As Michelle Obama nears her first 100 days as First Lady, a new book celebrates her fabulous fashion choices. "It's her journey to the White House through the filter of her style," says former fashion mag editor-in-chief Mandi Norwood, author of "Michelle Style: Celebrating the First Lady of Fashion" (William Morrow, $19.99) out May 5, which chronicles Mrs. O's signature looks -- from the belted purple sheath dress she wore on the night her husband got the nomination, to the $148 White House/Black Market black-and-white print dress she bought off the rack. "Each outfit has a story around it," says Norwood, who recalls the yellow J.Crew ensemble the First Lady wore on Jay Leno -- which she purchased online for under $340.
"Suddenly we had this vision of the next First Lady sitting in bed, next to Barack, shopping online."
Yes, she's just like us, and that's part of the appeal. "In the past, First Ladies have always been slightly aloof," says Norwood. "You've never really been able to emulate their style, even if you wanted to."
But Mrs. O's love of pencil skirts, button down cardigans, simple sheath dresses and her liberal use of a thick black belt make her style approachable. And when she wears off-rack-pieces from J.Crew or H &M, we can get the exact looks ourselves. "I think she will reignite what America is known for in fashion and that is classic American sportswear," says Norwood. "Bright separates, really comfortable clothes, clothes you don't have to be a millionaire to look good in."
Though New Yorker Norwood finds few flaws in Michelle's public style, she'd still like one mystery solved. "I'd just love to see her carrying a purse," she says. "Where does she keep her lip balm?"
