When Michelle Obama first started campaigning for her husband, the media narrative was that she was an angry snob and that the average American, particularly the average American woman, would have a hard time relating to her. Fast forward a year and some change, and the first lady is now hugely popular. And contrary to that negative narrative from the campaign trail, one of the things that people love most about her is her relatability. She's a loving mom. She walks the dog. She volunteers in her new Washington D.C. community. She jokes. And she does something that many famous women who are photographed as much as she is wouldn't dare to do -- she proudly re-wears her favorite outfits and accessories. During a time when the average Americans' clothing budget has probably been reduced to nothing, we can all take a lesson from Obama's versatility and creativity when it comes to her wardrobe. That Erickson Beamon brooch she wore to the Democratic National Convention? She brought it back nearly a year later during a casual stroll in Rome. The Gap cardigan she wore with a conservative skirt to have lunch with Nancy Reagan? She wore the same sweater with pants and sneakers to work with local schoolkids in the White House Garden. Obama might live in the White House, but her fashion philosophy -- to buy a few versatile pieces and get as much wear out of them as possible -- is one that both everyday shopaholics and paparazzi-loving celebrities can adopt.
Below, check of the first lady's notable fashion repeats.
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!




Comments: (485)
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By: Bill May on 6/04/2011 1:52AM
What a fine woman who loves and supports her family her husband and her nation wears is of no interest to me. I am more interested in things of substance. Average looking middle aged people's wardrobes is rarely that captivating. Get a life.
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By: zippy on 6/23/2011 6:14PM
She is one ugly monkey.
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By: dede on 6/30/2011 8:16PM
The president and his wife worked hard to get where they are today. God gives us all a gift. He didn't say we couldn't be prosperous. He said we will always have the poor w/us though. That's because of people like many of you. People that work all their lives and make it, you can't only speak negatively about them. The deserve to be where they are and doing what they are doing. If you could be there, you would. You're not willing to put the work into it. Just like people that ran against the president. If they could be there, they would. So stop hating. It's already been said, "If God's for you, who can be against you." The President knew this when he decided to run. Haters have a hard time understanding this. and complain and bicker, yet doing the same things day in and day out. Therefore, the Obamas will continue to be successful learning this at an early age, making some mistakes because they know they are not perfect; continuing on to strive for the good of the country and leaning on the only one that can take them down that narrow cliff and keep them from falling off.
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By: Bobbette on 7/25/2011 9:02PM
You all crack me up, your comments are hilarious
Do you really think she gives a hoot what you think about what she wears?
Mrs. Obama is a strong minded, education woman who, some of you forget had a life prior to moving to Pennsylvania Ave. Also, QUIET as it is kept; she is a professional woman who has been dressing herself, for many years prior to Pennsylvania Ave.
Whatever money she uses to buy her clothes is first, none of your business and even more hilarious, your silly comments are not on her radar of concerns.
It amazes me that of all the things going on in this country, the focus that is directed by the media to question what money she uses to buy clothing……..and some of you mindless people feed into the hype
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By: Lacole on 7/28/2011 5:22PM
When you get paid for doing your job,you can spend your money how you like. She is not spending our money. Her husband has a job and he is paid.The money spent is their money for work. Work that we would not be able to do if we dare to even try.I can not believe how people are so hateful to anyone that has to give up so much for others.
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