Michelle Obama celebrates Veteran's Day in a belted blue coat.

I give Michelle props for daring to be different.  But I’m not a fan of wearing a belt just for show over an overcoat.  It’s impractical.  And the belt’s positioning under her breast bone looks downright uncomfortable.  However, I give her kudos on the coat’s teal color and the hip black boots.

The First Lady buckles up for safety...and fashion.

The empire waist belt look, however, is more flattering when paired with the colorful and embellished cardigans the First Lady is so fond of; like the trendy mustard and animal print sweaters pictured.

Mrs. Obama liked this belt so much she wore it twice.

Image credit: Newscom

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

Michelle Obama keeps it real.

Really, everyone needs to get a grip.  As one pop culture commentator aptly put it, “She wasn’t wearing Daisy Dukes; she was wearing Mom shorts!”  I think Michelle is a great role model for all modern women.  She’s not pretentious. She knows when to glam it up and when to be casual and relaxed. While I don’t think her shorts were the most flattering, they were in no way offensive.

But what do you think?  Were Michelle Obama’s vacation shorts Hot or Not?

Image: Taylor Gifts

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

• Soft & Beautiful StyleProtect Spritz 
• Soft & Beautiful StyleProtect Hair Gloss
• Soft & Beautiful StyleProtect Sculpting Gel
• Soft & Beautiful StyleProtect Nighttime Dry Wrap Mousse 

For a chance to win, I asked Hot Mama Daily readers to tell me the woman of color they think has the healthiest, most stylish, and overall best hair?  Drum roll please. And the winner is: Tracey Byram, 49, of  Birmingham, AL.

Halle Berry's short hair has inspired many Hot Mama copy cats.

Tracey, along with most of the women who entered the contest, voted Halle Berry as the woman of color with the overall best hair.  The flawlessly beautiful and well-coifed actress gets my vote too.

Honorable mention goes to superstar Beyonce; actresses Jada Pinkett Smith, Rachel True, and Gabrielle Union; singers Keyshia Cole and Rozanda “Chilli” Thomas from TLC; and First Lady Michelle Obama.

Image credit: Newscom

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

Michelle Obama reveals her short hair cut at Country Music Night at the White House.

I like the way the shorter style frames and softens her face, however, if Ms. Obama really decides to go for a trim, I’d recommend a blunter cut.  

But if you like the look, you too can achieve it at home using Soft & Beautiful hair care products.  Here’s how:

1. Apply Soft & Beautiful StyleProtect Spritz on wet hair from roots to ends.  Blow-dry hair with a medium sized round brush, to create volume and lift.
2. Gather hair in a loose pony at the nape and tuck under, pinning with bobby pins as you go.
3. Finish with Soft & Beautiful Oil Sheen Spray to leave hair looking healthy and vibrant!

Image credit: Newscom

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

Compiled by the editors of Fashion Week Daily, Michelle Obama: 100 Days of Style, is a must-have collectible issue for fans of the First Lady and fashionistas fond of her classic American style.

Michelle Obama book

The 116-page book is full of photos that hallmark Mrs. Obama’s fashion highlights — from the Jason Wu gown she wore to the Inaugural Ball to the enviable outfits she wore during her tour of Europe.

100 Days of Style ($6.50) is available at newsstands, bookstores nationwide, and online at www.fashionweekdaily.

Image credit: IMG

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

On paper it sounds like an odd combination of patterns and textures, but somehow the mix-and-match outfit works.  Here’s how to achieve this bold look for less:

Michelle O. makes it easy to be green.

Dazzling-dots pencil skirt, $158

This sleek “Dazzling Dots” pencil skirt by J. Crew is the exact skirt the First Lady wore to breakfast with the British Prime Minister and his wife.  I love that her style is so affordable and accessible. 

The glittery cardigan, also by J. Crew, quickly sold out after Mrs. Obama was photographed wearing it.  But try this feminine Ann Taylor LOFT cardigan as a fashionable substitute.

Short Sleeve Cardigan with Flower Detail, $49.50

Instead of the double-strand pearls and an assortment of bracelets, I’d skip the necklace and opt for one multi-colored pearl bracelet like this one I found on Etsy.

Coin Pearl Charm Bracelet, $58

To make the ensemble complete, slip on these funky, faux Snake Print kitten-heels by rsvp Allisyn, available at Zappos.com.

rsvp Allisyn Snake Print shoes, $65

Image credit: Newscom, J. Crew

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

Mrs. Obama met with the Queen in this classic Isabel Toledo ensemble.

American royalty walk the red carpet.

Here are pieces to help you craft your  First Lady look for less:

Ralph Lauren "Tristan" dress and jacket at Macy's, $205

Isaac Mizrahi Classic Party Dress for Target, $17.49

This timeless black and white “Tristan” ensemble by Ralph Lauren and Isaac Mizrahi’s “Classic Party Dress” for Target are reminiscent of the Isabel Toledo top and skirt Mrs. Obama wore in London.

Double-strand pearl necklace, $58

A double-strand pearl necklace was Mrs. Obama’s staple accessory in Europe. Get a similar style for less from My Wedding Jewelry for only $58!

rsvp Allisyn black patent croc kitten-heels, $65

I can’t and don’t wear high-heels, so I appreciate it that Michelle O. wears kitten heels. This adorable rsvp Allisyn shoe is available at Zappos.com.

J. Crew's Merino michelle V-neck cardigan, $29.99

The First Lady is rarely without a J. Crew cardigan and from the name of this V-neck “Michelle” cardigan, it appears the American brand has noticed.

Image credit: Bauer-Griffin, J. Crew, Macy’s, Target, My Wedding Jewelry, Zappos

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

So does that mean in order for a black woman to be on the cover of Vogue she has to either be the closest thing America has to royalty or in a “superstar curvy girl” category?

Don’t get me wrong.  I’m thrilled that Vogue has featured two beautiful black women back to back.  But I wish editor Anna Wintour would step outside the box she puts any woman bigger than a size 2 in.  

And based on the cover’s accompanying cover lines (as pointed out by the blog Sociological Images), Vogue is sending a mixed message. Does the magazine embrace “Fashion for Every Figure: From Size 0 to Size 20” or does it want us to “Design a Perfect Body” with a little nip/tuck?   It’s difficult to have it both ways.

Yes, compared to a working model, Beyonce has “curves.”  But she’s still smaller than most American women, for whom size 14 is the average. 

Perhaps Vogue will one day regularly feature more realistic body types and not segregate these images to a special issue.

Image credit: Vogue Magazine

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

That’s why Rihanna, Michelle Obama, Eva Mendes, Penelope Cruz, and Halle Berry are Hot Mama Daily’s picks for the “5 Most Stylish Women of Color.“

1) The Trendsetter.

Rihanna may be going through a rough patch in her personal life, but being hailed Hot Mama Daily’s “Most Stylish” should help to lift her spirits. The pop singer’s style is young, hip, and cutting edge.

2) The First Lady of Fashion.

Michelle Obama is hands-down the best dressed First Lady since Jackie O. Her sense of style is bold, vibrant, and always shows off her toned physique.  And she often wears dresses by affordable labels and designers like J. Crew and Tracy Reese.

3) The Glamour Girl.

Eva Mendes‘ raven beauty recalls ’50s pinup girl glamour.  Recently, this designer’s dream has transformed herself into one of the best dressed actresses in Hollywood.

4) The Chameleon.

Penelope Cruz has an unpredictable yet effortless style.  One minute she’s tomboy cool with tossled hair in jeans and a t-shirt; the next she’s red-carpet ready with perfectly styled tresses in a gorgeous gown. In this photo, Penelope is channeling Audrey Hepburn.

5) Bringing Sexy Back.

By day, Halle Berry is literally a Hot Mama who spends more time chasing after her beautiful baby girl, Nahla, than she does fretting over what to wear.  By night, however, Halle turns up her star wattage in curve-hugging dresses.  The starlet is sexy and classy.

Image credit: Newscom, Bauer-Griffin

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

I’m taking a break from Fashion Week today to recuperate from all the running around I did yesterday and to celebrate Valentine’s Day.  Yet, the latest fashion trends aren’t far from my thoughts.  

Although I couldn’t score an invitation to Jason Wu’s Fall 2009 presentation (the designer is hot stuff since Michelle Obama wore his gown to the inaugural ball), I thought I’d share a photo of one of his collection’s adorable cocktail dresses.  In a sea of gray and other muted colors, this strapless stunner with a pink and black bodice and red bottom half with pockets stands out.  

Wouldn’t you love to wear this sweet dress out on the town with your Valentine?

(Photo credit: Newscom)

Post from: Hot Mama Daily