Homegrown and inexpensive the watchwords for Michelle and Sarah

HOME-GROWN style — but on a budget — was the watchword for both Michelle Obama and Sarah Brown as their husbands grappled with the faltering world economy.

The US First Lady has been feted for her chic fashion sense and elegant use of colour while Ms Brown more often sticks to reliable, if unexciting, suits and is often to be seen in black.

Today they stuck to type and Ms Obama arrived at Downing Street in a fresh, colourful combination while Ms Brown looked smart in navy.