Happy birthday to style icon (and first lady) Michelle Obama!

Reuters files; Getty Images file

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

By Rina Raphael

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.

"For me fashion is fun, and it’s supposed to help you feel good about yourself," the first ladytold 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.

nterested 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

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Rihanna anaswa akipuliza Jani Hawaii

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Miss America 2012 Crowning moment

Laura Kaeppeler from Wisconsin is the winner of the Miss America 2012 beauty pageant held on 1/14/2012, broadcast live from the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

This marks the second time a contestant from Wisconsin was crowned Miss America. Terry Meeuwsen from De Pere won the title in 1972.

Kaeppeler, a 23 year old (very tall) brunette from Kenosha was competing against (1st runner up) Miss Oklahoma (Betty Thompson), (2nd) Miss New York (Kaitlin Monte), (3rd) Miss Arizona (Jennifer Sedler) and (4th) Miss California – Noelle Freeman. Watch the beauty queens find out where they landed:


She sure towers over Miss Oklahoma! Can’t find her exact height anywhere but even though she looks at least 6 feet, she does have high heels on. But then again, Miss Oklahoma does too, right?

Other contestants who made the Top 10 were Miss Illinois (Hannah Smith), Miss Texas (Kendall Morris), Miss Louisiana (Hope Anderson), Miss Tennessee (Erin Hatley) and Miss Iowa (Jessica Pray).

Virgos Lounge Launches, The Resort Collection 2011/2012

Virgos Lounge, an African vintage label, is out with another fabulous collection! They say this collection was inspired by the tropics..

The collection is breathtaking! it features bright colored maxi and flowy floral print dresses as well as colorful beaded statement party dresses.

“This collection combines the simplicity of classic pieces from past eras armed with exotic yet playful colors, prints and embellishments.”

                                          Opal & Aqua

“This collection pushes the boundaries of vintage inspired clothing by developing fashion forward statement pieces that would add excitement to any wardrobe”