When Michelle Obama appeared on Jay Leno’s “Tonight Show” on Monday night, she wore a bright yellow ensemble – in tune with the L.A. autumn weather – that was not her usual Thakoon look, or Chicago-designed shift dress. It was a blouse, yellow cardigan, and embossed yellow pencil skirt from J. Crew, that she said she had ordered online. Even Leno was surprised to hear this – but she explained ‘You can get some good stuff online,” and admitted she’s been way too busy to shop as the election draws to a close, and she’s out stumping for her husband. Clicking for clothes seemed like a good option.
Clearly, the point was to send up Sarah Pallin’s $150,000.00 wardrobe from Neiman’s and Saks, which Leno asked Michelle to comment on. “As VP pick,” she said, “it’s like being shot out of a cannon. All of a sudden, you’re the center of attention, and you want to look good.” So she did NOT criticize Palin’s wardrobe full of Valentino and Akris jackets – nor was Cindy McCain’s Oscar de la Renta wardrobe mentioned. But Michelle did say that she and her husband paid for all of her outfits on the campaign trail – and those Thakoon dresses are about $1,800.00 a pop. But she has also peppered her look with affordable choices here and there, and everytime she does, the dresses sell out.
We found her J. Crew skirt online at J. Crew.com – ‘the cloque skirt” is $175.00, and you can pair it with a yellow print blouse and yellow cardigan. And if you do a little surfing on J.Crew.com you will find lovely cardigans, ballet flats, pencil skirts, and dresses for great prices. The New York Times used the term “Recessionista” this weekend in the Sunday Styles section – looks like Michelle Obama is one. – Merle Ginsberg
