Obama Administration: Landmark Moments and Special Visitors

The President and First Lady bid farewell to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, before they departed Winfield House in London following a dinner in honor of the Queen.
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The President signs the health insurance reform bill. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

"Much has been made of this photograph that shows the President and Vice President and the national security team monitoring in real time the mission against Osama bin Laden. Some more background on the photograph: The White House Situation Room is actually comprised of several different conference rooms. The majority of the time, the President convenes meetings in the large conference room with assigned seats. But to monitor this mission, the group moved into the much smaller conference room. The President chose to sit next to Brigadier General Marshall B. “Brad” Webb, Assistant Commanding General of Joint Special Operations Command, who was point man for the communications taking place. WIth so few chairs, others just stood at the back of the room. I was jammed into a corner of the room with no room to move. During the mission itself, I made approximately 100 photographs, almost all from this cramped spot in the corner. There were several other meetings throughout the day, and we've put together a composite of several photographs (see next photo in this set) to give people a better sense of what the day was like. Seated in this picture from left to right: Vice President Biden, the President, Brig. Gen. Webb, Deputy National Security Advisor Denis McDonough, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, and then Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. Standing, from left, are: Admiral Mike Mullen, then Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; National Security Advisor Tom Donilon; Chief of Staff Bill Daley; Tony Blinken, National Security Advisor to the Vice President; Audrey Tomason Director for Counterterrorism; John Brennan, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism; and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper."(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama and Burmese Opposition Leader Aung San Suu Kyi pet Bo, the Obama family dog, at the conclusion of their meeting in the Oval Office, Sept. 19, 2012. Danny Russel, Senior Director for Asian Affairs, and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton watch at left. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama pauses to look back at the scene before leaving the platform following the inaugural swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Jan. 21, 2013. Standing behind the President are First Lady Michelle Obama, daughters Malia and Sasha, and Marian Robinson. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

Four Presidents during the dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Filling in for David Lienemann, Lawrence Jackson made this photograph of the real Vice President, with Julia-Louis Dreyfus, star of the HBO show Veep', in his West Wing office of the White House.
(Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

The President and First Lady wave to supporters as they ride in the inaugural parade. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Meetings happen everywhere including on the escalator. Here, the President continues a conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel following their meeting with other leaders at the NATO Summit in Newport, Wales. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The President signs the H.R. 3547, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014, which at the time provided fiscal year 2014 appropriations. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan walk from the Reflecting Pool toward the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., April 27, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama laughs with Caroline Kennedy, U.S. Ambassador to Japan, in the Oval Office, April 27, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden discuss the Resolute Desk with Charles, Prince of Wales, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, prior to a meeting in the Oval Office, March 19, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

First Lady Michelle Obama and Meryl Streep participate in a photo shoot for MORE magazine in the Blue Room of the White House, Feb. 24, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

President Barack Obama and Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany participate in a joint press conference in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 9, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

Two days after the visit of Pope Francis, the President and First Lady hosted President Xi Jinping of China and Madame Peng Liyuan for another State Visit. Before the formal State Dinner, the President showed President Xi and Madame Peng the Gettysburg Address in the Lincoln Bedroom. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The President and Pope Francis walk along the Colonnade. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

A festive atmosphere as the White House was lit with the colors of the rainbow in celebration of the Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Berlin and Brexit: Theresa May's week

It's been a busy week for the PM. From Remembrance Sunday to Berlin, here's what Theresa May has been up too.

On Sunday, the PM laid a wreath at the Cenotaph in Whitehall as part of the annual Remembrance Sunday commemorations.

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The PM's striking hat was by Liz Felix Millinery and her shoes were past season Russell & Bromley.

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On Monday, the PM opened the new HQ for Diabetes UK. Not seen since her announcement for Conservative Party leader, Theresa May wore the uber cool Blackwatch plaid pantsuit by Vivienne Westwood. She opted for a pair of black patent brogues with jewelled heel detail by Russell & Bromley.

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On Monday night, May delivered the keynote speech at the Lord Mayor's Banquet at Guildhall. Wearing a long silk red gown, patent red heels and the Valorie silver lame clutch from Anya Hindmarch's S/S11 collection, this was May's glammest look by far.

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Also this week, the PM met with the UN Sec General designate António Guterres. For their meeting at Downing Street she rocked a red jacket and the Issa x LK Bennett embroidered Parrot pumps. May also met with the Portuguese Prime Minister on Wednesday, wearing classic tailoring from Amanda Wakeley and the leopard Cocktail pumps from Russell & Bromley.

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On Friday, the PM travelled to Berlin to take part in talks with other nations. May also held a joint press conference with Chancellor Merkel. A navy dress by Amanda Wakeley, the Edelle jacket from LK Bennett, Radford black shoulder bag from Amanda Wakeley and patent red kitten heels completed her look.

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The new Prime Minister's stylish first week

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UK politics has experienced a seismic shift over the past month. The decision to leave the EU in the referendum caused a change of Government and our second female Prime Minister- Theresa May.

The new Prime Minister has been in office a little over a week. She's picked her new Cabinet, visited Scotland, Wales, Germany and France as well as answering her first Prime Minister's Questions. I was in the gallery in the Commons Chamber for the latter, and believe me, it was as explosive in real life as it looked on the TV.

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I was asked by German news outlet Deustche Welle to comment on Theresa May's sense of style, a question which I have been asked quite alot recently. A common response from people is 'Oh, that's a sexist thing to be asking,' or 'You wouldn't be commenting if the Prime Minister was a man.' Maybe we wouldn't, but there would still be an interest in their personality, what they enjoy to do in their private time and with much probability, an interest in what clothes their spouse or partner was wearing.

Personality forms a big part of our modern political environment. The dominance of the 24 hour news cycle, social media and blogs like this one have all pushed this interest, and consequently, we all want to know everything about our elected officials and their families.

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Take Theresa May. She's interesting because we don't know too much about her. In her campaign launch speech she said she is a 'hard worker, [who] doesn't tour Parliament's bars and doesn't wear her heart on her sleeve.' We heard a little about her family and more about her record as Home Secretary. During her time as Conservative Party Chair and Home Secretary what we did find out was her love of fashion, and in particular shoes. She's partial to a bit of leopard, a good handbag and oversized necklaces. Russell & Bromley is one of her favourite places to shop and a Conservative Party donor once paid £17,500 to go on a shoe shopping trip with her. So lucky! Her choice of an Amanda Wakeley outfit as she entered No 10 will be iconic for many reasons, with the pop of neon sunshine yellow on a traditional navy dress and coat a sign of optimistic change.

Theresa May will be expected to and will deliver on the commitment to British fashion during her premiership. Attention on this side of her role will be greater than her female predecessor Margaret Thatcher, who was known to wear her now iconic suits and pussy bow blouses from British designers such as Burberry and Aquascutum. May has already shown her love of UK fashion, with her Black Watch tartan two piece Vivienne Westwood making many headlines. Similarly, her choice of sparkly Russell & Bromley loafers (of which I own a pair,) has demonstrated her playful side and reconfirms that you can be a powerful, professional woman and have fun at the same time.

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Whether they freely admit it or not, many working women will be closely watching what Theresa May wears. Her choices will be scrutinised more than ever, and there will be a demand to know what she's wearing and who it is by. This change brings great opportunity for bloggers like myself, and you can expect regular posts and analysis throughout May's time in office as well as exploring the sartorial choices of other female members of the Prime Minister's government.

There's not been a more exciting time to follow the powerful and stylish worlds of politics and fashion. With Theresa May as Prime Minister in the UK, Angela Merkel as Chancellor in Germany and the possibility of Hillary Rodham Clinton as President in the USA, women are truly in charge.

Here's what the Prime Minister wore this week...

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Scotland: navy cardigan coat and trousers; white cami top; patent red shoes from LK Bennett.

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Wales: red dress; white cardigan jacket; LK Bennett x Issa Parrot pumps.

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Prime Minister's Questions and Germany: navy tailored skirt suit; white cami top; LK Bennett leopard pumps.

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France: black dress and tailored jacket; oversized chain necklace, LK Bennett x Issa Parrot pumps. 

If you want to score a little May style, then these navy and neon yellow trim pants from Amanda Wakeley are currently on sale!

The Best White House Photos from 2015

There were many standout moments captured by the official White House photographers in 2015. Pete Souza, David Lienemann, Chuck Kennedy and Amanda Lucidon produce awe-inspiring images of the President, First Lady and members of the Obama Administration, and it is their work which has reignited my love of photography and the camera.

There are simply too many amazing photographs to choose from- these are some of my favorites.

First Lady Michelle Obama and Meryl Streep participate in a photo shoot for MORE magazine in the Blue Room of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

President Barack Obama's motorcade travels to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport in Romulus, Mich. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

First Lady Michelle Obama participates in a "Let's Move!" Funny or Die game show taping with Billy Eichner of Billy on the Street and Big Bird at Safeway in Washington, D.C. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

President Barack Obama speaks with First Lady Michelle Obama following his State of the Union address at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

An aerial view of the White House taken from the cockpit of Marine One upon arrival from Baltimore, Maryland. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Vicki Kennedy, widow of Senator Ted Kennedy, shows President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama a replica of Sen. Kennedy's Senate office following the dedication of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate in Boston, Mass. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama laughs with Caroline Kennedy, U.S. Ambassador to Japan, in the Oval Office. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama's place is set at the table prior to the State Dinner for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan in the East Room of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

David Lienemann, the Vice President’s photographer, made this image in Dachau, Germany, of the VP and his granddaughter Finnegan Biden touring the concentration camp with Max Mannheimer, a 95-year-old Holocaust survivor. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

The President’s daughter Malia stopped by the Oval Office one afternoon to see her dad. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Chuck Kennedy captured this scene at dusk as the President entered the Outer Oval Office with Shaun Donovan. (Official White House by Chuck Kennedy)

Pete Souza captured this image at the 50th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday and the Selma to Montgomery march commemorations. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The First Lady, along with senior monk Eigen Onishi, had tea with Amb. Caroline Kennedy, U.S. Ambassador to Japan, and her son, Jack Schlossberg, at the Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

The First Lady snuggled against the President during a video taping for the 2015 World Expo in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

The President walks to sign H.R. 2 Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 in the Rose Garden of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

Pete Souza ran up the steps of the Lincoln Memorial ahead of the President and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan to capture this scene of the two looking towards the Washington Monument. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

After returning on Marine One, the President walks from the helicopter to the Oval Office holding an umbrella for aides Valerie Jarrett and Anita Decker Breckenridge. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

'Show us the Jeremy dance,’ the President said to departing Social Secretary Jeremy Bernard, during a farewell ceremony for Jeremy in the State Dining Room of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The President hugs Vice President Joe Biden after delivering a eulogy during the funeral mass for Beau Biden at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Wilmington, Del.(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Chancellor Angela Merkel asked the G7 leaders and outreach guests to make their way to a bench for a group photograph. The President happened to sit down first, followed closely by the Chancellor (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Obama had just stopped by the annual Congressional Baseball Game at Nationals Park and we were already driving away underneath the stadium. The President asked the Secret Service to stop the motorcade when he spotted The Racing Presidents. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The First Lady and First Lady Agnese Landini of Italy tour the Mirror Room in the Italian Pavilion at the World Expo in Milan, Italy. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

Members of the Senate Democratic Caucus applaud the Vice President after the President acknowledged their partnership during a meeting and reception in the State Dining Room. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Underneath a picturesque sky, the President boards Air Force One prior to departure from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The President and First Lady walk back towards the south entrance of the White House following a moment of silence with White House staff for the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

David Lienemann scoped out a great vantage point from the Blue Room Balcony to capture this moment as the President and First Lady escorted Pope Francis back inside the White House following the State Arrival Ceremony on the South Lawn. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Two days after the visit of Pope Francis, the President and First Lady hosted President Xi Jinping of China and Madame Peng Liyuan for another State Visit. Before the formal State Dinner, the President showed President Xi and Madame Peng the Gettysburg Address in the Lincoln Bedroom. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Pete Souza focused on the detail of the Resolute Desk as the President was talking with two aides in the Oval Office. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

After their meeting with the President, Katie Beirne Fallon, Director of Legislative Affairs, and Shaun Donovan, Director Office of Management and Budget, knock on wood–the Resolute Desk–in hopes that the budget would pass through Congress. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The President and First Lady react to a child in a pope costume and mini popemobile as they welcomed children during a Halloween event on the South Lawn of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

After arriving in France to attend the Climate Change Summit, the President, with French President François Hollande and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, made an unannounced stop just after midnight at the memorial in front of le Bataclan, the site of a Paris terrorist attack. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)