National Day of Service

The president and first lady participated in the National Day of Service today, volunteering at Burrville Elementary School in Washington, D.C. Pictured above, the Obamas were joined by City Year Executive Director Jeff Franco and City Year employee Sheri Fisher to stain a bookshelf. 

After the project, the president and first lady gave brief remarks to volunteers. Mrs. Obama closed, saying, "So for all the young people ... as Barack says, we’re passing the baton onto you all.  So the goal is, is that as you make your way through life, who are you pulling up behind you?  And as long as you’re pulling somebody up behind you, you’re doing the right thing."

Last but not least, the fashion front: Mrs. O kept her look casual, wearing a purple and black geometric print top, paired with black pants, boots - and, of course, those fabulous new bangs!

Update: Mrs. O wears a top by plenty by Tracy Reese.

Checks and Balances

Earlier today, the first lady traveled to Reno, Nevada to speak to grass roots supporters at the University of Nevada, Reno. For the appearance, Mrs. O wore a Tracy Reese Combo Frock in Black and Parchment Gingham, available here, paired with her signature Alaia belt.

Mrs. O Monday

The First Lady traveled to Gainesville, Florida for campaign events today, visiting Girls Place, an after school program, as part of her stop. For the visit, Mrs. O wore a blue print dress belted at the waist. 

Update (9/19): Above, Mrs. O wears a dress by Barbara Tfank as reported by WWD this morning. The rolled-neck dress was made from Bianchini-Ferier silk twill in a mosaic tile motif. The designer is a collector of Bianchini-Ferier fabrics and bought the mosaic print at an auction.

Mrs. O also appeared on a pre-taped episode of Rachael Ray this morning. For the appearance, the first lady wore a Tracy Reese peasant blouse in black and ecru paired with orange trousers.

DNC Delight

The First Lady delivered her knock-out opening night speech of the Democratic National Convention wearing a custom-made Tracy Reese dress paired with J.Crew Everly suede pumps in rhubarb. For those curious about Mrs. O's nail color, People confirms the polish as Artistic Color Gloss Vogue in Grey Lilac. A fantastic ensemble from fingertip to toe! 

Tracy Reese has been a staple designer in the First Lady's wardrobe during the first term, introduced when Mrs. O wore a pink lace dress by the designer for her February 2009 cover of People magazine, seen here. In celebration, Reese tweeted: "Thanks everyone for sharing this amazing moment! We are all so grateful and honored to have dressed Mrs. Obama for such a momentous speech!!" 

Further Reading:

"Michelle Obama's Dress in High Definition" [New York Times]

"Michelle Obama: The Anti-Fashion Plate" [BuzzFeed]

"Designer Tracy Reese on Seeing Michelle Obama in Her Dress at the DNC" [Fashionista]

Campaign Classic

The First Lady made stops in eastern Pennsylvania yesterday, where she spoke with campaign supporters in Philadelphia and Bethlehem. On the style front, Mrs. O wore a black and white floral dress, paired with her signature Alaia belt and a double strand of pearls.

Update: Mrs. O wears a Tracy Reese Black/Pearl Deconstructed Frock, available here.