Mrs. O The Face of Fashion Democracy ~ Michelle Obama Chic First Lady!

If you've read my blog from it's conception you will already be aware of my admiration of the Obama family. As a woman, I am most entranced by Michelle Obama. A woman of intelligence, strength and grace. A woman busy balancing a professional life and motherhood--as many of us do--and now the role of First Lady of the United States!

I believe her world of admirers are most interested in Michelle Obama the woman, her substance, but admittedly we are also enthralled by her amazing sense of style. She is indeed as they say a woman of "style and substance"! Mrs. O has become an iconic figure not only in America but the world over. Not since Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis have American women found such an icon of fashion, a trendsetter, in the White House.

Mary Tomer, author of Mrs. O: The Face of Fashion Democracy and a blogger herself, recognized the power of Mrs. O's style as she followed footage of Michelle during the Democratic National Convention in 2008.

"I found myself profoundly impressed by Michelle Obama's confidence, intelligence, and gracious spirit, and inspired that such strength and self possession could exist in harmony with a feminine, almost romantic, style sensibility. While strong and feminine shouldn't be at odds, the dress codes of our culture can be remarkably outdated, particularly in the realm of politics. With Mrs. Obama's style, a new era of body-hugging silhouettes, jewel tones, floral prints, and brooches was ushered in--unapologetically feminine details that quickly dismissed the boxy skirt suit as anonymous, old-fashioned, and, well, square."(In Tomer's Introduction 2009)

Tomer was certain she could not be the alone in her interest in and accolades for Michelle Obama's intriguing and individual innate sense of fashion and the blog Mrs-O.org was born.

Mrs. O: The Face of Fashion Democracy is a tribute to the First Lady's accessible elegance. Michelle Obama is a woman who understands herself and exudes confidence. This strength and sense of self is reflected in her penchant for fashion. Her diverse and eclectic fashions are an expression of the way 21st century woman dresses and her lack of fashion snobbery reflects her democratic fashion sensibilities! Mrs. O wears low and high-fashion without bias and with flair. From haute couture designers to J. Crew and H&M, Michelle's discerning taste is that of the classy everyday woman--the busy career woman who shops online, and the practical mom looking for quality as well as panache! Mrs. O has relatable beauty and sophistication, a sophistication not unattainable and stiff but rather sophistication with flair, individualism, and possibility.

I remember the media buzz over the concerns some Americans had over the First Lady baring her arms. Perhaps the idea of a beautiful, strong, and confident woman who is proud of her body image and comfortable in her own skin is a new and intimidating concept for some. Perhaps modernity takes a little getting used to in the political arena. Mrs. O stands out--amid the safe, basic black of her political wife counterparts--as a fresh, and modern individual! A model example of today's woman.

Tomer's beautifully photographed documentation of Mrs. Obama's most memorable ensembles includes a "behind-the-scenes" look at Michelle Obama's favourite designers and their creations for Obama. It is a thoughtfully developed analysis of Mrs. O's style as political and personal statement, complete with the comments and thoughts of design gurus and most importantly Mrs. O's fans--the admirers from around the globe who look to her not only as an inspiration for fashion but for character!
The Photos in this article are not from the book but are from Google images!

Mary Tomer's deliciously fashionable hardcover Mrs. O: The Face of Fashion Democracy arrives in bookstores October 28th, 2009 and is just the accessory you need to complete your coffeetable ensemble! One lucky Northern Mama reader will receive a copy of this season's must have accessory! Yes, your very own copy of Mrs. O!

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Giveaway open to US and Canadian residents. Giveaway closes October 28th, 2009 10:00pm MT. Read Giveaway Rules for further details.