A Dash of Sunshine

 

Photos by Charles Dharapak / AP Images

Mrs. O continues to take in Johannesburg, South Africa, visiting the Emthonjeni Community Center in Zandspruit Township, as well as the Apartheid Museum this afternoon.

For the recent stops, Mrs. O changed ensembles, wearing a halter vest with coordinating trousers, paired with a printed top and red flats. A yellow Rachel Roy trench coat topped the look.

Update: Per The Huffington Post, the First Lady wore a vest and trousers by J.Crew, available here, and top by ASOS Africa, available here. Mrs. O accessorized with navy and gold metallic Bhati Beads bracelets, available here.

Hugs and Bhati Beads

Image by Butch Dill / AP Images

While the First Family toured the South last week, some may have noticed Mrs. O sporting a new accessory. It appears the the First Lady was wearing a Bhati Beads Silk Planets bracelet from J.Crew. 

From the J.Crew website:

Our current obsession: Sanskrit for "to glow," Bhati Beads' handcrafted silk bracelets are individually strung deep in the heart of Wisconsin. Bhati's crafty founder and designer, Margaret Maggard, threads strips of vibrant hand-dyed silk through brass beads to make these must-have, boho-cool accents. 

Variations of the bracelets are also available direct from Bhati Beads. Neat!

And for those curious about the photo above -- Mrs. O hugs Diane Bentley, wife of Alabama Governor Robert Bentley. Alabama was hit quite hard by last week's severe weather, prompting the Obamas to visit. 

Mrs. O Brings Motown to the White House

Photo by Charles Dharapak / AP Images

The first lady hosted a student workshop featuring Motown artists in the East Room of the White House today. "The Sound of Young America: The History of Motown" is the latest in a series of White House music events. Participants included singer John Legend, singer Smokey Robinson, Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr. and Grammy Museum Executive Director Bob Santelli.

For the occasion, the first lady turned to a metallic dot dress, with a ruffle front detail and floral brooch at the collar. Update: Mrs. O wears a J.Crew Fall 2009 dress.

Mentor O

Photo by Jose Luis Magana / AP Photos

The First Lady supported one of her pet causes today, speaking at the 2011 National Mentoring Summit held at the Library of Congress in Washington. For the event, Mrs. O wore a mix of printed metallic neutrals, pairing a floral top with a pencil skirt. Also on the agenda: hugs. 

"First lady calls for more people to mentor youth" [AP]

P.S. Reader Tammy spotted Mrs. O's blouse over at J.Crew. The Goldenrod Brocade Top can be found here.

Mrs. O, Santa and Bo

Images by Alex Wong / Getty Images

First Lady Mrs. O kept with tradition, visiting the Childrens National Medical Center today to read the book "The Night Before Christmas," which has been done by first ladies dating back to Bess Truman. For the appearance, Mrs. O had Santa and Bo in tow, wearing a black turtleneck and trousers, paired with an embellished cardigan.

Update: Mrs. O wears the *sold-out* Merino Sparklegate Cardigan from J.Crew, seen here.