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Mrs-O.com is a blog dedicated to chronicling the fashion and style of First Lady Michelle Obama. Founded September 2008. 

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Tuesday
May052009

Simply Stunning

Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Time Inc.

We are beside ourselves, our First Lady is so beautiful. Really, there are no words.

Mrs. O is in New York City this evening, to address Time Magazine's "100 Most Influential People" gala.

Update: Red Carpet Fashion Awards reports that Mrs. O wore a simple black sleeveless Azzedine Alaia gown, with a Peter Soronen corset, accessorized with multiple strands of necklaces by Loree Rodkin, and simple diamond stud earrings.

Correction: Mrs. O wears a Michael Kors square neck gown in stretch, double face wool crepe. Photo by The White House

A fantastic slideshow from Talking Points Memo follows here.

REMARKS OF FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA TIME MAGAZINE'S 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE AWARDS New York, NY; May 5, 2009

Thank you Rick for that kind introduction and thank you for including me in tonight's festivities. It is a pleasure to join you all. There are few times in history when the saying 'we are all in this together' would be more applicable than now. Events like this one show how truly connected our world is; how one person's invention can create an entirely new economy; how one person can change how we see the world. The ability of one person to influence the outcome of someone else's life inspires me.

When I made the decision to leave my job to found Public Allies Chicago, an AmeriCorps program that prepares youth for public service, I realized right away that I had made the right decision.There are few things more rewarding than watching young people recognize that they have the power to enrich not only their lives, but the lives of others as well. But careers in public service are not always encouraged. We push our young people to strive for things, an advanced degree, a job title, a big salary. Rarely do we urge them to stop and think about what their passion is, what kind of life they want to live, what kind of neighbors and colleagues and parents they want to be. 

In doing so, we, as a society, often miss out on their creativity, their inventiveness, their resourcefulness- and some really good ideas! We also miss out on the opportunity to inspire a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs who will direct their energy and talent toward solving their community's - and our nation's - most serious social problems. Careers focused on lifting up our communities - whether helping transform troubled schools or training workers for green jobs or helping low-income families access health care - are not always obvious. But, at a time when our nation is facing unprecedented challenges, encouraging careers in public service and social innovation is more important than ever. Already, we are seeing young people leading the way with their entrepreneurial spirit, energy and commitment to serving their communities.

For example, Charles Best, a former Bronx public school teacher, started an online philanthropic marketplace called Donors Choose to help teachers who were spending up to $500 a year out of their own pockets for basic classroom materials. Through Donors Choose, ordinary citizens can directly fund projects initiated by enterprising public school teachers. Online donations have helped students in San Jose become avid readers through the Dr. Seuss series. An art class in the Bronx had no paint brushes. Now every student has a set.

Rebecca Onie is a social entrepreneur who founded "Project Health" to help break the link between poverty and poor health. I remember meeting Rebecca when I was at the University of Chicago and I was very impressed with her. Rebecca organizes college students to staff Help Desks in urban medical centers, universities and community centers. Students then connect low-income families to other critical community and government resources - such as housing vouchers, supplemental nutrition assistance, and educational support. This year, 600 college volunteers will dedicate 100,000 hours to connect over 15,000 low-income children and adults to the resources they need to be healthy."

And then there is John Alford who grew up in a housing project in Brooklyn, attended college in North Carolina and then Harvard Business School. John recently launched NOLA 180 a 'turn-around' organization for failing public schools in New Orleans. NOLA 180 transforms these public schools into high-functioning charter schools that prepare every student for college. Langston Hughes Academy is the first school to benefit. Students spend 50 percent more time in their classrooms. Parents are given teacher's cell phone numbers so they can call for help with homework. And, in honor of their namesake, Langston Hughes, students receive instruction in persuasive writing, public speaking, debate and poetry. In its first year, Langston Hughes students outperformed the city's public school average in reading, writing and math.

Charles, Rebecca and John. I know they are here somewhere. Congratulations and thanks for all of your hard work. This is exactly the kind of social innovation and entrepreneurship we should be encouraging all across this country.

And that is why tonight, I am pleased to announce that as part of the new Serve America Act, the Administration is creating a Social Innovation Fund to help innovative nonprofit groups and social entrepreneurs, like the ones I just mentioned, expand their successful approaches to tackling our most pressing national challenges. The idea is simple: find the most effective programs out there and then provide the capital needed to replicate their success in communities around the country. By focusing on high-impact, results-oriented non-profits, we will ensure that government dollars are spent in a way that is effective, accountable and worthy of the public trust.

In this room of Leaders and Revolutionaries, Builders and Titans, Artists and Entertainers, Scientists and Thinkers, Heroes and Pioneers, I think we can all agree, we did not get to where we are alone. Our success was made possible with the encouragement of a diligent parent or teacher, a grandparent who told us we had real talent, an older sibling who paved the way and set a good example, a scholarship or grant that created an unexpected opportunity, or a neighbor or community leader who told us to dream big. That's certainly been the case in my own life.

I stand here today because of people who loved me, and pushed me and believed in me. I stand here today because of scholarships and grants and experiences that gave me opportunities I was afraid to dream of. I never imagined that, as a result of all that support, I would be in a position to be a role model for girls around the globe. Girls who look at me and see something more for themselves, more than society expects of them. Girls who now think anything is possible. As global leaders, let's not underestimate the power each of us has to change the world for someone - and let us not be afraid to try.

Reader Comments (332)

Mrs. O, so classy and elegant. timeless!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:23 PM | Unregistered Commentersamantha

michelle looks fantastic, very elegant.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:23 PM | Unregistered Commentermb

OMG her body, her arms, her flawless skin @45 YEARS OLD...I don't know what to say, I just love her so much....

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:23 PM | Unregistered Commentermimi

oh my god! i had to stare at the screen for a moment to let the awe go away. cant believe this....

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:24 PM | Unregistered Commentersorina

I've been waiting up all night to see any bit of news coverage on her attendance. Thank you! I can finally go to bed with a big smile on my face.

Love our FLOTUS. Just love her.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:26 PM | Unregistered Commentermarabout40

First Lady Michelle Obama knocked it out of the park !! She looks like a runway model. No need to question her motives on what she chooses to wear; she clearly dresses for the occasion based on function and purpose. She does NOT need advice she knows exactly what to wear and how to wear it, whether anyone cares for her attire or not.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:26 PM | Unregistered CommenterSybil

I really need to see the back of her hairdo because it is MINE!! Mine I tell you.

I think she just gets it right. Both glamorous but not ostentatious like the celebrities at the Met. Just right. I would love it if she went to the Met Gala.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:26 PM | Unregistered CommenterThat Other Mimi

I swear, there are times when Michelle can realy hit it out of the park! and this ensemble, at this event, is no exception.

BravoFirst Lady

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:27 PM | Unregistered CommenterGail

This gown is stunning. I love the simplicity of the lines and the necklaces.
A+++!

I hope we can see some upcoming photos without the podium blocking a full view.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:27 PM | Unregistered CommenterBevi

Love the waistline. Would have liked some color in the jewelry....A great silhouette for her.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:28 PM | Unregistered CommenterYjudyour Name

I've said it before, and I'll say it again...this woman knows evening wear! She dressed like this in Chicago for years at fundraisers, balls, etc. I know her day look is evolving and some people disagree with her choices at times, but her evening looks are FIERCE! Mrs. O doesn't play come nighttime. I wish are economy was better and she would have formal events every month probably at the White House.

Plus she has the height, body, everything to pull this off. And she's 'wicked smart' as per Ambassador Rice today. Shoot! Go girl!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:28 PM | Unregistered CommenterJanelle

Truly a beautiful woman inside and out..
Thank you Mrs. Obama for being our first lady....

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:29 PM | Unregistered CommenterDanielle's Demo's

Sybil you dont think she needs some Scaasi glitter? Perhaps a color coordinated blazer to cover up her arms.

Mrs. O is like the East German olympian from that famous Mac commercial throwing a hammer in the window of "the uniform". She is a breath of fresh air

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:30 PM | Unregistered CommenterThat Other Mimi

The woman is fabulous in every way possible. Not just for her fashion sense, but she is just so charismatic, confident and smart. I love her.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:31 PM | Unregistered CommenterAri

holy crap... wow. "Here's to you Mrs Obama (Robinson)"

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:33 PM | Unregistered CommenterLew Feem

The President is a damn lucky man, and he knows it!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:34 PM | Unregistered Commentergame

From Twitter: Stella Mccartney told Michelle to always go sleeveless

Would'nt it be great if Mrs O wore Stella?

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:34 PM | Unregistered CommenterThat Other Mimi

WOW!!!! This is a homerun.

People - TRUST THAT MRS. O KNOWS WHAT SHE'S DOING PLEASE!!!! Remember that she's only human. She cannot do this with EVERY OUTFIT.

Ok back to the outfit - this is HOT. She looks so tiny too!

Her speech was great. I read it on politico. She basically talked about giving back and finding a career in giving back to society. This is very important since the President just talked about how Wall Street is not going to be as influential and take up as much of our overall economic wealth as it has been. He said we need people to become scientists, engineers, etc. We need people adding value to our society in a tangible way - not just shifting paper. The initiative she discussed totally furthers that.

What a team! I'm sure the President would've loved to be with his wife tonight.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:35 PM | Unregistered CommenterIVA

OOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I AM IN TOTAL AWE!... I AM SO SPEECHLESS, I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT TO SAY, DO, OR ACT! SHE IS SO BEAUTIFUL;IT IS ALMOST SICKENING. I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS COVERAGE AND I WAS SO THRILLED THAT I STARRED AT THE PICTURE FOR LIKE FIFTEEN MINUTES STRAIGHT....WOW...ELEGANCE, BEAUTY, INTELLIGENCE, AND HUMILITY ROLLED INTO THE ANATOMY OF MICHELLE OBAMA!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:36 PM | Unregistered CommenterEve V

Stunning!!!

nothing else to say

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:37 PM | Unregistered Commentermicaro9

OH....MY....GOODNESS...FREAKIN' FABULOUS...and that's all I have to say.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:38 PM | Unregistered CommenterMissPB

OUT OF THE PARK! Oh my God!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:38 PM | Unregistered CommenterQui

MY FAVORITE OUTFIT EVER! SHE LOOKS AMAZING

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:39 PM | Unregistered Commentervgs

This is going to sound weird, but she's so cute - I think she's reading from a teleprompter like her hubby does for big speeches! Awwwww!!!!!!

http(colon)//news(dot)yahoo(dot)com/nphotos/Michelle-Obama/ss/events/pl/050108michelleobama

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:40 PM | Unregistered CommenterIVA

Eat your hearts out Met Costume Ball babes -- THIS is true beauty!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:41 PM | Unregistered Commenterlouisa

very Audrey Hepburn

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:42 PM | Unregistered Commenteredwina

What fun! Love the hair. Can't wait to see some other angles.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:42 PM | Unregistered CommenterChristina

A perfect, smashing look! Absolutely fabulous.

I respectfully disagree with the person who suggested more color in Mrs. Obama's necklace. I think the black tone-on-tone is far more elegant than introducing color would have been. This could not be more perfect.

I don't like everything Michelle wears, but I support her freedom to express herself in any way she chooses with her clothes. I'm glad that she probably pays not a bit of attention to anyone's critique. The fact that she sometimes looks less than perfect makes her more like the rest of us, and adds to her charm, in my opinion. She wears everything with such joy and confidence. She makes all of us feel better, doesn't she?

I love her and am so grateful for all she is doing for our country.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:42 PM | Unregistered CommenterWillow

Her best silhouette ever!!! Fabulous!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:42 PM | Unregistered CommenterMs. G

@ Louisa: LOL

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:45 PM | Unregistered CommenterJay

OH MY!!!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE IT (X A THOUSAND!!)

She looks like a Goddess!!!!! beautiful, classy, elegant, strong!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:45 PM | Unregistered CommenterLayo G

simple and stunning. it's also great that she used the event to announce a great Social Innovation Fund that's under the umbrella of the Serving America Act: http(colon)//www(dot)swamppolitics(dot)com/news/politics/blog/2009/05/michelle_obama_anything_is_pos(dot)html

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:47 PM | Unregistered Commentermoja31

OMFG. She is ravishing. Pure perfection. That silhouette is not to be played with. That's how you show off a tiny waist and curvy hips. The hair and makeup: on point as always.

Go 'head, Michelle!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:48 PM | Unregistered Commentertess

There are moments when I am reminded that English is not my native language. This is a one of of them!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:50 PM | Unregistered CommenterJulie

Julie lol

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:52 PM | Unregistered CommenterMimi

Does anyone have any more Twitter updates from the event about how Mrs. O was received? I have to confess, but I have not learned how to tweet yet!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:52 PM | Unregistered CommenterJanelle

Mrs O is a stunning picture of grace and elegance. Wow she just looks phenomenal. What a beauty and she's smart as well.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:53 PM | Unregistered CommenterDonna No Shock

Here are some pictures on yahoo, she looks so lovely!

http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Michelle-Obama/ss/events/pl/050108michelleobama

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:53 PM | Unregistered Commentersweetpeg

SNAP! I thing I just got the wind knocked out of me...I'm still trying to recuperate here!

SIGH! Can it get any better than this? I thought the Peter Soronen dress was phenomenal, but this...this leaves me speechless ans in awe...geez I feel like a little school girl with a crush on her favourite teacher.

Mrs.O is absolutely stunning in this dress and the hair just gives it that unprecedented look. The President must be thinking he's the luckiest guy in the world...

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:54 PM | Unregistered CommenterRocky

Elegant, timeless, and chic. I love the way the necklaces stand front and center - uncluttered and gorgeous. And the gown? Simple and understated yet simply magnificent!

http://cafefashionista.blogspot.com

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:54 PM | Unregistered CommenterCafe Fashionista

Quick who is the designer? Usually we are really quick about the designer.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:55 PM | Unregistered CommenterThat Other Mimi

I am going to make you sooooooooo Jealous, "That Other Mimi" I have an appointment with her hairdresser at his DC salon!!!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:56 PM | Unregistered CommenterLilly

That's it! I am going back to the gym. Michelle looks absolutely beautiful.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:56 PM | Unregistered CommenterBreezy

My jaw is on the floor. She is too stunning for words.
I need to take a break and then come back, I'm just in awe.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:59 PM | Unregistered CommenterDerek

Michelle Obama looks "Great in this Photo"...Wow, this woman was on her game tonight. I love this look on Michelle for this event.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 11:00 PM | Unregistered CommenterTia

WOW!!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 11:00 PM | Unregistered CommenterFinney

Please excuse my spelling errors tonight ladies, but my head is still dizzy from all this DIVALISHIOUSNESS...Anyway, check out the link below for MORE STUNNING PICS!!!
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Michelle-Obama/ss/events/pl/050108michelleobama/im:/090506/ids_photos_india_wl/ra3139865870.jpg/#photoViewer=/090506/482/07a4449fae4d4edaac50a6641e72c9b9

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 11:02 PM | Unregistered CommenterRocky

Okay I admit it, I let out a gasp when I saw this picture. So beautiful!!!!!!!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 11:02 PM | Unregistered CommenterJoane

Lily do tell!! where is her dresser. I used to live in NOVA and I still go to my old hair dresser in Manasty. DC is too highclass(cost) for me.

Ask about Michelle's updo, must copy it.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 11:02 PM | Unregistered CommenterThat Other Mimi

Look at her waist!!!! I'm 23 with no children and I don't have that waist. Go Michelle!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 11:03 PM | Unregistered CommenterJoane

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