Honoring Jean Finnegan Biden
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at 10:29 AM 
Image by Nicholas Kamm / Getty Images
The president and first lady are en route to Delaware this morning, to attend the funeral of Vice President Joe Biden's mother, Jean Finnegan Biden.
Vice President Biden gave a eulogy at his mother's memorial service, describing her as:
"...as a remarkable woman. She was a quintessential combination of both optimism and pragmatism. Heroic in her ideals but solid in her expectations."
For more details on the service, ABC News has a thorough report here.
This afternoon, the Os were already back to Washington, photographed as they returned to the White House. Mrs. O looked particularly lovely to honor Mrs. Biden today, dressed in a lace print wool coat over a black dress, accessorized with tall black boots and a single strand of pearls. As reader "philly" so perfectly describes, the ensemble was "sophisticated and up to the minute" while still reflecting a "mournful palette." The first lady also debuted a sleek, shorter bob haircut.
Image by Win McNamee / Getty Images
Reader Comments (119)
I guess I'm not getting it: Why would she have to wear her hair "up" for all those weeks in preparation for getting a new haircut? Why not just get the haircut right away?
I guess what I'm not getting is what is the big mystery...what is there to get?
I don't have any inside track to Mrs. O, but haven't any of you ever decided to change up and try a different hairdo for a while? It doesn't have to mean you're getting your public /coworkers ready for a big transition, trying to hide major hair damage, fired your hairdresser or any of the other endless speculation that has been posted here for some time now. I am a woman, and I love changing my hairstyle from time to time just as I would change a favored handbag or pair of shoes. It may only last 8 hours, 8 days, or 8 weeks, but it's just a hairdo. Mrs. O is under a microscope ever minute of her life and it seems such a shame that she is not allowed this simplest of pleasures that every woman is entitled to.
I don't think she cut her hair, i think it's the way it is styled. There is alot of height so it looks shorter, I don't know if I like it but she looks nice.
@ Michelle Mrs. O is wearing a dress she just has on knee high boots and she may have on some black tights but diffently not pants.
How wonderful that Jean Biden lived to see her son become Vice President. Just the little bit of her we saw during the campaign season tells us she was a pretty special woman.
I really, really like this coat. I can't wait until Mrs. T gives us the scoop.
I don't know if it has been said but who is she wearing? It is the Michael Kors black sheath dress under the lace coat?
Do you remember the frenzy set off when her hair was in an up-do and people thought it was cut. And changes a first lady makes to her appearance is going to bring loads of attention. Case in point, everyone on here immediately recognized the new cut.
The boots MAKE this outfit! Very rich-looking and yet understated enought for a funeral service. Keep up the fantastic work, Mrs. Obama
And she is gorgeous and jet-set in the sunglasses !!! WOW
I thought the same thing Christina. Also, the President and First Lady of the United States attended her funeral. How very kind and impressive.
I thought Dr. Jill Biden looked lovely too. She seems to have a new hair stylist/style also.
The FLOTUS is super fly!
I don't think she cut her hair, i think it's the way it is styled. There is alot of height so it looks shorter, I don't know if I like it but she looks nice.
@ Michelle Mrs. O is wearing a dress she just has on knee high boots and she may have on some black tights but diffently not pants.
Michelle has NEVER worn wigs/weaves so this is HER OWN HAIR!! It will be the same went she does her events later this week!!!!
@Asereht
Thanks you, many on here act like they don't cut their hair, or change up their hairstyles. Some days I like my hair to be curly, while now I am in the phase were I like my hair to be really short. Therefore, I am going to get about 5inches of my hair taken off n 2 weeks. Like you said MIchelle is just a woman who does what EVERYDAY women do, that is switch up her hair. From ponytails, updos, curls, and now a hot sexy bomb I don't understand why a simple bob has folks calling that it is not her hair!! MANY WOMEN gets bobs!! ALso, she has worn her hair this short when she was at some campaign wives summit in 2007.
Flotus with short hair
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/80939407/Getty-Images-News
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/94577053/Bloomberg
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/94575070/Bloomberg
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/84084158/FilmMagic
This outfit is like a demonstration of How To Accessorize!
Boots, handbag (I must have it), pearls and sunglasses -- all perfect and perfectly chosen. This is one of her best ever looks. Low key of course to suit the somber occasion -- but perfect.
Love the hair. She looks about 30 years old here.
I think she looks great but not in that coat. Its kind of throiin me off ryte now
Beautiful style!! Mrs. O always manages to creat her own style and sophisication.
Is that her hair? It looks like a weave to me. Let's not get excited about a haircut just yet. She has her real hair cornrowed under the weave. I am guessing she is resorting to that to give her real hair a break. If you look at the side part, there is almost no line and it is very pufffy on the sidee. To those saying she never would, never say never. Been there before when I used to say never because I thought I would never need it till my hair suffered breakage. Many AA women with long hair also experiment with weaves to get a shorter cut without having to get a haircut. The reverse is also true.
Is that an Hermes purse she is carrying?
Surprised that some ppl think the Obamas didn't have to go to the Biden funeral. Really? Joe is his next in command and they have campaigned and won one of the biggest victories in history, travelling all over the world and been together in close collaboration all these years. Look at some of the behind the scenes shots of them in discussions. If I had this type of relationship with anyone and they lost their mother, I would go. Wouldn't you? If they didn't have to go then who did? Really? In spite of the personal interest and sense of solidarity with the Bidens, can you imagine the brouhaha that would have happened if they had missed it? I know we are apt to find everything the O's do as so kind and generous and out of this world but geez! At this rate, we'll be finding it kind and generous the next time Mrs. O blows her nose or Pres. O wipes sweat off his face. Love them too as much as the next person, but geez!
@Christen
You know, I don't see any buttons on this coat. Maybe the pattern is throwing me off...?
There is nothing wrong with wearing a hairpiece for length or volume so you can rest your natural hair. Even white women wear them now. So it would not be offensive if Mrs. O wore one. If she paid for it, so it is hers.
There's a nice collection of the day's photos here. Though also very sad.
I'm not buying the wiglet or fall idea - it's just a great cut and styling. And probably a lot of product.
Because she's wearing black boots and opaque tights it can be hard to see in most of the pictures online, but she is definitely wearing a dress or skirt - not slacks. In a few pictures you can see that the hem appears to have a narrow trim on it - maybe leather? Satin? Something with a little sheen.
Details, please!
Christen aka Canyongal etc. LOL, we STILL see you missy. You still ain't fooling nobody LOL!!!
Phu-Leeeze!!! A Memorial Day celebration is not the same as a funeral and as such there are no requirements to convey a "..mournful palette..", just a respectful presence which Mrs O in all her regal glory was in her torquoise coat and black boots.
Concern trolls, enough of the nonsense please, LOL. Go make a desperately needed resolution or something.
Its a new year and way toooo early to start all this bickering for goodness sake!!!
The FLOTUS looks great! I love her hair! Looks like her over the knee boots have arrived. Magnifique! And hey, the POTUS isn't looking too shabby, either! ;)
Condolences to Joe Biden. He certainly "honored his mother". It was lovely to see them together during the campaign.
Smoking hot !
HAPPY new year to everybody.
Happy new year to you mrs T, you are making this site a truely pleasure and fun.Wish you many good thing for this 2010.
wahouh! simply elegant with long heel boots, black gloves. The hair looks stunning! class
You rock Mrs O!!
Ginger from France
Maybe they are there, but I don't see any buttons on this coat. Perhaps she should have worn a belt to hold it together(that's a joke).
Anyways 100 years from now when others are discussing First Lady fashion, they will be talking about MO and this outfit in particular. I like the pic that Mia Monte posted especially the ones with the other potential first ladies. They all look gorgeous, especially Cindy, but we would not be talking about their clothes on a dedicated blog, with such passion, I might add. MO gave us a loud hint back then that she would be stepping out of the First Lady mold and boy has she ever. It's like sensory overload. I'm home with a newborn and love propping my baby on my lap with my laptop and looking at MO's outfits. Even little Michelle gets a kick out of looking at MO. She loves the bright colors and reacted joyfully to the peach ensemble she wore in Russia, which, by the way, I did not like at all. But yesterday she giggled and sucked her toes when she saw this ensemble, well maybe I influenced her because I giggled and tried to suck my toes too. LOL. This one is for the ages. I prefer her updos but I'm all for change, her new do is lovely, piece or no piece.
Sorry folks, just looked t the high-res pics from the above link and I have to agree that it's not all hers. Her natural hair is not that full. She added some type of extension, which is AoKay with me. And before you start berating me, you gotta understand the complexity of Black Hair. We don't simply just "get a cut" or "change your do" without a moment's notice. It's a long, thought out, drawn out process. As funny as it is, Chris Rock's "Good Hair" is a wonderful docu-comedy on the topic.
MS T ANY WORD ON THAT FANTASTIC BAG?
I'm sorry but just because her hair seems thin in some photos is not enough proof to say that is not her hair. As an AA woman I have been accused of wearing false hair when the truth is that sometimes my hair can be bone straight and thin but when I wash it, it will poof up and add body. Also another trick is the braid out hair style which automatically makes my hair thick and adds body. Another thing is that fake hair has that fake hair sheen or gloss to it. Just my opinion...I have hair similar to Mrs O and I have had a hair cut similar that gave my hair body and thickness.
@Christina - Thanks for referencing those photos, they are very touching.
I don't think the coat Mrs. O is wearing has buttons. I have not seen buttons in any of the photos of this outfit. Dr. Biden looks lovely as well.
The dress Mrs. O is wearing is quite lovely and simple. Any info, Mrs. T?
I am AA and I do make random choices to cut my hair when I want to. We need to stop feeding the myth that we can't have a head full of thick hair. Her hair looks real to me.
Nora you're not the authority on black people hair.don't act like you're.
i hope this silly discussion about people's hair will stop.they don't owe anyone any explanation. if the first lady feel like changing her hairstyle, let her have at it.it shouldn't be subjected to natioinal debate.noone owns her.
Christen she is an adult.she don't need any lecture about how to wear her coat.button up yours.
i don't know what is about the anonymity of the internet that make people say whatever pops up in their mind. just know that u come across as condescending and jerky.
RIP Jean Biden. and Joe biden i don't know of any words that will make u feel better about losing someone so close to u.Take comfort in the fact that she lives long enough to witness so many of ur accomplishments.so my sincere condoleances.
The first lady looks sharp as usual.love her with the sunglasses on.
@Christen
My first reaction to this outfit is that it's smashing, love everything about it, and I DO!
But my 2nd thought echoes yours: "You look absolutely gorgeous, Mrs. O., but please....button your coats!" To me a coat has buttons or zipper and protects one from the elements. If you can't button or zip it it's useless and PERSONALLY I wouldn't waste my money on it.
How lovely and appropriate is this ensemble...of course, I knew it would be!
@Groovy, I agree with you. Let's just ignore that comment.
I, also, extend my condolences to the Biden family.
Jean Biden walked the walk and talked the talk of faith. Her funeral was serene, beautiful and peaceful. President and Mrs Obama sat at the head of the church in the front pew to the right of the casket. As I stepped away from the priest who gave me communion, I turned to the left to get to my pew, and there were my president and his first lady sitting tall and looking regal. I am sure from heaven Jean Biden could feel their genuine act of kindness, support and loyalty. Joe and Jill Biden, their family, friends and neighbors bid their mother goodbye in a meaningul way - a great example to all of us.
@babs
Not all coats are the same though, y'know? Right now I'm wearing my puffiest, warmest winter coat when I go outside, because I'm able to be casual and because it's darn cold where I am! But if I were going to a dressier occasion, and I knew I wasn't going to spend a lot of time outside, I might wear one of my nicer coats. I doubt I would wear my puffy coat with its fur hood to a funeral.
I also have a coat that has no buttons, just a belt. It's pretty. I don't think that if a boat doesn't have buttons or a zipper, it's useless. That's like saying that the only shoes one should be allowed to wear are pumps or boots or whatever. Different styles suit different occasions.
I echo Christina's sentiments, and think this button issue does not have an "appropriate" or "buttongate" urgency to it.
One of the great all time coats I ever saw was in the second "Thomas Crown Affair" movie worn by Rene Russo in her final wardrobe scene. It was a gorgeous rusty brown suede number with a single button at the neck, with no collar. During the last scenes of the movie she wore it buttoned and unbuttoned. It was lovely.
So this is a personal choice as I see it, and I'll be curious to see how fashion designers weigh in on this. I would love to hear experts' opinions.
Mrs. O's coat on inauguration day also didn't have buttons, as I recall.
Mrs. T
There are several mean spirited, dowright derogatory, and offensive personal comments about Mrs. O included in the link posted by Evelyn at 11:27 am.
I don't know what your policy is on reviewing comments that have been posted at other sites and linked here...but if ihey were posted directly here.... I would find them highly objectionable. Should they be allowed to enter this site disguised in a Trojan Horse?
I feel pretty sure that this was done purposely and would lke to see this post removed.
Oh the HORROR a coat with no buttons....The VAPORS, the vapors!!! pass momma the gasoline!
@ Asereht, The post was removed. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. Please know all comments are carefully screened, but this one unfortunately slipped through.
Chrystelle, girl, speak on it! I'm so tired of people acting as if they are the sole arbiters of taste/style or the only authorities on hair or anything having to do with Black people!
Mrs. T, you're on it!! Thanks so much.
I like the coat with no buttons. Its funny - has anyone thought maybe she just isn't cold?LOL It may be cold to us here in the area, but they are from Chicago ... I don't think they feel it like we do - the cold that is.
It is a really good thing sometimes to write your thoughts, walk away from the computer for a while, then come back and re-read them.
I had written this long snarky comment about the issue of her coat not having buttons, or not being buttoned, and about her hair, and then after re-read my comment I realized that it's not that deep and a lot of what I was going to say has been said at one time or another to the posters that are relevant to this current "critique."
Anyway, I read that Mrs. O had a roundtable with members of the media today, and she took questions, so I think there is going to be a few articles written about Mrs. O in different papers and magazines in the coming days.
Good Lord, people are on here debating weather or not Michelle hair is real...lol
My question to those people is why does it matter real or not?...I mean come on even if it's a hair piece it looks great on her...and if it's her real hair it still looks wonderful on Mrs. Obama. But, to have a serious debate on something so simple as her hair; and, to further make it a Black issue on how women of color hair should look is pathetic. I don't remember such a serious debate over former First Lady Laura Bush constantly changing her hair color during her time in the White House.
Here's a link to an article in the NY Times about Mrs. O's media lunch today. She talks about her over-the-knee boots and her haircut, as well as more substantive issues. Love her!
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/13/mrs-obama-on-harry-reid-and-party-crashers/?hp