A Saturday Evening Stroll
Saturday, May 2, 2009 at 9:45 PM 
Photo by Jim Watson / AFP / Getty Images
President Mr. O and First Lady Mrs. O were out on the town for a dinner date at Citronelle this evening. Upon their return, the couple took a stroll on the South Lawn of the White House at sunset. For the evening, Mrs. O dressed in a crisp white shirt, worn with the collar up and neck open, projecting nonchalent elegance. A slight train and long ties laced at the back added extra flair to the non-basic basic.
The First Lady paired her blouse with cropped black pants and sandals, adding a punch of color with an azure blue clutch. (The shoes, we believe, are Jimmy Choo.) For those who watched Larry King Live on Thursday, we were struck by Patti Davis's observation that the Obamas have helped to highlight (perhaps unintentionally) the beauty of the White House property. With a glance at the photo above, the observation rings quite true. We have to say, all appears well and good at the White House this evening.
Update: We are just back from the New York Times Sunday with the Magazine event, which featured fashion critic Cathy Horyn, designers Narciso Rodriguez, Maria Cornejo and Thakoon Panichgul in a panel discussion. Cathy Horyn referenced the ensemble above, noting that Mrs. O was wearing Alaia. We found a similar Alaia blouse, with the same fish tail effect, pictured here.
On another note, we were delighted to meet up with LayoG and Kaitlin at the event! More to follow on that front later.
Reader Comments (131)
They look so great together. More great pics at getty:
http://www.gettyimages.com/Search/Search.aspx?contractUrl=2&language=en-US&family=editorial&p=michelle%20obama&assetType=image&src=quick#
That is a beautiful picture.....they look so calm and relaxed.
Nancy Morales
San Antonio Texas
Look at the shoes she wore for the Stevie Wonder affair at the white house and compare them to the shoes worn in these pictures. Are they the same shoe?:
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/85117631/Getty-Images-News?axd=DetailPaging.Generic|1&axs=0|85253387%2c85116471%2c85114706%2c85114528%2c85114454%2c85333605%2c85333594%2c85333590%2c85333586%2c85333579%2c85333575%2c85333572%2c85333570%2c85333568%2c85333566%2c85333563%2c85333560%2c85333541%2c85333532%2c85333527%2c85333521%2c85333514%2c85333510%2c85333506%2c85333500%2c85333494%2c85333490%2c85333486%2c85333483%2c85333479%2c85333474%2c85333470%2c85333465%2c85333461%2c85333449%2c85118312%2c85118310%2c85118308%2c85118255%2c85118252%2c85118232%2c85118230%2c85118228%2c85118226%2c85118224%2c85118222%2c85118221%2c85118220%2c85118217%2c85118185%2c85117653%2c85117640%2c85117631%2c85117629%2c85117627%2c85117625%2c84366299%2c84357527%2c84355488%2c84353797|0
Someone needs to take a pair of scissors and clip those long strings off of the back of Michelle's blouse.
Hi Donna No Shock, I believe you're right, same shoe!
Leah D and Mrs. T -
If you look at the back of the blouse, there seems to be some sort of constructed gathering along the center of the upper back that creates a winglike effect.
Do you know who this designer is?
I'm not so sure, Donna, that they are the same. With these black pair, it seems like the straps are different - I guess I'd describe them as "strappier" than the gold she wore for the Stevie Wonder event. Really focus on the front and the sides. You see more of Mrs. O's feet in the black ones because they are strappier.
Mrs. T - great choice of a picture. The whole scene is just like a fairytale. This is a happy and content couple. Thank goodness for that, because we need those qualities in our leaders right now!
Donna No Shock and Mrs. T,
It does look like the same shoe, but it looks like a different color. They look more black/dark brown in the South Lawn photo, whereas the shoes for the Stevie Wonder event look silver.
Or maybe I've just been staring at the computer too long tonight. But it's definitely the same style shoe.
@ Leah D - I imagine that the strings were tied in a bow, but became undone, unbeknownst to Mrs. O.
Either way, it is a nice look for her, and from their body language, etc., this was just a moment to enjoy their lives and the privilege they have to be POTUS and FLOTUS. I don't think they prepared themselves for an impromptu photo shoot.
Apparently, the shirt was tied at the back when they first got to the restaurant and came loose when the photo was taken. The pool report indicated it was tied earlier, per H. Post. I just can't believe how detailed the pool report was just for a dinner date. Whew, the next 4 to 8 years are going to be a trip for the press.
Just curious, if they just want to roam around the South Lawn without the press there, can they order that or can they never have privacy unless they're inside the White House? Don't get me wrong, I love to see photos of Mrs. O but it is such a beautiful backyard I wonder are there times no one is allowed back there for family time and privacy during the day--does anyone know?
janelle, u're right about how detailed the pool report it. i get worried for michelle. she's over analysed. but she doesn't seem to care at all.
Janelle- I think there are sections of the parameter of the lawn that are very highly walled. My guess is there is always Secret Service around although they might not be seen in the photo op.
The back of the shirt looks as if its corsetted. I think it makes her waist look so small and shapely. You can never go wrong with a clean white shirt and black pants, its a classic look. I love the clutch, it ads just the right amount of color!
How sweet and romantic.
I will not comment on her outfit cause i don't think a comment is needed. POTUS and FLOTUS looks happy and in love, and the only person who should really be concerned with this outfit is POTUS and he looks happy and in love so who I am to critique anything to do with their date.
Good to see them doing romantic things. I agree, I have never seen the whitehouse grounds before in such settings, just lovely.
It's utterly amazing how Mrs. O manages to look elegant and spectacular even when taking a simple stroll around the premises of her humble abode. What a romantic scene this paints - it would be perfect for a picture or poster. :)
http://cafefashionista.blogspot.com
The Prez and Michelle look so happy and relaxed. To bad certain people can't quit looking at the clothes and look at the couple. Some will never get over them being in the white house. You go "PREZ AND MICHELLE"
The First Lady was not wearing sandals, She had Heels on....
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Michelle-Obama/ss/events/pl/050108michelleobama#photoViewer=/090503/ids_photos_ts/r2407346373.jpg
shawn,
I do not really understand your comment.
This is a FASHION blog - the majority of the people here do 'look at the clothes'. That does not mean that we do not see how lovely the President and First Lady are and how we admire them for their accomplishments.
It's so interesting that you mention Patti Davis's comment, Mrs. T: I've lived in Washington D.C. for years and I honestly didn't even have a clue what the grounds of the White House looked like before now. Not that I can now draw a map or anything, but yes, I do think that they are intentionally highlighting just how beautiful the White House grounds are. I really had no idea.
And this is a nice time to be in be in DC, I have to say. Not too terribly hot yet, and almost everything that can bloom, is. My allergies are killing me, but it's lovely!
Like Toi, I too have no comment about the outfit. This was not a moment for the public. It's a sweet image, though.
shawn,
You are so right, some will never get over them being in the office. You see it in this brouhaucrap over what she wears, if she does'nt wear the designers she is classless, if she wears J-Crew she is classless, if she wears a desinger she is classless.
She will never WIN because the fact that SHE is in the office and not "in her place" is what upsets them.
Of course it was a moment for the public otherwise they wouldn't have had the press there covering their walk.
Goodnight ya'll and Happy Weekend.
The whole press pool report and photos are on the POLITICS page over at HuffingtonPost dot com.
The president is always accompanied by a press pool. Always. That doesn't mean that every outing is a public event. You can tell by that long lens shot that this was a private moment, in contrast to, for example, the introduction to Bo. The family came right up to the cameras then. There's a difference.
But I'm not trying to say what YOU should talk about, Leah D. I'm creating boundaries for myself. You can create or not create your own, as you wish.
LDS, is here: Please, can't we just enjoy the moment? How wonderful it is to go on a date with your husband on a Sat. night(while the NBA playoff is on) Most men would make an excuse. It is so nice to see two people who really appreciate each other, and take time out for each other. And just to walk and I tell you that HOLDING HANDS just turns me into mush. Something so simple, but the openingly contact and touching is so human. So even those the blouse may have come unloose, that's just the even more so human. And just being alone and walking the grounds of the White House, what a way to end a week. How many of us have ended a nice dinner and really would have given thought to tying a bow. I love Michelle for just being Michelle we all know that her fashion style is what keeps on coming back to this site, but she is so human. What a breath of fresh air to see real human beings in the White House.
It's so nice to see that there are so many people out there who are as excited about this blog as I am. I love checking in to see what Ms. O has been up to during the day. She always looks so happy and involved. I know she has a lot of people to help her but the pressure doesn't seem to bother her. She can pull her hair back or wear it down and she still has a certain elegance. Her outfit tonight was just perfect but I'm glad we cleared up the long tie in the back. I'm certain it must have come untied. Tied or untied, she's a keeper. My heart is still as full as it was on election night each time I see her with President Obama.
LDS: I forgot to add that I can't get enough of crisp white shirts perferrably tailored ones.....nice, real nice. FLOTUS has style. She just keeps me surprised all the time.
Nice photos of them together walking around the White House. They both look like any couple who'd be seen right now walking hand and hand in my area park.
For some reason these two together seem to fascinate the press. I don't remember anyone caring what Laura Bush wore when she walked around the White House with Former President Bush. Now, that I think about most folks never really cared what Laura wore at press events. Nancy Regan to me was the most often insulted First Lady for her fashion being to pricey by the press. While Jackie Kennedy was praised for her high end fashion choices. And Poor Hillary was lampooned for her pants suits. Barbara Bush seemed to have been ignored by the press do to her being a grandmother and much older woman.
It all really comes down to if the press and public likes the First Lady. Right now I'd say the public is mildly interested in what Mrs. Obama wears give it time and the hype will dye down.
I loved this photo, because as LDS said, it shows Michelle as human. Nothing staged here for a photo op, and she doesn't seem to care and neither does the President. It's about being in the moment. I've started many a night out with my husband looking tight and polished and then soon after dessert, my belt has come off and could care less. No matter where they are, they seem to just carve out their own space, regardless of anyone else. Lord knows I hope it continues for them. According to the pool report, they did get to disappear for a few minutes away from the cameras toward the garden area where they couldn't be seen--good for them. No wonder the President loves Camp David--no press there. I bet he wishes he could go every weekend.
Michelle has said that she has more fun because the press don't always follow her and she sneaks out with friends and staff as much as she can--there's tons of outfits we still haven't seen and may never see. Just this week she went to the theater with Desiree and no one knew until after. The President has a much harder time with it.
That Other Mimi,
Your right about the knowing your place angry crowd who post often on different blogs not to discuss her clothing but to ripe apart Michelle as a Black woman. I sensed this a while back when it started with her baring arms at Mr. Obama state of the union. What you have is three groups of folks those "Who hate Mrs. Obama for being a democrats wife", "The racist set who only come out to play hard against Mrs. Obama when she makes a small mistake in public" those folks are know as typical trolls. Then you have the finale set of people who just are jealous of Mrs. Obama. You can tell this set easily they often compare there lives to Mrs. Obama and claim she is ungrateful and should not be married to the President.
These groups bother me sometimes but mostly they are just mentally unstable folks.
you both look wonderful and lovely! These nights of relaxation and intimacy are wonderful for you and significant for the public to be a part of and share and know you are connected & live a life of balance! And I love seeing the two of you alone getting close to one another showing what a couple at the white house or any house should do and how should they live and the elegance is wonderful for the people to see as well and evolve! Better than all of that was the mandate of the President for Physical fitness for the masses which will make a difference! America must achieve balnace of Mind-Body-Spirit in order to move forward toward healt & excellence!
See how great she looks when she keeps it simple! If the shirt is supposed to be tied in the back and not trailing her then it is perfecto, otherwise, I say clip the strings. On another note this is a FASHION blog, we are supposed to comment on the clothes. I find it funny that the very people who complain about negativity are the very ones bringing that negativity to the site. The one blogger above just made a comment about the clothes, and rightfully so; there was absolutely no need to take it all the way THERE!
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/may/03/michelle-obama
Please do check out this link. One of my favourite papers (The Guardian) is profiling Michelle Obama!
I love this blog, by the way. It is refreshing and uplifting!
I agree with Leah D about the strings! I didn't like the ribbon-y things coming off the front of her Inauguration Day outfit either, pretty distracting, and there was one other outfit I think that had strings or ribbons. Does anyone know if this is a fashion trend? I like so many of the things she wears - and otherwise I LOVE this shirt - but not the strings.
YAY for date night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Taking a stroll at sunset with the love of your life is SO romantic. OMG, I love this couple.
I really wish they had privacy sometimes, fat chance of that
and while I understand this is a fashion blog, im just not sure Mrs. O would love the whole world breaking down her outfit for a private date night, where they clearly stayed some distance away from the cameras (that's just me, please let me have my right to have that opinion....thanks)
:-)
American-n-Rome:
You and me both...I adore this couple!
The string in the back was tied in a bow going to dinner, but was untied coming back from dinner. I wonder what was going in the back of the BEAST!
The bookmark heading for this blog is "Michelle Obama Fashion and Style", and that can speak volumes. The work "style" has a definition that can encompass a range of activities.
The style of this couple is for me a large part of the Obama's appeal. They protect their time alone, honor their pre-White House rituals like "date night", and clearly enjoy and drink in their opportunity to experience life together as the First Couple.
It's sweet and refreshing. They are terrific.
She looks pretty and here is another reason why I relate to this woman even though she's 20 years older than me.
I have a shirt like that in white also. It used to be the style few years ago. Mine is GUESS bought it @ Macys. I always leave the strings untied or I tie them very loose and I like to wear the shirt with the collar up, it gives it a different flair. It's youthful and sophisticated.
POTUS looks great as always....LOVE them
Does it really matter if she wears the same thing twice like the rest of us?
Folks, regarding the strings -- the blouse was tied in the back in a corset-like construction. The ties came loose. That's all. It wasn't a stylistic choice.
The Obama's look great in the gardens of the White House.The are very inspiring for all of us
terry, LOL!
Oh Terry! You are so baaaad! You gave me a good laugh!
Being young as President Kennedy and Jacquie were, brings a new perspective and joy to the White House. Other Presidents have been quite formal about all the surroundings. After all the White House is a historic place. But having young, active and vibrant children around bring "reality checks" every single day! Maybe the Obama's were thinking (the photo by the playground) "I wonder how many kids we can bring to play with Malia and Sasha?
Terry--tooooo funny! But I tell you what, anything to keep a marriage strong...they're some crazy folks out there ready to bust up a relationship so I'm sure they keep it jazzy--LOL! I'm happy they spend this time with one another.
I think all the ladies bashing Michelle are just jealous because their husbands/boyfriends/partners never take them out on a nice date.
I think both look amazing and elegant!
Terry, i missed your comment -- good one! You were just saying what I was thinking...:)
I wish I could look HALF as good in a white shirt and black trousers! They look very good together. I wonder if M's trousers fit her better this time - sorry guess I have a *thing* about well fitting pants......
I like the outfit, but Mrs. Obama should've remembered to keep that bow tied in the back. It shouldn't be loose like that. President Obama didn't say anything about it either?
the string wasn't untied as a style choice as another poster said, it simply came undone, and I guess Ms. O couldn't be bothered to tie it back.