William & Kate: The Official Wedding Portraits


Kate and William left Buckingham Palace by helicopter,
off to an undisclosed location. Apparently they're putting
off the official honeymoon for awhile according to a


Photo Credit: Hugo Burnand
Courtesy of the British Monarchy



And the couple, looking happy and relaxed, leaving Buckingham Palace...

Kate in a dress from Zara and her trusty L.K. Bennett wedges


Kate's Second McQueen: The Duchess of Cambridge's Wedding Night Party Dress


Kate Middleton--I guess now Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge--was snapped leaving Clarence House on the way to Buckingham Palace for wedding night festivities. Kate had changed out of her lace gown and, literally, let her hair down. Kate was seen wearing a second Alexander McQueen design, a strapless floor-length satin gazar gown with a jewelled waist and which she accessorized with a chic, cropped anogra sweater. Camilla, also seen here, switched out her Anna Valentine day suit for a blue, high-necked dress from the same designer. [via]

[via]

What do you think of Kate's second wedding day look?



A tanned Pippa Middleton heads off to the evening
 wedding reception wearing Temperley London. [via]




All About The Royal Wedding



After months of speculation, and some overnight frenzy after a hooded figure identified as Sarah Burton by her belt and ballet flats was seen entering The Gorin Hotel, we got confirmation as to the designer of Kate Middleton's wedding gown. And more importantly what the gown itself looked like.

The gown is indeed an Alexander McQueen, designed by the house's creative director Sarah Burton. I'm sure in the days and  weeks to come many will applaud Kate for her fashion forward choice of designer. Not that her dress was trendy. I'd expected long sleeves, or at the very least covered shoulders, as that seems to be de rigueur in royal circles.


Not surprisingly Kate Middleton's wedding dress was classic and elegant. My first thought was that it was quite an homage to that other legendary commoner bride, Grace Kelly.

Before I say anything else I want to make it clear that I think Kate Middleton, the new Duchess of Cambridge, looked beautiful. I think the lace was classic and I loved the corset bodice (how
tiny did her waist look?!) and that gorgeous flowing skirt. Glamorous and regal without being too OTT.

I also loved Kate's choice for veil and tiara.

Sarah Burton Adjusting Kate's Skirt

Still, it would have been nice if the top of Kate's dress didn't so closely resemble Princess Grace's. I know there are differences--Grace's was higher, more covered with those tiny little buttons--and I also know how hard to make a truly unique wedding dress, but I would have thought they would have stayed away from similarities with a wedding dress that famous. I also found it to have some similarities to Princess Margaret's wedding dress. 


Peter Phillips' Wife Autumn Kelly: Another Royal Bride Who Chose Lace

Regardless Prince William's bride looked beautiful, composed and best of all happy. And, really, there isn't anything better to wear on your wedding day than a smile--and maybe a diamond tiara donated to the cause by the Queen.

According to Clarence House the dress featured English Cluny and French Chantilly lace "hand-worked in the Irish Carrickmacross needlework tradition." As for the design "individual flowers have been hand-cut from lace and hand-engineered onto ivory silk tulle to create a unique and organic design, which incorporates the rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock."


Kate's tiara is the "halo" Cartier tiara (I've also heard it referred to as the Scroll) that originally belonged to the Queen Mother and was given to Queen Elizabeth on her 18th birthday.


The 'halo' tiara through the years - Queen Mum, Princesses Margaret and
Anne, and now Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge via theroyalforums.com

I think it was a perfect choice for Kate. As for those diamond earrings? They were inspired by the acorn featured on the new Middleton family coat of arms.


Kate's shoes were also McQueen--as was sister Pippa's
dress--and were made of "ivory duchesse satin with lace hand-
embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework."



The bouquet, meanwhile was described as "a shield-shaped wired bouquet of myrtle, lily-of-the-valley, sweet William and hyacinth. The bouquet was designed by Shane Connolly and draws on the traditions of flowers of significance for the Royal Family, the Middleton family and on the Language of Flowers."

I love lily of the valley for a bridal bouquet.

What did you think of Kate's wedding look?
And I wonder if she's got more dresses in
store for the other parties...



I think the best part of the day was seeing how genuine Kate and William seem with one another. One of my favourite moments was when Kate was walking towards the altar and William had his back turned. Prince Harry stole a look and reportedly told his brother with a grin, "Wait 'til you see her." Instamelt. For more lip reading check out this article.


Then when William did see Kate he couldn't help leaning over and telling her how beautiful she looked. Repeatedly. Even during the ceremony there were knowing glances and sly smiles.


You can tell that these two were friends first and it seems
like a true love match. I just really hope they can go the distance.


As for that much awaited balcony kiss? The adoring crowds were treated to not one but two smooches. And I was really surprised not so much with the size of the crowds but their enthusiasm. Seriously, the way they were screaming when Wills and Harry were on their way to the Abbey you'd think the princes were rock stars. I doubt the British monarchy has seen this much good will in ages. I just hope the popularity of William and Kate doesn't impede them starting a normal, stable life together.





Once I get a chance I'd like to do a post on some of the wedding fashion like Victoria Beckham in...Victoria Beckham, custom Louboutins and a stewardess-inspired Philip Treacy fascinator that appeared to be adorned with a corkscrew. Or Chelsy Davy in Alberta Ferretti (a bit of a hot mess), the Princess Beatrice and Eugenie (how unfortunate is that blue getup?), Princess Laetitia of Spain, Sam Cameron in a bejewelled Erdem headband worthy of Blair Waldorf and more...Until then, enjoy some royal wedding cake!


I'd love to hear your thoughts on the royal wedding...did you watch?






Wedding Photos: Getty via
windsorknot.today.com, fashionista.com, people.com, vanityfair.com, OK!






LeAnn Rimes Wedding, Celebrity Engagement Rings & More


I figured a post about weddings and engagements was appropriate for this week when the biggest nuptials of them all are taking place. And while it may seem like William and Kate are the first people on Earth to get married, others are doing it too, like LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian, for instance, who married in California on Friday according to People. I'm no LeAnn fan but I do think LeAnn's sparkly Reem Acra wedding dress is very pretty and flattering. And you can't go wrong with a fistful of peonies.

A close up of LeAnn's rings. [via]


Another Kate (not just Middleton and Moss) is also headed to the altar.
Speaking of weddings several stars have also gotten engaged recently.
Kate Hudson, for once, who was gifted an emerald-cut engagement
ring from boyfriend Matt Bellamy (apparently its 9 karats). Just saw the
commercial for Kate's new movie, Something Borrowed. Can't wait!
[via]


Speaking of that other Kate, she was at Clarence House
yesterday for some pre-wedding prep. [via]


Amy Smart recently confirmed with US that she's also
engaged to boyfriend and cutie carpenter Carter Oosterhouse.

Kristin Cavallari has also recently announced her engagement--
sadly, for Laguna/Hills fans its not to Stephen, Brody...or Justin Bobby.
I haven't seen pics of the Kristin Cavallari engagement ring (Kristin
was ringless when shopping in L.A. on the 26th) but reports
say her boyfriend Jay Cutler presented her with a 5.2-karat rock. [via]


UPDATE: The first photo of Kristin's ring. [via]


Have you seen Blake Lively's new red locks?
I'm not really a fan, what do you think?
Blake looked boob-acious, as always, at Time's Most
Influential People dinner in ombre chiffon Zuhair Murad
from the designer's Spring 2011 Couture collection. [via]



Speaking of redheads, Julianne Moore has gone brown for her
role as Sarah Palin. I'd say there's a striking resemblance. [via]







Book of the Week: The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest

I have to agree with a lot of the criticism often levelled at Stieg Larsson and his--in my opinion--engrossing Millennium Series novels. Yes, journalist Larsson infused his stories with a lot of detail. You get pages upon pages of Swedish political history and countless descriptions of a character's day or meals. Admittedly, I skipped over some of it, but I also think that adding in some of the mundane stuff can act like a window into the life of a character that you don't always get to see if the author is cutting right to the action.



Then there is crusading journalist and ladies' man Mikael Blomkvist, who is likely a thinly veiled stand in for Stieg himself, but no matter how many women he beds I found something sympathetic about Blomkvist. I didn't exactly get Blomkvist's new relationship this time around, but overall I found him a sympathetic character. Probably because he at least tries to do the right thing and mostly because he was loyal to Lisbeth Salander throughout the books.

Some have also said that The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest, the supposed last in the Millennium trilogy, was kind of slow. And it did seem to plod along in places. I think one of the main reasons was lack of Salander. For the majority of the book Lisbeth is out of commission and the plot stalled in some parts because of it. As soon as Mikael smuggles Lisbeth's Palm into the hospital its like the entire story got a second wind. Lisbeth Salander is one of those raw, unlikely heroines that you can't help but root for and she and her schemes are something I wish there were more of.

Which I guess is why, ultimately, I enjoyed this book. Like the previous two I found myself eagerly turning pages. True, there wasn't as much mystery this time around but I was invested in Lisbeth and needed to know that end turned out okay for her. I also respect the author's attempt to shed light on a common problem -- the violence perpetrated against women, mostly by men. Sure there were some unnecessary subplots (like the whole Erica-SMP thing), but I won't go into specifics so as not to give anything away for those who haven't read it yet. I will say that I think the ending was...appropriate. Now I can't wait to watch the Swedish movie version of the novel. Have you read this book? What did you think?


Gossip Girl 'Pretty in Pink' Episode & Fashion Recap

Blair's Pink Gown - Oscar de la Renta


Looks like royal wedding fever has hit Gossip Girl. And while I'm okay with Blair having her princess moment we all have to know that this whole thing with Louis is just beyond. What reason could this boy have for suddenly deciding to see Blair again--especially against the wishes of his parents? And after all that Dan drama he just takes Blair at her word and debuts their "relationship" in front of the paparazzi?

What, you say? I'm not supposed to try making sense of GG plots? I just have to sit back and enjoy the clothes and great one-liners...Right. Sometimes I forget.

I LOVE Serena's sparkly grey cardigan (Gryphon) and croc VBH Brera bag.
In True SWF Fashion Charlie Wears Serena's We Are Owls Scarf
I'd love to know who makes the ring Serena wore with this outfit.


I don't want this show to be realistic, necessarily, (where would the fun be in that?) but every once in awhile it would be good for my health if it did make sense and the characters acted semi-intelligent. At least the ones that are supposed to the smart ones.


Lily's White Sweater - Fishing Mini Coat by AUGDEN





You know, I never thought I would, but I like Blair and Dan, and that scene in Serena's bedroom just reminded me why. I know that Blair and Chuck will likely end up together, and that fits, but in the meantime if Blair's going to be with someone else it shouldn't be with cardboard Louis. I was also very happy that Blair let Serena have it. S definitely had it coming...and what was with all the bitchiness this episode? I thought Serena was the non-schemer?

And do I dare hope that all this means that Chuck and Dan are now both going to fight for Blair--that would definitely be entertaining!

Lily's One-Shouldered Dress -


Line of the night was Lily's reference to the "Botox bitches in pink cocktail dresses" in her apartment. Go Lily. And since when does Nate's mom have any reason to be all high and mighty? Was she not just shunned because her husband is a felon?!

Oh, and Charlie? You can take the first train out of town. Vanessa will keep you company. Do tell, wat did you think of the episode?

And I can just say that I squeed when I heard the "I'm Chuck Bass, love of her life" line from next week? Chuck's been acting like a complete douche but I'm glad he's realized Blair's the one for him. Uh, Louis, it's on. Like Donkey Kong.


Blair's Dress - Christian Dior Spring 2010
Necklace - Rich Rocks



Serena's Pink Dress - Marchesa Fall 2010,
Starfish Cuff - Alkemie
Charlie's Dress - BCBG Spring 2010 (I'm not a fan),
 Clutch - VBH
 


Jacket - Christian Cota Fall 2010
Earrings - Rich Rocks




For more fashion you can check out the Gossip Girl boutique on Gilt Groupe with outfits styled by Eric Daman.

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