National Design Awards

The First Lady spoke at the Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt National Design Awards luncheon at the White House yesterday. For the appearance, Mrs. O wore a slim white sheath dress paired with a statement jeweled necklace. 

In her remarks the First Lady commented: "It is always a pleasure to be here with all of you today as we recognize this year’s winners of the National Design Awards.  Every day, these visionary designers are pushing boundaries, creating and revealing beauty where we least expect it, and helping us all lead healthier, more sustainable lives."

American designer Thom Browne was honored with the award in Fashion Design. In addition to his eponymous menswear line, Browne designs Black Fleece by Brooks Brothers, which the First Lady recently wore here.

Update: Mrs. O wears an Alexis Bittar Spring 2012 Elements Collection necklace with a white Narciso Rodriguez dress. The necklace is described as "a pave accented gold woven pendant and linked stone necklace".

Literary Chic

The First Lady gave her first book signing for "American Grown" at a Barnes & Noble near the White House today. For the occasion, Mrs. O mixed neutrals, pairing a dotted pencil skirt with a white top and signature Alexis Bittar floral brooch at the neckline. 

For more on the book signing:

"Book Talk: Michelle Obama on White House kitchen garden" [Chicago Tribune]

"Michelle Obama Dazzles Fans, American Grown and Otherwise, at Book Signing" [ABC News]

A Most Lovely Hostess

While G8 meetings are being held at Camp David, the First Lady has invited the G8 spouses to the White House for a tour guided by White House Curator Bill Allman, as well as a special lunch prepared by Chef José Andrés using produce from the White House kitchen garden.

Above, Mrs. O stands with Hitomi Noda, wife of Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, and Valerie Trierweiler, partner of French President Francois Hollande during the White House tour. For the occasion, the First Lady has debuted a purple v-neck frock with cut-out detailing near the hem. An iris pin by Alexis Bittar completes the look.

Tomorrow the group will travel to Chicago, where Mrs. O will host the spouses at the Gary Comer Youth Center on the South Side of Chicago, followed by dinner at the Art Institute of Chicago. 

A note to readers: I will be traveling over the next 24 hours, but will do my best to update the blog in a timely fashion. Thank you for your understanding. x Mrs. T

Mrs. O on "The Colbert Report"

The First Lady appeared on "The Colbert Report" this week, wearing a grey dress from Rachel Roy accesorized with a Dark Garden Gunmetal Layered Flower Pin from Alexis Bittar at the shoulder. Lovely! To see more of Mrs. O on "The Colbert Report" click here and here.

Mrs. O on Letterman

The First Lady appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman last evening wearing a colorblock Preen Pre-Fall 2012 dress and Alexis Bittar marquis pin. Lovely!

"Michelle Obama in Preen" [Red Carpet Fashion Awards]

P.S. For a fundraiser the same night, Mrs. O wore an inkwash silk printed panel dress from the Reed Krakoff Spring/Summer 2012 Collection, seen here.