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Michelle's 'Recession Chic' the Latest Rage

Her fashion sense has jolted an ailing retail sector

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Dec 23, 2008 11:40 AM CST

(Newser) – Barack Obama may decide how to stimulate the economy, but it's Michelle who's teaching America how to look good in it, CNN reports. She's dumped the traditional first lady look for a "recession chic" fashion—a brazen mix of little-known designers like fellow Chicagoan Maria Pinto and bargain buys from J Crew and Target—that inspires everyday women and has jolted a slumping retail sector.

Along the way, Obama has raised the profiles of designers like Pinto, whose gowns approach $5,000. Pinto may clinch the honor of outfitting the first-lady-to-be at the inaugural ball. It's no surprise, since the designer shares her high-profile client's fashion sensibility: "A wardrobe has to be low-maintenance and still fulfill an element of beauty and longevity," Pinto says.

Michelle, seen here in Hawaii for the holidays, sprinkles designer goods with bargain buys.
Michelle, seen here in Hawaii for the holidays, sprinkles designer goods with bargain buys.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Michelle Obama sported this Maria Pinto number at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.
Michelle Obama sported this Maria Pinto number at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.   (AP Photo/Chris Carlson, File)
Pinto's designs have even graced Barack Obama, such as this coat he wore the day he announced his candidacy for president in Springfield, Ill.
Pinto's designs have even graced Barack Obama, such as this coat he wore the day he announced his candidacy for president in Springfield, Ill.   (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)
Colors really lift our spirit, Pinto, who's designed many of Obama's signature pieces, says.
"Colors really lift our spirit," Pinto, who's designed many of Obama's signature pieces, says.   (AP Photo/Chris Carlson/FILE)
Obama has swapped the traditional matronly first lady look for styles that inspire everyday women.
Obama has swapped the traditional matronly first lady look for styles that inspire everyday women.   (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)
Michelle Obama wore a red dress when she visited the White House last month.
Michelle Obama wore a red dress when she visited the White House last month.   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
The Obamas pose during an interview with Barbara Walters.
The Obamas pose during an interview with Barbara Walters.   (AP Photo/ABC NEWS, George Burns)
The Obamas walk out of Spiaggia restaurant after having dinner in Chicago last month.
The Obamas walk out of Spiaggia restaurant after having dinner in Chicago last month.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
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Michelle Obama can't be too over the top; she has to be recession chic all the way. She gets it.
- Style expert Mary Alice Stephenson

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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Shannonals
Dec 27, 2008 2:00 AM CST
Nice style, brings back a 40's/50's look
Guest
Dec 23, 2008 4:46 AM CST
I am sure Michelle will be dressed like a First Lady. She has the style.

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