One day you walk into your local Gap store to pick up a pair of size (insert your size here) jeans. After smiling at the overtly cheery folder/greeter/loss prevention associate, you head over to the denim wall to find your jeans. All of a sudden, 10 large men, wearing tailored dark suits accessorized by white ear plugs, rush into the store, causing a tower of cherry red wool/cashmere blend ribbed turtleneck sweaters to tumble to the floor (they also block the fitting room).

Unaware of what is going on, you start to shake so hard that a pair of your (insert size again) jeans fall to the floor. As you bend over to pick it up you glance at a fabulous pair of Lanvin wedge ballet flats”>Lanvin wedge ballet flats and the hem of an amazing pink and black floral printed swing skirt that you recognize from the Summer 2008 sales rack of your local J.Crew. You quickly grab the jeans from the floor and stand up to find yourself face to face with our new first lady, Michelle Obama.

Michelle Obama Fashion: A Budget Style Retrospective

At any other point in US History the likelihood of the above scenario happening to you would be, well, zero. However, unlike other stylish first ladies, Michelle Obama actually wears items from lower-priced, mall-based stores like J.Crew and Gap. She even wears them more than once Michelle’s love for the mall based store is so profound that her 6 year old daughter Sasha, unaware of the political filters put on her parents and telling it like only a six year old can, exclaimed “Mommy buys everything from the Gap”.

Regardless of your political stripes, there’s something quite comforting about a first lady who knows her way around an H&M (and has had to wait in those crazy long fitting room lines). In light of our current economic situation, this knowledge is even more valuable.

• 1. Victoria Ruffle Cami, $88 at J.Crew
• 2. Silk Cowlneck Top, $69 at Banana Republic
• 3. Striped Victoria Ruffle Shirt, $98 at J. Crew
• 4.Women's Crew-Neck Tees , $15.00 at OldNavy.com
• 5. Alison LS Cardigan, $24.80 at Forever21.com
• 6. Pearlized-Button Cardigans, $26.50 at OldNavy.com
• 7. Alfani Capelet Jacket, $149.00 at Macys
• 8. Women's Ruffle Neck Cardigan, $26.50 at OldNavy.com
• 9. The Wintersoft Cardigan, $48.00 at Gap
• 10. Ralph Lauren Silk Geometric-Print Full Skirt”>Lauren by Ralph Lauren Silk Geometric-Print Full Skirt, $71.55 at Macys
• 11. Double-serge Pencil Skirt, $128.00 at J Crew
• 12. Curvy Welt-pocket Pants, $54.50 at Gap
• 13. Silver-sand Jacquard pant, $228 at J Crew
• 14. City-fit Herringbone Cropped Pant, $138.00 at J Crew
• 15. Michael Kors Strapless Belted Jumpsuit”>MICHAEL Michael Kors Strapless Belted Jumpsuit, $142.12 at Macys
• 16. Ralph Lauren Jessie Two-Tone Ruffled Dress”>Lauren by Ralph Lauren Jessie Two-Tone Ruffled Dress, $142.50 at Macys
• 17. Wool flannel Golden Roses dress, $139.99- $195 at J Crew
• 18.Diane Von Furstenberg Colorblock Dress”>Diane Von Furstenberg Colorblock Dress, $398 at NeimanMarcus
• 19. Color-Block Sweater Dress, $130 at Banana Republic
• 20. Cashmere Peyton dress, $99.99-$218
• 21. Moschino Printed Sheath Dress”>Moschino Printed Sheath Dress, $598 at NeimanMarcus.com
• 22. Ruffle Neck Shift Dress, $42.99 at Gap
• 23. Crew Neck Satin Dress, $34.50 at Old Navy
• 24. Isabella Paisley Halter Dress, $250 at J Crew
• 25. Animal Print Tafetta Dress, $175 at Banana Republic
• 26. Cashmere Asymmetrical Gown, $275 at Banana Republic
• 27. Ralph Lauren Donnie One-Shoulder Dress with Ruffle”>Lauren by Ralph Lauren Donnie One-Shoulder Dress with Ruffle, $135 at Macys
• 28. JS Boutique Single-Shoulder Ombre Gown, $200 at Dillards

Special Shout Out to some of favorite blogs and media outlets for images: Mrs.O, AOL Black Voices, Michelle Obama Watch, Associated Press