When in Rome (Updated)
Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at 10:53 AM 
Photo by Alessia Pierdomenico / Reuters
As the President and First Lady arrived in Rome, Mrs. O dazzled in a yellow sheath dress, accessorized with an oversize green brooch at her shoulder. We love that Mrs. O has mixed two of her signatures - a classic sheath and a statement brooch - while introducing a fresh play on color.
Update #1: Mrs. O wears a Jason Wu canary yellow silk faille custom sheath dress. The pin is a rare 1960s vintage piece in paper mache, purchased at Ikram.
For the afternoon, Mrs. O changed ensembles to visit the Coloseeum with her daughters, wearing a white sundress with an Erickson Beamon turquoise brooch pinned at the neckline. The brooch was first seen in August 2008, as Mrs. O opened the Democratic National Convention.
Update #2: Mrs. O wears a white cotton silk dress by Narciso Rodriguez.
Photo by Tiziana Fabi / Getty Images
Erickson Beamon, Jason Wu, Narciso Rodriguez
Reader Comments (108)
God bless Yahoo news:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090708/pl_afp/g8economyusobamaarrive_20090708115712
There's also a picture on Yahoo news - from about a mile away - of Mrs O boarding the plane out of Moscow in a very nice looking red dress. Has anyone seen pics of that close-up yet??
Here's video of the Obamas arriving at the G8 in Italy. I posted this on the prior thread, but just in case some haven't seen it yet---and Mrs. O knocked it out the park again on this hot yellow number:
http://www.rainews24.rai.it/it/video.php?id=14556
http://www.rainews24.rai.it/it/video.php?id=14561
@ Posh Tater - I haven't and I'm really hoping we do see one. I assume it's a pretty simple sheath dress, paired with the clear belt, but I'd still like to see the whole outfit.
I'm loving that she's wearing such great colors on this trip. The yellow sheath she has on today, with the green brooch is very chic. I read that the first ladies, minus Bruni, are having lunch and going to a museum. I think her outfit is perfect for that type of outing. I hope we get pictures of them at the museum.
Long time reader, first time commenter. Thanks for this great blog! And I just have to comment on this yellow dress... it is raining and dreary in Paris (quelle surprise!), and this is like a shock of sunshine. And it's a very sleek silhouette for all those who were weary of the big-belt-under-the-bosom look.
Can someone please make me 6 feet tall, athletic and with a skin tone that can carry off daisy-yellow?
Me too IVA.
Todays outfit IS chic. It's one of my "she looks great and I don't like it" outfits, but that's cool.
I'm scouring the web for pics of the departure from Russia....
The Brazilian President's wife looks great, too.... http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Brazilian-President-Luiz-Inacio-emergency-evacuation-plan/photo//090707/481/5324e318cbe140f0b74ce2f696e0460f//s:/ap/20090708/ap_on_bi_ge/g8_summit
Red dress -- yellow dress: both on HuffPost
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/08/michelle-obama-in-rome-on_n_227557.html?slidenumber=0#slide_image
Ruth, hat's off to you!
The red dress doesn't appear to have the see through belt, it looks like a belt from the same material...I love it
isn't it the same red dress she wore in of the presidential debate during the campaign. I think the dress in Maria Pinto
She changed her shoes!!!!!!!! With the yellow dress first she had on like golden heels, then we see her with black flats. Beautiful dress!!!!
She wore the same dress when she visited Howard University
http://www.howard.edu/newsroom/releases/2009/090211obama.htm
I think it's the same dress, when you look closely at the huffingtonpost slide show, she added a belt on the dress (or is it part of the dress)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/08/michelle-obama-in-rome-on_n_227557.html?slidenumber=1#slide_image
the belt on the red dress doesn't look like it's the transparent one, it looks like it's made from the same material...
love both dresses
Rome. I'm sure that Mrs. O will fit right in what with her punchy-colored ensembles! :)
Here's a picture from the Corriere della Sera:
http://www.corriere.it/gallery/Politica/vuoto.shtml?2009/07_Luglio/g8/1&1
Also, there's an article with a small picture of Michelle in her yellow dress with Clio Napolitano, the wife of the Italian prime minister:
http://www.corriere.it/politica/09_luglio_08/g8_michelle_conquista_clio_2c7fe8ac-6bb4-11de-af15-00144f02aabc.shtml
I believe the title translates to "Clio conquered by Michelle: 'She is brilliant, cheerful, and informal'"
Ohh...good job Ruth!
Mrs. O's skin color and texture is just amazing.
Thanks Janelle for the videos
did you see this one
http://www.rainews24.rai.it/it/video.php?id=14593
All I hear is michelle even though it's about all the first ladies. It seems that Bruni did not come.....Sarah brown looks great
AH ITALY! Spring, Beauty, Love & Mystique - BUONGIORNO!!!
This dress is so light and shimmery that it almost takes you to the place, where you feel the sun on your face and smell the warm breeze. And this colour against Mrs.O's complexion is like honey. SWEET!
So glad - no elated - no ecstatic, that Mrs.O has gone the way of the shift dress again - her shoulders are straighter, her legs look longer and her presence is just welcoming...
The yellow dress is beautiful on her. It has a kind of sheen to it in some photos, which makes me wonder if it is silk or silk blend. Also not very wrinkled, which cotton or linen would be. I love the green pin on it - very fresh.
The belt with the red dress seems to have a solid square buckle, and the belt fits really well and does not make the skirt or bodice bunch as far as I can see. Maybe it's a dyed to match wide elastic belt? I just can't believe she'd wear a self belt with anything. (Actually, I can't believe anyone would.)
So, what's up with Bruni - is she staying home, or just making a late entrance?
You can see all the updated photos on Yahoo. I think she looks great in the yellow dress, it goes well with her complexion. And we have heard it all before, the pregnant rumors. However, looking at her wardrobe lately, especially while on this trip, she has such a baby bump. Her stomach is getting larger, (I can even see her navel poking out of the yellow dress) and lately her skin has been glowing even more and her hair is getting thicker. Hey maybe the rumor is becoming fact.
But regardless she looks stunning and so chic.
Rocky writes: "So glad - no elated - no ecstatic, that Mrs.O has gone the way of the shift dress again - her shoulders are straighter, her legs look longer and her presence is just welcoming..."
IMO and experience as one with a short waist, this is the reason not to wear those empire-placed belts. A semi-fitted shift gives the illusion that the waist is lower.
Let's face it. Michelle really can wear whatever she wants..My heavens...she's stunningly gorgeous and gets more beautiful by the day...
Lola youre not the only one who believe that she could be pregnant but maybe im wrong. either way she looks gorgeous
It's not a baby bump. It's pie. In a recent interview, Barack said that the WH pastry chef makes outstanding pie and that it's causing big problems for both him and Michelle.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31711322/ns/white_house/
There was a link of the Obama girls taking in the sites. Here it is in case you all missed it. http://www.corriere.it/gallery/Politica/vuoto.shtml?2009/07_Luglio/g8/6&1 I'm so happy for them to be having this experience.
Here is a pic of the red dress boarding the plane.
http://www.daylife.com/photo/0gW00dRcii9VR?q=Top+News
This pic of the yellow dress commands attention. I heart Miche'!
http://www.daylife.com/photo/04PyeEL1Rw42o?q=Top+News
Gah! Keep checking yahoo. There are pics with her fraternizing with the other first ladies! She looks wonderful. Although I wish she had kept on the heels.
Some great pics here on getty images. Looks like Sarah Brown is upping her game. She has on a cute playful skirt. (scroll down towards bottom)
http://www.gettyimages.com/Search/Search.aspx?contractUrl=2&language=en-US&p=michelle%20obama&assetType=image&src=quick#
I heart Miche'!
I agree, JRG. It's pie, Five Guys, Paris and London. She's always had a little tummy.
Beautiful. So fresh.
(guys, please stop with the rumours!!! ya reach a certain age and things start shiftin'. I know! Please, it's insulting. She's got her game on so, of course, her makeup & hair are flawless. She's glowin' 'cause she's havin' fun.)
Ah! I missed the Obamas by 2 months. Oh well! I hope that they enjoy Rome as much as I did. Mrs. O looks great as always.
I don't mind the little tummy, it's what 95% of women have. The last thing I want Mrs.O to do , is to go on a hollywood-like diet so she will get this absurd body image the media is enforcing on us.
Meanwhile, back in Moscow... Getty has a really funny photo of TBG (sitting behind Mrs. O) at the dance performance.
Great color, great makeup, overall she looks wonderful in this yellow dress. LOVE IT?
Absolutely, stunning. I love both looks, the red and the yellow. The sleek lines show off her curvy figure. I imagine she changed into the flats to avoid the discomfort of running around in heels all day. When you are as tall as Mrs O, wearing heels is usually more of an exception than the norm. I think Mrs. O as many of us long to balance style and comfort in our wardrobes. I love her varied wardrobe.
Love the dress, pin, shoes. A very fresh, summery look. And I'm so happy she's finally ditched the wide belts -- thsi is the sleek, slim-looking Michelle I remember.
I know this is nitpicky, but I do wish she'd be a little moro conscious of her posture. She often stands a bit slumped, and with her tummy pooching out a bit. Looks okay from the front, but noticeable from a side view. Probably a habit that developed as she grew so tall -- tall women stand out, and as a teen that can be embarrassing.
Still, on the whole, she looks great, and we can all be proud of our First Lady. Maybe I should give up on perfection....I'm not exactly perfect myself.
Hey Everyone,
This is my first time posting a comment. I LOVE THIS SITE and I LOVE MICHELLE OBAMA! But I have a question...is she pregnant? Her stomach looks like she has a little pooch and she did not have that before (I have been following her since she first started campaigning for Pres. Obama).
She stands out today from the pics I see. Lovely and bright.
If world leaders are not sure about Obama's message. Just pay attention to their kids t-shirts it tells you all the time "Peace" I have seen alot of these t-shirts at target but I notice the kids are sending a world to leaders around the world. Peace, just give it a chance
I am thrilled to see a brooch. Hopefully, they're back!
new pics of MO in a white dress at yahoo.
Mrs.O has changed again to a summery white dress with a gorgeous brooch. She was touring Rome's ancient Colosseum with her Mom and daughters.
Mrs.O and the girls @the Colosseum
Awww...she seems so much more at ease in Italy. I'm glad. The white dress is so simple and easy-going, and do I see her DNC speech brooch!!!!
She's bringing back all of our oldies but goodies!
I truly LOVE this yellow dress with the green brooch. I appreciated Rocky's comment: "This dress is so light and shimmery that it almost takes you to the place, where you feel the sun on your face and smell the warm breeze. And this colour against Mrs.O's complexion is like honey. SWEET!" So well said, and I totally agree.
Also, thanks to someone who posted a link to a picture of Sasha and Malia. It is just the cutest. What sweet dresses! I'll post the link again in case anyone missed it:
http://www.corriere.it/gallery/Politica/vuoto.shtml?2009/07_Luglio/g8/6&1
I agree with the person who said that she finds the comments about Michelle being pregnant to be insulting. I do, too. Michelle has made it clear that their family is complete. They have their hands more than full, and still we have people on this site indulging in this delusion. I find it irritating.
Mrs. O gained some weight when she was on vacation. It was obvious. She is fully entitled to have the normal stomach of a 45-yr-old woman. She still looks fabulous.
@baby_lady: I've noticed, too, that Michelle tends to slump. I find myself cringing a little every time a photo shows those rounded shoulders. I expect it comes from growing up trying not to tower over everyone all the time, but I keep thinking about how regal she would look of she stood up straight and tall. And, yes, there would be the added benefit of it flattening her stomach some.
I'm happy to see in the few pictures I've had time to look at, that she is not crossing her legs, but merely her ankles, as she sits. It really is much more becoming to do it that way.
It's hard to get anything done when the Obamas are traveling. There are so many photos and videos to see, and so many comments to read. But it is such fun. ;-)
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/88901094/AFP
This is a good picture of the white dress.
any ideas the designers of the red dress( leaving Moscow), the yellow dress( arriving in Italy), and the white dress??
any guesses?
I wouldn't be surprised if Carla didn't show up at all. (Eventhough, this is her home country) She has been very vocal about her disdain for the Italian Prez/PM reguarding his remarks (she was offended by the comment on Prez Obama's "Tan") and his actions (the situation with his wife). So this might be her slient protest, if that's the case... good for her.
A small article about the Obamas in Russia and some photos. The third photo is just adorable! :-)
http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2009/07/michelle_obama_in_moscow_sasha.html
I like it a lot, lol. I am loving the looks for Italy! Mrs. O brought her A game! There was a brief video on politico showing the Obama's departing Moscow. Still no close-up of the red dress:-(
The Michelle Obama Look Book
http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2009/04/michelle_obama_slideshow.html#photo=1