Mrs. O Takes Michigan
Thursday, May 27, 2010 at 9:11 AM 
Image by Rebecca Cook / Reuters
The first lady was in Detroit, Michigan yesterday for a whirlwind visit that included a motivational speech at Wayne State University, as well as a more intimate mentoring session with students.
At Wayne State, Mrs. O's message was one of hope:
"What I know is there is plenty of hope here. Detroit's next chapter, America's next chapter, is waiting to be written by you. Young people, I am asking you to embrace that opportunity, to be our future."
And on the style front, the first lady was channeling that same energy, dressed in a optimistic pink skirt and top paired with coordinating pale pink flats.
Update: The first lady wore a peony silk cotton skirt and top by Narciso Rodriguez.
For a youth leadership and mentoring event also held at Wayne State yesterday, Mrs. O wore a printed top (possibly a dress?). Does anyone recognize it?
Image by Rebecca Cook / Reuters
Narciso Rodriguez
Reader Comments (67)
Good morning everyone.
I love this outfit the color is very pretty, I love it so very refreshing. Question of the day. My little sister is graduating from high school on Wednesday and I have been forbidden from wearing paints, or dark colors and I must wear heels. Does anyone have any ideas I am open for anything. Please I need your help I want to look good for my sister on her big day.
I love I love I love!
Ashley
Pretty skirt and top like Michelle and simple strappy heels.
These should be easy to find and not just something you
wear for your sister's graduation and never again.
I sure especially like the solid color of Mrs. O's outfit up
top but matching prints and solid is cool of course.
ABOUT TIME YOU GUYS A A LITTLE LATE ON THIS MRS OBAMA TOP AND SKRIT LOOKED NICE IS NOT A DRESS AFTER ALL AND THE SCOND ONE MRS OBAMA IS WEARRING A PRINTED DRESS NOT A TOP. AND LOVE HER SHOES.
Ashley, wear in a light coloured dress and heels. Ta daa! (With a BELT dagnammit!!!)
I'm not sure about this pink ensemble. I am sad to say that it's a tad clunky and not very flattering. Very nice from the waist up, but from the waist down I have some reservations.
Very much looking forward to more details on the print top we can see in the bottom photo.
I used to think that Malia resembled the President. But, Malia looks so much like Mrs. O in this first picture.
That top is a must have!!! Gorgeous!!! I am also loving the bangles!
Ladies, exciting news! Mrs. Obama has a very robust schedule (see below) following the Memorial Day holiday, so we'll have a lot to look forward to -- her fashion choices and seeing what she's up to! Yippee!
Tuesday, June 1st – First Lady Michelle Obama will deliver the keynote address to the 2010 Women’s Summit in the Reno Ballroom at the Convention Center in Reno, Nevada. First Lady Michelle Obama will then travel to Las Vegas, Nevada where she will help launch Let’s Move Outside! – an Administration effort to promote outdoor physical activity for children and families in America’s great outdoors. Wednesday, June 2nd - The First Lady will join the President in hosting a concert in the East Room honoring Paul McCartney, who will be awarded the 3rd Gershwin prize for Popular Song from the Library of Congress. Friday, June 4th – Hundreds of chefs will answer Mrs. Obama’s call to get involved with their local schools as part of the Chefs Move! to Schools initiative announced this month.
thumb up for me.i guess right! and thanks for the schedule of Dr. Obama accidental lobbyst.
Dr.Obama is on right now.she is wearing Jason wu.
here is the link for those interested.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/live/first-lady-michelle-obama-announces-social-innovation-fund-sif-grants
@ Ashley, try a nice tailored pair of shorts with your high heels - you'll make a wonderful fashion statement for your little sister.
@Chrystelle.....First Lady Obama sounds much nicer than Dr. Obama - what's up with the new title? Are her press releases featuring her name as Dr. or are you just bored and trying new things?
@Accidental ...thanks for the schedule -MO sure stays busy
This pink color is amazing, and I agree that she looks fabulous from the waist up. The top really rocks. However, I don't like the fit of the skirt. Love the shoes too. I think its great that many of Michelles outings consist of large group appearances, but then she usually includes more intimate gatherings with small groups. She really connects with people that way.
Ashley, there are sooo many cute dresses in the stores right now and they are not too dressy, so you could get lots of wear out of it, I would try that for the graduation!
I really like the outfit shown in the first two pics -- both the style and especially the color. I wore a fuschia cardigan on Tuesday and received several compliments on the color. I think what I like about this two-piece ensemble is the contrasting material -- chiffon draping and silk cotton, and the grosgrain trim at the bottom of the top is a nice touch. At first glance, I didn't notice that Mrs. O's shoes are pale pink until I read Mrs. T's caption. Those shoes are too cute and I love the shade of pink -- that being my favorite color! I'm a huge fan of flats after years of heels. My fave is Tory Burch. I wonder what size shoe Mrs. O wears and if she has a narrow foot -- it looks that way. I have a lot of tall friends who don't like wearing flats but I think Mrs. O wears them well. Oh, and let me not forget the brooch. Nice look! I need to find a way to incorporate brooches into my look. I don't have a problem with the fit of the skirt. Yes, the top pleating may add to the illusion of Mrs. O being a bit on the "hippy" side but I'll remind people who haven't seen Mrs. O in person that she is thin and much more lean than pictures would reveal. Isn't that the case with most of us in pictures? Pictures rarely do justice to anyone -- even models' pics get retouched, some more than others!
As for the second picture: WOW!!! I am truly loving that print -- my goodness! I'd like to know more about it -- designer, whether it's a top or a dress, and the material. Regardless of any of that, it's beautiful and she looks great in it. I also love her bangles. They work well with the print of that outfit. I can't wait to learn more about this outfit and see additional looks, so I'll be back for another visit a little later! :-)
So PRETTY! It's too hot for suits and sleeves! Mrs. Obama knows how to select comfy and chick!
@Ashley. Suggestions: Maybe a light-weight, print dress with solid-tone accessories or a solid light-weight dress with colorful, light-weight accessories! Even a 2-piece ensemble that someone mentioned sounds like a winner, too! The key is to keep it simple, comfortable and chic! Note: Mrs. Obama in the pink ensemble. She's wearing earrings and a colorful pin; with no other additional jewelry, and of course her wedding ring!
Also, you didn't mention whether the event will take place indoors or outdoors. It would be a good idea to have some type of light-weight wrap or jacket that co-ordinates with your selected ensemble, just in case it's indoors (frigid air conditioning) or outdoors (temp predicted to not be blazing hot).
Her speech was very inspiring!!! We really do need her and her husband at this time in America!
River rush, of course there are not any publications calling her Dr. Somebody on the other thread called her Dr. Obama and then the haters came out and started giving reasons why she shouldn't be called that. So, I'm guessing that Chrystelle has took it upon herself to let the haters (and those that are just taking this whole thing too seriously) know that she will call Mrs. O whatever she likes and to irritate them because apparently it is just that easy. And I find it all to be hilarious.
Ashley, I agree with Posh and babs, there are so many cute dresses that you can buy and since you have to wear heels wear them, but when you don't a cute pair of sandals or flats will look just as cute. And make sure you have some cute accessories!!
Thank you ladies for your wonderful feedback this will help me out tremendously.
The pink outfit is very unflattering. With Mrs. O, it's either a big hit or a big miss.
you know, I really resent being called a "hater" just because I point out how ridiculous and mis-informed (and, actually, ignorant) some of this adoration of Michelle Obama is when it takes the form of giving her inappropriate titles...I do not hate Mrs Obama or President Obama---having given much money and time to see that he was elected...
Love the color; hate the dress (or blouse/top - whatever). She has a great figure and that dress does absolutely nothing for her! The top hits her hips at their widest point - that draws your eyes right to her hips; the top coupled with the gathered skirt her hips look huge. She is much better than this dress.
LOVE the printed top....more info. please!
I would say the peony color of the skirt and top are great but it's a bit boring. Has anyone got any info on the pin she's wearing on her shoulder? That adds interest but I can't tell what it is.
Kudos to the FLOTUS for waring flats on grueling days. When I'm required to be on my feet at events for hours I am a much happier person in flats or kitten heels. The stilettos come out for special occasions. Let's not forget, the FLOTUS is also a busy and dedicated MOM.
Ashley: in June you can't go wrong in a pretty sundress (not a mini but a little above the knee; make it something you can wear again on vacation or out to dinner this summer) and carry a lightweight sweater with you. It was blazing hot at my daughter's graduation last year but by the time the ceremony finished it was chilly. Plus if it's held indoors you will need something on your shoulders in the a/c. I would suggest mid-heel sturdy sandals if you will be walking on grass, or wedges. There are lots of pretty ones with ribbons to wrap around your ankle and other embellishments.
Contrary to what might be a majority opinion here, I really like the peony pink outfit, both top and bottom. I like that the gauzy, perhaps even semi-sheer, dip of the fabric at the neckline mimics the dip of the top's hemline. (Is that a separate pin, or is that just part of the outfit? It's nice either way.) Further, I admire how the top fits over the skirt. Given that the top is sleeveless and sleek, and that the skirt seems to be constructed of loose pleats either attached, or not, to a waistband, this is no mean feat. My view is that it works. The whole thing reminds me of raspberry sherbet. A wonderful treat on a hot, hot day, and it surely was hot in Detroit yesterday.
I also am thrilled by the fleeting views of the abstract/mosaic/reptilian print of the top/dress Mrs. O wore later in the day. Beautiful and unusual, what can be seen.
I have to hope that all of the Dr. talk has died a fitting death, or will die very soon. Rarely do I introduce commentary such as this, but I will now. This whole argument is just ridiculous, senseless, goes nowhere, has no significant purpose. Putting aside those who always will argue, just for the sake of argument, you will find on both sides of this particular argument entirely credible sources. It is a waste of time, airspace, nerves, everything, for this forum. Let it go, let it go.
Last, but by no means least, I think it is good to keep in mind that Mrs. T is both the creator and the moderator of this website/blog, and a quite remarkable (and very busy) one at that. Posts that aim (whether meaningfully or not) to somehow usurp the role of creator/moderator, and posts that criticize the timeliness of when Mrs. O's events are reported on or the content thereof are, in my view, not only inappropriate, but also just plain mean, small, ill-spirited, or at the very least, poorly conceived.
Bah. Enough of that. I will think of raspberry sherbet instead, and look forward to all of the coming attractions.
Best wishes to all for a wonderful holiday weekend,
JMH
Just saw Dr.Obama at the reception to celebrate jewish heritage.she is wearing her Lanvin purple polkat-dot dress. i guess today is her polkat-dot dress's day.
"Dr. Obama" -- what the heck? No matter, I'm not even going to try and figure out what's going on with that. I'll just call her "Michelle" as I always have, b/c I think she's fab.
Love this color. LOVE the soft folds at the neck line. The bottom skirt portion -- that's just her body, y'all. She has hips! You can't go around trying to hide them all the time, the hips will win out. :-) Embrace the hips.
I'd love to know more about the patterned top. She looks so great in that picture.
the white house's blog has a post about the event she attends to this morning. i haven't seen any good pictures on yahoo or getty. here is the link . there is a video and a good picture by Samantha Appleton.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/05/27/stepping-support-social-innovation-fund-and-other-community-solutions
People obsessed with her hips are either jealous or lack the confidence to carry them as Dr.Obama. just because you're insecure about yours doesn't mean the first lady should cater to your insecurity.
Foo, she loves her curves which is why she flaunts them. if that make your little insecure self goes bonker, pick up a Victoria Secret's catalogue!
Good Afternoon Ladies,
Oh yes I did leave that part out. The commencement ceremony will be held indoors. From what I remember it was pretty hot in there. I love your suggestions please keep them coming. I have decided to do a dress and some heels. I think the colors I am going to do are probably white and blue or maybe even pink. I am decided on straps or halter top. I have a short hair cut so I don't have to worry about wearing an up do or letting it hang. I think I'll do a cute necklace, earrings, and some bracelets. Thank you all again for your help.
Hot pink color is lovely. Dress design not so.
The black on white print is the Jason Wu she's worn several times, usually with an aqua short-sleeved cardigan and a heavy wide belt. (One time was the walkabout in Sarah Brown's garden in London.) Dress, which has a full sort of fan pleated skirt, was intended to be worn with narrow or no belt, so looks much, much better here.
@ann50 I'm in your corner on this ongoing controversy. It rubs me the wrong way when people refer to "Dr ". Obama, and IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH LIKING OR HATING MICHELLE. Heavens I wouldn't be here if I didn't love her. To me it's an affront to people who worked extremely hard to earn a Ph.D via years of schooling and research. Yes she is very educated and worked hard to earn her law degree and its great she got an honorary doctorate, but it is not the same as a true PhD.
Dr. Michelle looked very pretty at today's Jewish Heritage Month reception. I know she is eager to head back to Chicago in a few hours.
LOL, some of you all make me laugh.
i love the pink outfit. it's fresh and bright on a hot, sunny day. it's like she lit up the place in hot pink. i love her in pink tones by the way. (still adoring that Thakoon watercolor dress from cinco de mayo this year -- so much so that i want to see it repeated and soon!)
i'm intrigued by the second outfit. is it a dress or a top with pants? i'm hoping it's a dress.
here is the first picture of Dr.Obama at today's Jewish Heritage Month reception.
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/101017087/AFP
and to babs and ann50, initially it was just in a tongue-in-cheek kind of way that i call her Dr but you guys take it as your personal mission to call us misinformed and ignorant. the only person i usually call Dr was Dr Jill Biden but given how it riles up the thought police, i will apply it to the First Lady as well.if that makes you set your hair on fire, then skip my posts.
what a gorgeous face she has and that skin of her, god, flawless.
http://www.daylife.com/photo/0gOl7xq6CKdWO?q=Michelle-Obama
The top looks like Klimt! Like the shawl found at the Met Store.
She looks nice from the waist up and she would have looked more put together with the top tucked in. Why did she pick those shoes with the outfit? It is creative but I don't like it! That dress seems cocktail or wedding more than to give a speech but it reminds me of when she addressed that university in Mexico in that Rachel Roy dress.
Yeeeeah for seeing the Lanvin ensemble again. It really is one of my all time favorite dresses for her and I ADORE Lanvin.
I see Chrystelle is here instigating an argument as usual. Some things never change.
For me, while the pink skirt/bottom half is strange...I personally think that women should stop hiding their least flattering parts on their body. i have a 38DDD and I wear all types of dresses, that I think looks nice. Of course, I'm not wearing a flimsy tubetop, but I have worn some strapless dresses that were in my size because I wanted to. Should Michelle were straight pants the rest of her life (sorry like Hillary) because she wants to de emphasize her bottom, HECK NO!!!
Oh gosh. We're still on the "Dr. Obama" thing. At first some of us used it as a cute way of referring to her after her inspirational commencement speech at George Washington University. (You should really check it out @ the link btw. She was awesome):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXKq-WcQU38
We (and Mrs.Obama for that matter) are well aware that the honorary degree bestowed upon her does not indeed make her an actual doctor, so please stop trying to correct others if they decide to use it. It's just another nickname for her, just like we know Mrs.O is not her actual name, but we still use it.
Thank you so much Accidental Lobbyist for that great rundown of next weeks schedule. The only thing I love more than her modern take on a First Lady's wardrobe is listening to her speak and inspire others as well as watching her interact with people to get her message across. Whether it's mentoring young people, teaching kids how to live healthier lives or just having a candid conversation with a range of different people she always seems so real and I truly become inspired by her.
My 2 cents: What is wrong with "First Lady of the United States of America"? Very few of them. I'll bet that, if asked, she'd prefer that to "Dr. Obama". Honorary doctorates are a dime a dozen.
And off to Chicago ! have a great and resting memorial week-end First Family. Dr.Obama is looking mighting fine in her black + white + red combo and the girls are getting taller!
http://www.daylife.com/photo/034Xb799VhdJL?q=Michelle-Obama
@ann50 and babs, I don't remember putting any specific names in my post and calling them haters and also I did add a side thought for those who are not haters and that I feel are taking this issue too damn serious. So, how you figure I was talking to you, I don't know, but if the shoe fits...........
....and I have been labeled purposely divisive, petty, and provocative by the very posters who admit that is precisely what they are doing by using Dr.
Yes, people are taking the "Dr" thing WAY too serious, which is funny. Anyway, FLOTUS aka Dr. Michelle's white top in the Chicago pictures is nice, not sure about the style of the red shoes though.
@Chrystelle - In the beginning I realised that you had used Dr. Obama as an endearment and found the term quite cute. I can't believe the furor that was created. HOWEVER, you have gone too far and continue to antagonise. Time up. ENOUGH!! You have had your fun. NOW GROW UP!!!
I love the top and the pin on the shoulder and the shoes are fabulous! However, the full skirt over-emphasizes Mrs. O's hips. We all know that she is in phenomenal shape, but some of her choices (like this ksirt) make her look very bottom-heavy. Overall, it's a great color and I'm so envious of her smooth skin with not a wrinkle in sight!
Here is the link of the cardigan ensemble the wore to excercise on the south lawn with the children
http://www.aolcdn.com/photogalleryassets/stylelist/402141/michelle-obama-lwren-scott-330ls040710.jpg
what a great role model on showing us that we don't need new clothes all the time, what we need is to give them a new live!
PS: Hi Mrs T hope you have enjoyed every bit of your honeymoon
Love to all
i guess i'm today target of the cyberbully. just skip my posts if they anger you so much.i do the same when it comes to certain regulars.it is that easy.
i have always said (and i'm one the few who thinks that) Malia was Dr Michelle obama 's mini-me.the mouth, the eyebrows, etc...and Sasha is getting taller.
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/101019765/AFP
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/101020828/AFP
@Chrystelle
Ignore your critics. Thanks for the pictures of Dr.Michelle. I think that Malia looks like the black version of Maya Ng, but has the height of her mother.
This ensemble is quite beautiful. I love the color. It looks much better on video than print. But the speech she gave to Wayne State University makes commenting on her clothing seems silly. WOW, what a speech! Reminds me of the Mrs. O from the campaign trail.
And its just what Detroit needed to hear from their First Lady! Mrs. O is going to give Lady Albright a run for her money on brooches. :D
@Chrystelle, you have given me a few good laughs over the last few days - you little trouble maker, you!
I still think Malia is all POTUS... she is his mini me. The girls are growing right before our eyes - so beautiful to see!
Hate the pink outfit: it is ill-fitted and prom like. LOVE the print top; I hope it's a dress. BTW, Rush River, I like the way you write, you are oh so diplomatic :) And I will leave it at that.
The First Lady looks marvelous as usual!!
What's with this "wide hips" bad rhetoric. Who decided that "wide hips" were bad and when?
And what's with all the rubbish lectures about "proper" use of the "Dr." title? I think Chrystelle reserves the right to use any rave titles she chooses in praising the object of her (and mine too!) affections.
It's completely ridiculous and head scratching the misplaced irritation and loud opposition to something so harmless especially when some of the principal antagonists have been extremely supportive of "free speech" by some of those who've posted rather cruel comments about Mrs Obama in the past.
Here's hoping the Obama's have a wonderful, safe and restful weekend!! Shalom!
I heard these pictures pales in comparison to the actual outfits that our Michelle wore yesterday. One of the veteran local news anchors said she was "star struck and tongue tied" upon seeing FLOTUS here in Detroit. Mind you that they've met a couple of times before. She said that First Lady was engaging as ever and she does not forget a face. The children just ate up her attention, there is a photo of our Michelle cupping this little boy's face in her hands.....it's precious! It was hot and very humid at Wayne State's field, yet everyone said she was very cool and genuinely charming despite the oppressive heat.
I love her in pink tones. This skirt set seems really breezy and and stylish, especially with that little bit of bling on her shoulder.While I like this set, I'm really intrigued about the printed one she wore at the luncheon. Now if we can get some info on that one it would be great. The print reminds me of DVF or Basso and Brooke.Does anyone have an idea?