Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama Rocks a Target Dress
First Lady Michelle Obama rocked a Target dress while stepping off the plane in Phoenix this week. The dress, from Target’s Merona line, sells for less than $40 bucks.
Michelle Obama Cardigans: Look for Less
Michelle Obama without a cardigan is like Superman without a cape, Lindsay Lohan without a tan, or Lady Gaga with pants (woops). Even if you’re not aiming for the First Lady’s conservative/sophisticated look, adding a few different cardigans to your wardrobe is a good idea. Not only will one add a splash of color to an otherwise plain dress or outfit, but it really comes in handy when the weather cools down at night or when the office AC is on blast.
Tip - Unless you’re rail thin, a cardigan will look most attractive on you if it’s not buttoned up all the way.
Here’s a nice selection of cardigans for you to rock:
August Silk Long-Sleeve Cardigan from Macy’s, $34.98
August Silk Cardigan & Shell Set in Ginger, Black, and Pink from SmartBargains.com, $39.99
Cambridge cable crewneck cardigan from JCrew, $39.99
Raglan Sleeve Cardigan from Express, $19.99
ECI Circle-Print Cardigan from Dillard’s, $11.70
Merona® 3/4 Sleeve Cable Cardigan Sweater - Forever Berry from Target, $19.99
Michelle Obama Reminds Us Why We Love Pearls
What: Recently, we reported that Tiffany & Co was shutting down all 16 stores of its pearl jewelry chain, Iridesse. So, maybe we’re crazy to think that pearls are “in” for 2009, but Michelle Obama could bring the elegant trend back. PearlParadise.com is the latest retailer to cash in on the First Lady’s affection for pearls, with a new piece inspired by her.
What We Say: Black pearls, akoya pearls, seed pearls… it’s hard not to love them all, and Michelle Obama - the (reluctant) fashion icon - certainly loves hers. But pearls are timeless, so maybe the question isn’t are pearls fashionable but what kinds of pearls are fashionable?
Taking Tiffany & Co’s hint, we’re guessing the cheap ones will show up in 2009. We say, if you’re gonna go natural, go with smaller, cheaper seed pearls. Otherwise, the man-made, or “cultured,” kind are nearly as beautiful as their natural counterparts, and they’re of course significantly more affordable. Play it safe with traditional white pearls or go with pearls that have a light pink/yellow tint or a more dramatic color. (Hint: if you want to fool your friends, keep in mind that many natural pearls aren’t white white.). You can also hit stores like Claire’s, Target, and Forever21 for great faux pearls for under $20.
Web Round Up: Leighton Meester, Michelle Obama O Magazine, Paris Week Shoes, Intuition at Target
Michelle Obama’s endless magazine covers just wont stop. Next up: sharing O Magazine with Oprah. (via Fashion Bomb Blog.)
Nevermind Leighton Meester’s sleepy look. Fashion Indie loves her spring look and yummy designer styling on display. (Leighton Meester for InStyle)
11 inch heel-less Nina Ricci shoes? Fetish footwear? Check out what other insane shoes Shoe Blog spotted at Paris Fashion Week. (Oo La La, Paris!)
Guess who’s next in line to be Target’s designer collection? Intuition! Get the full scoop from Target Addict.
Anna Wintour Goes Budget (Well, in Theory)
What: Anna Wintour, Editor In Chief of American Vogue Magazine and, I suspect, undercover Wal-Mart shopper, gives her two cents on the importance of value in fashion.
From Wall Street Journal’s Rachel Dodes Interview with Anna Wintour:
Are you trying to add more moderately priced clothes to fashion spreads?I think we need to give women the aspirational clothes that can make them dream, and another portfolio that’s about mixing high and low, certainly the way the First Lady is dressing. It’s about a mix. …In the Index pages we are looking more rigorously at price and value and asking, ‘is something worth that particular price tag?’
A thing that wasn’t worth it? Without naming names, we had a little sequined thing that wouldn’t come down to here on you [points to chest.] And I said, ‘How much is it?’ $25,000. I said, ‘No. We’re not going to photograph that right now.’
What I Say: Welcome back to the sales rack, Ms. Wintour, and I stress welcome back because preaching the gospel of value isn’t something new for her. In fact, Ms. Wintour caused a firestorm in the fashion world, when she put a shirt from the Gap on the cover of Vogue as a new Editor in Chief. Plus, it’s amazing to see the impact Michelle Obama is having on the fashion world- changing the image of working women/moms- and how very smart people like Anna Wintour notice and capitalize on this change. You can see the generational shift between Mrs. O (and to a lesser extent Sarah Palin) and Secretary Clinton- one came from a generation where self expression is worn as a birthright and the later, came from a generation when in order to “play” with “the boys”, you had to look like “the boys” (although Secretary Clinton’s royal blue suit in this month’s Vanity Fair is quite chic).
It will be, however, interesting to see how Ms. Wintour balances her belief in “value”, with the hundreds of pages of ads in her book for frankly inspiring clothing, worn by models that don’t reflect the diversity of our country.
The First Lady Sale at eDressme.com
The Deal: Save at eDressme.com’s First Lady Sale with select items up to 80% Off at eDressMe.com
The Lowdown: We love a fashionable first lady (we’re still doing a happy dance over Michelle O.‘s arrival in the White House) and so are totally happy to take any opportunity to honor the post with, well, saving money. We also kinda dig the idea of a First Lady sale, too, because those presidents get all the attention anyway.
Our suggestion? Celebrate with something fashion forward and colorful (maybe it’s just us, but we’re soooo over the chic-but-dreary winter grays). This flutter sleeve basketweave chiffon dress by Anna Sui, for example, is on sale for just $99 and will totally transition into spring, as will this watercolor ruffle dress , also by Anna Sui and also 99 bucks. And before you call us on it, we realize sizes are very limited, but at these prices—just take a look.
Shop: eDressme.com
Michelle Obama Strikes a Pose for Vogue
If you haven’t noticed by now, the whole fashion industry has been looking to the first lady for glamor guidance, so it’s not all that surprising that Michelle Obama will be gracing the cover of Vogue in March.
While many presidents’ wives have been featured in the elegant magazine, only Hillary Clinton has made it on the cover. Well, until now. And what will the lovely first lady be wearing? A magenta gown by her go-to designer, Jason Wu, as well as dresses by Narciso Rodriguez and J Crew. While the economy gets stimulated by the President, we hope our sense of style will get stimulated by the first lady.
Photo: Wall Street Journal blog
Michelle Obama Inaugural Ball Dress: Look for Less
Leave it to Michelle Obama to choose a little-known designer (Jason Wu, 26) to create her inaugural ball gown. A lesser fashionista might be pressured into hiring the big guns, but Mrs. O? Not a chance—and, per usual, her call was right on target. Her gorgeous one-shoulder, ivory ruffled gown wowed and, having followed her fashion journey throughout the campaign (priorities, you know), we aren’t the least bit surprised. Interestingly, Wu once interned for designer Narciso Rodriguez, who created Obama’s infamous black and red election night frock —Michelle Obama is nothing if not loyal to her style-savvy roots . . .
That being said, we know that budget fashionistas everywhere with a formal event to attend will be scrambling to create an Obama-inspired look (we should all be so elegant), so we’ve picked a couple of dresses that might get you there, for less:
1. Night Way One-Shoulder Gown, $150, Dillards
2. One Shoulder Dress, $129.99, Chadwick’s at Amazon
Michelle Obama Look for Less: The Inauguration Sheath
“THESE PRODUCTS ARE NO LONGER BEING SOLD”
While many female politicos button up regularly in business-like suits, honorary budget fashionista Michelle Obama stands out for her penchant for fab dresses—particularly the sheath dress—which she’s taken from a throw-back to Jackie O., to a modern power-dressing statement. Of course we know that Mrs. O doesn’t always pay something akin to the gross national debt for her frocks (see the Michelle Obama View dress for exhibit number one) and you don’t have to either. We’ve picked five sheaths, and then one hot and super-budget cocktail dress (because we just couldn’t help ourselves), that make us feel like we could conquer the White House too. Were it not for all that pesky security.
1. Alfani Sheath Dress, $49.50, Macy’s
2. Signature Ponte Knit Collection Belted Sheath Dress, $49, Spiegel
3. Worthington Belted Sheath, $34.99, JCPenney
4. Maggy London Stretch Satin Sheath, on sale $76.90, Nordstrom.
5. David Meister Bubble Sleeve Sheath Dress, $147.90, Nordstrom (right, not super cheap, but regularly $248)
6. Woman’s Ferrera Cocktail Dress, $29.88, Wal-Mart.
Another Inaugural Ball Outfit Under $100
The thing about whatever you choose to wear to the Inaugural Ball—okay, we’re going to be in front of the TV in our Dearfoams, too, but bear with us—is that it needs to be DC-worthy, meaning it should be elegant, classic and just a little on the conservative side (no see-through, feather-embellished, LA red carpet ensembles here). That doesn’t mean it has to be boring however—we’d suggest an anything-but-basic black dress (illusion neckline, ruching—it’s all in the details), and satin pumps. For under $100 (that’s very un-DC, but we won’t tell . . . )
Calvin Klein Sleeveless Scoopneck Illusion Gown, $89.25
Women’s Demi D’Orsay Peep Toe Pumps, $10, WalMart
Political Fashionistas: Inauguration Style Round-Up
Michelle Obama isn’t the only political fashionista that’s been in the media spotlight in recent months, of course—Sarah Palin and Cindy McCain certainly grabbed their own share of the style chatter (and, in many cases, crossfire). In honor of the upcoming inauguration, TBF is rounding up some of our fave posts on the topic (and as soon as we link the hate-comment-inspiring Sarah Palin Moose Tote post, you’ll find us ducked down behind our desks until the we get the all clear . . . )
Sarah Palin Wardrobe Challenge. Kathryn spent about 12 hours holed up with her laptop and a steady supply of lattes to put this piece together, and is still waiting for her consulting call from the RNC stylists ...
Sarah Palin Shoes: Look for Less. No controversy here—everyone agrees that Palin’s taste in shoes is fab, but we can definitely do it without soliciting donations (though we’re not against them either if you’re so inclined. . . ).
Sarah Palin Moose Tote: Get It. If you have something to say about this still, in the spirit of post-election America, let’s try to keep it civil. Seriously, between this and WalMart, we’ve had all the controversy we can take for the moment. (check out what other readers thought, too, on the TBF forum)
Cindy McCain Look for Less. An heiress-worthy look without the trust fund we only wish we had.
Political Fashion Comes To Rain Boots. We know the election’s over, but they’re on clearance, and are still super cute.
Michelle Obama: An Inauguration Style Round-Up
With the inauguration right around the corner, naturally our thoughts here at TBF turn to—well, fashion. Yeah, we’ve had enough of the politics to last a lifetime and with a stylish (and budget conscious) First Lady like Michelle Obama on her way into the White House? It’s like we won the style icon lottery (and we’re open to an ambassadorship to say, France, if you’re listening Mr. O). If you’re a regular reader, you know we’ve given Mrs. O lots of fashion love over the last several months; in honor of the big event, here’s a round-up of our top Michelle Obama posts:
Michelle Obama Fashion: A Budget Style Retrospective. This is only the beginning, we’re sure, of a beautiful fashion blogger/first lady relationship . . .
Michelle Obama in H&M Dress. The dress that kicked off the budget-fashion girl-crush we’ve been harboring for Mrs. O ever since.
Michelle Obama: The View Dress. The kind of publicity White House/Black Market could have only ever dreamed of before this episode . . .
Michelle Obama: The Look for Less. We loved this look (which about 60,439 other media outlets also pounced on) for the bold color that now defines Obama’s look—and we also love that the belt and necklace showed up again on multiple outfits, meaning she knows how to get some mileage out of great accessories - holla!
Michelle Obama’s Election Night Dress: What Did You Think? Readers weigh in on the controversial Narciso Rodriguez dress that got even more buzz than McCain’s “that one” comment.
Anna Wintour Ambassador to France or England?
What: Rumor mill is churning that the Devil Who Wears Prada herself, Anna Wintour, may be up for an ambassadorship to England or France.
What They Say: From Fashion Week Daily: Granted, her résumé lists all the qualifications—flawless organizational skills, an enviable Rolodex, hostessing experience to spare. (Think a State dinner is tricky to finagle? Then consider the Costume Institute gala.)
What We Say: Well, the luxury market is hurting cause, well, nobody has any money and if the luxury market is hurting, you can bet that Vogue is too, so may be this is a good option for her. But, how would Anna do in DC? When I was an intern on the hill, it was all about the Naturalizer shoes, not the Jimmy Choos.
I guess if Sanjay Gupta can be placed on the short list, so can Anna…
Photo: Frillr
Fashion and Retail Predictions for 2009
1. Michelle Obama will redefine fashion and the role of African American women (and moms) in fashion and in the media. She’s already inspired instant sell outs, cover stories, and probably helped saved J.Crew’s 4th quarter. Along with her husband, Mrs. Obama has inspired the recent collections of several TOP designers, including the use of more models of color. First Lady Michelle Obama will continue to have a major impact on fashion and what (and who is) considered fashionable.
2. Wal-mart will be the top store to watch as it will be the only store to successful address the challenges facing middle (and coastal) American families. This isn’t to say that other stores can’t do the same, Target could if they focused less on being “cool” and more on being “cool AND useful”, but right now Wal-Mart is the only major mass market store which does not have to make fundamental changes in order to accomplish this goal.
3. The Bon-Ton, Kmart, Sears, JC Penneys, and several sports apparel stores (Champs, Footlocker, etc) will all close or face bankruptcy. All of these stores, with the exception of K-Mart, depend on a mall environment to stay alive and the mall, as we know it, is dead. K-Mart has been dead for a while, so at this point we’re just waiting for the funeral.
4. Big Lots, Salvation Army, Value City, Costco, Sams Club will all be hot stores in 2009. Costco will be VERY hot in 2009 and shoppers will find creative ways to get the most out of their membership, including membership co-ops.
5. Moms will be king. The marketing focus of several top brands will shift from the youth market to hip moms as more businesses realize that moms are the ultimate influencers, affecting the style and consumer habits of their kids, husbands/partners, and friends.
6. Lipstick, at home hair coloring systems, and nail color will be the big beauty sellers in 2009. These are quick, easy, and relatively inexpensive ways for people to change their personal style.
7. The mall will die. Malls, as we know it, will be dead and most will turn into outlet mall like structures (ex: the Bergen Mall in Northern New Jersey)- featuring the outlets of top retail brands. Even Saks Fifth Avenue, who for years have maintained a rigid distinction between its high-end stores and its outlet stores by referring to the later as “Off Fifth- Saks Fifth Avenue Outlets”, changed the name of their outlets to the equally cumbersome Saks Fifth Avenue Off Fifth.
8. Gray, black, brown, red, and dark blue will continue to be the colors to watch as consumers look for easy to wear colors.
9. Easy to care for fabrics will reign supreme as shoppers look for items that are machine washable, thus saving a ton of money on dry cleaning.
10. More designers will skip their bridge lines and head directly for mass market/lower priced lines. Rumors have already started about budget lines by Zac Posen and Doo Ri. I think the following designers will also do budget lines in 2009- Ellen Tracy (maybe a replacement for Isaac Mizrahi at Target), Tory Burch (Kohls? or Macys), Burberry (H&M?), Paul Smith (TopShop for Men?), Vivienne Westwood (Topshop or H&M), Donna Karan (Macys?).
Kitten Heels for the Holidays: Thanks Michelle Obama!
“SOME PRODUCTS ARE NO LONGER BEING SOLD”
Since Michelle Obama’s been rockin’ the kitten heel (and especially since she paired them with that Narciso Rodriguez dress back on election day) we’ve noticed versions popping up at some of our favorite retailers, and we’re going to go ahead and give them our endoresment here and now. The kitten heel is the “moderate” of the fashion world—dressier than a flat, more wearer-friendly than a full-out pump. And for tall girls (Obama is 5’ 11” - just an inch taller than Kathryn) they’re a great way to don some sexy heels without towering over EVERYONE else in the room at the office or all those holiday soirees. Right now, we’re salivating over these Mossimo Virginia Ruffle Pumps from Target, $26.99, and these lace pumps from Newport News are the perfect holiday kitten heel, on sale for $29.
Thakoon for Target: Mrs. O Would Approve
You know we love us some Michelle Obama style (check out Kathryn’s budget style retrospective on Mrs. O) so we’re all about a first look at budget-friendly pieces from one of her favorite designers, Thakoon, who’s bringing his bold prints and modern lines to Target’s GO International line at the end of the year. If you’re a Thakoon fan like Obama, this resort-focused collection doesn’t disappoint—strong floral and stripe patterns, bold color, and easy to wear silhouettes (including feminine full skirts, which we kinda love).
The line will hit the stores Dec. 28, and will only be available ‘til Jan. 31, so if you love it, you’ll want to tuck away a few dollars now to treat yourself after the holiday shopping madness has passed . . .
Michelle Obama Fashion: A Budget Style Retrospective
“SOME PRODUCTS ARE NO LONGER BEING SOLD”
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 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.
Michelle Obama Fashion: White House Worthy Style For Less
- 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. 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 Michael Kors Strapless Belted Jumpsuit, $142.12 at Macys
- 16. 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, $398 at NeimanMarcus
- 19. Color-Block Sweater Dress, $130 at Banana Republic
- 20. Cashmere Peyton dress, $99.99-$218
- 21. 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. 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
Political Fashion Comes to Rain Boots, $19.99 at Target
We all agree that Mrs. O has amazing budget-friendly style and, well, Govenor Palin rocks awesome shoes. Now Target, who knows a moneymaker when they see it, are selling donkey (for Democrats) and elephant (for Republicans) patterned rainboots for $19.99. This is the perfect accessory (and a good price for rain boots) for those who plan to spend the next month pounding the pavement for their favorite candidate/party.
P.S. I will give $20 to first person to send me a photo of either Hillary Clinton or Laura Bush rockin’ a pair of their party’s rain boots—$50 if you can find a photo of Cindy McCain wearing a pair.
(Please note any personal, nasty comments about either party will be deleted immediately. We’re talking about rain boots folks.)
Accessories, Freebies, and Potential First Ladies
Our new look isn’t the only hot topic on TBF! This week our readers shared a host of opinions in our scintillating daily polls. In case you missed it, here’s a recap of the past few days:
~ No matter what you think of their policitician husbands, there’s no denying that both Mrs. Obama and Mrs. McCain have some serious style. But, the majority (64%) of our readers prefer Michelle’s accessible chic to Cindy’s more put-together wardrobe (24%). The remainder of voters (10%) said they don’t care, they’re so sick of the election!
~ Coco Chanel famously said that every woman should take off one accessory before leaving the house, but in your opinion, when it comes to accessories, how much is too much? 41% of women said one or two at a time is an appropriate amount, while 43% said three to four. 12% said five or six and the remaining 2% said the sky is the limit.
~ Dermatologists can be an important part of not only your beauty regimen but of taking care of your overall health. However, 56% of our readers have never been to a dermatologist for any reason. 40% regularly see a doc for a medical condition affecting their skin and 2% head to the dermo for cosmetic procedures like Botox and facial peels.
~ Who doesn’t love a freebie from the department store beauty counter? 61% of readers admit that they’re definitely a sucker for free gifts with purchase, but how can you blame them? 38% of women, however, skip the department store and put their savings to good use at a discounter.
~ There’s an old urban legend that lip balm is addictive and according to 50% of our readers it seems to be true! 10% didn’t have a problem with lip balm, but did confess to being hooked on hand cream, while another 8% were thirsty for face cream. 16% said they had another beauty addiction, while only 13% proclaimed that they were addiction free!
That’s a wrap for this week. Want to dish on the latest fashion news and views, right now? Visit the TBF Forum!
Michelle Obama in H&M Dress
While we try to be as politically neutral as possible here on TBF, we have to admit one of our favorite new blogs is Mrs. O, a blog that follows the stylish dressing of Michelle Obama. Not that we think Cindy McCain (we’ve featured her several times) is a slumpy dresser, we just highly doubt that she would rock off the rack mall fashion like Mrs. O.
According to the Mrs. O blog, the dress shown above was purchased off the rack from H&M for $34.95, which would mean the real Mrs.O is watching her pennies like the rest of us.
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