A Royal Affair

Photos by Kevin Lamarque / Reuters, Charles Dharapak / Getty Images
Well, if reuniting First Lady Mrs. O and the Queen weren't exciting enough, let's throw Kate Middleton (make that Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge) into the mix! Oh my goodness!
For this historic occasion, Mrs. O has chosen a delightful dress. The mint hued floral frock is the gorgeous work of Barbara Tfank, from the designer's Resort 2011 collection, seen here. A pink cropped swing jacket also by Barbara Tfank and jeweled brooch complete the look.
A note on Catherine: Grazia UK reports that the Duchess wears the Shola Bandage Dress from high street retailer Reiss. More on the dress, here.
Update: On the jewelry front, Mrs. O wore Phillips Frankel amazonite and ruby earrings available at Fragments in New York. The pin is a 1940s Hobe brooch from House of Lavande.




Reader Comments (87)
I have mixed feelings about Mrs. O's wardrobe on this trip. I think the two other outfits worn in Britain so far have been lovely, but not quite showing that exciting "Michelle touch". I think her clothes lack the pizzazz she used to display.
I'm afraid that I have a rather strong negative reaction to this shiny fabric, the flared skirt and shiny flared bolero. I agree with Chauny, the outfit seems more appropriate for a young person like Malia or Sasha. My biggest disappointment on this trip so far.
Kate looks fantastic, and I think that Camilla looks great in her suit as well. The fact that their fabrics are not stiff and shiny, and their garments are so well fit and tailored is so lovely.
I like all of the outfits the ladies are wearing; their handsome husbands look great as well!
Hmmm.
I really like this dress when she's outside. I actually gasped at how pretty it was when I first saw it.
Once inside, however, I couldn't help but notice its extra shininess, which, to me, comes off more "Prom" than "Official State Visit".
Weird how someone simply going inside can change your perspective.
I thought the colors were amazing on our First Lady! Not everyone can wear that combination, you know! She is our Amazon Queen, and she wears her clothes with all fearceness! I love the way that beautiful skirt just billowed around her, and she may be in her late 40's, but she sure does not look it, and she sure dresses BETTER than many if not all in that age range! First Lady Obama, you look incredible, you always do, and you always will!!
I love this so much. The cut, color everything.
Mrs. O does not understand fabric. Outfit is more appropriate for a 5:00 garden wedding.
I live in the Caribbean and I am a big follower of the Obamas, not only politcally but style wise. I am a little concern that her current stylist is just doing a reasonable job. She looks very conservative on this trip so far and that bothers me. Is it the nature of the culture and trip? I hope that at the state dinner this evening we will see the home run here and not be disappointed. If not Mrs Obama may need to go back to her previous stylist.....seriously.
Oh also, re Duchess Catherine's bag, I too was wondering what the deal was.
I understand that Catherine and Prince William don't live at the Palace but I am thinking she could have handed the purse off to someone else for the meet-and-greet.
I assume Michelle has some sort of bag since she's out and about all day and you never see her with it, and I assume an aide carries it.
(On the other hand, the purse and shoes match (well duh, both are in black), thus bringing everything together nicely, so at least she has that working for her lol)
I don't care for this at all. The whole look is just too "young" or something. Just doesn't seem appropriate for the occasion. The dress is very pretty, just not something I think a first lady should be wearing. Looks more like a prom dress. Kate looks fabs though!!
Barbara Tfank can do no wrong in my eyes so the dress is a sure winner. The colour of the bolero complements it nicely but I just don't like how it looks from the back. I think a fitted jacket would have worked better. That said, it is a risky look for the First Lady and I think it works especially with the little brooch and the fierce shoes.
Kate looks elegant and classy. She is a safe girl and hardly ever takes risks with her clothes, some items have been known to look rather old fashioned on her. However, she is new to her role and I think she's doing a great job.
In Camilla's defense (although I dislike the woman immensely) she is a habitual hat wearer. I wouldn't be surprised if she wears one to bed. I really don't think she upstaged the Queen at all. In fact, I just glimpsed everyone on the balcony and it appears that the Queen IS wearing a hat.
I dunno, I REALLY love Mrs Obama as everyone knows but I think it would have been great to see all THREE ladies wearing hats on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
Dumb question, but does anyone know how to pronounce "Tfank?" In my mind I'm saying "tuh-fank," which is almost surely incorrect.
It seems the stylist was looking for a demure look - somehow it doesn't work for such a strong, tall woman as Mrs. O. With the exception of her Latin America trips where the choice of colour and style chosen seem to mesh well with Mrs. O's naturally, warm, embracing style, I think her stylist sometimes tries too hard to dress her according to her perceived notion of another country's style expectations. Nevermind - ultimately, of course, the visit is about relationship, not clothing, and I am sure Mrs. O has once again charmed her hosts. I typically love her style, but it is the person she is that draws me to her and to this site.
It seems the stylist was looking for a demure look - somehow it doesn't work for such a strong, tall woman as Mrs. O. With the exception of her Latin America trips where the choice of colour and style chosen seem to mesh well with Mrs. O's naturally, warm, embracing style, I think her stylist sometimes tries too hard to dress her according to her perceived notion of another country's style expectations. Nevermind - ultimately, of course, the visit is about relationship, not clothing, and I am sure Mrs. O has once again charmed her hosts. I typically love her style, but it is the person she is that draws me to her and to this site.
Not a fan of Mrs. O's outfit (too sparkly, too short, weird top), and admit that Kate's fashion is spot on here.
But imo, I think Mr and Mrs O come across as much warmer and less stiff in these pics, while the blushing bride and groom seem to me at least in these pics to be super rigid, stiff, haughty, and self-important.
I'd take Mr and Mrs O any day.
Ok!
I'm sorry, but I think that this is my favorite look ever!!!!!!! Like hands down, for real, one of her best DAYTIME looks EVER. I freaking love this look! Like for real. And for the record, I HATE pink and green, but this right here....FAB! The shoes! The pattern!
What about this is not to love?
An article and photos from the Daily Mail [UK] including information on Catherine's dress and a photo of what happened to Mrs. Obama's dress (and hair) outside.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1390468/Kate-flies-flag-High-Street-175-Reiss-dress-Michelle-Obama-SamCam-step-1-000-designer-frocks.html
Not very fan.... A little bit too.....british, or to......young, I don't know....
I'm sorry to say that, but I think the new Michelle's stylist is - perharps - too young to understand the philosophy of THIS First Lady's wardrobe.....
I miss the Ikram's touch !
Bee Gee - I stay away from that site. They generally appear to be negative of eveything that the first lady does.
@Judy
"It seems the stylist was looking for a demure look - somehow it doesn't work for such a strong, tall woman as Mrs. O."
I really think that Mrs. O herself loves that retro look. I've seen her in dresses with full skirts and high waists so many times. I agree that, depending on how they're made, they can seem a little bit juvenile. This dress may be tilting that way for me. A little bit "garden party." Ah well. She likes what she likes.
What I love about our FLOTUS is she is not glued to her handbag. Oh well, the Queen actually looks delighted....more so than when we usually see her. I think she genuinely likes the Obamas. Kate is stunning - absolutely GORGEOUS. She is quickly filling Diana's shoes as a fashion icon. Can't wait to see what causes she will embrace and champion. Camilla - Lord have mercy. Who is her stylist? She needs to fire her!
OMG!
This dress is absolutely breath taking! Television does not do this dress justice. She looks divine.
Peace.
I have to agree with many of you on this look. I am not a big fan of this outfit. It really has the look of a bridesmaid dress for a girl Sasha or Malia's ages. There is something "off" about the dress. But, I am glad to finally see our dear Mrs. O wearing a nice heel!!!! Hip-Hip Hooray!!!!!
I want FLOUTUS' enitire ensemble she looks perfect from head to toe. Love that Mrs.O is wearing heels.
Y'all may be interested in this UK perspective from the fashion editors of The Guardian:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/24/michelle-obama-style-upstage-rivals
(TheGuardian also has a fun live-blog of the visit)
i actually like the Queen's dress - It's a lovely spring print even if the style is a bit predictable.
I like how our Michelle is playing with her footwear on this trip. Earlier, houndstooth pumps, teal suede and now pewter twist slingbacks..........amazing! The colors in this ensemble work so well together. I think Barbara Tfank is becoming a go-to designer for FLOTUS.
Keep up the good work Ms. Tfank, we're enjoying your work!
Oh, where are my manners? WELCOME HOME MRS. T!!
@ Jestina:
BeeGee is very aware of the rag the Daily Mail obviously is!!! As if quoting a Rupert Murdoch/Fox "news" affiliate would shed positive light on anything to do with the Obamas.
She deliberately sources her articles and photographs from questionable anti-Obama sites and no matter how subtle, her dislike of the First Lady is apparent.
@ Christina:
Maybe the word you were looking for was "young" or "younger"-
Juvenile is a rather misplaced, harsh and very disrespectful word to describe a floral dress and swing bolero jacket.
Now if Mrs Obama had opted for a midriff-baring tee shirt with a studded leather jacket and ripped jeans, you'd be accurate in your "juvenile" description.
I can only hope this dress looked better in person than in photographs....but it is not flattering or apprropriate for an "arrival".
I love Mrs. Obama...and the PResident but I wish she would find a wardrobe consultant who has a better sense of occasion and time of day.
The Duchess of Cambridge was spot on with her choice.
Kate looks so lovely and sophisticated, and our First Lady is dressed like a little girl on her way to a birthday party. I have seen quite a few pics, and it looks as if Mrs. O.'s shoes are too small for her.
Is Mrs. O wearing a new wedding band in these photos?
I dont appreciate this outfit. Personally, i would not wear this two different color in a such occasion but i am not Mrs Obama. Its her choice.
This is not beautifull at all. Bizarre.
Those earrings are incredible! The coloring is amazing. Do you have any other photos?
The brooch she is wearing is a 1940's Hobe brooch from House of Lavande.
This dress must represent Barbara Tfank on an OFF day. It's too shiny, too full and simply unflattering on Mrs. Obama. It is age inappropriate. Nothing works with this unfortunate outfit except the shoes (I like the higher heel on Mrs. Obama). Kate picked the right dress.
Barbara Tfank is becoming a staple in our Michelle wardrobe. I adore her signature use of brocades, silks and interesting textures that compliment women of all ages and sizes. This ensemble is lovely enough, but what steals the show are those smokin' hot shoes! I am in awe of the pewter twist stral slingbacks. This is so unususal for FLOTUS as we normally see the plain pumps.
Someone questioned why Catherine is holding a clutch purse inside the palace. It reminded me of when Princess Diana was a newlywed. She was so enthusiastic and very much a hugger. I remember reading that her Lady-In-Waiting was instructed to make sure clutch purses were part of her wardrobe to make sure she did not hug guests as it was deemed too personal. I don't know if this is the same all of these years later or if it's simply a matter of her style. Either way, Cate looks quite nice as does our Michelle.
Kate looks fantastic. Michelle looks like she is dressed for a different function or two functions at once.
The Duchess was very elegant and understated, But this time the first lady has failed in the choice of clothing.