A Return to Vogue

Photos via Vogue.com

As had been speculated, Mrs. O is on the cover of Vogue for April 2013, out on newstands in less than two weeks. Per Robin Givhan of the Washington Post, "She’s wardrobed from her own closet in a Reed Krakoff sheath in cerulean blue with a flourish of purple at the neckline." Vogue reveals that Mrs. O paired the dress Kimberly McDonald geode-and-diamond drop earrings. In a new photo on the magazine's website, the First Lady can also be seen wearing a stunning Michael Kors sweater and ball skirt.

In the interview, the First Lady describes her relationship to fashion as follows:

“I always say that women should wear whatever makes them feel good about themselves. That’s what I always try to do. . . . I also believe that if you’re comfortable in your clothes it’s easy to connect with people and make them feel comfortable as well. In every interaction that I have with people, I always want to show them my most authentic self.”

As many will recall, the First Lady also appeared on the March 2009 cover of Vogue, seen here.

For further reading:

"Leading by Example: First Lady Michelle Obama" [Vogue]

"Michelle Obama returns to Vogue as first lady who's melded style, influence" [Washington Post]

Bonus: "Michelle Obama's Best Looks" [Vogue]

Women of Courage

The First Lady joined Secretary of State John Kerry to honor recipients of the International Women of Courage awards on Friday. This year's recipients include (from left to right in the front row): Afghan National Interdiction Unit, First Sgt. Malalai Bahaduri; Campaign for Democracy President Josephine Obiajulu Odumakin of Nigeria; Russian human rights activist, journalist Elena Milashina; Elman Peace and Human Rights Centre Executive Director Fartuun Adan of Somalia and National Autonomous University of Honduras Rector Julieta Castellanos.

For the occasion the First Lady wore a printed wrap dress that she has worn at least twice before, seen here and here last year. In the past commenters have suggested that the dress is Etro, which seems about right, but I've not been able to confirm. A gold star awaits anyone who can!

"Remarks by the First Lady at the International Women of Courage Awards" [White House]

Update: Hooray for reader Pam, who has unearthed a bit of digital evidence here. It appears the dress is indeed Etro.

Mrs. O on the Move

The first lady has been on the move in promoting her "Let's Move" initiative this past week. On Thursday, February 28, Nike announced that it will spend $50 million on the “Let’s Move Active Schools” effort over the next five years. On the same day, Mrs. O exercised with children from Chicago Public Schools in her hometown of Chicago, IL, later traveling to Springfield, MO, where she spoke at a Walmart Neighborhood Market. Earlier in the week, Mrs. O appeared in Clinton, MS alongside Rachael Ray. On the style front, Mrs. O embraced a range of fashion, from athletic wear to a pinstripe suit!

Update: In the first picture in this series, Mrs. O wears a lululemon athletica Forme Jacket *Brushed in Love Red/Deep Coal, available here (thanks reader Sandy). In the third picture, Mrs. O wears a J.Crew Lightweight merino cardigan and shell with neon trim, available here.

Rosy Rachel Roy

Mrs. O and Dr. B spoke to the National Governors Association this morning with a focus on their Joining Forces initiative to support military service members and their families. On the style front, Mrs. O wore a Rachel Roy washed rose and tweed dress, first seen in 2009 here.

First Peek: 2013 Governors' Dinner

First Lady Mrs. O is seated next to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie at the 2013 Governors' Dinner in the State Dinning Room of the White House this evening. Fingers crossed we have a chance to see more of this gorgeous gown! Mrs. O is wearing a custom made Naeem Khan smoke grey and silver deco-beaded tulle square neck gown. Earrings from Sutra Silver completed the look.

Update: Thanks to the Oscars, we can admire Mrs. O's gown in all its glory. The first lady announced the Oscar winner for Best Picture - Argo - live from the Diplomatic Room of the White House.