The Jason Wu-designed Inauguration Ball gown Michelle Obama wore has fashion critics all over the world calling it a bold and courageous dress with Robin Givhan of The Washington Post calling the First Lady the “leader of the fashion able world”.

Wu had no idea he was designing the crystal encrusted one-shouldered gown for the Neighborhood Inauguration Ball last week. “I knew it had to be formal, and my only memo was that it had to sparkle,” he told WWD. “I thought, I can do it, I can do sparkle.”

Wanting to show off her beautiful shoulders, Wu, together with Chicago boutique owner Ikram Goldman who acted as a conduit for Obama’s inauguration looks, designed the dress as a one shouldered gown and embellished with dozens of white organza flowers and Swarovski crystals.

Unfortunately for stylish women who want to channel Obama’s enviable style at the Neighborhood Inauguration Ball last week, the gown was specially made for the First Lady and will be donated to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C to be eventually displayed next to other inauguration gowns worn by former First Ladies.

While Jason Wu’s Spring 2009 collection ships into stores (including to online shop Net-A-Porter.com) next month you will have to look elsewhere for similarly stunning dresses for your special occasions, especially if you can’t afford the usual price tags associated with Jason Wu evening gowns of $2,990 to $4,700.

For a more affordable but equally as beautiful gown, try this One Shouldered White Gown from eDressMe (pictured above).

Priced at $329 it features ruched detail on one shoulder with floral sequins and lace embellishment scattered across the bodice while sequined rosettes are scattered throughout the skirt.

White is such a beautiful and pure colour it would look amazing on any skin colour and while it may not be Jason Wu (after all First Lady, Michelle Obama will be the only one to get that dress) this is not a bad second choice for a prom or evening dress.

Meanwhile, if you want Isabelle Toledo’s green dress and matching jacket, the dress will be released along with Toledo’s Spring 2009 collection at Barney’s in March.