Marking Memorial Day

AP

The President and First Lady commemorated Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery yesterday, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. For the occasion, Mrs O wore a navy blue sheath dress and a string of pearls.

Joining Forces on Memorial Day

I received a message from Dr. Jill Biden early today, encouraging everyone to sign a message of support for members of our armed services this Memorial Day.

To be involved, visit the Joining Forces site here.

Dr. Biden and the First Lady launched Joining Forces earlier this year, an initiative to recognise, honour and support military families with involvement from employers, communities, faith leaders and schools. You too can get involved by reading more at the Joining Forces website here.

The White House

Photo of the Day: Louboutins

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Dream shoes or what?!

Icons and Inspirations: Kristen Wiig

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Quite simply: We love her!

This Week on the Hill...

TUESDAY 24TH MAY: Jessica Alba talks to a reporter following a news conference to discuss keeping Americans safe from dangerous chemicals.

TUESDAY 24TH MAY: Reporters gather around Sen. Harry Reid at a press conference discussing the GOP's plan to end Medicare.

TUESDAY 24TH MAY: Special Advisor to the Secretary of the Treasury, Elizabeth Warren testifies at the US Oversight and Reform Committee.

WEDNESDAY 25TH MAY: Senator Kirsten Gillibrand listens at a news conference on the GOP budget cuts.

WEDNESDAY 25TH MAY: Senator Dianne Feinstein holds a copy of a report discussing US responses to Mexican drug trafficking.

THURSDAY 26TH MAY: Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter testifies at the US Senate Special Committee on Ageing.

THURSDAY 26TH MAY: Vice President Joe Biden is accompanied by his Deputy Press Secretary for a meeting with members of Congress on deficit reduction.

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THURSDAY 26TH MAY: Commerce Secretary Gary Locke testifies at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, his family sat behind him. Secretary Locke has been nominated by the President as his selection as Ambassador to China.

Photo of the Day: Presidential Signature

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The Obamas depart London

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The President and First Lady departed London today or the G8 Summit in Deuaville (although there is media speculation that Mrs O will not attend.) For their departure, Mrs O stunned the fashion world again, wearing a purple ombre dress and coat by Peter Som, accessorised with a purple brooch and patent pink pumps. She also carried a structured, vintage looking black handbag, a somewhat new addition to the mix.

The Obamas in London: Final Evening

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The President and First Lady hosted a dinner at Winfield House, the home of the US Ambassador honouring the Queen last night. Once again, Mrs O stuns the world in an off the shoulder black gown by Ralph Lauren from his Fall 2011 collection. The First Lady's white diamond and jade ring is by YEWN.

Christine Lagarde announces IMF candidacy

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As expected, French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde announced her candidacy for the head of the IMF earlier today. BBC News reports on the story; where Lagarde announced she "brought a new dimension as a woman."

The Obamas in London: Day 2

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The President and First Lady split for their second day in London (excluding the barbecue earlier in the morning!) President Obama addressed the two Houses of Parliament in a speech at Westminster Hall, the first time a US President has been bestowed the honour. Guests such as Doris Kearns Goodwin, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson were present.

The First Lady made the short journey to Oxford, where she gave a motivational talk to students from the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School. For this event she wore black pants, an Alexander McQueen Victorian Bustle Cotton Piquet Shirt and an Alexander McQueen Double Buckle Western belt, both from the Spring 2011 collection.

State Dinner at Buckingham Palace

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Perhaps the best photo of the day: Michelle Obama wearing Tom Ford. The gown, ivory in colour and complementing the white tie dress code, is made even more perfect by over the elbow white gloves and a sparkled box clutch. More photos to follow!

The Obamas at Westminster Abbey

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The President and First Lady visited Westminster Abbey earlier this afternoon, placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior and having a mini-tour. Mrs O wears a deep purple coloured crepe dress by Roksanda Ilincic, a deep lavender duster coat and sparkly belt.

The Obamas were also received at 10 Downing Street by the Prime Minister and his wife Samantha, before the two leaders made an unscheduled trip to the Globe Academy in Lambeth, South London.

The Obamas at Buckingham Palace

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The President and First Lady met Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Philip at Buckingham Palace earlier today, where they will stay for their two days in the UK. The Obamas also met Prince William and Catherine Middleton.

Mrs O wears a mint hued floral dress by Barbara Tfank, from the Resort 2011 collection with a pink swing cardigan, jewelled brooch and silver stilettos. The First Lady's earrings are from the Phillips Frankel collection, consisting of amazonite and rubies; and are available from Fragments.