Braving the Cold to Lend Support
Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at 1:37 PM Taking the wintry conditions in stride, First Lady Mrs. O spoke at Arlington National Cemetery today as part of a Women in Military Service event. In an impassioned speech - not a surprise, given the First Lady has proclaimed support for military families will be one of her foremost causes - Mrs. O shared these words with her audience:
"Military families have done their duty and we, as a grateful nation, must do ours. We must do everything in our power to honor them by supporting them - not just by word but by deed. It is my great hope that today's and future generations will honor women and men in uniform. By, first of all, never taking the blessings of freedom for granted, and by doing their part to create a more perfect union."
For the event, Mrs. O remixed several familiar pieces from her wardrobe. The black and white stripe blouse, last seen at the President and First Lady's visit to the Capitol City Charter School, here. As well as the teal cardigan and royal blue patent leather belt, last seen in combination for the National Day of Service, here. A gray wool blazer and trousers rounded out the multi-layered ensemble (perhaps a cold weather tactic?). Some might say there's a layer too many, but we can't help but think of Mrs. O's recent interview for Vogue in which she exclaimed, "I needed that sweater!" in reference to her election night layering.
Earlier in the day Mrs. O met with Sarah Brown, the wife of U.K. Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Mrs. Brown presented Sasha and Malia Obama with clothes from the affordable U.K. fashion mecca Top Shop, set to open its first U.S. store in New York City this April.
In an interesting sartorial twist, we recently asked a British friend of Mrs-O.org about her own black and white stripe blouse that bears striking similarity to Mrs.O's. The origin of her shirt? Top Shop. We can't be certain, but what a thoughtful gesture if Mrs. O's blouse is, in fact, from Top Shop and worn today in honor of her British guests. (Sadly, not Top Shop, but a doppleganger. We'll continue to investigate.) Per the Daily Telegraph the two women also discussed maternity issues, and Mrs. O's plans to visit Britain next month.
Outfits
Reader Comments (148)
Thanks and good afternoon, Mrs. T!
Jack Cafferty's piece was so sweet and made even more poignant by the fact that he recently lost his wife.
Oh gosh, I didn't know that, edwina. I was just about to post how cute I thought his comments were.
Very sweet piece by Cafferty. I just wish he'd managed to write an article about what an amazing woman she is WITHOUT mentioning her arms.
Which brings me to Bonnie Fuller's piece. I'm sorry, Mrs. T, but I have to disagree that it's thoughtful and well-reasoned. Like so many, she attacks people who would have preferred an outfit with sleeves at that speech with the same old, trite arguments -- "they're just jealous," they "want her in a burka," "if Jackie O did it, Michelle can too."
Not only are those NOT logical arguments, they're not indicative of what many of the pro-sleeves crowd were saying when they said they wish she's worn sleeves that night. As one of them, I'm perfectly fine with Mrs. O wearing sleeveless dresses, and I applaud her when she does. Her official portrait was perfect and I wouldn't change a thing.
But saying I would have liked sleeves in Congress that night does NOT make me jealous of her, it doesn't mean I want to see her in a burka (heaven forbid!) and I really DO feel that comparisons to Jackie O. do Mrs. O no justice.
I'll reiterate one of my earlier posts: continually focusing on one part of Mrs. O's anatomy (no matter how fabulous it is) and ignoring all the other wonderful characteristics that make her an admirable woman, is a shame. This woman is a LOT more than a sculpted pair of arms, for heaven's sake... can't we look beyond them?
O.M.G. I absolutely love Jack Cafferty's piece. How sweet of him to recognize our dear First Lady.
Earlier today when Prime Minister Gordon Brown was at the White House meeting with President Obama, Mrs. Sara Brown was supposed to be visiting with Michelle. I haven't come across any photos as of yet, perhaps the White House will release some later today.
Chicagoan, I agree somewhat about the Bonnie Fuller piece. The intent of the article was clear and admirable, but as soon as she screeched that critics just want Michelle to wear a burqa, I had to roll my eyes. Still, I enjoyed reading it, and hearing some of the quotes from industry professionals.
And Jack Cafferty's piece is just awwwwww. I love Jack. He is the only reason I ever watch CNN. He's only on for like 12 seconds each day, but I always look forward to it. And his ode to Mrs. O is, as others commented, in light of his wife's recent passing just incredibly sweet. I really, really hope that Michelle's staff will pass it along to her. I am sure she would send him a thank you note which he would no doubt really appreciate.
Today's outfit at Arlington (via cspan)...Well, I'm just plain baffled. However, Mrs. Obama's comments: well done.
From Politico dot com
Brits Watching Spouses
Brown's 'stylishly bonkers hat'
Among the many things the British press looked for in today’s transatlantic summit? A fashion faceoff between Michelle Obama and Sarah Brown. The word on Sarah Brown? According to the Daily Mail: “Expect pieces by her new favourites Ben de Lisi and Jasper Conran, as well as a stylishly bonkers hat from milliner Stephen Jones.”
And a link to the Daily Mail article regarding Sara and Michelle:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1158795/Clash-First-Ladies-Who-triumph-style-stakes-Sarah-Brown-meets-Michelle-Obama.html#comments
http://www.c-span.org/Watch/watch.aspx?MediaId=HP-A-15999
The fit of the pants and jacket is nice. I think that the sweater and shirt and belt together creates a dizzying effect on the eyes.
Check the photo on this web site re today's visit to Arlington http://www.daylife.com/topic/Michelle_Obama/photos/today/1
Ooh, Yahoo just posted pictures of Michelle from today's event. She looks adorable and is "recycling" several items. She is wearing the same striped black and white shirt that she wore (with a ruched skirt) to read to local children some weeks ago. And she's wearing the same blue-green cardigan and blue belt that she's worn at least twice before, once to volunteer on MLK day and once as part of her outfit and once to have lunch with the mayor of DC.
OK, it is pretty embarrassing that I can recall the First Lady's wardrobe to such detail... I hope I am not the only one who immediately recognized those pieces!
Yes, a lot going on there, Sabrina. A grey flannel, notched-lapel blazer, the black-and-white striped blouse from the day of reading books at a school, the blue-green cardigan with the blue belt, and a pair of black slacks.
Her hair looks great again today!
Pics of our FLOTUS:
http://www.daylife.com/photo/07ywcBq4h4eBG
Gee, I don't share the concerns about the outfit being "busy". I love the look of the entire top half, especially the striped shirt which is such a bold use of black and white.
The only thing I would change is the black pants. If she wore gray, to match her jacket, it would be a more streamlined look. But I love the overall effect and I really LOVE her hair, her make-up and her smile.
Some pictures (Check out the feathered hair! Very 80's yet somehow modern. I love it):
http://www.daylife.com/photo/0aKb52bh1Z9Ug/Michelle_Obama
http://www.daylife.com/photo/0bI6ahO9qscld/Michelle_Obama
Fair points re: Bonnie Fuller's piece. I guess my "thoughtful, well reasoned" comment stemmed from the passage about the message projected through Mrs. O's bare arms. The warmth she conveys through hugs, etc. I also liked the mix of perspective from Letitia Baldrige and others. Agree though, that "thoughtful" probably doesn't apply to other comments made.
I usually LOVE all of Michelle's outfits but not this combination.
Perhaps if the jacket had been a darker gray or even black and it would have looked better and the 'blue belt' just did not go well with the other colors at all and should have been left at home.
Blue belt photo:
http://www.daylife.com/photo/0fVp85dgsffpx/Michelle_Obama
are the pants black? they look like a very dark gray to me. she looks comfy and cute. i like it.
and jack cafferty's piece was just lovely.
You should watch the video of this event here.
http://www.c-span.org/Watch/watch.aspx?MediaId=HP-A-15999
Michelle is lovely and has a business-like attire. It looks comfy and sharp for this occasion. I'm from France and this outfit is bold and very parisian.
I like the individual pieces (except the belt), but not the outfit put together. Too busy.
I see Michelle decided to cover up today. LOL
Whoever is Michelle's new DC hair stylist, they deserve some praise. Lately her hair and makeup has been flawless.
Oh dear. Respectfully speaking, that jacket looks very ill fitting and almost rumpled. Not too sure about the belted cardigan and striped blouse under the jacket with details itself in styling. It's a little busy not in a good way.
Love the striped blouse on it's own.
The pants look a little sketchy in the way they fit too.
But her hair! It's gorgeous and there we go again with those pale lovely lips.
We need to retire that jacket.
Mara - Considering there was a snow storm in D.C. I am not surprised that Michelle is dressing a bit warmer.
edwina - I read not long ago that Michelle's stylist from Chicago flew to D.C. to meet with the new stylists to give them tips on what to do with her hair. Can't remember where I saw the article.
Question for the website owners:
Is there a way you can find out what hair care products, and cosmetics products & shades Michelle Obama uses? Also, what does she use for her skin? Her skin usually looks nice.
I am usually a gusher, but this outfit is a big ol' miss for me. The sweater and belt seemed like an add on and just did not seem to 'go' with the outfit, and I am not even talking in the usual matchy-matchy way. The jacket seemed ill fitting and puckered in places where it should not have been puckering.
Ahh well...
BTW, here is a link with a full length picture
http://www.daylife.com/photo/01bE8Hs1kk8Lf/Michelle_Obama
I looked at the photos again to see if my first impression stuck. (it did)
But more importantly, NO MATTER WHAT SHE WEARS she always seems to look radiant and glowing and sincere and just lovely. She could be wearing a potato sack and look fantastic.
Yes, I would LOVE to get more info on her makeup products. I've heard in interviews that she keeps that info to herself. I wonder what her signature fragrance is?
My first thought was: "She looks like a oversized Munchkin Man from the Wizard of OZ"
She looks very nice in those pictures, but I do see why she usually chooses jewel tones most of the time. Grays seem to wash her out. JMHO, but she does look nice today, even though the jacket is gray.
I like the look, its very eclectic. Majority of people don't like this sort of dressing, but I find it very fascinating. Sometimes its nice to mix pieces that are very different, very French. That jacket has a very masculine look and this gives her a very powerful look.
I love the jacket, well fitted pants, but the layered inside the jacket is questionable. Her hair and makeup as always are flawless.
Michelle Obama's remarks at this event were just perfect---and lovely. I am so proud to have a first lady like Michelle.
This ensemble doesn't bother me. As far as I am concerned, she could wear most anything.
I like her best is a coordinated coat/dress combination. But, I realize that this is not possible for every occasion. I agree with others---her hair looks great.
I really admire this woman. I enjoy the fashion talk--but think it is secondary to her endearing persona.
allison, i'd love to know that too. i'm a bit of a fragrance nut and i would love to know what scent she wears.
the only thing i really don't like about this look is the belt. i would have loved it perhaps if it was just the jacket and the shirt, i quite like the style of the blazer.
'kay, I like the individual pieces, but this is quite a lot for me - just too many pieces.
That said, woman lives in the White House with an onsite cleaning shop and a metric buttload of household staff. Why are her clothes so badly wrinkled so often? The green Stevie dress was very wrinkled down near the hem and this jacket is a mess.
Roo-
Every one of Jenna's comments on this thread was helpful, insightful and enjoyable to read and in my opinion you owe Jenna an apology for your rude comment directed at her. Comment sections on blogs are for discussion after all.
Mrs o wore that shirt when she and the prez read to school kids last month and the cardigan and belt at the Black History month celebration at the WH.
I find Jenna's comments positive and interesting to read. People who contribute in a meaningful way are what keeps blogs alive
Not my favorite look for Mrs. O. Then it dawned on me, when I saw the official photo released by the FL's office, that she was a bit more conservative because she was meeting with Mrs. Brown.
Roo,
Can I respectfully suggest that you go back to lurking? Jenna is a great and valued contributor to this site and I personally hope that she does not take your unkind comments to heart.
It is ridiculous to suggest people limit their comments. Unless they are being offensive or inappropriate I don't see why they should.
I LOVE Mrs. O's eclectic outfit, because it isn't so matchy-matchy. I don't see a problem with the fit. It's really hard to judge from bad camera angles. I'm sure more would appreciate it if they saw the outfit in person.
And there's always a "roo" who wants to spoil the positive vibe.
Some people like to lurk while others prefer to make positive, interesting contributions
Now, back to Mrs. O. Yes, puckery. It's not the eccelectism that bothers me, but those puckers. Either it needed pressing, was a cheap garment, or both.
I am so impressed by the way that Mrs. O is out in Washington visiting all these government agencies and paying tribute to the people that do the jobs. Have other FLOTUS's ever done as much as this. Michelle Obama will been seen as an admirable figure in history. She's the total package.
Okay you all are sounding a little crazed.
Allison, some previous first ladies have had very busy schedules, as well, but I think we're seeing more of Mrs. O because, well, she's Mrs. O!
I read Hillary Clinton visited 80 countries while her husband was president. Sometime last year, her papers were released, showing a great deal of activities on a daily basis. Some were substantive, others not.
If you'd really like to learn more about previous first ladies, I recommend the series that the Biography channel is about to release: http://www.biography.com/classroom/
I think I post more frequently than Jenna :). I don't read everyone's posts and I assume that some or all of mine are overlooked as well.
ANYWAY, I do often wonder what kind of perfume Michelle wears. I remember a kindergartner saying that she smelled very pretty. But I am even more impressed with her hair. When my hair was relaxed, it was clear when I needed a touch-up and no way could I wear my hair down every day. How does she do it?
That belt should go, It's too cheap looking and has already made too many appearances.
The outfit is too busy for sure, but Mrs. O is only human and she can make mistakes.