Tuesday
Feb122013
State of the Union
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at 10:10 PM 
In the audience of President Obama's State of the Union address this evening, Mrs. O wears a Jason Wu custom red organza tweed flounce dress from the designer's Pre-Fall 2013 collection. An Alexis Bittar lucite flower pin in warm grey and gold at the shoulder accessorizes the look.
It seems Mrs. Obama is in a Jason Wu kind of mood to start 2013. The back to back to dresses, for the inaugural ball and now the State of the Union, certainly furthers the affiliation between Mrs. Obama and the young designer.
I'm reminded of this article from a few weeks back:
"Michelle Obama's Public Endorsement of Jason Wu" [New York Times]
Update (2/13): In this Official White House Photo by Pete Souza, Mrs. O can be seen wearing a coordinating red coat.
tagged Alexis Bittar, Jason Wu
Alexis Bittar, Jason Wu
Reader Comments (88)
Another great coat! I would really like to see a "coat review" here (hint). Thanks!!
The dress is unflattering on her and I agree, the shimmery fabric is inappropriate for the occasion. Her hairstyle is also completely overpowering her lovely face.
Made for her figure. The Aline cut with the movement in the skirt is absolutely sweet. I can picture this look in a gown as well.
I'm one of the few who thought her dress was not right for the occassion. It was more for a formal dinner party to say the least. Although, I do have to say, she is looking thinner than I have seen her past. Maybe it is the dress she wore. But I also noticed in her face as well. As for her hair., I'm not really warming up to it. I liked it more where she wore her bangs off to the side. He hairstyle now tends to hide her face alot more. IMO
People can appreciate the first lady's substance and dislike her styling for a particular occasion, such as this one! I too happen to think this is a bit much for the SOTU address; your outift should not upstage the message, which is what this dress did. And yes, it looks like a cocktail dress and as much as I admire Mrs. O's buff arms, it was freezing in DC that day and it almost looks like a flaunt to wear sleeveless. And yes, I know, she is styling and wears what makes her feel good, ect., but sometimes it does not hurt to take the weather and occasion into consideration as well. As for the hair, as natural as it looks, weaves experts are just that good nowadays :-) But if she can rock it, more power to her!
[Edited]
I thought the First Lady looked flattering! I love seeing her in sleeveless dresses--sleeveless anything. Her toned and elegant arms (and hands!) are beautiful! Another "best feature" for women to accentuate. And what I appreciate most about Mrs. Obama's style, and stylish women in general (and stylish African American women in particular), is that she follows her OWN style compass and remains unfazed by the "experts" as well as "The Peanut Gallery"--too many of whom can be found here, unfortunately. *chuckle*
To our intelligent, beautiful and stylish first lady, I say continue to: "Keep Calm And Carry On." And continue to "bare arms!"
@babs and @ Vyara Davidov - well said, the language is unacceptable!
This is a fashion blog, people will have their own opinions.
Thank you Vyara and Babs for your posts. It is interesting but also disturbing how some people react to a simple critique of Mrs Obama's choices. I think that is why Mrs T has provided this comment section, to hear all points of view. I also believe if the FLOTUS reads this blog and it's comments that she is secure enough to take the differing opinions in stride.
I thing vulgarity and the F word have no place on this blog.
If you read Mrs T wish for this blog it says "The site encourages visitors to contribute tips and respectful dialogue" I don't think the use of profanities is respectful and in keeping with Mrs T's standards. I think the vulgar rants disrespect Mrs T and all she does to keep this blog going.
I have one more thing to add. In this context, Mrs O's fashion, please give me your fashion design background and degrees before you say something is inappropriate. Who are you to judge and what are you basing it on? Your sense of style? Geographic location? Outdated fashion rules (e.g. do not wear white before May 30)? Age? What??? I think C is correct that many will not comment if they do not like something. In my comment about how fabulous FLOTUS looked at the prayer service the day after the inauguration, I commented that I did not like the fact that she had on flat shoes at her first prayer service in 2009. I also realize that it is just my opinion that women should wear heels to church. Is it old fashioned? Probably! However, I did not castigate our wonderful modern, YES, modern First Lady. Okay, I am moving on now. :-)
I liked the dress but didn't love the hair. It looked like a wig, so I'm glad that someone posted an up close pic. Her hair looked way better there.
As I read through the comments, I become more and more annoyed with those of you criticizing those who were critical of any aspect of this outfit. As far as anyone should be concerned, everyone is allowed to have and state their own opinions, as long as they do it respectfully. Nobody has made a disrespectful remark, so why not give the policing a rest, okay? Let's learn to agree to disagree instead of shaming the few who dare to actually have opinions contrary to yours.
Vyara and babs, I like your comments :-) thank you.
Profanity will never be accepted on this blog, and will result in the loss of registered user status. I've deleted the original comment, as well as many that were posted in reply. Praise and criticism are permitted, as they always have been, but must be offered respectfully. Please help me in trying to keep the blog upbeat and positive. Life is too short for anything else. Have a wonderful weekend. x Mrs. T
Putting aside for a minute whether one liked or disliked the First Lady's SOTU dress, it just occurred to me that what many of FLOTUS's "Haters" (I employ the term "haters" instead of "critic" because, for me, "critic" connotes some degree of objectivity and balance in analysis. And the haters surely don't display such.) seem to reject to about Michelle Obama is "Michelle Obama Herself." In other words, that Michelle Obama is intelligent, fit, charming, fun, learned, congenial, gracious, sophisticated, and STYLISH. (Of course I'm purposely omitting one "oh-so-American" adjective that signifies one of our country's centuries-old obsessions. ;-) ...The Haters' objections to what the First Lady wears is always undergirded with some strain of "How dare she?!" Or "She's besmirching the 'dignity' or 'honor' or 'tradition' of the position, or something like that." I could explicate further, but I know readers get the point. (And that's "get" as in "understand," not as in "agreement"--necessarily.)
So, since this lovely site stakes its claim (and fame) on the First Lady's style and fashion, the haters are sort of forced to graft their objections of WHO Michelle Obama is onto what she wears. Her clothing choices and style is the haters only port of entry to attack the First Lady Herself. To do so directly or otherwise would be to expose the baldface-ness of the haters' "hater-ation." (Gotta love the Hip Hop generation for their language. :-)
Of course the haters do such a poor job of masking and hooding their purported "fashion indignation" that those of us who "watch the Throne" (Yes, ladies, I'm taking sides today.) cannot help but "call them out." How could one not, given the poor stitching and frayed edges of their hate? (Parse "hate" if you care to, but you only risk further "disrobement" by doing so.) Perhaps that is why the comment thread on this post is a bit lengthy and high wattage: The "Lovers" have gotten tired and sick of the "Haters" posing as one of them while taking shots--above and below the high-waist belt--at the First Lady Herself? I damn sure have.
P.S. A book recommendation: "Volunteery Slavery: My Authentic Negro Experience" by Jill Nelson. It's a poignant and laugh-out-loud memoir about a journalist's life in the nation's capital, mostly--and on Martha's Vineyard. (In a very general theoretical sense, the book mirrors patches of what takes place in the ecosystem of this site's comment threads.)
@Marcus Perry, thank you for explaining why some of us get so "ticked" at some of these posters. The tone of the "haters" comments, are just too much to take at times. And yes there is a difference between a "hater" and a "critic". Most of us here know that there is a way to respectfully disagree with the fashions worn by the First Lady. I think the "throne watchers" as you say would not have a problem if the the differing opinions of what the First Lady wears would not be presented in such a "hateful" manner. Get over it people...its a NEW DAY, A NEW WAY, AND A NEW FIRST LADY!
@C I understand how frustrating dealing with unpleasant posters can be. Most of us visit this site because we just love Mrs. Obama and we just can't wait to see what she will be wearing next. Sometimes we like it and sometimes we don't , but we keep coming back because this site brings us so much joy! Please, please, please don't let them steal your joy.
@Mrs. T I think that Vyara Davidov's comment about Mrs. O's dress being vulgar and Thumper screaming about sexuality should also be deleted. They dishonor this amazing lady. These folk and others always show up after a major event to be able to say something disrespectful. They come to attack the First Lady personally under the guise of not liking what she is wearing. I certainly disapprove of using any profanity in this blog but I certainly understand the anger behind it.
And guess what, I don't like the dress either!
I see my posts were deleted, but it's all good though. I still feel the same way. Respect is earned. I've never disrespected the blog, maybe some of the posters, but they don't deserve my respect.
@ladywatcher, I've also deleted the comments you mentioned. Just to be clear - no one should feel singled out, as I deleted more than 20 comments in all.
@C.: I'm disappointed to see some of your brilliant (and occasionally "pointed") commentary deleted. Your fashion critiques, ardent defense of the First Lady, and close readings of the anti-Michelle Obama Herself-couched-as-fashion diatribes were timely, refreshing and appreciated. Though I don't know You--or anyone else on this blog--I hope the deletion of your comments does not extinguish your lyrical and cogent presence here. We and the First Lady (My gut tells me she reads this blog.) need your voice.
Missing you Gal (or Boy).
To Mrs T,
Are we to assume then that C has been banned from the blog?
C has been a part of this family forever and whatever may have transpired in this particular instance really shouldn't warrant a permanent ban. A warning perhaps like you give at those times when this blog gets swamped with a ton of visitors who come with dubious intentions and quickly trigger an overwhelmingly negative atmosphere.
It is unfair to punish the longtime and well-meaning participant to assuage the drive-by posters who would sooner see this blog either disappear or become that place where they can come to take their potshots over their latest grievance at President and Mrs Obama.
I'd like to think that you lean towards fairness and that like any fair-minded person you realize that C is not the problem here, but yet has been singled out. Over the years we've had very ugly language used by posters commenting on Mrs Obama and many of those posters are still here. To then ban C without a reprimand for an unintentional transgression that came from a frustrated place, a place so many of us here can relate to would be quite unfair and indeed sends a very wrong and disturbing message. It suggests that offensive language used in discussing the first lady's style is acceptable, but not this rare slip-up made in a moment of frustration in defense of her.
I hope you reconsider.
@Audrey - C's post resonated with me but foul language of any kind is indefensible, however, I do agree with you that C should be given a second chance. We all know who the trouble makers are; even when they change their names, the characteristics of that particular mind set comes through. They want to destroy this blog and turn it into the drudge/sludge report. They show up after a major event and throw grenades to destroy a beautiful moment and C played right into their hands. You can count on them showing up and insulting the person of the First Lady because of their own political or worse reasons. Whatever happened to the days when we discussed why the dress looked good on her or not; the fit, the cut, the fabric. It was a learning experience, which is what I think Mrs. T intended. To those of you who use the anonymity of the internet to insult rather than constructively criticize, shame on you. Perhaps it is time for those of us who love Mrs. O, appreciate what Mrs. T is doing, and care about this blog to i-g-n-o-r-e them.
I know Nyon, that is hard to do.
C. is not at all banned from the site, but I've removed registered user status so that comments are filtered through moderation before being posted. I received multiple complaints about the profanity- in the comments but also emails - and just can't have it. I hope you understand.
She looked beautiful, as always. For those complaining about her bare arms..... the woman is 49 years old. Think about it. This is the age when most women are prone to hot flashes. I'm 53 and haven't worn winter clothing or a winter coat in years, and I live in the Northeast. She is probably more comfortable going sleeveless. As amazing as she is, the fact remains she is human and has to deal with the same physical symptoms as the rest of us women.
Wow....note how silent the trouble makers are now. I guess they accomplished the goal....to disrupt our happy place.
Well, before they know it, the President's second term will be up...maybe the next First Lady will bring them more satisfaction...they can all get together and create their own blog.
I hope Adear doesn't consider posters "troublemakers" just because they don't happen to like a given look (those wide belts) or an outfit (SOTU dress). I think FLOTUS looks great in her choices for formal wear and casual wear, but often goes off the tracks with "day wear" (what I as a working stiff call "the ladies who lunch look")...perhaps it is because that is a somewhat fluid concept--much like "business casual"... and can mean different things to different people. I'm hoping for a formal dinner soon--it seems most of us can agree on those selections.
Anyone notice (in the video) the amazing pumps she was wearing. Like and ox blood red or a reddish brown. Lovely.
Too overdressed for the #SOTU? Matching coat? ... looks like an inauguration option to me...
No ANN50 I do not consider posters troublemakers. Let me be clear for you...go back and re-read some of the prior posts that led to this lastest upheaval here and you will see that my comments were NOT aimed at "posters" with a difference of opinion but at those who clearly post out of plain old hate.
I wholeheartedly agree with Audrey's and Ladywatcher's comments. There's a difference between constructive criticism and deliberate, overtly disparaging remarks poorly disguised as the former. Mrs. O matters to those of us who lovingly respect and support her AND Dr.Biden. We will continue to call those posters out.
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
I'm going to chime in here too regarding this banning of C or removal of registered status as Mrs T calls it.
I find it rather disconcerting that so many comments that directly insult and demean the person of the First Lady consistently make it through and remain. But once, just once, a long time poster and passionate Mrs Obama supporter reacts, albeit with a bit of unsavory language to very ugly, demeaning and dehumanizing comments about Mrs Obama and she has her registered status removed so that her posts can be moderated?!
It simply does not make sense. But as long as Mrs T owns and runs this blog, she does get to make the rules and do with posts and posters what she pleases.
I just find it hard to believe that traffic and hits from people who come here like Audrey writes, to lash out and to take out their resentment and anger on the Obamas, through thinly veiled attacks and insults on the subject of the blog Mrs Obama, is worth it in the end.
There are so many so-called 'critiques' that get posted here that most of us would never tolerate if they were directed at us or to our loved ones.
Mrs T is a savvy business woman and in the end she'll have to decide what works best for her. But it's as safe a bet as any to say that none of these posters that got C off this blog make up the market for any Mrs O themed books or merchandise. They'll never support any effort that celebrates Mrs Obama or casts her in positive light. They come here to taunt and to disorganize.
We who take offense at the disrespect are not just Mrs Obama admirers and avid followers of her and her style, we are also part of a strong niche market. We buy Mrs O themed stuff and patronize those who treat her with the dignity and respect she's earned and deserves.
There's a reason so many of us quit visiting this blog when it became a place to throw just about anything anyone pleased at the First lady. I do believe that there are so many more of us that left because of the perceived disrespect and dehumanizing of Mrs Obama, than those who left because they felt they couldn't "critique" as freely as they wanted.
AMW writes above: "--Mrs. Obama dresses like a child.-"
And somehow in some well-meaning person's mind, this is a perfectly respectful and acceptable critique of Mrs Obama or any woman for that matter???
Thankfully I missed the fray that took place here. It has long been recognized in the media and among rational thinkers that the racism that is rampant in this country is couched in remarks that allude to the fabricated incompetency of the Obamas. To state that Mrs. O dresses like a child is another such remark. What was childlike about her beautifully tailored Inaugural outfits, or her gorgeous gowns she has worn to various official White House events?
While I have endeavored to be positive on this site by finding the good, or by simply staying away from here to avoid getting caught in the web of the negativistas, I can certainly understand how posters who have been loyal to this site can sometimes overreact out of frustration at reading insults directed at the Obamas.
To the dress - beautiful color, beautiful shoes, and nothing childish about it.
And I suppose Eleroy that your comment was not a thinly veiled threat to boycott future books by Mrs T? I do agree that the "like a child" comment was uncalled for, but isn't it a shame that we can't even have a civilized conversation with differing opinions about something as really benign (and in the end pretty unimportant in the greater scheme of things) as fashion-without all the hostility??!!! No wonder those clowns in the capitol bldg can't get along about things that really matter...everyone here should just take a deep breath and assume others are acting in good faith and just comment on the clothes for goodness sake!
Ann50, by their fruits you shall know them.
If you really think that any of these posters who come here to disparage Mrs Obama act in good faith or have any real interest in supporting or patronizing any Mrs O related merchandise, then I own a bridge some place I want to sell for a dollar.
The truth is that there's a real concern with prioritizing and catering to the needs of those who come here primarily to incite and disrupt, many of whom have shown time and again that they do not like Mrs Obama or even support this effort by Mrs T for that matter, and therefore have no interest in nurturing, supporting and preserving anything that presents the First Lady in positive light. And that includes this blog, which is why from the very beginning there's been a fight of sorts for its soul.
Neither do so many of the all-knowing pseudo fashion critics who come by here to drop their nuggets of fashion and behavioral wisdom with regard to Mrs Obama. They are not interested in buying books either, they know it all already and in their opinion, this First Lady in their all-knowing wisdom falls far too short.
As far as they are concerned, she's "innapropriate" and undeserving of the adulation and interest. They certainly aren't going to buy books about her since in their opinion she doesn't measure up.
Fair to say then that that pretty much leaves people like those of us who actually care about and admire Mrs Obama and have a really hard time with the subtle and outright disrespect cloaked in fashion critique, wouldn't you say?
Again: C is not banned from the blog. By removing registered user status, his/her comments will be held in moderation until they are manually approved. This is due to the excessive use of profanity in previous comments that resulted in a major disturbance on the site over the weekend. AMW (author of the "like a child" comment) is a registered user and can currently post without moderation - that's why the comment was visible until now. Only when I logged in tonight, and saw the responses, was I able to comb through the comments and delete it. Honestly, I am tired of this thread and find it a bit disheartening. Onwards and upwards, please.
perhaps, Mrs T, if this is technically possible, you could just close this thread? I disagree w/ Eleroy's opinions re people who fault some of FLOTUS' fashion choices, , but it's not worth my time to argue...
Thanks so much for all you do, Mrs. T!