Mrs. O's Bangles and More

Image by Jim Watson / Getty Images

After it was sorted that Rachel Roy designed Mrs. O's silver sheath dress for the State of the Union, the next question seemed to be: who was behind those fabulous bangles? 

Women's Wear Daily provided the answer Friday, with a profile on New York-based jewelry designer Kara Ross. Not only was Mrs. O wearing Kara Ross jewelry, the designer has created an exclusive White House collection for visiting heads of state. More fantastic yet, the materials were sourced from White House grounds.

“The Chief of Protocols’ office saw we did wood jewelry, and they wanted to have some things made by an American artist for Michelle Obama to give to visiting heads of state. They sent us this big chunk of wood from the White House lawn,” recalled Ross. “We made some pieces with it and on each one we wrote, ‘Designed Exclusively for Michelle Obama by Kara Ross.’ 

"I thought, ‘How great, with a visiting head of state, giving them a gift by a) an American artist and b) it’s literally a piece that originated from the White House.’ I thought it was awesome that they even thought of me, to be honest with you.”

After the completion of the project, Kara Ross sent the White House several pieces from her Gemstone collection, which we've seen on the First Lady in recent weeks, notably the State of the Union.

A Kara Ross wood shirt cuff designed for the White House:

 

"Michelle Obama Puts Kara Ross on World Stage" [WWD]

Return to the Chic Sheath

Images by Jim Young / Reuters, Jim Watson / Getty Images

Mrs. O chose a classic, fitted sheath dress for the State of the Union address this evening. The look recalls Mrs. O's early Maria Pinto dresses circa 2008, though the designer of this dress proves to be Rachel Roy. The Rachel Roy silver silk shift dress is part of the designer's Fall 2012 collection. The First Lady kept accessories to a minimum, wearing drop earrings and a stack of lucite bangle bracelets, all by Kara Ross. Simple and chic.

Of note, Mrs. O is seated with the family of Christina Taylor Green, who was killed in the Tuscon, Arizona shootings earlier this month. The First Lady is also wearing a black and white lapel ribbon in honor or Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

Mrs. O and Walmart

Images by Cliff Owen / AP Images

It's back to work after a glam-filled evening for Mrs.O. Walmart President and CEO Bill Simon announced today that Wal-Mart would make a comprehensive effort to provide healthier and more affordable food choices to customers. The First Lady was on hand to support the effort, declaring, "It's a victory for parents. It's a victory for families, but most of all, it's a victory for our children." Walmart has said that the First Lady's "Let's Move" initiative was catalyst for the new commitment. 

For the speaking affair, Mrs. O wore a grey tweed, collared sheath dress, paired with knee-high brown suede boots. A new wavy hairstyle completed the look. 

"Michelle Obama and Walmart Join Forces" [ABC News]

Update: This is a big fashion week for Mrs. O! The First Lady wears a Marc Jacobs Trompe l'Oeil Double Face Mélange Wool dress from the Marc Jacobs Fall 2010 collection, seen here. Mrs. O completed the look with Kara Ross Omega Earrings. 

A Hawaiian Holiday

Photo by Kent Nishimura/Pool/Sipa Press USA 

The First Family has continued their tradition of spending the Christmas holiday in Hawaii. As they did last year, the President and First Lady visited Anderson Hall at the Marine Corps Base in Kaneohe, Hawaii on Christmas day.

On the fashion front, Mrs. O paired a white tank with a graphic white skirt from the Transition 2011 collection from Jolibe, seen here. Jolibe is a New York City-based label, started by Joel Diaz and Christina LaPens. The fashion house is sponsored by the CFDA Fashion Incubator, a fund designed to support the next generation of fashion designers in New York City. It seems Mrs. O has her eye on yet another pair of rising young design stars!

Update: Mrs. O wears a cuff bracelet by Kara Ross NY

A Christmas Message

Above the President and First Lady deliver a Christmas message in a rare joint video appearance. Mrs. O wears a Calvin Klein Collection cowl neck dress last seen on the cover of Ladies' Home Journal, here, paired with Kara Ross NY earrings. Great to see Mrs. O getting such mileage out of her fancier frocks! Hope the First Family is have a restful holiday and very Merry Christmas ... and the same to you!