In Reflection

I've been thinking a lot about Michelle Obama and this blog in recent weeks. There is a wonderful retrospective on Mrs. Obama's fashion influence written by Vanessa Friedman of The New York Times. It captures the cultural relevance and central themes of Mrs. Obama's style discussed and debated here over the years – sartorial diplomacy, championing the artisan designer, the high and low democratic mix, clothes that married strength and femininity, clothes that broke norms and created new ones.

From the very beginning, I was intrigued by the tension of these qualities – that in the seemingly superficial, there could be hidden meaning and depth. When we weren't swooning over the first lady's ensembles, decoding them all was a thrill. 

In this divided world of ours, admiration for Mrs. Obama's style became a great unifier, evidenced – in part – by the vast, diverse audience of this blog at its peak. There was something about Mrs. Obama, the clothes she wore and the context of the times that fascinated us all, that captured our attention and held it. That intrigue and its wide-reaching pull can't be fully explained by the factors above. 

This November, President Obama told Vogue, "People see themselves in her. A dedicated mom, a good friend, and someone who's not afraid to poke a little fun at herself from time to time." I think women see who they want to be in Mrs. Obama. Her clothes are those of a confident, smart, vibrant, active woman who manages the fine balance of taking care of herself and others – and that has enduring, universal appeal.

In her final speech as first lady, Mrs. Obama told the audience and the American public, "I hope I've made you proud." More than she’ll ever know. 

To the readers, thank you again for your participation and dialogue over the years. What fun we had!

To the first lady, a million thank-yous for being exactly who you are. 

With peace and love, Mrs. T.

For reference:

What Michelle Obama Wore and Why It Mattered [New York Times]

Michelle Obama didn't like to discuss her clothes, but they spoke volumes [Washington Post]

A Michelle Obama Blogger Looks Back at 8 Years of FLOTUS Style [Racked]

Archived posts by designer [Mrs O Blog]

A Bright and Shining High Note

I've been tempted to revisit this blog on occasion, but the ending was tied up neatly in a bow, best not to be disturbed. Yet this particular moment in time feels like a pinnacle of sorts, worth recording. Like many others, I imagine, I am feeling a renewed, profound sense of admiration for Mrs. Obama.

The powerful, truth-telling speech in New Hampshire last week, and now this stunning, rose gold, chainmail Versace gown for her final state dinner - in close sequence, the latter takes on even greater significance because of the former, together a potent mix of strength and femininity, substance and style. The gown is textbook Mrs. O: a sartorial nod to her visiting guests from Italy, delivered with a pure shot of glamour.

In recent months, I have come to value the dignity and decency of the Obamas more than ever before. President Obama often speaks about the right and wrong side of history. The Obamas fall on the right side of our American history. And as Mrs. Obama ends her time as First Lady on the highest of high notes, there is shared gratitude for all she has given us.

Style will be just one constituent of Mrs. Obama's broader legacy, but it's certainly more than a footnote, more than fluff. What captured my attention in 2008 and held it for years after was Mrs. Obama's knack for using clothing as a visual medium to communicate, the message democratic, diplomatic, and diverse. The First Lady challenges convention and adds unexpected depth to the seemingly superficial - her choice of this Versace gown being among the most resonant examples.

Further reading:

In Versace, Mrs. Obama Sends a Powerful Message at her Final State Dinner [NYT]

The Stylist to First Lady Michelle Obama Finally Opens Up [Harper's Bazaar]

To the First Lady, With Love [NYT]

A Fond Farewell

Dear Readers,

After much thought and consideration, I have made the difficult decision to end the Mrs. O blog. Over the past year, my personal and professional circumstances have changed such that I cannot devote the same time and attention to the blog that I once could. I continue to have the utmost admiration for Mrs. Obama - for her style and so much more.

From an idea sparked by Michelle Obama's presence at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, we grew into a vibrant, diverse community with a common interest. The information sharing and exchange of opinions over the past 5-1/2 years has been fun, inspiring, sometimes a bit controversial - but always in the spirit of good, open dialogue. Thank you all for your support and readership over the years.

Wishing you the very best,

Mrs. T

State of the Union

The First Lady is attending President Obama's State of the Union address on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. this evening. For the occasion, Mrs. O is wearing an emerald green dress with stripe detailing and a cropped jacket. A black belt at the waist accessorizes the look.

Update: Per the Huffington Post, Mrs. O wears Alaia.

Happy Birthday, Mrs. O!

Happy 50th Birthday to First Lady Michelle Obama!

"A First Lady at 50, Finding Her Own Path" [New York Times]

"Turning 50, Michelle Obama focuses on final 3-year stretch in the White House" [Washington Post]