Like Mother, Like Daughter
Monday, April 6, 2009 at 4:30 PM 
Image used with kind permission from Essence
Mother’s Day came early to Essence magazine, and we couldn’t be more excited. Their May issue features a beautiful, warm photograph of Mrs. O and her mother, Marian Robinson, on the cover. Inside, their first joint interview is a delight, with lots of new tidbits—including the fact that the First Lady has yet to redecorate her office. Mother and daughter share insights into how they handled the transitional move, their beliefs about raising confident kids, and their love of strong marriages.
The fashion choices for the magazine’s photographs are as refreshing as springtime itself. Mrs. O indulges her love of floral prints again, this time wearing a silk rose print dress from Talbots. The print is a watercolor style, featuring large lagoon blue and turquoise roses plus green leaves, both detailed in black. Over the dress (which the Talbots web site tells us is a sleeveless fitted bodice design with a pleated skirt), Mrs. O is wearing a tissue cotton Kelly green sweater edged in blue by Hanii Y. Belted over the sweater is a wide silver-studded belt by Sacai.
Mrs. Robinson wears a Dear cashmere sweater, her own layered loden green and white tops and khaki pants, and a vintage three-strand pearl necklace mixed with a necklace by Martin Margiela. The Margiela piece consists of large white beads partly interwoven with a dark chain. By layering the pearls and the Margiela necklaces together, Mrs. R brings a contemporary bit of sass to a traditional pearl piece. The reach and mix of fashion here is fascinating.
Talbots is a traditional brand, started in Massachusetts in 1947, and long known for the preppy approach to style, including sheath dresses and twin sets. There are Talbots stores across the country, plus shoppers can buy from them via catalogues or online. Hanii Y is half of the design team of Y & Kei; she draws on her Korean heritage to bring a streamlined cut and bold colors to her work.
And Sacai is a Japanese design house based in the Marais section of Paris. Having established its own niche market over the past 10 years, Sacai feels no need for runway shows or fancy press presentations. It is a fashion insider’s designer, as is Margiela, a Belgium designer so mysterious that he has never had his photo taken.
How did such diverse designers, of varying availability, come together here? The answer is, once again, the master of the mix: Chicagoan Ikram Goldman. She carries Hanii Y, Sacai, and Martin Margiela at her cinnabar lacquered boutique. By combining traditional American clothes with edgy fashion insider accessories, the message truly says, We are one. It’s a sentiment that both Mrs. O and her mother express in the interview. When asked if she had a Mother’s Day message to pass on to readers, Mrs. Robinson said, “Things are going well for me. For other mothers, I hope they can enjoy their Mother’s Day as peacefully and as happily as I will.” What a great way to lead into spring. 
Image used with kind permission from Essence
Dear Cashmere, Hanii Y, Maison Martin Margiela, Sacai, Talbots in Designers, Jewelry, Misc, Outfits
Reader Comments (162)
Talbot's is now owned by a Japanese company, Aoen, and has been for several years.
Mrs. R. looks gorgeous here. I'm betting Michelle learned a lot about fashion and style from her. We should have a Mrs. R. appreciation thread sometime.
Yay Talbots!!!!! I've been wearing Talbots forever, as well as Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft. They are great resources to great basic pieces that you can dress up with more expensive accessories. Talbots is so much more in my daily price range than J. Crew. I've loved them for years.
I've had an Essence subscription forever, and it really features AA women at their best and has been a great inspiration for all women of color. I can't wait for my issue to come in. How wonderful to see Mrs. Robinson on the cover--she deserves her recognition after all that she has done for her children. She has her own flair as well. It is hard to believe she's 71 years old. The colors are so bright, cheery, and optimistic looking.
FLOTUS looks charming, as always, but I'm really wowed by Mrs. Robinson's choices. I love the triple-layered tops (what a yummy color combination!). And the necklaces are stunning.
I think the belt Mrs. Obama is wearing in this picture is the same one (we only get a glimpse in the pictures) she wore on her visit to Prague.
Divalocity, or anybody else know why Mrs. O is not accompanying her husband next week to Trinidad? If you think they were hurt in Turkey for her not showing up WAIT till they find out in Trinidad she’s not coming. They’ve been sooo excited about seeing her there, read this article about a beautiful Wild Fowl Trust nature site they’ve been readying especially for her to tour: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161461445
I was soo looking forward to seeing her there but nothing like the people there! I fear there will be much resentment towards her, in that it’s only two days, and only one of them is a school day. She could fly in on her own (just as she flew to U.S. back from Prague) after school that Friday, then it’ll just be Saturday and half a Sunday. I really hate to say this-but there will be those saying she’s snubbing dark skinned people, because she was just in Europe. This is a very important event and those people, PM Manning and his wife were very very gracious in their invite to her and in their preparations for her enjoyment along with the other spouses. Michelle is not thinking straight here. Those girls will be fine, they are well adjusted and happy with their grandmother and they are 8 and almost 11! Children can adapt well in a loving home, and Michelle needs to not become fettered so much to them because they will grow up and get their own lives sooner than she thinks
They're both gorgeous! This cover is so refreshing! If only I was in the U.S. so that I could pick up a copy of this issue. Essence is one of my favorite magazines!!
Wow. I've never heard anyone advocate for a mother spending less time with her children because they will grow up soon. Normally, its the opposite. Besides, although Mrs. R is there to help out, I do not think Mrs. O or anyone else in the family looks at her as a paid nanny that is obligated to spend all of her time watching the kids. She looks pretty jazzy and I'm sure she has her own life to live too!
Anywho, I think they both look amazing! Cheers, to aging beautifully!
I don't think that if Michelle doesn't make it to Trinidad, it's because of the children only. But if it is, that is her choice as "mom in chief". She said that from the very beginning. She's already said that she wants to travel more with the girls in the summer. She can't do all events. We do not know what is going on in the girls lives privately that merit her own motherly attention, even Mrs. R. is willing to be there.
If she said she was going to come and then didn't show, that's one thing. But if people just assumed, and then she didn't come, they shouldn't be angry. Plus, they may want this to be primarily a working trip for the President. There's a lot we don't know behind the scenes and should not be perceived as a slight.
Naomi you deliberately misunderstood what I said. I wasn't advocating for her to spend less time with her girls, I understood her decision to come home early from Europe, the trip was long.
But this is just two days and they have been very very gracious about inviting her. No one can say Michelle doesn't spend enough time with her girls-she just spent ten days straight at Camp David with them, not only quantity but quality time! She hardly ever ever travels, and this is the only trip coming up in the next few months. Surely she can spare a COUPLE of days???
Wow is right! The Obamas are going to have a pretty hard time pleasing everyone. I would love to see Michelle in Trindad. She loves the Caribbean...everyone does. But if for some reason she needs to be with her girls, she has already stated that depending on the needs of her girls, she will have to make adjustments for her own peace of mind, even if her mother is there to help or not.
Regarding Turkey, you must not of heard about the assasination plot against the Prez that was thwarted by Turkey officals--the man in custody has confessed and had a fake press pass from Al-Jazeera and apparently it involved 3 other accomplices. This happened recently, so I am sure the decision to split up for that leg of the trip was for a reason.
People we really need to give this couple a little bit of a break. There's a lot we don't know regarding these decisions. Michelle loves everyone, and I'm sure she would love to be all things to all people..all the time. But she's doing a great job, and the last thing I want to do is criticize another woman who's in a very difficult unpaid job.
Janelle you make a very good point as I said I perfectly understood why she didn't go to Turkey.
But saying we can't critique her decisions is ridiculous. I remember the flack she caught and rightly so for not going with Mr. O to NY for the 9-11 event. She should have understood the symbolic nature of that event and how it would help her repair her patriotic image. And again, she could have flown in that dayt and gone home that night. People were already slamming her for that infamous "proud of my country blowup". Cindy McCain was there and it was just glaring that Mrs. O wasn't there. Thing is, that week she had been to California with the girls and danced on Ellen!!! So people were right to question her priorities in that situation.
I'm gonna let it go...some of you are making good points. Still, the hurt will be there in Trinidad.
My mom is a real fan of Talbots; she'll be excited to hear that's where this dress comes from. There used to be one not far from where I live, but it closed. :-( (There are others around, though.) I've always found it a bit too preppy for me, but there are lots of very nice basics there too.
@Davesoko, ot's unfortunate if people in Trinidad feel snubbed, but did she say she was coming, or did people just assume that she might? If people want to have hurt feelings over it, they will, and there's nothing anyone can say to stop that; there will be many other invitations she'll be forced to decline over the months and years to come.
But we really have no idea what's going on privately that may make those couple of days not a good time for her to travel. Maybe she's reading Tess on this board and is using the time to hire a stylist! (lol)
People can critique the decisions, but without having all the info, the critiques aren't always fair.
davesoko1,
I am not so sure that Michelle is not going to be going.
The only thing that was in the news was a comment like: 'Michelle has no bopping around the world traveling plans for the near future' they said that she had the Easter egg roll event and another event planned for this month. But they did not release a full schedule so as far as we know she might be planning on going with the President April 17-19 and just hasn't told anyone yet.
On the other hand we can't expect her to travel with the president every time he goes somewhere.
What a dear photo of Mrs. Obama and her mother! I just love it.
About Mrs. Obama not going to Trinidad and Turkey. She can't go everywhere. She has young children. Most of us can understand that.
what a dear dear picture...its so sweet!!!! I will buy this issue for my mom, she will love it!!
Mrs. O and Mrs. R look ready for spring! beautiful!
@ Christina,
When you said your mom is a fan of Talbots, for some reason I felt so old! I'm 30ish and have been shopping there for years for my classic pieces that I mix and match. LOL
I thought I was young and somewhat stylish--what am I saying, Talbots is stylish. Too funny.
Eeek! That's not what I meant at all, Janelle -- I don't think that Talbot's has "old" clothes, they just are a style that she likes. I'm going on 38, so, not so terribly young (though young at heart.)
Sorry if I gave the wrong impression! (smile)
You know I actually was a fan of Marian R.'s clothing before I became a fan of Michelle's clothing. If Michelle gets her fashion sense from someone, I believe it was from her mother. And boy does her mother look stunningly young!
It's amazing that people think Michelle should respond to their request to "be here and go there" and do this!
Michelle did not run for "President" her husband did...and there's no doubt that she supported him in this effort.
But her first priority are her GIRLS! and anyone that see's it any different apparently don't have kids (young kids).
As for New york 9/11! Who gives a D-- that Cindy Mccain was there....I would not have wanted to be in the present of such a phony woman that had tried to turn my statement into something to help benfit her husband (but I'm sure thats proabably not why Michelle didn't attend, it was clearly her and Barack's decision).
As for patriotic....I'm african American and I knew exactly what she was saying and what she meant when she made the statement...(And I think she's as patriotic as anyone else in this country).
Please people!!!
It's terrific that MO is showcasing fashion from affordable sources. She makes us feel that being stylish does not necessarily mean buying a de la Renta or a Vera Wang.
The Talbots near us closed, and I loved going there for basic pieces. And, our Ann Taylor closed as well. But I can still pick up a Tissue Tee through J.Crew at a decent price. In this economy more and more 2 for 1's pop up on the websites.
This is a great photo of FL and First Grandmom!
HI All - Sorry, but we had to remove the image as the official launch isn't until tomorrow. XOXO - Mrs. T
I think what this Essence cover shows is that more mature women like Mrs. Robinson shouldn't shy away from color. It actually makes you look more youthful and happy, while still remaining polished and sophisticated. I, too am going to get this issue for my mother. Perhaps she'll have some inspiration and venture away from wearing black so much and sort of dowdy clothes that may be comfortable to wear but could be aging her.
What a great article. I have recently been thinking that I'd like to know more about the woman who raised Michelle. And now this article comes out. Mrs. Robinson looks great.
Is it just me or on average do black women age better than white women? I hope nobody takes offense at my question. It's just that I've known several black women in their 60s who don't look even close to their real age. Mrs. Robinson looks too young to have middle-aged children.
@ Debra,
No offense taken--it's just the melanin(sp?) in the skin that adds a protection against premature age from sun rays. Also, I read that Mrs. Robinson was in the Senior Olympics in Chicago just a few year ago and did very well in the dash. She also does yoga and has a very active social life. I'm sure that helps as well! I look forward to reading more in the article.
I love the picture of Michelle and her mother. I notice that Michelle is more open then previous First Ladies.
Michael Bloomberg went solo to the 9/11 ceremony.... While I was surprised that Cindy McCain was there, I thought it was OK for Michelle O to be absent.
@ Debra: Black folks and Asians and Caucasians and Hispanics and every other ethnic group do age differently. Many black women report fewer and less dramatic menopause symptoms, for example. Fewer outward cosmetic problems with skin and hair, but increased incidence of hypertension, heart disease, stress. We each have different crosses to carry, is all.
Debra....it's been said that people of color age slower then those with lighter skin...supposely because of the sun and other factors. I have a very close friend who's (white) and we're 4 years apart....I'm older...but she always think she looks older than I do...(but I don't think she does). She claims her husband tells her she does...Frankly I think Asian age slower than any race....I can never tell their age....they all seem to have such a youth appearance.
Well I'm from England so I don't know what Talbots is but if it's good enough for the first lady then TRUST sales will rocket. This is what the economy needs especially during a recession; people like Michelle sending the message out to women that you do not have to break the bank to dress well and stylish.
The picture of Michelle and her mother is truly beautiful. I usually tire of seeing the same recycled celebs (cough...Beyonce...cough) on the cover month in and month out but trust me when I tell you that if Essence have Michelle on the cover every month then I'll renew my subscription.
Lastly, you and I can just grab a passport and an overnight bag and jump on a plane. However, Michelle is the First Lady. There is planning, organising, WARDROBE!!!, security etc etc. I have no doubt that whilst it is exciting for her it could get equally tiring. She'll be around for the next 8 years (yes, I said it). Let's calm down and enjoy her at a steady pace.
Debra, you should check out Essence's annual "Guess her Age" issue. That will blow your mind. They always have 60, 70, 80 and 90 year olds that look like they are in their 40s and 50s. I wish I could remember when that issue usually comes out.
But regardless of ethnicity, remember that for mind and body, "the motion is the lotion."
No matter what, use sunscreen every day, eat healthy and delicious, exercise, find your passion, have great sex, laugh, and keep moving!!!!
Debra,
Black people tend to have oiler skins than other racial groups and so the tendency for the skin to dry out and form wrinkles and lines is reduced somewhat. As a result they can look younger than their years although this is not always the case. I have seen sisters who look older then their mothers.
Huffington Post has an outfit poll up.
There is a photo there in the slideshow photo Look #8 that shows MORE of what is underneath the Azzedine Alaia leather trimmed jacket ... the most I've seen so far in any another photo!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/06/michelle-obamas-european_n_183452.html
Also to add to my comment above (that is in moderation) the caption on the HuffPo photo says: Etro print top.
Okay, so obviously, I'm missing something. When I go to the essence link, I see lots of fabulous looking folks. But none are Mrs. O and Mrs. R. Did they take the photo down?
Ionprize,
The Essence mag is not out yet.
There is a photo of the cover on
http://michelleostyle.blogspot.com/
and
http://thisweekwithbarackobama.blogspot.com/
Isonprize here it is
http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/
"Isonprize," ditto. Can't see anything about Mrs. O and Mrs. R.
@ Isonprize,
Mrs. T had the photo up here but took it down b/c the offical launch is tomorrow. Sorry people missed it but I think you can still catch it if you scroll down jackandjillpolitics(dot)com.
@davesoko1...i was sympathetic to your grievance until you brought up patriotism, cindy mccain, and dancing on ellen....wth??? with each comment, you sound like you are trolling.
53% of AMERICANS voted for michelle's husband to be our leader, so obviously we did not care about where mrs. o was or was not. she was not running for anything.
she is not there to supply you, me, or any countries with entertainment. if she wants to stay home with her babies,chill at home, or go somewhere else other than where her hubby is, its her business. its called being a independent self assured woman.
thanks for the fake concern though. troll
http://thisweekwithbarackobama.blogspot.com/2009/04/flotus-michelle-obama-is-big-hit-video.html
Above link shows the cover of Essence and info about article. They both look beautiful!
and yes our flotus and her mommy look fab on this cover.
Where is the pic of the cover? I dont see it on Essence.
Can i get a link please?
Here is a photo of the Essence cover http://michelleostyle.blogspot.com/
to17-anybody who regularly posts here will tell you I'm NOT A TROLL. I love Michelle Obama. But that doesn't mean I won't comment when I see her getting ready to make a misstep-as she did on 9-11. Created a big distraction-Wolf Blitzer even asked the campaign where she was for the 9-11 memorial. Campaign said she was at home w/kids, but the nite before she'd been at a fundraiser!!!
Look-our Mrs. O is not perfect. Sometimes she can't see trouble brewing from afar the way we can.She caught it good for a long time about that, because SHE SHOULD HAVE BEEN THERE. As first lady she will be required to attend events like that in the U.S.-is she gonna stay home??? There was no excuse, nobody was sick, substitute the fundraiser for the memorial,reschedule the fundraiser. That's how you avoid trouble. Expect some not so nice comments about her snubbing black people if she doesn't go to Trinidad. They've spent a lot of money preparing for her. They're having a fashion show, a nature tour a whole lot of activities. So be it.
I didn't know Talbot's has stepped up their game so much. I'm under 30 and never considered shopping there, as it has been seen as a store for older women. Like 50 and up. Looking at their website, they actually do have some pieces that are very modern and youthful. I can totally see myself going in there to buy a dress for weddings/parties.
The cover is just beautiful. It's funny that the "less prestigious" magazines that have put Mrs. O on the cover all have more beautiful and dynamic pictures of her than the Vogue cover, which I thought was pretty boring.
I wonder what Oscar De La Renta will have to say about this? "Damn you Michelle and Talbots!!" LOL
davesoko1
please it is not that serious
so calm down
if they get upset because she doesn't attend
so be it
they will be okay
it won't be the first time someone has made snarky remarks about her choices
the flotus is a big girl she can take it
i bet her poll numbers will still be up
even if she doesn't attend
Sorry, davesoko 1, but it'll be no skin off the First Lady's nose if people choose to make (absolutely ridiculous to me, anyway) comments about the First Lady snubbing black people!!
Repeating what you say isn't going to sway the First Lady either way; if plans have been made for her to visit Trinidad alongside her husband, so be, it, and if the intention was never that she attend, and people have chosen to make assumptions then, frankly that is their problem not hers.
If people are splurging preparing for a visit, assuming that she's coming - perhaps, when she hasn't even announced any intention of doing so - that was their decision and they are to live with it.
I'm sure the fashion show, nature tour, etc. will be lovely, but I for one hope that Michelle doesn't fall into the trap of trying to please people who take umbrage at her choosing to "stay home".
Long may she be true to herself, and not run herself ragged trying to please those who may well only be interested in pleasing themselves. That is certainly another way to avoid trouble!!
@ davesoko1
I am just reading your comment...while I actually agree with the larger point you are making, I think you made it badly, and missed some point (please note that this is not an attack on you, and I welcome your critical analysis, although this is not the forum for it, because this is about fashion), I too thought it would have been nice for her to go to Turkey, and Trinidad, but I do not in any way (as you do) attribute it to a diss to "darker skinned people," especially in case people somehow missed it, but Michelle is a black, dark skinned woman, who is confident, and presents one as comfortable and proud of who she is.
And as to saying the "girls will be fine" I don't think its appropriate to comment on when a mom should or should not want to return to their children, (it could be more than the girls being fine, of course they are fine, but maybe she just misses her girls), and as a mom, she has every right to want to return to them
yes, I would have loved her to go to Turkey (and I am muslim, so I was really looking forward to this), but I understand wanting to go back. When President Obama went to Canada, she did not accompany him, and she will not accompany him to every trip he takes in the future (just as past first ladies did not accompany their husbands to every trip they went to)
lastly, this might not be the first time the president goes to these places, there will be many other opportunities for the Obamas to visit
my only complaint is that you be a little more careful in how you phrase your arguments (although again, I hope you do no take this as an attack on you, as we all have a right to our opinions, but they should be well argued opinions)
anyways, I have read other comments by you on other posts, and while critical at times (constructively), I do not think you are a troll :-)
Hello "Honest Citizen",
Most of the folks who have been here long enough know that Mrs. T works for an ad agency. I found out at my other faithful blog: michelleobamawatch(dot)com.
I don't mind that Mrs. T is working for an agency, because I'm sure that gives her the resources she needs to be able to do the coverage of Mrs. O day after day. Her commentary on Mrs. O's wardrobe is wonderful. She moderates the posts on this blog so that it remains relatively positive....a breath of fresh air from other fashion blogs.
Judging from the media appearances that she had done it appears that she is sincere in her interest and coverage of Mrs. O. However, even before the T.V. interviews, her sincerity was evident in her commentary. Personally, I'm just grateful for this website. With all of the negativity that people come up with regarding Mrs. O, I'm glad to have a place to come to see photos and fashion discussions that show Mrs. O in the best way possible....because that is exactly how I view her. She's fabulous, and so is this blog.
Thanks!
davesoko1,
The wildlife tour and other events are for ALL of the wives of the delegations that attend. The events were not planned exclusively for Michelle Obama.
1) Michelle will not and should not be expected to attend every event that the president attends.
2) Michelle volunteers her time, she does not get paid - so she can do what she wants when she wants.
3) Michelle will be around for at least four years and probably eight years, she has plenty of time to visit with all of the countries if she so wishes to do so.
4) Michelle and her staff are much better equipped to plan her schedule than any of us on this website.
And as I said earlier today in a comment, we don't even know for sure if she is planning on going or not - take a deep breath and relax.