'I Wasn't Meant to Be Here': Michelle

A look back at Michelle Obama's daring sartorial debut

(NEWSER) - After a year of big guns, big designers, and bold choices, New York takes a look back at the many styles of first lady Michelle Obama. Who can forget the inaugural outfits, the Grand Canyon shorts, and all those cardigans? For many more photos, and info on designers, click here . More»

First lady stays above the fray, elevating her image

(NEWSER) - Her days as a lightning rod on the campaign trail firmly behind her, Michelle Obama has polished her image in a paradoxical way for a political wife: by steering clear of politics. She's a familiar presence on the national scene, and her poll numbers are robust, even among Republicans. "She has done this by framing herself as a wife, mother, daughter and sister, not trying to redefine the role of first lady, limiting interviews and staying militantly noncontroversial," Lynn Sweet writes for Politics Daily . More»

Douglas fir from W. Virginia will decorate Blue Room throughout the holidays

(NEWSER) - The White House Christmas tree arrived today in traditional style: by horse-drawn carriage. Michelle, Malia, and Sasha Obama met the 18½-foot Douglas fir and the West Virginia couple who grew it, Eric and Gloria Sundback, at the North Portico. The nonstop chirping of camera shutters provided the soundtrack, USA Today reports. Asked whether this was the largest tree the family's ever had, the first lady replied, "Yeah, I think this wins." More»

Kristen Jarvis came up in Obama's Senate office, and has proven stellar

(NEWSER) - Kristen Jarvis has had tough jobs. She joined Barack Obama’s office in 2004, when he was a newly minted senator. But that was nothing compared to last year’s presidential campaign, when she was given a different charge: Michelle Obama. As her "body woman," Jarvis did everything from watch her boss pace before her clutch DNC speech to keep her well-coiffed on the campaign trail. “Hairdressers in every state!” Jarvis exclaims to Newsweek of the trials of finding experts in black dos across the country. “It was a struggle.” More»

(NEWSER) - First lady Michelle Obama has joined the rarefied ranks of Maxim’s 100 hottest women in the world, AFP reports. Obama, who comes in at 93 on the list, is described in the lad mag as the “stimulus package America really needs.” She's the first first lady to receive the honor, but gawkers shouldn’t get too excited. Her portrait in the magazine is the not-so-steamy White House official photograph. More»