Monday
Jan042010
A Stroll Through the Honolulu Zoo
Monday, January 4, 2010 at 10:37 AM 
Photo by Kent Nishimura / Getty Images
Before boarding Air Force One to return to Washington, D.C. last evening, the first family enjoyed a tour of the Honolulu Zoo as their vacation in Hawaii came to a close. First Lady Mrs. O dressed in a vibrant blue shirt dress for the visit.
Update #1: Mrs. O wears a blue cotton poplin shirtdress from Narciso Rodriguez's Resort 2010 collection.
Update #2: Despite mixed opinions in the comments section, I wanted to note that Vogue.com has named Mrs. O the best dressed of the week for this Narciso Rodriguez number, writing of the first lady and her best-dressed company: "It seems there is no particular dress code for these adventurous, fiercely fashionable women." Click here for more.
tagged Narciso Rodriguez
Narciso Rodriguez
Reader Comments (111)
Hello All. Forgive me, busy day today - back to work and the real world I'm afraid! - and just reviewing this thread in detail
@Nic John, I do have to ask if you're perhaps just trying to stir things up here? Last week you suggested hat I pick horrible photos of the first lady, and this week, you're on the attack regarding Mrs. O's hair and dress. Please, whatever you, be respectful in your criticism. For those reading in chronological order, I have deleted a few comments.
Thanks! Mrs. T
Forgive me if others have already posted this - there are lots of pictures of this blue dress on Getty. The waist, which is almost an empire in the front, dips in the back and looks quite pretty.
I don't know if anyone else feels this way, but it kind of breaks my heart to see this family at the zoo with not another soul in sight. Obviously they are allowing photographers, who are probably some distance away, but there is something poignant about them not being able to enjoy a family outing like this in the company of other families who are doing the same thing. The Obamas are great about taking the girls to lots of interesting places, but they are always pretty much alone or with a small group of friends and family. I do get why this is necessary, but it's still sad to me. What does a zoo sound like when no one else is around to squeal when the bear roars, or go "awww" when the penguins do their thing.
@Operafanatic
I understand exactly what you are saying. I viewed a short video of them at the zoo that someone posted earlier, and could hear someone off camera--perhaps secret service--yelling, stay back, stay back. It made me feel like the Obama family were the ones being contained and gawked at. I realize the family knew this would be their life , but it too made me profoundly sad for them. I pray for them each day.
P.S.- I haven't looked at Getty yet but I did catch the back of MO's dress on the video as well. I loved the way it dipped down in the back.
I like this cute blue dress. And thats all it is, CUTE. It is not meant to be a fashion statement. It's comfy for walking around the stinky zoo and riding home on the plane. The girls look adorable as always and I believe I have commented about the Pres and his stretched out polos, although this one is fitting him better. Despite that he still is handsome and they all make a beautiful family.
OpFan, I feel you on the solidarity of the whole thing, but it is for their safety. Although I love seeing the pics and usually am searching for them, I think I am a little more sad that they just couldn't be at the zoo without all the photogs. Oh well, thats cognitive dissonance for you.
I do not care for the dress, it looks all jacked up about the waist, almost like she's trying to wear a little girls' style dress.
I GOTTA JUMP IN HERE. FANS OF FOLLOWING MRS O'S FASHION.
I'M GLAD TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO FOLLOW MRS.O'S FASHION. Thanks Mrs. T
1. FLOTUS believes with ALL HER HEART, That, to whom much is given
much is expected. Shows how unselfish she is.
2. I can quote her from the O Magazine Apr./09 in an interview with
Oprah, she says "GIVING BACK IS A VERY BIG PART OF BEING FIRST LADY.
HOW AM I'M GOING TO SHARE THIS EXPERIENCE WITH THE AMERICAN PEOPLE?"
She also mentioned how blessed she is, and has the good fortune of being in the
White House (which she calls the People's house). We've seen how many people
of all sectors and professions have had to opportunity to visit and share gardening
the list is endless - yu can do your own research, to see that Mrs. O is committed
in giving back to us.
3. YOU MAY ASK - WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH FASHION?, I'LL SAY
A WHOLE HEAP.
Flotus shares her great sense of fashion and DESIGNERS (heard what I said
Designers - key word) WITH US, what an amazing human being. Bringing designers
to the forefront - in other words, making us aware not only of the fashion but how
we can co-ordinate styles for different occasions and affordable prices as well.
Many of us need this. My mom was stylish and copyed Jackie O. She's fashionable,
so I have the tendency to have an eye for keeping up with the trends,
and maybe give advice on the spot, while shopping. I need help at times
too, I'm not perfect. While taking care of family etc., I got out of the fashion arena
for awhile. Watching Mrs. O has re-ignited my love for fashions.,
As a first lady, not only is she brilliant, highly educated, intelligent and ofcourse
chooses her fashions TO SUIT THE OCCASIONS, AS IN THE STATE DINNER, and
the designer Naeem Khan from the same country, for this occasion. During her visit to
London, her blue full skirt dress, perfect for the girls school.
What I really want to say is - Mrs. O is living proof that all things are possible to a
achieve, and as a devoted mother, a great support of the President of the United
States, his vision and his values, "The woman behind the man" BUT NOT LEAVING US OUT OF HER SUCCESS and good fortune. Along with all this, she is working hard in many different areas
for change, FOR US, while showing us how to eat properly, exercise and coming from the
JUGGLING ACT HERSELF, as working mom, wife etc. AND NOW HAVING MORE HELP AT THE WHITE HOUSE, Sheeee wants us to come on this new journey, great moment in history YES IT CAN
BE DONE, SHE DID IT, SHE'S MAKING IT HAPPEN. I LOVE MRS. O. GOD BLESS YOU AND
YOUR FAMILY, FOR ALL YOUR YEARS IN YOUR NEW LIFE AND EXPERIENCES.
THE FOLLOWING SITE DEMOSTRATES A LADY OF FASHION (by the way she dressed
beautifully before she was first lady. I have seen so many fabulous pics.
http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2009/04/michelle_obama_slideshow.html#photo=218
My husband thinks that MO is a flat out gorgeously stunning woman!
Is President Obama wearing a polo shirt that is too big for him, or are the sleeves supposed to reach that low to his elbow?
He's still fine as usual though! :)
I looked at NR's 2010 Resort collection and didn't see this one. I'm sorry (and this is not a slam on the First Lady) but this "designer frock" looks like something you could pick up at Wal Mart for $15. Sorry, I'm not a fan. This is the kind of "designer fashion" that leaves me shaking my head in amazement. I hope this was a gift and she didn't spend too much on it.
I like the dress. In warmer climates, quite often loose-fitting dresses are the most comfortable things to wear, and this one is a beautiful color. For me, what is detracting from her overall look are the slightly too flat hair and the lack of makeup. There are some of us who just don't "show" well without at least a few minimal dabs of makeup; and I can say this because I'm one of them. I think a little blush, mascara, and lipstick, along with maybe a pair of earrings and a little bit fuller updo would liven up the overall look. But I agree that her best accessories are her radiant smile, her handsome husband, her two beautiful daughters, and the obvious love that just radiates from them when they're all together. Happy new year, Mr. President and family!
Jay Leno played an hysterical video last night of the President Obama touching Mrs O's rear end as they ascended Air Force One to go home. In reality he was trying to prevent her skirt from blowing up in the wind.
Perhaps a different choice of dress would have been more appropriate. More importantly, why did she have to wear a new dress for such an unimportant occasion? Sooner or later the media and/or the public will start to notice her overly abundant wardrobe.
She looks radiant and happy and she is on VACATION! I'm not getting all the critique? I love this dress because it is simple and it looks comfortable. I like people comfortable in their own skin, I hate the shallowness that the world has become. This shallow feeling that people must be ON every single hour of the day. Someone whom I fail to remember mentioned Princess Diana who was often photographed in spandex shorts, t-shirts and sweat shirts...IMAGINE THAT!!
This is my first post and I love the dress -- would also fit my body type thus if anyone sees a knock off would love to know aqbout it. Thanks Mrs T for the great site and love your book
Everyone have a good one and try and stay warm
As soon as Mrs. T announced that this dress was Rodriguez, I instinctly knew that the crazies would appear. They would reject the dress because it is beyond their price point. They would condemn the dress as too showy for a stroll at the zoo. They would hint at an upcoming uproar because envy would not have it any other way.
As much as I adore Mrs. O, wanting to see her graciousness into the next term, these constant digs at her are wearing ME thin. But I fight the good fight. And to the crazies, I yell: Get a life!
Is it my imagination or has Michelle's hair thinned out quite a bit? See photos on Huffington post.
I would like to see Michelle in pants more often (or capris when on vacation in warmer climes). Sometimes her dresses and skirt outfits hit her at an odd waist point and don't flatter her great figure. I know she was criticized for wearing shorts last summer -- but now it's winter and pants would make a lot of sense. That's what most of us are wearing on these cold days!
Even if this dress is made out of hand-dyed spun silk, in my OPINION it photographs no better than an off the rack purchase. It just looks cheap and dowdy, to be honest. Matronly. That's not a dig at the FLOTUS, it's stating an opinion about a dress. People read so much into comments that are made on this site that just isn't there. That's what's crazy.
Mrs. T, solely out of respect for you, if the people who seem to come unglued over any criticism of an outfit the FLOTUS chooses post hateful responses to this post, I will not respond. Hopefully they will be sensible enough to take their outrage to the Chat site and vent there.
I"m far from an expert on fashion but I do know this: every time I see the First Family in a photo, I smile.
I wish there was some way we could post pictures of ourselves on this site. I'd be curious to see how some of the critics dress and look. In my book, she is too cute for a day at the zoo! Anyway, I would like to speak on the hair issue. I am an african amer. who has always had longer fuller hair. Once flat irons became really popular, I started using mine at least two-three times a week. Needless to say, I soon began to see results and had to get my hair cut above my ears. My hair was looking chewed up all over:-( I would literally cry when I'd leave the beauty shop because my hair lacked the luster it once had. I would only flat iron my hair two- three times a week... Mrs O. was probably getting her hair straightened more than that in a day. Therefore she has experienced some damaged! It's going to take some months, maybe a year to get her hair back healthy, but be patient with her. I definitely understand!
LOL ... the comments on the make-up are interesting. I think the fact that she is comfortable enough in her own skin to not wear make-up on vacation says it all. She.is.on.vacation - why does she need her face made up?
So far as her hair thinning - I wouldn't have a clue, as I would expect someone wearing a ponytail, that it lay flat. If Mrs O is like the President, then most likely the same person that did her hair when she was an attorney, is continuing to do her hair. I'm sure it's healthy - and if not - it's nothing that can't be fixed. Black hair is a lot more fragile than people think, and with her having daughters - I'm sure she knows how to take care of her hair. All these types of posts show me is how little people know of black culture.
Pres Obama's shirt is too big?? I'd lmao if he wore a polo shirt like a toddler, with the sleeves up under his armpit. Men wear polo's loosely - at least in my circle - otherwise they look like Urkel.
I also agree with the people that feel for the family. I love the Obama's to death, and I like Pres Obama - and would love it if he served another term...**BUT** I hope he doesn't. The scrutiny they are under, is awful.
So what are appropriate VACATION looks for all the fashionistas on this site because seriously I just do not get the scrutiny of a VACATION look. Why the need to put down a person on VACATION??
Here's my take on the discussion "whether some male posters find FLOTUS attractive or not"...
For the few men who have posted on this blog and gave the impression that they did not find the FLOTUS attractive, if true, I say FORGET ABOUT THEM, after all, who are these self-appointed arbiters of who and what is beautiful. At the end of the day, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and as it relates to FLOTUS, I'm pretty sure that the only male comments of importance to her are those of her husband. And speaking of the POTUS, on every occasion that he talks about his wife (whether she's present or not) he always lovingly refer to her with such adjectives as "beautiful", "spectacular", "outstanding" to name a few. In addition, the way he looks at her and touches her in public makes most women swoon and wonder why their significant other doesn't do the same, (and yes, put some husbands on the defensive)..
One more thing, in watching the promo's for the Iron Chef Challenge, all three male chefs and Alton Brown commented on how surprised they were to see the FLOTUS and how "stunning", "open", and "friendly" she was (their words, not mine). In one word...they were IMPRESSED. I've also heard the similar commentary from many entertainment types and radio and television anchors and commentators when they meet her in person for the first time. So for the few who come on this blog to criticize and disparage, I say "FLUSH THEM", they are of no consequence or importance. These small-minded men are usually the types who are intimidated by smart, educated, self-assured, and accomplished women, regardless of their race. They know deep down they will never measure up to women of substance like the First Lady.
Is it me or are the majority of the comments catty sounding on this thread? Jeez! It's a vacation outfit. How anyone could have much of a reaction to it is beyond me. She looks terrifically NORMAL to me. Not swoon-worthy, but not ghastly either. Chill out folks.
It's so funny - I look at this dress and think "looks cool in a climate that is warm; looks comfy after a week or more of holiday feasting and getting really tired of holding in my tummy; and looks like something I'd wear the the zoo with my kids."
Is it the best dress of her life in the White House spotlight? No. But why should it have been? She's at the zoo with her kids, she's not sweating miserably in the heat, and she has a relaxed tummy.
Works for me.
@canyongal,
You've made several very stinging comments about the blue zoo dress. When do you take a break? Are you so caught-up in everything "designer" that even while on vacation you criticize the First Lady's lack of "designer look"? And what if the dress is from Walmart or Target or The Gap? The fact remains, she looks comfortable, cool and at-ease, and isn't that the "LOOK" most people want to achieve during their down-time or while on vacation? Maybe you are different from most people who don't see the need to be all "goosed-up" 24/7. In reading the number of comments on this dress I'm happy to see that the "yeahs" outnumber the "nays" for the same reason.
You also toss around words like "cheap", "dowdy", and "matronly" and then wonder why many are coming "unglued" (your word) by your comments. Maybe it all has to do with your choice of words while commenting on outfits you don't like and not so much on your right to critique. There's an old saying which states "you can catch more bees with honey than with vinegar". It's all in the intent.
Iva:
Notice it's the same miserable operatives and several "new" and unregistered posters. They post again and again hoping to get a response (some even posting advance warnings and "apologising" to Mrs T. in "anticipation" of responses to their negative posts.)
Again, these people are PAID to do this. They are not fans or supporters of Mrs Obama, they troll for the purposes of cowardly lashing out and tearing down.
"Granny Jan", "Canyongal" etc. have as part of their act attempted over time to insinuate themselves into the group as legitimate participants: They are not!! They are TROLLS!!!
They came out again in droves over the past few days with what they hope are new and improved tactics and their modus operandi is to attack and attack until they wear you thin and make you stop visiting this wonderful site dedicated to Mrs Obama altogether because you can't take it any longer.
This is not about fashion or style disagreements. Simply put, they want to destroy this blog and anything else that projects the Obama's in positive light. They strive to mentally drain in the most sociopathic manner.
They are full of rage and hate the Obama's. But most importantly, they hope that their attempts wear you down so much that in a bid to "protect" the Obama's you begin to question the idea and wisdom of a 2nd term in office. (Good try LOL!!)
It's called REVERSE PSYCHOLOGY people!!! These folks are sad and twisted but they forget that there is a much HIGHER POWER and President and Mrs Obama will not be broken. They will only get stronger, more resilient and more awesome!! (It's already happening).
Buckle up folks it's going to be a long EIGHT YEARS!!!
Long live my irrepressible and magnificent President and First Lady!! Shalom!
Amazing. I agree with the earlier comment that the correspondence seems to have marginalized into the "catty" and trivial nature. FLOTUS and POTUS and their children appear relaxed, healthy, happy and genuinely enjoying each other's company. I'm utterly content. Wishing y'all a peaceful new year.
Thanks Eleroy, I needed that, these folks are debilitating. As a matter of fact there are names that I no longer read, and when you catch on to them, they change their pseudos. It is hard for me to ignore them, but I plan to ongoing. Sociopaths need lots of attention and I don't have the time. I'd rather spend it living positively and enjoying this amazing family.
:) @ Eleroy
In the immortal words of someone that was on Project Runway... LIGHTEN UP IT'S JUST FASHION!!!
Just think what a better place the world would be if people channeled their energy in more positive directions.
What a nice picture of a happy black family. Michelle looks great in the dress. I like her hair in all the styles i have seen. As black woman sometimes a pony tail, sometimes straight and then an updo.Let us not forget that Michelle does not forget where she is coming from. I am happy that she does not try to conform to the white man mentality.I wish she could go natural to show her real black beauty.
@ThatOtherMimi,
Ordinarily I would agree with you when you say, "LIGHTEN UP, IT'S JUST FASHION", but the problem with that is that more and more frequently posters are coming on this site to vent their hostility and downright hate at The Obamas disguised as fashion commentary, clumsy commentary for the most part. When that happens those people need to be called out to alert other legitimate posters of their intent. As I've said before, you can disagree with the First Lady's clohing choices, but you should do so with respect. And as the President has said on numerous occasions, "we can disagree without being disagreeable". It's all in the tone, choice of words, and the intent.
Some posters really need to just get over themselves! Only Mrs. T has the right to regulate this blog and if she deems a post worthy of being posted, we can throw all the temper tantrums we want, those posts will be published, as much as we may disagree with them. Variety (of opinions) is indeed the spice of life.
Mrs. Obama's dress did abit of the Marilyn Monroe thing from the Getty Images, Mr. Obama held her dress down as the went up the stairs. That could have been embarrassing. LOL
Mrs. T & friends, Simon Doonan has a fabulous account of decorating the White House for Christmas.
http://www.observer.com/2010/culture/tinselgate-my-side-story?page=1
mzonian524, I'm sure you meant to say "gussied up"....LMAO!
Any ID on the dress Mrs. O wore coming out of the restaurant that night (multicolor, under the awning in the HuffPost slideshow)?
Groovy, I could not have said it any better, if I tried.
Just a request that the ladies here please do not generalize all men. Some of us do find Mrs-O to be stunningly attractive, even though we may be critical of some of her fashion choices.
Mark....is right I know several men who find the first Lady attractive ....They told me what would good on her and such it was funny listening to me talk about her clothing choices...lol
I don't post much anymore because the stans and fanatics kill me. How did a picture of a woman strolling through the zoo with her husband and kids turn into a discussion about what men find beautiful and skin color??? I have been to the Honolulu Zoo on vacation and took a pic around this spot too which has the flamingos. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity. This dress is Narcisso Rodriguez? I would have guessed GAP or NY & Co before those options.
3 words - Fashion, Designer, Describe (LOL)
I really like and admire this family. I have spent many hours on this site but this is my first posting. Mrs. T, congratulations on your book. It is wonderful (as is this site). I am captivated by Michelle's confidence and style. I would be interested in knowing if the First Lady's office has made comments about either the book or this blog and how Michelle feels about both. So much detail about her wardrobe is shared in both forums that there seems to be collaboration from the East Wing.
The First Lady looks great here. Casual and fashionable, and unfussy. And that shade of blue is refreshing to see in winter. It's nice to know all of her choices aren't about looking "Top Model" fabulous 24-7. And of course the kids look like happy, well-dressed all-American kids--as they should be. (The Prez could stand to take it up just a notch or two. A pastel polo wouldn't harm his leader-of-the-free-world credibility.)
As a male participant on this blog since the red and black Narcisso dress on election day..... I'm a little suprised at my family of sisters (all colors) who have just lumped all the male posters in one big negative group.
Opinions will vary and that is why I love this site (thanks Mrs. T). The fact that I don't like her blue dress and think she looks better with her hair another way doesn't make me a female hater and certainly has no affect on how I feel about her universal appeal.
MO is a beautiful woman with a smile that can light up a room.
There were only 2 First Ladies featured in Vogue's "People, Parties and Places" - Michele was 1 and everyone knows the other (but people get upset with the comparison - so I'll just whisper the other name). I think she is on her way to becoming a fashion icon.
So ladies, please take it easy on the men (like myself) who enjoy participating and reading the interesting thoughts you have about her fashion and hair.
best to you in 2010
Thank you, river rush. Yours is certainly a refreshing voice of reason. I'm glad you "get it". I still don't like this dress on the FLOTUS and never will but it certainly doesn't mean I have anything against Mrs. Obama or the President. How anyone jumps to the wild and angry conclusions they do when someone voices an opinion that differs from theirs is beyond me. I hated the outfit my daughter wore to school today but that doesn't mean I hate her anymore than disliking something the FLOTUS is wearing means I hate her.
Mrs T removed a lot of the posts that people were responding to, so it isn't as if there was this instantaneous male bashing fest going on.
Be that as it may - thank goodness Mrs T has the patience of a saint.
@canyongal
perhaps you don't hate her but there is just something, a tone, a sharpness, sometimes a meanness, the turn of a phrase that goes beyond 'I don't like that dress and I never will'. I don't know anything about you, I am sure that you are an upstanding citizen, mother and friend but if I had to judge you by the way you write I come away with the distinct impression that you dislike MO and anything that she wears and it comes across even when you like something. You too Nora. There used to be another poster named Mara, whom we haven't heard from lately or she may have changed her pseudonym, even when she liked something she had to find something negative, my heart used to sink whenever I saw her name and I stopped reading what she had to say. She used to remind me of a woman I used to work with years ago who would say, that's a nice dress but you're a little to fat for that style, I am a size 4. The next day she would like my hair but remark about the 2 gray hairs that I've had since I was 14. No one could have my color blond without Clairol's help, my husband was handsome but too short for me and on and on. I quit that job the day she told me that I dressed my children well but they were not very attractive children. I quit because that day she also became my boss. I just could not take that negativity any more. I don't like everything that MO wears either but I don't have to come in with a roman sword and disembowel her because I don't. These days I just look at the pictures and post a brief comment or 2. This time I made the mistake of reading some of the comments. Whew, what a downer. Yes everyone is entitled to an opinion, but Nora, have you every eaten anything that was too spicy, inedible isn't it. Ah well, I know that everything I've just written is useless and will probably elicit a torrent of anger but I just felt I had to say this or just get over myself, I suppose :). I think I just need a break. By the way, I used to come to this site to relax after a day of counseling juvenile murderers.
Thanks Mrs. T for trying to create something so honorable. I plan to buy your book tomorrow.
Mrs. A, I've strolled around the Honolulu Zoo, too. It's in a busy part of the city (near Diamond head if I remember correctly). I'm sure the Obamas enjoyed taking their kids there. You can tell by the picture they are having fun together. I think Sasha Obama is the cutest little child in the world!
As I said before, I looked at the NR 2010 Resort site and could not find this dress. Does anyone have a direct link? I'm with you on finding it difficult to believe this is a designer dress.