First things first: What did you think of the new first lady's outfits yesterday? I have to say, I loved the gold sheath and coat Michelle wore to the inauguration, but I was disappointed when I saw her appear in that white frilly dress at the Neighborhood Ball last night. It reminds me too much of the eighties-era prom dresses that were in style back in my day. I'd seen a sketch suggesting she might wear a sleek, sparkling violet gown, and I was all set to watch her twirl around in some brilliant, royal hue, so the white just didn't do it for me. (Yes, yes, I know. This is all completely trivial and silly and has nothing to do with whether or not she'll be a good first lady. Right you are. But c'mon. What did you think of her dresses?)
And although I've had the January/February 2009 issue of Tea Time magazine for a while now, I did not actually read the article about the Presidents' Day Tea until last night while watching the inaugural festivities on TV. I liked the quote by Lady Bird Johnson saying that "the first lady is, and always has been, an unpaid public servant elected by one person, her husband." Did you hear that the gift Michelle gave outgoing first lady Laura Bush yesterday was a journal and pen? Perfect. A class act. (Both of them.)
Did you by chance visit the Senate web site about the inauguration? If you missed it, go here to see the Lincoln China they used at lunch yesterday, and go here to see the lunch menu and recipes. Those Cinnamon Apple Sponge Cakes sound awfully tasty to me, and they'd go quite well with that Presidents' Day Tea menu in the new Tea Time.
I am in agreement about the dress'~ At first glance the white one looked like it had cotton balls on it. I moaned and 9 yr old my daughter said, What's a matter Mom? I replied... I'm disappointed in her choice of dress. Then we had a great little conversation about what stunning and elegant dress we would have worn if it were us. ha ha We also agreed she didn't look comfortable on the stage while her Man looked VERY comfortable being leader, a veteran already.
ReplyDeleteI have that magazine too and like you, read and then re-read the same sentence. Profound yet simple words.
Fun post! I'm sure it will be the theme of bloggyland today.
Welllllllll, the important thing is that her husband thought she looked great. I read an article that most of the clothing they wear is bullet resistant...and can be quite expensive. Besides that, she is not a small petite woman. She may be Mrs. "O" but the designers are not dealing with a Jackie "O" and maybe those flowers were serving a dual purpose...who knows? Personally, I don't think I could have made it through such a long day with so many clothing changes. I liked the part where she did not immediately appear on cue and the new prez commented, "I think I may have been stood up!"
ReplyDeleteI was wondering what was wrapped up in that box that Michelle handed to Laura. Class act indeed. I love it! (PS Didn't really care for either dress but am confident that she'll soon find "her" unique style. And let's face it - absolutely *no one* will ever live up to the stylish Jackie O!)
ReplyDeleteI saw on TV this morning that her gown was actually light yellow but showed on the monitors as white. I too was disapointed in it...fifteen million US American $$'s were spent...I thought it she would look a little classier.
ReplyDeleteHere is hoping things will only go up from here *smiles*
Her choices took me by surprise, at first, then I realized her garments were appropriate for her. Mrs. Obama stood out like a breath of fresh air in her lemongrass ensemble among all those women wearing navy, red, black or royal blue in the stands. As for her ball gown, while I didnot care for the frill at the shoulder, she sparkled and looked lovely. I think she is making a statement: ' Expect the unexpected' in her fashion choices. She will be excellant in giving new American designers a boost. And no, she is no Jackie O, she is Michelle O!
ReplyDeleteMrs. Obama's dress is not one that I would choose to wear but I did think she looked very lovely. I think they are an impressive looking family and a family of values.
ReplyDeletethank you for the links and the fun blog. i thought her choice of dresses was while not to my taste in what i would wear, was just perfect in a fairy tale sort of way. and the comfort the couple displayed with each other and affection clearly shown, really was wonderful. i adored her gold outfit! i thought she looked stunning,poised and happy the entire time. how fun to discuss what you would wear with your daughter! hugs from leslie at comfrey cottages
ReplyDeleteI thought of a chenille bedspread when I first saw it. A different fabric and it would have been quite lovely. This is only conjecture, but I think she is trying to create her own style and I do think her style is unique. She does separate herself from other first ladies. She probably is trying to make that a goal. It is better than Hiliary's perpetual pantsuits and is more hip and stylish than most of our first ladies' attire. Who could match Jackie -- who looked like a model? I did like her yellow suit and coat but the gown was a disappointment. I am reminded of Laura Bush's statement when asked if people could expect her to be like her popular mother-in-law. The reply, "I'm Laura Bush." I think our new first lady could say, "I'm Michelle Obama and I'm unique."
ReplyDeleteI found both dresses interesting choices. Have you seen the one she is wearing this morning for the prayer service? Oh my! Hopefully she will find a nice syle that suits her soon!
ReplyDeleteYes, the gold dress and coat was quite elegant. The white ballgown - not so much. The info on the china and lunch was interesting. I'd love to have the seafood stew. I think I'll go look up my January/February Teatime magazine and read that article.
ReplyDeleteMaybe OPRAH should give her some fashion tips since shes the one that put the O's in that position.
ReplyDeleteIf you like the sound of cinnamon apple spongecake, take a look at this King Arthur Flour blog entry:
ReplyDeletehttp://blog.kingarthurflour.com/2009/01/20/lunch-with-the-president/
I think I'll try the King Arthur recipe sometime, it looks much easier.