Maxim magazine, hot bed of pulchritude, named First Lady Michelle Obama to its “Hot 100” list.

Though they’ve tried mightily to cover her in a more serious way (OK, maybe they haven’t tried that hard), the media can’t resist the fashion angle. CNN’s Wolf Blitzer gangstered a young reporter into opining on what Michelle was wearing when she met French First Lady Carla Bruni Sarkozy, even as the reporter kept saying, “I can’t believe I’m talking about this.” The meeting, dubbed the “Style Summit,” turned out to be all sizzle, no steak, but trust more silhouettes will surface. Until then, here’s yer fix:

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Didn’t J. Crew learn their lesson? They were blindsided with orders when First Lady Michelle Obama showed up on the Tonight Show wearing some of their goods. They couldn’t keep up with the demand then, and apparently they can’t keep up with it now. Word from the U.K. is that the J Crew pieces in which she’s been photographed are selling on their website like hot cross buns.

J Crew reflects Michelle’s personal style, but in the convergence of the perfect storm, her fashion choices fall in line with the nation’s newly imposed economic conservatism. Like it or not, J Crew, described as “a mid-market American retailer” by the London press for Brits who were not familiar with the outlet, has come to symbolize the affordably fashionable. Shore up your inventory, people. Time to get Crewed.

For her People cover story, we find out that Michelle and presidential advisor Valerie Jarrett frequently pinch themselves and say, “Can you believe we’re here?” Our response? “Work it, ladies.”

The President-elect and Mrs. Michelle Obama have made two White House staff appointments: Chicago executive Desiree Rogers has been named Special Assistant to the President and White House Social Secretary. Melissa Winter will fill the position of Deputy Chief of Staff to the First Lady. 

Rogers (pictured), who has more than 16 years experience in the corporate sector, most recently joined Allstate Financial as President of Social Networking to develop an internet-based community focused on financial discussions among the firm’s 12 million households. Prior posts include a stint as utilities president for Peoples Energy and Director of the Illinois Lottery. Rogers serves on the Board of Directors of Allstate, Equity Residential and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. She is also Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of both the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Museum of Science and Industry and is a member of the 2016 Olympic Cultural Committee.  

Melissa Winter has more than 18 years experience on Capitol Hill. She worked for Norman Mineta (D-CA), then for Joe Lieberman as Executive Assistant, Traveling Aide and Director of Scheduling during his 2004 Presidential race. Winter has served as Mrs. Obama’s Traveling Chief of Staff for the last 22 months.

Michelle and Barack Obama made it to the White House so they could get an up-close look at their new digs. While Barack refrained from a “WTF, homey?” during his mano-a-mano with W., First Lady Laura Bush showed Michelle around. Here’s what we know:

In spite of those testy “clueless” remarks during the campaign, everybody was on their best behavior.

Yes, Michelle was bangin’ in a hot red dress.

The Obama’s arrived 10 minutes early (ha!)

Bush’s team showed Obama’s team around the campus and, presumably debriefed them on responsibilities, i.e. who makes the beer run.

First Lady Laura Bush was said to have offered Michelle tips on bringing up children in the White House. Though, given the Bush twins unsavory (and illegal!) history there, Michelle might want to walk that tidbit off.