Michelle Obama In Chile: First Lady & Daughters Continue Run Of Stylish Looks (PHOTOS, POLL)
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After a whirlwind and well-dressed tour of Brazil, the Obamas jetted off to Santiago, Chile on Monday afternoon. The ladies all made in-flight outfit changes -- Michelle opted for a periwinkle, textured frock paired with a brooch, Sasha picked polka dots and Malia went for a light, frilly number paired with fancy footwear.
Michelle was immediately whisked off to meet Cecilia Morel, the wife of Chilean President Sebastian Piñera, who kept with the color palette in a short-sleeved white dress with zipper detailing...marking the inaugural First Lady Fashion Face-Off of the trip!
So, who did Piñera think was best-dressed? Hard to tell. From the AP report:
"I think the first lady of the U.S. is very good-looking," Piñera declared during a joint news conference with Obama in Santiago midway through Obama's Latin American tour.According to Piñera, the sentiment was mutual. "President Obama has said the same about the first lady of Chile."
Obama smiled but didn't elaborate on either first ladies' appearance -- at least not in public.
Afterward, the first ladies and first daughters stopped by the Mirador Interactive Museum where they met Chile's adorable first granddaughter, Elizabeth. She wore prints and sandals, in case you were wondering.
In the evening, Barack and Michelle returned to La Moneda Palace for an official dinner. Michelle donned an off-the-shoulder magenta gown by Sophie Theallet paired with Jordan Alexander Navy Pearls. Cecilia selected purple with bold shoulders.
On Tuesday morning, Michelle said adios to Chile in a yellow top wrapped with a beige belt and white pants. All by Zero + Maria Cornejo.
Take a look at photos from the first family's stay in Chile. And scroll down to read the President Obama's toast.
(All images by AP or Getty)
THE PRESIDENT'S TOAST: Buenas noches. (Applause.) President Pinera, First Lady, former Presidents Aylwin, Frei, Lagos; to all the distinguished guests here tonight, especially the Secretary General of the Organization of American States, Jose Miguel Insulza. It is wonderful to be here. I have to say that because I've already given one speech tonight, I've already made remarks at the press -- I'm going to keep my remarks tonight very brief, because otherwise you won't invite me back. (Laughter.)
But on our flight into Chile today, we were all struck by the incredible beauty of the Andes. We looked out the window, Michelle and my daughters and my staff, and we marveled at the awesome ranges and the snow-capped peaks. It was truly spectacular.
And it called to mind something once said by a beloved daughter of both our countries, the novelist Isabel Allende. She said, "I come from a land of mountains, where friendship is a blood pact...hospitality is sacred, [and] bonds unbreakable."
President Piñera, First Lady, to you and the people of Santiago and of Chile, thank you for the extraordinary hospitality that you have shown both me, Michelle and our daughters. And thank you for the friendship and the strong bonds between our people, which indeed are unbreakable.
Given the events that are unfolding half a world away, in Middle East and North Africa, I hope you'll give me a brief moment to reflect on the broader meaning of the times that we live in.
We gather in a palace that tells the story of a nation, and its relationship with my own. For many years, this was a symbol of how Chile lost its democracy. But today, it stands as a testament to how Chile regained and rebuilt your democracy --- an achievement for which I know all Chileans are extraordinarily proud.
In this sense, you've fulfilled the vision of the liberator, Bolivar, who long ago predicted, "Chile can be free." Chile can be free. And as I said in my speech today, at a time when others around the world are reaching for their own rights and struggling for their own sense of dignity, Chile sends a powerful message ---you, too, can write a new chapter in the story of your nation; you, too, can be free.
Some have called Chile's progress a miracle. But as you know so well, there was nothing miraculous about it. It's taken courage and sacrifice and resolve, over many years. This, too, is Chile's lesson for the world. Democracy can't be imposed from the outside. It must spring from within, from the hearts and souls of those who seek it and are willing to work for it.
There's a saying that goes, "Tell me who is by your side and I'll tell you who you are." And so I would like to propose a toast -- I hope they didn't mix up our glasses -- (laughter.)
To the people and progress of Chile --- the United States of America is proud to stand with you as partners. And to what our partnership says about who we are --- two proud nations bound by the conviction that change is possible, that every nation can be free, and that there can be no denying the dignity and human rights that are so eloquently expressed in our Constitution and are now lived out in Chile today. Salud. (Applause.)
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First Posted: 03/21/11 03:34 PM ET Updated: 05/25/11 07:40 PM ET