Michelle Obama And Bo Decorate For Christmas In Black & White! (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

We can always count on Michelle Obama for a bright pattern, a colorful flat, some mixed prints...

Rarely do we expect to see the first lady in black and white. With a prim little collar.

But Mrs. O surprised us at the inaugural Building A Healthier Future summit in Washington D.C. today. Continuing her campaign to improve the eating habits of America's children, Michelle addressed the crowd on the serious issues facing our young 'uns' waistlines: the overwhelming pull of the Internet, a lack of P.E. classes and a resistance to healthy foods.

Another problem? Unmindful parenting:

Much as we all hate to admit it, sometimes, on those Saturday afternoons when the kids are complaining that they're bored, sometimes it's just easier to give them permission to go watch TV, right? I did that last weekend. (Laughter.)

We take the first lady seriously no matter what, but she certainly dressed the part for today's event: a plain black dress to the knee, low black pumps, dotted sheer tights and a proper white collar with a little flower pin. How pilgrim-y, Michelle!

After the summit, Michelle loosened up (in the same outfit) to do some decorating! This year's White House holiday theme is "Shine, Give, Share," meaning plenty of shiny stars, paper garlands and even recycled cans hanging all over the presidential house.

Another motif? Bo! Mini replicas of the First Pup will be found all throughout the White House, including a topiary in the East Garden Room. So Michelle brought Bo along today, introducing him to the adorable red-clad children of active duty military personnel who helped her fashion decorations.

See pics of Michelle in her uncharacteristically staid outfit -- do you like the first lady in basic black or do you miss her brighter styles?

Comments

[toughbunny1]

11:41 AM on 12/09/2011

The reason Mrs. O has style is she exudes confidence and class from the inside. I think she could wear burlap and look great. She can rock all those different looks because of who she is and aims to be.

[michelleobamaok]

08:11 AM on 12/07/2011

I just love Bo......

[Brian Gorrell]

06:28 PM on 12/05/2011

I want to be that dog.

[TXfemmom]

04:58 PM on 12/05/2011

The inclusion of the Bo models is really amusing.

[Thisbeautifulplanet]

01:45 PM on 12/04/2011

Absolutely lovely: the lady and the dog.

[Suntio]

09:23 AM on 12/04/2011

How can anybody not love Michelle? She is warm, genuine, compassionate, caring, and smart to boot!

[Patty Farnsley]

11:08 AM on 12/04/2011

Wow, really??

[lioness39]

11:31 AM on 12/04/2011

Bah humbug to you!

[riverhouse]

03:29 PM on 12/03/2011

She looks gorgeous, as does Bo. It's good to see such a solid, handsome family in the White House with their sound family values in place.

[Cakey4814]

10:24 AM on 12/02/2011

Go on with your bad self Mrs. Obama because you're wearing that little black dress..fabulous..

[mssueme]

07:09 AM on 12/02/2011

What is better than a hospitable First Lady with class and happy children, great pictures.

[greymom]

01:05 AM on 12/02/2011

That Bo is just too darn cute. Love those white socks.

[mistlesuede]

12:08 AM on 12/02/2011

Mrs. Obama looks beautiful as always.
I enjoyed seeing all the Bo's. I actually have a glass Bo ornament for our tree!
Looking forward to the program (hopefully it's on again this year) that shows all the decorations going up throughout the White House and all the trees. I think it's on TLC maybe?
Have to keep watching for it.

[dovelove]

08:41 PM on 12/01/2011

The First Lady looks amazing. Just beautiful.

[amtheone]

08:50 PM on 12/01/2011

What?

[greymom]

10:34 AM on 12/02/2011

Enjoy the new grandbaby. Love your mini bio.

[greymom]

01:12 AM on 12/02/2011

I'll bet you feed your kids nothing but junk food out of boxes and packets and they will all be suffering from diabetes, obesity and heart disease. You don't have to listen to her, but you shouldn't criticise her for trying to improve the health of this generation. Children are our future. As a matter of fact, my son, two years ago decided to start an organic garden after reading about the White House garden. His kids started saving peels and scraps in a bucket on the counter. My little grandson will help his dad pick the vegetables and he will eat the snow peas raw off the vine. They love to pick the zucchini and slice it or grate it for zucchini bread. They have also tried other vegetables like kholrabi and researched recipes on the internet for using it. Each kid has his or her favorite vegetable. My granddaughter is the only one who eats her okra however.

We are lucky to have such a compassionate First Lady who stands for something and her work to help the families of active duty military families has made her very popular among our armed forces.

[Bandit29]

06:43 PM on 12/01/2011

I am sure Mrs. Obama is following the tradition of decorating the White House for the holidays as has been done for years. I did not vote for her husband but I think she has done a lot of positive things on her own and I commend her for that. She looks very nice in these pictures and I really enjoy seeing so many of the decorations featuring Bo.