Posts Tagged ‘Michelle Obama’

Michelle Obama Style – Total Win for Chinese President’s U.S. Visit

Saturday, January 22nd, 2011

FLOTUS Michelle Obama looking stunning!

Regardless of what Designer Oscar de la Renta thinks — discussed in detail below — first Lady Michelle Obama flexed her style muscle this week.  During Chinese President Hu Jintao’s  U.S. visit, Mrs. Obama gave us two very different but equally stunning head-to-toe looks, with flawless hair and makeup to match.

Day Look

Serbian-born designer Roksanda Ilincic created Mrs. Obama’s day look, a navy-blue dress embellished with gunmetal and silver latticework-and-roses embroidery and matching top-coat. Completing the look, FLOTUS wore over-the-knee black suede boots, adding just the right amount of pop with red patent leather gloves.

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 19: U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama arrive to greet Chinese President Hu Jintao prior to a State dinner at the White House January 19, 2011 in Washington, DC. Obama and Hu met in the Oval Office earlier in the day. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Red patent leather gloves give that special "pop of color" Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Evening Look

For the White House State dinner, Mrs. Obama wore an Alexander McQueen sleeveless, petal-print silk organza gown. Created by Sarah Burton who succeeded McQueen following his death, the off-one-shoulder frock, done in a warm red – a color which symbolizes happiness and prosperity in Chinese culture – featured an asymmetrical neckline and a full skirt that complimented the First Lady’s silhouette.  To complete the look, First Lady O wore a fringed shawl and sported an elegant updo hairstyle, perfect for displaying her one-of-a-kind black geode and ruby Kimberly McDonald earrings.

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 19: U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama arrive to greet Chinese President Hu Jintao prior to a State dinner at the White House January 19, 2011 in Washington, DC. Obama and Hu met in the Oval Office earlier in the day. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

U.S. President Barack Obama looking at First Lady Michelle Obama as if she's going to be dessert after this State dinner. (Photo credit SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 19: U.S. President Barack Obama (R) shakes hands with Chinese President Hu Jintao (C) as first lady Michelle Obama looks on as they pose for the official photo at the Grand Staircase of the White House January 19, 2011 in Washington, DC. Obama is hosting a state dinner for Hu this evening. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Fashion Notables in the House

Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of American Vogue magazine, attended the State dinner, accompanied by her companion Shelby Bryan. The two made a striking and imposingly good looking couple.

Fashion designer Vera Wang also appeared with her husband, successful businessman Arthur Becker. And speaking of Vera Wang, some fashion critiques felt a celebration for a Chinese president, with a further focus on promoting American-Chinese trade, warranted attire spotlighting the creativity of China or an American designer with a familial Chinese connection   Fashion designer Oscar de la Renta publicly criticized the FLOTUS’  choice to wear two British-based designers.  de la Renta told WWD “My understanding is that the visit was to promote American-Chinese trade – American products in China and Chinese products in America. Why do you wear European clothes?”   de la Renta has dressed every First Lady in the past 30 years except Mrs. Obama.

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 19: Anna Wintour (R), editor-in-chief of American Vogue magazine, and Shelby Bryan (L) arrive at the White House for a state dinner 19, 2011 in Washington, DC. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama are hosting resident Hu Jintao for a state dinner during his visit to the United States. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 19: Fashion designer Vera Wang and Arthur Becker arrive at the White House for a state dinner 19, 2011 in Washington, DC. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama are hosting resident Hu Jintao for a state dinner during his visit to the United States. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Body Analysis, color, Color / Colour Analysis, Personal | No Comments »


First Lady Obama Style – Take the Poll

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

First Lady Obama Wearing a L’Wren Scott ensemble

Last week, I tweeted this picture of the First Lady Michelle Obama speaking to the Grocery Manufacturers Association in Washington, D.C.   Shot from an interesting angle, we see Mrs. Obama donning a sleeveless gingham blouse paired with a high-wasted, rather form fitting, skirt.  Both hues of pink compliment Mrs. Obama’s skin tone nicely. And of course the First Lady’s hair and makeup look flawless as we’ve come to expect.  My initial reaction upon seeing this image was quite favorable.  San the bow on the blouse,  I loved the L’Wren Scott ensemble. The image received several retweets and, overall, positive responses.

A view from behind. First Lady Obama

The following day, more images of the First Lady wearing pink appeared over the Internet, including this jaw-dropping view from “behind”.  Of course I had to tweet this image too.  “Is THAT the First Lady?!” one follower replied.  “Dayum!!!” replied another male follower.

Listen, I admire our First Lady and respect her many accomplishments.  Further, I  think she is a stunning looking woman with an equally stunning figure. However, with that said, I don’t think she always uses the best judgment when it comes to style. This skirt, for example, is just too tight.  I mean really.  Beyond hugging, it grips her arse and clings on for dear life!

One reader posed the question, “whose advising her?”  With her dizzying inconsistencies, one has to wonder if she’s even being advised.  Some days she hits it out of the park; other days it’s a swing and a “fall on your face” miss. Could it be that Mrs. Obama is too powerful, too intimidating or maybe even too obstinate to advise? Real Talk: That height and those brows are enough to intimate anyone.

I’ve heard that folks get real ballsy on the Internet, hiding behind their computers. So tomorrow I plan to woman up behind my own Macbook Pro and present my style advisory list to First Lady O. But in the meantime, I’ve given you my opinion, what’s yours?



*If you chose other, view results and type in a comment

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Body Analysis, color, Corporate, Personal | 1 Comment »


Could Green be First Lady Michelle Obama’s Favorite Hue?

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

First Lady Obama wears teal green and turquoise St. Patrick's Day 2010 at Newsweek magazine's executive forum on childhood obesity at the Newseum in Washington, D.C. (Click image for closer view) I AM NOT LOVING THE BELT AT ALL.

It’s St. Patrick’s day and the folks of Ireland aren’t the only ones enamored with the hue green. From where I sit, it appears that First Lady Michelle Obama may have a thing for green too.

First Lady Michelle Obama wearing an emerald green dress by Kai Milla,

First Lady Michelle Obama wearing an emerald green dress by Kai Milla. (Click image for larger view)

Green is a secondary color formed by mixing the primary colors red and yellow. While psychologically cool in temperature, this hue hosts a number of relatively warm hues within its family. With both a warming and cooling effect, the color green denotes balance, harmony, and stability. Green also represents life and signifies growth, renewal health and environment. Conversely, green occasionally defines inexperience, jealousy and envy, although Grammy nominated singer Erykah Badu would like us to believe otherwise.   According to Ms. Badu, her eyes are green, ’cause she eats a lot of vege-ta-bles.  “It don’t have nutting to do with your new friend”.  Lyrics taken from song  Green Eyes found on the CD Mama’s Gun.

Addressing attendees at the Joint Armed Forces Officers' Wives' Luncheon at the Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. (Click image for larger view)

Green is a restful color with some of the same calming attributes of blue. Like the color blue, green rooms help time to move faster.  Team green with blue to produce echoes of nature i.e. water and forest.

First Lady Obama seen here wearing a mix of green and blue. Both hues seen here, are relatively warm in temperature and work beautifully against her warm skin tone (click image for larger view)

Green with brown, tan or beige resonates organic or recycled and is an excellent combination for packaging of those types of products.

First Lady Obama appearing on Sesame Street (Click image for larger view)

For a sporty, outdoorsy feel, consider a tri-color combination of green with yellow and black or white.

Who can forget the First Lady's classic yellowish-chartreuse ensemble designed by avant garde designer Isabel Toledo and worn during President Obama's inauguration. Mrs. Obama accessorized the look with grass-green leather gloves and green shoes. Splendid! (Click image for larger view)

The high contrast of purple with green are sporty, outdoorsy colors. Purple with green brings energy, excitement and activity to any space.

First Lady wearing purple with a blue green. I like the color contrast but not on Mrs. Obama. (Click image for larger view)

Finally, if your skin tone falls under the category of “warm-spring”, consider lime green with orange.

Sorry Madam First Lady, this look is a total FAIL. (Click image for larger view)

If you are in the image profession or simply looking to learn more about selecting colors to suit particular skin tones, sign up for one of our color training webinars.  The next class is Thursday, March 18.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Color / Colour Analysis, Personal | 2 Comments »


Petite Belt Rules

Monday, December 21st, 2009

Petite Dynamo Carrie Underwood

Petite Dynamo Carrie Underwood

Since the beginning of her husband’s campaign trail, we’ve witnessed first lady Michelle Obama’s ingenious ability to transform a simple outfit into a fashion statement by incorporating a wide belt.  Needless to say, fashionable women around the globe have followed suit.  But for the petite woman, pulling off this coveted trend can be tricky.  The same wide belt worn by a tall woman like Mrs. Obama, would take up half the torso of a petite woman’s frame.  So what’s a petite dynamo to do?  We’ve listed seven pointers to help you tighten your fashion belt game.

  1. Before incorporating a wide, waist-cinching belt into your wardrobe, take an honest look in the mirror and do it in the buff.  It’s true that a belt can accentuate your waist, but belts also accentuate body flaws.  Know yours.  The wrong belt will emphasize full hips or a wide rear end.
  2. Make sure that the width of your belt is proportionate to your height.  A belt that covers up too much torso, creates a choppy silhouette.
  3. The top of the belt should hit at about the middle of your ribcage. Wearing a belt higher than that will start to manipulate the proportions.
  4. Of course there are always exceptions to the rule.  If you have a thicker waistline, move the belt up slightly higher to create an almost empire-waist effect. (See photograph of Carrie Underwood above.)  Doing so, draws attention to what is likely the narrowest part of your body and creates a longer, leaner leg-line.
  5. When wearing a wide belt, tone down your jewelry. Oversize earrings work but consider omitting a necklace.  Allow the belt to create a statement on its own.
  6. A wide belt makes a delightful juxtaposition to a top with pleating or ruching.  But if there’s beading or embroidery, keep the belt simple.  Again, you don’t want various pieces of your wardrobe vying for attention.
  7. Finally, your belt doesn’t have to match your shoes or bag, but it should complement them.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Personal, Petite | No Comments »


An Obama Family Picture is Worth A Thousand Sales

Wednesday, November 26th, 2008

The ladies of the White House

Some say a picture is worth a thousand words.  Others, remind us that we can’t believe everything we see.  Both sayings appropriately apply to this week’s cover of New York Mag featuring a beautiful picture of future first lady Michelle Obama and first daughters Sasha and Malia.   Subscriber or not, I definitely would have picked up this issue.  Seeing the soon to be ladies of the White House and their radiant smiles on the cover totally piqued my interest and I couldn’t wait to read the story.  But after a minute or so of flipping madly through each page, I found myself staring at the back cover in bewilderment.  Did I miss it?  I even took a second stab, this time flipping each page more deliberately and looking with sleuthing eyes.  Once again, I ended up at the back cover without a trace of an Obama article.  That’s when I decided to take a second look at the cover and to my surprise, I noted (with the help of my little glasses), the very tiny print at the bottom right-hand corner of the cover:  “REQUISITE DISCLAIMER:  This is not really Michelle, Sasha, or Malia.  And of course it’s not even the Obama puppy, whomever he or she turns out to be.”  WTF! Not only was there no story aligned with the cover picture, these weren’t even the real Obama girls!  Could it be that magazine sales have slumped so low that the industry is resorting to trickery?  Guess a picture is now worth a thousand (or so) sales.  Call the cops; I’ve been robbed!

For More Michelle Obama Fashion, Click this Link

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Body Analysis, Color / Colour Analysis, Personal | 2 Comments »