Monday
Jan212013
Inaugural Luncheon
Monday, January 21, 2013 at 2:07 PM 
... and a look at what was underneath the coat!
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Reader Comments (51)
And with her hair tucked behind her ears, you can see her earrings. Hoping for a close-up.
I love the contrast of the dress with the coat. This just states that it has been 4 years and now she is 49 and has matured with us all. I love it. The shrug is just her way of relaxing the look and keeps in theme with her love of adding a bit of color. Just a lovely moment. Four years ago, I was working and caught everything after I got home. Nice to see it first hand.
i wish she would remove those cardigans, they speak casual on an official day, and ruin the dress.
Posting my same comments here as in previous thread re what's underneath the coat:
Okay, I'm seeing video of the Congressional luncheon and first look at the dress underneath the coat. I suppose the dress is sleeveless and that's why the navy blue shrug. I'm not sure I like the color or fit of the shrug with the dress. Again, FLOTUS is likely trying to keep warm as well as to liven up the print dress which is much lighter but still as subdued in appearance as the coat. Looking forward to updated pics.
I absolutely love the sleeveless dress that Dr. Biden is wearing. More details please? Thanks!
ETA: Even though I'm not sure about the shrug, Mrs. O obviously is! :D She just seems to have her own knack of doing things in a practical, comfy, "my own rockin' aesthetic" way. She probably doesn't really care what anyone else thinks.
I recall being startled by the casual-looking dress Mrs. O wore during the first Inauguration during the church service. Maybe I was startled because it was so not the usual Washington "uniform" we were used to seeing adorning women in high positions. But Michelle Obama's choice was her, and it was kinda savvy, and it grew on me. And obviously, her style and sartorial choices have definitely changed Washington, the country and the fashion world.
Well, the shrug is not a choice I would have made, but again Mrs. O has a knack for doing things her own way and her fashion choices are no exception. She goes with what she thinks and feels, and she probably never second-guesses herself. It does look good on her as she's sitting at the table in the above picture, but when I first saw it as she was in the hall heading toward the luncheon, it didn't strike my fancy. But again, Mrs. O always surprises with her own personal twist, which is usually based on practical, casual, and something a little bit different.
Is the dress being worn by Jill Biden made by the same designer who created her lovely coat with the bow?
Can't wait for tonight's festive balls and the greater unveiling. :)
Very, Very, Very Cute!!!
Well. ..as someone who is always freezing, I understand the cardigan, but I agree that the ensemble would have looked so much more modern and polished without the addition of the sweater. Can't you just envision how fresh that sleeveless dress would look with those boots? And that hair? Gorgeous. Can't wait to see tonight's ballgown choice. I'm thinking either in the deep purple or white/black scheme. We shall see. Love her. Just love her.
Picture perfect!
Just looking now as they are coming down the steps of the Capitol building. Like I said, FLOTUS' choices just grow on us! That jeweled belt is a standout. Indeed it is the necessary sparkly touch for the Inaugural ceremonies (and not needed at church earlier -- FLOTUS is just so cool and savvy).
Truthfully, I'd love to know more about the process of how the ensemble was created. What was it that Mrs. O had to say to the designers who were in the running, and what was the genesis of Thom Browne's ideas and creative process in making his initial sketch? Was he able to meet with Mrs. O after his idea for the garment was accepted? (Another book, Mrs. T??? Please?)
Underneath the Coat!! Beautiful!!! Bravo to Thom Browne
Information on Dr. Biden's coat from NYTimes: "Mrs. Biden bought her dress at Neiman Marcus, and the store called Ms. Rose about a week and a half ago, looking for a matching coat." http://projects.nytimes.com/live-dashboard/obama-inauguration
The Tall Guy! LOL
POTUS and FLOTUS look great now as they walk for a bit down the parade route. It must be so tiring for them to be constantly waving, but they genuinely seem eager to acknowledge the cheers and greetings of the many people lining the street. It's reported that there are many people in Washington once again, but not as huge a turnout as in 2009 for the first very historic occasion.
couldn't help myself! Called JCrew before the ceremony was even over and they deny that that's their belt. it's beautiful with that dress!
couldn't help myself! Called JCrew before the ceremony was even over and they deny that that's their belt. it's beautiful with that dress!
@ flotusrocks -- I can't find the article now but read earlier today that Thom Brown did not know till after those of us viewing t.v. -- He is in Paris and was at a business meeting. Impression I got was that he, like many others, sent his design and then heard nothing else so doesn't sound like he worked with her although it was specially designed for her.
Second photo down -- a good look at the dress. I think it might be a reverse print of the coat but I can't see the print clearly enough to tell.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2265858/Michelle-Obama-takes-style-lead-menswear-printed-Thom-Brown-coat-dress--inspired-tie.html
I absolutely adored Michelle's coat today, belt and all. And her boots were fabulous. I think I would have liked the shrug more had it been black or gray, but it's a cold day in January -- I understand her wanting to be warm. The whole family looks gorgeous.
It's all so great I can't stop watching. Not getting anything done! Such wonderful people.
The coat with dress was great for her. I thought the shrug looked like an after thought and made the outfit look cheap.
First Lady Obama always looks great in her style and fashion, the coat was absolutely stunning with that belt and love the dress underneath, not too much of a fan with the cardigan but guess the dress is no sleeve and to help keep her warm. Very fashion forward her hair is gorgeous.
I don't understand why one would wear a sleeveless dress in the dead of winter when chances are your arms will get cold.Why not just wear a long sleeved dress instead.
What a beautiful outfit, through and through. It's an amazing colour, the coat and the cardigan. Not sure why the cardigan isn't working for so many people, it makes perfect sense to me. It's ******* freezing in DC for a start, and a lot of Mrs O's day is going to be spent sitting or standing out of doors. Frankly, I'd want two sweaters and I'd be wearing trousers. Secondly, the dress is a pale grey which is not a warm or rich colour, so it makes perfect sense that Mrs O would put a nice full colour over the top. She looks sleek, chic and absolutely sensational. (I don't even get why people don't think cardigans are smart - its not 1950 any more!) Top marks to Mrs O for a flawless ensemble and I can't wait to see tonight's pick.
@ Babs: Sleeveless is fashionable no matter what the season, what the weather and has been for several years now. Anything longer than 3/4 length sleeves on a dress can go matronly and frumpy really, really fast. So, so happy to have a FLOTUS that has put such a fresh face on fashion in America. Yay!
@louiseee, I think it must be a reverse print, too, and the seam details match the coat. Is the dress a Thom Browne, too?
The blue shrug looks like the one Mrs. O wore with the Reed Krakoff on Sunday and I agree with the many comments that the dress would look better without it.
Can't wait for tonight!!!
I'm retracting my comment about the reverse prints, because, now that I've seen some detailed shots, it's clear the prints are different. Still, it looks as though the dress and coat were designed to be worn together.
Rather than a shrug, I would call it a bolero.
And why sleeveless? Sleeveless lets one easily negotiate the temperature minefield that is menopause. I have often wondered why no one dared mention that, perhaps journalists very polite or in denial, but indeed, no sleeves will get you through an event better than any fan.
@ flotusrocks, I said the same thing when I saw them watching the troops. The first thing I saw in a far off shot was Michelle's belt. I thought to myself, that's why she wore that belt. She's standing out without being obvious or obnoxious. I don't know why people keep questioning Michelle's choices. The lady does "her" and she does "her" oh so well!!
Bevi, I told my mother about TBG today because there was one point on the parade route where she kinda slowed down to talk to him and the President went over and took her hand, like come on. My mom was like who is that man Michelle talking to, so I had to tell her about the nickname y'all coined for him.
HEY CID!!!! I know you are enjoying today as much as I am!!!
I think it's OK to question the first lady's clothes, as long as we're respectful. Fashion is subjective. And anyway, Michelle Obama is so self-confident, I'm sure she wouldn't mind. Can't wait to see her gown -- it's a matter of minutes now. Some fashion designer is about to get the thrill of his or her life!
Posh, I haven't seen your name for ages!!! It was so good to see TBG right behind Mrs. O, and also the head of President O's detail right with them. They both looked so protective. Nyon, I hope your mother doesn't think we are crazy, with our name for TBG!!! Not much longer until the ball begins!
Love the dress, cardigan & color of both! A Beautiful A-line dress, it looks to me & the cardigan is lovely & has a nicely somewhat contrasting color that glows! Mrs. O looks Perfect! Still waiting on pins & needles to see what her Inaugural Ball Gown will look like! 2009's choice was a Dream spun of starry crystals & snowy yards of filmy material, a Gorgeous gown, so I feel Sure that our First Lady will Not disappoint in 2013!
Red! Beautiful!
Surprise its Jason Wu again for the gown!
the red was from Jason Wu- beautiful as always
I was hoping for red!
Jason Wu!
Scarlet red.
I was just reading over some of the comments and really happy that I see the ole' gang is here! Hey everybody! Where have you been Posh? We have Jestina here in The U.S. and she's enjoying herself, good for you! Hey Little One! Bevi, Groovy, MiMom, Operfanatic and others.....we have four more years and miles to go before we sleep. It's going to be a joyous journey, I feel confident in saying so!
Hey CID!!
I liked the dress Mrs O wore underneath that fabulous coat yesterday but hated the dress/cardigan look at the luncheon. Cheapened the look and it makes the look more casual for what was a more formal event.
Had the same reaction when I saw she actually wore a shrug to meet the Queen. Like really? But I still love her! lol
Guess the dress is nice. All I could see was the srug that didn't seem to match and is too casual for the affair. Surprisingly, it actually looks like an after thought. It is winter so if her dress is sleeveless perhaps a dress with sleeves or a jacket would have been better. Also one does not eat with your arm or elbow on the table especiially at a formal event.
...and one who points out where arms and elbows belong at a formal event should know how to spell.
To see the outfit "in action" there is a you tube video of flotus at the inaugural luncheon. I was doing some on-line shopping and saw a lot of shrugs and cropped sweaters for spring.
I wonder what the dress looks like under the cardigan!
Dear ADEAR who posted as an anonymous author,
"...and one who points out where arms and elbows belong at a formal event should know how to spell."
Thank you for pointing out my mistake of spelling "especially" with 2 i's instead of one and "shrug". I shall be more attentive in the future.
Have a nice day.
The shrug works very well with the cut of dress.
Alright, I give. I wouldn't have worn the bolero. People who were there said that they were confused and it looked a little crazy. In the pics, I love the dress and the bolero/cardigan, well maybe not so much. A fitted blue jacket would have been better. Or if she had added a broach to the cardigan, maybe. Or if the cardigan was more plush, somehow.
@linda...my days are ALL nice. And I am not anonymous to this blog.
@linda - so you made a typo - so what? It's not impolite, like eating with one's elbows on a formal table. I agree with your point about the sleeveless dress, Dr Biden didn't ruin the look of her dress with a short cardigan.
@michelletoo says:
"--People who were there said that they were confused and it looked a little crazy--"
I have looked through every bit of the inaugural celebrations including the congressional luncheon and the parade watch - the only two places where she took off the coat revealing the dress and cropped Reed Krakoff cashmere cardigan, and I'm really hard-pressed to find even one woman better dressed, qualified or in a position to critique Mrs Obama's outfit. LOL!!!
So your source for the "crazy" remark either lives in your head or is clearly deluded in their presumption to know what works in fashion.
It's interesting how Mrs Obama could never win with some people. If she'd worn the dress without the cropped cardigan, exposing her beautiful arms in the sleeveless dress, the envious, silly, petty, hate-filled group would have complained about flaunting her arms and what a show-off she was and just how "inappropriate" it was to show her arms (even though I've never heard or seen any such complaints about Jill Biden who consistently wears a lot of sleeveless dresses at all sorts of events and somehow isn't subjected to any of the hate or attacks!!! Rather interesting and quite amusing and I wonder what's different. Hmmm.)
Just admit it, there's something about this magnificent, spectacularly stunning and effortlessly regal first lady that just eats some people up and unprovokedly ignites the deepest of jealousies and propels people like your "crazy source" to such obsessive heights of hate!!!
They all better get a life and quickly too, Mrs Obama is living hers fully, beautifully and gloriously!!!
And you @linda falls into this group. Get a life or get help!!! And stay used to saying First Lady Michelle Obama!!!