Mario Anzuoni / Reuters

Not afraid of fashion: First lady Michelle Obama wore hot leather pants at Nickelodeon's 25th annual Kids' Choice Awards in Los Angeles, California on March 31.

Michelle Obama took first lady style to new heights when she wore leather pants to the Kids' Choice Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday. (Is this a first for a presidential wife? We think so.)

Clad in a chic ensemble by American designer Wes Gordon — a metallic houndsooth tunic paired with edgy black bottoms  — Michelle looked as cool as the rock stars getting slimed on stage.

Charley Gallay/kca2012 / Getty Images Contributor

Dynamic duo: Taylor Swift poses for photographers with Michelle Obama.

Christopher Polk/kca2012 / Getty Images

Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha pose with Big Time Rush singers (L-R) Carlos Pena, Kendall Schmidt, Logan Henderson and James Maslow.

Not to mention, it was a family affair: the first daughters were decked out in hot brand ASOS. Malia Obama wore a detailed leather Obi belt ($35.81), while Sasha was decked out in a flare dress with a chic, mono pattern ($75.20).

The family that's stylish together sure seems to smile together:

Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images

Family fashion first: Sasha, Michelle and Malia were all smiles at Nickelodeon's 25th Annual Kids' Choice Awards.

More: First ladies stun in sapphire and teal at state dinner
Under $100: Tropical style
Extreme nails are here to stay

Jonathan Ernst / Reuters

Stylish teacher: Michelle Obama shows kids how to garden during the fourth annual Kitchen Garden spring planting on March 26 at the White House.

Michelle Obama continued her streak of cute play clothes while hosting a White House Kitchen Garden event for school kids and the Girl Scouts on Monday, as part of her "Let's Move!" initiative.

Michael Reynolds / EPA

Vision in melon: First lady Michelle Obama greets children on the South Lawn of the White House.

Clad in a bright melon-colored shirt, black capris and light blue sneakers, Michelle rolled up her cardigan sleeves and showed the youngsters how to plant for the spring. As expected, our first lady isn’t afraid to get touchy with some dirt.

Alex Wong / Getty Images

School kids from all around the nation joined the first lady for the annual planting.

Alex Wong / Getty Images

The kids get high marks from the first lady.

How did the troop perform? They got two thumbs from Michelle. (It's no fist bump, but it'll do.)

Fan of Michelle's cute bright sneakers? We rounded up a few colorful favorites for the season:

Brendan Smialowski / AFP - Getty Images

Michelle Obama isn't afraid of color, as demonstrated by her cute blue gardening sneakers.

Rina Raphael is a TODAY.com editor who has a lone houseplant named Lily van der Woodsen.

More: Duchess Kate's favorite brand lands a New York City store
First ladies stun in sapphire and teal at state dinner
Slideshow: Michelle Obama's effortless style

Kevin Lamarque / Reuters

Got the blues: U.S. first lady Michelle Obama and Samantha Cameron, wife of British Prime Minister David Cameron, pose before the state dinner at the White House on March 14.

By Verena von Pfetten, Styleite

While Anna Wintour was prudently recycling her Chanel couture, first lady Michelle Obama opted not only for a brand new dress, but a brand new-to-her designer.

For last night’s stated dinner hosting U.K. prime minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha Cameron, Michelle wore a dark teal Marchesa, featuring a short train, ruched bodice, and off the shoulder neckline. She accessorized by piling on blue, grey, teal, navy, and silver pearls (which may or may not have been part of a single necklace) and wore her hair in a clean updo.

In what we can only imagine was a coordinated move — a quick call between assistants, no? — Cameron wore a navy Alessandra Rich gown, featuring a floral pattern of small sequins, and shoes from U.K. High Street shop Next. According to the pool report, as the Camerons stepped out of their town car, Michelle Obama turned to Barack and said “They look better than us.”

We’ll call it a tie.

Kevin Lamarque / Reuters

First in fashion: U.S. first lady Michelle Obama and Samantha Cameron, wife of British Prime Minister David Cameron, opted for blue hues.

Jonathan Ernst / Reuters

The whole gang: U.S. President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha show off their black tie style.

More from Styleite: What Does Michelle Obama Wear To Play Basketball?

Michelle’s Dance Moves Are Better Than Beyonce’s

Michelle Obama Competes Against Jimmy Fallon

First lady Michelle Obama listens to President Barack Obama speak at the Governors Ball in the State Dining Room of the White House on Feb. 26. in Washington, DC.

Updated at 4:10 p.m. EST, 2/28/12: Michelle Obama's dress was by designer Naeem Khan, according to Mrs-O.com. 

Original post: Leave it to the first lady to upstage Oscar’s red carpet.

Thanks to a beaded, sequin gown, Michelle Obama brought some glamour to the 2012 Governors Dinner on Feb. 26 in Washington. Sure, that's likely not as glitzy as the Academy Awards, but there was champagne! (That's half the battle.)

No word yet on which designer Michelle was wearing, but Styleite thinks it might be Duchess Kate favorite Jenny Packham.

Mandel Ngan / AFP - Getty Images

Wrapped up in a bow: Michelle Obama wears an elegant one-shoulder creation at the Governors Ball.

Brendan Smialowski / Getty Images

Michelle Obama, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell and others raise their glasses for a toast in the State Dining Room.

More: Standout gowns from Oscar after-parties
Michelle Obama recycles her J.Crew favorites
Slideshow: Michelle Obama's effortless style

Reuters, Target

The first lady wore the Jason Wu for Target dress, which is sold out online but still available in some stores, while promoting her "Let's Move" initiative in Orlando, Florida on February 10.

I was still so exhausted from my Target from Missoni debacle back in September (it literally took almost a whole day to order a skirt and a couple of baby items) that I didn't even attempt to jump online when the Jason Wu for Target collection went on sale Super Bowl Sunday. As is becoming the norm with the discount chain's designer collaborations, most of the collection sold out within hours, so when I finally did make it to my local Target this weekend there were only a sad 7 items total left.

But the almost empty racks did contain an adorable navy floral chiffon dress, and guess who has it in her wardrobe? The first lady, who basically put the Taiwan-born, American-educated designer on the map when she donned a dramatic ivory Wu-designed gown for her husband's 2009 inaugural ball. Mrs. Obama wore the $39.99 dress over the weekend at a press event in Florida.

As the Huffington Post points out, FLOTUS made the look her own by replacing the gold belt with a red one and adding a royal blue cardigan. The dress is still available in stores if you want to pick it up. At my local Clifton, N.J. Target, I spotted two of those frocks (one of which was missing the belt). As it happens, my colleague Carissa Ray (TODAY.com's supervising multimedia producer) bought the same dress at a store in Brooklyn on Saturday. (And now you know what TODAY.com staffers do with our weekends! And that we have excellent taste.)

Susan Houriet/TODAY.com

The dress worn by Michelle Obama is still available in some Target stores, including this one in Clifton, N.J.

Mrs. Obama's press secretary confirmed to TODAY.com that indeed she was wearing a dress from the Target collection, but didn't have any information about whether FLOTUS waited in line to buy it herself (unlikely, but not impossible, as she has been known to hit her local Target). But I'm curious to see whether she trots out more of the collection in the future. Could a cat-print tote be next, or would Bo be offended?

Did you purchase any of the Jason Wu items at Target? Let us know in the comments below.

TODAY.com supervising producer Susan Houriet owns more than 20 designer-for-Target collection pieces, some of which she can even still fit into after having a baby (who has her own Missoni for Target dress and leggings).

Barackobama.com

Keep your presidential support near your heart with this commemorative Michelle Obama 2012 brooch crafted out of silver tone alloy metal, with a shiny real 14K gold finish.

By Julia Rubin, Styleite

A search of the official Barack Obama campaign 2012 store doesn’t just bring up designer duds, there are also some inexplicably sparkly Michelle Obama campaign brooches in the mix. The product description for the $35 gold pins reads:

Commemorative Michelle Obama 2012 Brooch crafted out of silver tone alloy metal, with a shiny real 14K Gold finish. Over 230 genuine Czech Crystal Rhinestones are hand set for a sparkling finish. The back of the piece has a durable bar pin closure that also has a 14K Gold finish. Made in the USA.

It got us thinking: what kind of cool and/or ridiculous merchandise are the other presidential candidates selling?

A quick evaluation of each candidate’s gear shows President Barack Obama winning in a landslide. The man is selling grill spatulas! And dog sweaters! And soy candles! We’re also pretty fond of the “Cup of Joe” coffee mug featuring Vice President Joe Biden and the “I Bark for Barack” car magnet starring first dog Bo. You can even get the first family portrait on a button.

As far as the Republicans are concerned, Ron Paul certainly has the most varied merchandise. He’s selling mousepads (which we didn’t know anyone still used), and also ties and shoes (though we can’t see what said footwear looks like exactly). His most exciting item, however, is clearly a variety of branded speakers that retail for the very specific price of $42.80 each.

In contrast, Newt Gingrich‘s most out-of-the-box campaign item is a pet bandana, which stands alone among the standard sweatshirts, bumper stickers, and baseball hats. Mitt Romney got a little more creative with baby onesies emblazoned with a sketched logo and a ceramic tumbler, though Rick Santorum‘s assortment is even staler than Gingrich’s. The one notable item is a “lapel sticker” that is really just a fancy name tag. He doesn’t even sell those sweater vests anymore!

Who do you think has the better merchandise?

www.ronpaul.com

Ron Paul is selling speakers for the very specific price of $42.80.

Newtstore2012.com

Now your small pet can show support for Newt with this red Newt 2012 Bandana. It is, as it should be, made in the USA.

RickSantorum.com

Rick Santorum is selling navy lapel stickers. No spatulas or dog sweaters.

MittRomney.com

"These baby onesies are a perfect fit for the young Mitt supporter in your life" claims Mitt Romney's website. The baby outfit features a sketched Romney "R" and logo.

Barackobama.com

The Obama Dog sweater promises to "keep your furry friend feeling cozy and looking stylish." ($35)

More from Styleite:

Republican Party Mocks Obama Campaign Fashion Show As ‘Ritzy’
What Beyoncé, Marc Jacobs, And DVF Designed For Obama
Ellen Challenges Michelle Obama To A Push-Up Competition

Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy

Making him work for it: Michelle Obama takes on Jimmy Fallon in the White House.

Updated 10:20 a.m. EST 2/8/2012

When it comes to feats of strength, who would you bet on: Funnyman and late-night talk show host Jimmy Fallon, or Michelle Obama, queen of the 4:30 a.m. workout?

The first lady, 48, appeared on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" last night to promote the second anniversary of the "Let’s Move!" initiative, and things quickly got intense. As you can see from the White House Flickr photo above, a neon-sneaker clad Fallon, 37, is seen struggling to defeat his smirking opponent underneath a painting of George Washington (what would he think of all this?).

In the segment, the duo – looking mighty adorable in their workout gear – worked up a sweat in a marathon of games, including push-ups, tug-of-war, hula hoops, and yes, even dodgeball (the first lady went for the face, which we're pretty sure is against the rules). The challenge truly got heated when Jimmy and Michelle give it their all in the ultimate competition: the potato sack race.

"The most important thing for the kids to learn is that it's all about being active and having fun," said an out-of-breath Jimmy. "It doesn't matter if you won or if you lost."

"It matters," responded a confident Michelle.

Who were we rooting for? As he's part of the NBC "Brotherhood," we're required to say Jimmy. (Also, we have a thing for underdogs.)

Watch to see who prevails as the fitness champ:

Rina Raphael is a TODAY.com editor who would love to battle Jimmy Fallon in a game of Twister.

See the Super Bowl ad featuring our TODAY anchors
Michelle Obama recycles her J.Crew favorites

First lady Michelle Obama, looking sharp in J. Crew, appears on the Tonight Show With Jay Leno on Jan. 31.

Michelle Obama is taking fashion cues from Duchess Kate: Like the royal, the first lady is keen on recycling her wardrobe.

On last night’s “Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” Michelle re-wore her $148 pastel green "Pembridge-Dot" J.Crew pencil skirt – which we first saw when she visited 10 Downing Street in 2009 (hat tip: Huffington Post) – paired with a shimmering gold short-sleeve sweater by Michael Kors and a jeweled statement belt. The ensemble came across as effortlessly sophisticated, and the cool palette was a great way of using color in winter. 

Peter Macdiarmid / Getty Images

Sarah Brown, wife of Gordon Brown, walks with Michelle Obama from Downing Street on Apr. 1, 2009 in London, England. Michelle wore her mint green J.Crew skirt with yet another cute, sparkly sweater.

We’re not the only fans. As Michelle took her seat, Jay exclaimed, “You look beautiful!”

Interestingly, Michelle wore the exact same skirt, but in bright yellow, for her "Tonight Show" appearance in 2008. Coincidence? Or was she trying to celebrate the anniversary of her J.Crew allegiance?

Kevork Djansezian / AP

Looks familiar: Michelle Obama wears a J.Crew skirt while on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Oct. 27, 2008.

"We ladies, we know J.Crew," Michelle told Leno in 2008, adding, "you can get some good stuff online. When you don't have time, you gotta click."

Michelle’s mint-hued skirt is no longer for sale, but you can get a similar style in citron or jade from Jcrew.com.

Rina Raphael is a TODAY.com editor whose goal in life is to own a J.Crew cashmere sweater in every color.

More: Michelle Obama goes for bold blue (again)
Slideshow: Michelle Obama's effortless style

AP

Michelle Obama, wearing Wu, speaks to a crowd during an event promoting promoting MyPlate on Jan. 26 in Tampa.

Sweatpants and a T-shirt at the grocery store? Not for FLOTUS.

Michelle Obama donned a chic, sophisticated sheath dress by designer Jason Wu (a first lady favorite) while visiting the National Supermarket in Tampa yesterday. Granted, she wasn't shopping for supper, but she still seemed a bit decked out while against a backdrop of vegetables as she promoted a new partnership between Goya Foods and the USDA MyPlate food icon (which replaced the old Food Pyramid).

Of her ensemble, Wu tweeted "business chic." Indeed it was.

AP

Don't cry for me ... Velveeta? Michelle Obama gestures while talking about My Plate, the new USDA food icon.

“Any culture can interpret the plate in a way that is true to their traditions,” Michelle Obama said at the event, according to Agri-Pulse. “You just fill up half of the plate with fruits and vegetables, you start there, and you fill the rest of it with lean proteins, whole grains, low-fat dairy products. It is just that simple."

Smart and simple, just like the first lady's wardrobe.

Rina Raphael is a TODAY.com editor who only wears pajamas at the market.

More: Michelle Obama goes for bold blue (again)
The best of the Jason Wu for Target collection
Slideshow: Michelle Obama's effortless style

Mark Wilson / Getty Images

First lady Michelle Obama wears a bright blue dress while next to Mark Kelly, former astronaut and husband of Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, and Dr. Jill Biden at President Barack Obama's State of the Union address on Jan. 24 in Washington, DC.

The first lady sure knows how to rock the blue.

Michelle Obama dazzled in a cobalt blue Vera Wang gown in December, and she returned to the stunning shade at last night's State of the Union address. Surrounded by a sea of dark suits, Michelle's chic and shiny Barbara Tfank dress — accented with a Alexis Bittar pin — certainly stood out amongst the crowd.

Simple and elegant seems to be her signature State of the Union style: In 2011, Michelle opted for an elegant, white sheath by Rachel Roy, and in 2010, it was a plum dress by Isaac Mizrahi.

Alex Wong / Getty Images file

Michelle Obama in a sophisticated white dress at the State of the Union address on Capitol Hill on Jan. 25, 2011 in Washington, DC.

Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images file

Perfectly Plum: Michelle Obama in an Isaac Mizrahi dress at the State of the Union address on Jan. 27, 2010 in Washington, DC.

Los Angeles-based designer Barbara Tfank has become a favorite of Michelle, according to Mrs-o.com, which religiously follows all of the first lady's wardrobe choices. Another Michelle-approved designer, Jason Wu, has become a household name since he designed her inaugural ball dress and he now boasts a Target collaboration. (So keep an eye out for what Tfank does next.)

Rina Raphael is a TODAY.com editor who wishes Pantone's top hue for 2012 was cobalt blue instead of tangerine tango.

More: The best of the Jason Wu for Target collection
Happy birthday to style icon (and first lady) Michelle Obama!
Video: Obama strikes populist tone in State of Union

Reuters files; Getty Images file

Michelle Obama dazzled in 2011, in everything from elegant gowns to casual ensembles.

Happy 48th birthday, Michelle Obama! While the first lady has been known to rock everything from dramatic, fashion-forward Jason Wu gowns to Narciso Rodriguez silk ensembles, she's also a fan of affordable fashion. In recent years, she's donned bright J. Crew sweaters, colorful H&M dresses and trendy Asos.com printed shirts. (We approve.)

We're celebrating Michelle's special day by looking back at some of our favorite looks from the past year:

Eliseo Fernandez / Reuters

In March, Obama wore this periwinkle frock with flowered brooch to speak to students at a new secondary school in Santiago, Chile.

Charles Dharapak / AP

Michelle Obama donned a dramatic red silk organza dress for the January 19, 2011 state dinner. The dress was designed by the designer of Kate Middleton's wedding gown, Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen.

Pool / Getty Images

Michelle Obama wore a long blue halter gown by Reed Krakoff to an architecture event in June in Washington, DC.

Manuel Balce Ceneta / AP

The first lady sported a bright neon top to dance with students at a middle school in in northwest Washington, DC in May.

Susan Walsh / AP

The first lady wore a sleeveless floral dress with peep-toe patent leather heels to a May ceremony to award posthumous Medal of Honor.

The first lady rocked a tie-dye dress and leather belt to a Cinco de Mayo reception at the White House in May. "You do not want to be between Michelle and a tamale," President Obama joked.

Toby Melville / AP

In May, Obama wore a short pink bolero jacket and silk dress to meet the new Duchess of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace in London.

"For me fashion is fun, and it’s supposed to help you feel good about yourself," the first lady told Women's Health in 2009. "I think that’s what all women should focus on: what makes them happy and feel comfortable and beautiful. I wear what I love. Sometimes people like it, sometimes they don’t. I’m fine with that.”

To that, we say: thumbs up.

Larry Downing / Reuters

Michelle Obama gives two thumbs up as she waits for the arrival of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at the Winfield House in London on May 25, 2011.

More: Slideshow: Michelle Obama's effortless style 
How to dress like (birthday girl) Duchess Kate

Interested in copying Michelle's effortless style? Caitlin Moran of Style Within Reach rounded up fun, affordable finds:

Caitlin Moran

White T-Shirt Dress, $72, Topshop
Chiffon Dress, $49.95, H&M
Pleated A-Line Skirt, $32, Old Navy
Slingback Double Bow Kitten Heels, $38.50, Asos
Wide Braided Belt, $9.99, Arden B.
Cardigan Sweater, $19.99, Target

And be sure to tune into TODAY tomorrow to see Jason Wu, one of Michelle Obama's favorite designers!

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Yuri Gripas / Reuters

Talk about an entrance: President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama arrive at the Kennedy Center Honors reception at the White House in Washington on Dec. 4, 2011.

At last night's Kennedy Center Honors reception in Washington, D.C., a glowing Michelle Obama — holding hands with president Barack Obama — stunned the crowd in a strapless, tiered, cobalt blue custom gown by Vera Wang. The first lady topped off the look with elegant chandelier earrings by Miguel Ases and a chic braided updo.

Brendan Smialowski / Pool / EPA

Michelle Obama and president Barack Obama greet visitors at the Kennedy Center Honors reception.

The one surprise? Michelle skipped heels in lieu of glittering silver flats.

More: Slideshow: Michelle Obama's effortless style
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