the verdict is in...

So after awaiting with much anticipation... 

Michelle Obama wore a cream Jason Wu asymmetrical chiffon gown with  sparkled appliques. She accessorized with diamond drop earrings, diamond bangles, and a diamond ring (or shall I say rock.) I was actually pleasantly surprised by her choice. The color of the dress suited her well and the fit was figure flattering and the jewelry complemented the gown. My only criticism was her hair. I would have preferred her hair to be up instead of down in that same stoic bob, but maybe it stayed that way because of time constraints.  I was just relieved that this was not a Narcisio-like nightmare. 

However, I did not care for her Inauguration ensemble designed by Cuban immigrant Isabel Toledo (she loves those south of the border styles.) It was a "lemongrass" dress with a matching embroidered coat with a blinged out broach. She wore dark green leather J.Crew gloves with darker green Jimmy Choo pumps. The color and the fit was just off and I didn't really appreciate all the different types of greens. We all know that Michelle has some hips on her, which I feel like she tries to disguise by wearing potato-sac-ish ensembles that just drown out her figure. The Jason Wu did the complete opposite since it was banded right around the waist. 

I would honestly have to say that Jill Biden's gown was superb! She wore a crimson Reem Acra strapless chiffon design with a banded bustier and flowed beautifully below. She wore diamond drop earrings very similar to Mrs. O's. The dress would have looked good on the first lady too, (I actually) would have preferred to see Mrs. O in the Acra, oh well...) 

The Obama girls looked absolutely adorable in their J Crew 'fits. Malia wore a royal blue pea-coat with a black scarf, tights, gloves and ballet flats, while Sasha sported a pink pea with orange scarf, pink tights, and red flats.  Pink and orange is always a daring combo, but I think Sasha pulled it off. 

Is it just me, or does Sash always look bored at these events? And isn't Malia the perfect combo between her mom and dad? She's got her mom's cheekbones and mouth and her father's forehead, LOL.

a touch of color in vogue.

When I flipped through the latest January 09 issue of Vogue, with Ms. Pretty 'n Pale herself Anne Hathaway on the cover, I couldn't help but notice that this edition included more Black (and of course fabulous) faces than usual. Smack dab in the middle of the magazine starting at page 85 are famous African American figures that will change the future. Of course and obviously President-elect Barack Obama along with his future first lady are a couple of those people, featured in the Vogue Point of View spread. Beautiful portraits of the Obamas, photographed by renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz were apart of the layout. I must say, Michelle looks absolutely radiant and regal in her teal subtly couture gown designed by Narciso Rodriguez (yes, surprisingly this is the same designer who created that catastrophes of a dress she wore during Obama's election victory.) 

Here are some of the pages of Vogue with the Obamas (I had to snap them because I couldn't find the pics online.)

Immediately following that, my two new favorite models, Chanel Iman and Jourdan Dunn are in a 16-page fashion story entitled "Magical Realism," modeling designer clothes from Marc Jacobs to Louis Vuitton. Iman and Dunn capture the idea of modeling with movement, making these clothes flow and flare with their tribal-like ponytails slinging in the air. These Black and ground breaking ladies are shaping a new mold and leading the new crop of colored models that will hopefully be more present in prominent fashion magazines, shows, and ads. 

Jourdan Dunn

Chanel Iman (appropriately dressed in Chanel)

Vogue Italia managed to dedicate a whole issue to black models, but who's to say that will stay consistent? I also couldn't help but notice that in this issue all the people of color are grouped in the center pages of the magazine where you can't miss them. Was that purposefully done to excuse the notion that not enough black people appear in Vogue? And once they are placed, will the next issue feature just as much, or more... or not as much... or none at all? Not to say that I'm not happy to see these faces of color (I wouldn't have thought it to be important to blog blurb about if I wasn't) but the issue remains a cloud hovering over the fashion world.

fashion designs for the first lady.

Coveted fashion designers from Michael Kors to Diane Von Furstenberg sketched designs for Michelle Obama to wear to Inauguration Week. The designs include beautiful ball gowns, suits, coats, and even dresses for daughters Malia and Sasha to wear.

Here are some of my favs (I have quite a few):

Isaac Mizrahi

This is my favorite out of all of the designs. Mizrahi's choices of fabulous fruity colors would look great on all three. 

Michael Kors

Beautifully silhouetted and royally blue. 

Diane Von Furstenberg

DVF has a knack for drapery and drama and knows how to capture the elegance of a woman, which Mrs. O has plenty of.

Elie Tahari

Another stunning silhouette.  I'm not familiar with the designer, but everything right down to the slick and chic chignon is right on!

Badgley Mischka

Another great color choice. The deep purple and jeweled detailing are definitely show stopping. 

One of the few day looks from the collection of sketches. It's casually chick and subtly patriotic.

Some sketches that I was not so fond of:

Christian Lacroix

The gown and gloves are nice, but the overly dramatic cape and patriotic purse is distracting. Not to mention he drew her scowling in his sketch.

Betsey Johnson:

Oh say can we not see! I know Bets is known for her whimsicality, but this is way too literal. And why did she draw Mrs. O looking dragish?

Take a look at all of the designs here!

cover girl: mrs. o in essence.

Future First Lady Michelle Obama will grace the cover of the upcoming January issue of Essence Magazine, on news stands December 12. President-elect Barack Obama will also be on the cover as a separate issue. These editions are definitely collectors items, featuring a 56 page spread of pictures and perspectives from prominent photographers and writers. 

I must say that this cover gives the September Ebony Magazine issue a run for its money. Michelle looks amazing, and her ensemble is to die! (Finally an outfit we can rave about since the Ebony cover. Clearly the magazines offer stylists that know what they're doing.) 

Michelle Obama on the September cover of Ebony. 

Which cover has Mrs. Obama looking her best? Take the poll on the right...!

the winning look.

The votes are in and the people have voiced their opinion. With 40% of the votes, the winning look is the Black and White belted and ruffled David Szeto frock with the White Louboutin Slingbacks. I accessorized with Vera Wang pearl earrings and a pearl bracelet along with a red Chanel quilted clutch. 

The runner up was the Black collared and bow wrapped Diane Von Furstenberg, with nine votes trailing very close behind with 36%. The Teal patterned and wrapped Diane had 24 % of your votes. Though the David Szeto won, I'm sure all looks would have looked beautiful on the woman of the white house, Mrs. O.

fashion mission for michelle O.

because mrs. obama is now our first lady, her domineering presence will be in the public eye a lot more. so inspired by her new and well earned position, I am continuing my mission  of making michelle O the next Jackie O. 

I came up with a couple of outfits that I feel are fitting for the new first lady. which one would be a winner? take the poll (on the right.) 

#1 Dress: Diane Von Furstenberg, Shoes: Chanel

 #2 Dress: Diane Von Furstenberg, Shoes: Louboutin, 

#3 Dress: David Szeto, Shoes: Louboutin

the winning outfit that will be determined by the end of the week will be completed in a set.

first lady fashion.

since mrs. obama seems to be a bit misguided when it comes to style, I was inspired to create a set updating her look. 

when I saw this Bill Blass dress, I immediately thought this would be perfect for her. not straying away from conservative and giving the neckline much drama and her curves some modest attention. I chose these louboutin slingbacks with a lower heel since michelle is relatively tall (a red sole is good for the soul.) the quilted chanel adds that much needed pop of color to the ensemble (blue for democrat of course.) and some bangles and dangles for jewelry (i would prefer the earrings to not have the chanel overlaying c's signature.) 

what do we think? yes, no?

i will be coming up with some more possible looks, since i am on a mission to save our first lady from fashion faux pas.