Red Carpet Minute: The 34th Annual Kennedy Center Honors

Washington Meets Hollywood, Broadway, and Beyond...

Presidential Royal Blue: First Lady Michelle Obama in Vera Wang--with President Obama, who by the way, looks as if he got a "freshening up" ---either he got his teeth whitened or just got some much-needed sleep, but he looks GOOD!

This past Sunday evening, in Washington D.C., the 34th Annual Kennedy Center Honors occurred. This year's Honorees were singer/actress and Broadway and Cabaret STAR Barbara Cook, singer-songwriter Neil Diamond, cellist, virtuoso and composer Yo-Yo Ma, Grammy-winning American jazz tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins and actress Meryl Streep.

All of Washington D.C.'s elite were there including, of course, President Barack Obama and the First Lady, Michelle. Michelle Obama wore a royal blue Vera Wang "Mermaid"-shaped strapless gown, and yes, she looked GORGEOUS! The show will be televised on December 27th on CBS but for now, what I'm interested in here, is naturally, the Red Carpet and what everyone else wore:

Meryl Streep: Academy Award-winning actress Meryl Streep wore a black scoop-neck jersey gown with gathered detail and long sleeves. It was an elegant look for her. Miss Streep loves her jersey and yes, she knows what styles/shapes work best for her. Simple, elegant and JERSEY work marvelously for her!

Barbara Cook: The other female Kennedy Center Honoree was Barbara Cook--as the Broadway (Good) Diva that she is, naturally, she wore a FABULOUS caftan! This IS going to be my look of choice when I get to be her age. For sure!

Sarah Jessica Parker: Miss SJP--always the Fashion Icon--gave everyone "Jackie O Chic" in this gunmetal-colored high-neck, sleeveless gown from Theyskens' Theory Fall 2011 from fashion designer Olivier Theyskens.

The gown featured an empire waist, center front self-covered buttons and pleats that shaped the skirt section of the gown into a very "Balenciaga"-esque silhouette. Here it is in the Theyskens' for Theory Fall 2011 Runway Show:

On Sarah Jessica Parker, it looks even less wrinkled than on the runway model--actually, it looks PERFECT on SJP...better than on the model!

Emily Blunt: Actress Emily Blunt was on hand (for Miss Meryl Streep of course!), and she wore a plum-colored strapless gown from the Notte by Marchesa line (the "diffusion"--lower--Marchesa cocktail/evening line which sells at high-end stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue).

The strapless gown had a "Sweetheart" neckline, peplum detail and straight/fitted floor-length skirt.

Sutton Foster: Tony Award-winning actress Sutton Foster (GOSH, was she AMAZING in "Anything Goes"!!) looked ravishing and so directional on Sunday night in this slate-grey matte-jersey halter dress with a metallic accent neck-piece.

It was from Michael Kors' Fall 2011 Collection, as seen above on Supermodel Karlie Kloss. On the NY Fashion Week Runway (above photo), the look was paired with matching pants. I'm glad Sutton left the pants back in the Michael Kors PR Showroom.

Other Notable Attendees (in terms of Fashion):

Andrea Mitchell: It's always nice to see non-actors and non-Red Carpet staples at events such as this--like television journalist, anchor and NBC reporter, Andrea Mitchell. She is married (as we all know) to former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan. I have to say, that Andrea looked so elegant and "Upper East Side"-chic in this strapless sequined black "Mermaid"-silhouette gown. THIS is what a LADY looks like: Kudos Andrea!

Glenn Close: Actress Glenn Close wore a copper velvet gown with a gathered center-front and drop shoulder detail. I have to admit that: I'm not a fan of this gown on Glenn Close. The draped shoulder silhouette looked a bit "saggy" on her. The velvet fabrication, did not help. She usually turns to her fashion "paramour" Giorgio Armani for big red carpet events. If this was his--I would re-think asking him or his pr team for red carpet help. It is going to be a LONG Awards season for Glenn, so let's hope she got this one bad dress out of her system!

Christine Baranski and her daughter at the Kennedy Center Honors Red Carpet: Both Christina and her daughter look resplendent in their looks. Not so sure about the waist lace-nude side panel on Baranski but I do love the shape of her black gown and especially the neck-and-shoulder draped detail. Her daughter looks FAB in a strapless royal blue gown. But darling, next time: smile!!!

The 34th Annual Kennedy Center Honors airs December 27, 2011 on CBS. I'll be watching!

Michelle Obama Visits UK: The Fashion Edition

Fashionista First Lady...

The First Lady of the USA has been abroad on a State Visit to the United Kingdom (as well as accompanying her husband to the G8 Summit in France), and well, let's just say, she has been GIVING some Fashion with a Capital "F". Her suitcases were PACKED kids! I can only imagine. Hope she took her assistant or her 'people" put together Polaroids of each outfit and what went with what. From looking at these photos, I have a feeling, they did. Not one detail was missed.

Michelle Obama attending the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace in Tom Ford

Here are some highlights: First (above photo) Mrs. Obama stunned the guests and the world press with a halter neck criss-cross shirred chiffon ivory gown by US Designer Tom Ford, Opera-length gloves (love those!) and clutch.

Michelle Obama arrives at Stansted Airport in Peter Som Fall 2010. On their way to a G8 Summit

Then, on the way to the G8 Summit in Deauville France, she wore another US Designer, Peter Som--a purple sheath dress with bateau neckline (she loves her boat necks!) with a matching ombre purple coat, highlighted by a center front neck brooch.

Michelle Obama disembarking Air Force One in Preen Fall 2011

Upon disembarking Air Force One, she wore Preen Fall 2011 turquoise blue cropped coat, matching pencil skirt and metallic lame/top. I love how she had the jacket customized so it opens in the front and we get to see more of that fabulous printed blouse. She is seriously competing with Victoria Beckham as THE Best Dressed Woman seen coming out of a Plane!!!

Michelle Obama in Ralph Lauren Fall 2011.

The First Couple hosted a dinner for the Queen--that's Queen Elizabeth II--at Winfield House, the residence of the Ambassador of the United States of America. Mrs. Obama wore an off-the-shoulder black gown by All-American Designer (who LOVES all things British incidentally!) Ralph Lauren, from his Fall 2011 Collection. The gown fitted her impeccably and she finished it off with clean side swept hair and a STUNNING statement making necklace. Her "people" (Press Secretary, Stylist, whoever...) is surely working OVERTIME and earning EVERY penny of their salary huney! I give them an A+.

Michelle Obama at the Buckingham Palace State Visit wearing Barbara Tfank Resort 2011

While visiting Buckingham Palace for a daytime function during their UK State Visit, Michelle Obama opted for a bateau (told you she loved that neckline!) neckline A-line silhouette printed dress with box pleats and a contrasting waist sash; finished off with a rose-pink bolero jacket, jeweled pin and pointy metallic heels. Very Lady-Like. I approve.

Michelle Obama speaks at the University of Oxford in Alexander McQueen Resort 2011

When Mrs. Obama spoke at Oxford University during her visit to the UK, she wore (appropriately enough!) an Alexander McQueen Resort 2011 ensemble of a "high-low" band-collared white shirt and black skinny pants--and a FABULOUS waist-cincher of a belt. It was modern, fresh and yes, British.

Michelle Obama serving food to members of the Military at a Barbeque at 10 Downing Street wearing Tracy Reese Pre-Fall 2011

Finally, for a "Photo-Op" while serving food to members of the Military at a Barbeque at the Prime Minister's Home (10 Downing Street), the US First lady decided to don a black-and-white zig-zag applique dress with beaded waistband. It seemed a bit dressy for the occasion, but she looked fabulous none the less.

All in all, Mrs. Obama gets an "A" for bringing the FASHION across the Pond. And at least, for looking fresh, directional, and (Thank Goodness) somewhat fashionable. Cheers Mrs. Obama!

Michelle Obama Wears McQueen at White House State Dinner Honoring Chinese President: Fab Or Not? I think AMAZING!

First Lady In Red...

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, in Alexander McQueen Resort 2011, State Dinner for Chinese Presdient

Last night was the White House State Dinner in Honor of the President of the People's Republic of China. The First Lady, Michelle Obama stunned the audience--and me sitting inn my living room 2700 miles away--by wearing a STUNNING red printed silk organza STATEMENT-making Alexander McQueen Resort 2011 gown. Tell me when was the last time you saw a US First Lady so chic, modern and wearing such a directional gown for a State Dinner...and it wasn't one of the First Lady "usual Fashion Designer subjects" such as Oscar de la Renta (First Lady Laura Bush's Fave).

Making an Entrance: Alexander McQueen Resort 2011

But we have come to know that Michelle Obama is definitely NOT going to follow the First Lady "Fashion Rules" set before her by other First Ladies. And I for one, LOVE that!
The gown--which features an asymmetrical neckline and folded architectural draping--was designed by the House's Creative Director, the late Alexander McQueen's successor (following his tragic and untimely death), Sarah Burton. The choice of color, I'm sure was a nod to China, in that it signifies happiness and prosperity.

Fashion Diva: US First Lady Michelle Obama last night at State Dinner for Chinese President

I think she looked AMAZING--so chic! Move over Carla Bruni, Queen Rania, Sheikha Mozah of Qatar...there's another woman in town! Now, in comparing the top photo, of Mrs. Obama wearing the gown--and the one from the McQueen Look Book, the gown was altered for the First Lady: Originally, it featured puffy sleeves and as we can see, these became wide straps on Mrs. Obama. Also, look closely at the hem--there seems to be an "addition" of about 2 inches:
It looks like a band of satin fabric was added to compensate for the First Lady's statuesque height (see above close-up). It doesn't look as if that same band is in the original gown. First Ladies aren't allowed to "borrow" dresses like many A-List actresses so possibly after the gown was purchased and/or ordered from her favorite boutique (Ikram), it still needed a little extra length. I may be wrong (and I'm sure my readers will let me know!) but if I'm not, it's very interesting...

politically correct choice of dress

photos & dress info via Huffingtonpost 

This is perhaps the first look I absoloutly love- and won't forget- on the First Lady.  I think the usual hype on her style is purely political, & I have never been too fond of the choice of prints she wears.  I was even a bit taken back of all six pages worth of praise in the Vogue Best Dressed issue a few months back. However, Mrs. Obama redeemed herself -atleast to me- when she wore a red petal print gown by Alexander McQueen from the Resort 2011 collection.  This choice is so appropriate, because the fire-like silky red she wore symbolizes good luck in the Chinese culture, and the occasion was after all, the state dinner with China's president. Mrs. Obama even continues to play her shoulders, as she's known to, so she looks very confident & classy all together. I'm hoping she continues to embrace us all with her fashion more often.

Michelle Obama in Marc Jacobs for the First Time

U.S. First Lady, Michelle Obama, wore Marc Jacobs for the first time during an event in the White House last December 10. Michelle sported a black sequin dress from Marc Jacobs' Fall 2010 collection.

Well, what can I say? Mrs. O is really fashionable and her wardrobe is always updated. :)


Photo Source: NYMag

Vacation Divas: Michelle Obama and Heidi Klum

Vacation ChicFirst Vacation Queens: Sasha Obama, King Juan Carlos, First Lady Michelle Obama, Queen Sofia and Princess Letizia of Asturias

A few weeks ago, I took a trip to Europe and just returned. Well, I guess I'm not the only one thinking Europe is a nice destination for Summer 2010. As many of you may know (unless you've been living under a rock), the First Lady, Michelle Obama is in Spain--Marbella to be exact, on vacation with daughter Sasha, as well as to meet King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain at their Summer Palace. Yes, she's been taking a lot of heat because of this little ol' vacation. Over 40 guests, 60 rooms at the exclusive Villa Padierma (they should give the First Lady a HUGE discount for all the press she has given them!) , a cross-Atlantic Air Force Two flight that cost over $140,000...

But I'm not here to discuss that. I want to talk about how FABULOUS she looked while on her Marbella visit wearing a chic polka dotted Jean Paul Gaultier one shouldered top (above photo).

As well as this printed dress/tunic over leggings. What a modern 21st century First Lady!

Speaking of chic: Check out my favorite Supermodel, Heidi Klum, while on vacation in Portofino in the Italian Riviera. Loving the handkerchief-hemmed printed halter dress, paired with subdued earrings and simple sandals. I bet that tourist in the back wished she would have NOT been out sightseeing in her fanny-pack on that day!

Michelle Obama Wears Naeem Khan Dress at State Dinner

First lady Michelle Obama channeled her fashion side during the first state dinner of U.S. Pres. Barack Obama. She pulled a strapless, silver-sequined, cream-colored gown by Naeem Khan, an Indian-American designer. The gown was accentuated with beads that form an abstract floral pattern. Michelle completed her fabulous look with a stack of bangle bracelets and dangling earrings.


Photo Source: www.huffingtonpost.com

Michelle Obama Mrs O Book

To those who love Michelle Obama's fashion style, here's some good news for you. You don't have to go anywhere to follow the fashionable look of the First Lady because Mary Tomer of Mrs-O.org wrote a book entitled, Mrs. O: The Face of Fashion Democracy. Iconic fashion styles from her wedding to the White House as well as the rarely-seen photos during the Presidential campaign were also included in the book. There's more, personal interviews with Jason Wu and Isabel Toledo were in the book.

So what are you waiting for? Grab a copy of this book and know the fashion styles of Michelle Obama.

Source: Instyle

Miyuki Hatoyama Best Jeanist Award

Aside from Michelle Obama and Carla Bruni, Japan's first lady Miyuki Hatoyama is also a certified fashionista. She received the Best Jeanist Award together with some musicians and other celebrities.

According to Japan Jeans Association, Miyuki Hatoyama sports denim in a "classy but revolutionary style".

Between Michelle Obama and Carla Bruni, who will this denim fashion war? Vote Now!

Source

Mikimoto Pearls: Must-Have Fashion Accesories

Pearls as fashion accessories are having a comeback nowadays. It started when Michelle Obama used pearls during the presidential campaign last year. Tracing back the history, a lot of first ladies worn pearls in every social event. Jackie Kennedy was famous for her choker pearls, Barbara and Laura Bush had simple pearl necklaces. Other politicians such as Dianne Feinstein, Hilary Clinton and Nancy Pelosi did not hesitate to follow this fashion trend.

Now, if you want to ride this fashion bandwagon, you can buy finest quality pearls from Mikimoto Pearls. MIKIMOTO was founded in 1893 by Kokichi Mikimoto. Mikimoto pearls are high quality and with elegance. So what are you waiting for? Visit the site and shop some Mikimoto pearls and use them as your fashion accessories. Here are some of the Mikimoto pearls sample:

Dolls Replaced Michelle Obama, Jackie O and Carla Bruni in Harper's Bazaar Japan

The September issue of Harper's Bazaar in Japan featured the First Ladies fashion styles. Entitled as First Lady Chic, the magazine showcased the fashion statements of Michelle Obama, Jackie Kennedy, and Carla Bruni.

However, when you go through the pages of the said magazine, you'll be surprised to see that the First Ladies had been replaced by dolls. The dolls posed in different presidential events.







Photo Source