Yet another way the Obamas are inspiring America. He makes me want to be a better person, and she makes me want to have a better wardrobe.

To be fair, she makes me want to be a better person, too. I think for many women, she has become a role model. She's intelligent, driven, effective, and committed to her family. Not to mention her amazing arms. She has her shit together, and then some. I have no doubt she will serve our country well as First Lady.

I first fell for Michelle the night that Barack declared victory as the Democratic nominee. She strode onto the stage wearing that fabulous purple dress. And then she fist-bumped her husband, a hip gesture that conveyed her pride and affection. I like that their relationship is close, that it reflects the friendship and respect Rob and I have in our own marriage. I like that they are real.

And I like that she's real. Including her fashion choices. She sometimes wears designers, but she often wears J. Crew. Either way, she always looks stylish. And I'm finding myself inspired by her bold colors and belts and the way she layers. At the moment it's a bit of an obsession. I might perhaps check this site daily for photo updates of her. After the inaugural celebrations, when she was snapped at several events in various J. Crew ensembles, I scoured J. Crew's online clearance for items reminiscent of things I've seen her wear. And I bought several items I wouldn't before have considered because suddenly I could envision how they would work.

I realize it's not a new phenomenon for women to swoon over fashion icons, but I personally have never been all that affected by this. I don't care about, or usually even like, the styles of celebrities. But Michelle is different to me. Her confidence and charisma are contagious, and I freaking love her clothes.