Mrs. O at Harper High

The First Lady met with students and counselors at Harper High School in Chicago, IL today in an effort to address youth violence in the city. Per the Office of the First Lady, "Harper High School is a Chicago public school that has been profoundly affected by violence – 29 current or former students have been shot in the past year; 8 of them died."

For such a serious occasion, Mrs. O opted for a more subdued look, wearing a clean-lined, blue silk shantung suit by Narciso Rodriguez, previously seen here.

Comments

[BB]

I like the addition of the belt, it enhances the suit very well.

[Parker]

This is one of those days when the moment transcends the clothes. If you haven't watched the First Lady's remarks today, you must. After following her for many years, I don't think I've ever seen her give a more impassioned, genuine call to action. She was, quite simply, at her best.

[Audrey]

@Parker:
She was fantastic! I heard snippets of her speech earlier on, but only just watched it in its entirety.
After listening to her, it occurred to me that if anyone can reach these kids, it's Mrs Obama. A lot of these young people admire, trust and respect her.
There's just something incredibly genuine and heartfelt about the woman and her words. No highfaluting nonsense.
She's one of the rare authentic public figures out there. You know she's sincere and you can trust that she's not bs-ing. She has this way of very effectively and easily getting to the heart of the matter and in a way that everyone listening immediately gets it.
Where others might typically go overboard in their flowery words, flattery and enthusiasm, she always chooses her words very carefully - as much as possible fully acknowledging, capturing and referencing things and people without coming across as disingenuous. A very rare skill that obviously speaks to her honesty and authenticity.
She's very relatable and her words ring true - and her perspective and insights are always refreshing and very different from the typical same-same in the world of politics.
I really like and admire her a lot!

[Auntie Mom]

Beautiful belt on this suit! I like it a lot and Mrs. O is looking slimmer and as fit as ever! I'm glad she went to Chicago on this mission.

[Charlene in Detroit]

I saw some of the footage of our Michelle at the school yesterday and I just bawled like a baby, It was heartfelt and genuine, just cut me to the core.
@Audrey, where did you see the speech in it's entirety? I would like to watch later today when I get a moment to sit still.

[Parker]

@Charlene in Detroit - You can view the remarks on The Obama Diary blog or on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnAErwFsRGU

[Jestina ( London, England)]

Polished !

[Eleroy]

Mrs Obama is just so lovely and completely captivates me!!! I watched her speech and cried all through it and everyone I've e-mailed the video had the same response.
It takes a lot to make me cry and I can honestly say that Mrs Obama is one of the few people I believe enough to be moved by her words. She's incredible!!!
For anyone who hasn't seen it here's the link to it -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yY46XyhXiq0&feature=player_embedded

And for anyone who doesn't believe that Mrs Obama makes all the difference, here's an interview with some of the students who got to meet her privately at the high school where 29 kids have been shot in the past year. The positive Michelle Obama effect is very, very real!!!

http://widget.newsinc.com/_cfvp/playlist16x9_player.html?CID=12245&WID=11450&VID=24729441&freewheel=91046&sitesection=118_Local_News&external_url=http://wgntv.com/2013/04/10/michelle-obama-meets-with-students-as-gun-control-debate-continues/

[Fern Gullie]

Influential style (i.e. can be worn for many different events and causes)
Great colour for her, dress up or down, remove the belt, add different scarves or jewellry to change the whole look. Great wardrobe must have.

@Charlene in Detroit - Welcome back, you keep us up-to-date regarding
fashion finds and info. I heard a part of the speech on CNN and I cannot
stop thinking of the words that resonated in my mind about Hydia Pendleton's upbringing similar to hers (good family values etc.) and the only difference is "she (Mrs. O) grew up" a very very emotional and unforgettable speech.

[lissa]

Not loving the suit. But her speech was riviting to listen to.

[Charlene in Detroit]

Thanks so much, guys! It's good to be back!

[Charlene in Detroit]

Thanks so much, guys! It's good to be back!

[SoccerNana]

Lovely pantsuit; I was able to watch the video of the speech, as Audrey and others stated above, it was very heart-felt and moving.