Thursday
Nov102011
On the Job
Thursday, November 10, 2011 at 9:58 PM 
Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson
As part of ongoing Joining Forces work, the First Lady appeared at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce today to announce that a range of businesses have committed to hire 100,000 veterans and military spouses by 2014.
On the style front: From the fabric, neckline and bit of button detail, it appears that the First Lady wears an Alexander McQueen dress (previously seen here).
If you're hoping to see a better photo, that makes two of us! Unfortunately, there seem to be few photos from this event.
"100,000 New Jobs for Veterans and Military Families" [White House Blog]
tagged Alexander McQueen
Alexander McQueen
Reader Comments (13)
Mrs T. I found some pictures over at the Flickr site http://www.flickr.com/photos/uscc/6332524774/in/photostream/. She looks wonderful as usual.
I liked the dress when she first wore it in January 2010, and I like it now. It also shows (again) how much thought Mrs. O puts into dressing for the occasion. Neutrals, particularly greys, are subtle way of asking the audience to focus on the cause rather than the outfit. I will be pausing at 11 am this morning to remember those who have given their lives for us.
Flickr shows a great view of the back of this dress. I really like it. Great dress for this occaision
So English Observer, why didn't she do that more often in the past? Can we conclude that others were right in saying that she loves to project herself and say "look at me?"
It still looks mighty good to me! Go FLOTUS!
lifeboat65--
She came into the position of first lady well aware that people would be closely looking at her and what she wears no matter what she wears. That's what Americans do to their first ladies--all of them. She has handled this quite well, I think, and the American fashion industry is very grateful.
Hillary came in saying her clothes were unimportant, but found out she had to pay closer attention because so many others were. Michelle learned that lesson in advance.
Sharon Nelson--All I am doing is responding to a comment that does not add up. The Observer concludes that on this occasion, by wearing grey, Mrs. O put a lot of thought into her attire so that her clothing will not distract from what she is saying. Yet Mrs. Obama is known for wearing bright colours and flashy accessories, how does one explain this? Is she then most of the time saying"look at me?" That's my argument, do you see?
I am loving this dress since viewing the full photos on flickr. Thanks Anagrom!
mrs. o is on the cover of reader's digest january 2012
here is the only photo i could find
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140639321409+
i believe she is wearing michael kors on the cover
http://mrs-o.com/newdata/2010/6/11/blue-belle.html
@ lifeboat65, I'm puzzled by your response. I can think of many outfits, right from the start of her tenure as FLOTUS, which asked the audience to focus on the cause or event rather than the outfit. Particularly when meeting children are concerned. (In that way, she reminds me of the late Diana, Princess of Wales.) Or when focus on the outfit, such as the yellow Michael Kors skirt suit, then reflected right back on the event (honouring achievements in design). The 'look at me' element that you identify is surely inherent in the position of FLOTUS rather than in the individual. I think Mrs. O has harnessed the sartorial spotlight rather well.
English Observer, don't be puzzled. As you mentioned in your first post, one can focus more on the cause rather than on the clothing when dress is understated;with this, I agree, yet we all know that Mrs. O likes bright colours. My question was, according to your analysis, what is she doing when not wearing neutrals and subdued tones? Oh well...
I think that there are many occasions where wearing bright and festive clothes are completely appropriate and enhance the occasion and the wearer -- which to me seems to be the case with many of Mrs. O's brighter ensembles. I don't think that wearing colorful and attractive clothes is automatically a "look at me" gesture, but rather a means of enjoying fashion, oneself and being out and about -- and can have a positive effect on both the wearer and others present. My understanding of English Observer's comment was that on a somber occasion, the grey palette seemed especially appropriate and thoughtful.
I love this dress!