A Holiday Classic

Official White House photo by Lawrence Jackson

We have another holiday classic from Mrs. O in time for Christmas Eve. Though just surfacing now, this look is attributed to a White House holiday function held on December 7. Mrs. O wears a metallic black sleeveless frock from Alaia, first seen in Spring 2009 for The American Ballet Opening Night Spring Gala, here. A diamond flower pin at the collar updates the look. It is a fabulous holiday dress, very worthy of a repeat. Gorgeous then and now!

A Pretty Pin For You

Dear Readers,

It's hard to believe this little blog began in September 2008! The first lady and her dynamic, ever-evolving style continue to draw us here in celebration and admiration, even two years later. On a personal note, I want to thank each of you for your ongoing support and contribution to this blog. Your comments and insight make it what it is. (Case in point: without reader "marky mark," the internet wouldn't be buzzing about Mrs. O's latest Marc Jacobs frock!)

In honor of the holidays, and to say thank you, I am giving away a vintage Hattie Carnegie silk brush pin, similar in style to one that the First Lady often wears. Pictured above, this vivid green gem is 4 1/2" inches in diameter ... an accessory for the bold! It is in stellar vintage condition, save for a slight faded spot on the enamel center button. You can see Mrs. O wearing her orange Hattie Carnegie pin here or here. 

For your chance to add this Mrs.O-inspired pin to your jewelry box, please add a comment to this post. I will select the winner via random.org on December 24 at 9pm EST. Please check back then.

Happy Holidays and THANK YOU! xoxo Mrs T

Update: Congratulations to Megan B. who posted comment #163. You are the winner, picked via random.org. I will email you shortly! Merry Christmas to all!

Mrs. O's Marc Jacobs Moment

Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton

In October 2009, Glamour's Tracey Lomrantz asked The Washington Post's Robin Givhan what designer she would like to see added to Mrs. O's sartorial repertoire. Robin Givhan's response?

"I think it would be interesting to see her in Marc Jacobs. And I say that because he's probably one of the most directional American designers, so it would be interesting to see if she could incorporate pieces from his collection into her wardrobe and make it something that could work in the White House."

Just as Robin Givhan's set to leave for The Daily Beast, she has her wish! Pictured above with an a capella group that performed at the White House on December 10, Mrs. O wears a dress from Marc Jacobs Fall 2010, seen on the runway here. Thank to reader "marky mark" for the tip, which has been confirmed. For a close-up of the dress on the first lady, click here.

For further reading, check out these related pieces from [NYMag] and [Glamour]

All in a Day's Work

Images by Chip Somodevilla and Alex Wong / Getty Images

This has been a full Friday for Mrs. O! Earlier in the day, the first lady took part in a ceremony that honored museums and libraries with the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. One of the recipients was the Director of the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, Akemi Kikumura Yano, pictured above.

Following the ceremony, Mrs. O was off to help sort toys donated to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys For Tots program. With the change of venue, came a change of wardrobe. A bow tie blouse and slim black skirt were replaced by a red cardigan sweater belted at the waist, and paired with black leggings and work boots. Festive!

P.S. Was anyone surprised to hear Robin Givhan is leaving the Washington Post for The Daily Beast? More here.

Holiday Gems

   

Official White House Photos by Chuck Kennedy and Pete Souza

The White House has released a new series of holiday photos on their Flickr page, which gives us a new look at some of the first lady's more recent ensembles. Would love to know more about the metallic number in the second image above. The photo was taken with an a cappella group in the Diplomatic Reception Room during a reception held December 10th. For a closer look, click here. Love the holiday glam!