A Return to Vogue

Photos via Vogue.com

As had been speculated, Mrs. O is on the cover of Vogue for April 2013, out on newstands in less than two weeks. Per Robin Givhan of the Washington Post, "She’s wardrobed from her own closet in a Reed Krakoff sheath in cerulean blue with a flourish of purple at the neckline." Vogue reveals that Mrs. O paired the dress Kimberly McDonald geode-and-diamond drop earrings. In a new photo on the magazine's website, the First Lady can also be seen wearing a stunning Michael Kors sweater and ball skirt.

In the interview, the First Lady describes her relationship to fashion as follows:

“I always say that women should wear whatever makes them feel good about themselves. That’s what I always try to do. . . . I also believe that if you’re comfortable in your clothes it’s easy to connect with people and make them feel comfortable as well. In every interaction that I have with people, I always want to show them my most authentic self.”

As many will recall, the First Lady also appeared on the March 2009 cover of Vogue, seen here.

For further reading:

"Leading by Example: First Lady Michelle Obama" [Vogue]

"Michelle Obama returns to Vogue as first lady who's melded style, influence" [Washington Post]

Bonus: "Michelle Obama's Best Looks" [Vogue]

A Moment in History

On this very special day, the clothes are certainly more than just garments - they are an instant part of our social history. In 2009, Mrs. O wore an Isabel Toledo ensemble in a sunny lemongrass color that signaled newfound optimism. In 2012, the first lady's choice is symbolic in a different sense. Designed by Thom Browne, the 2012 recipient of the National Design Award in Fashion Design, this choice seems to honor the craft and artistry of fashion as a whole.

Per the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum: "Thom Browne’s meticulous aesthetic is rooted in an American sensibility evocative of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Browne opened his doors in the fall of 2001, offering bespoke tailored clothing; he introduced ready-to-wear menswear in 2004 and womenswear in 2010."

From a White House official via the pool report: "The First Lady is wearing a navy Thom Browne coat and dress. The fabric was developed based on the style of man's silk tie. The belt and gloves she is wearing are from J.Crew and her earrings are designed by Cathy Waterman. She is also wearing Reed Krakoff boots. At the end of the Inaugural festivities, the outfit and accompanying accessories will go to the National Archives."

Update: Dr. Biden wears a Lela Rose silk bow coat per Eric Wilson of the New York Times.

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.

Mrs. O Does Push-Ups

For those who missed Ellen on Thursday, this video is a must-watch. Mrs. O and Ellen do push-ups ... and a lot of them! On the fashion front: a Duro Olowu top and Reed Krakoff blazer, both worn previously by the first lady.

Bus Tours and Baseball

Photos by Susan Walsh, Tom Gannam and Paul Sancya / AP Images

Wednesday was another jam-packed day for the First Lady, who started out with an appearance alongside the President at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, VA for the final day of his bus tour. While the President pitched his Job's Act, Mrs. O had good news of her own. The First Lady announced that the American Logistics Association (ALA) and their 270 affiliate companies have committed to hiring 25,000 veterans and military spouses by the end of 2013 -- certainly a big win for the Joining Forces effort!

After a quick stop at a pumpkin patch, the First Lady was off to St. Louis to attend Game 1 of the World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers. There, Mrs. O greeted veterans in a program sponsored by Major League Baseball and Joining Forces. Mrs. O and Dr. B also made an on field appearance, joined by Marine Lance Corporal James Sperry and his daughter Hannah for the national anthem. 

On a style note, Mrs. O rewore a few pieces seen earlier this year, including a Reed Krakoff blazer and Marc by Marc Jacobs sweater, both seen here.

Update: Bonus video!