What a day, what a night, and what a gown. Michelle Obama did not disappoint. The gown, the designer of which was kept a secret until today, was designed by Jason Wu. Though he went to Parsons, interned with Narciso Rodriguez, and won the Fashion Group International's Rising Star award in 2008, he was relatively unknown until Michelle Obama wore his dress while being interviewed by Barbara Walters. Of course, her wearing his gown to the Inaugural Ball didn't hurt his reputation either!

Though the numerous fashion editors and designers may have been be a tad upset that she did not choose to don their creations, I'm sure that most respected her choice. The lovely color offset her skin beautifully, and the kisses that she shared with her husband during the balls added just enough of a blush to her skin to complement her even more. ;)

The virginal color of the gown is also appropriate because of the new beginning it represents. Don't you just feel inspired? A new year, a new president, and a new perception of our country (hopefully, because it's a little tattered right now)!

I know that this year inspired me to try a few new things. I just joined a band, which is something I've been dying to do since I moved to NYC six months ago. See, I play the flute, piano, and the piccolo, and if I don't have an outlet to play them in, I go slightly crazy. Luckily, that problem has been solved!

I also just bought a book on jewelry design, and I am busily working on my first creation. But do you know what? The newest thing about me is my attitude. Something about NYC makes me feel like it's completely possible for me to do anything and to meet people who have the same attitude. Just walking down the street and seeing people's homeade creations and the heart and verve that they must have to think that they can make it causes me to smile. I've always had that kind of attitude, thank to my amazing parents, but there's something in the air here that makes it go into overdrive!

Probably the best spectacle to see is the street performers. From musicians puffing air through their instruments on a freezing and noisy subway platform to a person dressed as a ballerina on a music box (complete with twirling), it's hard to forget that everyone is trying to make their way. Of course, not all of them, like me, will succeed at everything they do--

but at least they tried.

And that, my friends, is the real reason that I love Michelle Obama's dress. Not only does it make me think of new beginnings, but it also tells quite the story of success.