A Repeat in Michael Kors Sparkle

The first lady attended an inaugural reception at The National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. tonight wearing a dress that might strike longtime readers as familiar: a black sequin Michael Kors boat neck dress, which she debuted in September 2009 for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute dinner. Tonight Mrs. O refreshed the look, adding an eclectic mix of bracelets and, of course, her new do! See below, and the original post here, to compare.

The media has been ruminating on several theories as to why Mrs. O is "shopping her closet" with greater frequency - deference to the economy, a strategic image shift for the second term. From a different lens, I've wondered if the pieces that Mrs. O rewears are her favorites. In this case, a perfect little black sequin dress waiting patiently in her closet, eager for another time out on the town. What an honor for Michael Kors and team that Mrs. O loved this dress so much she wore it twice, especially considering the special occasion.

From 2009:

Mrs. O in Reed Krakoff

President Obama took the official oath of office today, with Mrs. O right by his side! Of note, the bible used for the oath of office belonged to Mrs. Obama's grandparents.

Per the pool report, a White House official has indicated that the first lady is wearing a dark blue dress by Reed Krakoff. Krakoff has been the creative director at Coach since 1996 and launched his own eponymous line in 2010. To see Mrs. O's previous selections from the designer, click here.

Kids' Inaugural Concert

Mrs. O and Dr. B are scheduled to attend the Kids’ Inaugural Concert this evening at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The concert will pay special tribute to military spouses and children, with appearances expected from Alicia Keys, John Legend, Katy Perry, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder and others. More to follow!

Update: Mrs. O's white tunic appears to be the same Alexander McQueen piece that the first lady wore here in 2011.

National Day of Service

The president and first lady participated in the National Day of Service today, volunteering at Burrville Elementary School in Washington, D.C. Pictured above, the Obamas were joined by City Year Executive Director Jeff Franco and City Year employee Sheri Fisher to stain a bookshelf. 

After the project, the president and first lady gave brief remarks to volunteers. Mrs. Obama closed, saying, "So for all the young people ... as Barack says, we’re passing the baton onto you all.  So the goal is, is that as you make your way through life, who are you pulling up behind you?  And as long as you’re pulling somebody up behind you, you’re doing the right thing."

Last but not least, the fashion front: Mrs. O kept her look casual, wearing a purple and black geometric print top, paired with black pants, boots - and, of course, those fabulous new bangs!

Update: Mrs. O wears a top by plenty by Tracy Reese.

Photo of the Day

This Official White House Photo from January 18, 2013 shows the president and Mrs. O in the Blue Room of the White House before a brunch to celebrate the inauguration - it also gives another peek at Mrs. O's new do!