Joining Forces in Hollywood

Photos by Robyn Beck and Michael Buckner / Getty Images

The First Lady was joined by writer and director J.J. Abrams and Air Force Pilot Captain Kelly Smith in discussion at the Writers Guild Theatre in Beverly Hills, California today. The purpose of the talk was to encourage a more positive portrayal of military service members in popular entertainment, as part of the First Lady's Joining Forces movement. 

On a style note, Mrs. O kept things chic and simple, wearing a textured black dress and cardigan, accessorized with layered bracelets, coordinating earrings and red pumps.

Update: Mrs. O wears a Rachel Roy Dropstitch lace cardigan and dress, both available on RachelRoy.com from the designer's Summer 2011 collection. Is Rachel Roy Mrs. O's new favorite designer?

"Michelle Obama Pushes for Better Treatment of Military in Hollywood" [NY Times]

Turquoise and Melon

Photos by Luis M. Alvarez / Getty Images

Speaking at the 40th anniversary of the National Partnership for Women & Families on Thursday (and hugging organization president Debra Ness, above), the First Lady wore a melon-hued dress with textured detail through the skirt. Metallic open-top heels and Phillips Frankel amazonite and ruby earrings complete the look. What a beautiful summer palette.

Update: Mrs. O wears a Rachel Roy coral silk jacquard dress with wave pleat embroidery.

Enjoy a closer look at these gorgeous earrings, first worn when Mrs. O visited Buckingham Palace late last month. 

Image courtesy of Phillips Frankel

A Taste of Summer

Today the First Lady delivered the keynote address to the Women’s Leadership Forum National Issues Conference, in Washington.  This event is hosted by the Democratic National Convention and Obama for America, and brings together women leaders from across the country, in order to focus on the challenges America faces. 

Mrs Obama is wearing a fresh, summery, white and creamy yellow sleeveless dress in what looks to be an enlarged floral print, with gathering at the waistline and folds to the skirt.  All hints as to the designer gratefully received.  Actually, don't bother hinting, just TELL me!

Update:  Many thanks to readers LJ and Hilary who correctly identified this as Rachel Roy, first worn on the 15th July 2010 here.  I KNEW we'd seen it before, and I thought it was Rachel Roy, but I wasn't taking any chances till I knew for sure.  You can see the headline if I messed it up can't you?  "Limey amateur ruins world famous style blog."  Mhm.  Not on my watch...

 

Photograph: REUTERS / Jonathan Ernst

Preview: Obamas on Oprah

Photos by Paul Beaty and Charles Dharapak / AP Photos

The Obamas were back in their hometown of Chicago today to tape an episode of Oprah, which will air Monday. It was day of vibrant color for the First Lady, who traveled in a floral Jean Paul Gaultier top, paired with navy trousers and a canary yellow trench. 

For the episode taping, Mrs. O changed into a mixed print dress, paired with her signature kitten heels, which punctuated the ensemble with a pop of orange-red color. Oprah, herself, seemed to take a style cue from Mrs. O, wearing a pin at the collar of her dress.

No details from the interview have been released -- we'll just have to tune in Monday!

Update: Mrs. O wears a Rachel Roy trench coat. For the Oprah appearance, Mrs. O wears a multi print silk placket dress by Duro Olowu. 

Ray of Sunshine

Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy

First Lady Mrs. O and Dr. B held a roundtable meeting with military spouses, veterans, and volunteers to discuss a military families initiative in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building yesterday.

For the event, Mrs. O turned to a sunny Rachel Roy dress. (The First Lady wore the same ensemble last summer in Toronto, seen here.) Dr. B also kept things bright and cheery in an orange jersey dress. 

"Michelle Obama, Jill Biden to focus on vets' families" [Chicago Sun Times]