Wednesday
May122010
Modern Classic
Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at 6:53 PM 
Photo by Paul Morigi / Getty Images
The first lady attended the 2010 National Military Family Association Summit at Georgetown University today, debuting a new emerald green dress paired with a classic double strand of pearls.
I am the first to acknowledge that the comparison between Mrs. O's style and that of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis is often made much too literal by the American media. However, one can't help of acknowledge a bit of inspiration in Mrs. O's choice of ensemble above -- the solid bold color, high neckline, and longer sleeves all seem to recall an early 60s style influence. Lovely!
Reader Comments (102)
Also, here is a wonderful picture frm sometime ago. The Obama's such a look of happiness. Simple and sincere. I don't see a wedding ring. But the look in her eyes in happy and relaxed.
http://curiousvillager.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/barack_michelle_young.jpg?w=300&h=410
Dang!!! Ya'll going hard up in here. Seems like people have been getting alot of stuff off their chest on the blog lately and I'm not mad at you.
I think she looks lovely and I like this color green. And I will admit when I first saw the pics, I was like she looks very First Ladyish. It wasn't a bad thing, I just knew the more traditional Mrs. Oer's would really really like it ;-)
Come on, ladies....If everyone liked the same thing, we would have only one fashion look at a time;
and one color. Some like traditional First Lady looks and some like funky looks; some like green,
some don't. Let's just call it that and forget the personal attacks on the bloggers. We are all in this
for a little fun and fashion! It's NOT rocket science.
Remember, "it's not easy being green".
Trust I'm cool. I have wanted to say something about that face expression thing for a while because I see it alot of this site. I am glad I said it and did not loose breathe or sleep over it.
On pictures Mrs O cannot go through life living to the lowest common denominator of human beings who want to crop the pic and name it whatever. She and her ancestors probably are better American's than those who want to "crop' and call names. And she should not go through life proving how American she is as NYTimes article tracing her family indicates her family has been in America since there was a place named America. She does not have to answer to anyone on that period. If that is what they want to say, so be it.
You concern is noted Angram and if you feel attacked that is your view, not taking a word back and neither should you take a word back.
I pointed a fact out and standing by it. I have experienced those comments and numerous black women, because some feel uncomfortable you have to go out of your way to make 'others' feel comfortable BUT THEY WILL NEVER EVER do that for you. And as a direct message, we can tell the fake smiles and handshakes.
trinisamba i hear you but I just never realized how unexposed to other different cultures or ideas some are, it amazes me . The inability to step outside the box or empathy or learn something new about others. That is what irritates me, the other stuff is other. Whatever going to party and eat some dim sum
*Standing ovation* 4 @Briana, Yes! Yes! Yes! to everything you said. I just wanna point out that the "Jackie O" style is a reference to that era, she was the Mrs O of her time.
I aint mad at Jackie O, she went against the norm. She wore what she wanted & everyone loved her style, elegance & daring. She was icon of a generation (which is why some of them are still stuck on that dial *looking @ some of MrsO blog posters*)
MrsO is a modern woman, with modern style. Some people just cant deal with that! (Most cases it is not even because she is black, it is because she refuses to comform *Go Girl*).
I dont always love MrsO's choices but that is why I LOVE HER. She is the style icon on my generation. She is every woman *que Aretha...*
I just wanna conclude by saying to @Wanda & @Poiret ......Easy with the snark & the demeaning remarks if reflects poorly on YOU!
Christen--glad you came up with the neckline name--was driving me nuts. I think it was a neckline Audry Hepburn wore. I am amazed Mrs. O doesn't look more tired--I don't know how she and the President keep up the pace. Having each other must sustain them.
As someone who remembers the '60s, I am sort of surprised nobody mentioned the pearls except in passing ----- a traditional two-strand, worn inside the neckline of her dress, was a signature Mrs. Kennedy look.
Easy elegant no fuss stay-in-place hairdo. Love the fact that Mrs. O can do herself without having the perfect side sweep or bangs and great for traveling. Even on a windy day or after the gym can be brushed into place quickly. Brings out her beautiful bone structure and her sculptured features are more emphasized
This green is quite gorgeous. Pearls anchor the look.
@ Briana
I wanted to say thank you for your posts. I totally agree with everything you said. I normally don’t post on the site because I don’t have the time but, I am finished with my finals and will be graduating this Sunday from graduate school. You were s-o-o-o-o-o on point with your responses. I attended a white university and you would be amazed by the constant questions I was asked daily by white classmates regarding my style. I got so frustrated by their questions. Recently, I was discussing fashion and black women style with my great aunts who are well into their 70s and they are amused by the lack of knowledge that white America has of the black culture. The majority of black women love color and color looks good on us, we love to experiment. Most importantly, we have an inner confident about ourselves. Black women wear the clothes, the clothes does not wear us. White designers have always stolen ideas from black America. I continually change my style from season to season. And just for the record, I don’t consider Jackie O a fashion expert. Nor, do I like her style. Now Lena Horn was a style icon and set trends. I have individuals in my family who were around during Jackie’s day and they find the comparison of Michelle to Jackie very amusing. My great aunt said, “She never looked to Jackie for style.” Michelle is in a league all by herself. If more individuals were out of the box, the world would be a better place. Again thanks for summing up my feelings on this particular topic. Peace and Many Blessing!
Very well put Briana!!!
Rock on delectable Michelle, rock on!!! We love and support you all the way!!! May God continue to bless, guide and protect you and President Obama always - even as He continues to confound, dumbfound and crush the wicked, the malicious and the hate-filled!!
Hey Jill,
You must be pretty new around here. No dear, not everyone on this site comes here because they "sometimes like" Michelle Obama's style. Some are here solely in their continued quest to disrespect and destroy all things Obama. Some try to hide behind their "critique" of her style while others like "wanda, "poiret" etc are more blatant in their insults and attacks.
If the use of the "N" word were allowed on this site like on so many others today, it would be employed quite liberally by people like "wanda"/"poiret". The relative anonymity of the internet has allowed the true nature and mindset of the "wanda's" and "poiret's" to creep through.
Stick around and soon enough you'll be able to tell the difference. Heck, you'll even be able to decipher the few who try to "confuse" and throw you off with their occasional fake compliments in a bid to legitimize their participation as "honest" Mrs O style enthusiasts!!
BEE GEE, I think you are correct. It looks like it's piping, not pockets. And I just looked on Huff Post. They chose a most unflattering picture of the FLOTUS in this dress. Why they had to post it is beyond me. IIt's terrible - like they deliberately chose the worst one they could find! Ugh!!!
Always good to get your input, Jerseygirl. And Nyon, I was waiting for yours!!
Groovy, for once I don't really have anything to say ;-) I think Briana made her point and she made it well!!
@momonamission, My comment about this particular outfit not being very bold compared to Mrs. O's other outfits is MY OPINION! which I think is ok to state on this site. I come here to see what FLOTUS is up to and, yes, to see what she's wearing. I admire & respect Mrs. O tremendously, even more so since we both hail from the southside of Chicago and I know from whence she came and the effort it took to flourish and succeed in that community.
Also, I've stated on a few occasions on this site that Mrs. O wears what she likes and does not have to dress to please anyone but herself. I certainly don't need a lecture from anyone about that obvious fact. However, if I, or anyone else who posts on this site, feels the need to express their opinion regarding something FLOTUS is wearing, either positive or negative, so be it! That's the point of posting here.
Mrs. O has had a great influence on me fashion-wise. I've adopted some of her fashion "do's" i.e., layered bangles & cuffs, colorful sneakers, mixing patterns. Her boldness in taking chances with fashion is what makes Michelle, Michelle. And, I simply did not see that which I've become accustomed to in the above outfit. No harm, no foul.
Definitely some of the comments about Mrs. O can go over the top but don't lump everyone who doesn't like FLOTUS' outfit of the day in the same boat. Let's try to respect each others opinions and accept our differences in taste, style, fashion etc. I think Mrs. O would like that.
Emerald and Pearl, 100% Class. A nod to timeless 60s lines.
MS T WAS THEIR ANY VIDEO OF THIS EVENT?
Mrs.A, what do you mean by " i also have a problem with some facial expressions she makes"? how does one has a problem with someone's facial expressions? is she not supposed to show different sets of emotions? act like a human being? react in a particular way?
this is exactly the point Briana was making and you are proving her right. i mean give me a friggin' break.
I don't mean to sound rude but Jesus on a wheel, how does one has problems with someone's facial expresssions? maybe i've led a secluded life all this time because it is the first time in my life that i've heard something like that.Surreal! Who say men were holding back women?
This is a very interesting thread, one of the best since I have come to this site. Many strong opinions. May I unpack?
First of all, Michelle Obama IS a political wife. No more, no less. She does not have a job, does not earn a salary, has not been appointed to any government position or elected to one. It seems that many here are in a frenzy to claim she is different from predecessors. Not at all. Again, the only position she has is her relation to her husband, the President. She has no separate identity.
Let me say I had hoped she would forge a new path as first lady -- that she would work at her career (taking time off for ceremonial events and trips etc.) This is how it is in other countries like the UK, for eample. I believe Sarah Brown worked for a non-profit. Sam Cameron is an executive in a high-end British company. Most First Ladies have a job. For example, Jill Biden works (part time and at a different school so she can be nearer to DC) and takes time for various events. This, to me, would be natural for a woman with a career. Like I have, and presumably most here.
Instead, MO chose to be a tradional, conventional First Lady. Pouring tea, opening art galleries, yada yada. MO is actually not very good at this (this is a compliment). I would like her better if she went out and got a job.
Anyway. This dress is jackie-like in the sense that it's chic and attractive without being interesting. She's wearing it (my opinion) because she got a lot of criticism (deserved) for wearing a low-cut, brightly flowered, very short cocktail dress with very high heels for a ceremony honoring an American hero who had been awarded a Medal of Honor (this young man had done more for his country than you or I or MO -- dress accordingly). She's dressing to show respect and admiration for our Armed Forces and their families -- very appropriate.
I believe our next first lady will be a woman, so the whole spouse issue will go away. Meanwhile, I'd love it if Michelle went to work every day and stopped telling us what to eat and think, etc. We'd save a lot of money on the East Wing office & staff too.
Finally I would like to know -- what do our British posters think about Sam Cam? I kind of like her look, though it's sort of corporate...she's pretty and has a good flair for color and accesories. It's definitely a change from Sarah Brown.
Mrs. Obama's facial expressions are not going to change any more than mine are or yours for that matter. She, like you and me, was born with the face she has. I just wish I was as beautiful as she is. But I have a life and I'm not going to spend much time wishing to be like her or wishing that she looked like Kate Winslett or Cindy McCain.
All I have to say is , the world has changed and the age of keeping people of different race, color and culture in the dark is over. We have freed ourselves from mental slavery and have stepped into true freedom. We have always been unique, but the lense of racism were so dark you never took the time to notice us in fashion, and the work of art. Mrs O is an expression of what it means "do not be conformed to the ways of the oppressors" . I have always learned to be myself. You go Mrs O. Finally, wake up the the true of the matter Mrs O is a fashion diva. What would I do without her.
As usual I am a latecomer to the party....and so not to add on as a summation, but an observation and opinion that no one comes here to harp on other posters just for the hell of it. Contrary to the belief that the "usual suspects" go out of their way to denigrate others, there are the "usual suspects" to be found here for all types of posting behaviors. So maybe what goes around comes around.
To be public about Mrs. O's facial expression is kind of pointless, IMO, because none of us spend 24/7 looking at ourselves in the mirror to make sure we are spot on with cheery/smiley/we are all happy looks. A fast paced schedule coupled with less than optimal sleep can make anyone look a little less well for the wear. Come on, already. And to say you dress like someone in junior high? That's not snarky? On what planet?
I used to have a running joke with an erstwhile poster who does not frequent the site much these days that deep breathing and a Zen state of mind made for better acceptance of some of the snarky statements that are sometimes made on this blog. I don't think it ever was or is Mrs. T's intent to have people says rude or disrespectful things about Mrs. O and her family. Mrs. T will certainly correct me if I am making a statement that is incorrect, and she should.
Here is a thought in a bit of a different direction, though very much stirred by my participation here. It is a memory, a memory that I hope many of my fellow posters will enjoy.
Years ago, in fact in the summer of 1968, shortly after I had graduated from high school, I had the unexpected opportunity to travel from my small, rural hometown to "the city," the city in this case being Los Angeles, to attend a performance by Harry Belafonte and Lena Horne at the Greek Theatre.
Forty-two years later, the standard set by those two for gorgeousness, grace, style, elegance, talent--for sheer excellence--remains. I could not believe me eyes, ears, heart. And, oh, the electricity between them. What a bonus that was! Why, I wondered, had nobody told me about THAT? The rest I took on faith from that night forward.
I was 18 then; now I am 60. I would wish for everyone such a defining evening as that one was.
JMH
This is not a bateau neck, it is a "chimney neck", is what we call it in Europe, at least. she looks lovely, very able and competent, very distinguished, and tired...
@ chrystelle
How can you say "I don't mean to sound rude" and then use words like friggin and Jesus on a wheel etc? now you puhleeze give ME a friggin break. Yes, I have a problem with this facial expressions she tends to make that some have described as her "sucking on a sour lemon" smile and others like the one posted in the Huffington Post. Now you give me a break. Wait, did I say that already? Good! And just so you know, the correct expression is Jesus take the wheel and NOT Jesus on a wheel. SMDH.
@ Avo
Very well said.
@ Chrystelle - Go back and read my previous comment and see how extreme and out of line your previous post was. Relax, ma. It is really NOT that serious. For me, it is just entertainment here. Nothing more, nothing less.
Every moment she makes when in public is recorded. Often the camera picks up a transitional moment that does not tell the complete picture. Problem is that out of all the pictures in which she is smiling the media posts those transitional moments. They deliberately pick the worst pics to cater to their tea bagger readers.
Well....!
Here's to greater acceptance of the right of others to hold their own, unique and wholly individual fashion/style viewpoints. I've never understood why someone offering their own take on an outfit - whether liking it or not liking it - has often generated such heat on here...but, then there we have it!
Moving along, the comments from those who take issue with certain of the First Lady's facial expressions, is downright mystifying to me. I've never heard the like of it...and, personally hope never to come across it again. We as women are often so pointlessly judgmental and intolerant of just about any aspect of one another that it is possible to name.
Could we please try to be kinder to one another?
The First Lady's face is expressive, and full of her varied and varying emotions...I'll take that any day over a blank visage or an endlessly - and, unrealistically - smiling one.
Oh, and I do like this vibrantly green dress, a great deal.
Congrats on your upcoming nuptials - though you sign your name Mrs. T I thought you were married already. What a lucky guy.
I dont post often but enjoy reading the commentary - they reveal alot of things about our country. Fashion is never, just fashion, eh...especially if its Mrs. O.
Some of the comments are so negative. I think that MO looks as she is:: A true lady. Green is my favorite color Please stop making such unnecsary comments. Actually I really like her and admire her. She could give some of us lessons as how to behave. She is discrete all the way.
Lol, Lol!
Nonpasserat the tea-bagging sarah palin apologist still hard at work pulling a whole lot of **@!* from her ****h***!!
Rattling on as always, trying her darndest to pass off swiss cheese narratives filled with innacuracies and half-truths as fact.
FYI RNC/tea party propagandist:
***No United States first lady in recent memory has held a job while her husband was in office. There is this little matter of potential for conflict of interest no matter how remote or trivial.
***Samantha Cameron quit her job as creative director of a leather goods company job 2 days after her husband became prime minister last week.
***Sarah Brown, an amazing wife, mother and PM's wife also quit her successful Public relations gig when her husband became prime minister.
***Mediocre, halfwit, marginally literate, exploitative, self-serving, money grabbing, attention span challenged, shit-stirrers won't be getting anywhere near the White house - not now, not ever - chromosomes be damned!! (But it's still okay to fantasize Lol!)
Nonpasserat, what a huge relief that everything you like, endorse or support fails miserably!! A complete bust always - (You really do know how to pick them don't ya? Lol!!)
Phew!! Thank God you don't like, endorse or support our magnificent First Lady and brilliant President.
May God continue to bless and protect President and Mrs Obama!! Viva Obama!!!
Camille, I hope she/he is down for the count. Wonderful and hilarious rebuttal!
@ McKinley - "none shall pass" (nonpasserat) will continue to spew on this site. She thrives on inserting herself when she senses strife or tension among posters. Maybe while she is currently hiding under her rock, she might read The Audacity of Hope and compare it to the ghostwritten garbage that her idol Sarah Palin wrote.
Mrs.A, i'm still puzzling about someone not liking someone's facial expressions.it is beyond nonsensical.maybe i still have a long way to go in life and one day someone will come up to me and tell me that he/she don't like some facial expressions i make.until then call me whatever you want.
ok.i know we are all Mrs.O style watcher but how in God name did we miss her in this blue strapless gown? here is the link. you can see her at 2:45 min of the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUoziO8FDVc&feature=related
and also Vanity Fair has an article about the State Dinner.here is the link
http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2010/06/state-dinners-slide-show-201006#slide=1
Have a great week you all!
sorry here is the link to the article
http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2010/06/state-dinners-201006
Love the colour on her skin. The fit is perfect adds so much integrity and character to Mrs O
@ Camille
Thank you, finally someone said it. I never understood why someone would take time out of their lives to visit a website about a person/subject they don't even really like, then waste even more time by making long, lengthy comments. Weird and sad. But like Bevi said, she/he/it, whatever, will be back. The best thing to do is ignore them.
@ chystelle
Thanks for that video clip and VF article. The dress and necklace is reminiscent of her Time 100 Michael Kors black gown with white and black beaded necklace. I believe that footage was shot during the campaign trail since the video is dated only a few days after the Inaguraion. She might have been speaking at some sort of gala that didn't have much news coverage.
I'd also been looking for some sort of substantive news coverage of the State Dinner coming up on Wednesday and was a bit bewildered as to why I couldn't find any. The VF article was an interesting read.
@JMH
I remember when Lena Horne's B'way show, The Lady and Her Music, was televised on Great Performances. She was an astounding performer and a true, classy woman. She also gave a potent interview on 60 minutes that was heart wrenching as she talked of her professional and personal life.
What a beautiful soul she is.
hey Mrs.T, any chance we will get a shot of Dr. Michelle Obama receiving her honorary degree at GW commemcement 2010.
BTW CONGRATULATIONS DR. MICHELLE OBAMA.........I LOVE IT
Mrs.O at today event.the back of her jacket has lovely details.saw it when she was exiting the stage.very cute.
http://www.daylife.com/photo/09wN0VR8sw7jZ?q=Michelle-Obama
Avo,
I totally get your point and certainly did not mean to lump you in with the trolls because it's obvious that you are not one. However, that comment you made about "bold vs. non-bold" (peraphasing) was just so irritating, it did not sound like it came from someone with reason (with all due respect)
What I think Mrs. O would appreciate is if people would not dissect her and her clothes as if she was some sort of specimen and or Barbie doll. Fashion is so many things ranging from bold-demure but can still be beautiful and elegant none the less.
I for one do not like "every" outfit Mrs. O wears (although it's very rare). But who am I to judge her outfits if I don't like them? I don't contribute to them in any way. She picks them, pays for them, and she is the one that has to wear them and enjoy them as she pleases. And I do beleive that's exactly what she does.
I don't post much and will continue not to because I really think it's fruitless in most cases. I enjoy this site, and most of the comments but boy can some of the comments pluck your nerves. I'll just try my best to look and smile as I do most of the time. I think that's the best solution for me.
Happy Commenting though.
This is OT, but the White House just posted a new batch of photos on their WH flickrstream and this is one of Mrs. O that is just astonishing. She's wearing that absolutely gorgeous floral print dress as she talks with participants in the Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/whitehouse/4608644747/sizes/l/in/set-72157623957125663/
This is an amazing photo that I think really captures the spirit of her beauty.
Nonpasserat aka Poiret. This very sad and troubled person sure has a lot of time on their hands.
Meta,
That is an amazing photo, and everyone, please note, the neckline that is not that far off the green dress at the head of this post and the two strand pearl necklace. I guess classics are just that.....classics and can be updated, but still come from iconic designers and women who wore them, even 50 years ago.
MISS t: You are a genius! What a wonderful sense of perspective you have! Wish we could hear from you much more often.
I'm rereading this entire thread, and a bit disturbed/frustrated by many of the things being said. Bevi is absolutely right, this was never meant to be an environment for snarky comments or personal insults -- towards the first family or anyone else for that matter. It makes me quite exhausted frankly. I will continue to do my best to moderate, but I also have to rely on the site community to be respectful and grown-up. Thank you.
I'm rereading this entire thread, and a bit disturbed/frustrated by many of the things being said. Bevi is absolutely right, this was never meant to be an environment for snarky comments or personal insults -- towards the first family or anyone else for that matter. It makes me quite exhausted frankly. I will continue to do my best to moderate, but I also have to rely on the site community to be respectful and grown-up. I also ask that if you're upset by a comment, please email me at contact@mrs-o.org with the specifics. I often have to moderate 30-40 comments at a time, so an email is the fastest way to bring it to my attention. Thank you.
here is the video for this event:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/national-military-families-association
@Nonpasserat,
At first reading I found your rant offensive, till I read it for a second time, then it dawned on me, you're either uninformed or worse yet, plain old stupid. What's so sad about your disparaging remarks is that they have no basis in fact. First, name one First Lady who has held a job title while in the White House, and name the corporation, non-profit or commercial entity that any First Lady could possible work for while in the White House that wouldn't come under constant scrutity by Teabaggers like yourself? And as for your assertion that current First Lady lacks a personal identity separate from her husband just confirms how dumb you are. I guess it's hard for the likes of you to credit this woman with any personal achievement of her own, never mind that she's been the recipient of a first-rate education where she has excelled at all levels. Must you be reminded that Mrs. Obama completed her college and professional education at two of the top schools in the country (some may even say, the world) where at each level she was in the top percentile of her class. Can you say the say for yourself? Probably not, hence your venom. Now that she's putting her considerable skill, knowledge and experience to bear on helping find solutions to the epidemic of obesity in this country, you still persist in trying to convince yourself that this woman of class and intellect is of no consequence. How ridiculous; you just continue to show yourself up. Nobody can be this dumb!
So be aware "Miss Poison", your attempt to denigrate this fine woman has fallen flat. There are no takers on this blog who buy your crap, and therefore, yoo should take your ignorance and peddle it elsewhere. I'm pretty sure if you surf the net long enough you'll run into other trolls like yourself who cannot stand the fact that this President and First Lady occupy the White House and with their open and inclusive manner are revitalizing the Office of the President, which has allowed this country in less than 2 years to regain the respect of the entire world, something that was truly lacking over past 8 years.
And finally, "Miss Poison", we know who and what you are. You're not fooling anyone, just yourself; your venom comes through loud and clear. Maybe at some point if you continue with this truly childish and disruptive behavior, I would hope Mrs. T take your continued access to this blog under advisement. For this blog is about mature, insightful, dynamic, informed, constructive debate and commentary of the role of fashion in setting the stage or backdrop in which an administration presents itself to the country and the world. Now I realize this requires a level discernment that apparently you are not capable of displaying, and as such you should go find other sites (and they are out there) that stoop to your level of base discourse. Go find them and get to heck off this blog. We've had enough of your pollution!
Great dress - bright solid colors really work - so simple.
I'm in the market for a new double strand of pearls - my pair from 1998 broke the other day :( Maybe do a piece on what's available in the stores compared with what Mrs. O wears. Maybe there will be lots of choose from on my next shopping trip :)