MRS. O-THE FACE OF FASHION DEMOCRACY: A REVIEW & GIVEAWAY

GIVEAWAY ENDED
MRS. O
THE FACE OF FASHION DEMOCRACY
BY MARY TOMER

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Celebrated for her style and substance, Michelle Obama has transformed the role of first lady and become a 21st century icon, attracting attention from all over the world. The qualities so admired in her - intelligence, strength and charisma - radiate through her personal style, which has united accessibility with high-wattage glamour. The clothes, like the woman, feel both familiar and inspirational. Readily mixing high-end labels with more affordable brands, with a focus on craftsmanship and artistry, Mrs. O has elevated the notion of real value and ushered in a new era of "fashion democracy".

Building on the success of Mrs-O.org - the Web site that chronicles Michelle Obama's style - MRS. O: THE FACE OF FASHION DEMOCRACY takes a closer look at America's modern style icon, featuring more than 120 photographs of the first lady and delving into the back story of her clothes and accessories. It also goes behind the scenes with interviews from her favorite designers, including Isabel Toledo, Jason Wu, Michael Kors, Maria Pinto and Isaac Mizrahi.

Opening with a brief overview of Michelle Obama's early years, the book goes on to provide rarely seen photos from behind-the-scenes on the presidential primary trail through the 2008 Democratic National Convention, the monumental events of election night, the inauguration and early chapters of life in the White House. The final chapter hears the opinions of Mrs. O's adoring fans - giving the last word to the people.

Original photographs of Michelle Obama's most iconic looks, along with commentary from fashion experts, top off this tactile visual feast. Woven together with sketches and illustration inspired by the first lady, the book reveals the story of a new era of American fashion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary Tomer is the founder and contributing editor of Mrs-O.org. In the summer of 2008, captivated by Michelle Obama's arrival on the national stage, Mary realized the future first lady had the makings of a style icon - the genesis of Mrs-O.org. The site launched in September 2008, and has quickly grown to attract more than 2 million site visits, with traffic from 221 countries and territories. Mary has appeared on the Today Show, MSNBC, Access Hollywood and BBC Radio, speaking as an authority on the first lady's style.

REVIEW:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and if you knew me, you would be surprised as I have to say, clothes are not that big a deal to me, for me, but I do like to see who is wearing what for fun! And Mrs. Obama has a style all her own. She does take me back a little to the Kennedy days when Jacqueline Kennedy was who everyone then wanted to emanate. Michelle Obama is a young mother and wife of our President and so she can run the gamut of outfits she needs to wear. Whether she is hosting a state dinner at the White House or taking her daughters to see the Nick at Night Awards, people are watching.

The book is primarily fashion but it also delighted me in that it started out telling about her life and there were lots of pictures of her growing up and meeting President Obama. I think Mary Tomer does an excellent job of explaining the sense of fashion that Michelle Obama has. She is certainly her own woman and good for her! Tomer includes not just photographs and sketches of clothing but also writes about the choice of fabric and how the design is made to fit Mrs. Obama's body type. She likes to wear what she likes and doesn't just wear something because everyone else does. She realizes all eyes are on her but she also knows that those eyes want to really see the woman she is and that is reflected in her choices she makes. I think whether you like fashion or the first lady, or both, you would enjoy this gorgeous book as it is extremely interesting and makes a great conversation piece to sit on your coffee table as well. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

GIVEAWAY

THANKS TO ANNA AND THE
HACHETTE BOOK GROUP, I HAVE
ONE COPY OF THIS FASHIONABLE
BOOK TO GIVE AWAY.
RULES:

--U.S. AND CANADIAN RESIDENTS ONLY
--NO P. O. BOXES
--PUT YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN THE COMMENT
---ALL COMMENTS MUST BE SEPARATE TO
COUNT AS MORE THAN ONE!

+1 ENTRY: Comment and tell if YOU have a favorite designer...or place to shop for your clothes. I know I have favorite designers and places...I can't afford to buy anything but I do like them the best and like to look sometimes!

+1 MORE ENTRY: Comment on if you follow and where/how, or follow by joining through the Google Friend Connect in the left column of this blog.

+1 MORE ENTRY: Enter one other of my UPCOMING giveaways (NOT ONE YOU ALREADY ENTERED---ONE THAT WILL POST IN THE FUTURE) and then come back here and tell me the contest is that you entered.

DEADLINE TO ENTER IS
6 PM, EST, DECEMBER 6

GOOD LUCK!
AND DON'T FORGET...
MRS. O is ...
A BINGLE BELLS BOOK CHOICE

A GREAT GIFT FOR THE
BOOK LOVER ON YOUR LIST!