As for her hair, whether it is permed or flat-ironed, does it really matter? For those who say that natural hair can't be bone-straight with a flat iron, you might reconsider
that line. The versatility of our natural hair with the new ceramic flat-irons is second to none. You can go from 'happy to be nappy' to 'bone-straight' in a about one hour.
I threw chemicals out 15 years ago and have had many an argument with girlfriends about whether I have used chemicals since. .

As for the girls' hair, I say, leave the girls alone. Their hair is just fine. Straight, twist, cornrows, 'all over their head' SO WHAT?? (Some of ya'll would REALLY flip if Michelle locked their hair.)

They are little girls — Let them be that. Can you imagine living in the spotlight at that age? 7 and 10 yr old girls should not have to worry about 'their closeups” every time they hop out of the car to go to school.

Thanks for sharing!

when it comes to clothes, i think it matters what physical condition you're in. there are many 40-something women who are in (quite frankly) better physical shape than their 20-something sisters. today's 44 isn't the same as it was 20 or even 10 years ago. a woman has to be honest with herself and know when she's crossing that 'tacky' threshold–regardless of age. tacky is tacky, no matter if you're 20 or 40 or whatever. i really don't think there are many hard and fast rules, so long as you're comfortable. i think the thing with michelle o. is that she often looks UNCOMFORTABLE in what she's wearing–which is why i think that she should just go on and hire a stylist.

I think Michelle dresses appropriately for various situations. I love how she isn't in couture all the time or some insanely priced get up.

I feel like she should have just bought a damn wig. She knows full well she is being photo'd all the time and there is no way in hell she can think that pulled back fauxwhitegirlponytail look is even half-way decent looking on her. She HAS to have seen those pics herself…her hair looks like she is some damn refugee in Iowa and whereever they were for Malia's B-day on the fourth.

Even her clothes were terrible she looked like she was going to the friggin car wash with those leggings and checkboard dress.

If she is too lazy to keep her hair up…buy a damn wig…TinaTurner and Dianne Carroll can tell her where to shop…Hell even Beyonce wears wigs.

Remember it is the tools! Cause I ASKED and the hairdresser told me himself that it use to be that girl would be there for 2 hours. But now betwen the ion blowdryers that real hot and the ceramic flat iron….thick flowing tresses with body in one hour!!

I'm sure to have nightmares tonight.

Surely, there must be a middle ground where choices are made for practical considerations. For example, wear a slip or lined skirt, and hose not because it's “churchy”, but because it smooths out lumps and bumps. Also, we remember that Lady Di picture of her standing in the sun with a see-through skirt. The last thing Michelle wants is a photo like that for posterity.

I find many older black women are unduly influenced by the rap video and red-carpet culture, and end up dressing too young. They tend to associate more classic attire with being old, “churchy” or “white”. I used to see them on those morning talk shows saying they've got the body for it, so why not flaunt it…. I saw a woman in the grocery store once with about 6 inches of fat on her abdomen and stretch marks…she was wearing a cutoff top and mini-jean skirt. I'm sure she was in her late 30's to early 40's. Men were staring at her and snickering.

Also, should a 44 year old woman – Harvard educated lawyer – wear J-Crew and Gap..except around the house? It's like shopping in the “misses” section when you're no longer a “miss”. Black women have hips and boobs, and booties…we need well made clothes, especially as we get older. We need clothes that have shaping for our curves with darts, and structure and lining.

Older women need to wear more luxurious clothing that fit properly and are not too revealing. I didn't think this when I was a teen. I would not shop in the same trendy stores I used to at 18. I have to spend more now, or risk not being taken seriously…..but, I guess you live and learn that these things DO matter.

BWA HA HA HA HA HA HA

That hat and glove look spells polish…. Michelle can attain that finished, polished look in other ways…by wearing hose and not too tight clothing.

Fortunately, I chose not provide my daughters with this rite of passage, and they are well adjusted adults today. Again, it's all about personal choice.

I can IMAGINE President-Elect Obama “SNEAKIN' A PEEK” at HIS DESK! :>) :>) :>) :>)

President-Elect Obama! :>) First Lady Michelle! :>)