On to Botswana

The First Lady and crew arrived in Gaborone, Botswana today, where they were greeted by traditional dancers. For this stop in her trip through Africa, Mrs. O embraced a bold palette, pairing a Jean Paul Gaultier pant suit with a Tory Burch Kerala reverse wrap belt, available here, at the waist.

After arriving, the First Lady changed into more casual attire to paint a mural with youths at the Botswana-Baylor Adolescent Center. Mrs. O wore a Rachel Roy Sable Leather Ribbed Knit Jacket, seen at least once before, here. Update (6/28): It also appears that the First Lady was wearing Alexander Wang Doodle Print Jeans, available here. How apropos for mural painting!

Finally, Mrs. O was back in ASOS Africa, wearing a beaded collar jacket (on sale here) paired with a Duro Olowu Fall 2010 scarf as she walked with Ian Kirby of Mokolodi Game Reserve prior to a private dinner in Gaborone, Botswana. Thanks to Kemi of Shop Liquorice for the spot. 

All photos by Charles Dharapak / AP Images

A $384 Million H&M Dress?

Image by Peter Kramer / NBC / AP Images

Earlier today, a reader noted that the Tory Burch Senal Jacket, worn by Mrs. O in Atlanta yesterday, has already sold out. When I first posted the link, there were multiple sizes available. (Update: As of 2/14, more stock is in.)

Then word came from Professor David Yermack of NYU Stern that H&M stock rose from 210.7 to 213.7 in Swedish krona on Wednesday, representing an increase of 1.43%. With 827 million shares outstanding, the company's market capitalization rose by $384 million. Which does make one wonder – was Mrs. O's $34.95 dress responsible for the considerable gain?

Long-time reader "Charlene in Detroit" supports the correlation with this anecdote:

"To anyone looking for the H&M dress, best of luck! The H&M store in the suburbs near me said it sold out last night and people are still calling looking for it today!"

And from The Boston Herald:

"In Boston, both Downtown Crossing and Newbury Street locations of the fast fashion retailer have been fielding calls from customers looking to track down the dress, but it is available only in limited quantities at the downtown store."

Conclusion? It seems all is well with "The Mrs. O Effect" at retail.

Celebrating Let's Move

Images by John Amis / AP Photos, Lawrence Jackson / Official White House Photo

The first lady topped off a day of media appearances to mark the first year of her "Let's Move" initiative to combat childhood obesity with a trip to Atlanta, GA, where she met with students at Burgess-Peterson Academy. Later, Mrs. O spoke about "Let's Move" at the North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, GA. 

For her first appearance, Mrs. O paired a herringbone vest with a black top and trousers, all belted at the waist. Later, the first lady changed into an ivory skirt suit.  

Update: Hooray for reader Godiva, who informs me that the first lady wore the knit chevron Senal Jacket by Tory Burch, available here.

[Let's Move]

The White House Pumpkin Patch

Image by Alex Wong / Getty Images

Fall is upon us! Mrs. O made a second appearance today, hosting students from Tubman and Bancroft Elementary schools for the White House Garden Fall Harvest. Special guests included chefs Daniel Boulud and James Kent. On a style note, please admire the first lady's amazing boots! Might they be the Tory Burch Connell Chain-Trim Boot, seen here? 

Update: Mrs. O wears the Herringbone T-Shirt from the Thakoon Fall Winter 2010 collection.

Serving on the 100th Day

Photo by Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images

First Lady Mrs. O and Dr. Jill Biden joined 160 Congressional spouses and children to volunteer at the Capital Area Food Bank today. Mrs. O and Dr. B are pictured with Lynn Brantley, Executive Director of the Capitol Area Food Bank and Vicki Escarra, President and CEO of Feeding America. Mrs. O wears J.Crew's Featherweight cashmere argyle cardigan in silver olive salt, paired with cropped gray pants and Lanvin's cap toe sneakers. Click here to see another fantastic image from today's event (thank you American-n-Rome!) P.S. We do love Dr. B's cropped white pants and silver flats!

Thanks to Janelle, who informs us the latter are Tory Burch's ‘Reva’ ballerina flats.