Cursing past : A new biography reveals that ten-year-old Michelle Obama swore like a trooper . As first lady of the United States she can be nothing but the epitome of grace , elegance and politeness as she mingles with world leaders and celebrities at the White House and further afield . But it was not always so for Michelle Obama , who as a child was so foul-mouthed she lost out on an award at summer camp aged 10 , according to a new biography . The first lady-to-be was an avid attendee at a day camp on the shores of Lake Michigan , and stood out as the most capable in her age group . But camp leaders were so taken aback by her salty tongue that they denied her a prestigious award when the camp ended , according to biographer Peter Slevin , whose Michelle Obama : A Life was previewed by People magazine . Michelle Robinson , as she was then known , as so stunned by the revelation that she changed her ways immediately and put an end to her 'cursing phase ' . The anecdote surfaced in the upcoming book on Mrs Obama , which also includes the revelation that her mother was anxious about her marriage to future president Barack Obama – because he is mixed race rather than completely black . Slevin quotes her as saying : ' I was going through my cursing stage . ' ' I did n't realize until my camp counselor at the end came up and said : `` You know , you would have been best camper in your age group , but you curse so much '' . ' 'And I thought I was being cool . ' Mrs. Obama used to attend the camp regularly with her brother , Craig . She would have been ten years old at the camp held in 1974 , while Craig would have been 11 . Revelation : The anecdote about the young Michelle Obama ( pictured right aged seven ) , emerged in the upcoming biography Michelle Obama : A Life by Peter Slevin , due out April 7 . Politeness incarnate : The first lady has since scrubbed up on her manners significantly . She is pictured above greeting Bun Rany , the wife of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. Carolina Herrera Carnation Floral Twill Silk Dress . Buy from Neiman Marcus here ! Visit site . Another day , another fantastic sartorial choice from Michelle Obama . The First Lady is a woman who knows her own style that 's for sure . She favors voluminous shapes adorned with bright prints . Just like this stunning Carolina Herrera dress . Michelle 's fit and flare frock features a beautiful carnation floral-print twill , a bateau neckline and a pintucked center front . It 's feminine and so very flattering . Carolina Herrera are known for their classic and elegant creations that make the ultimate statement . If you 're looking to invest in a luxurious wow piece this new season then why not click right to Neiman Marcus now where you can still get Michelle 's exact dress ? It 'll be your go-to piece for all your most fabulous summer soirees this year . We 've also included some similar looks for less below which will have your new season style blooming in an instant ... Kate Spade New York dress at Zappos . Visit site . Clove print dress at Nordstrom . Visit site . Christin Michaels dress at 6PM . Visit site . ECI floral print dress at Nordstrom . Visit site . The story about her once-foul mouth has emerged before : In 2013 she recounted the story to a group of reporters while promoting her anti-obesity campaign . It was then she revealed that the development stopped her swearing ways dead in their tracks , never to return . The first lady is currently giving her hard-won politeness an outing on the world stage , touring Asia to promote girls ' education . She arrived in Cambodia Friday , where she spent time with the prime minister 's wife and met high school students and education experts .
First lady-to-be was snubbed for award at summer camp by Lake Michigan . Said she was in her 'cursing phase ' during episode in 1974 . Comment: Tidbit from Mrs. Obama 's past was revealed in upcoming biography .