Preview: Obamas on Oprah

Photos by Paul Beaty and Charles Dharapak / AP Photos

The Obamas were back in their hometown of Chicago today to tape an episode of Oprah, which will air Monday. It was day of vibrant color for the First Lady, who traveled in a floral Jean Paul Gaultier top, paired with navy trousers and a canary yellow trench. 

For the episode taping, Mrs. O changed into a mixed print dress, paired with her signature kitten heels, which punctuated the ensemble with a pop of orange-red color. Oprah, herself, seemed to take a style cue from Mrs. O, wearing a pin at the collar of her dress.

No details from the interview have been released -- we'll just have to tune in Monday!

Update: Mrs. O wears a Rachel Roy trench coat. For the Oprah appearance, Mrs. O wears a multi print silk placket dress by Duro Olowu. 

Mrs. O Reads Dr. Seuss

Official White House Photo by Saul Loeb

First Lady Mrs. O attended the National Education Association's Read Across America Kickoff at The Library of Congress in Washington, DC today. Mrs. O joined Secretary of Education Duncan to read "Green Eggs and Ham" to a group of young Dr. Seuss enthusiasts. (Today also marked the late Dr. Seuss's 107th birthday.)

For the event, Mrs. O turned to a springy pink and white floral print top, paired with a full, red skirt and coordinating obi-inspired belt. A jeweled flower pin accessorized the look. P.S. Does anyone recognize this top? It looks O so familiar... Thanks to reader Lys, who identified the skirt as Marc by Marc Jacobs, seen here. And to reader Iris, who identifed the top as Duro Olowu. The floral pattern was used in the designer's Spring Summer 2010 collection, seen here.

"Michelle Obama reads Dr. Seuss to Kids" [Washington Post]

Feeling Groovy

Image by Jewel Samad / Getty Images

The president and first lady were out for the second evening in a row on Martha's Vineyard. For tonight's dinner date, Mrs. O chose a loose-flowing, multi-print tunic dress, paired with black leggings and flats. Gold bracelets, earrings and a slim clutch completed the bold, easy-going look. It's fun to see Mrs. O play with a different silhouette and style while on vacation. What do you think?

Update: Mrs. O is wearing the “collage dress” by the London-based Nigerian designer Duro Olowu, known for his luxurious fabrics and vibrant prints.

A Double Take Ensemble

Mrs. O has resumed her tour of federal agencies, visiting the Department of Homeland Security this afternoon. According to the AP, the First Lady thanked agency employees for their behind-the-scenes work, making special mention of the Secret Service and the time they spend away from their own families, working to keep the O family safe. To read the First Lady's full remarks, click here.

Mrs. O dug deep into her closet for today's appearance, re-wearing a jade green mini-trench and striped purple tee we last saw on October 2 in Detroit, MI. Today Mrs. O paired the jacket and top with slim black cuffed pants and black patent leather flats. Mrs. O embellished the jacket with a crystal bee brooch at the collar. Upon closer inspection, we noticed the visible pocket linings that hang below the bottom hem of the jacket. Surely this detail is the the work of someone with a playful design sensibility - any ideas? The same ensemble (sans bee brooch) worn in October 2008:

Photo by Flickr user Barack Obama / Creative Commons

Update: The jacket is Duro Olowu, from the designer's Spring 2008 collection.

Motor City Miss

Photo credit: Flickr user Barack Obama // Creative Commons

Well, it was bound to happen at some point. We hate to say it, but this is not our favorite look on Mrs. O. While campaigning northeast of Detroit last week, Mrs. O layered a cropped mini-trench in jade green with a purple striped long sleeve tee and slim black pants. We can't quite put our finger on what's not working. We like the attempt to mix colors and pattern, but taken as a whole, there's just something off. There's a casualness to the top half that doesn't quite match the bottom. And perhaps one hue too many in the total mix. Were the jacket left out of the equation, we think the look would have been much better. Mrs. O is human, and just like the rest of us, her fashion isn't always flawless. Almost, but not always. We like that she's trying new things, but wouldn't be horribly disappointed if this particular look went to the back of the closet.

Date: October 2, 2008

Venue: Voter registration rally, Chippewa Valley High School, Clinton Township, MI

Update: The jacket is Duro Olowu, from the designer's Spring 2008 collection.