Must Read Mrs. O

 

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Here are a few articles I thought you might enjoy:

(1) In advance of renovations to the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., an expanded exhibition on U.S. First Ladies opens today. The museum has also introduced a new Flickr photostream, here.

"First ladies' gowns return to view at Smithsonian" [Washington Post]

(2) A new New York Times article comments on Mrs. O's latest role: Motivator in Chief.

"First Lady Takes On the Role of Staff Energizer" [New York Times]

(3) Mrs. O's inaugural ball gown is featured in a new book, 100 Unforgettable Dresses, by InStyle Fashion Director Hal Rubenstein.

"The World's Most Famous Dresses" [Washington Post]

CTVC Exclusive: Henry Schreiner

Image courtesy of Carole Tanenbaum Vintage Collection

I'm excited to announce a new promotion with the Carole Tanenbaum Vintage Collection, featuring pins by the renowned jewelry designer Henry Schreiner. As Carole writes below, these pins are a Mrs. O favorite. You'll find them at a higher price point, reflective of their rare and special nature. The collection is available through the Carole Tanenbaum Vintage Collection here for a limited time. Enjoy!

A bit of insight from Carole Tanenbaum:

"The Schreiner jewelry company was established in 1939 but it was not until 1951 when his daughter and son-in-law joined the company that Schreiner Jewelry experienced widespread recognition. As a team, they created jewelry for such fashion houses as Adele Simpson, Norman Norell, and Christian Dior. Celebrities such as Ava Gardner, Joan Crawford and Audrey Hepburn wore his jewelry regularly. Today Michelle Obama has been spotted wearing vintage Schreiner pieces for many public appearances. The company never mass produced, all work was hand fastened. Schreiner used gun-metal, bronze and gold plating to illuminate his custom made German stones. He is known for his inverted set or 'upside down' stone placements, fancy fixtures, and original colour combinations.  He also used unfoiled stones in his creations, so that the color of the material could be seen through the piece of jewelry."

Dream Weaver

Photo by Saul Loeb / Getty Images

The First Lady debuted a basket weave print dress to attend a "Hiring our Heroes" jobs fair for military veterans and spouses in Hawaii yesterday.

Update: Mrs. Obama wears a custom Peter Som dress.

"Michelle Obama Reaches Out to Military Women" [NY Times]

Aloha Chic

Photos by Susan Walsh / AP Images

The First Lady debuted a yellow floral dress for the APEC Spousal Luncheon at Kualoa Ranch in Ka'a'awa, Hawaii today. In the middle photo, the Mrs. O poses with the First Lady of Vietnam.

Update: Thanks to reader Claire, who has discovered that Mrs. O's dress is Jean Paul Gaultier Femme.

Pink and Grey

Photos by Charles Dharapak / AP Images

The President and First Lady attended the APEC leaders dinner in Honolulu, Hawaii last evening. Above the first couple is pictured with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his wife Laureen.

On the fashion front, Mrs. O debuted a new frock, a pink and grey off-the-shoulder cocktail dress. Lovely!

Update: The First Lady wears a custom Vera Wang knee length charcoal and stone stretch faille dress with tulip-pink organza draped shoulder. To my knowledge, this is the first time that Mrs. O has worn a Vera Wang design for a public event. The designer took to Twitter in her excitement, writing, "What an honor and privilege to have dressed our beloved First Lady, Michelle Obama."