Tea with the Queen
Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 3:11 PM 
Photo by John Stillwell /Getty Images 
Photo by Stefan Rousseau / Getty Images
For her historic meeting with the Queen, we were delighted to see First Lady Mrs. O choose an ivory and black silk crepe dress by Isabel Toledo, paired with a black satin opera coat by Jason Wu. As many will recall, Mrs. O wore ensembles from the same winning combination of designers for the Inauguration. We cannot help but think back to the morning of January 21, when both Ms. Toledo and Mr. Wu were guests on the Today Show, exuding pure joy, excitement and gratitude.
It is wonderful to see both of these American design talents, heralded for their craftsmanship and artistry, brought to the world stage once more. Mrs. O's Isabel Toledo dress features an origami-inspired bow detail at the waistline. She paired the dress with a black cashmere cardigan by Alaia and a double strand of pearls.
Alaia, Isabel Toledo, Jason Wu in Outfits
Reader Comments (159)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/01/first-ladies-night-see-wh_n_182043.html
this slideshow has a really high quality picture of michelles black and white isabel toldeo dress without the cardigan so you can all see what a really beautiful dress it really is
One more thing, Carla Bruni not likely get her clothes at discount or on loan anyway, so price is not an issue; she used to be a model, remember. Whatever price we would pay for French couture, she probably won't pay that, given that she is the French first lady. Plus, the French are not sticklers for stuff like that as we Americans are.
Mrs. Obama should not have worn black as the Queen thinks it is only a color reserved for funerals. She told that to Princess Diana when she wore a black gown on one of her first public dates with Prince Charles.
umm opulent, just because it's before noon your time doesn't mean it was in london, it was very clearly not "before noon" when they went to visit the queen.
it's amazing how many etiquette and protocol experts there are on the internet, who are so much better versed in how the first lady ought to dress than poor old uncouth michelle obama, who just doesn't get it.
UM...moja...just what time do you think it was in the UK?
Etiquette and protocol are there for a reason, so that people DO know what is appropriate...all the guess work has been taken out...all anyone has to do is adhere to it.
Do you think Michelle, is uncouth? How uncouth of you!!
It's five hours ahead in London. If it was "before noon" on the East Coast, it was going on 5 p.m. in London. An opera coat certainly works, it would seem.
I am not impressed. After all the fuss about what she was going to wear, and this is it??? Disappointing.
opulent- i suppose i should have included the snark tags on that. some of the comments (i'd include yours in this category) make it sound as though mrs. obama is some uncultured young girl who is hopelessly lost when it comes to dressing for the world stage, rather than an accomplished adult who is perfectly capable of deciding how to dress herself without offending the entire world; the incredible level of condescension involved in the commentary is what i'm noting. as for the time, given that the visit took place around 12:30 pm EST, i'd say that certainly qualifies as well past noon London time.
To those who deem her style "too informal to represent the USA":
I feel that an appropriate definition of American fashion is: casual (ease of wear), practical, crisp, modern, straightforward- defined by classics, yet with a twist. That is the description I could attach to every single one of the looks she has worn since she became the First Lady.
I appreciate the importance of representing the USA in a manner which is fitting to the occasion. I believe even more that being authentic, expressing her taste, and making choices that reflect her personality is far more important than fitting into a percieved notion of what is appropriate.
With her looks on this trip so far she exudes modernity, femininity, crispness, practicality, approachability/accessibility and ease- the very definition of American fashion. Yet she does it with wit, standing out without being pretentious, being tres, tres chic.
She does not need to get it right, she has gotten it right because she does it her way. Although this whole conversation is about a very superficial subject, fashion, I delve deeper and seek the more profound impact her choices have on all the women who see her (inspiration!), the people it affects (the young designers who could have been struggling at this moment but who now have a new breadth, an iconic american brand that is accessible to all and employs thousands of people, and the list goes on). There is more to fashion and dressing than meets the eye… just as there is more to her choices than we can ever imagine.
Last, but not least, Black is Chic. Whatever the opinion of the Queen.
I really like Mrs. O. But when I first saw the picture of her in the black coat outfit in the daytime, I flipped. She has on black satin shoes and a black (what look like) taffeta coat! I'm pretty fashion conscious, and I wouldn't consider wearing black satin shoes and a taffeta coat to meet the Queen, in the daytime. I just don't get that outfit at all. The cardigan doesn't even bother me as much as those ugly shoes! With so many fabulous shoes and dresses and suits out there, why did she wear crinoline, satin, and taffeta? I would say the same thing to anyone who'd worn that outfit in the daytime. It just seems so completely inappropriate! Does anyone else agree?
No, no one agrees. That ensemble had to go from tea to dinner, it is lovelyy and perfectly appropriate. You have seen, perhaps, American awards shows, where actresses must show up at 4 in the afternoon, PST, in evening gowns, etc, because the evening's event is formal? Mrs. O hit just the right note.
Thanks Tia for the link to the close-up of the crinoline under the dress. She looks so cute and elegant at the same time. Y'all got to grasp the concept and love it!
OK, I am in the "I don't love this" camp.
When the sweater comes off, it seems to look like the top does not fit well.
But hey, this is just me. I am not saying it's a miss in my book, I just don't love it.
I LOVED LOVED LOVED the sparkly cardigan and yummy lime skirt. And I agree with the poster somewhere above, will we see that extrodinary white coat again that she wore to board AF-One?? I hope so!!
I LOVE ALL HER CLOTHES BUT ONE THE ONE SHE WEAR FOR MEETING MRS BROWN AND VISITTING CENTERS . I DIDNT LIKE THE SHOES SHE WEAR IT DIDNT GOES WTH HER OUTFIT AND HER SKIRT WAS A LITTLKE TO TIGHT FOR HER I LOVE HER SWEATER AND TOP THAT IT THE PEARLS WAS A LITTLE TO MURCH IF IT WAS ME A DITCH THE SHOES AND PEARLS.
I take the ill fitting comment back - I looked at a ton more photos and it looked lovely in 95% of them.
It must be really hard to be photoed so much and have everything look good in every photo.
Her hair is lovely by the way.
And yes, where is that black swingy coat that she wore going into the palace??? It looked scrumptous.
She needs to stand up straight, put her legs together and hide that huge butt. I guess with that big fat head and stupid smile she must need to bend over and hide.She looks like a black big bird and you want us to follow her style. I have taste. She lacks poise and style. I can't believe that someone actually compares her to our beloved Jackie Kennedy. Now she had style and class. The nobama's need to take a hike to nowhere.
Well Allison why would you even come on this Blog Site??
Deborah why come on a site where you know it is Dedicated to Mrs. Michelle Obama
I love this site, that's why!
People, the poster names are below the post, not above.
And it's perfectly ok if we don't all love every look, that's democracy in action.
Peace to all and to all a good night. We await the morning's fashion extravaganza!
I love this site, that's why!
People, the poster names are below the post, not above. I am sandwiched between two not so happy posters. Yikes.
And it's perfectly ok if we don't all love every look, that's democracy in action.
Peace to all and to all a good night. We await the morning's fashion extravaganza!
Well...atleast some of you have some taste.
That photo of the Os and the Windsors...was it taken by Diane arbus? Look it up kidz.
First of all, you don't wear black when you're presented to the queen.
Secondly, this is very much a big formal deal. This is the time to bring out the designer Galliano, Armani, whatever, if she can't do Chanel (maybe not so good with the bow legs and large thighs) orDior. Gloves, a hat, the whole nine yards. It can be simple, but this is not the time to break out the crinoline (!) and the cardigan.
The skirt is a good length for her, the coat is beautiful but wrong for this occasion.
Also let's talk pearls.
Michelle. Honey. You do know that one never, ever wears two strands of pearls, right?
You wear strands of pearls in odd numbers -- one, three, five, etc. Never two. Nevah nevah nevah.
Mmmmm...I love the whole outfit BUT she must have been told how tiny the Queen is so she should have worn her lowest kitten heel if not flats outright. Plus the skirt (gorgeous!) crosses the line towards 'cocktail', especially with the 50's style matching coat, rather than staying within tea time.
So if I was her I would have worn flats (but same material and shape), no net in the skirt and made it 'A' line or straight and instead worn a black simple, short cut jacket with 3/4 sleeves. All shapes and cuts that she has worn before that suit her but I feel would have better suited the occasion here.
All these "if I were her" posters...
You are not her! And as such, SHE gets to pick and enjoy what SHE likes...finito-
Mrs H: I couldn't stop laughing at your bit -
"a younger, tanner, taller) Margaret Thatcher had returned to 10 Downing if she’d shown up in that departure outfit"
So true!
I'm very unimpressed by the dress. For me, the cardigan is okay, it's a lovely one after all. And considering the event - tea - I don't think in itself it is too informal. But there was a Palace reception straight after, to which she was also wearing the cardigan, and that may not have been great.
Overall, I think this outfit does not do here any good. It is boring (and I do understand she does not want to upstage the Queen!), and it also makes her look bigger than she is. A tighter skirt is much better than this A-line. The hair for me is too girly. Also, I don't like the tule showing below the skirt of the dress. No, all in all, I do not like.
But I am getting very tired of reducing First Lady Michelle Obama to these ultimately insignificant shallow details. Her gown! Her hair! Her earrings! Her fabric swatches!
The woman is a smart, strong, driven individual. Not a Barbie doll.
To C.
Contrary to your statement, I am fully aware I am not 'her' but assume we are all allowed an opinion to express. Plus I happen to think it's rude to say 'she should wear..' not least because it IS her wardrobe and obviously HER choice.
I just happen to agre with Ellen about this specific fashion choice. Sheath dresses flatter Mrs. O's figure better and I don't get the cardigan and the tulle--although I understand diversity. Love the accessories,makeup and shoes (Cute Heels finally: Yey!), and the hairdo is fine.
That being said, I can't help but comment on some posts I read above: This is a fashion blog. We are allowed to "critique" Mrs. O's fashion choices; she is a public figure. There is nothing "rude" about making a comment about one thinks she "should" or should not" wear. It is funny how the very posters who are claiming free speech protection adn freedom of opinion are the first to jump at those who disagree with them. It would be nice to be "democratic" among ourselves and toward others and not chase away posters who have different opinions--and express them fairly and politely. Otherwise the blog will not grow and continue to be restricted to a select few who all agree with each other. Also, we are all aware that Mrs. O is smart, strong, and all of that, but again, the purpose of this particular blog (unless I am mistaken) is not to celebrate those attributes, but to review her fashion choices--good or bad.In doing so, we are by no way "reducing her" only examining one aspect of her multifaceted self. I or one take this in stride and in good fun. Thank you
Claudia, way above, I agree with you. You can't bring a dress from morning tea to after an evening dinner. I thinl she wort of got caught up in the fairytaile princess bit, thus the crinoline and tafetta, whereas the queen's oufit was very serious tailored. That is the thing with Mrs. O, she has good taste in clothes but lacks a sense of occasion. And I wish soe would stop trying to get inside Mrs. O's head or project their own feelings onto her to explain the rationale behing her fashion choices.
And whoever posted tthe link to jackie O: Priceless. She is the epitomy of style.
I am so glad Michelle is reflecting her own perfect style, and not stuffing herself into some boring suit or following outdated rules about cardigans. If I see another Hillary suit I will barf.
In the daylife photo for the summit, who's the woman in the first row, right side? Only heads of state, right?
http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/02VW7mU0bxfa7/cover_690x460.jpg
K.A. on 1 April, 2009 at 8:43 pm says it exactly right.
I love the crinolines, too. I remember in the day. They are such fun to wear.
p.s. why does putting a link in a comment require the delay for moderation?
Blogging from London the press,the British public and even the Queen have been very impressed and enlightened by Mrs Obama she has been on the front covers of all the papers since her arrival and she has earned high praise.She looked great and totally appropriate meeting the Queen who added I hope we keep in touch-MO is the best.
Why is it that every time a poster comments that she's not fond of a certain outfit, another poster immediately feels compelled to jump in and defend Mrs. O and point out how intelligent and accomplished she is??? I think we all acknowledge her intelligence and competence, and no one even has to say that she can wear whatever she pleases! Of course she can! It's my impression that this site was intended to be a fun outlet where people who like fashion can comment on someone we all admire.
Who Michelle Obama is and what M.O. wears are two different subjects. We all admire who she is, but that doesn't mean that we have to love everything she wears. And the fact that we might occasionally dislike something she wears in no way diminshes our respect for who she is OR our recognition of her right to choose her own style.
This site ceases to be fun when it becomes a slamfest. People don't agree. That's life. Wouldn't the site be boring if everyone did agree? What would be the point of reading other opinions if they all agreed with yours? What would be the point of posting opinions if they all agreed? Just a little courtesy, please!
And I agree with Lilly!! Couldn't have said it any better. Nobody is degrading Mrs O to a barbie, and everyone respects her for what she is, stands for and represents. But the blog is called "Michelle Obama Fashion and Style".... :) Otherwise, someone should start a new blog on how bright Mrs O is...
Ms. G, you make a good point, we don't all need to agree on what First Lady Michelle Obama should have worn. The world though seems to be in consensus that she has been dazzling Europe since landing, what more can we ask for? I think the coat is simply lovely and would love to own something in that design. As for the outfit itself, it is demure while being elegant. By chosing something with less pizazz Michelle chose not to deminish the Queen in wearing something loud. To me she was appropriately dressed, notice how the cardigan came off after meeting Her Majesty! Our First Lady is one of a kind, and I'm so proud that she's ours.
Enough already with the cardigans. 2 in 1 day! And a half-sleeve (unbuttoned yet) cardigan to visit the Queen of England was simply too casual. A nice dress would have been a better choice.
This is plain, frumpy, and it is lacking luster. Please everyone; let's stop comparing her to Jackie Kennedy... Jackie was a sophisticate, an intellectual and a brilliant woman. Nobody will ever hold a candle to her.
@ Mnash: What did Jackie Kennedy ever accomplish besides being stylish? You can argue that she had more fashion sense than Michelle Obama but Michelle Obama is, no doubt, the greater woman. Coming from a relatively poor family she managed to go to one of the best universities, get a really good job, managed being mother and businesswoman ect. Jackie Kennedy came from a rich family, married and played the stylish woman on the side of two successfull husbands- not really a great accomplishement. You can't even argue that she helped John F. Kennedy to be elected, since she was pregnant during his campaign and hardly campaigned.
@ Lara:
I believe the other woman (in addition to Her Majesty) seated in the front row of G20 Heads of State yearbook photo is the Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner (former First Lady and a fashion trend setter in her own right).
Andrea Merckle (in the second row) is wearing the outfit Hillary would have! ;-)
DrBrooks, I doubt you're a doctor. Get help the only thing in the picture you noticed was her rear end? funny I don't notice that in the picture it's quite vulgar that you would reduce her to her body parts. We are only commenting on her fashion on this site. You sound like quite a shallow and mean spirited person. (not to mention racist). Many women has Michelle's body type it's not abnormal. If you have anything more constructive to say please do so, otherwise don't come on this site it's that simple!
@Bill Bear her name is Angela Merkel.
I agree she is too casual but I guess that is her style but at least she does not look like the wife of the prime minister, does she not have a mirror.........?
To Deborah,
No need to be offensive. I guess you did not notice this blog is about the First Lady of the US. Your rude tone and comments are completely irrelevant, and lack class. Take a hint from your "beloved Jackie".
Sweetface: Say what?!?
A cardigan to meet the prime minister's wife? Maybe and pushing her luck. A cardigan to meet the Queen? I am sorry, that's a no-no. Love the coat though!
Style isn't just what a person wears, it's how they conduct themselves. She didn't follow protocol, she didn't curtsy to the queen, a HUGE NO NO, and you aren't to touch the queen, another HUGE NO NO and what did she do.. she put her arm around the queen like she's some sista from the windy city. Then Barack gave the queen an Ipod??? An Ipod with pictures and film of his speeches? They think awfully highly of themselves, having expensive dinner parties on Wed nights which include $100 a pound kobe beef while people are losing their jobs and literally starving right down the street from the White House. Style? Maybe. Class.. NO WAY!
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/G20/article6022502.ece
By the way, we Brits were not upset with the hug. We weren't. Here is an article from the Queen's newspaper "The Times". Michelle has such an effect that even the Queen broke her OWN protocol just to get a bit of Michelle. I love her, the woman can do no wrong. I wish people would accept that and leave the catty remarks for day time t.v
By the way Michelle is not a Britsh subject and therefore she is not obliged to curtsy to the Queen. Me being a British subject would be expected to curtsy to the Queen of my country. People need to stop with the nit picking. Trust me, if the Queen was offended, she would not have placed her arm on Michelle's back in an act of affection, she would not have asked her to "Keep in touch" and trust me she would have made her feelings known.
nice dress, though it looked a little too casual at first - i agree te material should have been stiffer, and the cut more flattering - but the skirt was just gorgeous, and it looked good at the dinner and the pics there
ohhh sooo lovely! I wanna know what's the brand for her shoes... loved it..!
A cardigan is *much* too casual for Buckingham Palace. Indeed I am thoroughly sick of all these cardigans. She is our First Lady and ought to dress like one rather than like a suburban mom on a trip to the grocery store.