Inauguration Fashion and Beauty

Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden looked gorgeous yesterday. So did everyone else in the two families. I was avidly watching the fashion choices, particularly proud of the First Lady's impeccable taste.

Except for one thing. What did you think of the belt? It was a J. Crew sash that Michelle Obama had converted to a belt. It added a decorative touch to the navy-silk, checkered-patterned coat and dress by Thom Browne that were inspired by a menswear necktie. The simplicity of the A-line coat and coordinating dress were perfect for her statuesque figure. The belt cut her in half. I'm on the fence about the belt because it occasionally disrupted the perfect line of her coat, but I think everything else she wore looked perfect.

She wore J. Crew shoes to the church service, but changed into boots for the ceremony and procession. During lunch at the Capitol, she added a cardigan by Reed Krakoff over her dress.

The President looked very conservative, with his blue tie, white shirt, dark suit, and overcoat. Isn't it funny? No one told us who designed his clothing. He coordinated nicely with Michelle in blue. The kids were adorable. Malia Obama had on a plum-colored J. Crew coat with the hemline of an electric-blue dress peeking out and a burgundy-colored scarf, Sasha had on a Kate Spade coat and dress in a similar purple shade. They clashed a bit, but who cares? They were adorable. Malia is growing up to be a stunner.

Jill Biden looked absolutely stunning in a blue-gray coat and dress by American designer Lela Rose.  Rose said that since the focus would be on the coat, she wanted to give it a flourish. Hence the large bow. Not clearly visible underneath her coat was a white embroidered, flower appliqué sheath, also by Lela Rose. Here it is below, shown on a model. I should note that I loved her hair style.

Jason Wu should be a very happy man today. At 30 years old, he has the accomplishment of dressing the First Lady for two inaugural balls, and the gowns will go to a museum. Michelle Obama looked as perfect as it gets in the flowing red gown.

I loved the way she changed her hair style from straight and sleek to a flippy style for the ball. Her choices were spot-on.

Jill Biden looked radiant in her Vera Wang gown. A blonde can't go wrong with blue. She wore black peep-toe shoes to go with the black sash on the gown. As with Mrs. Obama, I'm not sure the sash added anything to the look.

Wasn't Joe Biden the life of the party - all day? He is such a lovable guy. As I watched him during the toasts and later during the procession, I wanted to hug him.

Both Michelle Obama and Jill Biden had extraordinary hair styles - full of volume, they moved with the breeze, but never looked like they needed a refresh. I'd love to know who styled their hair and what products were used. Michelle Obama's enhanced eyelashes were also noteworthy.

That's my adoring wrap-up. I can find little (perhaps nothing) to criticize. It was a beauty-full day.

Photos courtesy of the New York Times, the Washington Post, and other media