En Route to India

Top: Kevin Lamarque / Reuters, Bottom: J. Scott Applewhite / AP Photo

The Obamas are off to India! Following an overnight flight, the president and first lady will begin their tour of India tomorrow in Mumbai, where they will honor the victims of the Mumbai terrorist attacks. Also on the schedule are a business summit, Diwali celebrations, and, of course, dinners with Prime Minister Signh and his wife Gursharan Kaur.

Leaving the White House this morning, Mrs. O wore a floral blue dress paired with a textured camel-colored coat and knee length black boots. Compared to ensembles worn at the start of previous overseas trips (see here), this outfit doesn't have the same level of formality. Perhaps the first lady is consciously trying to avoid perceptions of extravagance? Or just traveling in comfort?

Regardless, there is bound to be exciting fashion in the days ahead, which will almost certainly pay tribute to Indian culture in some form. On Monday night there will be a state dinner in Delhi, which may be a prime occasion for Mrs. O to wear another of her fabulous Naeem Khan gowns. Yes, there are "three or four amazing" others, per this November 2009 WSJ interview. Or might Mrs. O honor her host nation by wearing a sari? 

Whenever Mrs. O travels abroad, a passage from one of my favorite books, Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years, springs to mind:

"Jacqueline Kennedy used clothing as theatrical device, dressing in subtle complement to her host nation. When she visited Versailles the Parisian couturier Givenchy was given due credit as the the author of her fresh but regal ensemble. For a trip to Mexico Cassini created a collection of outfits for her in appropriate "sun colors." And for the tour of India and Pakistan Jacqueline Kennedy assembled a wardrobe from various fashion houses with the panache of a costume designer. Its vivid palette was that of Mughal miniatures, and the reflective fabrics conferred an additional brilliance."

Mrs. O is setting a similar legacy with her thoughtful, carefully planned fashion choices during travel abroad. In a country with its own rich fashion heritage, it will be exciting to watch how she dazzles India.

A detailed schedule of the president and first lady's itinerary: [WSJ]

A few thoughts on what Mrs. O might wear in India: [WSJ]

Update: Mrs. O wears a Moschino sunburst print dress above.

LANVIN ♥ H&M

Mrs. O style devotees won't find bow blouses or polka dot sheaths in Lanvin's collection for H&M, but there are plenty of gems to be had, including flirty party dresses galore. After weeks of teasing in the blogosphere, the collection is set to debut November 23 in U.S. stores. Amy Odell of New York Magazine has a review of her top picks, here. The look book and full collection video follow above and below. Enjoy!

The Buzz on Mrs. O's Bee Brooch

Delighted by the bee brooch Mrs. O wore on Halloween? It is the work of CFDA accessory designer of the year Alexis Bittar. From Bittar's Spring Summer 2010 collection, the pin is made of hand carved and hand painted lucite. "I adore Michelle, and I love her style and strength," said Bittar. For tempted admirers, the Lucite Midnight Garden Bee Pin is still available here. Darling! Image by Brendan Smialowski / Getty Images

Fashionable Finale

Photo by Ethan Miller / Getty Images

With election day just hours away, the first lady made a final push for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid today, speaking at a voter rally at Canyon Springs High School in North Las Vegas, Nevada.

For the event, Mrs. O paired a sleeveless black top with DVF's Bhare Skirt, last seen in September 2009, here. 

Image by Jeff Fusco / Getty Images

Update: The first lady was more than busy yesterday, flying from an event in Las Vegas, Nevada to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for a rally held at the University of Pennsylvania on the eve of election day. For her second appearance, Mrs. O changed into a cropped Alaia jacket and turtleneck, suitable for the east coast Fall weather.

Trick or Treat

Image by Brendan Smialowski / Getty Images

The Os are hosting an annual Halloween celebration at the White House this evening, greeting trick or treaters at the North Portico. For the evening event, the first lady has paired a festive orange cardigan with a coordinating orange sequin shell, accented by a bee brooch at the collar.