Mrs. O's Little Christmas Elves

Image by Yuri Gripas / Reuters Pictures

The First Family is hosting the "Christmas in Washington" celebration and concert at the National Building Museum this evening. For the event, Mrs. O is wearing a gorgeous black lace overlay dress, featuring a high square neckline and full skirt. Sparkly oversize earrings, akin to snowflakes, complete the first lady's holiday look. 

There is so much to say about these photos. In the presence of children, Mrs. O is always her most radiant, which has never been more evident than here. The top photo, with the first lady kneeling down to pick up the little elf -- party skirt ever so elegantly fanned -- is beyond words.

And it seems, increasingly so, that fashion is an Obama family affair. Malia and Sasha Obama are transforming into lovely young women before our eyes, showing their own flair for style. Brightly colored crewcuts coats have been replaced by party dresses, accessorized with belts and baubles. Let us not forget Mrs. Marian Robinson! The first grandmother has never looked more chic, wearing a black lace crochet dress with sheer bracelet-length sleeves. Fabulous!

"Christmas in Washington" will air on TNT on Sunday, December 20 at 8pm EST. 

Update #1: Mrs. Marian Robinson wears the Leafy Lace Dress from Talbots, available here. Thanks to reader Ashley M. for the tip, which has been confirmed with Talbots. 

UDPATE #2: This is a major moment in Mrs. O fashion! Per The Huffington Post:

Mrs. Obama is sporting a vintage 1950s black lace dress by one of America's once-great, now-obscure American designers, Norman Norell.

This rare garment came from the impressive archive of New York Vintage, whose owners cite this as a rare - and perhaps unique - instance of an American First Lady wearing vintage at a public event.

"[This is] truly an historic event, as this may be the first time a First Lady has worn a vintage dress," says New York Vintage co-owner Jon Schneck. "Other dresses from the archive have being scheduled for use by the First Lady later this year. We are truly honored that the First Lady has chosen a gown from New York Vintage as her first venture into vintage couture."

UPDATE #3: The First Lady wears earrings by Cathy Waterman.

Mrs. O, Santa and Bo

Images by Alex Wong / Getty Images

First Lady Mrs. O kept with tradition, visiting the Childrens National Medical Center today to read the book "The Night Before Christmas," which has been done by first ladies dating back to Bess Truman. For the appearance, Mrs. O had Santa and Bo in tow, wearing a black turtleneck and trousers, paired with an embellished cardigan.

Update: Mrs. O wears the *sold-out* Merino Sparklegate Cardigan from J.Crew, seen here.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

Image by Kevin Lamarque / Reuters Pictures

Image by Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

The President and First Lady were at Harriet Tubman Elementary School this morning, as the President signed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. Per Nia-Malika Henderson of The Washington Post:

"The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act will expand the number of children in school lunch programs by 115,000, increase the reimbursement rate to school districts for meals by six cents and replace the junk food available outside the cafeteria, such as in vending machines, with more healthful options."

Speaking before the act was signed, Mrs. O added:

"While we may sometimes have our differences, we can all agree that in the United States of America, no child should go to school hungry. All children should have the basic nutrition they need to learn and grow. . . . Our hopes for their future should drive every decision we make."

On the style front, the first lady paired a scoop neck gray jersey dress with a lucite flower pin and knee-high camel-colored boots.

And what did the president get for signing the act? A smooch from the first lady of course!

Image by Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

Update: Mrs. O's pin is another gem from Alexis Bittar, while the dress is from the Derek Lam Spring 2011 collection, seen here. Thanks to reader Sandi for the tip!

Plus, a video from the event:

Must Read Mrs. O

Hope everyone is having a delightful weekend, and staying warm and cozy. For a bit of weekend reading, I thought you might enjoy this New York Times profile on a Mrs. O favorite, designer Azzedine Alaia. In fact, the profile begins with an account of the revered fashion critic, Cathy Horyn, tracking down Mr. Alaia to confirm that the first lady was wearing a dress of his design for the NATO dinner in April 2009. While Ms. Horyn is known for her sharp tongue, this piece is a bonafide kiss on both cheeks to Mr. Alaia. Enjoy! 

A reporter was calling from New York. That evening, April 3, 2009, at a dinner in Baden-Baden, Germany, for NATO leaders and their spouses, Michelle Obama had worn a form-fitting black dress opening to a tiered skirt. Pictures of it were on the Internet. The first lady obviously loved clothes, and the media quickly got the idea that she was not going to be stuck on one or two designers and almost as quickly developed a rationale for her ever-changing wardrobe. The 50-odd labels she wore in the first year reflected a “democratic” approach.

You couldn’t blame the wire services for not knowing every designer’s signature style. So the pictures from Baden-Baden were sent without ID.

But one thing alone identified the dress as an Alaïa; well, two things. Even without the cold gleam of the first lady’s arms, it provoked the idea that a woman tends to look her most beautiful in clothes that make her look strong, not glamorous or sexy or powerful. 

Azzedine Alaia: The Master of the Female Form: [NYT Fashion & Style]

A Very Merry White House Christmas

Images by Charles Dharapak / AP Photo, Saul Loeb / Getty Images

The First Family helped to light the National Christmas Tree at the Ellipse across from the White House tonight. Mrs. O wore a Narciso Rodriguez black and gold embroidered coat, first seen earlier this year, here, and paired this evening with a red scarf to keep cozy. Kara Ross NY earrings completed the look.

P.S. How chic is Mrs. Marian Robinson in the last photo? Love!