Wednesday
Jan262011
Mrs. O and Oprah Unite
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at 10:52 PM 
Mrs. O will join Tom Brokaw and Bob Woodward for Oprah's "The Bravest Families in America" episode, on air tomorrow. To read up on the episode, People.com has a post here.
While fashion is not the main focus tomorrow, Mrs. O's dress and necklace demand a quick mention. For the appearance, the First Lady recycles a purple wool crepe dress by Prabal Gurung, first seen on the campaign trail in October, here. Mrs. O paired her frock with a fabulous FALLON Victoria Royale necklace from Fall Winter 2010.
For those who use Twitter, there was a quite a bit of excitment between @PrabalGurung and @FentonFallon regarding the pairing. So much so that it prompted this article:
"Can Michelle Obama Spurn a Fashion Collaboration?" [Elle]
tagged FALLON, Prabal Gurung
FALLON, Prabal Gurung
Reader Comments (53)
I think Michelle Obama is a fascinating woman and I was thrilled when Mrs. T launched this blog. But I’m starting to believe that I don’t belong here. Please let me explain.
There are a group of regulars who seem intent on eliminating discussion and making this site an exclusive fan club for Mrs. O. These readers use labels like “hater” or “drive-by” and frankly they frighten me just as much as the Tea Party. The rhetoric reached a low point this week when, Mrs. T posed a principled question to her readers. She simply said, “The debate (about the Alexander McQueen dress) raises interesting questions about the role, responsibilities and power of Mrs. O’s wardrobe.” Reading through the comments, I found two recurring themes. The first theme presumes that Oscar de la Renta (who was quoted in the piece) is a petty old man who who’s pissy because Mrs. Obama hasn’t worn his designs. Oh, and by the way, he wasn’t born here. Does this sound familiar? It reminded me that there are people who say that President Obama is a socialist who wants to impose death panels because he’s an angry racist. Oh, and he wasn’t born here.
Equally disturbing was the second theme: get over it; it’s just a dress. Everything matters at a state dinner – especially at a state dinner for the Chinese. The NYT ran an article (http://tinyurl.com/4ry5gl6) before the dinner that described, very broadly, the challenges of mixing protocol and politics. Every President and first family have been publicly scrutinized for their choices and these questions are legitimate, principled, serious and respectful.
Obviously, I’m disappointed that you’ve spoiled my enjoyment of this site. But I also think your intolerance does a huge disservice to Mrs. T. Her influence, income and connections depend on the size of her readership and the quality of content. If you insist on hijacking this site, you will surely kill it. Your intolerance is also disrespectful to Mrs. O and the President who are the embodiment of inclusiveness, tolerance and diversity of opinion. At the SOTU, the President made it clear that he believes debate and argument are at the core of our democracy. He also made it clear that dissent does not signal disloyalty.
Beautiful! They both look beautiful. Can't wait to see the show tomorrow.
Awesome color dress on Mrs. O. I am so glad to see her team with Oprah for support of Military families.
Fabulous silhouette.
Any information on Oprah's cardigan? Ann Taylor?
LOVE this dress. The color, the tailoring, the fabric, the fit - just completely gorgeous. I saw a brief clip of the show and Mrs. O is really, really stunning. Hair, make-up, fashion, smile, HEART. And as anyone who has seen her in person will say, the cameras do NOT do this woman justice. Absolutely magnetic in every way.
Mrs. T, it was pretty fun following that Twitter string! What a thrill for all!
@meta, I know! I don't always use Twitter to its full potential -- most times not at all -- but that was fun!
@ Earlene -
Applause, applause!
I used to visit, and comment on, this site a lot, but frankly got a bit tired of people attacked as "haters" because they expressed an opinion contrary to the majority.
@ Earlene, your thoughtful and profound comment is the very reason that you belong here. Please reconsider leaving for the very reasons that you stated. I know at times it gets frustrating, but this really is a good place for us. I've come to realize that everyone's idea of civil discourse is, and or can, be quite different. But all of us can benefit from thought provoking questions and the ability to see how others view subjects that we may hold dear. Often, I wonder if people would express the same opinion of others if they were in fact face to face with that person. It seems that the anonymity of the internet gives folks courage (as it were) to unleash their thoughts without regards to others or the consequences of said thoughts. Sometimes it seems that it's easy to lose your manners when the repercussions are almost non existent. That's where a person's own integrity and intellect comes into play. Being able to debate the issue without resorting to personal attacks is always healthy. Anything else is pointless and polarizing, which seems petty. Anyway..........
Earlene, thanks for your thoughtful post. I hope you stay because this is a great community that needn't be torn apart because opinions differ. Your voice is as valuable as any other.
I think Mrs. T has to walk a pretty fine line along the sometimes bizarre nexis of politics and First Lady fashion and she does it remarkably well in an era of hyper-partisanship. Comment boards have taken on an ethos of their own and it can be very complex to manage. But I find the spirit here in general to be so thoroughly joyful and positive, perhaps because I take the negative with a generous grain of salt. It's a slice of life in a medium that often belabors contentiousness but needn't keep us from enjoying the true purpose of this wonderful blog, which is about the appreciation of an industry and our First Lady. No matter what, for me, it's a pleasure to be a part of this historic moment in our nation's history.
Earlene...... I want to thank you for your insightful commentary on behalf of most of the readers. It has certainly caused me to pause and reflect. As much as i sometimes get rankled by those who seem to be unfairly critical of Mrs. O It is important that all readers take all points of view in consideration as well as being tolerant and respectful. Please keep posting here to keep all of us in check!:)
P.S meanwhile Mrs O. does have an impact in the retail and fashion industry as indicated in the quote below from JCrew........
."Although the recession in the American economy has hurt many a retailer, J. Crew has actually managed to perform better than its competitors Claiborne and Jones Apparel Group, both of which posted a net loss during 2008 whereas J. Crew had a profit. This is largely due to its more traditional product offering, which has proven to be more attractive to consumers who, facing a smaller shopping budget, have started making purchases based more on value and longevity than on transient trends. In addition, the endorsement of Michelle Obama (she has been known to wear J. Crew pieces) has led to rapid sell-outs of specific pieces."
Earlene, very insightful. For those of us who love to just see the clothes and read the comments, I often myself get concerned about making the observation of whether something looks good and whether it is appropriate. The clothes always look good but whether they are appropriate or right for the occaision is a reasonable question and this sight should consider that. In my posotion I am very much aware of the influence of China and how far reaching it is in the fashion industry. So to dismiss what Oscar de la Renat was saying can show lack of insught.
I love this Prabal Gurung dress.
@ Earlene
Bravo! Thank you for your comments. In a detailed and thoughtful post you make numerous valid points. Debate and argument are at the core of democracy and dissent is not to be equated with disloyalty. You're right. Mrs. T introduced a principled discussion, but the responses weren't all at the same level.
Part of the problem is that sometimes people now-a-days don't know much about the "rules of debate". Debate as a honed skill fell out of favor, perhaps in part because emotional responses make for much better TV(and ratings). So much of the discourse we are subjected to as a society is at an emotional level rather than an intellectual one. Made worse by the fact that we mostly get sound bites that aren't necessarily in context. Therefore, infringements of rules are commonplace--the norm rather than the exception..
I don't like the attacks on people either--though I admit to using the term "whiner designer" because it was catchy. But I stand corrected. I ought to have listened to and understood his argument, but didn't bother because, well, shucks, it was a lo-o-o-ng article and I wasn't willing to take the time. So much easier to shoot back something glib. So apologies for that, group.
I, too, was deeply disturbed and offended by the "he wasn't born here" comment. I'm glad Earlene brought it up.
I am wondering: Do people who visit this site come to engage in thoughtful, serious debate/discussion? Or are they interested chit-chatting with other people about a pretty awesome celebrity's clothes? The latter is a lot closer to the realm of gossip (and can be fun in its own way). I suspect that there are some of each all across that spectrum. And in a democracy there is room for us all. And even though the level of "civil discourse" may vary and frustrate readers for many reasons, this is still one of the better blogs on which to read posts. Exactly because of people like Earlene who stand up even when at first they stand alone.
Thanks Earlene, I'm with ya all the way babe!
How many times have we seen the response "Mrs. Obama can wear whatever she wants". That phrase is getting so old. Yes she can wear whatever she wants but we enjoy forming our own opinions (pro OR con) on what she wanted to wear on any given day.
Love the color. Love the sheath dress (in fact, I never met one I didn't want to own). Love Mrs. O.
Way to go Earlene!!!
While, I think we can debate whether we like the outfits Mrs. O has on or not, I think I get unnerved when people start saying what she should wear or should not wear. Women, more than anyone in society, are so disproportionally graded on their beauty...and to an extension their clothes, that I know I wouldn't want anyone telling me Oh you shouldn't wear suits, you should dress this way, your eyebrows are too arched. It's ok to say Mrs. O looks better in sheath dresses, which she does, but to expect her to wear only sheath dresses, c'mon.
As far as Oscar goes, the man is a legend in the fashion industry and will always be. My issue with him is that last year he was complaining that Michelle wears too many new people and not the old heads, and now he is complaining that she didn't wear an American designer for the state dinner on the basis that the dinner was on China and American trade. Did he feel the same way when he dressed Laura Bush for the Ghana state dinner. I doubt many Ghananians are looking for his clothing in the local markets.
As one who has been targeted, and by only a few - far from a majority, I say "hear, hear" to Earlene's well-reasoned comments. Those who spew kneejerk vitriole are in a tiny minority here. It would be a shame if they were successful in hijacking the site.
People take this fashion blog too serious!! Also, one has the right to dismiss Oscar's comments and call his comments petty, and to dismiss his comments! Just because many on here thought what Oscar said was so profound does not mean everyone has to agree with him. I wish many will realize that Michelle clothing is JUST clothes, and there is no need to freak out because she wears colors that you don't approve of, or dares to wear a sleeveless dress in the winter. This blog used to be enoyable until the commentators started to overanaylze of clothing.
At the end of the day, IT'S JUST CLOTHES.
Thank you Earlene for your thoughtful comments.
I come to this site every day and, most often, read the comments. (One of the very few sites where I do read the comments.) I don't comment a lot because I don't need to. Some of the commentators go on and on and delve into politics, gossip, and, yes, spite. I think that is very unfortunate and a disservice to Mrs. T. I do think we all need to consider how we say something as well as what we say.
Although I don't agree entirely with Mr. de la Renta, upon reflection, I think he has an interesting point, but one that has been blown out of proportion. We don't need to get all in a huff because of one outfit or one event. If we step back and look at the way Mrs. Obama has influenced fashion and how she has promoted new designers, I think it becomes clear that her efforts transcend the negative comments of the ankle biters.
So, here's to more civil discourse and a continued wonderful blog.
I find it interesting that Oscar De La Renta continues to hold Mrs. Obama accountable for the state of the fashion industry, but it is the American designers who send their business overseas rather than manufacture clothing in America. Please Mr. De La Renta, what can you do as designers to bring your business to America which will mean jobs and a tax paying workforce?
My questions for American designers like Oscar is "where was your outrage when seventh avenue was dying and all the jobs were moving overseas in the early 90's?" ;Most designers clothes are made in china or india. Suddenly CFDA founds religion in creating jobs here.
Although, I think it would have been smater for Mrs O to have worn an american designer, less headache. I think it is clear to me that Mrs O is not politically astute and that is very refreshing. She dresses to please herself. However with this political climate, I would be very careful with my fashion choices, if I was in her shoes.
I have never seen this dress before.
http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/2011/01/brooklyn_hipste.php
I wonder how long ago this segment was actually taped - MO's hair is much longer now.
Great color on her beautiful skin.
@earlene - I think alot of people have passion for fashion and often there are disagreements when it comes to blogging because everyone wants to be "right" (maybe I should say "correct").
Many value your insite and hope you continue to post comments.
Stay Earlene!
Two accomplished, gracious, and gorgeous women.
I hope this segment repeats on OWN later tonight or over the weekend, as I will not be able to watch the show this afternoon.
Mrs. T I bet you anything we will see Mrs. O in Prada S/S 2011 in upcoming months. Remember Rory said that. Here is the video advertisement I think you would love it! (for Mrs. O of course)
http://www.fabsugar.com/Prada-Debuts-Video-Print-Campaign-Spring-2011-Collection-13443234
I have a question for the blog and all of you fashionsitas(the real ones). Being someone who was not very fashion concious until Mrs O came into the scene -and now am trying to catch up!
My question is.. how do you all know who which designer made the dress or gown? There are so many designers and all these collections too.... Is there like a national database of all designer cloths and jewellery out there that you refer to daily? or. do the designers contact this blog to let them know that thats their outfit or piece she is wearing?
Just trying to keep up!!
Brava Earlene!
I left the site sometime ago, only checking on the rare occasion. ONCE I suggest it might behoove Mrs. Obama to purchase a suitable black suit for occasions that call for somber dressl. You would have thought I suggested the woman go naked in public.
Differing opinions make for balanced, insightful and informative conversations. It's sad that they are not tolerated here.
This was taped last Friday in Chicago. Don't think her hair would grow much since then. Watching the program now. The first segment was with Tom Brokow and a couple from North Dakota. The husband is blind and otherwise disabled from a roadside bomb in Iraq. Very heart wrenching.
Michelle comes on later, but clips show her to be gorgeous
Good program.
Mrs. O lools great. I missed the Oprah episode but hope to see it soon. I really appreciate the First Lady's dedication to our soldiers and their families.
Earlene says she is going to leave this blog because of the tone. Where, pray tell, is she going to go? There isn't another on the internet like this one. Anyplace else I go (related to MO) the comments are horrific, people spill their guts because of the anonymity. Some of the comments are quite frightening. I disagree with Oscar de la Renta. He IS entitled to his opinion and I am entitled to mine. I do agree, however, that he does not deserve to be called awful names. That is never acceptable.
Is it OK, then, when some come here to insult Mrs. O. I'm not talking about liking or not liking her clothes or fit or whatever, there are some things she wears that I simply do not like. I mean insulting her, her hair, her body, her intelligence. No one here is that inane not to be able to tell the difference or the intention. I will not stand for that. Secondly, if you are going to post on a blog, you have to expect that someone will disagree with you. If you can't handle it. Lurk, don't post. As a matter of fact, there are some names I simply skip over.
The next first lady better be ready to wear Mr. de la Renta's clothes and know what is appropriate, then again she will not have to deal with what Michelle Obama has had to deal with. This is my opinion.
I agree with Steve Kolb of the CFDA who said that as much as he wished that Mrs. O had worn an American designer to the state dinner, he said "Mrs. Obama is the First Lady, but she's also an individual and she's a woman. She's going to dress in clothes that she looks good in and that she feels comfortable in. I don't think she's making a statement by not wearing someone. She's just choosing clothes as a woman." That's the way I see it.
For those wondering about the lucite bracelets worn by Mrs. O, I would guess they were by
Alexis Bittar whose bracelets were featured in the Jason Wu runway show.
Char
This Oprah Show segment was very thought-provoking and it tied in nicely with the new government initiative launched by the president last week involving all departments and agencies of the federal government in support of our military families. As someone with many veterans and active duty members in my family, I say it's about time that this entire country embrace the sacrifices of these valiant service members and their families. As usual the First Lady looked very sharp, hair, makeup, and dress, but more importantly, she spoke very eloquently about a subject she's put a lot of thought and effort into. Hopefully with her and Dr. Biden's involvement will bring the much needed attention to the issue of truly honoring our service men and women and their families.
Thank you, Earlene, for a very well-worded post.
Well if Mrs O can't wear what she pleases then everyone who has a problem with her not wearing "American" should look at the labels on their clothing and get rid of everything that is not made in america. I also propose that designers like oscar actually manufacture their clothing in america....crickets? ok then, let the woman wear what she wants.
Char, i checked with contacts at Alexis Bittar, and they don't believe the bracelets are theirs. I initially thought the same though.
Earlene, thank you for the thoughtful comment. I find every few months there is a week or two when the commentary on the blog becomes tense, and inevitably, some begin to feel fed up. Then this little ecosystem corrects itself, and things seem to bound along quite happily again. I've accepted this as the rhythm of the blog and try my best not to get too emotionally involved during the down swings. For me (and I hope others), this continues to be a pretty enjoyable little slice of the internet. But like anything in life, and especially the internet, it has its flaws. I hope you stay too.
New photo:
http://www.daylife.com/photo/0bofed0ctLaDd?q=michelle+obama
I am watching the show now and Mrs. O, looking flawless as always, was very warmly and enthusiastically received by the audience.
It's wonderful that she's supporiting the military familes like this. Wonderful cause.
This was such a wonderful, thought provoking episode today. For all of those that did not see it, search your local cable carrier as Oprah repeats after midnight in some markets. It was so good and yet so incredibly sad, all at the same time. It made me think of ways that I can help and I intend on following through. I don't want to wait for the roll-out of the initiative will Jill Biden in March. It get distracted too easily. Anyway........
As for fashion, our Michelle was stunning, hair and make-up on point. Her tenderness was the one feature that stood out the most for me. I thought the color and fit was classic Michelle. She's such an inspiration to me!
Mrs. O looks AHMAZING. More importantly, the issue she was discussing is critical. I was a former military spouse and remember some of the trials.
As for the comments: Earlene, why would the comments of complete strangers on a blog have an affect on you? I see comments on blogs like being in traffic - people cut you off or don't pay attention. But you're just passing thru and they're complete strangers that you'll likely never meet or see again.
And even if you come on the site every day and the very same person or people irritate the crap out of you - see them as an annoying co-worker who you inevitably run into and know they'll annoy you but it's just momentary because your life keeps rolling.
Stay or go - but more importantly realize that you have enough love and laughter in your life to not be intimitated or affected by complete strangers who really don't warrant significance in your life.
Well said, KT. You bring up something important. Most of us travel the same bus/train/freeway every day and see the same thing again and again. We gotta hold the centre no matter what. As the Buddha said, " A wise man is not disturbed by honour or abuse." Hmmm. Wonder what the wise wimin are doin'.......
If you are coming to this site to admire Michelle Obama, why does what anyone says matter? There are some frequent posters on here that I truly cannot stand, but I LOVE Michelle Obama and nothing can keep me from her. I also have made friends on this site that I love and nothing can keep me from them either. While your point was very well articulated and I understand it, I'm still confused. I can't understand why people constantly pursue this argument about "people having their right to their opinions". However, it seems to me that this right only belongs to the people that are voicing opinions that criticize Mrs. O (her clothes) in some way. It's alright for you to say "I hate that dress", but it's not alright for me to say, "good thing Mrs .O chooses what she wants to wear." Why is not ok for someone to say that, "Oscar De La Renta is being petty," but it's ok for some one to say, "Mrs. O doesn't know what's appropriate, she defintiely needs a stylist." Both of these statements are opinions and according to the ongoing debate, we are all entitled to them.
I also see that you have a problem with the language some use. Everyone is not as articulate as you or at least they may not feel like being so at the time. You want others to be open minded, but how open minded are you being when you're willing to let the way people phrase their opinions discourage you from coming here? I think it may be a generational thing, but some people really get offended by the term "hater". My friends and I use that term all the time with each other. But do we really hate on each other, NEVER! However, on this site there are some haters and that's just the truth. If someone says, "I hate those belts Michelle wears." Are they not a hater? Yes, they are because while they may not be hating on Michelle the woman, they are definitely hating on her belts. How can you even compare that to Tea partiers calling President Obama a socialist when there is no absolute truth to that statement, but there is some truth to us calling someone a hater because they SAID they hate her belts. You're right, it's not cool to call people ugly names and be totally disrespectful, but a spade is a spade and a hater is a hater. It is what it is.
Earlene, I hope you find what you're looking for. Like someone said earlier, it's going to be hard to find a blog/website that is not only as good as this one, but as civil as it is. Our little catfights and snarky comments are nothing compared to some of the vitriol that takes place on other websites.
I hate to see you go because I know you will be missing out on admiring this great woman, but you have to do what feels right. Personally, I wouldn't let anyone make me leave, but that's me . You do you, I will do me, and Mrs. O will do Mrs. O. And as long as Mrs. T keeps the site going, we will all be here, the lovers and the haters, tolerating and disagreeing with each other while watching this fabulous woman, Michelle Obama.
:) + <3 @ Nyon
@earlene nice post but if you leave THEY WIN.
Brava Daise and Nyon,
When I reread Earlene's two posts, it seems she is grappling with 2 sides of the same coin, so I am somewhat confused why she would profess to want to leave this site. She appears to have an understanding of all the dynamics of this site.
I too have looked for other sites, out of curiosity, and like Daise, have come up short. The vitriol and language used to describe Mrs. O is nothing short of shocking. Do other posters know of other sites that address Mrs. O's fashion that posters who feel disenfranchised can visit in lieu of Mrs. O.org?
I like the style of this dress. The color, however, while bright and cheerful , does not work as well for her as others. I think she looks best in purples, blues, grays, black and other neutrals. Perhaps adding one of those colors ( a bright blue perhaps?) around her face would have helped and made the difference: a scarf, or earrings or a necklace or jacket, etc.
Earlene is just asking for a polite tone, regardless of what opinion you are expressing. I've seen posts where someone said that they didn't think a belt Mrs. O wore was flattering to her--a rather mild statement--and that person got blasted and called a "hater." Before you upload your post, consider if you would make your comments in those words directly to someone in person.
As for Mr. de la Renta, although he has made some valid points, I feel he was out of line in the way that he made them. I was surprised that he would criticize the FLOTUS publicly. He has dressed royalty, and First Ladies, and celebrities for decades--he surely knows better than to criticize someone in the press. Such negative public statements about a beloved First Lady make him look cranky and disrespectful, and Mrs. O is highly unlikely ever to wear his designs now.
Not every single thing that Mrs. O has worn has been perfectly fitted, or perfectly appropriate, or the most flattering, but by far she dresses better than most of us, and I feel she has done a wonderful job overall as First Lady in leading an important health initiative and showing interest, compassion, and thoughtfulness in all of her public appearances.
Hi
I saw Michelle Obama on the Oprah show and I was wondering if anyone could tell me what shoes she was wearing? I also google searched, but didn't see any pictures of her entire outift. Everyone is talking about her dress and necklace, but not the shoes.
If you know, please email me at write2misty@gmail.com
Thanks!
@Misty, most likely custom Jimmy Choo
@ ThatOtherMimi,
Your point is so well-taken. I find it hilarious, if not hypocritical, for designers like Oscar de la Renta and others who are constantly harping about the First Lady not wearing clothes by U.S. designers on any given occasion. What they fail to admit readily is that even though they live in the U.S., their designer labels are manufactured overseas in places like Central America, SE Asia, South Korea, India, and China, where labor costs are dirt cheap and they can thereby maximize their profit. I have no problem with that, but what is so gauling is that when these labels show up in the stores back in the States, the sticker prices are what you would expect if they were manufactured here in the U.S. by factory workers earning decent wages with health care and pensions. So no, Mr. de la Renta (and others) is in no credible position to criticize this First Lady because she had the audacity to wear a dress designed by a non-U.S. designer to one state dinner. Who is the hypocrite now! He should be feeling the quick-sand shifting under his feet right about now.