Wednesday
Aug282013
Mrs. O in Tracy Reese
Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at 9:34 PM 
President and First Lady Obama, alongside former President Bill Clinton and former President Jimmy Carter, attended the Let Freedom Ring Commemoration as part of the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington today.
For the occasion, Mrs. O wore a gorgeous scarlet and black Tracy Reese Embellished Flared Frock, available on the designer's website, here.
tagged Tracy Reese
Tracy Reese
Reader Comments (43)
She looks gorgeous. And I love that she chose an African-American designer for this momentous occasion.
Very nice!
Thank you for the quick posting. It is a stellar dress and Mrs. O looked radiant today.
I love this dress, very chic! Am going to get one myself. Thats the beauty of Mrs.O fashion...we too can own a piece of her.
I think she looks stunning. I love the cut of this dress on her and the addition of a belt/bow (you can see it in the back in other pictures) improves the original design. The poppies are perfect for a day of remembrance.
Impeccable choice, elegant hair (perfect for a rainy DC event). Couldn't be better!
Love it. I love the poppies and the embellishment.
I believe this dress is also available at the Anthropologie site! Mrs O looks lovely!
Wow! The dress is beautiful and flatters Michelle's figure so well. She looks gorgeous.
Wow! I've said it before: FLOTUS could wear a bedspread and she could make it look chic. I loved the dress and the clever improvement on the design that the belt made. The back was stunning! And her hair: what a flattering up-do! I loved that Mrs. Obama wore the work of an African-American designer, as other commenters noted. What a classy statement made by our beautiful First Lady! God bless her!
A wonderful dress for a wonderful occasion!
Wow, the First Lady looked very cool and relaxed in this striking Summer dress worn on an day when the off and on rain didn't seem to damper the event. The bright pop of color complimented her beautiful skin tone, and can we talk about that updoo, perfect for a rainy day.
You can also get the dress at Revolve Clothing
http://bit.ly/14GXEK1
When I saw her on TV yesterday I thought Michelle you rocked it today - those orange poppies on the black and the perfect fit. Just seeing her made me smile. Stunning choice.
Lovely, lovely dress. I'm sure our Mrs. O had her hair pinned back because of the heat & humidity, but to me it is also a visual reminder of Rosa Parks on this occasion.
Simply Beautiful ...
Hair / Makeup / Dress ...
Love every bit of IT!
Enchanting woman, powerful presence -- She easily holds her own in those pictures---
Just by being her utterly brilliant, substantive and magnificent self, she continues to make the strongest argument for not having to wear a pantsuit -- or eschewing pretty dresses in order to be taken seriously as a woman-
Her grace, her beauty and most importantly her strength easily shine through-
I love and admire her so much and I always look forward to seeing her - not just for what she's wearing, but also to watch this intrinsically decent, warm, honest and genuine woman as she effortlessly makes her way through the world with the bright, harsh spotlight on her, connecting with all people, imparting great wisdom and truth - and always in the most natural, uncontrived and unaffected manner--
Never manipulative or mercenary-- You never get the sense she's looking to extract something from you -- especially not your approval or validation--
She meets and engages you in a sweet but firm, honest, empathetic and sincere manner--
She's that rare public person who doesn't feel the need to manipulate or exploit -- Simply put, she's terrific!
Here's what Simon Doonan had to say about Mrs Obama and I completely concur:
"--SD: The reality is, Mrs. Obama is quite chic, but not sort of in a vain, self-involved way. I guess I was getting sick of people talking about her appearance all the time, and I thought it was very unfair to her and borderline insulting. To me, it's quite clear that what makes her a great First Lady is her intelligence and her strength and her warmth. Think about Nancy Reagan, think about Laura Bush, think about Hillary Clinton. You don't get all those three in any of those women, warmth, strength, and intelligence. I thought it was unfair to her and unfair to her legacy to keep focusing on her clothing.--"
http://www.newrepublic.com/article/114483/simon-doonan-interview-asylum-and-fashion
The dress is very elegant looking for that type of occassion.
This is a lovely dress.
Very lovely dress and flattering for Mrs. O. as well. Don't know why it needed a belt, cuts into some poppies making them look odd.
Simply beautiful and so appropriate for the day. I loved that Caroline Kennedy's dress design echoed Mrs. Obama's. I knew this site would not tarry in posting great photos of the event. That's why Mrs-O.com has been my hope page since '08!
@Audrey One word about your post: BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!
oh, this a fabulous dress!
I like the dress and Mrs. O looks beautiful as usual.
But the pattern is too bold for this historic--albeit celebratory--occasion. The pattern brings too much attention to her--by a hair. The negative space the black background provides is simply insufficient to keep the focus on the OCASSION rather than the speakers and dignitaries. That said, for sheer star quality, it's safe to assume the people gathered on the Mall must have appreciated being able to locate the First Lady more easily from afar.
@THC, thank you so much--
Simon Doonan articulates well what so many of us have been feeling and thinking--
As much excitement, curiosity and fascination as this exquisite First Lady elicits for her style and fashion choices, she is so much more than that--
And it's the oodles of so much more™--- the character, substance, natural brilliance and uniqueness of this utterly compelling woman that continues to hold our attention and makes for fascination with, and great interest in the style and fashion choices of this very normal, whole, complete and utterly captivating woman--
And what makes her all the more appealing and intriguing is the fact that unlike so many in the public eye, she's genuinely unassuming---
She embodies a real humility about her that is unlike the feigned modesty of so many public figures and celebrities alike -- it's not an act with Mrs Obama whose sincerity is palpable and always on display in her every interaction --
Authentic to the core -- nothing fabricated, false, patronizing or contrived about this confidently grounded woman who always remembers what's most important and remains fiercely protective of her family ---and unapologetic - including to the self-appointed patrol of feminists, who've voiced their disapproval of her unyielding decision to prioritize her family --
Personally, I'm infinitely impressed with and more drawn to Mrs Obama's well-lived version of feminism and family---
Here's what Maya Angelou wrote earlier this year about Mrs Obama for Time Magazine - 100:
"---Modesty is a learned affectation. It’s just like decals. As soon as the world shakes the modest person against the wall, that modesty will drop off them. But humility comes from inside out. It says someone was here before me; I have already been paid for. ----- The philosophers tell us that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Mrs. Obama is as if it doesn’t touch her. She hasn’t tried to become anybody else’s idea of the First Lady. She has remained herself, with her grace, her gentleness and her sense of humor. ------ She knows how to be a public creature without being separate from her family.---"
The First Lady looks beautiful - I agree! However, I do take issue with Simon Doonan's quote as relayed by Audrey. I think that Laura Bush certainly has those wonderful qualities of intelligence, strength, & warmth and so much more!
I do not want to start a big debate about who was warmer. I do think Laura Bush had those qualities but they did not seem to "come across" at public events in the same manner that Mrs O demonstrates. One big example for me was early in the the first term when she surprised a group on the White House tour with a hearty "Come On In!!" as she waved them towards her with Bo at her side.
On another humorous note: I am glad FLOTUS has been shopping and not repeating!!! :-)
With regard to THC's latest post, I wasn't implying that Laura Bush was "warmer" than Michelle Obama or vice versus. I simply didn't agree with Mr. Doonan's comment. Personally, I think Mrs. Bush's qualities "came across" just fine - when she was the First Lady & before she became a public figure. I think both Mrs. Obama & Mrs. Bush would be very fun to have as close friends.
Per the Oxford English dictionary: Warmth (noun) Liveliness of feelings, emotions, or sympathies; ardor or fervor; enthusiasm or zeal. The state or quality of being enthusiastic and/or friendly. The quality of being intimate and attached. Per The Free Dictionary: Excitement or intensity, as of love or passion; ardor.
It's safe to say that there's only one first lady who fits this description of warmth to a tee, and it isn't Laura Bush so let's not dabble in any of this revisionist history. Mrs Obama's hugs are legendary, and she is world-renowned for her warmth and those great hugs which she liberally (pun intended) dishes out without any reservations about how poor, rich, clean or dirty the recipients of her hugs may be. Warm was never a word used to describe Laura Bush who was always quite detached and cold, and those who berate Mrs Obama for not being sufficiently aloof and snooty (their definition of "classy") always point to Mrs Bush as the model for that type of first lady. It's safe to say that Mrs Obama has made it really cool for people in high places to freely hug and interact with the common people and now so many high profile people are mimicking her. She's very real however, unlike the copycats. I only disagree with Simon Doonan to the extent that I want Mrs Obama to have the best ateliers at her beck and call. I want her decked out in haute couture at all times. There's no reason for her to downplay her fabulousness or apologize for being able to afford the very best money can buy. Cost trackers be damned. Her hugs, warmth and brilliance will forever be intact and still very much appreciated in haute couture.
Mrs. Obama has been notably friendly toward all the former first ladies that she's met. Remember her laughing with Barbara Bush at the library dedication? If she's as warm as Audrey and Fiona claim, she'd be the first to condemn this "My Favorite First Lady is Warmer than Your Favorite First Lady" competition that seems to be developing. Pat Nixon was derided as "Plastic Pat" when she was in the White House because of her stiff demeanor in public. People transferred their hatred of her husband to her. In reality, she was an intensely shy woman who hated the limelight; her friends said that if you really KNEW her, she was one of the warmest, kindest, and most caring people they had ever known. So let's stop ripping into people we don't know. Mrs. Obama would not appreciate hearing of any First Lady being treated this way.
Bring it on honey! Hmhmhmm! Hot!
Fits like a glove!
I love everything about my gorgeous and always beautifully-dressed and percipient First Lady!!! As I watched Teresa Heinz Kerry with her husband John Kerry at yesterday's hearing, couldn't help but wonder about Mrs Obama's own sensible and acutely discerning take on this and just about everything else for that matter!!!
Here we have this double ivy league educated, brilliant, grounded, perceptive and sagacious woman as First Lady but she's been so disrespectfully relegated and effectively muzzled and so the world is denied her honest, clear-eyed, uncluttered and profound voice on many of the most important issues of our time!!!
I am curious, who has disrespectfully relegated and effectively muzzled our First Lady? Mrs Obama gives many speeches and goes on talk shows where she has opportunities to share her views. I do recall her saying once on The View that she is not interested in politics and she has also said many times her first role is "Mom in Chief." My feeling is she would rather leave politics to her husband.
@Eleroy,
Even though I know you to be a longtime supporter of the First Lady, I totally disagree with your description of her as been "effectively muzzled" from speaking her mind considering her "double Ivy League education". If you truly knew this woman, you would agree that no one muzzles Michelle Robinson Obama! As her husband and brother have said on numerous occasions, the First Lady is very forthright and direct in addressing any issue that concerns her and her family. So no, she's not "muzzled". What she has demonstrated since arriving at the White House is a very uncanny sense of choosing her moments and issues to lead and support initiatives that reflect her husband's overall agenda. So for those who are sitting back, expecting her to take the lead on all sort of matter relating to women's issues, the environment, economic disparity, war and peace, etc., well, they shouldn't hold their breaths. That's not her job, leave that to the activists out there, who by the way, would welcome all the support they can get from enthusiastic citizens like yourself.
"If she's as warm as Audrey and Fiona claim,...." . Um, Dressmaker your slip is showing. I read Audrey's wonderful post and the link she included and she was quoting Barney's Mr. Doonan verbatim as she did Maya Angelou in the other post. How odd that there's this push for political correctness and a rush to defend the honor of past first ladies where there's usually crickets or insistence that it's all very acceptable when it is FLOTUS at the receiving end of critiques aka ripping. There's been times when some people here have chimed in to compare FLOTUS in unflattering ways to other first ladies and it's been crickets. It's perfectly wonderful that FLOTUS gets the love she deserves and I don't understand why it bugs some people when Audrey posts these wonderful posts that pay tribute to her. Can't be Mszonian, I agree, but I think Eleroy means well and her comment isn't meant negatively. From what I've read and seen all these years, Eleroy is the ultimate FLOTUS stan.
Lota, you have misunderstood my message and you seem to be suggesting that I was implying that Mrs. Obama isn't "warm." I said nothing of the kind. My point is: Let's not criticize ANY First Ladies. We can't assert that someone is "cold and detached" when we have never met her. Such an insult is unfair and uninformed. We rightly object when people unfairly criticize Mrs. O, so let's not do it to other First Ladies, either.
Bold /Grand Entrance. On the contrary, I like the fact that the colours "stand out" on a very important historical day. The bright pattern reminds me of her powerful support for her husband, family and country and also on THIS DAY that DREAMS do come true.
The flower on the right shoulder is placed just right with the centre appearing like a broach. The colour combination is a perfect choice.
They all have a certain amount of warmth, BUT FLOTUS is very down-to-earth, unpretentious and most of us can relate to them because they came from a working class family and worked real hard to get where they are today.
Often times Mrs. O. would say “Nothing in her life prepared her for First Lady and to whom much is given much is expected.” They also committed themselves to mentoring and community service to help others achieve their goals. She makes everyone in a crowd…..I mean ‘from all walks of life’ AND AROUND THE WORLD not just in the U.S.A.……feel “special” you can see the glow in her eyes and especially children, gravitate towards her. Her best accesories - a charitable humanitarian.
Actually I see some similarities in the Clinton's, lots of karisma and loved around the globe.
@ Fern Gullie,
When you say most of us can relate to "them" because" they" came from working class families I must correct you. Michelle Obama did indeed come from a working class family. The President on the other hand came from very educated parents. His Father was a Senior Economist in the Kenyon Ministry of Finance and Planning. His Mother was an Educator and Anthropologist. The Presidents Step-Father was a Colonel with the Indonesian Army and an Oil Company executive. I consider all that to be quiet impressive.
Mrs O at the Orr Elementary School in DC: http://theobamadiary.com/
@mszonian52, There's no denying that our marvelous First Lady is forthright and direct!!! The truth remains however that she has been essentially muzzled!!! I agree with Laura Murphy of the American Civil Liberties Union who confesses to feeling a bit frustrated for Mrs Obama knowing all the things she isn't allowed to do and having to constantly walk a tight rope. It's tricky for all first ladies to some extent, but unlike other first ladies before her, Mrs Obama is in a double bind and carries a special burden. To watch a woman of her caliber and intellect relegated to whatever, while people less impressive, savvy and capable are touted for their smarts and ability, can be quite frustrating!!! I too agree with Simon Doonan, it's insulting!!!
@sally, the president's father was a goat herder from a very poor family who eventually came to America and went to college, and his mother was on food stamps as a single mother at some point!!! The president's grandparents who actually raised him, did not go to college and were very much a working class family just like the First Lady's!!! Important to note too that "very educated parents" do not necessarily mean much when they are mostly absent from the picture!!!
Thanks, Eleroy for your comments on the president's family! I, too, had issues with exalting his family inaccurately and putting FLOTUS's down for being "working class"...which is NOT a synonym for "uneducated". The Obamas are a remarkable couple, but much of it comes from their own diligence and dreams.
@Elroy,
The people you are referring to as less impressive, capable and savvy wouldn't by chance be our President, Vice President or Secretary of State would they?