by Donna Cosmato

Created on: March 21, 2009

Michelle Obama's Fashion Statement - The Right to Bare Arms

Does Michelle Obama have a right to bare arms? Is she committing a fashion faux pas with her sleeveless dresses? What does the average American think? Well, according to a recent USA Today poll about the First Lady's sleeveless fashions, 40% of the respondents said "Yes, she's a modern First Lady" (in reference to a question of whether that mode of dress is appropriate). Instead of a fashion faux pas, Mrs. Obama might have revealed an unexpected fashion statement. The Internet is flooding with buzz words like "the First Arms" and "the right to bare arms". Fashion gurus and fashion wannabes are enjoying a media spotlight as everyone rushes to offer their opinion!

A search on Google of the phrase "Michelle Obama + sleeveless" yields 1,850,000 results. This gives a broader overall perspective of Michelle Obama's fashion tastes and statements. Take some time to watch the videos, examine the still shots, and browse through the family album. What will emerge is a picture of the completely competent, stylish woman - not just some isolated snapshots. Michelle Obama presents a consistently strong, professional yet approachable persona. She appears at ease and poised, whether clad in a traditional business suit or revealing her arms in the stunning Jason Wu inaugural gown. Michelle Obama's personality defines her fashion statement. She is not defined by, nor limited by her fashion choices.

So, what about all the hype and buzz? Does Michelle Obama have the right to bare arms? Who are we to decide for her that she must not? Let's be honest, we have all made major fashion mistakes. What Not to Wear's Stacy and Clinton would probably cringe at the contents of many of our closets!

Michelle Obama is a real person, just like us. The difference is the number and motivation of her critics. There are millions of eyes watching her and evaluating her every fashion choice. If you blow it fashion wise, you'll suffer some momentary embarrassment and move on. If Michelle Obama even appears to have missed the fashion mark, she's criticized around the world. It takes real inner security and self-esteem to be as gracious to the negatives as First Lady Obama has shown herself to be.

Consider this: only two First Ladies have ever graced the cover of Vogue magazine. Michelle Obama is one of them. That fact alone speaks volumes about her fashion statement and sense. Vogue likes her. The polls indicate that most Americans like her, and her fashion statement, too.

There are far more important issues facing the nation right now than whether or not Mrs. Obama likes to wear sleeveless dresses. Let's focus on internal values - character - not external variables like clothing. Who is Michelle Obama when there is no audience? What's her character? How about her values, ethics and morals? Isn't that ultimately more important than her right to bare arms?

Sources:
http://www.usmagazine.com/photos/obama- family-album?slideshow_id=834&o=sub
http://www.usmagazine.com/news/michelle-obama-p oses-on-vogue-cover
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/inaug uration/fashion.html
http://stylenews.peoplestylewatc h.com/2009/02/27/michelle-obamas-right-to-bare-arms/
http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/fashion/2009- 02-26-obama-sleeveless_N.htm
http://www.google.com/se arch?hl=en&q=%22michelle+obama+%2B+sleeveless%22&rlz=1W1RNWE_en&aq=f&oq

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