Mrs. O Blogger Releasing Michelle Obama Style Book. The Author Talks First Lady Fashion With StyleList

by Bee-Shyuan Chang (Subscribe to Bee-Shyuan Chang's posts)
Posted Oct 26th 2009 at 11:42AM

Mrs. O blogger Mary Tomer's book on, surprise, Mrs. O's style. Photo courtesy of Hachette Book Group.

From controversial shorts to glamorous gowns, Michelle Obama has caused many a style blog frenzy over her sartorial choices.

Now, advertising executive and Mrs. O blog creator/writer, Mary Tomer, is taking her coverage of the First Lady's fashion from online to in print.

Tomer's tome "Mrs. O: The Face of Fashion Democracy" features over 120 photos of Michelle Obama fashion moments, in addition to some plum interviews with fashion insiders including Andre Leon Talley, Jason Wu, Isabel Toledo, Thakoon and Loree Rodkin.

StyleList chatted with Mary Tomer on her decision to start a blog, her new book and her favorite Michelle Obama looks:

"The inspiration for the blog came while watching the DNC in August 2008. During the second night, I turned to my computer and began excitedly Googling to find more information about what Mrs. Obama was wearing. I was looking for a site like Mrs-O.org and when it didn't turn up, I decided to start it."

On why she and the public are still obsessed with Mrs. O's unique mix of high-low designers, Tomer says the First Lady doesn't just follow the usual first lady fashion route of boxy skirt suits.

"High-low style is not a new concept, of course, but I do believe this is the first time we've seen it embraced by such a public figure, certainly a first lady," says Tomer.

"There's something very powerful about seeing Michelle Obama in a cardigan from J.Crew or dress from H&M, and knowing you have access to the very same look," the author tells us.

As for her favorite Mrs. O fashion moment of late?

Tomer particularly liked the orange-gold Rodarte dress that the First Lady recently wore in Copenhagen. "It was timeless and elegant, and conveyed an American sophistication to the rest of the world," she says.

And true to it's "democratic" inspiration, the book ends with a chapter of comments on Mrs. O's style from the public.

The hardcover is set for release this Wednesday (Oct. 28) and will be available on Amazon and other online retailers.

Looking to catch up on the First Lady's fashion choices? Check out the below gallery.