CURVE IS MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD
Mrs.O seems to be pulling out all the stops today. First that geometric suit and now this knock out necklace! It makes such a bold statement - like a precursor to her speech.
She is just exuding confidence as she walks to the podium and delivers this speech, as if to say: "Chicago delivered the first black President and one heck of a First Lady...The Olympics? Oh yeah, a piece of cake".
Mrs. O seems to be wearing her hem lines slightly higher in her recent pics. I prefer the knee length ones. i.e. A couple of inches longer. Nothing to do with my age. PS. I am 30 yrs old
She always wears the right accesory..love it!
Splendid. Cool, Classy, Mrs. O trademark look. I have NO QUIBBLE WHATSOEVER...!
She looks great! This electric blue sheath dress also looks fantastic in front of Chicago's blue sky.
Someone did their homework!
Rather off topic, Willow Dear, I was critical of your comments before and not you.To be fair, you are one of the more reasonable people we have here! I hadn`t noticed the correlation to the skyline before; nice eyes Ann!
I LOVE the dress, colours and necklace BUT just wish the dress length was a bit longer.
The short length and close fit of the dress is not perfect for the socially conservative representatives on the IOC but they probably wouldn't support the US candidacy anyway.
Oy oy oy. I'm so bored with the dress length thing. It's the length it is. Mrs O has a beautiful figure and wonderful legs that I'd LOVE to have! Seems some of you can never be grateful for what you have.
Beautiful First Lady? Check. Smart First Lady? Check. Compassionate First Lady? Check. Stylish First Lady? Check. Great wife? Check. Great mother? Check. Sense of family? Check. Good values? Check. Understands what it is to run a family and work full-time? Check. Passionate about health and well being for ALL? Check. Cares about children, the vulnerable? Check. Not afraid to highlight problems to benefit others? Check. Being a great ambassador for American fashion industry? Check.
Not enough for you?
Well for myself I think she looks fantastic. The dress, the necklace, the personal fitness of the lady..... To me, she looks like the representative of a country and city that's au fait with sports, that isn't afraid of the new, not afraid of a challenge. Someone who's confident in command of an audience. Someone who has a schedule thanks very much, but believes in her country's ability to deliver. Someone who knows that it's time America got to claw back some of the international respect that it lost over the past eight years. And a good way to do that is to put youself on the line as hosts for an event like this.
Still. I guess if it hadn't been the length of the dress, it would have been comments about a belt, or something wrong with the colour or the shoes, wouldn't it?
(I am sick to death of people looking at the First Lady through their own ideas of what's "Right". Get over it. Embrace what IS.)
You are so right Posh Tater.
New pic of our beautiful first lady:
http://www.daylife.com/photo/0ehN7tP9PD3FE?q=michelle+obama
Michelle never fails to surprise especially with her bold jewellry and brave choice of shoes. For years, I always matched my shoes with my outfit. Thanks to Michelle for showing that it is okay to wear coloured shoes with outfits. I shall make more of an effort to buy those coloured shoes that always turn up in the sales because no one thinks it will "go" with anything.
Posh- as my grammy used to say "you hit the nail on the head." I was watching some video footage about Mrs O. and they quoted her as saying "darned if you do, darned if you don't" It seems as if we can never celebrate an outfit because people start taking the focus elsewhere... did that dress have extra thread, that blouse was too black, that shirt had too many buttons (okay, now I'm being facetious) the point is people are being very nit-picky. It is okay not to like whatever it is you don't like, but I think sometimes we go overboard. And, I don't know about the rest of you, but when I'm that way, it's usually because of some of my insecurities and trying to project that onto someone else. Anyway, enough of that.
Yola- thanks for the link. I think FLOTUS looks beautiful as always because she's so confident and comfortable!
@ Posh
I thought the point here was to come and comment on the outfit and some people like myself believe it would have looked better a tad longer. What are you going on about? You are OK, babe?
OMG, her beautiful body. Her hair is always in place. I can't wait to see the fall line. I would love to raid her closet.
OMG, her beautiful body. Her hair is always in place. I can't wait to see the fall line. I would love to raid her closet.
Yola, thanks for that link.
The pattern on this ensemble reminds me of the Tracey Feith dress Mrs. O wore the day after the Inauguration. What say you?
Prevention Mag piece:
Liz: You're held up as a fashion icon, and the media pays so much attention to your curves and your arms. Has it affected your body image?
Mrs. Obama: No, not really--but I thank God I'm 45 in this and not 35. I feel bad for young women going through the same thing, because [at that age] you don't know who you are. I know what makes me happy. I pick the clothes that make me happy--sometimes people like them, sometimes they don't. I try to listen to my own internal guide. My message to women: Do what makes you feel good, because there'll always be someone who thinks you should do it differently. Whether your choices are hits or misses, at least they're your own.
Is today's outfit a dress or a suit? Either way, me likey! Love the color and the pattern.
You all might enjoy reading this
http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2009Mar24/0,4670,FEALifestylesMichelleObamaSleevegate,00.html
thanks yola.
I love this outfit especially the pearls it complete everything
Thanks mrs. A. That is what I love about mrs. O. She owns her choices whether they be a hit or miss in other people,s eyes. Her self confidence is to be admired. I love her necklace and the color of her dress.
@POSH
Standing ovation. Women on here KILL me with their clothing length comments and what is appropriate clothes comments. Now chicks on here are speaking for the Olympic committee. SMH She is not a child, so women on here need to stop talking about her like she is one!! This is her style not any of yours, get over it she aint changing her style for any of you, which I love. Who cares what length yall "prefer" her skirts to be, she is NOT your child, now yall counting inches of her clothes.SMH She is a 45 year old woman, not a nun. I don't know what counrty yall live in where fit 45 year old women wear their skirts to the floor.
I like the dress...what I can see of it. I particularly like that Jason Wu designed it for Mrs O. I think this is good strategy for her... to ask a favored designer who knows your body and your likes to custom design some pieces. Wu presumably knows how to cut a dress for Mrs. O and he can work off some proven successes on her other Wu dresses varying for the new designs the fabric, sleeves, neck, and length etc. I think it's great that she experimented with a shorter length. She does have great legs.
Am a right in thinking that Wu doesn't use those high belts?
One note: this photo was taken from below the stage she was talking on, or in other words, looking up. So it accentuates the legs.
I wonder if there is a certain amount of jealousy from the old guard, here is a woman who wears what she darn well pleases, laughs at convention and does'nt measure the inches of her skirts and it might infuriate some women so tied to convention and rules that there are woman who don't care and are happy. Michelle's message about being happy really is a blow to those who feel protected by the rules and those who use rules to make women feel less than.
I am so very proud of our First Lady, she not only thinks for herself, she also dresses for herself. And that mean alot, especially when the whole entire world is watching you. She could very easily dress modestly and safe, but would that make her happy--no. And she is interested in not only making others happy but herself as well. What a lady she is, there is not many like her, and I thank God for putting her in the spotlight for all to see and emulate--if we dare!
NICE DRESS SHE IS FINNEY MATCHING HER DRESS AND SUITE.
Joss at 1:09,
Thanks very much.
Posh,
You know I love you a lot. You're one of the best people on this blog.
A number of us have said that we like a longer length than Mrs. O has worn in two of her recent outfits. But, I don't see that as criticism of her. It's a statement merely of what we like best in the length of a garment.
The purpose of the site, from the About Us page is: "The site hopes to be a central, ever evolving resource to chronicle Mrs.O’s look, while providing fashion commentary and information."
What is "fashion commentary?" I think that fashion commentary includes comments about what we like about an outfit, and what we don't like so much about an outfit. I don't see commenting on the length of an outfit as a criticism of the First Lady, who deserves all of your beautifully worded praise of her. I see it as "fashion commentary".
I think it's clear when comments move into the realm of criticism of the First Lady, and I think that is unacceptable.
If the only acceptable "fashion commentary" on this site is positive and complimentary, don't we take away half of what "fashion commentary" is?
Love you, Posh.
Posh,
You know I love you a lot. You're one of the best people on this blog.
A number of us have said that we like a longer length than Mrs. O has worn in two of her recent outfits. But, I don't see that as criticism of her. It's a statement merely of what we like best in the length of a garment.
The purpose of the site, from the About Us page is: "The site hopes to be a central, ever evolving resource to chronicle Mrs.O’s look, while providing fashion commentary and information."
What is "fashion commentary?" I think that fashion commentary includes comments about what we like about an outfit, and what we don't like so much about an outfit. I don't see commenting on the length of an outfit as a criticism of the First Lady, who deserves all of your beautifully worded praise of her. I see it as "fashion commentary".
I think it's clear when comments move into the realm of criticism of the First Lady, and I think that is unacceptable.
If the only acceptable "fashion commentary" on this site is positive and complimentary, don't we take away half of what "fashion commentary" is?
Love you, Posh.
I am so sorry about the double post. I've worked to get rid of it, but the system won't let me.
I posted the comment, tried to return to a previous page, and got a warning that my comment had not been confirmed. So, I confirmed it, and then realized that it had, indeed, been confirmed already.
I've tried to delete it through revision, but it doesn't work. Sorry.
Anyone who visits Jason Wu's runway shows knows that he, known in the trade for designing for the 20something crowd, goes for short to very short shirts in most of his designs. He also does a lot of strapless gowns.
Before anyone jumps in and says that someone with a good figure can wear these, I'll say yes they can. But sometimes they are not as flattering as a skirt that is a bit longer. We're not talking dowdy here - just mid knee, a flattering length. And one that also "sits" well if a girl needs to sit down!
This dress looked OK with a short skirt. It would have looked better, more flattering, just a little bit longer.
This is about clothing design. Only clothing design. Please do not start reading between lines. There's nothing there.
When I was little playing in my mom's jewelry box, going through her closet and accessories was so much fun for my sisters and I. Malia and Sasha must be having a ball!
Below the knee naysayers, remember it is in your humble opinion, for a moment there your comments sounded so authoritative I thought you were issuing a decree instead of sharing your opinion as one voice among many. It would be lovely guys if you insure your fashion commentaries are phrased as opinions and not fact that way there is room left in the discussion for the opinion of others and there is no need for anyone to get their panties in a twist because of an opinion. I am just saying some of you come across as if your opinion is gospel and I know you do not intend to.
Definitely better than the black & gray ensemble, but still not really feeling the outfit. It's alright though. That's good, since I generally believe that Jason Wu ensembles don't favor her.
Would everybody please re- read Willow's post @1:40 pm? I totally agree with every single word she said. When you carry on live conversations with people, do you blast them every time they express an opinion that is different from yours? Hope not! I love this site, but let's not drive people away with attacks on their opinions. If you disagree with somebody, just say so calmly please. As long as we keep this about FASHION, and don't venture into personal attacks, THEN EVERYBODY's opinion is valid. Personally, I don't like the belts, and I like her hemlines AT the kneecap, not above, but so what! It's not an act of treason to my country.
Boazwife,
Your comment is so right on, and very well taken by me. I had just been thinking that I do exactly what you describe, and that I should more often use phrases like, "I think that...", "I feel this...", etc.
I agree with BeeGee above. I think a mid-kneecap length is more flattering than the shorter lengths. But that's just me, with my history and background. The shorter length seems to please others very much.
You are so smart, Boazwife, and able to say things so well. It's good to hear from you again.
Isn't it understood that these are "just our opinions"? Kudos to you, Willow!
Boazwife that's exactly it. The people who come on here and state their opinion as fact are the one's I'm getting at. They are failing to understand a basic truth:
"That belt doesn't work" FOR YOU
"That dress is too short" FOR YOU
"What IS she wearing" WHAT SHE WANTS
"She needs a stylist" I HAVE NO RESPECT FOR ANYONE'S OPINION BUT MINE
***
Now. The whole "but this is a fashion blog and I was just commenting" thing is cute but disingenuous. With big fluttery eyelashes. There's a whole bunch of regular posters here who can come on every day and say whether they love or hate an outfit WITHOUT saying:
a) that they hate it,
b) that Mrs Obama needs professional help, or
c) that she doesn't quite understand how things "should be done".
Those of you who come here to say that Mrs Obama doesn't understand how things are done are just denigrating a lovely woman.
That's all there is to it. We DO know. We gotcha. It's boring. It's unecessary. We know what you're doing. Find a blog called SlaggingOffNiceWomenWho'veGotWhatI Haven't.com and go there every day to whinge instead. Please. You'll be happy there, complaining with other complainers.
***
Lastly.... A note about short skirts and the (apparent) shock value of a skirt shorter than the knee, in public, in the year 2009.
As far as I'm aware, since about 1955, the miniskirt has been a common fashion item all across the world. Thanks to either Mary Quant, Courreges or someone-else-I-can't-remember, depending on who you read.
So, for about fifty years, various celebrities, politicians, actors, royalty and (wait for it) politicians wives have been seen, in public, wearing skirts shorter than the knee WITHOUT the sky falling in. It's true. I verified it with a Chicken Who Knows.
Amazingly, given the proliferation of skirts shorter than the knee over the last five DECADES, no God's have declared a plague of locusts on the developing world, flooded the entire planet in a fit of knee induced pique, nor has war been declared on the country hosting that be-kneed woman.
Therefore, it seems to me that it's a bit weird to be saying "oooo, that's a bit short." I mean, no-one was saying "Oh, I'm not sure..... is that a belt or a skirt?" THEN we'd have something worth discussing!
Now, the speech? That was WAY too short. Practically indecent.
I think the babies on her neck are too heavy
They are a beautiful couple. I love them so much. Mrs. O looks fabulous. She looks amazing in this black and white outfit with the sweater. I love all her outfits. This week in Copenhagen, MG! was outstanding and last week in the G-Summit was magnificent!!!!!!. She gets A++++. The thing is, she is pear shape and everything she wears, she looks terrific. I do think she was the most outstanding of all the GSummit wives. Well, except for Carla Bruni, she looks nice. I feel so proud as a woman of color. Those haters are just jealous. They will always find something bad to say about Mrs.O.
Trueadmirer.