No doubt about it - Michelle really stands out amongst the rest of the spouses. She picked the right look and color! We have the most awesome First Lady in the world.
My goodness was that people cheering for them in the background.lol Michelle looks wonderful here and happy. I notice a couple of the other first lady's were sleeveless also in the video.
This is a great transitional look (from day to night wear). Transitioning from a visit with the Queen in the mid-day then having a great night out on the town with the other spouses; simply seamless. Smart move—love the coat and hair-do. I want to see that coat again.
She looks perfect. The dress is cut so well it's that perfect outfit - you can put it on and forget all about it. I LOVE those! They look really happy and comfortable, too, and very at ease with the Brown's, which is nice. Sarah's outfit looks much better here - in that the jacket is really lovely, but it's a shame she didn't go for an ankle length skirt with velvet evening boots and a fitted jacket. Or something.
Dinner at 10 Downing ...rather formal, British style. Mrs. Obama needs to realize where she is and wear something less casual. She's not in America. If futuree travels take her to a State dinner in Japan,Morocco,Saudi etc I hope she covers up a bit more. A classy long sleaved dress perhaps?
Do not know if the cheering was a good cheer or not. There have been too many protests. I think this white top could have been a bit more formal but it is difficult to tell how the material looked. Mrs. O looked well but could have looked even more stunning with more formal dresses.
Daisy girl It's a dress and she look fabulous in it. I wouldn't changed a thing! I think people forget that our first lady is young! She was appropriate today with the Queen keeping the cardigan on her. I agree with TrinityLee This is a great transitional look (from day to night wear). She's young, sexy but at the same time sophisticate She's no Laura Bush or Hillary!!
it was a good cheer. people where cheering their name. I bet when she does cover up for Turkey--this blog will be full of people yelling how boring she is and why she is not daring enough.
it seems the person upthread complaining about Obama not realizing she is not in america and her need to be more formal--I guess a lot of the women there, not americans, also forgot since they are wearing sleeveless and/or strapless.
Love the dress with and without the sweater! Perfect marriage between conservative, fit to see the Queen, to nice to wear to a night out for dinner. I love the detail at the bottom and the petticoat at the skirt. I bought a spring dress last year with a bit of stiff tulle (not sure if that is what it is called ) petticoat material to fill the skirt out and I feel so feminine when I wear it! (oh...and I am MrsO's age!) Can't wait to pull it out again this year.
"Dinner at 10 Downing …rather formal, British style. Mrs. Obama needs to realize where she is and wear something less casual. She’s not in America. If futuree travels take her to a State dinner in Japan,Morocco,Saudi etc I hope she covers up a bit more. A classy long sleaved dress perhaps?" -SHIZUKO ........................................... I noticed you didn't mention a thing about the other First Ladies spotted in the video wearing sleeves dresses and causal wear. Hmmm...I wonder why you suggest only Michelle is dressed improper but not the other First Ladies?! Could it be Michelle was told what to wear and not already. And her staff knows more about what is right for each occasion then you do.
rather you like the dress or not you cant say michelle doesnt look better than have those women there and she stands out in such and gorgeous and graceful way
In addition to her wonderful outfit I am so proud of the fact that she is there as the representative of America. She appears to be one of only two or three women of African descent at the dinner! I'm so proud of America. This is history taking place before our very eyes!!
God, I can't imagine the logistical nightmare of arranging a dinner like this--simultaneous translation in umpteen languages, the protocol of seating, making sure the menu choices don't offend a guest's dietary or religious requirements. I feel for the person who was in charge.
Isabel Toledo's clothes are very subtle. I don't think they necessarily read well on TV or in photos. I like this dress the more I see it--it has a clean, almost nautical feel to it--very American in spirit.
Mrs. O has got to be exhausted at this point. What's on her schedule for tomorrow?
I loved the dress, and how she looked in it. Did you notice in the video how she seemed to be in the middle of that group shot with the other spouses? It only made her stand out more. For all the people getting worked up about the dress, take a step back for a moment and think of the bigger picture. All of this is a dance of diplomacy and making connections and it seems that Mrs.O has already worked her charm. Here is a quote from an article about the meeting with the Queen (I'd post the link but it would go to moderation)
"Later at a reception for all the visiting dignitaries," the queen put her hand on the back of Mrs. Obama, who did the same for a few moments as they chatted," according to the British Press Association pool report, which called the gesture "an unusual step" in the tightly scripted world that surrounds a meeting with a British royal."
Would have done more justice to the outfits had she rotated her choices for the occasion.
The black and white she left the USA in would have been perfect for her meeting with the Queen.
She could have also re-worn the aubergine that she wore at Obama's first joint meeting of congress. That dress would be fabulous with a coat to go with it.
Cardigans do not bring the flair and style needed as First Lady, they are more appropriate for someone who is an assistant, not one of her position.
I was not a fan of all the sparkle and bling bling she chose for the day it was jarring in that nothing matched. Shoes did not match a thing.
C'mon Michelle, even women in America who are on low budgets can pull off more approriate style than you have done on this auspicious occasion, The President of the USA's first trip abroad.
When you move on in life you also need to leave some of the informality that may be your favorites in exchange for the attire that is far more appropriate for your new status.
Michelle looks fabulous in virtually all that she wears but her choices for occasions just is not striking the right decorum.
For now, you are the 'hit or miss' First Lady when it comes to fashion forward.
opulent, I disagree with absolutely everything you said, lol. Everything she wore was completely appropriate. In that group picture she looks better than EVERYONE else.
It's completely ridiculous though, how people keep going on and on and on and on and on about appropriate and inappropriate. Isn't it obvious that everyone has different definitions of that?
Michelle Looks great, the dress actually imo looks better in action. I didn't know what to think of it before when I first saw a picture of it, but I'm starting to like it more and more.Love you Mrs. Obama, and continue to make us proud!
I can't believe people are saying Michelle isn't formal enough, did you people even watch that video? One of those women is wearing a TUBE TOP for goodness sake! It was obviously not a very formal thing.
opulent...Once again how is she dress any different than the First Ladies in the photos that have been posted? I seriously think people are looking for any reason to put down Michelle Obama. Sure her clothing may not be your cup of tea but to go so far an suggest that she dresses inappropriate is reaching. If she is dressed inappropriate than every First Lady photo with her at the G20 is wrongly dress. That is if we follow your idea of how a First Lady should dress. Michelle Obama is dressed true to her personality as former lawyer, Mother, Wife and First Lady she is doing a fine job.
she looks very graceful and btw she is carrying her sweater which I did not know she had taken with her to the dinner.
p.s. To those that are saying she was dressed to 'informal' - the dinner at 10 Downing was NOT a state dinner. When she goes back to Buckingham Palace on a future trip abroad and 'if' there is a state dinner then everyone will be dressed more formal.
Just imagine ... we have four/eight more years of this!
all i can say is i am so proud of our president and our first lady. they represent us in a lovely way. mrs. o stays true to her own fashion style and shines. good job potus and flotus, i am proud.
btw....how handsome is our president in that clip sitting at the diner? oh hell, how handsome is our president period......*swoons*
Lyla and Tia, just a little 'heads up' on "Opulent." From time to time, a certain woman visits the board to post inane comments and get everyone riled up. A troll, if you will.
We have kind of a policy here of just reporting the comment and not commenting on it. Mrs. T will remove them when she has time.
What I love best about Mrs. O is that she's promoting American design all over the world. Not only that, but she's proving that you can shop at lower price points and still look elegant.
Don't take this the wrong way. I think yesterdays' choices were better. This morning was cute and springish. However, I think it was too tight. This evening was probably more elegant in person. I think the bodice could have been tighter. It made her look thick through the middle.
All in all she was still the most stunning woman in the room!
They must be exhausted...a heavy schedule for your first day in London.
This dress looks WAY, WAY better without the cardigan! I was worried there for a moment. At first, I wasn't crazy about the skirt part. However, seeing it on video helps so it's growing on me. It moves nicely. The Obamas looked nice coming down the red carpet.
I'm not particularly feeling the top part though. I don't mind that it's sleeveless, but the sleevelessness could've been more modest (e.g., wider straps, hike up the front part of the top some). More along the lines of that other First Lady who also went sleeveless. That would've been a 10.
I don't like the hairstyle either. A swept up do would've been great.
I think the outfit looks great... Would I have preferred her to wear the coat she the Jason Wu coat she woure to meet the queen, sure but I also understand she had to have an outfit that transitioned from day to night easily because she didn't have time to really change into a new ensemble.. A jacket over that Isabel Toledo dress would not have look good because of the volume of the skirt but she had to wear something to cover up meeting the Queen so a cardiagan was really her only choice. I don't think she looked too casual at all. No one else wore anything too formal either.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 4:39 PM
Reader Comments (148)
love that they were cheering for the Obama's as they came in. And she looks fantastic.
No doubt about it - Michelle really stands out amongst the rest of the spouses. She picked the right look and color! We have the most awesome First Lady in the world.
She really does stand out...what a gorgeous beauty (inside and out).
One lady four over to the right from Michelle is wearing a 'strapless' dress!
Ahhhh, she looks so so gorgeous and the cut of the dress is perfect for her.
She totally steps the game up for political spouses. Hopefully she will usher in a trend of fashion-forward, confident women.
The First Lady the world has been waiting for!!!
My goodness was that people cheering for them in the background.lol
Michelle looks wonderful here and happy. I notice a couple of the other first lady's were sleeveless also in the video.
This is a great transitional look (from day to night wear). Transitioning from a visit with the Queen in the mid-day then having a great night out on the town with the other spouses; simply seamless. Smart move—love the coat and hair-do. I want to see that coat again.
She looks perfect. The dress is cut so well it's that perfect outfit - you can put it on and forget all about it. I LOVE those! They look really happy and comfortable, too, and very at ease with the Brown's, which is nice. Sarah's outfit looks much better here - in that the jacket is really lovely, but it's a shame she didn't go for an ankle length skirt with velvet evening boots and a fitted jacket. Or something.
Dinner at 10 Downing ...rather formal, British style.
Mrs. Obama needs to realize where she is and wear something less casual. She's not in America. If futuree travels take her to a State dinner in Japan,Morocco,Saudi etc I hope she covers up a bit more. A classy long sleaved dress perhaps?
This looks odd, like she wore a petticoat but forgot her blouse. The skirt is fine but that top needed something more.
Do not know if the cheering was a good cheer or not. There have been too many protests. I think this white top could have been a bit more formal but it is difficult to tell how the material looked. Mrs. O looked well but could have looked even more stunning with more formal dresses.
Daisy girl It's a dress and she look fabulous in it. I wouldn't changed a thing! I think people forget that our first lady is young! She was appropriate today with the Queen keeping the cardigan on her. I agree with TrinityLee This is a great transitional look (from day to night wear). She's young, sexy but at the same time sophisticate She's no Laura Bush or Hillary!!
it was a good cheer. people where cheering their name.
I bet when she does cover up for Turkey--this blog will be full of people yelling how boring she is and why she is not daring enough.
it seems the person upthread complaining about Obama not realizing she is not in america and her need to be more formal--I guess a lot of the women there, not americans, also forgot since they are wearing sleeveless and/or strapless.
The dress is beautiful.
I love how Barack put his arms around both ladies as if he were a mack. Gotta love em.
Group photo of the wives:
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Michelle-Obama/ss/events/pl/050108michelleobama;_ylt=AqMEc21_jPSvGXNEURbArMkKO7gF#photoViewer=/090401/481/12befab146494baf8e0cf9c71b1d08d6
She looks lovely. Sleeveless is not equal to informal. Also, if I'm not mistaken, she's wearing a dress and NOT a skirt/top combo.
Love the dress with and without the sweater! Perfect marriage between conservative, fit to see the Queen, to nice to wear to a night out for dinner. I love the detail at the bottom and the petticoat at the skirt. I bought a spring dress last year with a bit of stiff tulle (not sure if that is what it is called ) petticoat material to fill the skirt out and I feel so feminine when I wear it! (oh...and I am MrsO's age!) Can't wait to pull it out again this year.
"Dinner at 10 Downing …rather formal, British style.
Mrs. Obama needs to realize where she is and wear something less casual. She’s not in America. If futuree travels take her to a State dinner in Japan,Morocco,Saudi etc I hope she covers up a bit more. A classy long sleaved dress perhaps?" -SHIZUKO
...........................................
I noticed you didn't mention a thing about the other First Ladies spotted in the video wearing sleeves dresses and causal wear. Hmmm...I wonder why you suggest only Michelle is dressed improper but not the other First Ladies?! Could it be Michelle was told what to wear and not already. And her staff knows more about what is right for each occasion then you do.
rather you like the dress or not you cant say michelle doesnt look better than have those women there and she stands out in such and gorgeous and graceful way
In addition to her wonderful outfit I am so proud of the fact that she is there as the representative of America. She appears to be one of only two or three women of African descent at the dinner! I'm so proud of America. This is history taking place before our very eyes!!
God, I can't imagine the logistical nightmare of arranging a dinner like this--simultaneous translation in umpteen languages, the protocol of seating, making sure the menu choices don't offend a guest's dietary or religious requirements. I feel for the person who was in charge.
Isabel Toledo's clothes are very subtle. I don't think they necessarily read well on TV or in photos. I like this dress the more I see it--it has a clean, almost nautical feel to it--very American in spirit.
Mrs. O has got to be exhausted at this point. What's on her schedule for tomorrow?
do u guys know if she will be doing anything else later on tonight and tomorrow?
I loved the dress, and how she looked in it. Did you notice in the video how she seemed to be in the middle of that group shot with the other spouses? It only made her stand out more. For all the people getting worked up about the dress, take a step back for a moment and think of the bigger picture. All of this is a dance of diplomacy and making connections and it seems that Mrs.O has already worked her charm. Here is a quote from an article about the meeting with the Queen (I'd post the link but it would go to moderation)
"Later at a reception for all the visiting dignitaries," the queen put her hand on the back of Mrs. Obama, who did the same for a few moments as they chatted," according to the British Press Association pool report, which called the gesture "an unusual step" in the tightly scripted world that surrounds a meeting with a British royal."
Toni, what publication is that from?
seirra-
Earlier I read that Mrs. Brown will be taking 'guests' to the opera after dinner. The article did not name the names of who will be going.
As far as Michelle's schedule for tomorrow - Politico dot com doesn't have anything up for Michelle yet, only Barack.
valdivia,
here is the link you are looking for
http (colon) //abcnews (dot) go (dot) com/Politics/International/story?id=7228105&page=1
replace the stuff in the parenthesis before using the link
Michelle,
Would have done more justice to the outfits had she rotated her choices for the occasion.
The black and white she left the USA in would have been perfect for her meeting with the Queen.
She could have also re-worn the aubergine that she wore at Obama's first joint meeting of congress. That dress would be fabulous with a coat to go with it.
Cardigans do not bring the flair and style needed as First Lady, they are more appropriate for someone who is an assistant, not one of her position.
I was not a fan of all the sparkle and bling bling she chose for the day it was jarring in that nothing matched. Shoes did not match a thing.
C'mon Michelle, even women in America who are on low budgets can pull off more approriate style than you have done on this auspicious occasion, The President of the USA's first trip abroad.
When you move on in life you also need to leave some of the informality that may be your favorites in exchange for the attire that is far more appropriate for your new status.
Michelle looks fabulous in virtually all that she wears but her choices for occasions just is not striking the right decorum.
For now, you are the 'hit or miss' First Lady when it comes to fashion forward.
@ Leah thanks but that link at abc still not working for me. will keep looking! and thanks again.
Toward the end of this clip, the Queen and our lovely FL engage in a light, sweet embrace and the Queen invites her to stay in touch.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7977950.stm
this is my favorite photo from the dinner -- she just looks so elegant and demure.
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/slideshow/photo//090401/481/9c7736c5bdd045b8809de1da47f2d49e/#photoViewer=/090401/ids_photos_wl/r795919966.jpg
opulent, I disagree with absolutely everything you said, lol. Everything she wore was completely appropriate. In that group picture she looks better than EVERYONE else.
It's completely ridiculous though, how people keep going on and on and on and on and on about appropriate and inappropriate. Isn't it obvious that everyone has different definitions of that?
Thanks for the link with 472 photos of Michelle - I love going through them!
Mrs. T, nice job on the Today show!
Michelle Looks great, the dress actually imo looks better in action. I didn't know what to think of it before when I first saw a picture of it, but I'm starting to like it more and more.Love you Mrs. Obama, and continue to make us proud!
I can't believe people are saying Michelle isn't formal enough, did you people even watch that video? One of those women is wearing a TUBE TOP for goodness sake! It was obviously not a very formal thing.
I have to say the more I look at the dress and how she looks in it the more I love it. Very chic. And she stood out amongst all the FL
opulent...Once again how is she dress any different than the First Ladies in the photos that have been posted? I seriously think people are looking for any reason to put down Michelle Obama.
Sure her clothing may not be your cup of tea but to go so far an suggest that she dresses inappropriate is reaching. If she is dressed inappropriate than every First Lady photo with her at the G20 is wrongly dress. That is if we follow your idea of how a First Lady should dress. Michelle Obama is dressed true to her personality as former lawyer, Mother, Wife and First Lady she is doing a fine job.
The Queen did not wear gloves to meet the Obamas - years ago she did not touch others directly. She wore gloves later.
The Queen must really be taken with Michelle. She put her arm around Mrs.O's waist.
Love this photo of the President and First Lady leaving 10 Downing ...
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Michelle-Obama/ss/events/pl/050108michelleobama/im:/090401/481/12befab146494baf8e0cf9c71b1d08d6/#photoViewer=/090401/ids_photos_wl/r795919966.jpg
she looks very graceful and btw she is carrying her sweater which I did not know she had taken with her to the dinner.
p.s. To those that are saying she was dressed to 'informal' - the dinner at 10 Downing was NOT a state dinner. When she goes back to Buckingham Palace on a future trip abroad and 'if' there is a state dinner then everyone will be dressed more formal.
Just imagine ... we have four/eight more years of this!
Mrs. Obama look too casual for this event. She needed to dress up her outfit with a sweater or something. How disappointing!
all i can say is i am so proud of our president and our first lady. they represent us in a lovely way. mrs. o stays true to her own fashion style and shines. good job potus and flotus, i am proud.
btw....how handsome is our president in that clip sitting at the diner? oh hell, how handsome is our president period......*swoons*
Lyla and Tia, just a little 'heads up' on "Opulent." From time to time, a certain woman visits the board to post inane comments and get everyone riled up. A troll, if you will.
We have kind of a policy here of just reporting the comment and not commenting on it. Mrs. T will remove them when she has time.
rave reviews for Michelle on the Brian Williams newscast.
What I love best about Mrs. O is that she's promoting American design all over the world. Not only that, but she's proving that you can shop at lower price points and still look elegant.
Don't take this the wrong way. I think yesterdays' choices were better. This morning was cute and springish. However,
I think it was too tight. This evening was probably more elegant in person. I think the bodice could have been tighter. It made her look thick through the middle.
All in all she was still the most stunning woman in the room!
They must be exhausted...a heavy schedule for your first
day in London.
This dress looks WAY, WAY better without the cardigan! I was worried there for a moment. At first, I wasn't crazy about the skirt part. However, seeing it on video helps so it's growing on me. It moves nicely. The Obamas looked nice coming down the red carpet.
I'm not particularly feeling the top part though. I don't mind that it's sleeveless, but the sleevelessness could've been more modest (e.g., wider straps, hike up the front part of the top some). More along the lines of that other First Lady who also went sleeveless. That would've been a 10.
I don't like the hairstyle either. A swept up do would've been great.
Overall, still a thumbs up.
Cute round-up in the Trib: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/obama/michelle-obama-fashion-london,0,3701582.story
Tomorrow - Thursday
Sarah Brown, Britain’s first lady, will take Michelle Obama and other spouses on a tour in London Thursday during the G-20 economic summit.
I think the outfit looks great... Would I have preferred her to wear the coat she the Jason Wu coat she woure to meet the queen, sure but I also understand she had to have an outfit that transitioned from day to night easily because she didn't have time to really change into a new ensemble..
A jacket over that Isabel Toledo dress would not have look good because of the volume of the skirt but she had to wear something to cover up meeting the Queen so a cardiagan was really her only choice.
I don't think she looked too casual at all. No one else wore anything too formal either.