Royal Wedding Round Up: The Reception

William and Kate, now known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, left Clarence House to join approx. 300 other guests at Buckingham Palace to celebrate with dancing and dinner at a party being thrown by the Groom's father, Prince Charles. The black tie affair is expected to go into the early morning hours.

To celebrate the event, both William and Kate have changed outfits. Kate is in another Sarah Burton designed McQueen gown. This one is a white satin gazar evening dress with a circle skirt and diamanté embroidered detail at the waist. She topped it off with a white angora bolero cardigan. She also appears to have put her sparkling engagement ring back on.
William kept things simple in a double breasted dinner jacket and bow tie.

The Bride's sister, and the Maid of Honour, Pippa, also changed to attend the event. Going from the white cowl neck gown she wore to the ceremony, to this plunging v-neck emerald gown with silver clutch. The dress was custom designed for her by Alice Temperley.

"I was honoured that Ms. Pippa Middleton asked me to design her dress for the Royal Wedding evening reception," Temperley said. "Pippa was a delight to work with and knows exactly what she likes. She loved the green color, which looks great on her skin tone. The dress was designed especially for her with a fantastic open back and a full skirt for dancing in." 

Royal Wedding Round Up: The Guests

David & Victoria Beckham: The Beckhams looked elegant as they arrived at Westminster Abbey to attend the ceremony. He was in a Ralph Lauren morning suit,with a top hat (which me never actually put on, but just carried around as an accessory). She made maternity wear look good in a dress from her own line, a Philip Treacy hate, and custom made Louboutins.

Zara Phillips & Mike Tindall: William's cousin (she is the daughter of Princess Anne) with her rugby player fiancé, attended the nuptials in Paul Costelloe and topped the look off in a circular Philip Treacy hat.

Princesses Beatrice & Eugenie: Eugenie turned heads in an electric blue dress designed by Vivienne Westwood and Philip Treacy topper. Her sister Beatrice chose a more subtle in a blush coloured detailed number by Valentino. However, with a Lady Gaga inspired fascinator, she wasn't easily overlooked.

The Queen: Her Majesty donned an all yellow look by Angela Kelly to watch her grandson get married.

Chelsy Davy: Prince Harry's sometimes girlfriend donned the first of two dresses designed for her by Alberts Ferretti.

Elton John & David Furnish

Carol Middleton: The Mother of the Bride was glowing in a pale blue number by Catherine Walker- a designed favoured by the late Princess Diana, as she greeted fans how had gathered to catch a glimpse of her daughter.

Prince Charles & the Duchess of Cornwall: The Father of the Groom wore his Royal Navy Number One Dress uniform, as he escorted his wife Camilla, in Anna Valentine and a Philip Treacy hat, in the Abbey.

Royal Wedding Round Up: The Bride & Groom

After months of anticipation, the big day has arrived. Kate looked gorgeous in an elegant, classic yet modern, Grace Kelly inspired gown, while Prince William was dapper in uniform.

The Dress:
Designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, the dress is made with ivory and white satin gazar, and features a hand-made lace appliqué bodice and skirt. Individual flowers have been hand-cut from English and French Chantilly lace. The train measures over two metres long, and the back is finished in 58 gazar and organza overed buttons. Kate is said to have worked closely with Sarah Burton in the design.
In a statement Sarah Burton said:
“The last few months have been very exciting and an incredible experience for my team and I as we have worked closely with Catherine to create this dress under conditions of the strictest secrecy. Understandably, Catherine has been very keen to keep the details of her dress a secret, which is every bride’s prerogative, and we gave an undertaking to keep our role confidential until the day of the wedding.”

“It has been the experience of a lifetime to work with Catherine Middleton to create her wedding dress.... I am delighted that the dress represents the best of British craftsmanship.”
“Alexander McQueen’s designs are all about bringing contrasts together to create startling and beautiful clothes and I hope that by marrying traditional fabrics and lacework, with a modern structure and design we have created a beautiful dress for Catherine on her wedding day...Catherine looked absolutely stunning today.”

The Tiara & Jewellery:
Made in 1936, the Cartier 'halo' tiara was first purchased by The Duke of York (who became King George VI) for his Duchess (later Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother). The tiara was later presented to Princess Elizabeth (now The Queen) on her 18th birthday, who lent it to Kate for the occasion.
It held in place a veil made of layers of soft ivory silk tulle with a trim of hand embroidered flowers.
The earrings, a gift from The Bride's parents, are by Robinson Pelham and made to echo the tiara. They take inspiration from the Middleton's new coat of arms that feature oak leaves and acorns. The earrings are diamond-set stylized oak leaves with a pear shaped diamond set drop and a pave set diamond acorn suspended in the centre.

The Shoes:
Hand-made by the Alexander McQueen team, they are made of ivory duchess satin with hand-embroidered lace.

The Bouquet:
A shield-shaped wired bouquet of myrtle, lily-of-the-valley, sweet William, and hyacinth.

The Groom:
Prince William wore an Irish Guards Mounted Officer's uniform in Guard of Honour Order with a Forage Cap. Also worn was a gold and crimson sash, and gold sword slings, both of which are to be worn while in the presence of a Member of the Royal Family. The Prince also wore a Garter Sash with the Wings of the Royal Air Force, the Garter Star and the Golden Jubilee Medal. It was fitted by Kashket and Partners.


For more information on all things Bridal visit the official Royal Wedding site: http://www.officialroyalwedding2011.org

Royal Wedding Round Up: The Bridal Party

In a surprising turn, the bridesmaids wore white! Only a princess bride would be confident enough not to worry about being upstaged.

Maid of Honour:
Also in McQueen, Kate's sister Pippa looked almost as stunning are the Bride. Designed by Sarah Burton, the formfitting dress was made of a heavy ivory satin-based crepe. It featured a cowl-neck and the same button detail and lace trims as the bridal gown.

The Young Bridesmaids:
Lady Louise Windsor, the Hon. Margarita Armstrong-Jones, Grace van Cutsem, and Eliza Lopes were adorable in designs by Nicki Macfarlane and a wreath of flowers in their hair. The dresses were designed to echo the Bride's and were created with the same fabrics. Ballerina-length, the dresses featured four layers of net underskirt, puff sleeves and lace neckline, as well as pale gold, wild-silk sashes that were tucked in the front and tied in bow in back. Like Pippa's the back had the same button detail as the Bride's. A special feature included the Bridesmaid's name and the wedding date hand-embroidered into the lining of the dress.

Shoes:
Designed and made by Rainbow Club, the Bridesmaid's shoes were satin Mary-Jane style, finished with a Swarovski crystal buckle.

Flowers:
The hair wreaths worn by the young Bridesmaids were made of ivy and lily-of-the-valley. The bouquets contained the same flowers as the Bride's bouquet.

Best Man:
Prince Harry wore a Blues and Royals officer's uniform in Dismounted Review Order, and Forage Cap. The Prince also wore aiguillettes, a cross-belt and gold waist belt with sword slings, but no sword. Also included in the uniform were the Wings of the Army Air Corps and Golden Jubilee and Afghanistan Campaign Medals.

Page Boys:
The Pages, Tom Pettifer and William Lowther-Pinkerton, wore uniforms in the style of that worn by a Foot Guards officer at the time of the Regency (1820's). Tunic's in Guards' Red feature gold piping, Irish shamrocks on the collars, with its buttons arranged in fours- denoting the Irish Regiment of Foot Guards. The breeches are ivory and worn with white stockings and black buckle shoes. The Page's also wore a gold and crimson sash (the tassel) around their waists, as worn by officers in the Irish Guards when in the presence of a Member of the Royal Family.
The uniforms were designed in the Royal Household and created by Kashket and Partners.


For more information, visit the official Royal Wedding website: http://www.officialroyalwedding2011.org

Kate to Wear McQueen?

It's being reported that Sarah Burton, creative director of Alexander McQueen, has checked into the Goring Hotel- the same hotel that Kate Middleton is spending her last night as a single woman. Although there is no concrete evidence, a woman fitting Burton's description (and penchant for silver flats) was seen getting out of a car and dashing into the hotel. Her face was hidden behind a fur trapper hat, so we'll have to wait until tomorrow morning's ceremony to know for sure, but it looks good that Kate will be walking down the aisle in a McQueen.

Shoe of the Day- Royal Wedding Edition Part III

With just over 12 hours until the Royal Wedding events are under way, speculation about what Kate Middleton will be wearing is at an all time high. For those of us who can't wait, Woman's Wear Daily's Footwear News asked top designers to sketch their visions for what the future princess should wear while walking down the aisle.

Manolo Blahnik
His design: An ivory silk pump with organza lilies of the valley and sea pearls
“It represents springtime and everything fresh and new, which is what Kate Middleton is all about.”

Giuseppe Zanotti
His design: A black satin sandal with large sapphire centerpiece and surrounding diamonds, on a metal-tipped stiletto
“I wanted her shoes to match the classic and sophisticated elements of her ring, but with a younger, modern edge. Jewelry for the feet is my DNA, so designing for a princess comes very naturally.”

René Caovilla
His design: A white satin sandal with marabou feathers and multicolor Swarovski crystal gems
 “This shoe is fit for a princess because the sandal is elegant, sexy and precious, and it  suggests a magical atmosphere.”

Cesare Casadei
His design: A single-soled silk pump with jeweled straps and embroidered floral details
“Kate reminds me of a 2011 Audrey Hepburn. ... This elegant design is customized with embroidery and multishaped clear crystals, to create a waterfall of stones dancing down the foot. I can see Kate dancing all night in this ‘new tango’ heel.”

Georgina Goodman
Her design: An antique Welsh lace pump with 
Scottish seed pearls and pearl-inspired heel
“I wanted to create something special with an intrinsic emotional value; something old and at the same time mirroring Kate’s fresh modernity. ... I have aimed for a balance between history and femininity fitting the occasion; a kind of luxury recycling.”












For more looks from other designers, visit FN's website. http://www.wwd.com/footwear-news

Alberta Ferretti to Dress Royal Guest

While the designer of Kate Middleton's dress remains a mystery, it has been revealed that Alberta Ferretti has designed two dresses for Chelsy Davy, Prince Harry's on-again/off-again girlfriend; one for the morning ceremony, the other for the evening party (pictured above).

For the day, Ferretti created an aquamarine, satin boat neck dress. And for the evening party at Buckingham Palace, a satin crepe one-shoulder gown in blue.

“It was fascinating and stimulating to dress a young, beautiful girl like Chelsy, who transmits energy and freshness,” said the designer, who was in London on April 26 to assist Davy with the final fitting.

The World's Most Perfect Ponytail

This ponytail Julianne Hough wore to the Academy of Country Music Awards earlier this month is so perky and perfect. The volume on top, the pieces swooping in the front, and the slight curl of the pony itself. It's all perfect.

Shoe of the Day- Royal Wedding Edition Part II

This crystal encrusted suede peep toe from Christian Louboutin is stunning, and the perfect shoe to compliment any bride on her big day, but would be especially nice for a princess bride.

Ladies in Red

A new trend seems to be arising in Hollywood: Red hair. Recent celebrities like Drew Barrymore, and most recently Blake Lively have traded in their blonde in favour of red. It's not just the blondes that are turning to the bottle, Mandy Moore switched up her deep brown locks for more of an auburn shade. Below are the recent redheads, followed by some of Hollywood's most famous fiery locks.

Recent Redheads:

Drew Barrymore

Whitney Port

Mandy Moore (and adorable puppy)

Blake Lively

Hollywood's Best Known Redheads:

Julianne Moore

Christina Hendricks

Lindsay Lohan

Conan O'Brien

Nail Polish Pick of the Week- Royal Wedding Edition

In celebration of the upcoming Royal Wedding, butter LONDON has released No More Waity, Katie; a  limited edition nail lacquer. This exclusive colour is a soft, elegant greige shade with a splash of lilac glitter- a perfect marriage between fun and fashion.

Shoe of the Day- Royal Wedding Edition

To go along with the Royal Wedding theme, I've selected these satin d'Orsay Manolo Blahnik shoes. How perfect are these for a bride's "something blue"? Although for Kate, she needn't worry about that, the rock on her finger will count.

Royal Wedding Week

With only 3 days until the Royal Wedding, the excitement about what the bride will be wearing is nearly uncontainable. To hold you over until the big day, here are some of the lovely Kate Middleton's best looks.

The "Engagement Dress"- this Issa dress sold out within 24 hours of the engagement announcement on November 16. And it's not hard to see why, who wouldn't want to look this good?

Kate wore this Temperley London dress in December of last year to attend the Christmas Spectacular in London with Prince William.

The future princess toured Northern Ireland in March in this chic double breasted Burberry trench with a feminine frill. 

Another Issa, Kate wore this stunner in 2008 at an event for Starlight Children's Foundation.

To attend the wedding of Lady Rose Windsor in July 2008, Kate wore this pretty patterned dress with a blue blazer, accessorizing with a black clutch and pumps. But the best part of this look is probably the fascinator perched atop her soft voluminous curls.

Shoe of the Day

They call this colour peach, but I think it's more of a coral. A colour that is everywhere this season. And it's easy to see why, it's a great way to add a little colour to your summer outfits. And what better way to do that than with this great shoe from Aldo. Dress it up or dress it down, either way it will look great.
www.aldoshoes.com/darie

Happy Easter!

I Love Everything About This

Two weeks ago, Emma Stone stepped out in this fantastic outfit to attend the Conde Nast Traveler  Hot List Party. As the title of this post suggests, I loved everything about it. From the belted Preen cocktail dress, that looked great against her alabaster skin, to the snakeskin clutch, suede Louboutins and silver bangles.

The thing I think I like most about it though, is her bright pink lipstick. It gives her look a pop of unexpected colour. When you take a look up close though, you'll see that she actually has a swipe of an orange-y shade along the inside of her lip. It's a bit of an unexpected look, but I think it works.

 Her hair also looks great, so it's a bit of a toss up. I love the soft curls and smooth bangs. And the blond looks great with the sea-foam colour of her dress. It's definitely a look I may try replicating.

Shoe of the Day

These strappy shoes are the result of a collaboration between Melissa and Jean Paul Gaultier. Made in Brazil in a environmentally and socially responsible factory, these shoes are part recycled from old shoes, and recyclable and vegan. The perfect shoes for Earth Day.

Happy Earth Day!

In honour of Earth Day, I've rounded up some earth friendly beauty products:

• The Body Shop Earth Lovers shower gels- they are 100% biodegradable; free of sulphates, parabens, and colourants; and come in a 100% recycled bottle. And this scents like Watermelon & Eucalyptus and Pear & Lemongrass, you'll smell good too.   http://www.thebodyshop.com/_en/_ww/beauty-lounge/earthlovers/main.aspx
• Butter London Nail Lacquers- '3 Free' meaning No Formaldehyde No Toluene No DBP (Phthales).  They are also vegan and cruelty free. Bonus, they come in a range of great colours.    http://www.butterlondon.ca/drupal/
• Burt's Bees Super Shiny Grapefruit & Sugar Beet Shampoo and Conditioner- 98.8% Natural, this great smelling duo is sulphate free, and infused with grapefruit oil (which stimulates the lymphatic system and tones skin, to give you a healthy scalp). It will give your hair a nice sheen and smell yummy too.  http://www.burtsbees.ca/natural-products/hair-shampoos/super-shiny-grapefruit-sugar-beet-shampoo.html
• CoverGirl NatureLuxe- the Silk Foundation contains cucumber water, and jojoba and rose hip extracts. This lightweight formula also contains SPF 10. The Gloss Balm is just what it sounds like, the shine and sheer gloss of a gloss, with the soft lightweight feel of a balm. Fortified with mango and shea butter, it also contains SPF 15.  http://www.covergirl.com/collections/natureluxe-collection

Nail Polish Pick of the Week

With Easter this weekend, I am in a springy mood. And nothing says spring and Easter like the light lavender of Essie's Nice is Nice. Plus it's more unexpected than the usual pinks that you see this time of year (that I also love).

And it would appear that Kelly Ripa agrees, as she was wearing it on yesterday's show.

Shoe of the Day

I love these shoes (Praia by Christian Louboutin) for a multitude of reasons. For one, I love pink, especially this time of year. Another is that I love LOVE a wedge heel. And the higher the better. They are so bright and colourful, they really are the perfect shoe for spring and into summer.