In Reflection
Thursday, January 19, 2017 at 10:25 AM 
I've been thinking a lot about Michelle Obama and this blog in recent weeks. There is a wonderful retrospective on Mrs. Obama's fashion influence written by Vanessa Friedman of The New York Times. It captures the cultural relevance and central themes of Mrs. Obama's style discussed and debated here over the years – sartorial diplomacy, championing the artisan designer, the high and low democratic mix, clothes that married strength and femininity, clothes that broke norms and created new ones.
From the very beginning, I was intrigued by the tension of these qualities – that in the seemingly superficial, there could be hidden meaning and depth. When we weren't swooning over the first lady's ensembles, decoding them all was a thrill.
In this divided world of ours, admiration for Mrs. Obama's style became a great unifier, evidenced – in part – by the vast, diverse audience of this blog at its peak. There was something about Mrs. Obama, the clothes she wore and the context of the times that fascinated us all, that captured our attention and held it. That intrigue and its wide-reaching pull can't be fully explained by the factors above.
This November, President Obama told Vogue, "People see themselves in her. A dedicated mom, a good friend, and someone who's not afraid to poke a little fun at herself from time to time." I think women see who they want to be in Mrs. Obama. Her clothes are those of a confident, smart, vibrant, active woman who manages the fine balance of taking care of herself and others – and that has enduring, universal appeal.
In her final speech as first lady, Mrs. Obama told the audience and the American public, "I hope I've made you proud." More than she’ll ever know.
To the readers, thank you again for your participation and dialogue over the years. What fun we had!
To the first lady, a million thank-yous for being exactly who you are.
With peace and love, Mrs. T.
For reference:
What Michelle Obama Wore and Why It Mattered [New York Times]
Michelle Obama didn't like to discuss her clothes, but they spoke volumes [Washington Post]
A Michelle Obama Blogger Looks Back at 8 Years of FLOTUS Style [Racked]
Archived posts by designer [Mrs O Blog]
Reader Comments (12)
I can't thank you enough for all your work on this blog over the years, Mrs. T. I miss you and I already miss Mrs. O and her family.
Dear Mrs T, thank you so much for a recent update to this blog. I followed it for years until you stopped and really missed it. Though I bought your book and still enjoy leafing through it. Miss Mrs O so much!
Thanks for this awesome work Mrs. T. We really missed you. Perfume
Mrs. T. we need you now!
Hello Groovy! The past few days have been an inspiration, haven't they? I am following every ensemble, appreciating the thought and meaning behind every choice. I can't wait to see what Vice President Harris and Dr. Biden do with their respective platforms, and I'm curious to see how they use their personal style to express themselves and to amplify their points of view. Mrs. O, as always, was perfection. Meredith Koop has all of the details on the Sergio Hudson ensemble on her Instagram account. She calls the color "wineberry plum." Bright days ahead!
So good to hear from you Mrs. T! Any ideas of bringing back the blog? Take care!
The thought has crossed my mind, but I don't know that it is feasible. I have three young children and a full-time job, so my plate is quite full at the moment. I have thoroughly enjoyed this week. Did you see Dr. Biden's coat and dress from Wednesday evening designed by Gabriela Hearst? The story behind the embroidery - "federal flowers from every state and territory of the United States of America" - is lovely. I do miss all of the fun we had here! I hope someone chronicles Dr. Biden's style. Would you ever consider? I would certainly follow! https://whatkamalawore.com/ is doing a great job following Vice President Harris's wardrobe. I was happy to see your comment pop up!
You sound very busy! I don’t think I’m technologically savvy enough for that task. Maybe somebody younger? I do miss the group of regulars! Yes, the Wednesday evening ensemble was lovely. Almost made up for the lack of a ball! I will check out the blog about the Vice President. She has great style too.
Thanks for this beautiful blogs, Mrs. T. I miss you a lot...
I had to stop in to comment on the gorgeous ombre red dress that Mrs. Obama wore today at the unveiling of her and her husband's portrait at the White House. It brought back memories of the glory days of this amazing website.
I agree. So wonderful to see them both.
Fantastic information, best! ^^