National Prayer Breakfast (Updated)
Thursday, February 5, 2009 at 10:59 AM On Thursday, First Lady Mrs. O attended the annual National Prayer Breakfast, where President Mr. O introduced the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. Listening intently, Mrs. O looked polished, poised, and well, very First Lady-like. Wearing a v-neck royal blue dress with clean lines, a black band at the waist and seams through the skirt, the design seemed to reflect several trademarks of Narciso Rodriguez. However, we haven't been able to confirm the designer. It could be a Narciso Rodriguez design from several seasons past, tucked away in Mrs. O's closet and revisited for this occasion. Or perhaps it's of another origin all together, thereby officially earning "mystery dress" status. Any light that can be shed would be greatly appreciated.
In the realm of polished touches, Mrs. O's coiffed hair and bolder makeup add a definite finish to the look. Also note the single strand of more traditional pearls that Mrs. O wore here and throughout the week. Additional images of First Lady Mrs. O at the National Prayer Breakfast here and here.
Update: We're told that Mrs. O's dress is in fact Proenza Schouler - a label we've not heard associated with the First Lady's wardrobe before. Certainly though, the design duo of Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough will make for an exciting new addition to Mrs. O's style repetoire. Upon hearing this news, we immediately thought back to a quote from the New York Observer. As an Observer reporter chatted with Narciso Rodriguez about Mrs. O's election night dress in November, "...the young designers of Proenza Schouler approached Mr. Rodriguez. 'Did you see Michelle Obama in his dress?' cried Lazaro Hernandez. 'Really major!'" And now it seems, the same should be said of Proenza Schouler. Brilliant!
Narciso Rodriguez, Proenza Schouler in Outfits
Reader Comments (84)
Dress is nice enough, but she really needs to bring her Chicago hairdresser back. And I say this with love: I really love Mrs. O.
The First Lady looks stunning in every way.
EGH,
As you probably know, the public does not purchase clothing for the Frist Lady or her family. The money from them come from their private funds. Not to get too political, but part of the issue we are currently facing is that people are not buying new things, which causes further slow down in the economic. That being said, she has been First Lady for approximately 3 weeks. I don't always 'recycle' my work outfits in a 3 week time period and I am in no way in a position as visible as Mrs. O!
Now that that is out of the way...I love this blog and rushed here every day to see the new posts. Keep up the good work! The dress is nice, but did not blow me away, but everything cannot be a 'blown away' moment. I was surprised at the short sleeves, but maybe because it is about 17 degrees where I am today!
I think the lipstick color is too dark but it could be the lighting in the linked photos. I like the dress color.
The president is such a gentleman, holding the chair for the first lady
Um, Gerbil and EGH, take ur negative comments somewhere else...thanks for ur input though..don't let the door hit u on ur way out
EGH,
Get over it, the Obamas pay for their own clothes, unlike those white trash hillbilly baby making losers the Palins. LOL
WE LOVE HER, but what is going on with the hair. She is getting that first lady white house beauty salon look....... WE NEED TO SAVE HER HAIR!
Beautiful blue on Michelle and a perfect choice for the occasion. Most elegant.
Now. Some people who visit this blog seem to have missed a few facts.
"Facts" as in "things that are true" rather than "Opinions" which are "things we like to think are true".
Firstly, Mrs O has said in a televised interview that the clothes she wore on the campaign trail were purchased by her and her husband, because they felt it was wrong to take money from the campaign budget for that, when people donated it for Barack's political campaign. Now, I don't know who is paying for clothes now that she is in the White House, but my opinion is that:
a) as First Lady of the USA she probably has a budget - she can't work and get a salary, therefore it makes sense to me that she would have a budget to maintain her private household and her appearance.
b) She is an ambassador for the US. Wherever she goes, whatever she does she will be scrutinised by women all over the world. Therefore, it is in the interests of America (fashion industry, cosmetics industry and any other industry that is looking to raise its profile) that she looks great. Sadly, shallow or not, it's in the job description.
c) Michelle has always been stylish and is not going to suddenly start looking like a bag lady just to make miserable people feel better. "It's fun to look pretty." Amen to that.
d) I'm English. I have no interest in US politics apart from a kind of car crash fascination with your recent choices of president. ("Why? WHY?") BUT, I could not help but be inspired by this extraordinary lady. She's beautiful, she's intelligent, she demands greatness from everyone she meets and acknowledges hard work and integrity - plus she's sexy and elegant! She made some awesome speeches on the campaign trail and if you've not GOT who she is from that then you need to go back and watch 'em all again! My point is (it's still d) that she isn't going to be a spendthrift First Lady. We're still going to see J Crew and The Gap in this woman's wardrobe. Why? Because she's got integrity and I really don't see her going bananas with money/wardrobe just because she can, when there are people who can't find work.
e) Designers all over the world/America are going to be falling OVER themselves to get Michelle Obama to wear their stuff. It will be worth a pile of hard currency if she's seen with their handbag, their dress, their brooch. Most designers - especially the established ones who can afford it - will send their clothes to people in the public eye because if their fans see them in something, it will sell out (i.e. The View). Handbags, shoes, earrings, watches, coats, shirts, you name it. I don't know, but I can almost guarantee you that the minute Barack Obama became President Elect, Michelle had package after package of free stuff to to wade through. The designers know that trade price or gifted clothes will earn them money. So, it's an investment. You look at any celebrity, you can guarantee that they have been gifted SOMEthing. It's called business, and in this economy, Michelle is almost obliged to help out US designers.
f) Not all celebs accept free gifts. Some will accept something but negotiate a price (often trade) for the item because they are not in the business of scamming free stuff (Diana Princess of Wales for one). I personally feel that Mrs O is in this category.
My final point is this. If you don't like the JOB that Michelle is doing, be straight about that. If you don't like the political party her husband belongs to, go to a Republican playpen and talk about politics. If you don't like Michelle for some reason, go to a blog that likes slamming Mrs O and join in. If you want a bitchfest, all that says to me is that you are miserable and have to make yourself feel better by being horrible about someone nice. Go find a bitchfest or counselling or find something interesting to do. Like LIFE.
If you want to celebrate a strong female role model who has grace, intelligence, charisma, style and a BRAIN, then celebrate that with all of your heart.
(Apologies to the mods if that's too long PTx)
To those of you who feel the need to criticize the Obamas, where have you been the past eight years, in a black hole somewhere in the universe? Mrs. O is either paying for her own wardrobe or the designers are happy to promote their lines by lending her clothes, which in turn stimulates consumerism.
How can you poke at the Obamas after 3 weeks in office when Cheney, Bush et.al. have put billions in their pockets from the so-called "restructuring" of Irag through awarding contracts to Halliburton, Cheney's company? Are your memories that short term? And how about their hands off policy that got us in this economic mess? Get real.
LOVE this dress!!
It's really quite sophisticated, I think. The black band is such a punchy feature. It has a lot of impact. And the color is simply beautiful. I'm not sure what to call it. Is it like a vibrant navy blue?
I like this picture of it: http://www.daylife.com/photo/063wgZWcRQ0CB/Barack_Obama
You can see there the FIT is amazing. It's very body-hugging and yet hangs loosely. I'm curious to know the length of the skirt though so I hope another picture surfaces.
Anyway, with the possible exception of the Tracy Feith dress which I also loved, this is my favorite outfit of hers since the Inauguration. This is definitely the kind of dress that I would save up my pennies to buy...so I really, REALLY hope it's not Narciso Rodriguez. Because I could never save enough pennies for his line. Though I am glad that people like Michelle CAN and do, or there would be no such thing as brilliant designers like Narciso making his beautiful clothes.
Finally, to Michelle's new hair dresser, if you happen to read this, count me as those who like the new hair! I hated the way Michelle's old hair dresser would flip the ends of her hair, and then give her crazy bangs. It was too 80's. Her hair now is much softer and more modern (though today's look is starting to look a tad 80's again) and no doubt you will get to familiarize yourself with her hair in the next months and will keep it looking gorgeous.
Wow. Here is a great shot... at least it's up while I type this... of MO on Huffington Post.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/
BRAVA, Posh Tater! Brava!!
Posh Tater, I too am in awe! No one could have said your comment better.
Also, Mrs. O recycles all the time. The other day, she went out to lunch with Jill Biden and wore the same belt and cardigan as she had during the MLK volunteer day, and the same shoes she wore during the inauguration. She's worn one of Jcrew's sweaters twice. I could continue but she certainly "recycles" her clothes though she is probably less like to do so on days she knows she will get photographed.
I love, love, love the dress the hair, the makeup! Simply Brilliant!
I LOVE this look on Mrs. O! She looks classy and elegant.
Beautiful!
Thank you too Posh Tater! Am so glad the First Lady is confident enough to change up her style and her looks daily! Also what we see on TV and in print looks different in person. What a glamorous elegant woman! Reminder Lonestar and others, ignore the trolls, they's still trolling.
I like the shade of royal blue. It's bright and happy. Fantastic. And the black band is so perfectly position on her waist. It's really a great simple dress that she wears so well. I just adore it.
Beautiful, elegant dress! And I like the hair quite a bit....
she looks so classy and elegant.... i love the dress
Lovely! Very ladylike but sophisticated at the same time. The dress looks knit to me - I wonder if it might be St. John. I prefer her with 'big' hair; she carries it well because she's so tall.
Five stars in my book. I love her in jewel tones and her hair looks great, make-up is stellar, too. Well done.
very lovely
just love Mrs Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama looks lovely--dress, fit of dress, hair, make-up, jewelry.
Expenses such as clothing and food are personal expenses for a first family (food used for their own meals, not state dinners). Travel and health care are covered for them.
Posh Tater, what a great post, nicely written. As for our resident troll, who I suspect is posting under various names, she does not heed any of our suggestions to go bye-bye and does not respond to rationality. Good try, though.
Thank goodness for the overall quality,sophistication and positivity of the various commenters. They reflect well on Mrs. O and why many of us find her so endearing and delightful.
I love the color on her, and I agree jewel-tones are her trademark. I'm impressed that she chose an understated design with a bold color for a seriously sophisticated look.
The color of her dress is beautiful and complements her skin tone. She looks nice. President Obama is such a gentleman for pulling out her chair for her.
Lonestar, that "hillbilly" comment was ugly. It's not fair for you to tell others to leave for making negative comments while throwing around you own at the same time.
Lonestar, I apologize. I see the comments come before the author, so you did not make that comment. That is pretty confusin.
Mrs. O looks elegant. It may be a knit dress, it certainly drapes beautifully.
The President looks so earnest as he pulls out a chair for his beloved. They are too cute together!
(Posh Tater, I agree with your post and with all the others who have praised how well-written it is. When I read the negative comments I was going to respond, but you've made that unnecessary. Thanks!)
I think the makeup is a bit harsh - or maybe it is the combination with the blue dress. A tint of pink in the lipstick would have been better.
pretty dress, and i love that he's pulling out her chair for her. she's breaking in a new hairstylist, that can take some time but she looks great anyway. in some photos the makeup looks a bit severe, i think it's the lighting though, because in others she looks just lovely.
When I saw the program live on CNN before I came to this site-I gasped at how lovely Mrs. O looked-and how well her makeup complemented the blue of her dress.
Then I come here and see the negative remarks and I find myself going-whaaa?? She looked lovely, classy and elegant as befit the occasion.
I decided to ignore the negative. She was scrumptious-I love the dress.
Hey Davesoko1, Have you ever checked out the Project Rungay site? It's written by two very clever,funny guys who blog about Project Runway and fashion in general.
I really have learned from that blog that fashion is unbelievably subjective. One person's delight is another person's horror. It always amazes me, but beauty is truly in the eyes of the beholder.
But I agree with you, totally, I thought Michelle looked amazing. Although, I wish we could see the whole look.
I am w/ davesoko1 - I had the same reaction to Mrs O look earlier today when I saw coverage online.
I think she looks dignified, elegant, fashionable and pulled together. The color looks great oh her - a pop of color yet subdued.
I like the graphic line that the black belt creates - it is a modern and minimal method of accenting the waist.
The softer hair style looks great for a nice change of pace and compliments the ensemble.
Also liking the brighter lip color.
I just saw a long clip of the National Prayer Breakfast and it included a good shot of Michelle. I'm just wondering, do the major attendees get an advance on lighting etc??? Because honest the lipstick looks great with her blue dress and her hair/other makeup on tv with the kind of dark lighting there, but I have to admit on some of the photos that the lipstick was rather startingly dark. It was perfect on tv IMO though.
Wow, another chic number. She's doing really well. Gorgeous
Like others, I love to see Michelle in jewel tones. AND--I like her hair here--better than before.
And for the naysayers--this is a fashion blog--not a political blog. To be fair, Mrs. Bush's clothes cost plenty.
Just to settle the speculation, I believe that all elected officials are obliged to pay for everything and may not accept gifts of a value over $50, including clothes, less it be construed as peddling political favour.
As for the Jason Wu inaugural gown and the Isabel Toledo coat and dress, the official line was that they were a "donation" to the Smithsonian - where all of those First Ensembles end up.
Everything else that Mrs Obama has worn must have been purchased - by law.
When it comes to wardrobe, most First Ladies in the past usually negotiate some kind of discount with designers or brands as they require a volume of clothing for public appearances that most ordinary folks could not begin to comprehend and their husbands are obliged to pick up the tab.
Famously, Mrs Kennedy's wardrobe bills were picked up by her father in law. Mrs Reagan was famous for buying the creme de la creme of 1980s society designers during economically challenging times - it was frowned upon. The most recent First Lady, Mrs Bush would regularly be seen in the lobby of 550 7th Avenue to and from fittings at Oscar de la Renta. All clothes are purchased using private family money.
While of fairly modest backgrounds, the Obamas are somewhat wealthy due to the President's hit books that have been at the top of the best seller lists for literally years at this point. Presumably they have worked out a fairly healthy budget for her needs and she is spending carefully - hence the mix of designer clothes with more moderately priced pieces from National chain stores like J Crew.
Mrs Obama already has recycled accessories and even clothing - she has worn some of her Narciso Rodriguez coats a few times and those Jimmy Choos are in heavy rotation.
In this country there exists a paradox, we want our leaders to be smart, educated, polished and yes, well dressed. Yet, we also want them to be able to relate to ordinary people - the "have a beer with them" factor that helped carry George Bush into two terms in office. Either way, the candidates are usually just as wealthy. Kerry was rich and "elitist", whereas Bush was "humble" but no less rich.
Mrs Obama is very cleverly dressing to please all constituencies. Expressing her style through moderately priced but stylish clothes and also wearing a well edited cadre of less well known American designers. Her choices are appropriate, reasonable and reflect perfectly her husband's modern Presidency. She is also a shot in the arm for the American fashion industry at a time when they are in desperate need of promotion.
anon - thank you. I could'nt have said it better myself.
Touche'
Love this hair-do!!!
The one she wears yesterday made her face looking too long...
This is the Michelle I'm used to - her hair and makeup are just perfect.
Lovely...
Still think her inauguration day hairstyle works best...love the healthy fullness and sexy partial drop over the eye and slicked behind the ear look from that day...
This is the first time I have posted. I love this site as I am sort of obsessed with M. and so I am happy this site exists. I do not care if it is sponsored by an ad agency. It is expensive to run a website with someone dedicated to posting so I like someone is footing the bill!
My comment is I am shocked she is not wearing more winter dresses. At this prayer service and the one on the Wednesday after the inauguration, I feel like she needed a sweater or something. I know she had a coat for the Wednesday service but when I see her sitting next to men in suits I feel cold. True it may have to do with the fact that I am in Florida where we are freezing with temps in the 40s (I know we are babies here). I just think she should be wearing warmer dresses.
As for recycling her clothes, I am shocked that she is wearing the same pieces within the same week but she is making me think I could rotate in some of my favorite pieces sooner than I do.
I'm no student of the runways, so if it looks like Narcisco I believe it, but this fit and fabric reminds me of our dear, missing-in-action Maria Pinto. Any further word on why we've seen no Pinto since the Inauguration (at least to my knowledge)?
...absolutely love the hair- what a great change! The outfit speaks for itself.
LisaC: I agree...Something about the simple cut and v neck says Maria Pinto...
I love Mrs. O in this elegant dress with that creative black band. Her makeup is exactly the color I wish she would wear more often. Her lips looks scrumptious. She looks like she just stepped out of the lead role of a Hitchcock movie. They were always beautiful ladies. Her hair is First Lady hair, classic.
This site is just so fun to visit. I have learned much about fashion, I get a good laugh from the posts and I praise the fact that it exsits. Michelle Obama is beautiful and most of all a wonderfull inspiration. I hope she continues to "WOW" us for the next 4 years and maybe more!
michelle obama is such a wonderful glimpse into everything great in this country.brains, beauty, grace and elegance.
i love this site because i adore clothes(and the obamas).
i hope everyone who posts would just send positive thoughts and the most
optimistic wishes to both these amazing americans.
i'm going to europe next week and look forward to being a proud american for the
first time in eight long years.
caroline g and gerbie etc, should think about that when they post their
absolute vitrol.