Michelle’s arms: What a difference a year makes

On Wednesday night, when President Obama, a year into his presidency, gave his first State of the Union speech, Michelle Obama wore a three-quarter-sleeve grape sweater (“eggplant,” some fashionistas called it) and a bubble skirt of the same color.

Anyone who follows politics could have confidently bet that the first lady would not go sleeveless this time — although her triceps are just as impressive and the outside air temperature in Washington was warmer, slightly about freezing.

Baring her arms would have seemed frivolous and distracting — not the message to send when her husband’s poll numbers have fallen so far and hopes for his signature healthcare legislation have fallen even further.

The State of the Union speech in 2011 — interesting to contemplate where, in a year, those sleeves will land.