Michelle's Pricey Sneakers Raise Eyebrows
First Lady's $540 Sneakers By French Designer Sparks Controversy
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First Lady Michelle Obama's $540 Lanvin Sneakers (CBS/The Early Show)
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Play CBS Video Video First Lady's Footwear First Lady Michelle Obama, usually known for wearing inexpensive clothing, has bought some pricey sneakers. Maggie Rodriguez reports on the controversy.
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Photo Essay First In Style All eyes are on Michelle Obama's fashion choices
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Photo Essay First Lady's European Style Her travel wardrobe mixes designers like Michael Kors and J. Crew.
Are they worth the price? Or the uproar? Early Show co-anchor Maggie Rodriguez took a closer look.
While volunteering Wednesday at a Washington, D.C. food bank, the first lady topped off her J.Crew ensemble with some very stylish $540 Lanvin sneakers.
The sneakers are drawing a lot of controversy and some are mad that she has been wearing them.
"She used them to walk the dog," Rodriguez said. "I think she's worn them - she says she wakes up at 5:00 in the morning to walk her dog. And her response to all this was, 'they're just shoes,' but they're expensive shoes."
According to Daily News Fashion Editor Amy Diluna, "these sneakers - suede, with grosgrain ribbon laces and metallic pink toe caps - are made by French design house Lanvin, one of fashion's hottest labels."
Diluna says the sneakers, which are a "cult favorite among fashionistas," come in denim and satin versions, and have been "a brisk seller all spring."
"A week ago, Michelle shoveled dirt at a tree planting while wearing the line's chiffon tank," Diluna noted. "Dresses and strappy pumps cost upward of $1,500, while tops go for $400 to $1,000."
Other celebrity fans of Lanvin sneakers include Ellen DeGeneres and Kanye West.
© MMIX, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Michelle Obama tells how her role as the First Lady has changed her perspective.





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See all 36 CommentsHowever, how sensitive is it to be doing charity work in such expensive duds? Is it necessary to wear such costly footwear when helping the needy and you know you're going to be photographed?
I can only imagine the "she just doesn't get it" comments had the former First Lady done something similar.
I'm so glad the Obamas get it.
You're an idiot. Teabaggers...I mean really, get a new one already. Some lefty news broadcaster drilled that term into your head...grow a brain DRONE. Not that you care to understand, because you are a drone, but the tea parties were protests against raising taxes and the growth of government. You must really like high taxes huh? And, you actually put your trust in our government to run everything? Remind me again what the approval rating of congress is...somewhere around 20%. Sure...I want them running our banks and healthcare system...they really knowwhat they're doing (har, har). You are a mindless drone...SNAP OUT OF IT ALREADY!!!
Obamanation
Posted by wtlibs at 6:06 PM : May 4, 2009
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Still riding that dead horse are we? Hey sparky.. google this "Cindy McCain, Proud"
You will find comments hauntingly similar to those of the first lady which were spoken by Cindy.... where's the outrage now?
Posted by dhutch88 at 5:46 AM : May 5, 2009
No he did not. Nancy Reagan ran afoul of the public when it was revealed that she totally overhauled the WH private quarters AND bought new China to the tune of over 250K. Later, Nancy offered to purchase the China from the WH-- but the renovations remained done at our expense.
Posted by bassinapple at 5:57 AM : May 5, 2009
Palin did not spend her own money to dress--she did it with campaign contributions, and she campaigned on being 'ordinary' and everyday. Obama is using her own money (as far as we know) and she was never running for office. You should note that while McCian was running, cindy McCain routinely dressed in clothes that cost thousands and her gown at the convention was reported to be over 10K--BUT who really cared? Cindy McCain bought her own clothes and she was NOT the one running for office or campaigning on a platform.
Try giving Michelle the same lee way. HER MONEY? she can spend it as she chooses. The President works for us--but we do not OWN him or his family--everyone should handle their own business and stop trying to mind everyone else's.
This complaint and the rest of the ridiculous complaints about Michelle Obama need to stop! Remember, when you point your finger at someone, THREE are pointing back at you!
Posted by busbus5 at 3:03 PM : May 4, 2009
TEABAGGERS always whine and complain about everything to do with the Dems. We KNOW it is not about the money--because these same people defended Sarah Palin, Halliburton, the missing 900 million in Iraq, the lavishness of Cindy McCain, etc. They are not complaining because Michelle is spending 500 dollars of her money--they are 'sniping' because they are hurt, frustrated and jealous to be out of power and like bitter, spoiled brats, if they can't have something, they want that something (America) to be destroyed rather than let anyone else have it.
Pity them. This is all they have now.........................LOL
Posted by seriousinusa at 7:48 PM : May 4, 2009
..and just think....no mater how pretty YOU are or how gorgeous YOUR legs are or how fashionable YOU are...YOU will probably never have her money, her fame or EVER be first lady...so go on HATERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! WE FEEL YA. lmao
"She used them to walk the dog," Rodriguez said. "I think she's worn them - she says she wakes up at 5:00 in the morning to walk her dog. And her response to all this was, 'they're just shoes,' but they're expensive shoes."
who CARES how much her shoes cost? She paid for them out of her own pocket right? Who complained about condi's Ferragamo and Fendi shoes (400 to 900 a pop) of Nancy reagan's China? 1200.00/ place setting, or anyone else's expenditures? Our leaders are not supposed to be Walmart shoppers. As long as they use their own miney for purchases, it is absolutely NONE OF OUR BUSINESS. Obama gets 400K as President? Then I think Michelle can afford 540.00 shoes. Michelle shops at J Crew for the value not the cost--and because she like that style--but with bracelets at 150 to 300 dollars and most tops and sweaters starting at 70.00 and going up to over 300.00 J. Crew is NOT a cheap oe cost conscious store by stretch of any imagination except the wealthy. Most Americans cannot afford to shop J. Crew or Anthropologie, or Max Azria, or furla, or Kate spade, or Saks, or Neiman Marcus, or Marc Jacobs or Hollister, or A & f...so J. Crew is NOT the barometer for everyday Americans.
If we wanted a first lady who was a K-mart shopper--we would not look at people who are already in Politics. No lawyer who is successful in politics and who makes over a million/year is shopping at Walmart.
I make a lot less than the Obamas (stratospherically less and I buy --at least twice a year---purses that cost between 900.00 and 1200.00 EACH. C'est la vie. LOL
Posted by JackGarvey
WHERE
Think before you speak! You'll preserve your reputation.
Posted by Stuart2560 at 5:08 AM : May 5, 2009
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Oh really, Reagan paid for his renovations with his own money. By the way no other President had shady Real estate deals that saved him thousands. Oh Really, Stop b.s with unknown false statements bozo
Posted by itsjustathought at 6:40 PM : May 4, 2009
Maybe that's the point. She doesn't rob the country like others did.
Posted by bsmule at 5:41 PM : May 4, 2009
Explain your math ... I'm just curious.
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