Celebrating the Jubilee

I often wonder what it would be like to be a member of the royal family, even if it were for a day.  So imagine living the life that Queen Elizabeth has...this weekend celebrating 60 years (!) as the head of the British monarchy.  We probably see her as someone like our grandma but with loads more money and jewels (including tiaras fit for every occassion), but in her younger years she used to be (kind of) stylish.

Before the pill box hats, pastel coat dresses and monotone skirt suits, the Queen even appeared that she wasn't afraid to take a style risk or two.  The proof?   A picture of a much younger queen sporting a one shoulder rose gold embossed evening gown:

Queen Elizabeth in her younger years.  Pretty risque for the royal family!

People all over the world are celebrating Queen Elizabeth's 60 years of reign, but especially in Britian with "English" style celebrations such as horse races, high teas and a flotilla of 1000 yachts up the River Thames.

While that all sounds like fun, these Swarovski crystal bedazzled Union Jack wedge heels by Aruna Seth would make any Jubilee celebration even more festive.  Not only a keepsake but a rare one at that - only 10 pairs of these $4,700 shoes were made.

Jubilee Crystal Wedges by Aruna Seth.  Only 10 pairs were made for the occasion.

Goodbye Wills & Kate!!!

Will & Kate said goodbye to North America today, after a whirlwind 12 day trip.  Today in LA they attended a brunch, then visited an art centre on Skid Row, before boarding their flight home to England.

It was a very successful visit for them - everything seemed to go smoothly and they were a hit wherever they went.   Some say this trip has been a great boost of support the monarchy, but I'm not sure I agree.  The interest in Will & Kate has been less about their royal titles, and more it seems about the positive energy and sincerity they exude. Not to mention they are young, beautiful and well mannered.  I suppose we will see if people start to believe in the monarchy more.  For me, as you may have noticed, Kate's style is interesting to follow and I think she is a great role model for young people in general.  It's not really about her title or the fact that she might be Queen one day.  In my eyes, she's a celebrity and one of the few left with class, and that's why I enjoy keeping up with her.

BAFTA Brits to Watch

Hollywood definitely turned out to greet the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge, in particular at last night's BAFTA Brits to Watch.  Some came in their finest, others...well let's just say old habits die hard (ahem, Jennifer Lopez!).

I really don't know who Gugu Mbtha-Raw is (apparently she's in Larry Crowne), but she did look amazing last night in Reem Acra. 

Maria Bello was stunning in this goddess style one shoulder Donna Karan.  I think she was last night's best dressed.

As for Jennifer Lopez (in Emilio Pucci),  she has to stop using Beyonce's stylist!  She has an amazing body, but just looks like an over-stuff sausage in this dress.  Not cute!

The Duchess in LA - Day 2

What's more royal that arriving at a polo match via helicopter?  Not much more than that!  Kate and Wills attended a charity polo match in Santa Barbara, where Wills played and scored 4 goals.  Now I don't know polo, but that sounds like a lot of goals to me, so it would seem he's pretty good!

On to more important details, such as what Kate wore.  She continued on in easy breezy California style by wearing a silk, hand-painted Jenny Packham dress.  I  love the dress on her, but I love the shoes even more.

The main event of the day was the BAFTA Brits to Watch event, attended by such Hollywood royalty as Jennifer Lopez & Blake Lively.  But truly, Will & Kate were the draw to the event, so much so that all the LA types actually showed up to the event on time!  Will & Kate arrived last, with Kate in a light pink Alexander McQueen gown.  She looked stunning.

The Duchess In LA - Day 1

Will and Kate arrived on the sunny shores of California yesterday.  Kate stepped off the plane in lovely pale lilac Roksanda Illic dress and her trusty L.K. Bennett nude pumps that have followed her everywhere. It was the perfect choice to match the backdrop of the blue skies in L.A. that day.

The evening event was a private reception and Kate sported a bold green DVF dress.  I love this dress!  Maybe it's because it is not cream or navy.  LOL.

On today's agenda will be a polo match in Santa Monica followed by a fancy event hosted by BAFTA where Hollywood will show up in droves to greet the Duke & Duchess.  We may have had a sneak peek into what Kate will wear tonight courtesy of this solider in Yellowknife unloading the plane when Will & Kate arrived there earlier in the week.  Oops!

The Duchess is Gone! (end of Day 8 & Day 9)

Nine days goes so fast!  Will & Kate finished off their trip to Canada by opening up the Calgary Stampede.  They were gifted with white cowboy hats, which the sported at the parade on Thursday night.  I think they look really good in them actually.  I like how in this picture it looks like she's holding Wills back from jumping into the rodeo ring.

On their last morning in Canada, Kate sported another Catherine Walker design, this time a lovely red coatdress.  I really don't think there is a colour that she can't pull off.  Red looks great on her.

Goodbye Will & Kate! Come again soon!

The Duchess is Here - Day 8

Finally some colour again courtesy of Jenny Packham.  I love the yellow, but I'm really not sure if I like the dress overall.  It has a bit of a Mad Men era feel but she's almost too tall & slim to pull that whole look off, instead it looks a bit old for her.  I don't know maybe I'm being too picky but I don't love it yet...give me a few days to absorb it!

The Duchess is Coming!

In less than 48 hours, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, will arrive in Canada for a 10 day tour.  It is her first official visit as a member of the royal family.  I am super excited to see what she's going to wear.  According to the NY Times Style section, she is styling 40 outfits on her own for this trip.

I was playing around on Polyvore the other day, and found some princess-like pieces I can totally see her wearing:

I can see her wearing this when stepping off the plane.  This shade of purple (or is it blue?) would look great with her dark hair and blue eyes



Pretty much every colour would work on her skin tone, though we don't often see her in bolder colours like the purple sheath or the green dress.

I am sure there will be an opportunity for her to wear a gown and I would love to see her in the printed Alexander McQueen.  I know SJP has already worn the dress in public, but a girl can dream!  

Whatever she ends up wearing, all eyes will be on the Duchess in just a few days!