O Christmas Tree

Images by Ron Lamkey / Getty Images

First Lady Mrs. O and her daughters Sasha and Malia received the 2010 White House Christmas Tree yesterday. The 18 1/2 foot Douglas fir tree hails from a tree farm in Lehighton, PA. 

For the appearance, Mrs. O wore the Merino sequin crochet cardigan from J.Crew, here (and on sale!), paired with a ruffled white blouse and camel trousers. Kara Ross NY earrings completed the look. Mrs. O wasn't the only one delivering a dose of style yesterday. It's become increasingly clear that an interest in fashion is a mother-daughter affair at the White House! 

Mrs. O Goes Abroad

What is it about first ladies and travel abroad that excites us so? My initial interest in Jacqueline Kennedy could be summarized by an image of the first lady dressed in an Oleg Cassini apricot silk dress during a boat ride on Lake Pichola in India during March 1962. A print of said image was taped to my dorm room wall throughout college, always offering a sense of wanderlust for a time, place and style I did not know, but felt deeply inspired by. I've wondered how many moments captured this past week, as our First Lady Mrs. O charmed and enchanted India, might also take on a lasting, iconic effect.

The Obamas' recent trip to India and Indonesia represents the highest peak of traffic to this blog since the president and first lady traveled to Europe in April 2009. Prior to this trip, it seemed that public interest in Mrs. O's style had waned to some extent. "If you're tired of hearing about Michelle Obama's style, you're not alone," began a recent BlackBook Magazine story. Though the community here remains strong, the broader public seemed tired of a story that has been told and retold in the American media, most times superficially, to no end. Yet, this past week, in India, the fervor and excitement suddenly returned.

Mrs. O's wardrobe was undoubtedly a focal point of the trip overseas. Ensembles were thoughtfully chosen to suit occasions and mood, from somber to playful, casual to the utmost formal. Designers and aesthetics honored Indian and Indonesian culture, resulting in shining moments for American designers Rachel Roy and Ranjana Khan, both of Indian heritage. A lace tee from J.Crew offered accessibility, while back to back pieces from Belgian designer Dries Van Noten delivered an element of the unexpected. And, of course, there were pride-inducing moments of high glamour, as Mrs. O once again elevated the notion of American sophistication on a global stage.

Ultimately, though, the clothes played second fiddle this time. The moments that endeared and will endure were those when Mrs. O interacted with the children of India. Ballet flats came off for hopscotch; a dress felt less important as Mrs. O danced to Bollywood music. The first lady came to life in these moments, offering a profound display of her genuine nature and ability to galvanize. The clothes tell their own rich narrative, but the real power is in the woman who wears them. This is something we already knew, but never has it been more palpable. I'll leave you with a few favorite photographs taken by White House photographer Pete Souza.

P.S. The title of this post is inspired by Mrs. Kennedy Goes Abroad, a truly magical children's book. 

Official White House Photos by Pete Souza

Tambourines and Hopscotch

Image by Danish Siddiqui / Reuters

Mrs. O is on to her next stop, visiting children enrolled in the "Make A Difference" program at a local university in Mumbai. The program was founded by two young social entrepreneurs who mobilize young adults to serve as mentors and teachers for underprivileged children. Volunteers help children to learn English, thought to be an important part of students' long term academic success, through song, reading and other programs.

For the event, the first lady changed into a more casual ensemble, wearing a tiered floral skirt and "moss olive" lace top by J.Crew, available here, accented by an embellished thin belt at the waist and an Erickson Beamon starburst brooch. For a round of hopscotch, Mrs. O kicked off her butterscotch-hued leather ballet flats and joined in the festivities.

Click here to watch Mrs. O in action, dancing the bhangra and playing the tambourine. Amazing! Update: The First Lady wears a floral skirt by Gregory Parkinson.

A Lovely Remix

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

The first lady joined U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid at the Red Rock National Conservation Area yesterday to help launch Mrs. O's Let's Move Outside! initiative to promote more outdoor activity for children.

For the event, Mrs. O paired a floral Etro cardigan with a J.Crew skirt and Sonia Rykiel belt (all first seen last spring/summer). Silver ballet flats completed the look and kept Mrs. O on the move!

The New Power Suit

Image by Win McNamee / Getty Images

First Lady Mrs. O hosted a "Let's Move" event at the River Terrace School in Washington, D.C. today, joined by Olympian Shani Davis and several other Olympians and Paralympians. Mrs. O led students in a series of exercises, giving new meaning to the term "power suit." For the event, Mrs. O dressed in a vibrant red pant suit, paired with a pink and red sequined camisole. 

Update: Mrs. O wears the Sequined starland tank from J.Crew, available here (thank you canyongal for the find!).