Michelle Obama: For the first time in her life, she's proud...

... of her shoes:

Michelle Obama has taken casual to a haute new level.

While volunteering Wednesday at a D.C. food bank, the First Lady sported her usual J.Crew cardigan, a pair of utilitarian capri pants and, on her feet, a sneaky splurge: trainers that go for $540.

That's right: These sneakers - suede, with grosgrain ribbon laces and metallic pink toe caps - are made by French design house Lanvin, one of fashion's hottest labels. They come in denim and satin versions, and have been a brisk seller all spring.

They're out of stock at posh Meatpacking District boutique Jeffrey, and Barneys New York boasts a limited selection of the sneaks, which are a cult favorite among fashionistas.

It's likely Michelle got hers through Ikram, the Chicago retailer that often outfits her.

"They're shoes," the First Lady's reps sniffed when curious reporters inquired about the fancy footwear.

Yea... just shoes... worn by everyday people every.... er... day... while helping the poor.

You gotta problem with this? 

Comments

[Mommynator]

They're butt ugly.

I'd like to draw conclusions, but most people here are smart enough to do so on their own.

[Locutisprime]

There has always been something chic about selling bear turds to rich people.

And it looks like the first lady is no exception.

I am with you mommynator, most of what the woman wears is butt ugly to me.

But who the hell am I.

[Zach Deaderick]

Those really are truly hideously ugly. I would not pay for those. I would only guy them if I thought I could sell them for more money to someone dumb enough to wear them.

Capitalism working its furtive way back into the whitehouse one shoe at a time!

[Morgan K Freeberg]

Sarah Palin got in trouble for wearing expensive, nice-looking clothes.

While campaigning. Not while volunteering at a food bank.

[BroKen]

From the picture at first I thought they were "Chucks" (does that date me?) with the toes colored by permanent markers. (Yeah, we used to do that!) So, if her daughters had done the marking, that would have been sweet and cute and totally appropriate for a food bank.

These shoes are only attractive if you know how much they cost. They seem to be the worst kind of putting on airs.

But let's be charitable. The Obama's give cheap gifts to foreign dignitaries and flaunt their wealth to the poor and needy. Obviously, they are still learning how to handle the power and wealth we've given them. Here's hoping they will be quick-studies or we will continue to be embarrassed as they embarrass themselves.

[Zach Deaderick]

I wouldn't so much mind if there were aristocratic flauntings going on here, but its not.

This is like painting your house in gold leaf. Its not particularly pretty and you are obviously only doing it because you can. IF Bill Gates paints his house in gold leaf that photovoltaic I'm ok with that, because thats kind of neat.

IF the shoes had integrated circuits that output interesting data I might try them on. But even then they are much to ugly to actually buy for any amount of money.