[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i.l.cnn.net/cnn/2008/LIVING/homestyle/12/22/obama.urban.chic/art.pinto.jpg caption="Future first lady Michelle Obama with one of her favorite designers, Maria Pinto."] CHICAGO, Illinois (CNN) - Michelle Obama turned the campaign trail into a runway this year, sporting eye-catching colors and feminine cuts that sent fashion bloggers buzzing.
As she coupled chic designer splurges with off-the-rack goodies from J. Crew, H&M, White House/Black Market and Target, fashion spectators say her ability to make a strong statement on a budget sends an important message during tough economic times.
Watch: Michelle Obama, First Lady fashion icon?
"Michelle Obama can't be too over the top; she has to be recession chic all the way," style expert Mary Alice Stephenson said. In a soured economy, the choices she made throughout the campaign show that "she gets it," Stephenson said.
And it's inspiring American women to emulate her style.
In this photo, I think she looks very sloppy. Her hair is a mess.
I'm an older white woman and I love Michelle Obama's look and style. I was lucky enough to hear her speak in Las Vegas and in person she is absolutely stunning. But you know, even if she wasn't as attractive as she is ... she definitely is a beautiful person inside. She is just as inspiring at the President Elect. We are truly blessed whether she wears Gucci or gunnysacks...so get over it you hateful, negative people!
Will we be paying for a "boob job" too?
Boston irish
Do your research, your media made it seem like she said something bad. What she said is for the first time in her adult life, she is really proud. Martin Luther King was killed 40 years ago. I'm sorry if you think black americans should view america the same way you do.
You have to know there was a time when america didn't care about the African American
awwwww, ain't that cute...
Lisa T, it is not paranoia but a real concern that the Executive Branch will be in the control of an unapologetic Marxist. Do not be fooled by his "center leaning" appointments. I would love to be wrong about him, and maybe our system of checks and balances will work, but his words have meaning. His Eat the Rich [except politicians, of course] platform and comments about "fairness" and "spreading the wealth" are very troubling. History has shown that communism, socialism, etc. does not work. No nation can remain strong when the goal is to be "fair" to everyone regardless of their contribution. America is losing it's stature not because of capitolism or wealth, but because of the insidious encroachment of socialism and politial correctness that paralyzes decisive action on the world stage.
I love Michelle Obama, but I don't give a crap what she wears. This is not news, this is sad. When will a woman be more noted for what her body does than what it looks like?