When Obama and his wife victoriously took the stage in St. Paul to claim the Democratic presidential nomination, Barack Obama was momentarily up staged by his wife and not just because her infectious Happy-For-My-Husband-Fist Jab was seen round the world.

What grabbed our attention was the sleeveless purple silk crepe sheath made for Michelle Obama by Chicago-based designer Maria Pinto. The eye-catching outfit retails at about $900, not quite the kind of garment most hard working voters can reasonably aspire to but many copycat dresses are available and are just as gorgeous.

Maria’s purple dress worn by Mrs. O is deceptively simple yet structured with a hint of romance tied in, which immediately had me browsing J-Crew catalogs for a similar look.

This beautiful, floaty Silk chiffon dress retails at about $70 and you can add a budget friendly studded belt, and a bead necklace from Banana Republic to finish the look.

Behind every great President stands a polished First Lady.

Michelle Obama is not only the first black First lady but one of the youngest and fashionable wives since Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Better known in the fashion world as Jackie O, one of the most influential fashion icons of our time.

So then it is no surprise that the world’s collective gaze turned to Mrs. Obama on election night as she took to the stage at Grant Park in Chicago wearing a red and black sheath by Narciso Rodriguez.

The less conservative version of the dress was showcased during NY fashion week from Narsico Rodriguez’ Spring 2009 collection.

Several fashion gurus were quick to bash her outfit arguing the black cardigan sweater did nothing to tame the look and adding the speckled red pattern was distracting. Distracting or not, I applaud Michelle Obama’s decision to wear an American designer dress, and a cutting-edge label at that. The lava lamp dress of choice is unpretentious and reminds us all once again that she is certainly her own woman. Her style is a departure from the priggish attire that first ladies have historically favored.

At the least, it promises us fashion lovers four lively years of exhilarating fashion-watching at the White House. Is Mrs. O the modern day Jackie O?

Only time will tell…