Chelsea Clinton's Vera Wang Confection

Photos by Genevieve de Manio via Getty Images

It feels almost impossible not to acknowledge one of the most highly anticipated events of the summer -- the wedding of Chelsea Clinton and Marc Mezvinsky, which took place last evening at Astor Courts in Rhinebeck, New York. 

The bride chose a frothy, confection of a gown by Vera Wang, featuring "a diagonally draped bodice, ballgown skirt made out of raw edged laser-cut swirling silk organza, and a train in silk tulle." A crystal-encrusted belt, also by Vera Wang, defined the waist. Jewelry was kept simple with understated earrings and a bracelet. A long tulle veil and simple bouquet of white flowers completed the classic bridal look.

Various news sources reported Chelsea Clinton visiting both Vera Wang and Oscar de la Renta earlier this week. The latter, it seems, was for the radiant mother-of-the-bride, who wore a wine colored Oscar de la Renta gown for the wedding.

Congratulations to the newlyweds!

P.S. Check out WWD's piece "Chelsea Clinton's Moment", which includes more detail on the dress and bridal accoutrements. Look to the far right in the photo below to see a bit more of Hillary Clinton's Oscar de la Renta gown.

Jason Wu's Fine Art Inspiration

Those of you who reside in our nation's capital have an opportunity to see a live, dynamic presentation of Jason Wu's Fall 2010 collection for TSE cashmere on August 12. To be held at The Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C., the collection will be presented in the context of its inspiration -- paintings by American artist Robert Ryman. 

FASHION COLLECTION BY JASON WU MEETS ITS FINE ART INSPIRATION 
AT A SPECIAL PHILLIPS AFTER 5

With Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie 
and Project Beltway’s Rachel Cothran

WHAT: Designer Jason Wu cites Robert Ryman’s painting as the muse for his fall 2010 TSE cashmere collection. For one evening, models act as living works of art in the Ryman exhibition, bringing Wu’s designs face-to-face with their fine art inspiration. A video of Wu’s fall 2010 ready-to-wear runway show is on view in the café, and a scavenger hunt leads visitors through the museum, collecting fashion and fine art facts for a chance to win prizes. The program is part of Phillips after 5, a lively evening of art and entertainment with food and cash bar. 

WHY: In conjunction with Robert Ryman: Variations and Improvisations on view at the Phillips through Sept. 12, 2010

WHEN: Thurs., August 12, 5–8:30 p.m.

COST: Due to the popularity of Phillips after 5, advance reservations during special exhibitions are encouraged to insure admission: $12 for adults, $10 for visitors 62 and over and students, free for members and visitors 18 and under. Reserve online until 12 hours before the event at www.phillipscollection.org/calendar.

WHERE: The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St., NW. Washington, D.C.

Metro: Dupont Circle (Q St.)

PUBLIC INFORMATION: www.phillipscollection.org or 202-387-2151

Mrs. O is Going on Vacation

The White House has announced that the First Lady and her daughter Sasha will travel to Spain for four days next week. The trip is a private holiday, but will include a visit with King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia. Fun! For further details, click here.

P.S.: We should prepare for a very quiet month in August. Per Lynn Sweet of Politics Daily, "Mrs. Obama plans no official business for the month of August."

In addition to the mother-daughter trip to Spain, the first lady will join her family for an August 14 weekend getaway to the Florida Gulf Coast, followed by an extended stay on Martha's Vineyard from August 19-29.

Please feel free to share thoughts on what you might like to see here while Mrs. O is away!

Pretty Pearls from Carole Tanenbaum

Image courtesy Carole Tanenbaum Vintage Collection

I'm excited to announce another special selection of Carole Tanenbaum Vintage Collection jewelry, put together exclusively for readers of Mrs-O.org. This selection is a tribute to the first lady's penchant for the "classic, elegant, perfect" pearl necklace. And on the eve of Chelsea Clinton's wedding, one can't help but think several of the styles would be quite charming for a bride-to-be!

Click HERE to find the selection and enjoy. A note from the fabulous Carole Tanenbaum:

In vintage there has always been a wide variety of simulated pearls available. The highest quality ones to look for are glass, which are then coated with many layers of a pearlized finish. They are often individually knotted, which shows the piece is painstakingly handmade. The added benefit is that the pearls don't slide around! The lustre resembles the real thing, as does the weight. I bought a 50s collection of these beauties and am offering them to you, Mrs. O Readers.

Mrs. O Dazzles in Byron Lars

Music legend Paul McCartney was at the White House last night June 2 to accept the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song -- and to serenade Mrs. O with The Beatles classic "Michelle."

For the occasion, Mrs. O turned to a pale pink colored dress by designer Byron Lars, worn with an embellished belt at the waist. No photos seem to have surfaced quite yet (perhaps because the event won't appear on PBS until a later date?) but you can sneak a peek of the dress in the video above.

Per the Pool Report:

FLOTUS wore a short frock that is a color called "blush" and appeared to be made of satin. The designer is Byron Lars, a male designer who bills himself as making "twisted American classics." The dress had a cowl-necked collar and her belt was adorned with large jewels. As she sat, you could see a little pink petticoat peeking out over her knee.

UPDATE: PBS will air In Performance at the White House, Celebrating the Music of Paul McCartney this evening. The program airs at 8 p.m. ET on PBS stations nationwide, followed by an encore presentation at 9:30 p.m.

Not only will this be a great program to catch, it's also a second chance to see Mrs. O's stunning Byron Lars dress. And better yet, Mrs. O readers have a chance to purchase the dress (now available in Blush or Grey) at 20% 25% off from Carina New York, HERE. Instructions from Carina New York:

Mrs. O readers will receive 20% 25% off the dress (or any other Byron Lars dress) by applying the following promotion code in the shopping cart: MRSOBYRON

P.S. Carina New York has generously increased the discount to readers to 25% off!