A Lesson in Stripes and Ruching
Tuesday, February 3, 2009 at 6:15 PM Our President and First Lady were out on the town again this afternoon, making a surprise visit to Capital City Public Charter School in Washington, DC. According to a report in The Washington Post, the President and First Lady read the picture book "The Moon Over Star" to a group of second grade students in the school library. President Mr. O told a reporter at the school, "We were just tired of being in the White House".
Is it just us, or did Mrs. O again perfectly dress for the occasion? Wearing a black knee length skirt with ruching detail (we're sensing a new Mrs. O inspired trend), paired with a fabulous high neck black and white stripe blouse and black cardigan, Mrs. O achieved an interesting mix of texture and pattern. With a pair of gold hoop earrings and a black patent leather belt in the mix, we couldn't help but think our First Lady might also have passed as a style savvy school teacher. We love that Mrs. O seems to always exhibit an awareness of her setting, and unerringly adjusts her style to suit.
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Reader Comments (41)
What do you think, Mrs. T... is it the same skirt, or not?
http://www.mrs-o.org/?p=3173
yup looks like the same girl to me! Its an amazing skirt though! Id love to get one! Beautiful shirt and cardigan too! She definitely looks like s super savvy school teacher. Another A+ for Mrs. O!
Another fabulous look. Bravo Mrs. O
I was perusing some other photos from the event. I just adore her enthusiasm with her arms in the air. I imagine her good humor is infectious.
http://www.daylife.com/photo/01nN3Up9XFdeu/Michelle_Obama
Mrs. O once again proves that the best accessory is caring about people! Wearing this outfit out shopping wouldn't be quite as fab, would it?
I don't think it's the same skirt, but of similar inspiration certainly! I think the skirt worn to the Staff Ball was actually a dress. And note the horizontal seams. Here the seams are vertical and it's definitely a skirt.
I am though, wondering if this is the start of a new Mrs. O ruching kick?
Sorry, last comment. From this photo, it actually appears to be a textured pleat? Thoughts?
http://www.daylife.com/photo/04d0124bTU0ff/michelle_obama
Yes, when I posted on the other feature, I said I thought they were different. Looking at them again, I still think so... the hem of the Staff Ball skirt is more distinct than this one, and this one clearly has pleats.
That said, they both appear to be ruched, just in different ways. Quite possibly the same designer.
Sigh... I'm just going to have to wander over to Ikram and develop a relationship with someone there so our curiosity can be satisfied!
She knows what works with what, that's for sure. Not many can pull it off like she can. She has the confidence to know what works for her and she goes with it. She's a keeper.
CarolineG, when Amy Carter went to public school in the 70s, it was a very different system. do you know about the majority of dc public schools right now? they are overcrowded, underperforming and dangerous. and given the extraordinary nature of his presidency, obama's kids should not have to be in danger so their dad can prove a point. it is about what is the best choice for the kids, and i think you will agree that right now, it is not dc public schools.
Here is the ensemble in motion - on her legs - boots or tights ?
Great outfit for sure - polished.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/03/obamas-read-to-dc-school_n_163680.html
What a nice treat for these children. Not a fan of the skirt but Mrs. Obama pulls the entire look together very nicely. As a fan of twinsets, I give high marks to the cardigan pulling this all together.
Caroline you do criticize don't you?
think about it...can you imagine the security NIGHTMARE for a public school, the teachers and admin there, and the expense it would impose on the system in D.C.-money they surely don't have??? Think about the chaos from Amy Carter-it was terrible. I think this decision had more to do with security and not wanting to burden D.C. schools with that burden.
Ok, I hate to be nitpicky on your rant Caroline, but technically, DC isn't a state, so your argument losses a lot of it's bluster, especially considering that there is only so much space in the District and the school (which is based in DC) had to move into the surrounding area in order to provide the same quality atmosphere. But that's neither here nor there. :)
The main point is likely that security concerns would have been a nightmare if the girls went to a public school. Shouldn't their welfare be of the utmost concern?
well caroline, if you remember amy carter's time at public school it was absolutely miserable; the child couldn't even go outside during recess because of security concerns, and that was decades ago when security concerns weren't what they are today. so yes, a school that's used to having the kids of high level diplomats and other public figures, can indeed do a better job of handling security concerns. somehow though, i imagine pesky facts and reality don't tend to get in the way of your trolling.
as for the outfit, i thought she looked super cute. plus, between the president, first lady and education secretary duncan, there was a whole lot of good looking in that room.
I love this outfit,Michelle continues to charm
lovely outfit
I feel that the POTUS is under no obligation to send his/her children to a public school. this is a family decision and as such is none of our damn business
All that black! My GOODNESS, how Daschling! I mean, dazzling.
Ms Gruzin is cruzin' for a bruizin' tonight, ain't she?
Here's detail on that ruched skirt.
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/926/slide_926_15772_large.jpg
Very cute outfit! And very whimsical! You can imagine this look with some flats or pumps would have been so ladylike. But the huge boots are totally playful instead.
AGAIN, (and I know this comment gets repetitive since I say it all the time) a classic look made more interesting with some texture and a modern twist--in this case the striped shirt and the rouched skirt.
This woman is so brave! To think, as I have said before, that she could just buy 20 fitted suits by Oscar de La Renta and wear them every day. How EASY would that be? And everyone would croon that she had great taste, etc, etc, etc. But she chooses to have her own style instead. I really appreciate it.
PS. If the Obamas sent their daughters to public school, I would probably think less of them. The very idea that a public school could possibly serve the security needs of two girls like Malia and Sasha...and do so as efficiently as Sidwell which has its own security team, is far better staffed, is situated on private property AND has already catered to a first daughter (Chelsea, during the 90's)...
And all to prove a point? That is not what good parents do, and they certainly ARE good parents.
Perfect. Look at that concern in those eyes. They are so real.
There's always one annoying airhead in the group, CarolineG. why are you visiting this site if you don't like the Obama family? You never have anything nice to say. If you don't have anything intelligent to say please do us a favour and keep your mouth shut. Trust me I've been in many tours around the world and there's always one annoying American.
I got my newest edition of the JCREW catalogue today, with Lauren Hutton on the cover and upon perusing, I noticed quite a few cardigans...different lengths, some with flower appliques even. Instantly reminded me of Mrs. O's cardigan style.
I also had to wonder about Lauren Hutton being on the cover and featured modeling styles on the first few pages of the catalogue. While I understand that Ms. Hutton is a model icon, and I'm not prepared to attribute the fact that she, as an older woman, is prominently featured in their newest catalogue, to Mrs. O, I do think it's smart since Mrs. O's use of jcrew has probably attracted an older demographic to their clothes.
And in terms of the Obama girls going to private school - let's get real - they are the First Children. They are not like little Jane and John down the street. Yes, the are mere mortals, but their dad isn't Mr. Insurance worker. He's the leader of the free world. As an American, I don't want my President's kids going to just any school.
Most importantly, I don't expect my President to make an example out of his children. He can care about public school without using his kids as props.
Lauren Hutton has been modeling for J Crew since 1989.
In this youth obsessed culture it's refreshing to have fashion icons like Lauren Hutton and Mrs. O getting media coverage. Both women are great examples of glamorous, grown up women who are not trying to look 18- and who know how to really enjoy fashion
LOL. Anti-Caroline... I don't think the Secret Service needs to get involved!! I bet it would be a far worse punishment if we just ignored her. Which is not something that I have been able to do either...
Anyways, this website has a great gallery of pictures from today. http://community.livejournal.com/obama_daily/185478.html#cutid1
They look like they had so much fun. Today has been a tough day for the President. This must have been the perfect escape:
Please always feel free to email me at contact@mrs-o.org if there's a comment you feel should be deleted. Mean-spirited comments of a personal or political nature will be deleted.
Please also keep in mind that certain people post comments with the sole intention of provoking others. We are better off ignoring said individuals, as difficult as it may be.
Thanks for that info Greta. As I said, I wasn't prepared to attribute Lauren Hutton on the cover to Mrs. O. But I do think the timing is perfect for them to capitalize on their newfound exposure due to Mrs. O.
"Gerbie" and "Annie", you are so clever... But count me among those who think it is refreshing to have a president that admits his mistakes. And Tom Daschle is pretty minor as far as mistakes go.
Anyway, if any are curious (as I was) about the book the Obamas are reading to the kids, it's called "The Moon over the Stars" by Dianna Hutts Aston. I have never heard of it before but it sounds very charming! The illustrations are like those old-fashioned children's books used to be in the 40's and 50's.
Link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Moon-Over-Dianna-Hutts-Aston/dp/0803731078
love mrs. o's look. she makes simple simply fabulous.
I love this look on her. Not sure all of it would work on me, though. She looks chic, but relaxed. I'm crazy about that top!
As for Lauren Hutton being on the cover of JCrew...she's been modeling for a long time for different companies. i think she's just fabulous, too. Another woman who is completely comfortable in her own skin as she ages, not trying to act or dress like an adolescent.
As always an unsual ensemble but right on the mark! The first lady is absolutely stylish! What a thrill...
As for the CarolineG's and the one person masquerading as 2 Gerbie/Annie...it's obsessed and miserable folks like you that validate the need to send Malia & Sasha to a very secure school...
Mrs. O continues to excel in choosing the right outfit to fit the occasion. Too bad some people don't realize this a place to discuss clothes and style. Frankly I'd be more upset if those two little girls weren't going to a private school. They need to be protected.
Ladies, can we all just agree to ignore the comments made by "you know who". Its so sad, maybe they are not over 18. "At the heart of the Universe, there is Joy, abundant Joy for everyone of us." To "you know who", why not find what makes you joyful! Best wishes!!!
Just an update to report I have been unable to identify the designer of this skirt. Ikram is a beautiful boutique, however! I highly recommend it if you're ever in Chicago.
Sad, too, to come back here only to find that Mrs. O's skirt has been blamed for Daschle cheating on his taxes. Wow.
Beautiful ensemble. (And I concur with Mrs. P.)
Has anyone identified the blouse? I really like the stripes.
The book she read is a wonderful one--just won an honor from The Coretta Scott King Committee! The illustrations are by Jerry Pinkney, a well-known African American artist. The book is a little girl dreaming about becoming an astronaut.
Caroline- I agree that email addresses should not be public information. I saw your surname mentioned once but I don't think that means your email has been published or available to the general public. I don't think anyone is all that interested in contacting you, really, so no worries.
In any case, I think the publishers of this site should delete the comments where your surname is mentioned.
As for getting "beat-up" for having a different opinion, please take note that this site is about FASHION. If you have an HONEST opinion about fashion--one that positively contributes to the discussion, even if it's differing--great! Your posts so far have been off topic. You have exposed yourself to be someone who dislikes the first family. There are other websites where your comments are more fitting. Please find them, you'll feel more at home there. Otherwise, you simply continue to portray yourself as someone who likes to stir-up trouble to catch attention. So there, I have given you a lot just now. That's all you'll get.
I hope you find some peace and serenity inside and make that your contribution to the world.