Geometric Gem

The first lady hosted an award ceremony for the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities in the East Room of the White House today. The ceremony recognized arts and humanities education programs that benefit underserved youth. 

For the occasion, Mrs. O wore a geometric print dress from Zero + Maria Cornejo, first seen in 2009, here. The dress features Maria Cornejo's signature Shapes print in silk charmeuse fabric, in hues of amethyst, charcoal and cream. The print is inspired by the three basic shapes that Maria Cornejo's designs are derived from – the circle, square and triangle. On a shoe note: Check out Mrs. O's ankle strap pumps!

Update (11/22): With so much enthusiasm for the first lady's shoes, I thought it was only appropriate to provide a close up view. Several readers (and blogs) have credited Zara, which has a look-alike ankle strap style available here. The catch: Mrs. O's version has a criss-cross open heel.

Must Read Mrs. O

A few goods reads for discussion. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! xx

"First Lady Fashion Fatigue" [Daily Beast]

"White House Style Watch Expands by 2" [NY Times]

Veteran's Day

The Obamas and Bidens honored our veterans at Arlington National Cemetery today. In his remarks to the crowd, the president commended Mrs. O and Dr. B for their efforts through Joining Forces: "...thanks to the hard work of Michelle and Jill Biden, some of our most patriotic businesses have hired or trained 125,000 veterans and military spouses." 

On the style front: Jill Biden dressed in blue, matching her dress, coat and pumps. Mrs. O opted for basic black and white, adding a dash of flair with a dotted bow blouse, previously seen here.

P.S. As observed in the comments, please also note the first lady's hosiery and Mary Jane pumps!

Back to Business

The Obamas traveled back to the White House on Wednesday just hours following the election. Boarding Air Force One at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Mrs. O revisited two style favorites: her famed Alaia belt and a wool and silk boucle coat from Duro Olowu.

Victory

It's victory for President Obama and four more years of first lady fashion! On election night, Mrs. O demonstrated a continued proclivity for "shopping her closet," wearing a magenta silk chine pintucked dress by Michael Kors, last seen in 2010, here. The first lady accessorized with a cropped black cardigan and pink House of Lavande Vintage 1950s Schreiner brooch at the neckline. 

Many will remember the edgy red and black Narciso Rodriguez dress that Mrs. O wore in Grant Park in 2008, here. I think last night's choice was a clear departure. The message wasn't fashion with a capital F, but rather, a more subdued statement: classic style with an inherent ease. Knowing that Mrs. O chose the dress from her own closet only reinforced that mood. I think it's an indication of how the first lady's style has evolved over the first term, along with her role. Certainly, it will be exciting to follow where she takes us next!

On the girls: Sasha Obama borrowed from her sister, wearing a green Chris Benz skirt, previously worn by Malia, here, paired with J.Crew Mila cap toe leather flats. Malia Obama wore a full royal blue skirt, paired with a black top and pink belt at the waist. New York Times fashion critic Cathy Horyn was smitten, tweeting: "The Obama girls might be the fashion news tonight--full skirts, bright color, cute"

Further reading:

"Michelle Obama: Four More Years" [BuzzFeed SHIFT]

"Michelle Obama's Signs of Fashion Restraint on Election Night" [The Daily Beast]