Mrs. O

In Reflection

2017-01-19T15:25:59Z

I've been thinking a lot about Michelle Obama and this blog in recent weeks. There is a wonderful retrospective on Mrs. Obama's fashion influence written by Vanessa Friedman of The New York Times. It captures the cultural relevance and central themes of Mrs. Obama's style discussed and debated here over the years – sartorial diplomacy, championing the artisan designer, the high and low democratic mix, clothes that married strength and femininity, clothes that broke norms and created new ones.

From the very beginning, I was intrigued by the tension of these qualities – that in the seemingly superficial, there could be hidden meaning and depth. When we weren't swooning over the first lady's ensembles, decoding them all was a thrill.

In this divided world of ours, admiration for Mrs. Obama's style became a great unifier, evidenced – in part – by the vast, diverse audience of this blog at its peak. There was something about Mrs. Obama, the clothes she wore and the context of the times that fascinated us all, that captured our attention and held it. That intrigue and its wide-reaching pull can't be fully explained by the factors above.

This November, President Obama told Vogue, "People see themselves in her. A dedicated mom, a good friend, and someone who's not afraid to poke a little fun at herself from time to time." I think women see who they want to be in Mrs. Obama. Her clothes are those of a confident, smart, vibrant, active woman who manages the fine balance of taking care of herself and others – and that has enduring, universal appeal.

In her final speech as first lady, Mrs. Obama told the audience and the American public, "I hope I've made you proud." More than she’ll ever know.

To the readers, thank you again for your participation and dialogue over the years. What fun we had!

To the first lady, a million thank-yous for being exactly who you are.

With peace and love, Mrs. T.

For reference:

What Michelle Obama Wore and Why It Mattered [New York Times]

Michelle Obama didn't like to discuss her clothes, but they spoke volumes [Washington Post]

A Michelle Obama Blogger Looks Back at 8 Years of FLOTUS Style [Racked]

Archived posts by designer [Mrs O Blog]

A Bright and Shining High Note

2016-10-20T00:08:38Z

I've been tempted to revisit this blog on occasion, but the ending was tied up neatly in a bow, best not to be disturbed. Yet this particular moment in time feels like a pinnacle of sorts, worth recording. Like many others, I imagine, I am feeling a renewed, profound sense of admiration for Mrs. Obama.

The powerful, truth-telling speech in New Hampshire last week, and now this stunning, rose gold, chainmail Versace gown for her final state dinner - in close sequence, the latter takes on even greater significance because of the former, together a potent mix of strength and femininity, substance and style. The gown is textbook Mrs. O: a sartorial nod to her visiting guests from Italy, delivered with a pure shot of glamour.

In recent months, I have come to value the dignity and decency of the Obamas more than ever before. President Obama often speaks about the right and wrong side of history. The Obamas fall on the right side of our American history. And as Mrs. Obama ends her time as First Lady on the highest of high notes, there is shared gratitude for all she has given us.

Style will be just one constituent of Mrs. Obama's broader legacy, but it's certainly more than a footnote, more than fluff. What captured my attention in 2008 and held it for years after was Mrs. Obama's knack for using clothing as a visual medium to communicate, the message democratic, diplomatic, and diverse. The First Lady challenges convention and adds unexpected depth to the seemingly superficial - her choice of this Versace gown being among the most resonant examples.

A Fond Farewell

2014-02-02T18:34:03Z

Dear Readers,

After much thought and consideration, I have made the difficult decision to end the Mrs. O blog. Over the past year, my personal and professional circumstances have changed such that I cannot devote the same time and attention to the blog that I once could. I continue to have the utmost admiration for Mrs. Obama - for her style and so much more.

From an idea sparked by Michelle Obama's presence at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, we grew into a vibrant, diverse community with a common interest. The information sharing and exchange of opinions over the past 5-1/2 years has been fun, inspiring, sometimes a bit controversial - but always in the spirit of good, open dialogue. Thank you all for your support and readership over the years.

Wishing you the very best,

Mrs. T

State of the Union

2014-01-29T02:25:37Z

The First Lady is attending President Obama's State of the Union address on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. this evening. For the occasion, Mrs. O is wearing an emerald green dress with stripe detailing and a cropped jacket. A black belt at the waist accessorizes the look.

Update: Per the Huffington Post, Mrs. O wears Alaia.

Happy Birthday, Mrs. O!

2014-01-17T21:50:51Z

Happy 50th Birthday to First Lady Michelle Obama!

"A First Lady at 50, Finding Her Own Path" [New York Times]

"Turning 50, Michelle Obama focuses on final 3-year stretch in the White House" [Washington Post]

Aloha

2013-12-24T02:46:20Z

The President and First arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Honolulu, Hawaii last Friday. The Obama family will spend their annual holiday vacation in Hawaii, returning to Washington on January 5.

Landing in Honolulu, Mrs. O wore a vibrant printed sundress paired with a cropped black cardigan. Gold hoops completed the warm weather look.

Update: Mrs. O wears the Taped Frock in Modern Camo by Tracy Reese, available here.

Christmas in Washington

2013-12-23T02:49:00Z

The First Family joined together to sing during the finale of TNT's "Christmas in Washington" special on December 15 in Washington, DC.

For the festive occasion, the First Lady turned to winter white, wearing a "white viscose techno crepe tailored jacket with overlapped side panels and silver embroidery" from the J. Mendel 2013 Resort collection, paired with a J. Mendel ivory silk satin faced chiffon pleated skirt. Many will recognize the ensemble from Mrs. O's July 2012 trip to London, here.

Landing in South Africa

2013-12-15T23:26:01Z

The President and First Lady traveled to Pretoria, South Africa on Tuesday to attend the memorial service of former President Nelson Mandela. Departing Air Force One, Mrs. O wore a tiered colorblock and print dress. A cropped black cardigan, kitten heels and an oversize umbrella completed the look.

Update: The First Lady wears a dress by Narciso Rodriguez.

Kennedy Center Honors

2013-12-09T02:18:05Z

The President and First Lady arrived for a reception at the White House for the 2013 Kennedy Center Honorees this evening. For the occasion, Mrs. O wore an off-the-shoulder emerald green gown.

Update: The fabulous Mrs. O is wearing Marchesa!

Christmas at the White House

2013-12-09T02:02:28Z

Holiday festivities are in full gear at the White House!

On Wednesday, Mrs. O hosted a holiday arts and crafts event with military families in the state dining room of the White House. For the occasion, Mrs. O wore a grey and white floral dress.

On Friday, the First Lady attended the 2013 National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., reading “Twas The Night Before Christmas” with muppet Abby Cadabby. On the fashion front: Mrs. O wore a black wool coat and black patent boots.