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

statement released by Clarence House.

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]

Guest Post: Dressing for the Royal Wedding

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Mine was great, thanks for asking. Friends, family and much too much food. Today I'm happy to share a guest post created by UK-based clothing site Kaleidoscope, which has a topic that is near and dear to my heart: the royal wedding. Yeah, I'm probably a nerd but I can't wait. How about you?

The event of the decade, The British Royal Wedding is guaranteed to dominate the 2011 spring fashion season. From bridal gowns and mother of the bride outfits, through to the on-scree Royal correspondents and the average street party attendee, there’s a fashion rule for each one – here’s our guide on how to dress for this rather royal occasion.

Several Not-in-the-Running Designers Submitted
Sketches of What They Think Kate Should Wear

The Wedding Dress

Despite being under a month away the official designer of the bridal gown is still undisclosed – Bruce Oldfield has been tipped by industry peers and bookies as the favourite, but the secret will be kept under wraps until the big day. Other names bandied about have included Alexander McQueen's Sarah Burton and Libelula's Sarah Cranston (who after recent intense speculation issued a statement denying that she's the chosen one). William’s mother Diana's wedding dress became iconic after her walk down the aisle with Prince Charles, but while Diana's dress was all about 80s fairytale excess it's expected that Kate's will be more paired down and streamlined. There are even rumors that Kate will wear more than one dress and there is a good chance she'll have a lengthy train--during a recent rehearsal at Westminster Abbey Kate reportedly took to the aisle wearing a 10-foot faux train.

All Eyes Will Be on Carole Middleton, Here
Shopping with Daughter Pippa

Mother of the Bride

The position taken by mother of the bride is a tricky one, whilst she’s expected to take a back seat to the bride, it’s most definitely her day just as much as the couple actually getting hitched – which historically means finding an outfit that fits both camps. Kate’s mother, Carole Middleton, seems to have been suffering last minute jitters over this quandary, having sacked her couture designer after months of fittings and just weeks before the wedding. Who and what she’ll end up wearing on the day is anyone’s guess.

The Royals in Philip Treacy

Presenters and Dignitaries

Rather than Fern Cotton’s preferred attire of party dress and chipped black nail varnish, it’s been announced that Mulberry are going to dress both the BBC and CNN Royal correspondents, with skirt suits in brash colours being the favoured style. Whilst Sam Cam has been threatening waves on the big day by bucking tradition and refusing to wear a hat, which whilst not a treasonous act, does risk detracting attention from the bride. Speaking of hats, they're set to be a big part of all the outfits on the royal wedding day and celebrated milliner Phillip Treacy (who has designed several of Kate's hats as well as the feathered confection that Camilla Parker-Bowles wore at her wedding to Prince Charles) has confirmed that he's been working furiously to create hats for several of the guests including royal and celebrities, although he won't name names just yet.

Will Kate Wear a Tiara or Flowers on Her Wedding Day?
The Romantic Strathmore Rose Tiara is Seen Here

Right Royal Tea Party

If you’re simply one of the masses, but have arranged a right royal tea party in celebration, there are still fashion rules to adhere to. Street parties in honour of the monarchy are a distinct throw back to the 1950’s and as such many will be boasting style themes to match the era. Trestle tables, bunting, tea pots and cake stands all demand a distinctly post war wardrobe – cash in on fashionable florals, wrap dresses, straw hats and court shoes. Red, white and blue being the essential colour combination.


Images:
1. People.com
2. WWD.com
3. dailymail.co.uk
4. Getty Images via royalwedding.aol.com
5. royalweddingtheitalianobserver.blogspot.com

William & Kate's Engagement Photos and Beautiful Bride Joanna Garcia

Two of Prince William and Kate Middleton's official engagement photos have been released. The photos--one casual and one formal--were taken by Mario Testino, who I always think brings out the best in his celebrity subjects. The casual photo was taken in the Cornwall Room at St. James' Palace with Kate wearing a 2-year-old silk blouse by Whistles (which will be re-released as the limited edition "Kate" in 2011) and William in a Turnbull and Asser shirt under a Brunello Cucinelli sweater.

The formal portrait was taken in the Council Chamber that is linked to Clarence House. Kate wore the Nanette dress by Reiss and earrings from Links of London while Prince William wore a Turnbull and Asser suit. I think it was savvy to have Kate wear accessible British brands, rather than some high end designer. Especially smart considering the current economic climate.

I think they look happy, which is great. I like the casual photo. And apparently Kate did her own make-up, which I find kind of hard to believe but good for her.

Adorable Joanna Garcia and Yankee Nick Swisher
got married in Palm Beach. The actress wore a drop waist
Monique Lhuillier gown. Congrats to the happy couple!

Now I'd just like to see some Nicole Richie wedding photos, apparently Nicole and Joel Madden were married by Rev Run at her father's estate. There was even an elephant, but no Paris as she wasn't invited.

How's your weekend so far?

Photos via people.com