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)
Yep, this debate really is useless because whether it is her hair or not, we will never really know unless she tells us. And I doubt she ever would and I doubt any reporter would ask her that and I doubt any of you would ask her. However, if you do please let me be there or videotape it so I can see her face.LMAO!!!
I really don't understand what all the 'hoopla' is about over buttons! Whether a coat has buttons or not is a moot point. Totally irrelevant. Swing coats didn't have buttons, and those were some of the most stylish, elegant coats that was made. I've seen them constructed out of heavy, woolen fabric for winter to lighter weight fabric for spring. Mrs. Obama's coat could possibly have covered (matching fabric) buttons. Even if it doesn't, Mrs. Obama, knows how to dress accordingly, for the weather. It's her business what she wears beneath her clothing to stay warm. By the way, D.C. doesn't get as cold there (I lived there), compared to Chicago. Plus, she's a mother that leads by example before for her daughters and her own mother is there to offer advice.
Its her hair. But I'm laughing, because there was an occasion in which she did use a piece, and no one on here recognized it. I did, but I didn't want to start a frenzy.
Glad I didn't.
@ O'Couture: I've seen Mrs. Obama use pieces in her hair on more than one other occasion. The fact that noone mentioned it in the past doesn't mean no one noticed. To your point, you noticed it and didn't say anything either. I don't comment on her hair but I think for the sake or reporting correct information, it would be wrong to post that she got a haircut when that wasn't the case.
Remember the last time she tucked her hair in, when the media incorrectly reported that she had gotten a haircut? That was wrong info too and I with many others pointed that out. I don't find a need to comment about her hair beyond whether I like it or not. But if the info posted is wrong or questionable, I think we owe it o each other to point it out. It is like stating that she was holding a Chanel bag when it was Dior. Wrong information that would need to be corrected.
Our First Lady represents us well with her grace, style and compassion. The black lace coat is smart as ever, and she looks good in it. I know there is some hoopla as to whether it's her hair or not. It reminds me of an appearance by Diahann Carroll on Wendy Williams' show. Wendy asked if that was her hair, to which Diahann replied, "Yes, it's "Some I Hair".....Some I bought and some I grew. But it's ALL MINE!" Cute enough!
I laughed out loud when I read that Mrs. O said she haircut that was so slight "that it won't make news." She obviously does not read this website!
I bought a wonderful Byblos vintage wool coat this afternoon and it has NO buttons! It's a swing coat - meant to be worn as an accessory for a bit of warmth. It's not a winter coat meant to keep out major weather. Neither is MO's.
I know Right, Opfan. She continuously underestimates how every little thing she does is scrutinized. There is a poll on Huff Post for heaven's sake!!
Mrs. O did get her haircut according to the article provided be Quapiti.
"Her hair was in a neat bob, a teensy bit shorter than usual, and she confessed to a haircut ‘’not so drastic that it will make news.’’"
So, ladies no need to argue over whether or not she got her haircut because now we have clarification from her.
BTW, I think we all knew she had a little hairpiece that night, the thing is it is not a big deal.
I'm a weensy bit jealous that she can wear over the knee boots. I can't, because I have monster calves.
folks... my observation on michelle's apparent weave or wiglet or whatever was not some snarky hateration. au contraire.
Remember that Oprah was wearing weaves and wigs for a couple of years... people speculated and wondered and it was probable to me and most black women that Oprah was giving her hair a rest. Oprah has terrific hair... but we all know that chemical relaxing and flat irons and curling irons are hard on hair... and worse if you have to add color to cover gray on top of that. That said. Mrs. O looks great... the bob is terrific and youthful and I applaud her. Rest assured that I and others are simply making an observation.... nobody is HATIN on her... wigs and weaves are modern and its wise that she knows that additional hair will give her a great look. All the tv anchors, white and black, use filler hair to give them volume and to hide thinness or see-through. Talk to the hair stylists and they will tell you its true. Mrs. Salahi and Sarah Palin are also have worn weaves and all.. and dont let me go down the list of how many women do this. It's like botox... it makes sense when you want a little extra to enhance...and WHY NOT? FLOTUS is under a lot of pressure to look her best. She has tried an updo, and also pulling back her hair in humid weather. And now she's doing this cool boob with the help of extra hair... that's a smart look for her and I say right on!
I think the the button comment was intended to stir up controvesy. Cristen's first comment was that everything was lovely, the a few moments later she makes her button comment. Come on, first she is entitled to her opinion even if she came back to set the blog on fire. Get used to it folks that is her function, fire starter and that's ok.
I have a lovely camel swing coat that has no buttons, I didn't know that was so unusual.
Took another look at the photos, and I must say that Mrs. Obama is really wearing those black suede boots! Very nice!
Thank you again, Mrs. T for creating this site, which has entitled all of us to express our thoughts.
love the look and love the hair.
I mentioned only once that she was wearing a hair piece and was attacked by other bloggers.
I think everyone likes the look and if it is a hair piece, I like it even more.
She really looks fabulous !!
She looks so impeccable and appropriate and beautiful. The coat is just gorgeous. I'm sure the funeral was fitting for such an incredible, strong woman. Mrs. Biden was such an inspiration!
oh yes, and the hair! I am not a fan of short hair, but she rocks it and of course makes it look chic and modern.
I'm so happy to see Mrs. Obama wearing a coat in the FREEZING weather, instead of her usual sleeveless dress, no matter how cold it is. Thanks so much for the pictures of her looking so very beautiful and appropriate!!!
Chrystelle: What I stated was no "lecture." Calm down. Everyone presents a more finished silhouette in a buttoned coat. This is hardly the first time Mrs. O. has chosen to leave her coat unbuttoned.
Camille: I am beginning to question your sanity.
Dasie: I am growing weary of trying to explain myself to people who don't want to listen, especially the conspiracy-theorists, so maybe I will stop after this. Mrs. T. posted only the back view of Mrs. O's outfit at first. It is indeed lovely. Some time later, Mrs. T. added the second picture, wherein Mrs. O. is trying to hold her coat together, which prompted my second comment. This coat may indeed have no buttons. However, Mrs. O. has often worn coats WITH buttons and not utilized them. I believe that presents an awkward, unfinished appearance...just my opinion. I have two swing coats, and they both have buttons. I don't see the point in purchasing a winter coat that has no buttons, but again...just my opinion. I'm not asking for anyone to agree with me. Wouldn't this be an extremely dull site if everyone agreed about everything? Also, Dasie, where did you get this "firestarter" business? How ridiculous!
Regarding the comments about Mrs. Obama's beautiful tweed coat. It's not like she has to stand at a bus stop or on an open platform at the train station, braving the winter elements to get to where she's going! LOL!!! She's going from one warm structure, directly to another one. Specifically, prepared for Mr. President and Mrs. Obama's comfort. They deserve that and more for their huge responsibilities that they oversee. Not only for this country, but globally, as well!
Christen duhling, it's YOUR sanity that must be seriously called into question. We STILL see you missy.