Change and Good Sense Have Come to Washington

I've admired Michelle Obama's style throughout the campaign. She is a master of mixing high and low and she wears what she likes (even if it's off the rack). She wore several dresses during the campaign from nationwide retailers like White House/Black Market, H&M and J. Crew. You have to admire a first lady that knows what looks good on her own body and doesn't feel the need to break the bank in order to impress. The dresses and accessories she's chosen sell out immediately. If you try to find the J. Crew gloves that she wore yesterday, you won't be able to get to the page at all on the J. Crew site. The traffic is too high. J. Crew was even bombarded with requests for the coats that Malia and Sasha Obama wore yesterday.

The First Lady chose an unexpected color for her Inaugural outfit. It's been described as lemon grass. She paired the sheath dress, cardigan and coat by designer Isabel Toledo with leather gloves and coordinating pumps.





According to the designer, the dress and matching coat were made of a combination of fabrics—lace over wool, both of a slightly shiny, pale green-gold hue. The designer added a lining of pashmina and handquilted cotton for warmth at the request of Mrs. Obama. The First Lady paired the ensemble with green patent-leather Jimmy Choo heels that were custom-ordered and olive, leather gloves by J. Crew.

Her gown was also by an up and coming designer, Jason Wu. The custom designed ball gown was a fresh choice. It reflects her young attitude. The ivory, off the shoulder gown with embellishments and crystals flowed beautifully as she danced with her husband.



Mrs. Obama also wore her best accessory, her toned arms. They are always in fashion.



If you can't afford the gown or the suit, which I can't, you can always go for great accessories.

Even though the exact gloves worn by the first lady are sold out at J. Crew, Nordstrom has a great pair. This style comes in many colors (including Moss) for only $59.90 and they are cashmere lined.



Her shoes were custom ordered Jimmy Choos. Of course Choos are always my first choice. I love them. I just can't afford them on a regular basis and these days not even that often. If you're on a budget like me, check out these pumps by Nine West. For only $62.06 at my favorite online shoe store, Zappos.com. They come in many colors including dark green and dark blue croc. The blue looks teal to me. They aren't patent but there are some patent options in other colors.



Jill Biden also chose a great ensemble for her swearing in attire. Her red coat and black boots looked classic and sexy without being over the top or outdoing Mrs. Obama. That's a classy move any day.



Kudos to both ladies for staying true to themselves and their own sense of style. They prove that you can look your best at any age, any size and any budget.

Innaugural photo credits: washingtonpost.com