Wednesday
May262010
An Exercise in Style
Wednesday, May 26, 2010 at 12:15 PM 
Images by Tim Sloan / Getty Images
Almost a week after the state dinner, Mrs. O was back in action yesterday, kicking off the South Lawn Series, a summer long event "to bring local children, sports leagues, community programs and coaches to the South Lawn to participate in sports, games and activities."
On the style front, the first lady paired a black and white floral shell from Talbots with slim black pants, and what I believe are black sequin Converse sneakers!
Reader Comments (68)
Dr.Obama just ended her speech in Detroit. she is wearing a beautiful raspberry summer dress.i especially love the details on the top.
i was wrong.looks like a top and a skirt.
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Michelle-Obama/ss/events/pl/050108michelleobama#photoViewer=/100526/480/urn_publicid_ap_org_d4793bbe6f6b480db011765fed8f504a
i don't know if it is a narciso rodriguez but the top reminds of this.
http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/2010/03/17/in-zoe-saldanas-closet-narciso-rodriguez-two-tone-pencil-dress/
Love the top and the Converse sneaks! Seriously down to earth but still elegant. :)
Thanks for the links, Chrystelle. The top looks similar to something she wore in Mexico.
There are a ton of photos of her romping on the WH lawn with school kids. I love to see her with the children. She's the First Lady of Fun!
Tuesday's photo series of Mrs. O romping with the kids on the South Lawn is my favorite series ever of Mrs. O-related events. What great and glorious good fun! The message is important, surely, but it is couched in happy times--all the more reason why it could very well be both remembered and practiced. Within the series, the photos of Mrs. O running are my all-time choice for "bests." She is grace and beauty personified.
perfect outfit !
Those sneakers are fun !
How does she manage to look classy, sporty and stylish at the same time?
Could we stop with the "Dr. O" nonsense??!! Mrs Obama is not a medical doctor or dentist and that is the only correct time to use that honorific---having a Juris Doctor (Lawyer) or a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) does not correctly entitle one to use that title...and while we're at it, Jill Biden should properly be addressed or referred to as Mrs. Biden or Professor Biden and not with the Dr. title...
and by the way, Mrs O looks great in her casual wear...
Nice white cardigan with a different black floral or leaf-like motif, too. (In a few of the South Lawn shots)
Our First Lady seems so energized around children. She was here in Detroit today and she just glowed. I was able to see the broadcast on our local news station and everyone talked about how incredibly personable, inspiring, beautiful and funny she is. This outfit is perfect for romping it up with the kiddies. I've seen that style of Converse and they are adorable. If anyone is interested, you can still find them @:the find.com as well as shopstyle.com. For our fashionistas across the pond, see shopstyle.co.uk. HAPPY SHOPPING!!!
Love her top and her 550.00 sneakers that everybody keep typing that she bought last year that. She got in her pc wish is not true get fit get moving. Love her pants to
ann50, don't call them Dr if you don't want to.i will and if that makes you scream then so be it!
Dr. Jill Biden welcomed yesterday with VPotus Biden over at their house veterans for a barbecue to honor their service.
Earlier in the day Dr.Obama and Dr.Biden had a rountable discussion about military families. her is the link.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/05/25/first-lady-and-dr-jill-biden-discuss-military-families
here is the Video Of Dr.Obama event in Detroit.
http://www.clickondetroit.com/video/23683303/index.html
I love seeing Dr.Obama (are any heads exploding yet? lol) physically active and being a role model to kids. With obesity on the rise (I think nearly two thirds of Americans are obese today...sad) it's great to see a fit, healthy and confident First Lady setting an example.
Her outfit is really cute too. I want those converses. Not your typical "running with kids" outfit, but i saw clips of some of the event I think the point was to bring awareness to healthy eating and lifestyle habits as well as exercise. She was just running around to have some fun with the kids and participate, not a full on work out.
Can we stop bashing the use of "Dr." When people receive honorary doctorates their family, friends, loved ones and those that care about them tend to refer to them as "Dr." as a sign of affection and that they are proud of the recipient. It usually wears off after a while. There are still others that will continue to use the title in their correspondence, business cards, etc. The majority of the people who leave comments on this sight have some type of affection for the First Lady so it makes sense that they would show their affection for her in this way soon after she received this degree. For the haters on this sight there are plenty of places on the web to leave your negative statements that pander to dark stuff. Can you just leave one place on the internet, like this sight, where those who appreciate her work and style can celebrate DR. MICHELLE OBAMA! Go Spit Your Venom Elsewhere.
There is a new pic of Dr.B and Dr.O on the white house website. They photo was taken earlier this week, when they both met with military organizations.
Mrs. O is one of a kind, She is a great model to kids and a style all her own.
The combo of black and white is great!. I think her outfit, Lily, is in keeping with exercise, and she is with a group of children. She always likes to dress to catch the eye of kids. That's what lots of teacher do.
Edie?Wanda?None Shall Pass whatever you are calling yourself this week - take a hike.
Ladies, ladies - please, enough with the minutae of academia! Let's get back to enjoying the fashion, and being a happier online community! Best wishes to all from this side of the pond.
Mrs Obama looks great and for those who have a problem with her workout gear, get reallllll! She looks great and I love those sneakerssssss
If any of you have ever been to college, you would know that your instructor is referred by name as Dr. so-and-so ----come on now this is ridiculous! The usage of doctor in academia and medical field is correct!
MRS OBAMA IS WEARRING PINK OR RASBERRY DRESS WITH LOW HEELS SHE LOOKED NICE. I SAW THE PIC IN GETTY IMAGE YOU SHOULD CHEACK IT OUT.
As Toni noted, "The usage of doctor in academia and medical field is correct!"
Yes, and yes only if the doctorate is an earned doctorate, not an honorary degree. The holder of a Juris Doctorate in Law, while technically an earned doctorate, is never referred to as "Dr."
Honorary doctorates are awarded for a multitude of reasons--fundraising ability, financial contributions made, PR value, etc.--and those who receive those honorary degrees would never be so gauche to use the honorific in any situation. The degree makes a lovely addition to one's "ego wall," but is never taken seriously.
I am sure Mrs. Obama is well aware of the fine points of academic courtesy and would never, ever, refer to herself as "Doctor." That Mrs. Biden, who holds (I believe) an Ed.D. (doctorate in education) insists on being called Dr. Biden in social situations (not on campus) is her own choice, but a questionable one. She is Dr. Biden in the classroom and Mrs. Biden as the wife of the Vice President, her academic degree having absolutely no bearing on her contribution as a wife and public figure.
I know whereof I speak. In my immediate family there are Ed.D.s, J.D., Ph. D.s and an entire host of other postgraduate degrees, including my own.
And, yes, I am also sick and tired of this entire discussion.
Also, I love Dr. Michelle's cute pink outfit she wore in Detroit today.
Very fly workout gear love it she is so active...I am in the process of getting back into shape myself my gear isn't as pretty as hers though but it serves its purpose.
She looks lovely, but appropriate for sport? Not in the slightest.
Yes, Dr. Obama looks amazing. I love the flowy-ness of the shirt. She looks so at ease also.
@ Michelle, perhaps you inadvertenty put the decimal in the wrong place but this sneaker is not $550 but rather $55 on sale @ Nordstrom.com. The most this sneaker has never been priced (to my knowledge) is $95 which was the retail price when they came out last year. It really is snazzy and Converse Chuck's are comfortable as all get out. If you go on www.like.com you'll see several stores carry these in several styles and colors. There's an online store named 6pm.com that even has it in a zebra print for $42! HAPPY SHOPPING !!!
Two outfits in one day!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/26/michelle-obama-in-detroit_n_591139.html#s93941
I really am LMAO at ya'll arguing over whether or not these ladies should be called Dr.
This outfit is totally cute!!! I watched this event live yesterday and I just love how Mrs. O interact with the kids. She is not patronizing with them at all, she is geniunely interested in what they have to say.
I LOVE Dr. Obama's stylish exercise outfit...why must these outfits be drab and in one color usually black. Why not print and more girly designs.
Nice but I live for the day my Talbots blouse and sequin tennies can be used to exercise, even ligthly.
I cringed when I saw her on her stomach on the grass on an exercise move lol.
Must be nice and I know she can affford it.
Love the black and white motif.
I agree that the "Dr. O." nonsense should stop. Yes, she is a very accomplished woman, but NO ONE calls themselves Dr. when an HONORARY degree is conferred upon her/him. Some of you , like Chrystelle, just go too far. Mrs. O. is enough on her own without you being completely ridiculous about it.
On another note, I adore black and white prints, so I like this outfit. I think a top that isn't quite so dressy and made of cotton, etc. would have kept Mrs. O. much cooler.
I think the outfit is fine. As someone else pointed out, Mrs. Obama's day was not spent exercising so she didn't need to be dressed in a Juicy Couture or some other sweat suit. Clearly the person who thinks Mrs. Obama rode to prominence on her husband's shoulders is not familiar with the First Lady's background or chooses to ignore facts. Mrs. Obama was an executive up until her husband's campaign for the presidency. Prior to that she was the bread winner while he was pursuing his political career -- including when he was a United States Senator. Even if you don't like someone you can still give credit where credit is due. For example, I appreciate that Sarah Palin has a college degree, even if she did go to five different schools in six years; and I give her credit for being a Governor -- even if she did quit midway through to cash in and get rich quick. Lastly, can we please end this debate about when it is or isn't appropriate to use Dr.? If someone wants to call her that then so be it. It just doesn't matter. Let it go and let's get back to talking fashion!
For the love of God, will y'all take the Doctor Debate to the chat room and let the rest of us comment on fashion?!
Mrs. O is too cute for words in these pics. I love that she's willing to jog around in that cute blouse--and probably expensive blouse--and potentially ruin it--to show the kids a great and healthy time. She lets her inner kid come out in these events and she just sparkles.
Dr. Obama's ensemble is indicative of her carefree, easy-going attitude and spirit.
I earned both a JD and a PhD and I don't mind at all when recipients of honorary doctorates are referred to as Dr. It doesn't take anything away from me or my professional credentials.
Besides, she has the title which matters most right now: FLOTUS!
Signed,
Anansa Asari, JD, PhD
also known as Dr. Asari
Chrystelle thanks for the link to the pretty pink/raspbery drees. Mr.s O looks so springy and beautiful!
Mrs. O looks stylishly appropriate, yet very First Lady-like.
i miss the curls!
This woman continues to inspire me. I am on a diet to shed weight that I gained during a two year battle with cancer. I see her just so fit and radiant and we are the same age. I want to be fit too...I want to bare my arms in the summer and wear cute capris. She's a wonderful example of a fit woman in her forties. Love her!
lordy. u guys aren't serious. she doesn't need labels. the 'dr' thing was an endearment thingy. now back to the good stuff.
Sometimes I think First Lady Obama and President Obama could never do anything correct for some people. I agree with Calle!!!! Those individuals should go to another website. Please let us enjoy one place where our First Lady and President can be praised for how they look and what they do. They are simply the best and they are working so hard to make this a better country and world. I hope Mrs. Obama gets to read the wonderful comments that most writers leave and that she can enjoy the positive comments as much as I do.
Dr Obama looks great- so toned, fit and healthy. I recall an interview she did a while back where she said she was having a lot of fun as First lady and you can see it each time she appears; she simply glows. Such a strong, positive hardworking AND stylish lady! I strongly beleive that your inner thoughts, heart and attitude play a huge factor in how your life plays out - and Dr Obama is a shining example of this.
@ Charlene in Detriot, thanks for the link. I'm off to that website now. I could do with a new pair of sneakers for walking about in rather than training and those look lovely.
Dr Michelle Obama looks simply gorgeous. She is dressed for a light run with kids, not yoga. Her outfit is appropriate amd being a fan of the black and white look I think she looks perfect with her hair blowing in the breeze. She looks confident and happy to be making a difference. Both Dr Obama and Dr Biden are the most hard working Presidential wives that I have witnessed i my lifetime. Every American should be proud of them.
I love the outfit and, as usual, Mrs. O looks great in it. However, in this situation -- where she is actually joining in the exercise -- I would have preferred her to showcase more practical fitness wear. The people she's trying to reach probably didn't grow up playing sports or being athletic, and probably don't have any idea about the sort of thing one wears to be comfortable exercizing...a serious sports bra is an absolute must for most of us, and while I wouldn't advocate her showcasing that particular item of clothing -- can you imagine the outcry! -- it would be helpful for her to role model more realistic attire.
Once again, I can count on some of you to go too far. Fortunately, your antics are so ridiculous they are actually funny. Our English Observer hit the nail on the head...this site is about fashion. I will never understand why people can't stick to the subject. Having said that, Mrs. Obama looks great in this outfit, it appears to be just the right thing for what she's doing....having fun with the children.
Question: If you are so enraged by Mrs. O and what she wears, and how much it does or doesn't cost, and if the posters should use the title DR., why are you on this site, anyway? This site is for those of us who are interested in Mrs. O's fashion sense. I am sure if you want a Mrs. Obama bashing site, there is one out there for you (Google it) or you could start your own. Peace.
chrystelle, if you're going to insist on doing it, at least get it right. Dr Obama (h.d.).
"Why does anyone think that Mrs. Obama is more than she really is, that is, a woman who has risen from lower middle class due to a marriage to a politician?"
Edie, Michelle Obama married a lawyer, not a politician. She was the executive when he was getting into politics. Now Mr Obama happens to be President. If you are genuinely asking, I think she is impressive because of the kind of person she is, not who she married. As for the size and shape thing, she's nearly six foot tall and really slim, so I don't see why a sleeveless top and sleek cropped trousers aren't appropriate for a fun afternoon with children out of doors. Perhaps you could enlighten us on the latest "Devil Incarnate Shows Up as Pretty Top - WHILE RUNNING" headline shocker?
Lily: Part of style is making what you are wearing appropriate for whatever it is you are doing. Mrs Obama is not in heels, silks, satins or lace, she doesn't have her butt hanging out of a mini skirt, she isn't wearing a load of dangly jewellery or have her boobs jumping out of a camisole. Like most mums she is wearing a trim outfit that allows her to move. She's not in training for the Olympics. And she has worn elegant sports wear before, maybe you missed that? Perhaps today, in Mrs Obama's own head, she chose for herself what she felt was appropriate for her activities. You know, for *her*. She looks very appropriate to me. Stylish and appropriate.
Nancy: If the Vice President was female and the husband was a Dr of Education no-one would question the spouse's choice of Dr Biden as an honorific. They wouldn't say "well he's only the husband of a public figure." But because the VPs other half is a woman, you are saying that she's only the wife of a public figure and doesn't deserve to be proud of her qualifications and career. Interesting view. One step forward, two steps back for women.
For myself, I love what Mrs O is wearing. Yet another perfect, casual but elegant way of dressing for being active and looking great. I especially like the sequinned Converse. I've been eyeing some of those up for MONTHS. Maybe I shall succumb now.
Posh Tater, excellent comments on everything. I totally agree with you on all points.
I think all the naysayers are just jealous of Michelle Obama's fabulous arms.
Although I took issue with her sleeveless daytime look in January, her sleeveless look couldn't be better now!
Its just a preference: Dr. Jill is being a little snobby making people call her dr. Ive had college professors who tell you, call me Bill. And others who insist on the full doctor. Henry Kissinger wasnt a md, but he forced everyone to call him doctor. Personally, I dont like it and and honorary degree--come on! You who are calling Mrs. O dr are being silly or dare I say it, kind of ignorant.