Michelle Obama Style on The Huffington Post

8 Michelle Obama Wardrobe Repeats: Which Way Looks Best? (PHOTOS, POLL)

2009-12-04T14:48:27Z

Perhaps the best part of watching Michelle Obama's wardrobe is finding out which items she adores so much that they resurface again and again. Before, she couldn't get enough of her Azzedine Alaia belt and green inauguration Jimmy Choos. Now she still loves her J. Crew, Rick Owens and Maria Pinto, but she manages to reinvent the looks with old-fashion accessorizing. Take a look which piece from Michelle's wardrobe do double duty and tell us which way she wore it best.

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White House Holiday Preview: Michelle Obama Unveils Huge Tree, Miniature Bo, Fabulous Earrings (PHOTOS, POLL)

2009-12-02T15:07:32Z

On Wednesday afternoon, First Lady Michelle Obama gave members of the press a preview of the White House's holiday decorations. The previous night the White House had opened the doors "to the first of more than 50,000 visitors who will come to the White House during this holiday season, and it's safe to say that everyone was really impressed. And I heard you all partying last night," she joked. "You had a great time."

She thanked the East Wing and Residence staff and 92 volunteers from 24 states who spent over 3,400 hours decorating the White House.

See the decorations and Mrs. Obama's emerald dress and earrings below, and vote for what wows you. Scroll down for her full remarks.

FULL REMARKS:

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the First Lady

___________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release December 2, 2009

REMARKS BY THE FIRST LADY

AT HOLIDAY PRESS PREVIEW

Grand Foyer

12:01 P.M. EST

MRS. OBAMA: Hello. Good afternoon. Welcome to the White House and Happy Holidays! Thanks to all of you for joining us here today as we preview how we will mark the holidays here at the White House.

Now, like many years past, we've actually been planning this day, and the holiday season, since the summer. And our starting point was a very simple idea: that we include as many people, in as many places, in as many ways as we can.

So we decided to do something just a little different. We took about 800 ornaments left over from previous administrations, we sent them to 60 local community groups throughout the country, and asked them to decorate them to pay tribute to a favorite local landmark and then send them back to us for display here at the White House.

And today, thanks to the East Wing and Residence staff, and 92 volunteers from 24 states who spent more than 3,400 hours decorating over the last several days, we have ornaments hanging on the tree behind me throughout the White House and everywhere else that include the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, the Kennedy Center -- Space Center, as well as some less known places like Davy Crockett Park in Tennessee, Pompey's Pillar in Billings, Montana and one of my favorites, the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.

We also have one of the favorite traditions here at the White House on display -- it's the gingerbread masterpiece by our brilliant chef Bill Yosses, and his team.

But this year we've included something a little bit different. In addition to the gingerbread White House we also have the White House Kitchen Garden on the South Lawn, a shadow box that lets you look into the gingerbread White House and view the State Dining Room. And I just saw there's also a little Bo replica. (Laughter.) So that's a new addition.

And we opened the doors last night to the first of more than 50,000 visitors who will come to the White House during this holiday season, and it's safe to say that everyone was really impressed. And I heard you all partying last night. You had a great time. (Laughter.)

For many people, a visit to the White House is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and it has been made even more magical because of all of your hard work, all of our volunteers. So I want to take just a moment again to thank all of our volunteers who spent so much time making this White House such a special treat, and we hope you had as good a time as it sounded like you had last night. (Laughter.) Your work has really transformed the White House, which is, as we always say, the people's house, and we're so grateful for everything that you've done to make this really a special treat for all of us.

And finally, I want to take a moment to talk about why we chose this year's theme, which is "Reflect, Rejoice and Renew."

And for the Obama family, Christmas and the New Year has always been a time to reflect on our many blessings, to rejoice in the pleasure of spending time with our family and our friends, and to renew our commitment to one another and to the causes that we believe in. And I wanted to continue that part of the tradition during our first holiday season here at the White House.

And this year has been filled with an infinite number of blessings for me and my family. And I say this all the time, but every day I am honored to be this nation's First Lady. And from the day that my family arrived here, I have wanted the American people to share in our journey, to share in the history and the excitement that makes the White House such a special landmark in this nation.

That's why we've worked so hard throughout this year to invite as many people as possible to events here at the White House. We've tried to showcase talents and contributions of our artists and our inventors, of students and masters, of exalted heroes and ordinary citizens of every age and every background. The idea has been to create an environment where every story and every voice is welcome in the White House, and for all of us to rejoice in their accomplishments and to celebrate their contributions to the life of this nation.

And in the new year, we all intend to renew this effort and continue this kind of outreach, so that everyone feels like they have a place here at the White House. And I know many people approach the holidays in the same way in their own lives, and that at this time of year for so many people, they are looking for opportunities to give thanks and to give back. And we're doing the same thing here at the White House. We're focusing our efforts this year on two very important causes -- we're supporting local food banks, and the Toys for Tots program.

Hunger is on the rise here in America, hitting its highest levels in nearly 15 years. A recent report released by the USDA reveals that in 2008, an estimated 1.1 million children were living in households that experienced hunger multiple times over this year. And, of course, no child in the United States of America should ever go to bed hungry, and no family in this country should have to worry that they won't have food on the table, not just during the holidays, but every day.

So to combat hunger this winter, in coordination with the Corporation for National and Community Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, we're launching the United We Serve "Feed a Neighbor" initiative. And this is a program that will provide all Americans with resources to help combat hunger in their own communities. This initiative is a great way for you, for all Americans, along with their friends and families, to give back not just during the holidays, but throughout the year. By going to serve.gov, this program will connect Americans to opportunities like delivering meals to homebound seniors, offering professional skills at a food pantry, or planting a community garden and sharing produce with neighbors.

We're also pleased to be supporting the Toys for Tots program. Over the past year, I've had the privilege of visiting servicemen and women, and their families, all across this country, and have spent much of my time in the White House working to ensure that we properly honor their service.

And each time I visit a base or meet with members of our Armed Forces and veterans, I'm struck not just by the extraordinary sacrifices they and their family make to serve our country, but by all they do to help others right here at home in their own communities.

And the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program is a great example of how servicemen and women are doing even more than just serving our country in uniform. For more than 62 years, Marines have distributed more than 400 million toys to more than 188 million needy children. And in 2008 alone, the program was active in 657 communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Marines and volunteers distributed more than 16.2 million toys that year to 7.6 million children. That was one of their best years ever.

So I'm thrilled this year that the White House staff is going to be supporting these efforts with a toy drive to help make the holidays a little brighter for children in the surrounding communities. The Toys for Tots headquarters is located outside of Marine Corps base Quantico, and I look forward to visiting there later this month to personally deliver the toys that we collect here at the White House.

So these are just two important ways that we'll be marking the holidays here at the White House. So the President and I are urging everyone to join us in these efforts, or to find some way to give back some time during this holiday season.

So on behalf of the Obama family, I wish all of you a joyous and meaningful holiday season. And it is my pleasure to introduce Toys for Tots President and CEO, Lieutenant General Pete Osman, who will provide some additional information about this year's program.

Thank you all very much.

END 12:10 P.M. EST

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Rachel Strugatz: Michelle Obama's State Dinner Earrings By Bochic: "We Were Very Happy"

2009-12-01T12:00:30Z

The one-of-a-kind Naeem Khan gown Michelle Obama donned for the state dinner stole the spotlight initially, but it was her show-stopping earrings that stole our hearts. The first lady borrowed the rose cut, amber, and tourmaline pear shaped earrings from Bochic, brainchild of New York-based David Aaron Joseph and Miriam Salat. To us, the decision to go sans necklace and wear these earrings seemed like the natural choice - how else was she to showcase those enviable arms and shoulders she works so hard on?

Never heard of Bochic? Well, just look to the wrists, ears, and necks of leading ladies such as Eva Mendes, Halle Berry, Angelina Jolie, Hilary Swank, and Sandra Bullock. From Cannes to Hollywood, these are just some of the high profile clientele that frequent the red carpet in in baubles designed by Joseph and Salat.

"We were very happy and honored that the first lady wore our earrings," said an elated Joseph, "She was styled very appropriately and the dress was fantastic. Her stylist did an incredible job on her -- from the hair, to the bangles, to the jewelry. She looked radiant and beautiful and it was right for the occasion."

Joseph and Salat both had backgrounds in the industry before the launch of Bochic in 2004. Salat was a former engineer who turned to jewelry-making to pay her way through grad school, selling her hand-made pieces on the streets of Soho. Her talent didn't go unnoticed, as her collection was soon picked up by department stores such as Barneys New York, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Enter the British-born Joseph, whose family jewelry manufacturing business in London's Hudson Gardens made him very familiar with the traditional way of making fine jewelry. He also owned a gallery in Soho until 2001 where he both represented designers of fine jewelry and dabbled in design himself. The duo joined forces and haven't looked back since.

According to Joseph, the inspiration for the line was born while on vacation with Salat several years ago. "Bochic is the spirit of the bohemian chic woman -- it's the woman who travels to a lot of destinations, and it's someone who has an adventurous spirit. It's the jewelry she might find at the places she travels to or that she wears while traveling. She's not going to put in a safe -- she's going to wear it. It's all fine jewelry but it has more of a fashion element."

"I like the fact that Michelle Obama can be very down-to-earth and wear J.Crew. She's very natural and casual, and then when she needs to dress up she's very, very glamorous. The fact that she can do both also embodies what we're trying to say in our brand," Joseph continued, "The fact that someone can be natural and down-to-earth, but if she needs to dress up, she can. That's the idea behind Bochic."

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Michelle Obama Beats Carla Bruni On French Elle's Best-Dressed List

2009-11-30T11:37:35Z

In more fashion news from France aujourd'hui, Michelle Obama topped Carla Bruni as best-dressed: politique chic in this month's French Elle. This is the second time that Carla has lost to another country's first lady, after Syria's first lady Asma Assad took last year's title.

Other winners are: Penelope Cruz for "Red Carpet," Scarlett Johansson for "Sexy Bombe," Alexa Chung for "British Girl" and Natalia Vodianova for "Fashion Pointue."

Remember when Michelle met Carla? We do! Take a trip down first lady memory lane.

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Michelle's Long Weekend Wear: Which Look Did She Wear Best? (PHOTOS, POLL)

2009-11-30T08:41:05Z

No doubt about it, Michelle Obama's gown at last Tuesday night's state dinner was a hit: as of this morning 88.4% of Huffington Post readers loved it. But as the first lady recovered from all that razzle dazzle, take a look at her comparatively more casual outfits worn over the holiday weekend (the Obamas' first in the White House). Which is your favorite? And which needs a little work?

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Michael Kors: It's Appropriate To Look Rich Without Looking Obnoxious

2009-11-25T12:57:28Z
Recession, shmecession. In Michael Kors's opinion the economy shouldn't keep any woman from looking luxurious. In an interview with the Independent UK, the designer explained his obsession with glamour even in the face of the crisis:

"You could say 'but I don't understand, we're in a recession'. The economy isn't at its strongest so why are we so attracted?" he asks. "But if you watch films from the Thirties, it's all Katharine Hepburn as a mad-cap socialite, and the world was in its worst-ever economic state. We're intrigued by young, beautiful people. We might have to get up in the morning, but does Serena [in "Gossip Girl"]? No, she doesn't. And that's intriguing."

He noted he's never had a collection about "poverty deluxe" and that it is appropriate to look rich, if you do it without looking obnoxious:

"It is, if you do it without looking obnoxious," says Kors. "If you're wearing something colourful, keep the line simple. If you're wearing something ornamented, keep the shape sleek. Right now, to have over-the-top hair and a beaded dress and an over-the-top shoe and a lot of jewellery all at once, it's too much."

Perhaps Kors's sense of balance is why his aesthetic has appealed to First Lady Michelle Obama, who wore one of his dresses in her official portrait and has donned the designer's duds on other occasions.

"I was coming out of the theatre," he remembers, "and I turned the Blackberry on and there were about a hundred emails congratulating me on dressing Mrs Obama. We had no idea! She wore" - with a little moue of an aside - "I mean, talk about modern, a black racer-cut matte jersey dress. Some people say she was channelling Jackie O, but Jackie O was never in matte jersey with an athletic cut. This is a very different world."

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Michelle Obama Ordered Thigh-High Boots From France: Report

2009-11-25T10:18:35Z
Viva la France!, in the Obama household, at least. AFP is reporting that Michelle Obama has ordered two pairs of boots from French shoemaker Robert Clergerie: "A black pair with flat heels as well as another pair of calf-length boots in soft beige buckskin, both in size 41 (US size nine-and-a-half, British size seven)." Clergerie said that one of the styles was slightly changed at Michelle's request, an accommodation he's used to after working with Madonna, Bianca Jagger and French first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy.

The Obamas have previously waved their French fashion flag high, with Sasha and Malia wearing Parisian label Dino E Lucia in the First Family photo.

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State Dinner Arrivals PHOTOS: Who Was Best-Dressed? (PICTURES, POLL, VIDEO)

2009-11-25T08:46:57Z
The red carpet was rolled out in Washington on Tuesday night as President and First Lady Obama welcomed Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur for their first official White House state dinner. Check out photos of state dinner guests as they arrived, and vote for who you thought was best-dressed! And read more about Michelle Obama's dress.

Check out our State Dinner Big News page

WATCH:

Pooler Nia-Malika Henderson of POLITICO offered some style superlatives:

Pooler stood patiently for two hours and saw State Dinner arrivals in booksellers area, and there was too much fabulousness to describe in detail here. So here are the greatest moments and a few broad details.

Lots of saris tonight (and probably one too many pantsuits according to some witnesses who will not be named here), and lots of people who didn't quite get the "stand here and pose" thing down.

Best Sari goes to Semonti Stephens who wore one of the dresses from her Spring wedding. A red number with gold jewelry from Calcutta.

Best Wardrobe malfunction goes to Bob Casey whose cumberband slithered from his waist to the floor.

Best Look goes to Speaker Nancy Pelosi who when Robin Givhan asked her "Is your gown Armani?"...Pelosi shot her a disapproving stare and rolled her eyes a bit--i.e. Pelosi to Givhan: Drop Dead. (No answer to Givhan's follow up question which was "What was that look?!")

Biggest Celebs: Steven Spielberg, Alfre Woodard and Blair Underwood (together but not an item). Also, fyi, some stars are shorter, more wrinkled, not as hot in person. Underwood. Hotter.

Honorable mention for biggest star: Gayle King, sans bff Oprah Winfrey.

Best Dressed Billionaire: Mayor Michael Bloomberg sporting red bow tie.

Best attempt at self-deprecation goes to NBC's Brian Williams who strolled in before movie mogul David Geffen, said "hello press," and then: "I grew up a busboy in New Jersey so I have to resist the urge to clean up."

Best random uttering about a guest: Oh my god, a real housewife! (See Real Housewives of DC for more info)....

Best shout out to colleague: Helene Cooper "Tom Friedman you better stop!"

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Michelle Obama's State Dinner Dress By Naeem Khan (PHOTOS, POLL, VIDEO)

2009-11-24T20:50:57Z
Michelle Obama looked dazzling in a sleeveless gold dress and shawl as she and President Obama welcome Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife Mrs. Gursharan Kaur for the first official state dinner on Tuesday night.

Mrs. Obama's dress was designed by Indian-American designer Naeem Khan.

Check out our State Dinner Big News page!

WATCH:

FROM THE POOL REPORT:

The Obamas and the Indian prime minister and first lady pose for the official photo:

Pool was brought into the Grand Foyer at 7:17 p.m., after Prime Minister Singh and his wife, Gursharan Kaur arrived and were greeted by POTUS and FLOTUS on the North Portico (this was open press).

As pool waited in the Grand Foyer, the Marine Orchestra filled the room with music, including John Rutter's Suite for Strings (the first one) and a number called Fascinatin Rhythm, which sounded it had a touch of New Orleans in it.

Your pooler could hear laughter and chatter coming from at the top of the Grand Staircase - although not enough to make out what anyone said. A fire burned in a fireplace in the Green Room. White House staff and Secret Service were shuttling around in tuxedos and floor-length ball gowns.

Speaking of which, FLOTUS is wearing a strapless, floor-length, champagne-colored gown with silver detail by designer Indian-born designer Naeem Khan. Her hair is swept back and she is also wearing a bunch of churis, traditional sparkly Indian bangle bracelets. Kaur was wearing a black sari with red and gold trim.

At 7:37 p.m., some administration officials made their way down the Grand Staircase. Secretary Clinton was first, accompanied by someone your pooler did not recognize, following behind were Gen. Jim Jones, Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden - who is wearing a gown by Lebanese designer Reem Acra - and Ambassador Rice, Ambassador Timothy Roemer. They all two-by-two walked into the Green Room.

Around 7:45 p.m. POTUS, FLOTUS, Singh and Kaur made their way down the red carpet lining Cross Hall. They came from the west side. The four of them stood in front of the doors to the Blue Room - from right to left: POTUS, Singh, FLOTUS, Kaur. POTUS and FLOTUS flashed broad smiles as the cameras rolled and photographers clicked, while Singh and Kaur were more plain-faced. They four of them then turned and entered the Blue Room.

Pool is now holding in the press file, waiting to be taken to the tent for toasts.

Carol Lee

POLITICO

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State Dinner LIVE on Twitter

2009-11-24T18:49:20Z
Follow the state dinner live through our curated Twitter lists. Do you know a tweeter who's perfect for one of these lists? Email us at twitterlists@huffingtonpost.com! Check out our State Dinner Big News page and follow the state dinner LIVE on Twitter!

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Michelle Obama Talks History, Protocol Of State Visits; Repeats J. Crew Cardigan (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

2009-11-24T14:09:28Z
On Tuesday afternoon Michelle Obama, White House Curator William Allman and Tanya Turner, Protocol Officer for the Visits Division at the U.S. Department of State spoke about the history and protocol of state and official visits and state dinners from the White House State Dining Room.

Check out our State Dinner Big News page!

The first lady wore the same sparkly J. Crew cardigan she wore for her visit to 10 Downing Street in April. She wore a pencil skirt by Rachel Roy.

Mrs. Obama was also hosting young women from the White House Leadership and Mentoring Program. After she spoke, the group sat down to eat.

WATCH:

FULL REMARKS:

REMARKS BY THE FIRST LADY

AT INDIAN STATE DINNER PRESS PREVIEW

State Dining Room

2:00 P.M. EST

MRS. OBAMA: Thank you. Welcome, everyone. How are you all doing? It's good to see you.

Well, as Desiree mentioned, this is a very exciting time here at the White House and we are just excited to welcome all of you. We've got a big day going on -- this is our first official state visit of the Obama administration. It's very exciting for us.

And today the President is welcoming and working with India's Prime Minister Singh. And this evening, tonight the President and I are going to be hosting our first state dinner -- and we're hosting for the Prime Minister and his wife, Mrs. Kaur, who we met earlier today.

So one of the things we thought -- and I don't know about all of you -- is whether you wonder, what are these state dinners all about and these state visits? Because when I was your age I didn't know what they were doing. So we thought it would be fun to take a little time to expose you to what's going to happen today and this evening. So that's why you are all here today and we're really excited to have you.

These state visits and dinners are a really important part of our nation's diplomacy. Throughout history, they've given U.S. presidents -- and the American people -- the opportunity to make important milestones in foreign relations. So these dinners and events are really critical to what we do internationally. And they've helped build stronger ties with nations as well as people around the world. That's what President Obama and Prime Minister Singh are doing today.

And I know that all of us on our team here at the West Wing and the East Wing, we wish that we could include many, many more people in today's events and this evening's events because it's not often that you get to do this. But even with a house like the White House, there's only so many people that we can invite. So one of the ways that First Ladies in the past have tried to include the broader public in on what's going on is by holding these types of events where we invite the press to share some of the incredible behind-the-scenes work that goes into planning and pulling off this amazing day.

But today we're also doing something a little different by having you all here. As our mentees know, one of the things we've talked about that the President and I have tried to do is really open up this White House to our neighbors here in Washington, D.C., especially to local students and to children in our community. Because what we know is that even though many of you guys live just a few minutes, maybe a little bit away from here -- but you're close -- these events probably seem like they're miles and miles away, like they're just untouchable.

So that's why we really tried to think about ways to include kids in the community all throughout today's event. At the opening ceremonies today we invited about 50 students from local schools to attend the welcoming event. And that's why we're so happy to have you guys here with us today. And for those of you who don't know, these girls are a part of our young women who participate in the White House Leadership and Mentoring Program. And we're really thrilled to have you guys here, because this is your White House and we want you to be a part of what we do here.

So, how do we get this stuff done? The President and I are going to host this really neat dinner outside in the tent. But we describe it, it's sort of like a swan, where we're kind of calm and serene above water -- but we're paddling like mad, going crazy underneath, trying to look smooth. But there's a lot of work that goes into making this happen and we have a lot of people who are helping to put it together. And it takes everyone at the White House and the State Department and the Military Office who've worked so hard to put all of the events together today -- the guest list, the invitations, the place settings that you see here, you've got to figure out who sits where -- all that fun stuff.

It takes all the folks in the kitchen -- we have our incredible White House Chef Cris Comerford -- who some of you guy met -- and the rest of our kitchen staff. And tonight, we're going to include a guest chef tonight, a gentleman by the name of Marcus Samuellson -- and he's one of the finest chefs in the country, who is going to cook the dinner this evening. Cris, Marcus and our kitchen staff are working on a wonderful menu tonight that you'll be able to share in a little bit. It's going to showcase the best of American cooking. It's going to include the freshest ingredients from area farmers and purveyors. And because of all of the hard work of some other kids in the community, we've got this wonderful White House kitchen garden out in the South Lawn and we're going to use some of the herbs from that garden in tonight's dinner as well.

But there's also more to the dinner than just the food, even though that's going to be exciting. Dinners like these also need great entertainment. So who do we have tonight? We've got someone you guys probably know a lot about: Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson is going to sing tonight -- yay! But also have A.R. Rahman. He's also an Oscar winner and he helped create some of the music for the film "Slumdog Millionaire." I don't know if you guys got to see that movie -- incredible movie. We're also going to have Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Kurt Elling, who's a Chicago hometown guy and we're pleased to have him. And we're also going to have the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Marvin Hamlisch, who's one of the greatest composers in this country.

So it's going to be an incredible night for a lot of our guests. And in just a few minutes, you're going to hear a little bit more about the whole process of state visits and dinners from White House Historian, Bill Allman. He's going to give you a little bit of the background to how these things have worked in the past. And you're also going to hear about the importance of protocol from Tanya Turner, who is a protocol officer from the State Department. And protocol is critical -- protocol, how you stand, how you sit, who walks where -- all of that is really important. So Tanya is going to share with us how all that works and how we think about it.

But before I turn it over to them, I just want to take a few moments to share with everyone here also why today means so much to me, personally.

As you've seen from this year, I have been on the other side of these visits and dinners -- as a guest in many countries. Since becoming First Lady, I've had the opportunity to visit eight countries with my husband, the President. And in each and every country, during each and every visit, I have been moved by the warmth and gracious hospitality that our hosts and the citizens of the countries that we visited have extended to the President and to me.

It means a great deal when you're visiting and your hosts make you feel like you're at home, like they're excited to see you. It means the world.

Each visit has also been unique and profound in its own way. It's not just the pomp and circumstances and the lights and the cameras and the fancy dresses. But when we've gone to other countries we've done some incredible things. We've seen the Jewish Quarter in Prague; we visited the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican; we've been to the Coliseum in Rome; and the American Cemetery on the beaches of Normandy in France, where the world comes to honor the brave soldiers who died there.

These places are more than just monuments to history, truly. They compel us to see the world through a broader lens -- not just from your own backyard or your school or your neighborhood -- but they teach us to look at the world broadly and to look at our place in it in a different way; to respect and admire each other's culture and traditions in a very different way; and to honor all the values and the interests we have in common across the world.

You see this not in the pomp and circumstances, but in the people that you meet. We've met tons of incredible people over the course of our trips: the children, and the nuns who care for them, at a beautiful orphanage that I visited in Russia; young girls, girls just like many of you, that I got to spend some time with in London at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School, it was an amazing day; the nurses in the maternal health clinic in Ghana, in Africa, that we got to see.

See, all these people -- you know, the children, these caretakers, the girls, their teachers, these nurses and mothers that you've seen, that we met -- what you learn is that they all want the same things as you do, as we do. Folks around the world, they want to live in peace; they want to pursue their dreams just like you guys do -- and they have big, huge dreams just like you; and they hope for a brighter future for the next generation, just like we hope for you. Doesn't matter where you're from -- these dreams are the same.

So what we figure out from these visits is that all across the world -- non matter what our religions or races are -- that we are all building that future together. And building that future is not just the job of any one country alone. No one country can do it by themselves. It's the responsibility of all our countries all over the world to work together. And that's why the President has worked so hard to begin what he's called a new era in our relations with the world and other countries. He's worked to strengthen diplomacy. He's worked to renew old alliances, so that we're talking differently with countries and people that we haven't talked to before. He's building new partnerships -- and these partnerships he hopes will be based on mutual trust and respect.

But one of the things that the President has said is that this new era of engagement can't just be between governments -- you know, it's not just about the presidents and prime ministers getting along. This new era of engagement also has to be between the people -- the diplomats, the business leaders, the scientists, the health care workers. And yes, the teachers and the students. Young people just like you are a part of building that future and that engagement, the ability to exchange with one another as young people as you are is critical.

And that's why the President, when he goes to another country he makes it a point to visit and to speak with students all around the world -- whether he was in Europe or Cairo or China -- he always reaches out to young people. And we need to expand that type of educational exchange, so that students like all of you here have the opportunity to experience and learn from other cultures -- and to share your own culture, however unique and different, with other parts of the world.

Deepening these ties is one of the things that the President and the Prime Minister are working on today, one of the reasons for the trip and the state dinner is for these leaders to work together -- whether it's along the lines of working on the economy or climate change or global health -- they know that young people like you, students, our future leaders are among America's greatest ambassadors and India's greatest ambassadors as well. In fact, India sends more students to study in this country than any other country -- this year alone more than 100,000 students from India came here to America to study somewhere.

So by doing that they learn from us, and we learn from them in a very fundamental way. And as a result of those interactions, we're all the richer for it. And after today's visit, we'll hopefully expand these exchanges even more. And who knows, maybe one of you all sitting at this table, one of our little mentees, will be living and studying somewhere in India -- maybe New Delhi or Mumbai or Bangalore. Just imagine that, start thinking about your future in that way. This visit at this table is the beginning of that for all of you. Because, again, governments alone can't build the future that we want for the world. That's the job for each and every one of us.

So that's one of the lessons for today. It's our job -- and that's one of the lessons of the relationship between the United States and India.

Back when the President was a senator, he kept a picture of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of India, in his office. And it was before he was a senator, he was always a big supporter and admirer of Gandhi, because Gandhi inspired so many people -- in India and all around the world -- with his example of dignity and tolerance and peace. And with a simple call, Gandhi would say: To be the change we wish to see in the world -- we are that change. We are that change.

So again, today is a celebration of the great ties between the world's two largest democracies -- that's the United States and that's India. But it's also an opportunity to deepen those ties -- and a reminder to be the change that each of us seeks -- whether that's in your home or in your school or in your community or in your country, you are all the change that we need.

So I'll stop lecturing and I will now turn it over to Bill and to Tanya, who will talk a bit more about the history and protocol. And then we get to test out some of the food.

So again, we are proud to see you, happy to see you. We're going to see you again in December, because we're going to do some more fun stuff. I know we have three new mentees here. Can you guys, the new mentees, raise your hands? I see some new faces. Welcome. It's good to have you. We're going to have a lot of fun. Just ignore them, pretend that they're not here. (Laughter.) And I'll turn it over to Bill. Thank you guys, so much.

END 2:15 P.M. EST

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Michelle Obama, Jill Biden, Hillary Clinton Don Indian-Inspired Ensembles At Arrival Ceremony (PHOTOS)

2009-11-24T09:45:30Z
*Scroll down for pool report*

Looks like First Lady Michelle Obama got the memo saying that bright colors are embraced by Indian culture. Mrs. Obama wore a bright orange suit designed by Isaac Mizrahi and dangly earrings. Gursharan Kaur, Prime Minister Singh's wife, wore a green sari.

Hillary Clinton and SLOTUS Jill Biden also looked vibrant in bright red and blue, respectively.

Check out our State Dinner Big News page!

The first lady later revealed a sleeveless dress during a meeting with Mrs. Gursharan Kaur in the Yellow Oval Room of the White House ((Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton):

Photos of the arrival ceremony by Getty:

From the pool report by Politico's Carol Lee:

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama welcome Prime Minister Singh of India and India's first lady, Gursharan Kaur

An abbreviated arrival ceremony kicked off POTUS's first official visit. The event was held in the East Room instead of on the South Lawn because of rain.

Pool was led into the East Room at 8:35 a.m. A crowd was already in place, standing behind a rope on the north side of the room, to the left of the stage where POTUS and Singh spoke. Some of them were schoolchildren from DC-area schools. Many of them were holding programs decorated with the presidential seal and small American and Indian flags. White House said there were roughly 200 of them. WH also provided the names of the U.S. Welcoming Committee to your pooler, which is below.

A few people your pooler spotted in the crowd: CNN's Sanjay Gupta, actress Alfre Woodard, actor Blair Underwood, Rep. Joseph Crowley of New York, and a couple helpful photographers told your pooler they spotted Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, and Sam Kass, White House chef standing in the back wearing a suit.

The room was set up so that the podium where POTUS and Singh spoke faced East, toward cameras, photographers and reporters, with Cross Hall behind them. There were three sets of American and Indian flags in the room - two pairs behind the podium and one pair to the left of the podium in the back of the room in front of reporters.

Around 8:55 a.m. some members of the Indian delegation entered the East Room from the Green Room and stood along the South Wall in front of the gold curtains.

Members of the U.S. delegation began streaming in soon after, including COS Rahm Emanuel and Gen. Jim Jones, who stood next to each other and shook hands.

Next Vice President Biden, his wife Jill Biden, and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton entered from the Green Room. Clinton wore a bright red jacket with black buttons and black slacks. At one point, she appeared to recognize someone across the room (where the crowd of 200 stood) and clasped her hands together, smiled and nodded twice. Someone shouted "Hillary."

Jill Biden wore a purple dress. VPOTUS and Clinton chitchatted.

Shortly after, FLOTUS entered with Kaur, who wore a green sari. FLOTUS wore an orange embroidered Isaac Mizrahi ensemble, a coat worn over a dress, with a sash tied in a bow around her waist. The pattern was fall festive, leaves. Her hair was swept back and she paired the outfit with drop earrings and copper pumps.

FLOTUS and Kaur greeted VPOTUS, Jill Biden and Clinton before taking their positions on the carpet, off the stage to the right.

From her perch, FLOTUS waved to the guests on the other side of the room, and chatted with Kaur.

POTUS and Singh entered the East Room from Cross Hall at 9:22 a.m. to the tune of Hail to the Chief. The two leaders stood on a stage lined in ferns a few steps behind a podium that was adorned with a seal that did not include the words "President of the United States." First the Indian national anthem played. Both leaders kept their hands to their sides. FLOTUS held hers clasped in front of her. POTUS stared at the pair of Indian and American flags in the back of the room to the left, where all the photographers and reporters were. Singh looked straight ahead.

As the tune segued to the American national anthem, POTUS placed his right hand on his heart.

At the end of the anthem, POTUS nodded and stepped to podium. He began speaking at 9:26 a.m. and spoke for about 5 minutes. Remarks have already gone out.

POTUS received applause when he acknowledged that India is his first state guest, telling Singh it's "fitting that you and India be so recognized." As POTUS spoke, Singh stood to his right, and nodded.

After concluding his remarks, POTUS shook hands with Singh and turned the podium over to him. Applauding, FLOTUS looked at Kaur, who was also applauding and who nodded in approval. Singh's aide handed him his remarks, which Singh placed on the podium and said he was "deeply honored" to be POTUS's first state dinner guest.

"This is a moment of great opportunity in our relationship," Singh said.

After Singh finished his remarks, POTUS shook his hand and told him, "Thank you so much." POTUS looked to an aide for direction. Then the two leaders turned to exit back out through Cross Hall. Singh had taken his notes from the podium and was carrying them with him, then changed his mind and turned back around to place them on the podium. POTUS waited for him and hten placed his hand on Singh's back as they exited.

Then first ladies exited next, followed by the delegations.

Reporters and the 200 guests who had been standing behind the ropes were left in the East Room. Pool was held until 9:55 a.m.

There was a crush to take photos at the podium and Blair Underwood was mobbed by really excited schoolchildren. He spent 20 minutes, signing autographs and posing for pictures.

From the WH:

The group stage left (approx 200 people) is comprised of Members of Congress, Embassy Guests, and about 50 students from Walker Jones Educational Campus and Schools Without Walls (both in DC).

Stage right: US Welcoming Committee, Official Indian Delegation, and the Embassy of India Welcoming Committee.

Members of the US Welcoming Committee:

· The Vice President

· Dr. Biden

· Secretary Clinton

· William J. Lynn, Deputy Secretary of Defense

· James E. "Hoss" Cartwright, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

· Chief of Staff Rahm I. Emanuel

· General James L. Jones

· Mr. John Brennan

· Mr. Mike Froman

· Mr. Anish Goel

· Mr. Stuart Seldowitz

· Ambassador Roble Olhaye, Ambassador of the Republic of Djibouti and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps

o Under Secretary Maria Otero
o Under Secretary Hormats
o Ambassador Timothy Roemer
o Mayor Adrian Fenty
o Mrs. Michelle Fenty
o Assistant Secretary Verma
o Assistant Secretary Robert Blake
o Mr. Alonzo L. Fulgham
o City Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray
o Mrs. Loretta Gray

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Obamas Leave Event Early, Then Return; FLOTUS Wears Moschino Dress (PHOTOS)

2009-11-24T08:03:33Z
WASHINGTON President Barack Obama is getting used to leaving events before they end � even when he doesn't have to.

Obama on Monday mistakenly left a White House ceremony honoring two activists' work in Zimbabwe. After finishing his remarks in the East Room, he walked with first lady Michelle Obama into the grand hallway across the main floor of the Executive Mansion.

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State Dinner Style! See What Former First Ladies Have Worn (PHOTOS, POLL)

2009-11-21T08:58:35Z
It's like the inauguration all over again! Everyone is wondering what (and who?) Michelle Obama will wear when she and her husband welcome Prime Minister Singh for Tuesday night's state dinner. From Jackie Kennedy to Laura Bush (and a lot of Hillary Clinton in between), here's a look back at some other first lady fashion at state dinners. Tell us which looks you think are spectacular and which are just "eh."

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Michelle Obama Changes From Ruffles To Ribbons On Wednesday (PHOTOS)

2009-11-18T15:41:16Z
First Lady Michelle Obama kept a busy schedule on Wednesday, speaking at two public events. The first was a visit to Hollin Meadows Elementary School in Alexandra, Virginia, where she spoke about the importance of healthy eating among children and handed out bananas and tangerines to students. The second appearance was back at the White House where she and Jill Biden saluted women in the military.

For her school visit, Mrs. Obama wore a ruffled blouse and debuted a new belt. When she returned to the White House she donned a Thakoon-style blouse and purple pencil skirt. See below.

The AP story on her school visit, by MATTHEW BARAKAT:

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - First Lady Michelle Obama received a few gardening tips from students Wednesday as she toured a Virginia elementary school's vegetable garden.

Mrs. Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack visited Hollin Meadows Elementary to promote the Obama administration's Healthier U.S. Schools initiative.

Students showed the first lady how they harvested lettuce from the school's extensive garden that will be used in the salad at a special Thanksgiving luncheon later this week.

"We do the same thing in our garden at the White House," she said as they demonstrated how they dig up the lettuce by its roots and tap loose the topsoil.

The first lady has made an effort to promote childhood fitness and nutrition, installing a produce garden at the White House. Last month she hula-hooped on the South Lawn of the White house as part of a kids' health fair. The first lady joked Wednesday that the video of her hula-hooping has received "a little too much attention."

Mrs. Obama and Vilsack also passed out bananas and tangerines in the school's cafeteria line. She praised the school's efforts to promote nutrition as well as their decision to extend recess periods to promote fitness.

School officials explained that they extended the recess period from 20 minutes to 30 minutes a day, not only because it promotes fitness but because it helps the kids learn social interaction and leaves them more focused and engaged during classroom time.

"If anyone has kids, you know they need ... some exercise to focus," Mrs. Obama said. "If you have a dog, you know that."

Alexandria is just across the Potomac River from the White House. Students did not learn until this morning that the first lady would be attending. Fourth-grader Sydnie Vest was one of several kids who lined up to receive a hug; she said she didn't want to let the opportunity slip by.

"It was a special hug because that was probably the last time I'll ever be able to do that," she said.

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Michelle Obama vs. Sarah Palin: Whose Shorts Are More Scandalous? (PHOTOS, POLL)

2009-11-17T12:59:35Z
Sarah Palin is on the cover of Newsweek, but she's not happy about it. In an image taken from a Runner's World photo shoot, the former governor wears running shorts and sneakers. Palin blasted the selection in a Facebook note, writing "The Runner's World magazine one-page profile for which this photo was taken was all about health and fitness - a subject to which I am devoted and which is critically important to this nation. The out-of-context Newsweek approach is sexist and oh-so-expected by now."

The last time shorts made news like this was when first lady Michelle Obama sported them on-board Air Force One in August.

So whose shorts are more controversial? Michelle Obama's because she wore them on Air Force One or Sarah Palin's because the Newsweek editors put them on the cover? See the photos and weigh in below.

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Sophie Theallet, Michelle Obama Favorite, Wins CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

2009-11-17T08:36:32Z
Designer Sophie Theallet took home one of the fashion world's top honors on Monday night: The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, pocketing $200,000 and a year of mentoring.

Theallet, a French transplant, has been worn by Michelle Obama several times in the past year. (See below.) In 2008 Theallet made news by casting an all-black cast of models for her first runway show at a time when models of any color are still few and far between.

Below, designer Alber Elbaz and actress Nicole Kidman present Theallet with the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award on Monday night in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Vogue)

WATCH:

Michelle Obama in Sophie Theallet on April 28th:

Michelle Obama in Sophie Theallet in Ghana on July 11th:

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Pretty Preppy! Michelle Obama Changes Argyle Outfit In Colorado (PHOTOS)

2009-11-16T16:43:39Z
On Monday Michelle Obama spoke at a girls mentoring event at the Governor's Mansion in Denver, Colorado. The first lady wore an argyle Moschino cardigan and skirt.

With Colorado's first lady Jeannie Ritter at the Governor's Mansion. (AP Photo)

The first lady then changed into black trousers for a visit to South High School on November 16, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. (Getty Photo)

The first lady's beaded bracelet:

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Michelle Obama Stricken With A Cold, Wears Sunny J. Crew Ensemble (PHOTOS)

2009-11-13T17:42:58Z
Michelle Obama has a cold. On Friday afternoon, the first lady began her remarks on the difficulties older women face in today's health insurance market by saying "First of all, forgive me -- I've got children, and now I have a cold. It goes along with the territory."

Despite feeling a little under the weather, the first lady wore a cheerful J. Crew ensemble with her favorite new belt and what's become her signature updo. The belt was last seen on November 3rd, when she launched a mentoring program for girls.

Scroll down for the first lady's remarks below.

FULL REMARKS:

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the First Lady

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release November 13, 2009

REMARKS BY THE FIRST LADY

ON HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM AND OLDER WOMEN

East Room

3:12 P.M. EST

MRS. OBAMA: Thank you, everybody. Thank you so much. First of all, forgive me -- I've got children, and now I have a cold. (Laughter.) It goes along with the territory.

Let me begin by first thanking Tina Tchen, who's doing an outstanding job as Director of the Office of Public Engagement by opening up this White House to the American people and organizing events like this one today. She's just been a terrific asset and a dear friend -- and let's give her a round of applause. (Applause.)

And I also want to commend Nancy-Ann for her extraordinary leadership on health care -- health insurance reform. I know my husband, who is traveling abroad right now, would agree with me when I say that without her, we wouldn't have come this far, and because of her, we're going to get the job done. So we are grateful to you, Nancy-Ann. (Applause.)

And of course, I want to thank all the women who are here today. This is a wonderful, lively group -- I heard you all giggling earlier today. (Laughter.)

But I also want to thank the women who spoke today -- to Kelly and Fran and Judy -- for sharing their stories. What they've been through isn't easy, and I'm grateful that they have been brave enough and open enough to share their stories with all of us. It takes a lot of courage.

These stories touch our hearts. They spark in us just a fundamental sense of unfairness. But the sad truth is none of these stories are unique. These kinds of stories are being told in city after city, town after town, all across America. They're being told by women who lost their coverage when their husband lost a job, or their husband passed away. They're being told by women who aren't getting regular checkups because it's simply too expensive. They're being told my women living on fixed incomes who can't afford the prescription drugs that they need.

All of these stories reflect the fundamental reality -- and that is, women are among those struggling most under the status quo, the way things are. And women are among those who will benefit most from health insurance reform because the truth is that women, we have a special relationship with our health care system. In a lot of families that's true because we are the health care system in so many ways. (Laughter.)

Eight in 10 mothers say they're the ones responsible for choosing their children's doctors, taking them to appointments, and managing the follow-up care. And over 10 percent of all women are now caring for a sick or elderly relative.

Our entire lives as women, we are asked to bear much of the responsibility for our family's health and well-being. And yet, we often face special challenges when it comes to our own health insurance. Part of it has to do with the fact that women are more likely than men to do part-time work or to work in a small business -- in jobs that are less likely to offer the kind of insurance that you really need. In fact, over half of all women in this country don't have the option of getting insurance through the workplace at all.

But even women who do have insurance face inequities under the status quo. Because women make less than 80 cents for every dollar their male coworkers make, it's more difficult for them to pay their premiums -- especially when studies show that they're paying far more than men for the same coverage.

And I don't think anyone here will be surprised to learn that a recent study found that one-third of all women have either used up savings, taken on debt, or given up basic necessities just to pay their medical bills. And as many of you know firsthand, these kinds of problems -- the problems of coverage and cost -- only grow worse when you get older, making quality, affordable coverage harder to come by just -- as we've seen today and heard today -- just when you need it the most.

In the individual market, people in their early 60s are more than twice as likely to be denied coverage than people in their late 30s. Older women are more likely than men to face a chronic illness, but they're less likely to be able to afford the cost of treating that illness. And in recent years, studies have shown that women over the age of 65 spend about 17 percent of their income on health care. And that's just not right.

Our mothers and grandmothers, they have taken care of us all their lives; they've made the sacrifices that it takes to get us where we need to be. And we have an obligation to make sure that we're taking care of them. It's as simple as that. America has a responsibility to give all seniors the golden years they deserve and the secure, dignified retirement that they worked so hard to achieve. (Applause.)

And that's exactly what health insurance reform is going to help us do in this country.

Now, I can tell you -- I can't tell, actually, what the bill that will ultimately land across my husband's desk will look like -- none of us can. But I can tell you just a few important ways that the insurance system will be impacted.

For starters -- and this is very important -- your insurance will not change unless you want it to change. So if things are great for you, you're fine. (Laughter.) It will, however, become more stable and more secure, no matter what your situation is. There will be a cap on how much you can be charged in out-of-pocket expenses in a year or in a lifetime. So there will be a cap. It will be against the law for insurance companies to deny you coverage for preexisting conditions. (Applause.) And that change alone will help us end the discrimination women face in our health care system. And also, insurance companies will be required to cover, at no extra cost, routine checkups and preventive care.

And I'd like to speak just a moment about what reform will mean for seniors, in particular.

There's been a lot of misinformation on this topic so I want to be clear -- Nancy-Ann mentioned this: Not a dime of the Medicare Trust Fund will be used to pay for reform. Health insurance reform will not endanger Medicare; it will make Medicare more stable and secure. (Applause.) By eliminating wasteful subsidies to private insurance and cracking down on fraud and abuse throughout the system, this administration believes that we can bring down premiums for all our seniors and extend the life of the Medicare Trust Fund.

My husband believes that Medicare is a sacred part of America's social safety net, and it's a safety net that he will protect -- he will protect with health insurance reform. And I know that many seniors on Medicare are also concerned about the cost of prescription drugs; we've heard about it here.

Right now, millions of seniors face huge out-of-pocket costs when their spending on drugs falls within a coverage gap. My husband is committed to closing that gap, which will save some seniors, as you've heard, thousands of dollars on medications and make prescription drugs more affordable for millions of older Americans. (Applause.)

So what we're talking about -- affordable prescription drugs for Americans who need them; Medicare that's protected today and tomorrow; stability and security for Americans who have insurance; quality, affordable coverage for Americans who don't. That's what reform will mean for older women, for seniors, and for all Americans.

So that's why I believe in this so strongly. That's why I believe in this so strongly.

But in the end, I'm not here just as a First Lady. That's not why I'm doing this. I am here because I'm a daughter. I'm here because I have an extraordinary mother who is 72 years old -- young. (Laughter and applause.) And I know there are countless women in this country who have loved ones who feel the same way about them as I do about my mother.

And when all is said and done, part of why I believe so strongly in reforming our health care system is because of the difference it will make for these women who gave us life -- so simple -- these women who raised us, these women who supported us through the years. They deserve better than the status quo. They deserve a health care system that heals them and lifts them up.

And that's what my husband is committed to doing, to building that kind of system in the weeks and months to come.

So thank you all. Thank you for sharing your stories. Thank you all for your hard work and dedication, for listening, for being a part -- and let's get to work. Thank you so much. (Applause.)

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Jason Wu: I'm Too 'Busy' To Meet Michelle Obama Right Now (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

2009-11-12T08:47:48Z
Michelle Obama famously wore a Jason Wu gown on inauguration night, and has been wearing his designs ever since. But in an interview with the Washington Times, the designer reveals that he's never met the first lady. "I'd definitely love to in the near future, but now I'm really, really busy working on my pre-fall collection and moving to my new studio space," Wu said. "It's really exciting to see the first lady promote her fashion in such a good way. I'm always excited to see what she wears, whether it's by me or not."

Don't be so modest, Jason! Here's a round-up of a dozen ensembles donned by Michelle and made by Wu:

We can't wait for their meeting of the style minds.

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Michelle Obama Veterans Day PHOTOS: Coat Season Kickoff! (PHOTOS)

2009-11-11T15:00:22Z
Michelle Obama kicked off coat season when she attended a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, wearing a teal J. Crew coat over a turquoise Maria Pinto dress. She wore almost the exact same outfit to lunch with the DC Mayor Adrian Fenty ten days after inauguration.

The same day delivered remarks to George Washington University students in a Zero + Maria Cornejo jacket.

FLOTUS is known for recycling outfits: see a slideshow of her favorite repeats HERE.

Given the rainy conditions, the first lady's footwear was entirely practical, but poor Jill Biden must have been freezing in her open-toe slingbacks.

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Gina Pell: Trends: The Lady Brooch

2009-11-11T13:11:28Z

The brooch has been making a slow but steady comeback ever since Sarah Jessica Parker, the canary of the fashion coalmine, pinned a dazzling trio of Harry Winston brooches to her cashmere sweater in 2004. Now that First Lady fashion icon, Michelle Obama, loves to adorn her apparel with these festive pins, the brooch just might usurp the iPod as everyone's favorite accessory. Too conservative, you say? Pshaw. The brooch doesn't always have to be worn grazing the shoulder. I pin mine to a silk ribbon or velvet cord and wear around my wrist (I doctored a photo of Cameron below to demonstrate). You can also wear them in your hair, on a scarf, at the curve of your waist, and just about anywhere that needs a little panache. Are you ready to "brooch" the subject? Good, then take a gander at the exquisite examples that my Splendora editors and I found for you below.

View my 5 Favorite Decadent Brooches and 5 Best Bargain Brooches HERE >>

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Thakoon To Make Brooches, Jewelry For Michelle Obama?

2009-11-10T09:32:30Z
Thakoon Panichgul, the genius behind Thakoon, is branching out into fine jewelry.

The ready-to-wear designer (and Michelle Obama favorite) has signed on to design for Japanese jewelry company Tasaki.
Read more: Thakoon Michelle Obama, Thakoon Jewelry, Michelle Obama Style, Thakoon, Style News

Obamas Spend Weekend At Camp David (PHOTOS)

2009-11-09T08:28:31Z
On Saturday, the first family made their first trip to Camp David since Labor Day weekend. They spent the night at the weekend retreat--where they have been known to hold talent shows--before returning to the White House on Sunday afternoon. See photos below.

Or read more about and see more photos of Camp David HERE.

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Isabel Toledo Describes New Michelle Obama Dress: "It's Very Marilyn Monroe" (VIDEO)

2009-11-06T11:58:58Z
Designer Isabel Toledo presented her spring collection in D.C. on Wednesday night and in an interview with Politico, Toledo dropped hints about a new dress of hers that has found her way into Michelle Obama's closet. "She has a new piece of mine that's all pleated jersey, in black," Toledo said. "It's very Marilyn Monroe, actually. It has a beautiful flow. But we don't know what it's for." Toledo and her husband Ruben also reflected on their success nearly one year after Michelle Obama first donned her inaugural outfit.

The designer also revealed that she stayed home during the inauguration: "I was invited, but I stayed with my staff because we wanted to enjoy it all together."

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