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.

Supporting Women in Jason Wu

Image by Robyn Beck / Getty Images

The first lady is a keynote speaker at The Women's Conference in Long Beach, California today, hosted by California First Lady Maria Shriver. For the speaking engagement, Mrs. O wore a custom sheath dress with gathered leaf print chiffon bodice by Jason Wu, paired with her signature Alaia belt at the empire waistline. 

The focus of Mrs. O's speech at the conference was support of military spouses. Per USA Today:

"While most of us don't experience these struggles to the same degree as military spouses – that nagging sense that you're falling short at work and at home, that tendency to worry about and care for everyone but yourself – these things are universal," she said.

She recalled a military wife in a discussion in Kentucky who was brought to tears detailing her stressful life when another woman jumped up and said, "I don't know this woman. But when she leaves here, she will have my number and she will be able to call me any time. She's got the support of this friend right here."

Obama brought the point home saying, "It is what we do for our sisters, it is what we do for our girlfriends, our mothers and our daughters. We show up. We show up at the door with some food. We show up at the door with some chocolate. And if things are really bad we show up with a bottle of wine. We, as women, know how to reach out. We know how to support each other. And the question is: What can we as women do to support our military spouses?"

On the Campaign Trail

Photo by Morry Gash / AP Photos

Photo by M. Spencer Green / AP Photo

Mrs. O has hit the campaign trail! The first lady began her day with a stop in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, speaking at a campaign event for Senator Russ Feingold. There she donned a pink ponte knit sleeveless dress by Talbots, accessorized with a St. Erasmus necklace, first seen at the White House Correspondents dinner in 2009.

Later this afternoon, Mrs. O traveled to her home city of Chicago, where she supported U.S. Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias at a campaign fundraiser. Mr. Giannoulias will face Republican Congressman Mark Kirk, in the November election for President Obama's former Senate seat. For her second appearance of the day, Mrs. O changed into a black top and textured skirt, worn with her signature Alaia belt at the waist.

A few articles of note:

The first lady's full speech in support of Senator Feingold {White House}

"Michelle Obama, on the trail as mom-in chief" {Washington Post}

"Michelle Obama at Giannoulias fundraiser" {Chicago Sun-Times}

A Hidden Alaia

Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson

A lovely photo taken during the U.N. Summit last week has surfaced, featuring President Obama and First Lady Mrs. O posing with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay, Luis Almagro, during an event held at the Natural History Museum in New York City.

It's of particular note sartorially, as Mrs. O wears an Alaia dress, similar in style (though shorter, v-neck and red, here) to the gown worn for the Nobel Peace Prize gala in Oslo last year. A stack of bangles and a statement brooch at the center of the neckline complete the look. Thanks to reader Faith for sharing this gem!

P.S. Does anyone recognize the other woman pictured? Would appreciate a bit of help if we have any readers from Uruguay! 

The White House Dance Series

Image by Jonathan Ernst / Reuters

Image by J. Scott Applewhite / AP Images

Image by Jewel Samad / Getty Images

First Lady Mrs. O hosted The White House Dance Series this afternoon, beginning with a student workshop, followed by a tribute performance to Judith Jamison, the artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater who will retire next year. Addressing the audience, Ms. Jamison declared, "Dance is the soul of this nation!" The New York Times has a lovely summary of the program, here.

For the event, Mrs. O turned to a black and white palette -- an increasingly frequent choice for the first lady -- highlighted by a mix of prints and textures. A full skirt was balanced by a printed sheer top worn over a white camisole, all belted at the waist of course. 

Update: Mrs. O wore a leopard lace dress by Byron Lars, available here through Carina New York, paired with a perforated leather Alaia belt for yesterday's event.