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)
Anyone else notice how someone comes right back with a comment using "Dr. O" after someone else has mentioned the inappropriateness of using the title Dr. for Mrs. O? What a giggle... No on the pink, OK on the top and where is Malia in the pics?
Re the "Dr." thing, Michelle is a lawyer; she has earned a DOCTOR of jurisprudence, a J.D. Call her what title you want, but it's not a fake, even if she has another honorary degree!
Chrystelle has the right to express herself just like Nic John (is he ignorant Ann50?) and Wanda and nonpasserat or whatever. You all defend their right to insult the First Lady about her big head or her inappropriate dress and on and on and on. Chrystelle can call MO Dr. as many times as she wants until she gets tired of doing so, no matter how irritating it is. It annoys me more when some choose to talk over and over again about her head or her hips or want her to be like Kate Hudson. Take Chrystelle's advice and skip her posts. I'm off to Germany with my cutie pie to spend a month with my husband on leave from Afghanistan. I hope that you will all be in better humor when I return.
Just for reference, I was a US foreign service officer for 22 years. With respect to the career staff, State Department protocol strictly limited the use of Dr. to medical doctors who in most cases were local doctors under contract to American embassies. Political appointees were another matter. Secretary Kissenger liked to be called Dr., possibly reflecting his German roots, and Secy Rice allowed herself to be called Dr. Secretary Albright had a PhD but seems to have eschewed the title of Dr. I'm curious whether Secretary Clinton, as a Yale law graduate, has the same doctoral designation as the First Lady. In any case she has never styled herself Dr. Clinton.
Does anyone know what hair product the first lady uses to protect it from the humidity ? I have her hair style and texture, but mine doesn't hold up like hers in the humidity.
Ashley,
How about a solid tank top (wide straps, of course) with a matching broomstick skirt? I'm thinking fuschia, turquoise or yellow. You could also opt for either piece in a print with a solid for the other piece. Strappy heels in a coordinating color .... purse to match (or not) ..... If you think it will be cool add a cardigan or a shrug. Don't make it too "matchey" but coordinated. Don't forget your sunglasses, watch and a straw hat if you're so inclined! Channel your inner Mrs. O and have fun with it!
Great color, especially if you are going to be in front of a large crowd. Queen Elizabeth II knows that monochromatic outfits mean people can find you. Love the pin, as well.
But I think what throws this off is the skirt length. With that much volume, the skirt needs to hang properly. Narrow the hips just a bit, add two inches, and then it's graceful. (Sorry, you all know I am a stickler for proper tailoring :)
I like the printed dress the First Lady wore for the leadership event, and the pink color of the Rodriguez outfit is beautiful, but the way the top and skirt come together and where they "hit" on the hip is not flattering for Mrs. Obama's figure, and I think the look is too bare for the occasion. Perhaps a bolero jacket would be more appropriate.
I also wish the First Family a safe, restful and enjoyable holiday. As for the First Daughters...Malia is a goddess...tall and elegant just like her mother. And Sasha is an adorable "burst of bright light" where ever she is. I'm enjoying watching them grow up.
mrs. o is looking fresh and relaxed. oh the joys of having great clothes to wear!! looks like she may be growing her hair out. curls would be great for summer. enjoy the great weekend.
I am among those who love the color and the draping of the top, but I think Hattie Carnegie has a good point about the tailoring. But what a boost Mrs. O gave to our economy-weary state!
And I think we would all agree that Mrs. O is at least a doctor of "styleology" (or maybe "fashionology")!
MRS T MUST BE ON A VAC BECOUSE OUR FRIST LADY AND FAMILY ON THE MOVE AGIAN. THEY ALL LOOKED NICE THEY EVEN TOOK BO WITH THEM AND THERE GRADMOTHER. TO MR OBAMA WILL HE HAVE A SUIT ON YESTERDAY WHEN THEY LEFT.
This color look so great on Mrs. O, Dr. O, Whatever! I am totally in love with the top, and I think the skirt is great. This particular photo caught the skirt in a way that makes it look more like a culotte.
Those shoes are fun, have a great heel, and a good go to pair for wearing with all sorts of outfits.
Wanda, you have plenty of cleaning up to do in your own back yard before you point fingers at any other posters, IMO. Glass houses and all.
I am not exactly sure why having wide hips is a bad thing, such that some folks are faulting this outfit for accentuating her hips. That is the point, no?
Listen folks, people from the continent of Africa and many people of African descent all around the world ACTUALLY celebrate a woman who possesses an hour-glass figure. Wide hips are coveted and enhanced sometimes with special undergarments. Beauty in African and African descended cultures is defined differently from European or current run-way standards.
So will those who keep complaining about Mrs. Obama's figure and hips especially just STOP IT? She is a very healthy and fit woman. That is all that maters and she knows how to dress to wow her man and many of us here. Besides she could care less about your unfounded criticisms.
Casual glamour. Neckline drapes beautifully. Amazing jewel detail on shoulder adds a touch of glimmer without a necklace. Great detailing. Love mix of colours in her blouse gives an immediate glow. Appealing to the eye with a touch of tropical or African feeling.
I do so love this site; it is a MUST READ every day! I am hoping that I can put a fitting end to the "Dr. Obama" storyling. Mrs. Obama earned a J.D. (Juris Doctorate). Those earning this degree when presented at events where one wears academic regalia are entitled to wear the doctoral gowns. Thus she can be called "Dr. Obama." I truly don't believe that she wishes to be called this.
@chrystelle.....thanks for the images of the girls - I think Malia is gorgeous and looks more like her father than her mother (Mother Michelle). It is facinating how tall she is and how stellar she stands. Good posture can take you a long way.
@ Charlene in Detroit ..... what a nice commnent / post ... full of positive words and good observations -thanks.