Must Read Mrs. O

From the Sunday Styles, New York Times critic Cathy Horyn offers fresh first lady fashion perspective. Horyn's central question (from the print edition): "Michelle Obama has used celebrity and style to redefine the role of first lady. Now, with four more years in the White House, can she step off the glamour pedestal and broaden the reach of her powerful voice?"

My instinct is to wonder why greater influence would necessitate eschewing "the glamour pedestal." Why should power and glamour be in conflict with one another? Would love to hear your thoughts and perspective!

"Michelle Obama, First in Fashion" [NY Times]

A Holiday Frock

For those who missed it (including me!): Mrs. O was interviewed by Jenna Bush Hager for a Today Show segment mid-last week. For the occasion, Mrs. O wore a Barbara Tfank pink, rose and green floral silk jacquard box pleated, funnel neck dress from the designer's Fall 2009 collection. Mrs. O previously wore this dress to the Wounded Warrior Solider Ride at the White House in April 2010, here.

Santa Tracking in Style

The first lady spent Christmas Eve in Kailua, Hawaii on the phone with children from across the country as part of the annual NORAD Tracks Santa program. Can you imagine the excitment of children who find the first lady on the other end of the line?! Such fun. We can't see much of the first lady's look in this official White House photo, but her headband certainly adds a touch of festive sparkle!

Holiday Giveaway: Merry, Merry!

Happy Holidays, dear readers! Thank you for making this a vibrant little online community, four years and counting. I hope you have a wonderful holiday with family and good friends.

I'm excited to offer this sparkler of a J.Crew necklace as the annual Mrs-O.com holiday giveaway. To enter to win, please leave a comment on this post by Saturday, December 29th at 7:00pm EST. I'll announce the winner (chosen by random drawing) on Sunday, December 30th. The winner must have a U.S. mailing address for shipping purposes. Good luck!

xo Mrs. T

Update: Thank you for all of the entries! I selected the winner via random.org, which turned up comment 282 or "Suzanne S." Congratulations Suzanne!

Off to Hawaii

In keeping with their annual holiday tradition, the Obamas headed west to Hawaii this evening, where they'll spend Christmas. For the flight, Mrs. O layered casual black pieces, accented with a purple fringe scarf from Prova, previously seen here.

Please stay tuned over the next few days, as I'll be launching the annual Mrs-O.com holiday giveaway (hint: this year's item is extra sparkly!), as well as Best of the Year polls. In the meantime, I hope everyone has a marvelous weekend!