Mrs. O & Bo

Official White House Photo

Those who have been to Whitehouse.gov recently may have noticed a new official portrait of the First Lady, wearing a Talbots dress. 

Mrs. O explained the new portrait to PopSugar:

"We get so many letters from kids, who want to hear about the garden, they want to see it, and they also want to see Bo. Bo is really the most popular. So we decided to do this official picture that we could send to them when they write in. And we've heard so many great stories from kids who've been inspired and doing things like changing the way their families do things. And those letters are always just a joy to get. So we want to have something a little more tangible than just a letter to give to kids, because often it's the visual thing that makes it real."

"Michelle Obama and Bo Sitting Pretty in the White House Garden" [PopSugar]

Better Homes and Gardens

The First Lady graces the August cover of Better Homes and Gardens, wearing a sold-out (online at least) Chalet bouquet dress from Talbots. A buttercup yellow cardigan and embellished belt complete the look. Inside, an article will focus on the First Lady's Let's Move initiative. 

From the press release:

In May 2011, the magazine joined the First Lady in Washington, where they co-hosted a picnic for area fifth-graders that featured kid-friendly dishes inspired by vegetables grown in the White House Garden. The in-book feature includes an extensive interview with Mrs. Obama as well as a vibrant photo spread of the day.

"The First Lady is honored to be the first person in decades to appear on the cover of such a beloved magazine," said Kristina Schake, the First Lady's Communications Director.  "She is thrilled to share the story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Let's Move! with the millions of Americans who read Better Homes and Gardens.  Through the garden tips and healthy recipes, it's a story that demonstrates that the tools for a healthier future are fun, easy and delicious."

Photos courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

Easy Breezy

Photo by Toby Jorrin / PRNewsFoto

The First Lady had two events today, first building a playground at Imagine Southeast Public Charter School in Washington, D.C., and then hosting the Congressional Picnic on the South Lawn of the White House. Between events, Mrs. O changed from casual attire to a black and white chevron stripe dress paired with red flats. 

Photo by Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP Images

Update: Wow, you are all quite fast! It does appear that the First Lady wears the Shoreline striped sash dress from Talbots, which unfortunately, is already sold out. A photo follows below.

Mrs. O's Little Christmas Elves

Image by Yuri Gripas / Reuters Pictures

The First Family is hosting the "Christmas in Washington" celebration and concert at the National Building Museum this evening. For the event, Mrs. O is wearing a gorgeous black lace overlay dress, featuring a high square neckline and full skirt. Sparkly oversize earrings, akin to snowflakes, complete the first lady's holiday look. 

There is so much to say about these photos. In the presence of children, Mrs. O is always her most radiant, which has never been more evident than here. The top photo, with the first lady kneeling down to pick up the little elf -- party skirt ever so elegantly fanned -- is beyond words.

And it seems, increasingly so, that fashion is an Obama family affair. Malia and Sasha Obama are transforming into lovely young women before our eyes, showing their own flair for style. Brightly colored crewcuts coats have been replaced by party dresses, accessorized with belts and baubles. Let us not forget Mrs. Marian Robinson! The first grandmother has never looked more chic, wearing a black lace crochet dress with sheer bracelet-length sleeves. Fabulous!

"Christmas in Washington" will air on TNT on Sunday, December 20 at 8pm EST. 

Update #1: Mrs. Marian Robinson wears the Leafy Lace Dress from Talbots, available here. Thanks to reader Ashley M. for the tip, which has been confirmed with Talbots. 

UDPATE #2: This is a major moment in Mrs. O fashion! Per The Huffington Post:

Mrs. Obama is sporting a vintage 1950s black lace dress by one of America's once-great, now-obscure American designers, Norman Norell.

This rare garment came from the impressive archive of New York Vintage, whose owners cite this as a rare - and perhaps unique - instance of an American First Lady wearing vintage at a public event.

"[This is] truly an historic event, as this may be the first time a First Lady has worn a vintage dress," says New York Vintage co-owner Jon Schneck. "Other dresses from the archive have being scheduled for use by the First Lady later this year. We are truly honored that the First Lady has chosen a gown from New York Vintage as her first venture into vintage couture."

UPDATE #3: The First Lady wears earrings by Cathy Waterman.

Serving in Style

Photo by Alex Grimm / Getty Images

Traveling back to the United States, First Lady Mrs. O made a special stop at Ramstein Airbase in Ramstein, Germany today to speak with military personnel and their relatives on this Veterans Day. In addition to her pretty fall floral cardigan, Mrs. O donned an apron to serve dinner to the military staff. A quick survey of the past few days certainly speaks to the breadth of the first lady's roles and responsibilities, not to mention her diverse wardrobe!

Update: Mrs. O wears a Rose-print cashmere cardigan from Talbots, available here. Thank you to the various commenters who spotted this!