Michelle Obama's Fashion Home Run

(CBS)  Michelle Obama's big speech at the Democratic convention Monday night was being anticipated not just for what she'd say -- but for what she'd wear.

The would-be first lady's fashion flair is already grabbing attention -- she's being closely watched as a possible budding fashion icon -- and most observers the outfit she selected for the big event clicked.

Among those whose keen eyes were trained on Michelle is Laura Schwartz, a former adviser to the wife of former Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, Teresa Heinz Kerry. Schwartz also worked in the Clinton White House.

In the convention hall Tuesday, Schwartz told Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith Michelle "succeeded. (She did) exactly what she was going for, because today, we're talking about the message more than just the overall bling."

Schwartz was guessing Michelle would wear a dress, despite talk she'd wear a suit. "She looks fabulous in dresses," Schwartz explained, "and you know she's going to wear something she looks great in, that she feels confident in. And that's what we saw. And she pulled it off very, very well."

The dress, Schwartz says, expressed confidence and a sense of humility: "She didn't want to look too blinged-up. She didn't want to be too bright. I thought she was very simple, very understated, which might be a good idea because, in this era of attack ads, the McCain people are saying, 'Hey, the Obamas are elitist. They're caught up in celebrity.' If she came out in a real fancy dress, that would just be more fodder for them."

The dress was striking, Schwartz observed, but very calming in color -- a shade of blue-green, which evokes calm and trust.

Maria Pinto, a designer in the Obamas' hometown of Chicago, created the dress. Pinto built her company from the ground up and is another Chicago success story. Schwartz says Michelle may have picked her as her designer in part because Pinto also represents achieving the American dream, which is what Michelle wanted to portray herself and Barack as having done. Michelle has used Pinto for a long time.

The large pendant on the dress, Schwartz adds, came straight from Michelle's jewelry box, and was reminiscent of Barack's rising sun campagn logo. The pendant was placed over Michelle's heart, so it might have symbolized that her speech was coming straight from her heart.

The pendant could start a trend, Schwartz speculated, saying, "It was inspired. ... It's a neat look. Women all across the country can do it. It's a simple, V-neck, three-quarter-length sleeve, woll dress, it can be a Jersey knit -- add a pendant, you've got something different."

Once again, Michelle reminded onlookers of Jackie O, Schwartz says. She was wearing long, clean lines again, the length of the dress and even the sleeves looked like something Jackie O would have worn.

Women such as Michelle carefully plan what they wear to events like this one, Schwartz points out. They look at the background first and the stage they'll be speaking on to make sure their outfit compliments the surroundings.

It's likely that Michelle won't change her style if she makes it to the White House, Schwartz says. She already looks like a first lady; her style is so clean and elegant, she won't need to change anything.

[actornaught]

For those clueless types complaining that this isn't hard news, you're correct, this is the BEAUTY & FASHION section! Why are you here? rush send you?

BEAUTY & FASHION SECTION!!

And let me also add that i'm grateful for this talented, accomplished and intelligent woman as First Lady, after 8 years of the stepford wife that preceeded her.

[dacole2004]

You Neo-Cons are so jealous, get a *** life!!!!!!!!

[baptox]

Let''s face it, she''s gorgeous. She''d look good in a burlap sack. The girls were adorable, too.

Her speech was well-written, well-delivered and she came across as sincere and accessible.

Sorry you cybespace sourpusses... Michelle Obama is the real deal.

[fredfromsj]

Why all the non-constructive blogs appear on CBS site? Can someone with intelligence provide more than childish posts? No wonder CBS is last in all network news...

[icare29]

Too bad her facial reactions did not match her good choice in attire. She obviously forgot to wear her cheek to cheek smile. Must have been hidden with Hillary in the room. Such a shame. Time to grow up Michelle.

[self246]

CBS New should be ashamed of their comments on the Early Morning Show this morning, as well as this article on the internet about the attire of Michele Obama. The fact that a NEWS group would spend their precious air time discussing the fashion sense and choice of designer of Nichele Obama is an INSULT to your WOMAN views. I am changing stations for my NEWS from now on.

[truthradar]

So when did RASCISTS develop a sense of any style or the capacity or brains to discuss a lofty subject such as STYLE, which is so far outside of the BIGGOTED realm of their existence. It''s certainly maded obvious by the utter ignorance of the simplistic stabs (comments) posted here meant to teardown another Amemerican woman of great intellect, heart, style and taste! For those who have nothing better to say or find home in lies, sabotage or attacks, why not crawl back to the cool of your barnyard mud...it must be in absence of you. TRUTH, LIKE IT OR NOT!

[dante805]

she is hideous. come on does anyone think she looks good? And her outfits are horrible as well. she must shop at target

[kmccliment]

I EVEN SAW SOME WISKERS

[kmccliment]

SHE LOOKED LIKE A BIG SEA COW.