photo from http://www.whitehouse.gov/

First Lady Michelle Obama continues to reach out to the less fortunate and she encourages others to do the same. Last Thursday, the first lady took time out from her busy schedule to serve food to the homeless at Miriam’s Kitchen, a non-profit organization, in Washington, D.C.

Miriam’s Kitchen strives to provide healthy nutritious meals. On the menu, mushroom risotto cooked in chicken stock, morning glory muffins with apples, carrots and pecans, fresh baked whole wheat rolls, and fruit salad. 

On The White House Blog, Mrs. Obama described Miriam’s Kitchen as: “… an example of what we can do, as a country and as a community, to help folks when they’re down. We’re all going to need one another in these times. We’re going to need to keep lifting each other up, in prayer and in hope.” 

 White House photo/ Joyce N. Boghosian from www.whitehouse.gov

This is the official portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama. It was released yesterday and yes, continues to fuel the controversy over the first lady’s propensity to go sleeveless. According to the Mrs-O website, this stunning black dress is from Michael Kors’ spring 2009 collection.

In my opinion, this time Michelle scored high marks on three levels: the dress is appropriate and it showcases her personal style and personal preference. Whether you’re a fan or not, you’ve gotta admit the first lady looks sharp and confident in the portrait. And you can’t miss those toned bare arms. How long do you think it will be before the first lady gets a publishing deal to write a book about her exercise routine?

White House photo/ Pete Souza from www.whitehouse.gov

Last Wednesday night, President Obama presented legendary entertainer Stevie Wonder with the Library of Congress’ Gershwin Prize for Popular Song during an affair at the White House. The Gershwin prize is named for George and Ira Gershwin, the famous American song writing team of such classics as “Someone To Watch Over Me” and “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.” The award honors lifetime achievement in popular music.

The president and the first lady stressed the importance of Wonder’s music in their personal lives. In fact, the first couple used Wonder’s “You and I” as their wedding song. Also, President Obama noted Wonder’s universal appeal: “Millions of people around the world have found similar comfort and joy in Stevie’s music and its unique capacity to find hope in struggle and humanity in our common hardships.”

 Wonder’s career has been prolific. He has released at least 35 albums, which have sold  more than 72 million copies. He has 30 top ten hits, 11 # 1 pop singles, and won 19 Grammys. Wonder is very active in political and charitable causes as well. Locally, Wonder owns urban adult contemporary radio station 102.3 KJLH.

photo from http://www.people.com

First Lady Michelle Obama graces the cover of the People Magazine issue set for release tomorrow, Friday, February 27. It’s a lovely cover. The Michelle Obama fashion style website www.mrs-o.org says the first lady is wearing a lace kimono dress in dried azalea (love that color) by African American designer Tracy Reese. A full length view of a version of that dress is on www.mrs-o.org.

The dress looks wonderful on Michelle, however, it also highlights the latest style controversy buzzing around the first lady. The controversy is about Mrs. Obama’s apparent preference for baring her arms, no matter the occasion or season, or what the temperature gauge shows.

 A post yesterday, on MSN’s allDAY Blog talked about the controversy surrounding the first lady’s right to bare her arms. There are comments from readers from across the nation on that blog. Some claim this is a “none issue,” others say go ahead bare those arms if they are shapely like Michelle’s, still others insist the first requirement is to be appropriate for the event.

 Even during President Obama’s address to Congress, the first lady grabbed attention for her outfit. The www.mrs-o.org website has a post and photo of Michelle in the  sleeveless plum colored dress  she wore to hear her husband make his first speech to the joint session of Congress on Tuesday. Some felt it looked like the first lady was dressed for an after five party affair. Again, the dress showcased Michelle’s very toned arms.

Frequently women want to show off what they consider their best physical assets, whether it be long legs, buxom bosoms, or well defined arms. So Michelle has plenty of company in this thinking. However as first lady, the focus of national and world attention, Michelle has to meet a higher standard than most women. As first lady, what is appropriate always takes priority over personal style and personal preference. This is something Michelle will have to come to terms with, hopefully, sooner rather than later.

Photos from Vogue/Annie Leibovitz

First Lady Michelle Obama achieves a milestone of her own with an appearance on the cover of the March issue of Vogue magazine. First ladies have shown up in the high fashion icon since 1929, however, only two got the cover. The first, the now Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, back in December of 1998.

For weeks now, rumors of the Obama/Vogue cover have been swirling around the Internet. Last night, the rumors became reality when the story along with the gorgeous cover popped up in some major media. Today the Vogue/Obama cover was officially released. There are reports about it from People magazine to the Washington Post to the BBC News. 

Understandably, I found the most extensive and detailed coverage on the Vogue style website. Several lovely photos from the March Vogue are included with a shorter version of Andre Leon Talley’s informative feature story on the First Lady; her style, beliefs, and new life. And of course, there are some great insights and observations about Michelle and fashion.

On the subject of fashion, you get to hear Michelle explain how that controversial black and red outfit she wore at the November 4, 2008 campaign victory rally came to be. However, what impressed me most was the First Lady’s assessment of fashion:”I love clothes,” she admits. “First and foremost, I wear what I love. That’s what women have to focus on: what makes them happy and what makes them feel comfortable and beautiful. If I can have any impact, I want women to feel good about themselves and have fun with fashion.” Right on, Michelle.

 A website dedicated to First Lady Michelle Obama’s fashion and style is offering a special deal this week. The mrs-o.org website is totally into the new First Lady, offering frequent postings of great photos and articles.

Photo from:  www.mrs-o.org

 The site raves about a look from the presidential debates last year, when Mrs. Obama added decorative brooches to a string of pearls. The website is now offering a limited edition T-shirt that pays tribute to this example of Mrs.O’s style.

There are only 250 of these Mrs.O Inspired T-shirts. The price is pretty reasonable; $30 dollars. Three dollars of the proceeds reportedly will go to Operation USO Care Package, one of Mrs.O’s favorite causes.   

Covering Mrs.O’s style has really paid off nicely for the editor/founder of this website. Mary Tomer has just signed a major six-figure book deal based on her site. Last week, Publishers Weekly reported the Mrs.O book will cover all aspects of the First Lady’s first year; from fashion to White House decor. Tomer is writing the book in partnership with ZAG, a division of ad agency Bartle Bogle Hegarty. The Mrs.O book of style is due for release at the end of the year.

FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove

Michelle Obama turned heads at the inauguration ceremony on January 20, 2009.

The new First Lady, Michelle Obama, really showcased her modern sophisticated style during inauguration week. Mrs. Obama got high marks from many fashion observers including Vogue editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, in an article on the high fashion magazine’s website.  

I’m not an expert, but I thought Michelle was “styling” all week long. My favorite outfit, that striking yellow Isabel Toledo dress and matching coat. The new First Lady sparkled at the swearing-in ceremony. “Yellow is the color of optimism and confidence and hope … The whole ensemble radiated hope and optimism,”said Mandi Norwood, a former editor at Mademoiselle magazine who is writing a book on Michelle Obama’s style. It was a brave departure from the usual red, white, and blue colors worn by most on Inauguration Day. Also, Michelle added her own style touches with green patent leather Jimmy Choo pumps and olive green gloves by J. Crew.

You may not love everything Michelle wears, but you’ve got to give her credit for being independent and adventurous enough to select clothes that display her own personal style.

Gary Fabiano/pool photo

The transition of power at the White House was highlighted last Monday when President-Elect Barack Obama and wife, Michelle, dropped in for a short visit with President Bush and the first lady, Laura. Obama and Bush strolled the White House halls and reportedly had a polite chat about what a mess the country is in.

The visit was probably more enjoyable for the wives. I have to say, Mrs. Obama was styling in a lovely red dress that outshone the disastrous red and black outfit she wore for the election night victory rally. That White House wool crepe empire red dress was created by Chicago designer Maria Pinto. A nice interview with that designer about Mrs. Obama’s fashion style is on the Women’s Wear Daily website.

Mrs. Bush’s belted red dress was not all that exciting, but she has always been a tad on the bland side; so one cannot really criticize her choice. However, Mrs. Bush is getting some good buzz on the literary scene. According to the New York Post, the first lady has a number of publishers interested in buying her memoirs for big bucks.

Earlier, President Bush reportedly put out feelers for his own memories, but was told his public image is too tarnished, both here and aboard. It has been suggested that Bush wait a few decades before thinking of writing a book. I’ll second that.

Google Photo

Michelle Obama, wearing a purple sheath by Chicago designer Maria Pinto, joins her husband on stage in St. Paul, Minnesota during the campaign last June.

The first-lady-in-waiting, Michelle Obama, is not hovering in the wings. The 44-year-old mother of two was out front on the campaign trail and shows no sign of stepping away from the spotlight. Mrs. Obama’s personal fashion style has earned kudos from many and critical reviews from others.

Folks are talking about more than just that controversial black and red dress she wore at the Election night victory rally in Chicago, last Tuesday. The dresses she favors are feminine and modern. The accessories simple, but distinctive. Mrs. Obama’s style includes a mix of up-and-coming American designer ensembles with bargains from places like J. Crew.

Not only are people watching her fashion style, but apparently Mrs. Obama’s outfits are spurring some folks to go shopping, according to a story on the Los Angeles Times website today. Mrs. Obama is not the first lady officially yet, but she’s already having an impact and giving the struggling economy a little push.

Phil Velasquez/Chicago Tribune

I have to admit, I was shocked by Michelle Obama’s flaming red and black dress when I saw photos of the victory rally last night on the Internet. There’s a lot of talk about it today. As much as I appreciate the future First Lady’s style and affinity for dresses, I gave the one she wore at the Chicago celebration two thumbs down! As an aside, I really dug the dangling earrings.

The red and black dress is a creation by Narciso Rodriquez, one of Michelle’s favorite designers. Today the “All The Rage” blog on the Los Angeles Times website has a nice post about the dress controversy. A New York Times blog included a photo of  the original dress seen on the runway recently. Michelle’s fashion style on the campaign trail has been cheered by some and booed by others. It’s part of being in the spotlight. It goes along with being First Lady. 

For the next four years, Michelle Obama will probably give the fashion police and the rest of us plenty to discuss. I hope she continues to wear outfits that reflect her taste, however, I think that red and black victory rally dress should be packed away –never to be worn again.

Over the weekend, Barack Obama and John McCain campaigns blitzed Nevada fighting for those undecided voters. Many of the political analysts have slotted Nevada in the column of swing states– those still up for grabs in this heated presidential race.

For weeks now the Obama camp has been targeting Nevada. Some of the recent Obama e-mails I have received included urgent requests for California supporters to volunteer to go to Nevada to help get out the vote. No one is saying how many Obama folks from the Golden State have made the dash to Nevada, however, some reports put the number in the thousands.

 Last Saturday, Obama spoke to a large crowd at a high school in Henderson, Nevada. Today, his wife, Michelle Obama, is scheduled to rally supporters at a college campus in North Las Vegas.

Also in Nevada today, Republican V.P. candidate Sarah Palin is scheduled to make two stops, one in Reno and the other in Elko. Tonight, John McCain will be in Henderson to speak at what is being touted as a “Road to Victory Rally.” Despite being down in most of the polls, McCain is still working his underdog status and pushing for what he hopes will be a come from behind win.

Meanwhile, Obama and his supporters are refusing to let up or slow down even during these last days and final hours of the campaign.

Democratic first lady hopeful Michelle Obama is getting some high marks for her polished looks and style. Today the wife of Democratic Presidential candidate, Barack Obama, made the top ten on People magazine’s best dressed list for 2008.

Mrs. Obama is joined on that list by some very fashionable celebrities: like actresses Kate Hudson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Anne Hathaway, Sarah Jessica Parker, Eva Mendes, Charlize Theron, along with singers Rihanna and Fergie and supermodel Heidi Klum.

Mrs. Obama’s fashion style was the focus of a two-page display in the September 15, 2008 issue of US Weekly. Chicago designer Maria Pinto is one of her favorites.  Also, Michelle has been spotted wearing Narciso Rodriguez, Isabel Toledo, and Thakoon Panichgul.