Pretty in Peter Soronen

The President and First Lady attended the wreath laying ceremony in honor of Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia today.

On the style front, Mrs. O wore a painted cotton lace dress from Peter Soronen, previously seen in April 2009, here. It is a true delight to see Mrs. O wearing Peter Soronen once again! In keeping with her style signatures, Mrs. O paired the dress with green pumps, a cream cardigan and House of Lavande jeweled belt at the waist.

Christmas in Washington

The first lady celebrated at the "Christmas in Washington" concert this past Sunday wearing a blush Byron Lars frock (previously seen in 2010, here) paired with a House of Lavande vintage jeweled belt. Mrs. O is putting a fresh spin on her holiday hues this year!

The "Christmas in Washington" special, also starring Diana Ross and Chris Mann, will air Friday, December 21 at 8/7C on TNT. 

"Christmas in Washington" [TNT]

Victory

It's victory for President Obama and four more years of first lady fashion! On election night, Mrs. O demonstrated a continued proclivity for "shopping her closet," wearing a magenta silk chine pintucked dress by Michael Kors, last seen in 2010, here. The first lady accessorized with a cropped black cardigan and pink House of Lavande Vintage 1950s Schreiner brooch at the neckline. 

Many will remember the edgy red and black Narciso Rodriguez dress that Mrs. O wore in Grant Park in 2008, here. I think last night's choice was a clear departure. The message wasn't fashion with a capital F, but rather, a more subdued statement: classic style with an inherent ease. Knowing that Mrs. O chose the dress from her own closet only reinforced that mood. I think it's an indication of how the first lady's style has evolved over the first term, along with her role. Certainly, it will be exciting to follow where she takes us next!

On the girls: Sasha Obama borrowed from her sister, wearing a green Chris Benz skirt, previously worn by Malia, here, paired with J.Crew Mila cap toe leather flats. Malia Obama wore a full royal blue skirt, paired with a black top and pink belt at the waist. New York Times fashion critic Cathy Horyn was smitten, tweeting: "The Obama girls might be the fashion news tonight--full skirts, bright color, cute"

Further reading:

"Michelle Obama: Four More Years" [BuzzFeed SHIFT]

"Michelle Obama's Signs of Fashion Restraint on Election Night" [The Daily Beast]

Heat Wave

The First Lady made campaign stops in Orlando, Florida today, rallying supporters at the University of Central Florida. On the the fashion front: a Chris Benz Nelda dress in green and aqua print (previously seen last July, here) paired with a jeweled vintage belt by House of Lavande. Later, Mrs. O paid an unannounced visit to the Blanchard Park YMCA in Orlando, where she wore a floral gathered neck print top paired with white pants. Two fabulous summer looks for the First Lady!

Update: Reader Carmacer has spotted the First Lady's floral top at Zara, available here.

Bold Shoulder

The President and First Lady are hosting a White House ceremony to present the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Israeli President Shimon Peres this evening. The medal is the highest civilian honor in the United States.

For the occasion, Mrs. O wears a black one shoulder gown with pleated detailing through the bodice and skirt. A gold belt accents the waist, while pointed toe heels and statement earrings complete the look. Stunning!

Update #1: Mrs. O wears House of Lavande Vintage Black & Gold Drop Earrings. (No word just yet on that gorgeous gown!) Update #2: Mrs. O wears a Michael Kors black georgette pleated one shoulder gown. Update #3: Mrs. O wears a vintage Dior belt from New York Vintage.