Obama Fashion Watch: Inauguration Day Looks

History was made today when Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States. Millions tuned in to not only watch the former Chicago senator take the oath of office and swearing in but catch a glimpse of the wardrobe selection worn by the new first family. Michelle Obama wowed the crowd most in a stunning yellow lace coat and matching sheath by Cuban-born American designer Isabel Toledo, daughters Malia and Sasha popped bright in blue and pink coats by J.Crew kids' line Crewcuts and Barack remained loyal to his regular outfitter, Chicago tailor Hartmax.

The new First Lady complemented the look with pea green leather gloves, green ribbon and dark green leather pumps. The crystal-trimmed neckline added major drama for the day look. When Isabel Toledo's husband, a famous fashion illustrator was asked today how he and his wife felt about her look worn by the most fashionable first Lady since Jackie Kennedy for such a momentous occasion, he stated: "We're levitating - we really are. It's just another shock, but a great shock."

A close friend of Toledo divulged to Life & Style Weekly, "Isabel was very cognizant of two things when she designed this outfit. She knew all eyes would be on Michelle. And she knew that it would be very cold out. So she designed something that was very sophisticated and very warm. The upper part of the coat and the back of the sleeve are all lined with a pashmina lining for extra warmth around the torso. The fabric and color are also very sophisticated. There's an intricate layering of lace over wool. And Isabel calls the color lemongrass, which I think is so elegant." Indeed.

Malia and Sasha Obama wore the wool vesion of the Katy Trench Coat, $168, Crewcuts.com

First Daughters Malia and Sasha stood out in Crewcuts coats accessorized with scarves, gloves and ribbons tied around the waist, the only element identical to their mother's outfit. Malia's double-breasted cobalt blue with a black faux-fur scarf was a nice contrast to Sasha's pink coat with orange scarf and matching ribbon belt. This is not the first time the First Daughters have worn Crewcuts for public outings. This Sunday they wore the brand at the Jonas Brothers concert for the "Kids Inaugural: We Are the Future" event in Washington, DC.

Barack maintained the Presidential style he adopted early in his campaign, he stuck to a traditional weather-appropriate dark overcoat accented with an American flag pin on the lapel, white shirt, red tie--great color choice which signifies power, and black leather gloves. The wardrobe was provided by the 121-year old Chicago tailor Hart Schaffner Marx, AKA Hartmarx who has a history of dressing politicians since their inception.

Now that Inauguration Day has ended the buzz is all about what "The Dress" will be worn by Michelle.
Stay tuned...

The College Survival Guide

A Fridge
Regardless of whether you have a wonderful sized meal plan, your fridge may come in handy with leftovers or when you feel like stocking it with bottled drinks.

Computer
The convenience of a computer is essential when sending your kids off to college. Forget the hike to the computer lab across campus students need a computer in the comfort of their room. A printer comes in handy as well. Depending on whether your child plans to carry his laptop around campus, you might opt for a desk top since they're lighter on the pockets.

Snacks
You will surely survive with off of a meal plan but it doesn't hurt to stock up on snacks when you don't feel like leaving your dorm room. Bottled water, pop corn, cereal and Ramen noodles are all low budget snacks to stock up on. Just be weary of the freshman 15.

Things from home
Some college students suffer from homesickness the first year. It's best to surround yourself with things like photos of the family, pillows or even stuffed animals. Anything that reminds your child of home.

MP3 Player
With all the stress that comes from school and exams, sometimes it's nice to block out the chaos in your life and even your roommate with music. It's nearly impossible to find students walking to class who aren't jamming to tunes.

Budget
Students who enter college often come in at the ripening age of 18. A great time for credit cards. Parents beware, your child may end up ruining their credit at a young age

Alarm Clock
When you're in college you don't have the luxury of getting awaken by your parents. It's now your responsibility to get to class on time so alarm clocks are a must. But keep your roommate in mind. You shouldn't wake him up ever morning with a blow horn alarm.

Cleaning supplies
Now you don't necessarily need to bring in the rubber gloves, mop and gas mask but it doesn't hurt to bring along Clorox all purpose wipes for spills or dust. Vacuums and brooms come in handy too depending if you have a carpeted dorm.

Bedding
What most parents aren't aware of is that most college beds are twin sized but extra long and require special sheets. When shopping keep your eye open for sheets that clearly state 'extra long' or else your child may come up short.

Shower shoes
You really don't know what some people do in the shower these days. College showers are known to be creeping with germs so spare yourself the fungus and purchase flip flops for the shower. You'll thank us later!

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