Next Stop Paris

That's Not My Age has been thinking about Michelle Obama all week. Who hasn't? America's First Lady has an easy-going, confident approach to style that's impossible to ignore. Anyway, we've heard enough of this already - so as the Obamas break off their Essential Relationship, imagine if they were heading over to Paris for a romantic interlude with the Sarkozys. Would Michelle Obama opt for Parisian Chic? Maybe she'd have a copy of Ines de la Fressange's style guide in her carry-on? In London, MObama cleverly embraced British fashion by mixing Preen and Roksanda Illincic (above) with some of her favourite American designers, so when in France...

First stop for a statement dress would have to be Lanvin.




If Carla's planning a barbecue/baby shower, we might see the signature cardi, a more relaxed Breton stripe dress and Pierre Hardy sandals/Roger Vivier flats:







For a champagne reception at the Elysée Palace - Obama could call upon a Carven body-con dress - or more Lanvin - and Louboutin heels:





But what I'd really love to see Michelle Obama in is an Yves Saint Laurent tuxedo - and if she has read Parisian Chic, who knows? Charlotte Rampling looked fabulous in YSL at Cannes last week, and America's First Lady would definitely add personality to this classic look.



That's Not My Age recommends an Equipment shirt, Carven slingbacks (or the Roger Vivier flats) and an Isabelle Marant necklace:






Photos
Michelle & Barack Obama: Getty
Lanvin, Carven, DVF and Louboutin: Matches
Isabel Marant necklace and earrings, Pierre Hardy: Net-a-Porter
Equipment: style-passport
Striped dress: Hobbs

First Ladies and Football

South African jeweller, Pieter Erasmus, is a man with Swarovski crystal-studded credentials. That's Not My Age met him at London Fashion Week earlier this year where we had a very nice chat, he showed me his gems and let it slip that Michelle Obama had been spotted in a St.Erasmus hand-crafted necklace at The White House Correspondents' Dinner. Before setting up his own company, Mr.Erasmus worked for the likes of Alexander McQueen, Givenchy and Roberto Cavalli. Check out the brand new St.Erasmus website here.





This grow your own pitch/greetings card from Postcarden is the perfect gift for football lovers everywhere. The cardboard package comes with a packet of cress seeds, a football and a match programme. The cress may take about 2-3 days to sprout but if the woeful performances so far are anything to go by, it'll be more exciting than watching England play.




Alternatively, why not spend 90 minutes over at the England's Glory exhibition at JHW Fine Art. A celebration of the beautiful game with over two hundred exhibits - including Peter Blake, LS Lowry and Michael Craig-Martin - from over two hundred years of football.


England's Glory is at JHW Fine Art, 27 Cork Street, London W1 from June 21 - 26 2010.

First and second ladies

Sacre bleu! French Elle has voted Michelle Obama the first lady of 'political chic' in its annual best-dressed list, whilst France's premiere dame, Carla Bruni is runner-up for the second year on the trot. That's Not My Age thinks Elle is spot on. Obama's blend of J. Crew and Jason Wu, and love of a good cardigan - top marks for the Junya Watanabe Comme des Garcons patchwork number she wore on her first London trip - give her a more distinctive style. And whilst Bruni looks gorgeous in head-to toe Dior, the prim and proper look doesn't wash - admit it, she just looks better in jeans.

Michelle v Carla, who do you think is first lady in the style stakes?


And a special mention to style icon and superstar, Tilda Swinton, first in the 'fashionista' category. Yay!





Photos: French Elle