Obama Campaign Movie Trailer Premiere

This morning, the Obama Campaign released a trailer to the seventeen-minute film, "The Road We've Traveled," that documents the first four years of the Obama presidency.  The film, narrated by Tom Hanks, and directed by Academy Award Winner David Guggenheim, has such a rich cinematic quality to it, that I thought it was a victorious version of the HBO movie "Game Change" which depicts Sarah Palin's VP journey.  Its no question that a quality production like this has a hefty budget attached to it; a point that may go far with Republicans and could pose an impression that the Obama campaign is overspending on unnecessary tactics.  The question is, how far and how long will that point last during the 2012 Campaign?  I think that the Obama campaign has always been cutting-edge, and in touch with pop-culture; our generation responds well to aesthetics, so while anti-Obama camps could make noise about it, the noise won't last too long.  The full mini-film premieres on March 15 - be sure to check it out!

Michelle Obama Fashion: 2012 State of the Union Address

The First Lady of the United States stood out in more ways than one among the crowd at the 2012 State of the Union Address.

Watching her husband reflect on 2011 efforts, with an outlook on 2012 last night in what many call a redemption of Obama's strength as our leader, Michelle Obama wore a bold, blue Barbara Tfank dress by that matched perfectly with her skin tone.  FLOTUS always looks great in jeweled tones; a trend that's relevant and classic for the Fall/Winter months.  Barbara Tfank's design aesthetic matches with Michelle Obama's style perfectly; as I identified with her Spring 2012 Collection Review.

Michelle Obama Dismisses "Angry Black Woman" Claims of New Book

In Gayle King's first week on CBS Morning, she interviewed FLOTUS Michelle Obama, with the main focus being around the new books "The Obamas," written by New Yorker reporter Jodi Kandor.  The book, which claims to give a behin-the-scenes look into White House operations, gives claim that Mrs. Obama is well connected to operations and decisions, and also details the WH tension between President Obama and his frist chief-of-staff Rahm Emmanuel.

As you can see from the interview, Michelle Obama has to dismiss some of the claims, and sets the record straight for those who may have alrady read the book.  FLOTUS, who is portrayed in the book as an overly strong, vocal presence in Presidential matters, states that "it's more interesting to imagine this conflicted situation here and a strong woman and-- you know? But that's been an image that people have tried to paint of me since the day Barack announced, that I'm some angry black woman."

Michelle Obama hasn't read the book, but expressed her feelings about others writing about her own persona.  "...who can write about how I feel? Who? What third person can tell me how I feel, or anybody for that matter." 

See the interview for yourself, Click here to be redirected to CBS News

Michelle Obama Fashion: Christmas in Washington Concert

Year after year, the Holiday season around the White House has become increasingly popular; with sold out, "lottery only" tree lightings, and tours of White House decor, the First Family was able to relax and enjoy "Christmas in Washington."  Taped this week, and airing December 16 on TNT, the concert features performances by Justin Bieber, Jennifer Hudson, Victoria Justice, The Band Perry, and Cee-Lo Green.  First lady michelle Obama wore a green cross-shoulder dress from Cushnie et Ochs, showcasing the arms that women across the world have grown to covet.  The dress, custom made for the First Lady, is a Holiday take from the brand's Spring 2012 Collection.

We also have to take a moment to comment on Malia Obama's beautiful gold dress; I think we are seeing a fashionista in the making and will certainly be noting her designers of choice in the near future!

Photos: Getty

Michelle Obama Fashion: CBC Phoenix Awards Dinner

photo: Getty Images

Michelle Obama looks amazing, in a black sequins Michael Kors skirt from Fall 2010 and a black corset belt by Peter Soronen for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Phoenix Awards Dinner at the 2011 Annual Legislative Conference.  Michelle's beauty was a perfect match for President Obama's passionate speech to the attendees, which are seen as his "political base"  in which he told them to "Take off your bedroom slippers, put on your marching shoes.  Shake it off. Stop complaining, stop grumbling, stop crying.  We are going to press on.  We’ve got work to do, CBC...." 

Poland Loves Fifth Avenue; Obama Meets with Donald Tusk



Photo: Getty, courtesy of CNN



The Polish love Fifth Avenue; or at least that was discussed during President Obama's trip to Europe.  Over the weekend, President Obama met with the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, to discuss foreign relations between the two countries, and America's promise to help protect and support the safety of the European country. During the press conference, shopping on Fifth Avenue became a topic of discussion; when Tusk brought up the issue of restricting visas to Polish tourists in America.

Donald Tusk on the issue of shopping in America:
"It is in the interest of the United States to make sure that as many Polish people as possible could get to not just the shops on Fifth Avenue, but all over the United States, in the easiest possible way. Because this is bad business for both parties."

His comments resulted from a question from a press correspondent using Fifth Avenue as an example of the luxury shopping that Polish tourists do while in New York, but as President Obama said during his response, "we very much want you to shop on Fifth Avenue and anywhere else in the United States." 

Michelle Obama Wears Duro Olowu on Oprah

President and First Lady Obama were on the Oprah Show today, celebrating her last 17 shows until the finale of The Oprah Show.  Michelle Obama wore a multi-colored dress by London-based designer Duro Olowu.  I have always been a fan of his aesthetic that matches sexy, trendy silhouettes with the palette and fabrics of traditional African style.  Here are a few pieces from Olowu's Fall 2011 Collection:

 

Get the Look!!

If you want to look like Michelle Obama, a similar limited edition Duro Olowu Pixilated Dress is available at Barney's for $1,550.  It can be found here at www.barneys.com

Obama Delivers Statement about Osama Bin Laden Death

JOIN THE LIVE CHAT

VISIT WHITEHOUSE.GOV

Osama Bin Laden is dead. Watch it live and comment!

President Obama Press Conference - Live Stream

JOIN THE LIVE CHAT

VISIT WHITEHOUSE.GOV

Watch the Press Conference and join the live chat here, from Whitehouse.gov

Michelle Obama Fashion: Runway Show for Mexico

First lady Michelle Obama gave quite the fashion show during her trip to Mexico last week. Viewing her photos was like viewing the run of show from last season's New York Fashion Week! Wearing looks by Rachel Roy, Jason Wu and DVF, she gave the CDFA good press as she visited with yet another fashionista First Lady, Margarita Zavala of Mexico.

Michelle Obama in Dione Von Furstenberg, greeting a group of Mexican school children in Mexico City.

First Lady approaching the stage to address the students of Iberoamericana University, wearing Rachel Roy

Mrs. Obama wearing a gold sheath dress by Jason Wu for a dinner in Mexico City with Mexican First Lady Margarita Zavala

President Obama Accepts Nobel Prize

For those who missed it, here is a clip of President Obama's acceptance of the Nobel Peach Prize. This speech has been admired and commended by both Democrats and Republicans, and really exemplifies his ownership of his responsibilities as Commander and Chief.

Who was Michelle Obama Wearing? Our First Lady wore a gold laser cut dress and coat from Calvin Klein's Fall 09 Collection

President Obama's Address on Afghanistan

Speaking before military officials and students at the Eisenhower Theater at West Point, Obama faced one of his most important sales pitches since his term began in January. To End "The War" or Keep it going.. his decision isn't as black and white as the aforementioned options, but Our President did a decent job in explaining his position and decision. Wearing the red silk tie with white/silver diagonal stripes, Obama spoke with such a caring tone. If you looked closely, it sems as if his eyes were a bit glossy. I always get a feeling of such sincerity with our president Speaks.

Let me first say, that President Obama has NOT changed his mind or position since coming to office. This should come to no surprise that he wants more troops in Afghanistan, as he has taken this position since his campaign trail. Back in 2008, one of his reasons to support phase troops out of Iraq is to move them to Afghanistan (see attached videos from his campaign).

His major concern is against al-qaeda, and ultimately working to establish peace within the region and abroad. It just seems that the Afghan threat is more longterm and based on potential of Taliban strength within the region. Obama said in his speech that there is no real sign of Afghanistan government being overturned, but that it is proven that the Taliban is gaining strength. "This isn't an idol or hypothetical threat." he said, "it is in our national interest"

With more troops means more money! Where will this money come from? There will need to be infrastructure developed and maintained for the additional 30,000 troops that are entering the desert. Obama discussed that the resources are not in question, but I disagree. Unless the addition of troops in Afghanistan was part of the long range plan within 4 years, then there likely wasn't a contingency plan to have the facilities needed to house, train, heal, and feed 30,000 more troops.

With this speech, and the decision to send the troops in early 2010, it is believed that President Obama now has truly inherited the war.. it is no longer Bush's war. Now what to we do? Will we see a more strategic mission now that Obama has inadvertently taken responsibility of middle eastern affairs? Let me know what you think!

Michelle Obama Fashion: State Dinner

Michelle Obama is absolutely stunning in her Naeem Khan gown for the State Dinner. Check out the bare neck! Its as if she has been reading the Ave! This has to be one of my favorite looks ever for First Lady Obama. Very clever to wear a gown designed by Khan, who is of Indian American background.

Michelle Obama Fashion: Congressional Black Caucus Dinner

The 39th Annual Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference occurred over the weekend, in which the political elite work hard (and play even harder) presenting workshops and brain-trusts on the hard-hitting issues of what effects American Society in today's Age. On Saturday night, the CBC holds its closing Gala, the Phoenix Awards Dinner, and its keynote speaker for the second year was President Obama. Our First Lady accompanied her husband, wearing a Black feathered cocktail dress designed by Jason Wu.

The overall beauty of the dress is present, but here on the Ave we have to go just a little bit deeper! This is an example of a dress that looks beautiful from afar, but when looking closely, it seems to be a bit overwhelming. The feathered detail, which I know had to be handcrafted perfectly by Wu, is too concentrated around the midsection of the dress, and it looks more like a blob than an accent to the dress. I admire the First Lady's loyalty to certain designers: there is definitely a handful that can be categorized as her favorite, and she has some very talented favorites!

Michelle Obama Fashion: Crocs on the Vinyard??

Nooooooo! Please don't tell me that these are CROCS!! At least they aren't the super ugly, "Betch these shoes Suck" pair of Crocs (see the right panel for my list of The Stank), but Crocs nonetheless.. First Lady Obama always opts for comfort, and I don't want to scrutinze her too much, especially after all the negative attention she receievd for wearing shorts in the Summer on Vacation - but Crocs are just not acceptable in my "Footwear is Life" mind..

Michelle Obama Fashion: The First Lady's New Do

This week has been full of new hair stories; with Solange and Rihanna both coming out with new Dos. Both were very edgy and brought up alot of conversation (and critiques) about both of the singers. But here, we have a very classic, timeless, beautiful style on the First Lady. I think it softens her look and though its an older style, it actually makes her look younger.

What do you think?

Obama: Too Fly for Flies

In a recent interview with CNBC, Obama was taped swatting a fly that was swarming around him. Well, not to anyone surprise, the President has been scrutinized for this, by PETA.

"He isn't the Buddha," PETA president Ingrid Newkirk said in a statement. "He's a human being, and human beings have a long way to go before they think before they act."

Furthermore, PETA is sending Obama a non-lethal fly catcher.. so that the fly can be a pest for someone else another day..

Meanwhile, in a dumpster not too far away, about 1000 larvae were formed...

Obama's Commencement Speech at Notre Dame

"One for Two as President" - President Barack H. Obama gave the commencement speech at the University of Notre Dame today, also receiving an honorary Law Degree - unlike his experience at Arizone State University (I don't get it)

It did not come without opposition, protests, and distraction - 27 protestors were arrested before the commencement exercises began, and even during his speech, there were outbursts of protestors, in which Obama shrugged it off and continued with his speech.

Hallelujah Hollaback!

Will post the video of his speech soon!

Obama's 100 Days of Style

Yesterday marked the 100th day of Obama's Presidency, a term that has been filled since Day One with economic turmoil, torture controversy, and American redemption with the rest of the world. The plans of working with Republicans have not gone as planned, which has turned many moderate republicans more to the left. One thing that has stayed constant throughout the past 100 days is Obama's mild tempered persona and his contagious charisma. With a very young term full of pressure and problems that were present even before his term, Obama has handled it with class and style. To me, his swagger is enough to keep him in style. Let's examine my summary of Obama's looks that contribute to his 100 days of Style...

Obama's Suit Choices

There isn't a week that you won't find President Obama in a navy suit... I would almost stretch to say that you won't find a day when his professional attire does not consist of a navy suit and white shirt. That navy suit is the most versatile color suit for a man, since it is able to handle many color variations in shirts and ties. A navy suit is very regal and formal - perfect for the leader of our country. It would be a bit too much to see the President in a khaki suit for the summer, or even a seersucker, so we will keep him at grade A for his color choice. Much better choice than a basic black. Best part of this grade, is the fact that his suits are tailored perfectly.



Obama's Tie Game Since election night, Obama has been pretty constant with his tie selection. He can almost always be seen with a light blue silk tie (the tie her wore during tonight's press conference), or his red and silver striped tie. I was happy to see him in a gray and white striped tie a couple weeks back when he was discussing his proposal for education policy. I don't know how the White House would feel with Obama taking chances with color, but I would like to see Obama with a nice tie and opposite pattern pocket square.

Obama's Casual Look -

His casual look is simple, yet fitting for a President. Again, I am a true fan of the way he rolls up his sleeves, and his pants are the perfect fit for his shoes. As you can see, he opts for a classic style jacket, although I could definitely see him in a nice three-quarter length trench coat, or even a charcoal grey pea coat.

Riding In Style - Obama's

Obama's Limo - Ridiculous! What more can I say? It has to be the swankiest automobile out there! If you can't dress in style, at least ride in style! President Obama seems to do both well, with a classic appeal. I am confident that his political and sartorial style will only increase in excellent and acceptance for the next 1300+ days!

President Obama's First 100 Days

I can't believe I missed the Press conference, but thank CNN for posting it online. In case you missed it, here is a clip of Obama's Press Conference reflecting on his first 100 days as President.