0 White House State Dinner: Michelle Obama in Marchesa and Samantha Cameron in Alessandra Rich

The Blue Belles...

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama host British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife, Samantha Cameron

Last night, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama held a State Dinner in Washington D.C. at the White House (of course) for British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha. This was the sixth state dinner of the Obama Presidency. The entertainment of the night: John Legend and Mumford and Sons. The international guest list for this black tie gala ranged from diplomats, government officials to the world of entertainment and fashion. VIP guests included George Clooney, Virgin Mogul Richard Branson, billionaire Warren Buffett, Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour, Harvey Weinstein and his gorgeous wife, Marchesa co-designer Georgina Chapman, Charlie Rose, actors from PBS' "Downton Abbey", as well as the reigning king of golf, Northern Ireland's Rory McIlory , to name a few. Now onto the FASHION...

First lady Michelle Obama wore a teal blue gown from the American design firm of Marchesa (designed by two Brits, including Project Runway All Stars Judge, Georgina Chapman, who was a guest--and is British of course). The gown is from the Marchesa Resort 2012 collection. The original gown features a draped and pleated off-the-shoulder top section and a "high-low" peplum train which for Mrs. Obama was removed (good call!). The shoulder draping was stitched down (Good Call Part Deux!).

The First Lady looked elegant and statuesque and I think it was great to expose her fabulous shoulders and great arms--and to wear her hair up as well! Although, I'm not 100% sold on the necklaces. I get what she was going for and I love chunky jewelry, but it was a bit overwhelming for that dress and distracted a bit from the beautiful neckline. But there is no denying that this gown was made-to-order and fitted on her to a "T". Notice the perfection of the back and that mini-train:

Finally, here's the British Prime Minister's wife Samantha Cameron and her State Dinner Fashion Statement:

She wore a royal-and-navy blue appliqued lace gown from British designer Alessandra Rich. The gown featured and thin belt accentuating her tiny waist and a neck tie. Both her and the U.S. First Lady complimented themselves in different shades of blue. And yes, kids, this was not by accident. This was all pre-arranged and pre-coordianted via their corresponding Social Secretaries, trust me. Lovely to see FASHION with a Capital "F" at the White House. Thank you ladies!

What did you guys think? Which First Lady wore FASHION best at last night's State Dinner? Michelle Obama or Samantha Cameron? Let me know.

0 Obama reveals crush on Meryl Streep

Barack Obama revealed his secret crush on Meryl Streep at an awards function at the White House.

Kennedy Centre Honours’ awards programme honoured singers Neil Diamond and Barbara Cook, jazz great Sonny Rollins, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

"Anybody who saw The French Lieutenant’s Woman had a crush on her," Sky News quoted Obama as saying.

Obama also paid tribute to the cellist Ma - who has been playing since the age of four - with a topical quip, suggesting he could learn a thing or two from the world-renowned cellist.

"Maybe the most amazing thing about Yo-Yo Ma is that everybody likes him," he said.

"You’ve got to give me some tips," he added.

0 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!

0 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!

0 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...

0 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!