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Mrs-O.com is a blog dedicated to chronicling the fashion and style of First Lady Michelle Obama. Founded September 2008. 

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Wednesday
Apr012009

Mrs. O Sparkles at Downing Street

Photo by Dan Kitwood / Getty Images

While yesterday we saw not one, but two grown-up dress and coat combinations, Mrs. O has brought out her youthful charm today, dressed in a J.Crew ensemble that has the promise of Spring. Here she arrives at the Prime Minister's residence, 10 Downing Street, dressed in J.Crew's Crystal constellation cardigan embellished with beads, rhinestones and sequins, paired with J.Crew's Dazzling-dots pencil skirt in mint green jacquard.

Reader Comments (285)

Unexpected and very pretty. Once again, she's dressing for the people she's with, not the television cameras. Michelle loves embellishment and beautiful, interesting fabrics.

And frankly, I'll buy whatever she's selling! She's amazing. Carry on, Michelle, can't wait to see what you wear and how you charm the continent.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 8:20 AM | Unregistered CommenterLainie

Oh, dear. This wrinkly, glittery, confused look is a must-miss. I "get' that she was going for "spring," but major editing needed here. I hope to heaven she changes her clothes before her audience with the Queen. Awful.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 8:21 AM | Unregistered CommenterNancy

so fresh and lovely, I am really enjoying this look. Michelle looks great in ivory

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 8:22 AM | Unregistered Commenteredwina

Sorry, I don't like. It is too sparkly for a morning look, overaccessorized. The sweater set is somewhat casual and the way it opens at the hips does not look right (BTW, I thbik the skirt is JCrew). In this instance, I gotta say that she should have gone for less is more. She could have done a colorful, but simple look, and it is a little biased of us to pound on Mrs. "dark and depressing look" Brown. It is not necessary to put er down to make Mrs. O shine. When Mrs. O gets it right she shines broghtly all on her own.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 8:23 AM | Unregistered Commenterjojo

Gorgeous well put together outfit-not too glitzy but attention grabbing still. Very springlike and pretty and I love the bracelets!!! That cardigan is so lovely and feminine. Michelle really knows how to put an outfit together. Love it!!!!

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 8:24 AM | Unregistered Commenterdavesoko1

I am completely enamored with every single outfit that the First Lady puts together! I have a tendency to cringe whenever anyone questions part or all of a look, but that is each individual's right to do so. I can't think of one criticism from my personal point of view.

Michelle Obama is living up to the role model we need and want in multidimensional ways, fashion being only one important one. The way she looks, the way she speaks, the self confidence she exudes is so refreshing in this time of uncertainty.

Thank you so much for creating and maintaining this blog! It is my favorite stop on the web.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 8:29 AM | Unregistered CommenterDiana

"it is a little biased of us to pound on Mrs. “dark and depressing look” Brown. It is not necessary to put er down to make Mrs. O shine. When Mrs. O gets it right she shines broghtly all on her own. " -jojo

Dear, this is a fashion blog! The only reason people starting mentioning Mrs.Brown choice of clothing was do to the fact people were suggesting Michelle was not dress for the occasion. However, compared to how Mrs. Brown was dressed today some or thanking god Michelle did not go for the funeral look..okay!

Hate or love Michelle outfit if you want folks but if she had worn what Mrs. Brown wore some of you would be having fits of rage. So, I'll take what Michelle wore today as a ten.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 8:33 AM | Unregistered CommenterTia

I think I would be in heaven if Michelle showed up in bright red at Buckingham palace.

*crosses fingers that she doesn't go too conservative for the royals*

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 8:34 AM | Unregistered Commenterolivia

thank God for the [subtle]colours, it may just lift the rampant depression around here

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 8:35 AM | Unregistered Commentertess

About her cardigan being not buttoned all the way, that's how Michelle always wears cardigans. I'm sure you noticed that she has a very high waist, and her hips start high up on her body, so normal cardigans are not designer for her body. The bottom buttons are often around her hips.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 8:36 AM | Unregistered CommenterWilla

Pix are up of Mrs. O and Mrs. Brown at the 10 Downing Street site. http://www.flickr.com/photos/downingstreet/

Got to be honest, I love what Mrs. Brown is wearing and do not think Mrs. O's outfit works for daytime. Didn't they coordinate?

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 8:41 AM | Unregistered Commenterbrenda

Loves it!!! I love, love, love the look!!! It's chic, young, elegant, and spring. I'm 27 and I would definitely rock this look! The look is captivating and she is with out a doubt the star of this show!

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 8:51 AM | Unregistered CommenterShana

I find the ensemble sweet and pretty. It's interesting that some are complaining about the "glitz" of the sweater when on the J.Crew site, the model is wearing it with faded jeans.

I'm glad not everyone in the world is looking over her with a fine-toothed comb. I think the overall impression is really lovely.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 8:51 AM | Unregistered CommenterChristina

Really a social gaffe: Totally inappropriate for official visit to 10 Downing Street and for time of day, seriousness of world economy etc. etc.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 8:53 AM | Unregistered CommenterML Sirianni

What a lovely outfit. Imagine being in a hospital and having Mrs. Obama visit in her bright spring outfit. It's just wonderful. And just look at how she sparkles in the crowd, and in J. Crew, no less. As for J.Crew being too informal--please. Designer labels are on everything from tacky jeans to tacky t-shirts these days. It's refreshing to see our First Lady knocking them dead with effortless ease wearing an American label that's within reach of many American women. Let's save the big time glamour for the bigger events.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 8:54 AM | Unregistered CommenterBalt-O-Matt

Mrs. O is wearing classic American sportswear from a classic American company. It's just perfect.

Her outfit of relaxed cardigan and skirt is how American women dress. Let the Queen wear her board-stiff frocks--there is no need for Mrs. O to imitate her uber-formality.

Mrs. O is simply a shining example of American spirit and style.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 8:56 AM | Unregistered CommenterInfoDiva

mrs.o looks so pretty. what a contrast to the dowdy look of the english lady. info on the shoes would be nice.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 8:57 AM | Unregistered Commentertoi22

"Really a social gaffe: Totally inappropriate for official visit to 10 Downing Street and for time of day, seriousness of world economy etc. etc."

What would you think she should have worn instead? Mrs. Brown doesn't seem any more formal. And I don't know what dressing for the "seriousness of the world economy" even means. All black? Burlap? A barrel with suspenders?

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 8:58 AM | Unregistered Commenterchristina

ABRACADABRA! IT'S LIKE MAGIC! Mrs. O is doing here what she did for the Inauguration - echoing sentiments of New Life, Hope, Optimism, Good Will and a dash of her own free spirit! I like very much. The President himself seems to beem with pride whenever he is with his wife - it's like hey guys look what I got!

When compared with Sara Brown in her navy and black stockings in the photo with the four of them at Downing Street, she clearly makes a statement. Michelle has no intention of conforming to the "English Status Quo" and I applaud her for that. How many of us can safely say that we are confident enough with who we are to be so brave and bold?! Carry on then...

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 9:01 AM | Unregistered CommenterRocky

Oh, Christina! You took the words right out of my mouth! I wondered the same thing about dressing "for the seriousness of the world economy." What shoes go with the economy today, dear?

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 9:04 AM | Unregistered CommenterBalt-O-Matt

Too "blingy?" How about perfectly Spring-y! And she seems to realize that she's visiting people who are ill, being cheery and all.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 9:05 AM | Unregistered CommenterMrs Y

christina...LOL

You made me choking on my orange juice.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 9:07 AM | Unregistered CommenterTia

I love the outfit she looks really great youthful and elegant. and I must defend the shoes which are fantastic, to me they look like python (Blahnik has a pair that is similar) and it is a fabulous match. The Brown dress might be a really wonderful one but makes her look frumpy and the matte tights just don't look right.

The person above that mentioned the spanx (magic pants) are you suggesting she needs to wear them or that she wore them? I think if she did not she does NOT need them

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 9:09 AM | Unregistered Commentervaldivia

Mrs Y....Yes, I pretty much guess that is why Michelle chose that outfit as well. I use to could not figure out Michelle fashion at first and thought she dress wacky...lol

But the more I look at what she choose to wear and the hidden reason behind the choice of clothing it all makes sense. She picked this springy outfit to appear cheerful while visiting those in the hospital on purpose. I find it sad that many have not caught on yet to why Michelle dress a certain way for a particular occasion. Maybe in time people will realize what she is doing. Until then ignore the haters Michelle.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 9:11 AM | Unregistered CommenterTia

This link has some good pictures of both couples together.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x8310645

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 9:11 AM | Unregistered Commentershana

Yes Gloria she is an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and she looks classy. This is something as an executive I would wear to work.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 9:14 AM | Unregistered CommenterLisaM

Actually, I like this. The sweater, especially. So retro, that beading. Imagine a very young Mrs O in the sixties, looking at her mom's sweaters... I hope J. Crew sells out of it and I think it's great that she wears a mid-level American apparel retailer with such panache. The folks at Crew must be beside themselves with glee.

You could add cream gloves and a sisal hat to this ensemble and go to the races, I swear. Maybe not Ascot opening, but other days, sure. And I think it's fine for an early AM springtime visit to 10 Downing.

You can see the entire set of Getty images here: http://www.gettyimages.com/Search/Search.aspx?contractUrl=2&language=en-US&family=editorial&p=michelle%20obama&assetType=image&ebd=2009-03-31&src=quick

Honestly, as she sits inside 10 Downing, she looks more comfy there than even its resident...

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 9:15 AM | Unregistered CommenterOxfarm

The sweater is sold out and the skirt does not come bigger than a size 10. If J. Crew had a brain in its head it would order extra of what she was buying so they could make more money and buyers could get what they wanted.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 9:16 AM | Unregistered CommenterCandice

Candice: Not surprised the sweater is sold out. Michelle O is a one-woman stimulus package.

Next we need to get her taking her kids to school in some cool alternative energy vehicle. :-)

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 9:20 AM | Unregistered CommenterOxfarm

I'm not sure how J.Crew would know in advance what she is ordering. Even if they did, I'm not sure how they'd know when she was planning to wear any particular piece.

It looks like the sweater was always a somewhat limited edition (seems like it comes from J.Crew's more upscale collection.) Too bad for me! Though realistically, a $300 cardigan is way out of my reach.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 9:24 AM | Unregistered CommenterChristina

it amazes me that people r actually complaining that her outfit is not expensive enough (please, if it were, people would complain about that too!! damn if you do, damn if you don't)

Anyways, while im glad she's all for J Crew, I wish she would patronize other affordable places like Banana Republic, spread the love!!

but still loving the outfit, bravo!!!

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 9:25 AM | Unregistered CommenterLayo G

I'm not fond of it, but, hey, I don't have to like everything she wears, do I?

Tina Brown has a great article in The Daily Beast, "First Lady Fit for a Queen": http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-03-31/a-first-lady-fit-for-a-queen/

This comment is so true: "One of the many appeal points of Michelle to the Brits is that her casual elegance feels as if it came out of her own closet on her own salary."

I think that hits it right on the nose.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 9:26 AM | Unregistered CommenterHyde Parker

I think she looks amazing, I was up this morning when the first pictures came out and initially I thought those were flowers on the sweater, but I love the embellishments; where are poeple come from with all these rules, too glitzy for the occasion, to cheap (mind you it's a world wide recession)she cannot go really expensive, I think she nailed it; Classic Michelle Obama KUDOS!!!

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 9:28 AM | Unregistered CommenterQuita

Excellent, excellent, I think this is the most lovely thing I've seen her wear.

I love how she is herself, a breath of fresh air around the stodgy you should do this types. Why shouldn't a serious woman look beautiful?

And if I were in a hospital, I would a lot rather see Michelle dressed like this than in something boring.

I hope Mrs.Brown takes a leaf from Michelle's book. Size shouldn't stop people from wearing attractive clothes.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 9:28 AM | Unregistered Commentertrudy

Lots of different opinions this morning! This makes the blog so much fun to me. I hope we can respect that everyone will nto have the same opinion about an outfit.

That being said, this was not one of my favorite MrsO looks. While the pieces worked individually, together they were a bit to much for me. The skirt with her white ruffled blouse and salmon pink sweater (that she wore with black pants to the Soup Kitchen) would have been great to me! Or the sweater set with a simpler skirt (with out the tone on tone quality of the green skirt) would have been nice as well. Together just seemed overkill.

I did like her make up and hair though! I love how warm the Obamas are. Did anyone see the President shake the hand of the guard (?) outside 10 Downing Street and then the PM went back to awkwardly do the same thing? It was kinda funny. I am sure he (Obama) broke all kinds of protocol by doing that.

A few questions: what color was the sweater that MrsO was wearing? It looked Off white or taupe on my TV, but someone here mentioned pink. Also, is this an occasion where the Obamas will give gifts to the Browns, the Queen,etc? I know there was a big to do about the gifts given when PM Brown was in Washington, so I wondered.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 9:31 AM | Unregistered CommenterBrook

Oh....and I liked Mrs. Brown's outfit. I though the cut and the color was very nice. I did not find it depressing or boring at all. The ruffles at the front were a nice touch. Did not like the hosery choice, but that is just me.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 9:35 AM | Unregistered CommenterBrook

Wow, you guys all wake up so much earlier than me! It's only 9:30 AM (east coast) and there is already a whole debate ranging. And did Mrs. T really post this at 5:30 AM when the pictures came out??

Anyway, when I first logged on to the site and saw the picture of Mrs. O in her springy outfit, I immediately smiled. It's the kind of look that has the effect on you. And I have to comment on how brave she is for not just wearing a white skirt-suit which is what I had expected. She is really being herself which I just love.

I do think this outfit is perfectly appropriate for the event and am confused by those who don't agree. Just because she's in England doesn't mean you wear a suit everywhere! And yes, look at Sarah Brown who is certainly a beautiful woman but is wearing a very casual, very unflattering outfit. Though I am very glad she is changing before meeting the Queen...

Of the three outfits, I surprisingly like the "conservative" one, yesterday's white Thakoon coat and Michael Kors dress the most. But I think if you take all three looks together, that is Mrs. O style in a nutshell. There is the side that's classic and embraces basic lines, the side that's colorful and flirty in last night's outfit, and then the side that's quirky and informal for today. So it's really great to see her being herself as well as always surprising us. She's just so much fun! And I can't wait to see the rest of the looks for this week.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 9:37 AM | Unregistered CommenterJenna

J.Crew calls the color of the sweater "champagne," but it does look pinkish in some pics.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 9:37 AM | Unregistered CommenterChristina

Oops, forgot to add -- for me, the roundness of the large sequins in the sweater (go to the J.Crew page for a closeup look) echo the shiny dots in the skirt. It helps tie it all together, for me.

Mrs. O likes to sparkle and shine, we know that for sure, no surprises there. That's what all the brooches are about, as well as the rhinestone pin on her inauguration day dress, the sequins in the inauguration night gown, the "ink" gown that she wore to the state dinner for the governors, etc. Those who think it is too "glitzy" or "blingy" are going to have an extremely painful four years, because this is clearly is what she likes.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 9:44 AM | Unregistered CommenterChristina

I love this look: fresh and fun. I love this woman: fierce and feminine.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 9:45 AM | Unregistered CommenterDebra

How refreshing..wearing a cardigan, blouse and skirt
to 10 Downing Street..I love anything that is
embellished..I think the cardigan is really cute..
I would like however to see how the sleeves looked
rolled down. The skirt is nice too.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 9:47 AM | Unregistered Commentersmall

Absolutely spectacular wardrobe...I adore and admire Mrs. Os outfits. Much class and preparation with thought goes into what the public sees Mrs O wearing. However, the Queen would never be out without pantyhose or stocking. Mrs. Brown the prime ministers wife even she had on pantyhose or stocking. Think about it. Pearls and bare legs... WOW!!!

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 9:53 AM | Unregistered CommenterLovelylady

Michelle is killing it. Debate if you will but compared to the Prime Minister's first *cough* frumpynes *cough* Michelle looks like a damzel and I mean that in the best way.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 9:55 AM | Unregistered CommenterMojo

I was stunned by this outfit - it is gorgeous, spring-like, inspiring and showcased Michelle's ability to accessorize many items in a balanced way. Actually, the accessories - pearls, bracelets, shoes, even the crystals on the cardigan help ground the pastels of the cardigan & the skirt. Mrs. Brown's dress would have been improved with nude hose, a few sprightly accessories, great shoes and some spanx (see rear view on some of those pictures).

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 9:56 AM | Unregistered CommenterJen

And trust me when I say...those other first lady's want and need Michelle's workout plan. Had Michelle had a Kangaroo Pouch like the Prime Minister's wife; all hell would've broken loose in these United States. And the trolls on Mrs. O would be tearing Michelle to pieces.

It's not only hat Michelle's fashion choices but also that her body is really amazing. She clearly takes care of herself from the inside out and that's what all of us can take away from this.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 10:00 AM | Unregistered CommenterMojo

People.com is reporting that Michelle will be seated with JK Rowling at tonight's dinner. A little nod to Sasha and especially Malia who has read all of Harry Potter with her Dad.
Michelle is always going to be uber-feminine,its her signature and some observers may never fully embrace that sensibility. It works for me because I have a similiar aesthetic. For awhile I was really into the embellished cardigan, maybe it's time to revive that interest. It's such a happy, pretty, uplifting look.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 10:01 AM | Unregistered Commenteredwina

I must say, I am not at all a fan of those shoes. The outfit itself has so many great details so some nice nude heels would have been perfect.

Still a lovely look and I am glad that she's wearing heels with a little bit of height for once!

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 10:02 AM | Unregistered CommenterJenna

BTW, I think it is great that Michelle is wearing JCrew. What an excellent example, and inspiring to everyone who can't afford big bucks designers. Spending unnecessary amounts is just wasteful, and we've had enough of that.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 10:04 AM | Unregistered Commentertrudy

While I am not a fan of the cardigans, I think she needs a structured shoulder, I like that's it's sparkly and fits close to the body. They've got to come up with an alternative to the cardigans, maybe start to try some jackets without really making it a "suit". I just don't like cardigans on her. That said, I do like this looks. It's not a knockout like last night, but it's sweet look for informal morning tea and touring different places. And she looked totally glam next to Mrs. Brown, who's surprisingly tall. Sorry, had to say it. But I do like this look. She didn't hit a home run, but she won the game anyway! LOL
As for the nasty comments on the Daily Mail, don't pay attention to them, as they are not a true barometer of people's feelings. The people who hate Michelle are, of course, deeply obsessed with the woman. Anywhere she is written about, they will be there to post the same nasty comments using the same nasty rhetoric. They're so transparent. So taking the nasty comments from Michelle stalkers out of the equation, this outfit was more than a hit and people like it.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 10:13 AM | Unregistered CommenterTess

OH MY LORD!! My eyes are popping out of my head. What a look!! I adore it all together:

FRESH!
SPRINGY!
FUN!
LOVELY!
...and a little cerebral - who did not take a second look at this and think WOW, what is going on here!

And affordable! I love the shoes with it, the whole thing. Could anyone have predicted THIS?!?!?!

There's the excitement of Michelle Obama. She is literally pulling us all into another realm of fashion.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 10:21 AM | Unregistered Commenterallison

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