O Joy!
Friday, January 15, 2010 at 3:42 PM 
Image by Tim Sloan / Getty Images
First Lady Mrs. O visited the Department of Labor today, stopping by the day care center to read "Green Eggs and Ham" to a group of children. We love the joy captured in the photo above as Mrs. O interacts with says goodbye the children (...wearing a patchwork skirt paired with a black turtleneck and a stack of bracelets, we might add).
On a more somber note, the first lady also addressed the disaster in Haiti today when speaking to Department of Labor employees during the same visit.
“The destruction and the suffering that we see, the images that are coming out of that country are just overwhelming,” she said, “It is important to the people of Haiti to know that we are keeping the victims of this tragedy and their loved ones in our thoughts and our prayers – and that also includes prayers going out to all of the Haitian Americans who have family and friends there and are worried about them back home.”
For further reading, the first lady's full remarks can be found here.
Reader Comments (96)
PARDON THE CAPS BUT THE KEY IS NOT WORKING ON MY COMPUTER AND I CAN'T UNLOCK THE CAPS BUT I AM NOT SCREAMING AT ANYONE.
I think she looks great. I was so glad to see her in a full skirt. I have a great one (wool, with appliques in chiffon and silk and a few sparkles) that I knew I could wear during the day, but was unsure what to pair it with. I have a black turtleneck with bracelet sleeves that will work and (gasp) I may wear a belt as well. And definitely tall boots. So - thanks, MO, for the inspiration.
I'm one thread late, but I have to say I thought the picture of them in People was pretty funny. It is just about the goofiest expression I've ever seen POTUS, and I love the "here he goes again" patient look on MO. After 8 long years of "here's the First Couple sitting on a couch with a vase of flowers and fake smiles", this picture of the Obamas is a welcome breath of fresh air.
Do yourself and us a favor, TROPICALMAAM, either watch the video Briana references; or, better yet, skip this site completely if you find the posts BORING and PREDICTABLE.
If you prefer comments that are negative, go to another MICHELLE site - MICHELLE MALKIN.
I'm wondering if the multiple bangled bracelets are starting to overtake the brooches as her signature accessory.
@ Mia Monte
Your comment about "men on a fashion website" has really annoyed me and possbily the other men who have been participating on the site long before you started commenting.
Men involved in fashion dates back centuries and most of the fashion houses today are owned and operated by Men. So the only thing odd is your lack of fashion knowledge and inconsiderate "name" profiling. Joe could be female or even a cross dresser - regardless - Joe and others have every right "NOT" like everything they see on MO and this is the environment to comment.
In the future, please focus on the individual name, if you want to respond and don't assume their race, gender, height, weight, etc ....unless they state who they are in their comment!
Babs, I think the brooches are a mainstay. But the bangles could become signature.
TROPICALMAAM ....I did notice the children not looking at her in this one picture they were paying attention to something else...and also there tons of photos were she is playing with the kids...But you pick this one to make a strange comment... I would suggest you look at all the photos of her at this event on the web to get an understanding of whats going on in this photo.
Also, plenty of people disagree with things Mrs. Obama wear all the time on this site...lol
AIDA AND JOE,THANK YOU FOR SEEING IT LIKE IT IS. TIA, MY COMMENT IS NOT STRANGE AT ALL. I THOUGHT WE WERE ALL COMMENTING ON THE PHOTO THAT MRS. T PUT UP AND NOT ALL THE REST THAT MUST BE ALL OVER THE INTERNET AND I AGREE THAT PEOPLE DISAGREE ABOUT MRS. O'S FASHIONS ALL THE TIME BUT I MUST ALSO SAY THAT MOST OF THE TIME THOSE SAME PEOPLE GET BEAT UP FOR IT AND WE ALSO KNOW WHO ARE THE ONES WHO DO SO. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS READ THEIR REACTIONS TO MY POST. BEVI, I WILL NOT SKIP THIS SITE FOR TELLING IT LIKE I SEE IT JUST BECAUSE IT WOULD MAKE YOU HAPPY. SORRY I CAN'T PLEASE YOU AND CHARLENE IN DETROIT!
Looking at the closeups (3rd shot in the link provided by Patient) makes me wonder if this could actually be a one piece dress--with a knit top--rather than a skirt sweater combination? Either way, I do like the outfit. I don't know if the children noticed it on a concious level but there's something whimsical about it that made me feel cheerful. If it had even a hint of that same impact on her small audience which, as Patient stated, could very well have been her intent, then I would say it was an outfit well chosen.
I rarely comment here anymore because I'm involved in personal things that take all of my energy. But I am moved to comment on this thread.
Everyone who knows me knows that I adore Michelle Obama. I think she's fantastic. I love that she is so MODERN. That's one word which I think describes her so well. She is not stuffy. She is genuine, authentic, real, spontaneous, joyous, humorous. I love her courage to be herself, and to inspire everyone else to be themselves. I love that she is a fashion-forward black woman who dresses like one. I'm delighted by her color combinations which white women (including me) may not pair. I think she is marvelous.
That doesn't mean I like everything she wears. I don't think this new hair-do is as flattering to her as the previous one with bangs and longer length.
What I feel compelled to comment on is how this site seems to have devolved into a cliquish group of junior high schoolers who must label as a "hater" anyone who doesn't gush over every single thing Mrs. O wears or every new do she sports. I find this labeling to be extremely offensive and off-putting. Mrs. T is frequently asked to delete any comment that has something negative to say about a dress or hair-style. I think it might be good to start deleting comments that label anyone as a hater.
This used to be a place where mature women came to freely express what they liked or did not care for in a fashion choice of Mrs. O's. And, we generally all accepted each other's reactions to things. Mature women are free to react negatively or positively to a look. A negative reaction to a look has nothing to do with hating Mrs. O.
The fact that this site has become a place where only gushing about everything is acceptable makes it much less enjoyable.
I hasten to support the men who comment here. I appreciate you very much, and love your critiques and reactions to Mrs. O' choices. I enjoy a man's perspective on things, whether he's straight, gay, trans or whatever. I was extremely offended by someone accusing men who critique things as haters if they don't gush over everything.
The thing I find most offensive about this site right now is the pettiness that must label as a hater anyone who doesn't gush. I find it truly sad.
Asereht, I was looking at the close up too. I was wondering if the top had a tailored, or corseted fit, but your observation makes more sense.
OKAY OKAY OKAY, AS LADY GAGA WOULD SAY "ARE YU LISTENING"
Mrs. Mary Tomer has dedicated her time and effort to creating and
keeping us informed about Mrs. O's fashion on this blog.
"Certainly, I couldn't be the only one interested," Mrs. T said to herself,
searched for a site to discuss Mrs. O's style did not find one, so she
started up this BLOG. I don't know Mrs. T, and I'm not looking for praise.
I just want to say I'm glad I stumbled on this amazing site, as a huge fan,
and I thank Mrs. T again, for putting it together.
NOW, here are some quotes from Mrs. T's book 'The Face of Fashion Democracy'
that MAY GIVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF "FOLLOW THE FASHION
OF WHOM AND WHAT SHE IS WEARING".
"Certainly I couldn't be the only one interested in her.
At there most basic, clothes are a form of creative expression and visual
communication. And in the way that clothes can speak without using words,
Michelle Obamas style speaks volumes".
"Through her clothes, Mrs. Obama conveys astute awarness of the occasion
and mood, choosing ensembles that are full of nuanced meaning: collegiate
to meet school children, modern professional to tour federal agencies, understand
elegance to meet the Queen of England, knock-out glamour to host a state dinner".
"It is difficult for many, myself included, to separate how we feel about
Michelle Obama, the woman, and how we feel about her style. We are
intrigued........(she goes on to say)-an accomplished professiona;
a devoted mother, wife, a woman in touch with her own well being,
who manages to pull it off with a chic sense of style. We can perceive
that the same qualities we admire in the first lady--her energetic spirit,
intelligence and authenticity--also radiate through her clothes".
I am not going to criticize comments, but I think they should be fashion based
and about the whole woman etc. etc. IMO. I'm not sure if I'm supposed to mention
whether her hair style was good or bad - so I didn't. I think what I'm trying to say is,
every comment shouldn't be just hair, and hair again and again. Variety is still the
spice of life.
@Tropicalmaam,
You're right, many don't agree with you, myself included. On any given day, you or anyone else on this site can disagree with The First Lady's choice of attire, hair style, etc, but what you fail to understand is that regardless of what you say, many could care less abut what your opinion is, especially when the tone of that opinion tilts towards condescension, ridicule, and just plain nastiness. Maybe that's just your manner of speech, but if so, you need to adjust it when you set yourself up as fashion arbiter and decides to publicly go after someone elses choices. I don't ever remember you posting your fashion choices anywhere and inviting others to pick away at it (and you) in the process. Too many of you chose to hide behind the "in my humble opinion" or the "I have the right to my opinion" catch phrases to disguise what indeed is truly hateful commentary because you know your commentary would not get by Mrs. T's sensor. So let's be real here. No one says you have to like everything The First Lady chooses to wear on a given day, but there are ways to express your point of view without being judgemental, critical, and calling into question her character because she had the nerve (yes, even the audacity!) to select something you did not like. If you do, you will get some serious push-back, and you will find yourself the recipient of the same harsh tone that you chose to criticize The First Lady. I bet you don't like it when you're at the receiving end, don't you?
Willow, well said and I couldn't agree more. A little editing of hateful comments on this site by Mrs. T would probably make things more enjoyable for those of us who are stopping by to comment on fashion. It gets old posting my opinion on an outfit and if (God forbid) I don't like it, having to brace myself for the onslaught of name-calling and e-screaming that I know is coming.....simply for posting my opinion! Some of these women (there's a handful that come unglued on a regular basis) have even made false accusations about my political leanings simply because I haven't cared for a sweater the FLOTUS is wearing! That's ludicrous!
Please don't let the people who perceive disliking an outfit or hairstyle as a personal slam against the FLOTUS or the Obamas stop you from commenting and enjoying this site. I'm not going to. But I would like to see some more editing. We surely don't need the hate.
Amazing!!! Stupendously amazing really that there are those who would take offense with others posting POSITIVE comments about Mrs Obama on a site that CELEBRATES Mrs Obama. When Mrs T migrated to this current format, newly registered members received messages that welcomed them to a site that "CELEBRATES Mrs Obama" and it was embraced with vigor.
In a very caustic, polarized and negative political environment this site represents one of very few POSITIVE and comfortable places for genuine fans and admirers of Mrs Obama to indeed take Mrs T's offer to do just that: CELEBRATE Mrs Obama.
Some original members have always known how to RESPECTFULLY comment on Mrs Obama's fashion choices without resorting to cutting snark, condescension and downright disrespect. It has been repeated ad nauseum that FASHION IS SUBJECTIVE and so there will also be those for whom Mrs Obama's fashion choices will ALWAYS resonate and viewed in POSITIVE light.
Mrs Obama is a living, breathing, bleeding human being and not some inanimate object to be deconstructed for sport and subjected to endless nitpicking for our amusement. The idea that positive comments are "gushing" and risk making this site "boring" supports that warped and crazy idea that seems to have taken over the American pysche that negativity and controversy no matter how shortsighted and contrived somehow makes for ratings and generates interest no matter the eventual collateral damage and toll on fellow human beings.
I can point to many contributors on this site who keep it POSITIVE yet FRESH and FUN. Let's not kid ourselves: We all know the difference between a DIG, SLAM or a STINGING attack even when camouflaged as fashion critique and a RESPECTFUL comment that conveys that a particular look or item is not a favorite or personally appealing to the poster. There is a glaring difference between the two and the former WILL always be resisted.
Sometime ago somebody warned that there appeared to be a sneaky move towards shaming consistently positive posters into disclaimers or the occasional vocal disavowal of some of Mrs Obama's fashion choices so as not to be seen as "gushing". Some took the bait but many of us refused to fall prey.
Even more amazing and amusing?? That those who find the use of the very innocuous word "hater" offensive would in the same breath have no qualms about insulting others as "cliquish group of junior high schoolers" and all because they "gush" over the woman the blog is dedicated to!!
It's too, too funny my friends, too funny!!!
Nicole, your reference to Mary Tyler Moore for this outfit of Mrs. O's is so target! Love it!
And, not to open a can of worms, but there's a photo retrospective of Mrs. O hairdos from year 1 on Huffington Post's style section. Hope all have a good MLK weekend!
Camille, Girlfriend "yu've got the words". Thank yu. My descriptive vocabulary is a bit rusty. I
love words and you hit the nail right on the head dear. (I'll vote for you - smile)
I have a question, is Mrs. O looking to us for advice on what she does with her "hair"
and what she "wears"???? just a question.......(smile)
By the way, I enjoyed reading other comments as well.
Willow, I appreciate your comments--thank you for saying what needed to be said. The problem here is when people are blogging there can be no inflections of voice, no instantaneous give-and take, no body language, no smiles, and it causes people to react differently than if they were in a face-to-face conversation. Also, we are talking to totally anonymous people. It's so easy to rant at people if you don't have to confront them. It's true in the business world also--with the advent of e-mail, many people will zing off snarky e-mails to co-workers because they know if they called on the phone they'd have to be more polite.
@Willow if you no longer want to visit or post that is OK, but I will continue to gush on a site that celebrates Mrs.O and if I don't like something I will say so without disrespecting the woman. They are those who use the anonymity of the internet to be nasty and why should that be tolerated on a site FOR not against Mrs. Obama. And if anyone says something insulting about you, Willow, I will ask Mrs. T to delete it!
@Camille you said it!
@babs
"many people will zing off snarky e-mails to co-workers because they know if they called on the phone they'd have to be more polite." So are you saying that people who are snarky on this blog make a deliberate choice to be that way because they can anonymously do so???
I disagree with both you and Willow, I can say so without resorting to insults. And Dasie is my real name!
I love the entire ensemble. She looks fresh with this new hair cut. I can't wait to see the many different styles that will be done with this cut.
Gals, the editorial policy will remain as is. Please think about what's happening in the world right now, and then consider whether this quarreling is really worth our time and effort. It's not. For both fans and critics of the first lady's style, I genuinely hope we can be kind to one another, while continuing to have productive conversations.
Thank you, Briana and those for sharing the information. I, too, have gone searching for more photos of Mrs. Obama on other sites to get a better view of outfits that she's wearing. Just simply enjoyed it! There's so much to see. I will do it more often before I elaborate on what she's wearing!
I just want to point out the following, if I may. Now we have mind readers on this site? @Aida. I'm really curious. How can you say 'with assurance' that you know the 'intent' behind someone's opinion?
@ tropicalmaam. There's a saying that goes...Open your mouth and remove all doubt! This is a truth, not a fact!
Thank you Mrs. T for the post.
I appreciate the comments of those who responded to my post -- even those who disagree with me.
Your point that some of us are able to voice our lack of enthusiasm for a certain look with respect is well taken. There are some who lace their displeasure with condescension and disrespect, which is unacceptable.
I was a little taken a-back by the tone with which the issue of buttons on a coat was raised. But, isn't it possible to just by-pass a tone which might be expected from certain posters, and not react to it?
I see your point, Camille, about my use of the phrase "cliquish high schoolers". When I read through the thread, that's the image that came to my mind.
I think that if we all just ignored comments we find disrespectful, instead of giving those posters the attention of a heated response, the sight could be more enjoyable.
I love the whole look. She's simply beautiful.
@Camille:You wrote: "We all know the difference between a DIG, SLAM or a STINGING attack even when camouflaged as fashion critique and a RESPECTFUL comment that conveys that a particular look or item is not a favorite or personally appealing to the poster. "
Sorry to disagree, but unless you can get inside the mind and heart of the person posting, which none of us can do, I don't know how you can say that. I admire the FLOTUS but I don't love everything she wears and will continue to post positive comments on the outfits I like and those I don't. In no way, shape or form does that give anyone (not just you, Camille, there are others) the right to think they know my mind, my political leanings or my heart anymore than I would dare to presume to know those of anyone else based only upon a comment about an item of clothing.
Willow, I hope you will continue to post. Great comments.
Beautiful skirt, wonderful hair. I love it!
You guys we fell for the okey doke. We had some form of peacefulness happening on the blog. People were agreeing and disagreeing without being snarky or mean. I guess Tropicalmaam saw this and didn't like it. People are agreeing with her comment, but her comment was not warranted. Up until her comment no one had said anything about someone else's critique. She said she didn't like Mrs. O hair, Fine! Then goes into this rant about people only saying positive things and not liking others to say something different. I could see if someone had said something to her about her comment, but she never gave them a chance, which makes me know she wanted to start something. And if she was talking about something that happened on another thread, why bring it to this one. But like a fool, I fell for it. Ladies, we need to overlook people who are purposefully trying to set us off (and I know it is hard). We can not give them the satisfaction.
Nyon, you totally nailed it. We are always falling for this -- someone stirs the pot, and we take the bait (how's that for a mixed metaphor??)
But the fighting has been going on since the blog became really popular, so, whatever. I appreciate all the hard work that Mrs. T puts into this, and I'm going to follow her suggestion to focus on things that are important.
Well done Nyon, you put your finger right on it. There hadn't been a spat like that for a little while. Someone obviously didn't like the boat being on an even keel. The usual boatload of offenders!
Good piece of wisdom and detective work Nyon - it's so hard to not take the bait.
@Camille,
Kudos to you, you hit the nail squarely on it's head. You expressed in a very succinct way exactly what many of us have been saying for weeks if not months now, that you can "critique" the First Lady's fashion choices without resorting to character assassination. I agree with you that many of these posters fail to realize that this site has to do with a lot more than what the First Lady wears on any given day. It is about the totality of the person, who she is, what she stands for, her impact on others, and yes, what wears. So when some in their haste to just focus on one tiny aspect of who this woman is and what she's about rail about what they perceive as her great faux pas truly misses the boat, and instead they engender quick and in some cases an equally negative response. Then the recriminations begin as who has the right to say what, when and where. All this can be avoided if posters would endeavor to use a civil tongue and tone as they voice their "critique" of any particular garment the First Lady chooses to wear on any occasion. So, is it reasonable to expect everyone to just take a deep breath, think before we post, and review our postings before hitting the "send" button. It has been said before that well-chosen, subtle words make a greater impact that harsh, demeaning, and confrontational ones. It may be asking too much of some, who I believe do not realize the harshness of their tone and attitude, but nevertheless, let's hope that some will finally come to realize that you can make a greater impact with a subtle tongue than with a balled up fist. We can only wish. Hope breathes eternal.
@Nyon, Camille, Posh Tater,
I agree with you all. I am now convinced that "the usual suspects" don't want peace and harmony to prevail, it goes against their agenda. So when it get's too calm on this site they rear their ugly heads by saying somethingt stupid to force a quick response. So maybe the time has come to ignore their bait and remember that "the higher a monkey climbs, the more it exposes it's behind". In other words, their harsh commentary has more to do with their own character than it being reflective of what the First Lady chooses to wear.
Familiarity breeds contempt. To continue to allow this uncontained dissection of the First Lady is to invite the constant innappropriate posts and the many lines sometimes crossed.
I am greatly offended and agree with all who express this shared concern that there sometimes seems to be a complete disregard of the feelings of the subject of this blog with some going as far as to scold her - even if in absentia - as if she were a child who does not know better.
I too used to come here to celebrate the First Lady and have been shocked to discover that according to the new conventional *wisdom*, we need to keep it *vibrant* by allowing so called contrary opinions especially those that are incredibly unkind to a person who never asked to be held up, all just so the site does not get boring or predictable - never mind Mrs Obama and her feelings.
Sorry, but I find it all hurtful and bordering on the sadistic.
Wonderful collaboration Ladies! @Nyon, Camille, Posh Tater, Lota and all others who are in agreement! I'm one! I have a saying that I made up some years ago, when a person was trying to vex my soul and wanted to get me frustrated, which would have only added fuel to this person's fire. I knew that I had to take control over how I reacted/responded to what this person tried to project onto/towards me. I examined myself and thought how I could approach the situation/person on a higher intellectual level without compromising my standards. The saying is this:
"IF YOU DON'T FEED IT; IT WILL DIE UNBORN!
I will continue to peruse this site (honoring Mrs. Obama) for uplifting and encouraging dialogue that is so befitting of mature, adult woman. Thank you.
REPEATING MY FIRST COMMENT I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT I PREFER TO SEE MRS. O WITH HER LONGER HAIR AND BANGS. I LIKED THE WAY IT MADE HER LOOK. TO ME THIS HAIRCUT MAKES HER LOOK MATRONLY.
Mrs. T has done a great thing by offering to create and moderate a site where her stated objective is to preside over a blog that has the intent to celebrate Mrs. O. It's pretty clear that if a poster is going to be offensive, there's going to be some back and forth. It does not seem that it should be necessary to reiterate time and again that those who come here are unabashedly fans of Mrs. O. This is not a site where disrespect of Mrs. O is tolerated, and no one should have to apologize for that fact. There are an abundance of sites that spew negativity on the Obamas - this site is not one of them.
I disagree that you cannot "read" a person based on how she (he) expresses herself in writing. Also, as time goes by we can get a better idea of a person's motives, personality, and methods of disrupting - be they overt or passive aggressive.
Thanks Ladies, I took a look back and saw what was really going on. It's all good though and I am going to work on ignoring those type of comments.
Bevi, I totally agree with you.
Mrs. O looks terrific! Love everything about her!
Bevi - Yu go girllll. Nice comment. This is like a breath of fresh air - rainbow over a
stormy day. The End.
Ms M
i had to reread my post to check if at all i used the words assurance, and i found none. this is what i mean by people reading too much into peoples comments.
i simply stated what i felt or thought about tropical maams comment,i ask again what is wrong with that. I am no mind reader
Since you are the expert on mind reading perharps you can tell me the exact negative thoughts i have
@TROPICAL MAAM
Agree. This has become a cult site which has driven me off. I still support the Obamas, though.
MRS. T, IF YOU FIND THAT ANY OF MY COMMENTS ON YOUR BLOG ARE INAPPROPRIATE PLEASE DELETE THEM. IF NOT THEN I WILL KNOW THAT MY COMMENTS HAVE JUST BEEN TAKEN OUT OF CONTEXT. AFTER READING POSTER'S REACTIONS TO MY COMMENTS I FEEL THAT THEY ARE UPSET ABOUT SOMETHING THAT ONLY EXISTS IN THEIR HEAD SINCE I HAVE NEVER COMMENTED NEGATIVELY ABOUT MRS. O. MY COMMENTS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN ABOUT HER FASHIONS AND HER HAIR AND I HAVE COMMENTED POSITIVELY AND NEGATIVELY ABOUT SUCH ACCORDING TO MY TASTE. I DON'T BELIEVE THIS IS INAPPROPRIATE BUT IT IS ONLY UP TO MRS. T TO DECIDE AND NOT ANYONE ELSE.
OK, I've just appointed myself the last word on the haircut. It looks great. Done :)
What amazes me is that even when our host, Mrs T comes on and says "OK, look at what's going on in the world and work out what's important" people leap right back on banging the politicised drum. You can just tell (well Nyon can) that there's no agenda but being divisive. Thank God for Nyon.
I confess that I'm not loving the haircut. It's chic, and I'm thrilled to bits that Mrs O wants to try different hairstyles, but it's not my favourite look. Maybe a little too harsh without the fringe and I adored the feathering in her last cut.
Jeez - nearly forgot to say that I keep coming back to look at this skirt again and again. It's very lovely.
love it. I'll definately be trying to replicate this look this autumn/winter. stunnning!