Monday Mrs. O
Monday, September 6, 2010 at 9:58 AM As the first lady prepares for her daughter's return to school, and we enjoy the tail end of Labor Day weekend, it seems like a good chance to catch up on a few recent articles focused on Mrs. O (many of which were first shared by all of you!).
(1) From the New York Times, "First Lady Plans a Careful Return to the Campaign Trail"
As quiet as Mrs. O's official schedule has been in August, there have been a range of reports hinting at the first lady's plans to increase her policy work, and appear on the campaign trail in support of Democratic candidates come September. The New York Times provides a comprehensive look at the anticipated evolution of Mrs. O's public role, and clues us in on a few upcoming events.
(2) From the Washington Post, "First lady Michelle Obama's travel attire is picture of a fashionable tourist"
Those who were upset when Robin Givhan criticized the first lady's choice of shorts for a trip to the Grand Canyon will be happy to see the Washington Post writer is praising Mrs. O's 2010 vacation attire, which she writes "struck all the right chords." Further:
"Through her vacation apparel, with its mix of Banana Republic and Narciso Rodriguez, Obama threw down the gauntlet, providing folks with a high-profile lesson on how to be a well-dressed tourist who does not cause the locals to flinch in dismay. Yet she still managed to convey a middle-of-the-road Americanness. She represented the populace in a manner that was approachable but savvy."
(3) From the New York Times, "A New Look for the Oval Office"
While not Mrs. O-focused, this article does pertain to White House style. For those who missed the previous discussion in the comments, have a peek at the recent Oval Office makeover.
Hope everyone is having a wonderful Labor Day weekend!
Reader Comments (10)
Commenting from a middle-of-the-road Canadian perspective, I think that the WP's call to better dress for American tourists--and let's say North Americans while we're on the subject-- is overdue. Summer (and any season's) clothes needn't slide to a slob-factor simply because one travels or wants to be cool. Why do I always opt for layered casual business dress when I travel? First, because I can wear, pack & carry less (2 coordinated shoes, 3 bottoms, 6-8 tops max in one carry-on bag even for 3 weeks abroad). Second, because--no surprise--I get superior service when I look business-like. In many cases the service staff at a hotel or resort looks better than the clientel does. How pathetic is that?
Even though you can't please all the people all the time, FLOTUS understands the message she conveys by her appearance and uses it to her advantage. For anyone who hasn't thought about it, she's a great teacher. It's a great pleasure to look at her and learn. Even last summer's shorts (oh your shining Puritain soul, America) were smart and completely appropriate for a family vacation. I just wish someone would style POTUS. His ratings would go up, I'm convinced of it. Human beings are hard-wired to respond first to visual cues--then make other judgments. And research tells us they seldom change their minds after those first few seconds of visual judgment.
I am happy she is getting back on the campaign trail. Especially since staying quiet during an election season is something Michelle has never done. Furthermore, Michelle is much more than a pretty face that can do activism work like other First Ladies she is a unique woman. Therefore, I want Michelle to make her mark on the White House, and this century. Therefore, doing campaigning is how she will seperate herself from the other political wives, and First Ladies.
I read this article last month, and it talks about how FLOTUS has a much bigger role than people think in the West Wing.
"JA: It’s not as if childhood obesity—“Oh, that’s a nice First Lady issue.” It has a major impact on health care. She’s more powerful than she seems. Axelrod jokes that she’s the Supreme Leader. She does have more influence on her husband than people realize."
http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/Felsenthal-Files/June-2010/Jonathan-Alter-on-Obama-Blago-Rahm-Emanuel-Desiree-Rogers-Valerie-Jarrett/
Also, Robin Givhan is still bitter. This article posted still does not change my views of her.
Mia Monte, I have mixed feelings about Ms. Givhan. She certainly has a different viewpoint.
I would love to see Mrs. O rally the Democratic Party. She has boundless energy!
And that wonderful office. All American made. It doesn't scream red, white, and blue. It welcomes.
The Oval Office redo is BORING.
Hmmm. I fall more on the side of the fence that doesn't take issue with everyday Americans dressing within their financial and personal comfort zones.
While Robin isn't saying "Go out and buy Narciso like Michelle did!" and while she did acknowledge average Americans don't have the high-profile pressure Michelle does, this article comes across as not high on my radar of things that are important.
I'm glad Michelle represents us well at official events and in her down time. I don't think people should take this as inspiration to dress better, as they (we) have to deal with long lines at airports, long waits at tourist attractions and a while host of things that Michelle doesn't which makes her beautiful outfits that much more easier to pull off.
I'm convinced that no one needs a personal stylist when they are on a personal and private vacation. And I highly doubt her ratings will go up if she dresses differently or has a stylist. She looked spectacular or her Spain trip and her ratings actually fell. Why? Because no one cares about what she's wearing.
Thank you for providing coverage of First Lady Michelle Obama that is fun, fashionable, thoughtful, intellectual (without the haughtiness) and complimentary in a way that uplifts women. You do a great job of showcasing, in simply form, the artists and designers who create pieces that speak volumes about the whole person. We hear so much negative in all areas of life, but this blog really does contribute to a wonderful life. Expecting great things as we approach a new season.
LaVonne, thanks so much for your sweet comment! It made my day!
I didn't like that first article at all - very slyly nasty and derisive. The careful phrasing is creating issues in the lead-in to the election campaign that don't exist, which I think is unnecessary and actually quite mean. Why publish this stuff? Journalism at its worst. I am sick of it.
LaVonne - you couldn't have said it better!