Saturday
Feb072009
The Blue Jeans Are Back
Saturday, February 7, 2009 at 7:22 PM
One night after absolutely dazzling us at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts (70+ comments arrived at the same conclusion - we have a stunning First Lady!), Mrs. O was back to being a dressed-down mom. Wearing cornflower blue skinny jeans (last seen November 2 in Columbus, OH) with a matching top, black cardigan and simple black flats, First Lady Mrs. O looked comfortable and casual as she boarded the Marine One helicopter with her family for their first overnight stay at Camp David. She just does it all so effortlessly!
The Huffington Post has a great slide show here. The New York Times has a short write up and photo here.
in Outfits
Outfits
Reader Comments (49)
She looked messy. I am surprised that someone didn't clue her in that Camp David is not a tent camp experience. The first lady should think about well cut pants and tops, jackets. Buy some new well-designed, well-fitting (not white at the knees tired-looking work pants). That said, she looked great last night.
*rolls eyes*
I wish I could look like that on my messy days.
She looks like a casually dressed Mom, on her way to a relaxing weekend with the kids. Anyway, as I said in the other thread, I loved her flats. They look comfortable but also stylish with the lace-like detailing.
I really love the multiplicity in Mrs. O's style. The juxtaposition between how the First Lady looked last night, and how she dresses here - it makes her style all the more interesting and real. I mean, who doesn't tone it down for a Saturday afternoon?
Jenna, will you paste your comment here? You're always one of the first to catch a new look, which means your comments get stuck in the last thread. Thought the full shoe commentary was intresting...
She looked exactly like a modern mom on the go should look - I love that she wears "normal" clothing a lot of the time and also looks both age appropriate and not stuffy - it's rockin' cool to have a "first lady" that I, as a career woman with a husband, child, mortgage, etc., can relate to!
Not a fan of the outfit but she should be able to dress down whenever appropriate. I think that dresses and skirts flatter her figure better.
I think she looked great. I will make a point that covers both the show comment from the last thread and something about the fit of the jeans. When you are 6 feet tall woman it is very hard to wear heels all the time(even just a kitten heel) so I think part of the decision to wear ballet slippers with some outfits have to do with how much she wants to tower over other people. And also when you are so tall jeans to are long enough and fit perfectly are hard to find. Note that this pair fits her great but is certainly a little short on her leg. Speaking as a fellow 6 footer this is just something to think about when we comment on her outfits...
Mrs. T, sure I will repost.
Also, I think you are maybe making fun of me! In my defense, I am a complete news junkie but, after the Inauguration, banished cable news and political blogs because I wanted to make space in my brain for something other than politics. So following Mrs. O's style (in a non-political way) is really all I have left!
Anyway, my comment on her adorable flats:
Mrs. O is wearing a casual blue outfit today, as she takes her family on a getaway to Camp David. She looks very nice though not wearing anything newsworthy…except that I really noticed her really cute black, flat, Mary Jane, walking shoes.
I go back and forth on Mrs.O’s love of flats. I really, really wish she would wear at least a low heel. They do wonders for her legs and posture. But I also appreciate that she likes to dress sensibly and she is a Mom, after all. But sometimes her flats really detract from the rest of the outfit and make her look dowdy. There’s a picture that she took once with Hillary Clinton where she is wearing a pair of beige ballet slippers that truly ruin what was an otherwise adorable outfit.
Anyway, I really like the flats she chose today. They are sporty Mary Janes, but they have some sort of very pretty lace-like detailing. They are casual but stylish. They look EXTREMELY comfortable and no doubt she can hang out with the girls and etc. I am a fan! I hope she will opt for this kind of style when she (inevitably) wears flats again.
First I want to say, I just discovered this site and I love it.... I know that the First Lady's style choices has inspired alot of talk but its nice to read comments that is devoted to her style style and stays on topic
Anyway... this particular outfit I don't think is messy
this is how me and alot of women I know do causal ie. jeans, simple top, flats
So the outfit in itself is the not the problem, the problem is the cut of the jeans. They are not the most flattering for her figure. I think she should try boot-cut jeans instead which would flatter her long legs and balance out her hips to create a longer line
Ifo,
I agree and understand about Mrs. O's height. She said something once about herself that I always remember. She said "I take up a lot of space" or something to that effect. This was when she was a guest on The View, during that awful period when she was being regularly attacked as "unpatriotic". Anyway, the comment made me sad because you can tell, despite being such a confident woman, she is also conscious that she can be intimidating, for whatever strange reason, and part of which may be her height. So you're right that she would not want to tower over people and I think that's part of why she wears flats.
And as long as she finds flats as stylish as the ones she is wearing today, that need not be a problem!
Everyone be sure not to miss all the great photos of Mrs.O and family before boarding Marine One at the link below:
http://thisweekwithbarackobama.blogspot.com/2009/02/here-go-obamas-to-camp-david-pictures.html
Jenna--agreed, if one is to wear flats they should be stylish ones. Nothing does for the leg and elegance like a heel but a good flat could do if it is stylish. The ones she had on today were great. Somehow the very simple ballerina flats which are ubiquitous and produced by the likes of channel and ferragamo are not very flattering.
I return to the idea that jeans are the hardest things to buy when you have a long leg. The straight jeans that she is wearing look a little odd towards the bottom of the leg because they are not long enough and fit weird. I think micaro above is right that boot cuts would fit nicer. And real skinny jeans which are very long would work too but they may be too low on the hip and look too strange.
This is sooooo sweet! I don't know if I am the only one feeling this way, but I still can't believe that a black family is living in the white house, taking air force one, getting into marine one, going to camp david etc...it's so weird for me to accept. I have to pinch myself everytime I see one of these pictures to make sure that this is really happening. I guess as a 56 year old black woman born and raised in the south, it's just so hard to get my mind around this. I couldn't be happier.
PS: Malia is going to be super tall (I predict she'll be over 6 feet) by the time B.O. leaves the white House (I hope it's 8 years from now.)
Haha, Jenna, definitely not making fun! I'm glued to all things Mrs. O 24/7 at this point, so I would be in no position to tease. You are impressively fast though! Hours ahead of my Google alerts. :o)
her height is one of the reasons she wears flats.. the main reason is because her feet hurt.
Mrs. O is looking good and I like the coordination going on there between Malia and the Prez and between Sasha and Mrs. O
If we think flats lack style, then we are in the dark ages. This is the 21st century!!
I love that Sasha's wearing peace signs again. She loves that symbol! She's worn t-shirts, tank tops, and other jackets with that "peace" print. Very cool!
Memo to Sasha: Barn door is open, girl! The close-ups on the thisweekwithbarackobama blog show that her fly is down.
Is it me, or has Malia grown about 6 inches since election day?
I love that they look like a typical American family and royalty at the same time. How is that possible?
She'd make a great catwalk model with that height
I agree Ruby. She's so statuesque and graceful she'd look good in anything. As usual her best accessory is that gorgeous looking husband by her side, who also happens to be the POTUS!
This look is downright bad. What a shame after she looked so fantastic last night. As many of us do, Ms O struggles with pant fit, and jeans... well she needs help. She should be wearing boot cut jeans i(n a much more sophisticated (and darker) wash), some sort of basic low-heeled boot, and preferably some sort of wrappy scarf to add polish/pop to her cardigan. Also, she needs to change the bright blue shirt to something more neutral.
It is sort of insulting to the Moms out there to say this is a mom look. The piece dyed jean with some sort of black piping down the side isn't right! She needs some West Coast help with the denim cool thing.
This is getting ridiculous. Everyone wants her to dress up like a barbie doll every single day. Women that dress up every single day are try hards like Victoria Beckham.
Is she wearing jeans? It looks to me like some sort of lounging pant similar to this Chico's Travelers. http://www.chicos.com/store/browse/product.jsp?maxRec=36&pageId=1&viewAll=true&productId=prod1560009&prd=Travelers+Xander+Original+Fit+Pant&subCatId=&color=&inSeam=&posId=17&catId=cat40010&cat=Sale+Travelers&onSale=true&colorFamily=&maxPg=1&size=
You know, this constant scrutiny of every minute detail of one's life could really get to a person. Thank God she's so grounded and together as a person. It takes a lot of strength as a person to withstand this fame bullshit-( not that I've ever experienced it!)
I agree with the above,but I believe the right people are put in place for the right positions... as I said earlier I just think she should try a boot-cut jean as it would be more flattering and even that is more just a suggestion than a crictism from me. I don't understand what all the fuss is about. Some people just like to nitpick...
Mrs. Obama looks nice. Her husband looks dashing. Her children are lovely and obviously happy. They all look like models from a magazine. Thank god they are not though.
They are smart, funny, down to earth, exciting and most of all people that I look up to so much. I am so glad this is our first family.
Also I wish that comment at the top of the page was not the first one. I can just feel all the jealousy and envy simmering in every word, that that person typed. I wish it could be deleted. It reads like the work of a troll.
I didn't know those were jeans. Every time I've seen Mrs. O in them, I've thought they were yoga pants. But I think she looks fine for a vacation night away. I love how she has her hand on Sasha's friend's shoulder!
Such a refreshingly normal and happy family. I hope they have a well deserved rest
they always look so great and genuine that it is refreshing and inspiring. As someone 6' myself, and used to men in the hallways flattening themselves against the wall dramatically in office buildings thinking themselves hip,or averting their mortification at being at eye level or less, I can remember the days when ballerinas were only for them, and flats really weren't -- they were old lady walking shoes with a wedge heel. I think alot of the criticism of Michelle's posture, flats, and off the shelf casual looks are just the old foot-binding generation trying to justify their era's styles by foisting them on Mrs. O as a critcism. It's really great that she has choices we didn't have, and really sad that people want still to put her in Cindy McCain puke colored knit Jill St. John, or that those in their thirties want her to keep up with fads. She is as refreshing as can be with her quality but not pretentious clothing, and projects her warmth, intelligence, sense of playfulness and comfort with herself. Nothing she wears is as important as this and the wonderful role model she is. I suspect she will be the first substantial-while-in-office first lady since Eleanor, who is also easy with great fashion, including off-the-shelf and attractively refreshing!
Yes, she's going to face a lot of jealousy and envy in her position- they build you up, then they tear you down, that's how it goes.
She and her family are inspiring more people than they realize- we are lucky to have them in the White House.
What is interesting is that the president is also casually dressed but no one has mentioned he should have been in a suit. (Yes, I know this site is for Mrs. O). Mrs. Obama is about to get on a helicopter with three young girls and land at a more casual oriented location, where I'm sure the girls will take off exploring. She needs to be dressed comfortablely to go exploring with them. I, for one, would not wear my best jeans to do that. Yes, I have thought they were not jeans each time I looked at the pictures.
Menukjau, that's one nail that you hit full square on the head; it is (sadly) ridiculous that so many expect the First Lady to dress up every day, even when clearly having an ordinary, normal, dress down family day.
Long may she continue to exude normality in the face of what is slowly but surely becoming from some quarters (fashion commenting/reporting) lunacy.
I think Michelle Obama has set herself apart from the other First Ladies. I especially love her jewelry choices- I mean those Erickson Beamon brooches are absolutely gorgeous! Also, I think she wears BoChic jewelry on casual days. If anyone is interested, I heard there is a BoChic sale on Gilt Groupe.
Here is a photo of Sandra Bullock wearing BoChic
http://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/general/photos/0,,20229264_20253256_20567980,00.html
This is the invite to the sale-
http://www.gilt.com/invite/iheartmrso
I'm not feeling that outfit on Michelle. I agree that it just looks kind of thrown on. On a positive note, The Prez looks good, and I have a feeling Malia is going to be taller than them both when she finishes growing.
C-span has the video clip. Watch Sasha salute and then cover her ears from the helicopter noise.
http://www.cspan.org/Watch/watch.aspx?MediaId=HP-A-15249
can we all remember that she is a 45 year old YOUNG woman. she is not barbara bush or laura bush, thank GOD. she is a mother of two young kids, what do you want her in on the way to their weekend place. she looks completely appropriate for the occasion. i don't want a first lady, during these hard economic times dresses like women of the oc or atlanta every single day, that is crass and gross and those two adjectives cannot be applied to michelle obama!
Absolutely spot on Merele...
Get a grip people. This walk to the helicopter is the equivalent of you or I walking from house to car or house to bus stop. Who dolls themselves up for that?!
Give the woman a day off!!
God bless you and your beautiful children (and your divine husband) and save us from all these trolls
@Merele......
Thank you! Finally, you said exactly what I've been thinking about some of the comments! Mrs. O looks relaxed and ready to enjoy herself with her family!
The Obama family is back in DC, photos from daylife:
http://www.daylife.com/photo/0fCU8uH8LD3I5/Barack_Obama
in this spread she looks like an average, everyday gal, mom, wife, etc... her fashion speaks to all of us in different ways. no matter where we shop. with her wide range, we can all probably pick out similar items we have in our wardrobe. thus, she's a very smart dresser with a potential to make a fashion connection with every american woman regardless if each of us love every outfit or not.
She is ideed the complete package period - No excesses, no bullshit...
But most importantly, she not only does things in moderation but with such ease and balance...
Truly the face of the modern woman: Smart, poised, consumate professional; caring daughter, amazing mother and loving devoted wife and life partner...Couldn't ask for more!
It's amazing how these roles are so clearly reflected and defined in the way she dresses-
I am a BIG Mrs. O supporter, but this look doesn't cut it. She is on a national stage now and needs to look the part (at all times when photographers are in the midst).
She does not have to dress up, but wear something that looks put together and that fits her body type. I wear khakis (or jeans) and a top when I go out of the house because I still want to look okay when I am at the grocery store, beauty parlor or wherever (and I am not in the spotlight).
This country has been so "dressed down" that most people do not know what is appropriate attire and what isn't. I have even gone to a "wedding" which was "black tie" and one person showed up in jeans for the reception.
Mrs. O needs to be on top of her game because she is always going to be photographed and needs to look appropriate. She doesn't have to wear "Ikram" when she is going on vacation, but something that looks pulled together.
She has shown that one doesn't have to spend a lot of money to look "nice". I am just hoping that she finds casual clothes that work for her.
Amen to the bootcut. She'd probably do better with a dark slightly flared trouser jean, too (speaking as a gal with a booty who discovered trouser jeans several years ago and never looked back). Dark trouser jeans are always appropriate and can easily be dressed up or down. She could have several pairs of differing lengths that she could wear with heels (at least kitten heels or wedges) and flats.
Having said all that, Michelle is making a statement to the world that she is a "mom first" and more power to her.
With the too numerous to mention "competing" opinions on the appropriateness or otherwise of flat shoes, boots and kitten heels, the "correct" trouser length, the right colour trouser, drainpipe vs bootcut jeans, bright top vs neutral top, etc. if the First Lady were to even try to please everyone here her head would be spinning before she got anywhere near to the fifth comment down.
There is indeed a place for each and every mode of dress be it leaning to the upmarket and sophisticated or the relaxed and casual. It's true that not everyone these days is au fait with what might be appropriate on any given occasion, and I'm too sure about what can be done to address that.
Yes, on the national/international stage the First Lady is, with all eyes on her, and also at the same time she still needs some space to breathe; minute non-newsworthy dissection of every piece of fabric she dons really serves no useful purpose. I hope she continues to dress her unique way; the way that is most comfortable and natural to her, and have every confidence that she will.
She looks great and most importantly, happy! Does anyone know where the pants are from? I love them!
Anyone know what designer made those black buckle boots Michele was wearing Feb. 16th, when she and the family were getting on a helicopter to go to Camp David? You can see the boots on a Huffington Post slide show which has photos of Michele's flats and boots she wears.