Michelle Obama Loves to Flaunt Her Arms

When President Barack Obama gave his speech before the joint sessions of Congress Tuesday night, I couldn't help but notice something: Michelle Obama's arms. It was impossible not to take note: she was the only woman in the entire room whose arms were exposed. Nevermind that it's February. Or that every other woman was wearing a jacket or a shirt with long sleeves (Like Nancy Pelosi's lime green pseudo-hippy peasant shirt get-up). Michelle had to know that in advance, but she didn't care. She loves to flaunt her arms. Wouldn't you, if you were her? They are powerful, gazellelike, and sexy. More than any other accessory, are the ultimate indication of her confidence.

Michelle flaunts her arms more than any other political figure I can think of. I realized this just a few days ago, upon looking at a photo that appeared in The New York Times. There was Michelle, wearing a violet-colored, polka-dotted, and probably designer dress, sort-of out of place in the White House kitchen, showing off some chocolates that were to be served for dessert at an official dinner for governors. The culinary students, tourists and White House staff members in the room are all wearing long sleeves or jackets. Not Michelle. Her long brown arms hover pointedly over the chocolates (though we know she could care less).

Perhaps she could get away with a sleeveless dress. After all, she was giving a tour of her very own kitchen. Unlike the others, she didn't have to come in from out of doors. But Michelle is as strategic with her fashion as Barack is with his speeches.

And lately, she seems ever more conscious of her reputation as a fashionista. Now that she knows she is being watched, it looks like she has stepped it up a notch. The J. Crew days of the campaign trail are over.

Comments

[Daughter]

12:39 PM on 02/28/2009

There appears to be something besides fashion choices behind this controversy. On January 14, 1963, Jackie Kennedy wore a sleeveless dress to her husbands State of the Union address too. Click or paste the link to see photographic evidence:

http://pro.corbis.com/search/Enlargement.aspx?CID=isg&mediauid={25A7E78E-D7BC-4C30-970C-A5812B7C0601}

What's really behind this criticsim of our First Lady?

[yuhaniz]

09:05 PM on 03/04/2009

she's black, so they must drag her down. bush launches a war ....nothing. obama smokes a cigarette once a month ....all hell breaks loose. they want them to fail so that usa doesn't repeat it's "mistake". and since they are a perfect family it's down to michelle's arms and a cigarette.

[luvangelHussein330]

11:33 PM on 02/27/2009

I doubt that the First Lady is done with J Crew... haven't been observant enough cause had you picked up the most recent VOGUE magazine...there she is in a peach colored outfit from no where else but J. Crew... She like to mix up her styl with easily obtainable stuff to higher end designer stuff.

[butterflymcqueen]

11:15 PM on 02/27/2009

i just dont want her to catch cold....bet her mama doesn't approve for that reason either...:)

[ArmyCentrist]

06:38 PM on 02/27/2009

I think she knows what she's doing. Black women don't get to her level professionally flouting rules and traditions until they've gotten "there". And um, she sleeps in the White House, next to the President of the United States. I think she's "there" now. Rock on Michelle, I'm headed to the gym now to work on my arms too!

[aussiegal77]

02:23 PM on 02/27/2009

If I had guns like that, I'd be sleeveless every day =)

I have to say though - I don't think the J Crew days are over but she's definitely wearing less cardigans which used to her signature look. I think in general, she's going to be mixing it up. I'm looking forward to it. The never ending parade of boxy pants and skirt suits from Mrs Bush got very boring very quickly. I think Laura could have changed it up a bit and rocked it out more.

[benne]

09:09 AM on 02/27/2009

She should have worn a jacket to the State of the Union. It's not a cocktail party.

[EvasDaddy]

02:19 PM on 02/27/2009

Shoulda woulda coulda ...

I'm happy to have an unpretentious first lady. She can wear whatever she wants.

[Susan Kiernan]

10:45 PM on 03/01/2009

You go EvasDaddy!

[aussiegal77]

02:21 PM on 02/27/2009

The speech was not state of the union.

[gameball]

09:36 PM on 02/26/2009

The First Lady Is just that, warm , real human being. Were all cast in a nice shadow to the world.

[changing]

03:03 PM on 02/26/2009

Pushing the limits way too much for attention. Fine if she wants to go sleeveless sometimes (preferably in the summer ) but not at the state of the union. What if the men just decided they would not wear a tie or coat? Fine to be casual sometimes but respect is also an important quality and a speech before Congress demands some formality. This need for constant exhibitionism is concerning.

[PippiLongstocking]

05:07 PM on 02/26/2009

That's funny b/c I don't recall Michelle being at the State Of The Union, which happens a year from Inauguration day. But I'm glad Michelle's awesomeness concerns you; it means she's doing something right!

[EvasDaddy]

02:24 PM on 02/27/2009

"This need for constant exhibitionism is concerning"

If you truly believe that the First Lady of the United States has to do anything to increase her exposure, you're nutty.

It was NOT the state of the union address, either.

Finally, let this be known: People seem to be pleased with Michelle Obama's style, over all.

I suggest you temper your envy, lest you drown in bitterness.

[slg]

02:47 PM on 02/26/2009

Now that she is being watched? When in the last two years has anybody stopped judging her every move?

Michelle Obama is a graceful human being, confident in her movements. Her arms and hands clearly reveal she uses them a lot, for a thousand different tasks but what strikes me the most is how she uses them so well to bring comfort to those around her.

I believe that is her message because i can feel it from here.

[condieshoes]

02:38 PM on 02/26/2009

If my arms looked like Michelle's, I'd wear sleeveless all the time!