Week in Review: The Duchess of Cambridge, 17-23 July

Here's what Catherine wore from 17-23 July:

1. Viewing the summer exhibition at Buckingham Palace with the Queen, 22 July, in a Joseph dress and Jimmy Choo heels. I got nothing. Bored to tears. Thank heavens the Queen pepped things up with her candor.

As you've no doubt heard by now, the Queen finds the headless display of Kate's wedding gown at Buckingham Palace "horrid" and "creepy", God love her.

I'll take a weird floating tiara over one of those mannequins that look possessed any day, myself. No, you won't find me voluntarily visiting a Madame Tussaud's museum...ever. (Pictures of the dress on display have been added to the wedding gown post.)

Photos: Daily Mail/Getty Images/Daylife

Week in Review: The Duchess of Cambridge, 17-23 July

Here's what Catherine wore from 17-23 July:

1. Viewing the summer exhibition at Buckingham Palace with the Queen, 22 July, in a Joseph dress and Jimmy Choo heels. I got nothing. Bored to tears. Thank heavens the Queen pepped things up with her candor.

As you've no doubt heard by now, the Queen finds the headless display of Kate's wedding gown at Buckingham Palace "horrid" and "creepy", God love her.

I'll take a weird floating tiara over one of those mannequins that look possessed any day, myself. No, you won't find me voluntarily visiting a Madame Tussaud's museum...ever. (Pictures of the dress on display have been added to the wedding gown post.)

Photos: Daily Mail/Getty Images/Daylife

Week in Review: Princess Marie-Chantal, 10-16 July

Here's what Marie-Chantal wore from 10-16 July:

1. a - c) Opening a new branch of her children's clothing boutiques in Hawaii in d) Stella McCartney and Gucci shoes. I know we have some Stella haters in the house, but I think that lace dress would look grand on some of our British royal ladies...

Photos: FL Morris/Star-Advertiser/Honolulu Pulse/Malie Moran/Hawaii Red Magazine/Stella McCartney

Week in Review: Princess Letizia, 10-16 July

Here's what Letizia wore from 10-16 July:

1. Audiences at Zarzuela Palace and a luncheon for the President of Panama, 11 July. Was it National M.C. Hammer week in Spain?
2. At the Culture National Awards, 12 July. WAS IT? This is not at all legit, and should be quit immediately.
3. Visiting Montserrat Abbey, 14 July. I'm checking...I'm checking...okay, not a trace of Hammer.
4. At the AIJEC 25th Anniversary Gala, 14 July. I just still can't believe she busted out my 2 least favorite pairs of trousers and wore them back to back. I care not about the rest of the week. (And there you have the fundamental problem with the Hammer pants.)
5. Attending graduation at the naval academy, 16 July. Oh, except that she did it again. I don't get it.

Photos: Daylife/Getty Images/Reuters Pictures/Hoymujer

Week in Review: Princess Marie-Chantal, 10-16 July

Here's what Marie-Chantal wore from 10-16 July:

1. a - c) Opening a new branch of her children's clothing boutiques in Hawaii in d) Stella McCartney and Gucci shoes. I know we have some Stella haters in the house, but I think that lace dress would look grand on some of our British royal ladies...

Photos: FL Morris/Star-Advertiser/Honolulu Pulse/Malie Moran/Hawaii Red Magazine/Stella McCartney

Week in Review: Princess Letizia, 10-16 July

Here's what Letizia wore from 10-16 July:

1. Audiences at Zarzuela Palace and a luncheon for the President of Panama, 11 July. Was it National M.C. Hammer week in Spain?
2. At the Culture National Awards, 12 July. WAS IT? This is not at all legit, and should be quit immediately.
3. Visiting Montserrat Abbey, 14 July. I'm checking...I'm checking...okay, not a trace of Hammer.
4. At the AIJEC 25th Anniversary Gala, 14 July. I just still can't believe she busted out my 2 least favorite pairs of trousers and wore them back to back. I care not about the rest of the week. (And there you have the fundamental problem with the Hammer pants.)
5. Attending graduation at the naval academy, 16 July. Oh, except that she did it again. I don't get it.

Photos: Daylife/Getty Images/Reuters Pictures/Hoymujer

Week in Review: Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, 26 June - 2 July

Here's what Maria Teresa wore from 26 June - 2 July:

1. Family photocall, 27 June.
2. Audience and a hospital visit, 29 July. Instant reminders of Máxima's comical red and white check outfit, no? Except I think MT did it better.
3. Attending the Prince and Princess of Monaco's wedding, 2 July.
4. At the evening ball, 2 July....not the best evening wear choice for our Grand Duchess.

Two things make me happy this week: first, the whole family turned out for that photo op. Cuteness in the form of dogs, kids, and princes, people.

And second, I finally found a decent picture of Maria Teresa's jewels from the evening wedding ball!

Grand Duchess Marie Adelaide's tiara, sapphire and diamond earrings, a diamond brooch, and a sapphire and diamond necklace that can also be converted to a tiara. She has been added to the mass tiara festival post from that evening (as have the other two ladies I was missing, so go check it out again).

Photos: Wort/Cour gr ducale/Newscom/Belga/Bekia

Week in Review: Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, 26 June - 2 July

Here's what Maria Teresa wore from 26 June - 2 July:

1. Family photocall, 27 June.
2. Audience and a hospital visit, 29 July. Instant reminders of Máxima's comical red and white check outfit, no? Except I think MT did it better.
3. Attending the Prince and Princess of Monaco's wedding, 2 July.
4. At the evening ball, 2 July....not the best evening wear choice for our Grand Duchess.

Two things make me happy this week: first, the whole family turned out for that photo op. Cuteness in the form of dogs, kids, and princes, people.

And second, I finally found a decent picture of Maria Teresa's jewels from the evening wedding ball!

Grand Duchess Marie Adelaide's tiara, sapphire and diamond earrings, a diamond brooch, and a sapphire and diamond necklace that can also be converted to a tiara. She has been added to the mass tiara festival post from that evening (as have the other two ladies I was missing, so go check it out again).

Photos: Wort/Cour gr ducale/Newscom/Belga/Bekia

Week in Review: Princess Mathilde, 26 June - 2 July

Here's what Mathilde wore from 26 June - 2 July:

1. Laying a wreath at the Battle of the Bulge Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery during the economic mission to the U.S., 26 June. What a pretty outfit. Shame about that dish sponge on her head.
2. Visiting the Whittal Pavilion at the Library of Congress, 27 June, a) on Mathilde and b) from Natan. I am required to like this, due to the Fifties flair going on here. We all have our weaknesses, and this is one of mine.
3. At the Flemish League Against Cancer, 30 June, a) full view and b) the top. Oh, no, thankfully I am not required to like this. Massive Natan fail, so shapeless!

4. Arriving in Monaco, 1 July. I think we need more Mathilde in sunglasses. It's sort of...dare I say it...bad ass. (Now there's a way to describe Mathilde that I never thought I'd use.)
5. Attending the concert/reception before the religious wedding, 1 July. Still a Christmas tree, still ruining whatever bad ass cred she just obtained.
6. At the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Monaco, 2 July, a) on Mathilde, and b) the style from Armani Privé.
7. At the evening ball, 2 July. I'd say getting the wedding gown designer to do you up a few pieces for the occasion is a pretty smart move indeed, wouldn't you?

Also, Mathilde did her piece to keep hold of her title of Blingiest Wedding Guest, which we can all appreciate.

Her brooch for the wedding belongs (or belonged, perhaps it was a gift) to Queen Fabiola, and in addition to her standard laurel wreath tiara, she seems to have brought a new necklace to the evening festivities. A+ for magpie effort indeed, especially considering she could have gotten away without a necklace on a gown like that!

Photos: Newscom/Natan/Style.com/Svenskdam/Hola/Bekia

Week in Review: Princess Mathilde, 26 June - 2 July

Here's what Mathilde wore from 26 June - 2 July:

1. Laying a wreath at the Battle of the Bulge Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery during the economic mission to the U.S., 26 June. What a pretty outfit. Shame about that dish sponge on her head.
2. Visiting the Whittal Pavilion at the Library of Congress, 27 June, a) on Mathilde and b) from Natan. I am required to like this, due to the Fifties flair going on here. We all have our weaknesses, and this is one of mine.
3. At the Flemish League Against Cancer, 30 June, a) full view and b) the top. Oh, no, thankfully I am not required to like this. Massive Natan fail, so shapeless!

4. Arriving in Monaco, 1 July. I think we need more Mathilde in sunglasses. It's sort of...dare I say it...bad ass. (Now there's a way to describe Mathilde that I never thought I'd use.)
5. Attending the concert/reception before the religious wedding, 1 July. Still a Christmas tree, still ruining whatever bad ass cred she just obtained.
6. At the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Monaco, 2 July, a) on Mathilde, and b) the style from Armani Privé.
7. At the evening ball, 2 July. I'd say getting the wedding gown designer to do you up a few pieces for the occasion is a pretty smart move indeed, wouldn't you?

Also, Mathilde did her piece to keep hold of her title of Blingiest Wedding Guest, which we can all appreciate.

Her brooch for the wedding belongs (or belonged, perhaps it was a gift) to Queen Fabiola, and in addition to her standard laurel wreath tiara, she seems to have brought a new necklace to the evening festivities. A+ for magpie effort indeed, especially considering she could have gotten away without a necklace on a gown like that!

Photos: Newscom/Natan/Style.com/Svenskdam/Hola/Bekia

Week in Review: Princess Madeleine, 26 June - 2 July

Here's what Princess Madeleine wore from 26 June - 2 July:

1. a) Attending the Prince and Princess of Monaco's wedding, 2 July, with b) one major feather.
2. a) At the evening ball, 2 July, and b) gratuitous bling. Probably didn't need the choker with all the dress and hair fluff, but you can't fault a girl for opting for more.

Photos: Getty Images/Daylife

Week in Review: Princess Madeleine, 26 June - 2 July

Here's what Princess Madeleine wore from 26 June - 2 July:

1. a) Attending the Prince and Princess of Monaco's wedding, 2 July, with b) one major feather.
2. a) At the evening ball, 2 July, and b) gratuitous bling. Probably didn't need the choker with all the dress and hair fluff, but you can't fault a girl for opting for more.

Photos: Getty Images/Daylife

Week in Review: The Duchess of Cambridge, 3 - 9 July, Part 2

Here's where we last left off on the great Canadian adventure, and now we forge on:

1. In Yellowknife, 5 July, a) on Kate, b) from By Malene Birger, c) with new Canada jerseys, accessorized with her nude clutch, nude LK Bennett pumps, and citrine earrings.

Random thoughts only for this one. Ready? Here we go:

• Totally picked the hockey stick accessory pose over the standard clutching-the-clutch-in-front pose. I prefer my Kate a little looser and a little sassier.
• Malene Birger's a surprise, not because of her style (very easy to see Kate being attracted to her demure, simple and feminine clothes), but because she's always identified as a Danish designer and label. Crown Princess Mary is her most important royal mannequin - until now, I suppose - along with Princess Marie and Crown Princess Victoria (to a lesser extent). Basically, I feel about this dress the same way I feel when other princesses wear Birger: nice. Not usually anything to write home about, but appropriate and all that other stuff.
• Those LK Bennett shoes must be crazy comfortable, high heel and all. The president of LK Bennett probably wakes up every day and dances a little jig.
• William wore a different tie! Still waiting for a suit shake-up. (They make them in different colors, you know. Gray...black...nearly tens of possibilities!)
• Also: way to get jersey #1, girl! These two shall henceforth be known as Cambridge #1 and Cambridge #2. Well, henceforth for the rest of this post, at least.

Another gem (heh) from Yellowknife: presents from Harry Winston!

Cambridge Nos. 1-2 were presented with gifts of Canadian diamonds set in platinum, depicting the polar bear symbol of the Northwest Territories and imitating the traditional beadwork of the native tribes in the region. Cufflinks for him, a brooch for her. Baby's first official jewelry gift that you don't quite know where you'll ever wear but you know you'll have to wear sometime or else you'll tread all over your diplomatic goodwill! Awww. (You know, when the Queen gets such trinkets, she usually wears them before the trip ends. I'm just saying.)

2. Visiting Blatchford Lake, 5 July, a) Casual Cambridge in a button-down shirt, skinny jeans, and Sebago boat shoes again, b) sporting an honorary Canadian Ranger sweatshirt, and c) canoeing.

3. Paying a visit to Slave Lake, 6 July, repeating the Smythe blazer from departure and the black slingback wedges.

Not at all a fan of that top tucked into those jeans, but I am growing quite fond of those shoes. Which is odd, trust me, because that just ain't mah style. Anyway, they were also given hoodies, and they put them on this time just like the rules say to do, bless their hearts. (Picture of Cambridge #2 assisting Cambridge #1 with her hoodie strings included just for the fangirls. You're welcome.) The Slave Lake trip was an impromptu visit to a fire-ravaged community, and I think Cambridge One here picked just right for walking around the damaged area.

Photos: Getty Images/Daylife/AP/Daily Mail/Just Jared

Week in Review: The Duchess of Cambridge, 3 - 9 July, Part 2

Here's where we last left off on the great Canadian adventure, and now we forge on:

1. In Yellowknife, 5 July, a) on Kate, b) from By Malene Birger, c) with new Canada jerseys, accessorized with her nude clutch, nude LK Bennett pumps, and citrine earrings.

Random thoughts only for this one. Ready? Here we go:

• Totally picked the hockey stick accessory pose over the standard clutching-the-clutch-in-front pose. I prefer my Kate a little looser and a little sassier.
• Malene Birger's a surprise, not because of her style (very easy to see Kate being attracted to her demure, simple and feminine clothes), but because she's always identified as a Danish designer and label. Crown Princess Mary is her most important royal mannequin - until now, I suppose - along with Princess Marie and Crown Princess Victoria (to a lesser extent). Basically, I feel about this dress the same way I feel when other princesses wear Birger: nice. Not usually anything to write home about, but appropriate and all that other stuff.
• Those LK Bennett shoes must be crazy comfortable, high heel and all. The president of LK Bennett probably wakes up every day and dances a little jig.
• William wore a different tie! Still waiting for a suit shake-up. (They make them in different colors, you know. Gray...black...nearly tens of possibilities!)
• Also: way to get jersey #1, girl! These two shall henceforth be known as Cambridge #1 and Cambridge #2. Well, henceforth for the rest of this post, at least.

Another gem (heh) from Yellowknife: presents from Harry Winston!

Cambridge Nos. 1-2 were presented with gifts of Canadian diamonds set in platinum, depicting the polar bear symbol of the Northwest Territories and imitating the traditional beadwork of the native tribes in the region. Cufflinks for him, a brooch for her. Baby's first official jewelry gift that you don't quite know where you'll ever wear but you know you'll have to wear sometime or else you'll tread all over your diplomatic goodwill! Awww. (You know, when the Queen gets such trinkets, she usually wears them before the trip ends. I'm just saying.)

2. Visiting Blatchford Lake, 5 July, a) Casual Cambridge in a button-down shirt, skinny jeans, and Sebago boat shoes again, b) sporting an honorary Canadian Ranger sweatshirt, and c) canoeing.

3. Paying a visit to Slave Lake, 6 July, repeating the Smythe blazer from departure and the black slingback wedges.

Not at all a fan of that top tucked into those jeans, but I am growing quite fond of those shoes. Which is odd, trust me, because that just ain't mah style. Anyway, they were also given hoodies, and they put them on this time just like the rules say to do, bless their hearts. (Picture of Cambridge #2 assisting Cambridge #1 with her hoodie strings included just for the fangirls. You're welcome.) The Slave Lake trip was an impromptu visit to a fire-ravaged community, and I think Cambridge One here picked just right for walking around the damaged area.

Photos: Getty Images/Daylife/AP/Daily Mail/Just Jared

The Prince and Princess of Monaco's Wedding: The Bride and her Evening Party

Another two-gown affair! Can't complain about that!

For the evening festivities, Giorgio Armani Privé once again swathed the bride in white embellished with crystals and stones, this time off-white silk chiffon with Swarovski crystals and gold and platinum-colored stones. The dress featured a transparent upper portion and a four-tiered skirt. Oh yeah, and Albert also had a wardrobe change.

She also wore a new jewel in her hair, this one a gift from Albert (one of two she received, the other one you can see here and which is the Ocean convertible necklace and tiara from Van Cleef & Arpels). This piece is called the Diamond Foam Tiara, and you can read more about it here.

Naturally, Charlene's maid of honor Isabell Kristensen and witness Donatella Knecht de Massy stuck around for the evening party:

Isabell, I see, has managed to look just as tightly bound as she was for the civil ceremony! (She's a fashion designer, for what it's worth.)

And the Wittstocks made another dashing appearance as well, here for your viewing pleasure:

UPDATE: Here is Armani's sketch for the evening gown

What did you think of the bridal party's evening attire?

Photos: Newscom/vg.no/Getty Images/Daylife/Vogue

The Prince and Princess of Monaco's Wedding: The Bride and her Evening Party

Another two-gown affair! Can't complain about that!

For the evening festivities, Giorgio Armani Privé once again swathed the bride in white embellished with crystals and stones, this time off-white silk chiffon with Swarovski crystals and gold and platinum-colored stones. The dress featured a transparent upper portion and a four-tiered skirt. Oh yeah, and Albert also had a wardrobe change.

She also wore a new jewel in her hair, this one a gift from Albert (one of two she received, the other one you can see here and which is the Ocean convertible necklace and tiara from Van Cleef & Arpels). This piece is called the Diamond Foam Tiara, and you can read more about it here.

Naturally, Charlene's maid of honor Isabell Kristensen and witness Donatella Knecht de Massy stuck around for the evening party:

Isabell, I see, has managed to look just as tightly bound as she was for the civil ceremony! (She's a fashion designer, for what it's worth.)

And the Wittstocks made another dashing appearance as well, here for your viewing pleasure:

UPDATE: Here is Armani's sketch for the evening gown

What did you think of the bridal party's evening attire?

Photos: Newscom/vg.no/Getty Images/Daylife/Vogue

Royal Fashion Awards: The Prince & Princess of Monaco's Civil Wedding

Oh, those Grimaldis. They always seem to look like they just couldn't quite get the whole picture pulled together. Case in point: the absurdly curious dress code at today's civil wedding ceremony for Prince Albert and Charlene Wittstock. Let's all hold hands and figure it out together:

Best in Balcony

Princess Alexandra

 Left to Right: Pauline Ducruet, Princess Alexandra, Camille Gottlieb

The dress code confusion, you see, starts young. Stephanie's daughter Pauline and Caroline's daughter Alexandra look appropriate for a summer wedding, while Stephanie's other daughter Camille has come dressed for a costume cocktail party. We'll give this one to Alexandra, on account of the fact that I like her fancy little hairdo.

Best Beach Outfit

Charlotte Casiraghi

What a perfect outfit for a beach stroll, picnic basket in hand, maybe a dog or two tagging along. Well, maybe a beach wedding, if you want to get picky about your tulle usage. But a royal wedding in a palace? Not so much! (Also, memo to Charlotte: we know you like to do your pouty thing so we're sure to know that you're too cool for your surroundings, but you might want to pack it away for a wedding at which everybody already thinks the bride's about to bolt. People talk, you know.)

Worst Combination

Princess Caroline

Chanel dress: love it. Chanel dress a few inches too short with those shoes and a straw hat the size of Monaco: oh, no. Another recipient of the beach party dress code invitation, apparently.

Best of the Day

Princess Stephanie

Mark this down. Write it on your calendars: Princess Stephanie's got the best outfit of the day. It's hard to get past, you know, the tan, but this is completely classy. Clearly she received the covered up cocktail hour dress code.

Best Dress Code

The Gentlemen

 L to R: Andrea Casiraghi, Pierre Casiraghi, Louis Ducruet

Men have it so easy sometimes. Suit, tie, go. Le sigh. (No, I don't know what Andrea is smelling there.)

Most Questionable Bridal Dress Code

Princess Charlene

Kudos to Charlene for forging new territory in the land of civil wedding dresses, I guess - that territory being the land of half-formal, half-nightie pant suits, apparently! Charlene went to Chanel for her civil wedding look, and it's a head scratcher for sure. A strapless gown/jumper/romper underneath the traditional Chanel jacket in a most curious length and with one button undone, adding to my confusion. (She took the jacket off for the evening concert, see it here.) It's curiously matronly.

But since she is the bride, we can't deny her some praise: the brand-new Princess of Monaco was rocking some seriously fantastic hair and makeup. Also, this color is amazing on her. Mediterranean blue!

And she did look radiant. Perhaps a wee bit awkward with Albert (I'm not going to post the pics of them kissing, you're welcome), but absolutely glowing. My eyebrows are half raised and ready to see what new religious wedding gown territory she feels like blazing!

Who was your best- and worst-dressed for the civil wedding? And what's your take on the wedding trousers?

Still to come: concert fun, and tomorrow's religious wedding! Stay tuned!

Photos: Reuters/AP Photo/Daylife/Getty Images/Shaun Botterill/PP