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A style expert shares summer fashion upgrades starting at $15

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

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
By Rina Raphael
Michelle Obama dazzled in 2011, in everything from elegant gowns to casual ensembles.
Michelle Obama dazzled in 2011, in everything from elegant gowns to casual ensembles.Reuters files; Getty Images file

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:

In March, Obama wore this periwinkle frock with flowered brooch to speak to students at a new secondary school in Santiago, Chile.
In March, Obama wore this periwinkle frock with flowered brooch to speak to students at a new secondary school in Santiago, Chile.Eliseo Fernandez / Reuters
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.
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.Charles Dharapak / AP
The first lady sported a bright neon top to dance with students at a middle school in in northwest Washington, DC in May.
The first lady sported a bright neon top to dance with students at a middle school in in northwest Washington, DC in May.Manuel Balce Ceneta / 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 wore a sleeveless floral dress with peep-toe patent leather heels to a May ceremony to award posthumous Medal of Honor.Susan Walsh / AP
The first lady rocked a tie-dye dress and leather belt to a Cinco de Mayo reception at the White House in May.
The first lady rocked a tie-dye dress and leather belt to a Cinco de Mayo reception at the White House in May.
In May, Obama wore a short pink bolero jacket and silk dress to meet the new Duchess of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace in London.
In May, Obama wore a short pink bolero jacket and silk dress to meet the new Duchess of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace in London.Toby Melville / AP

"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.

 

More: Slideshow: Michelle Obama's effortless style 

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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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