Week in Review: Princess Mathilde, 3 - 9 July

Here's what Mathilde wore from 3-9 July:

1. Visiting Villa Rose Red, 7 July. Fantastic silhouette for her, though once again I wish it wasn't so matchy-matchy.
2. Yearly family photo opportunity, 8 July. And speaking of matchy-matchy, here's the annual photo op! That Philippe is one good sport.

Week in Review: Princess Mathilde, 3 - 9 July

Here's what Mathilde wore from 3-9 July:

1. Visiting Villa Rose Red, 7 July. Fantastic silhouette for her, though once again I wish it wasn't so matchy-matchy.
2. Yearly family photo opportunity, 8 July. And speaking of matchy-matchy, here's the annual photo op! That Philippe is one good sport.

Week in Review: Princess Máxima, 3 - 9 July

Here's what Máxima wore from 3 - 9 July:

1. Posing on holiday in Italy for the annual family photo opportunity, 4 July. I totally love this. Also, this is how you do family coordination without looking like von Trapps! So glad she didn't dress the A-team all alike again.

Week in Review: Princess Máxima, 3 - 9 July

Here's what Máxima wore from 3 - 9 July:

1. Posing on holiday in Italy for the annual family photo opportunity, 4 July. I totally love this. Also, this is how you do family coordination without looking like von Trapps! So glad she didn't dress the A-team all alike again.

The Prince and Princess of Monaco's Wedding: The Groom, Bridal Party, and Bride's Family

Because you know we never miss a chance for a uniform, a cute kid, or a well-dressed non-royal...

Prince Albert finalized his marriage to Princess Charlene in the cream summer uniform of Monaco's Palace Guards, which includes gold leaf and crown embroidery on the sleeves and epaulettes. The buttons feature the Prince's monogram, and he wore medals of the Order of Saint Charles, the Order of Grimaldi, and the French Legion of Honor. Personally, I would have liked to see him in some color, and can't stop giggling at the white shoes. Not his choice, I'm sure, but it's all very Boca Raton shuffle board tournament.

For her attendants, Charlene chose two friends to be by her side: Isabell Kristensen and Donatella Knecht de Massy (who is married to one of Albert's cousins, and served as one of the witnesses for the marriage).

Left to Right: Isabell Kristensen, Donatella Knecht de Massy

She was also accompanied by seven young bridesmaids, all around the age of seven. Instead of sticking to the traditional bridal party composed of friends and family, Albert and Charlene chose local girls from around Monaco, and dressed them in costumes inspired by traditional Monegasque wear.

Interestingly, it was Princess Caroline that took the reins in the bridesmaid outfits, asking the Ballets de Monte-Carlo to create the costumes and working together with Jean-Christophe Maillot, director of the ballet, to design them.

The result included plenty of personal touches, such as silk stockings embroidered with the couple's monogram, and aprons that feature both the couple's monogram and the name of the area of Monaco that each girl is from. Each outfit took more than 120 hours to create. The girls are also wearing necklaces of black velvet ribbon with gold crosses given to them by Prince Albert.

This is the kind of detail that can risk coming off as kitschy, but when the sentiment starts by selecting girls from around the country, I think the end result is a touching tribute to the culture of Monaco. I'm sure it was well appreciated by the Monegasque people! 

Last but not least, we must save some praise for the bride's family. The Wittstocks were well turned out yesterday, and they once again showed up some of the other wedding guests today:

Mother of the bride Lynette Wittstock looked extremely elegant, and Charlene's brothers Gareth and Sean are certainly two very handsome men, if I may say so.

What did you think of the bride's accompanying party?

Photos: Getty Images/Daylife/PPE/Newscom
Source: Mariage Princier

The Prince and Princess of Monaco's Wedding: The Groom, Bridal Party, and Bride's Family

Because you know we never miss a chance for a uniform, a cute kid, or a well-dressed non-royal...

Prince Albert finalized his marriage to Princess Charlene in the cream summer uniform of Monaco's Palace Guards, which includes gold leaf and crown embroidery on the sleeves and epaulettes. The buttons feature the Prince's monogram, and he wore medals of the Order of Saint Charles, the Order of Grimaldi, and the French Legion of Honor. Personally, I would have liked to see him in some color, and can't stop giggling at the white shoes. Not his choice, I'm sure, but it's all very Boca Raton shuffle board tournament.

For her attendants, Charlene chose two friends to be by her side: Isabell Kristensen and Donatella Knecht de Massy (who is married to one of Albert's cousins, and served as one of the witnesses for the marriage).

Left to Right: Isabell Kristensen, Donatella Knecht de Massy

She was also accompanied by seven young bridesmaids, all around the age of seven. Instead of sticking to the traditional bridal party composed of friends and family, Albert and Charlene chose local girls from around Monaco, and dressed them in costumes inspired by traditional Monegasque wear.

Interestingly, it was Princess Caroline that took the reins in the bridesmaid outfits, asking the Ballets de Monte-Carlo to create the costumes and working together with Jean-Christophe Maillot, director of the ballet, to design them.

The result included plenty of personal touches, such as silk stockings embroidered with the couple's monogram, and aprons that feature both the couple's monogram and the name of the area of Monaco that each girl is from. Each outfit took more than 120 hours to create. The girls are also wearing necklaces of black velvet ribbon with gold crosses given to them by Prince Albert.

This is the kind of detail that can risk coming off as kitschy, but when the sentiment starts by selecting girls from around the country, I think the end result is a touching tribute to the culture of Monaco. I'm sure it was well appreciated by the Monegasque people! 

Last but not least, we must save some praise for the bride's family. The Wittstocks were well turned out yesterday, and they once again showed up some of the other wedding guests today:

Mother of the bride Lynette Wittstock looked extremely elegant, and Charlene's brothers Gareth and Sean are certainly two very handsome men, if I may say so.

What did you think of the bride's accompanying party?

Photos: Getty Images/Daylife/PPE/Newscom
Source: Mariage Princier

Week in Review: Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 19-25 June

Here's what Mette-Marit wore from 19-25 June:

1. At a dinner for the United Nations Foundation Board of Directors, 20 June, a) on Mette-Marit and b) from Valentino.
2. At an event related to the "Til topps" event, 24 June. "Til topps" is an event in which people climb to the top of Norway's highest mountain, and this is just right. Precisely what a von Trapp would have worn.
3. Participating in the "Til topps" event, 25 June. A little family walk to the top of Norway! Well, that's kind of adorable.

Look who else showed up for the UN dinner:

Absolutely love that white on Rania, but I think Sonja might win my prize for this mini-gathering of royals. Surprisingly chic, that simple dress and the scarf thrown just so, no?

Photo: AP/Style.com/side2

Week in Review: Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 19-25 June

Here's what Mette-Marit wore from 19-25 June:

1. At a dinner for the United Nations Foundation Board of Directors, 20 June, a) on Mette-Marit and b) from Valentino.
2. At an event related to the "Til topps" event, 24 June. "Til topps" is an event in which people climb to the top of Norway's highest mountain, and this is just right. Precisely what a von Trapp would have worn.
3. Participating in the "Til topps" event, 25 June. A little family walk to the top of Norway! Well, that's kind of adorable.

Look who else showed up for the UN dinner:

Absolutely love that white on Rania, but I think Sonja might win my prize for this mini-gathering of royals. Surprisingly chic, that simple dress and the scarf thrown just so, no?

Photo: AP/Style.com/side2

Week in Review: Crown Princess Mary, 12-18 June

Here's what Mary wore from 12-18 June:

1. a) Paying a family visit to the royal yacht, 13 June. I have only one thing to say about this: (b) ISABELLA!! I love this kid.
2. Princess Nathalie's wedding, 18 June. Yeah, I'm just not a big enough fan of ruching for this dress.  How about a gratuitous jewel shot instead?

Photos: Isopix/Daylife/Getty Images

Week in Review: Crown Princess Mary, 12-18 June

Here's what Mary wore from 12-18 June:

1. a) Paying a family visit to the royal yacht, 13 June. I have only one thing to say about this: (b) ISABELLA!! I love this kid.
2. Princess Nathalie's wedding, 18 June. Yeah, I'm just not a big enough fan of ruching for this dress.  How about a gratuitous jewel shot instead?

Photos: Isopix/Daylife/Getty Images

Royal Fashion Awards: Garter Day 2011

You guys, I love Garter Day. Celebrating the oldest order of chivalry in the world? How much more royal can you get? Most of the gentlemen and selected ladies turn up in their Hogwarts finest (yes, I did make a Harry Potter reference last year, and I will make one every year that we do this thang), but we do get a few ladies that turn up in their English-hatted best for our entertainment too. So let's get to business and throw some awards out on the table.

Best Future Repeat

The Duchess of Cambridge

I saw two opinions on this Katherine Hooker coat and Rachel Trevor-Morgan hat today: OMGAMAZINGOMGSOPRETTY, or ...why is she dressing like a 60-year-old? I could agree with you either way, actually. This is very similar to what the Countess of Wessex has been wearing lately, and the Countess is 46 years old. It's very similar to the silhouette that Camilla wore today, and Camilla is 63 years old. But there's a reason why this style crosses generations: it's universally flattering. It's like the International Princess Uniform. And you know we'll be seeing this for as many years to come as Kate's figure/tailor will allow.

Best in Benjamin Button

The Countess of Wessex

Speaking of the 46-year-old Countess...damn. Sophie looks younger than she did when she married Edward, no? Loving her with her hair up. Thus, I hereby confer a second Benjamin Button title (the first belongs to dear Marie-Chantal, of course) on our Sophie. Well played, Countess.

Best in Froof

The Duchess of Cornwall

This lady has a tremendous ability to pull off a wackadoodle hat. Personally, I love it when she whips that talent out and lets it shine, and this harried Cousin It chapeau is just the thing. Add in a new coat, flattering as can be, and I'm sold.

Best in Bling

Queen Elizabeth

This is one of the times when she brings out the serious daytime bling - every year, the Queen's earrings are killer. Now, these are some sapphire and diamond earrings: Kate, take note. (Yet another reason why I love Garter Day: excuses for diamonds in the daylight are always welcome!)

Best Knight

Princess Alexandra

Garter Knights, left to right: the Duke of Edinburgh, Princess Alexandra of Kent, the Duke of Gloucester, the Duke of York, the Princess Royal, the Duke of Kent, the Prince of Wales, the Earl of Wessex, the Duke of Cambridge

I heart Princess Alexandra, plain and simple. There's no one more elegant, especially in velvet and feathers. As I threw out on Twitter earlier today, we need to get a petition started for Alexandra to take Kate under her wing and teach her the Princess way. Who's with me?

Best Enthusiasm

Lady Louise Windsor

And you thought smiley Kate and her blushing husband were the tops of the cute tree. Good thing Louise, watching from the side with her school chums, is here to show you what's up. More Louise, please!

Best Theme

Lady Sarah Chatto

You know how I don't like neutrals. You know how I don't like it when people wear the same thing over and over again. Well, I'm breaking all my rules. Here's Lady Sarah (attending because one of her sons was pageboy for the Queen this year), looking a whole lot like she did yesterday, and a whole lot like she did at the wedding, and I don't care. This lady is on a one-woman crusade to bring back 1950s glam, and I am behind her all the way. You go, Lady Sarah! Show 'em how it's done!

Worst in Mysterious

The Duchess of Gloucester

Here's Birgitte, only seen because she's sitting next to Anne. You can also see her hiding between Kate and the gentleman on the right in the first picture in this post. Barely visible because once again she's not worn anything of note. How sad! She's so utterly lovely (and a total candidate for another Benjamin Button award, I'm telling you). I'm not saying she should start borrowing from the millinery closet of Princess Beatrice, but we could do a little better than navy/black, right?

Who topped your best-dressed list at the Garter Ceremony?

Photos: Getty Images/Daylife/Reuters/Isopix/Newspix/Belga

Royal Fashion Awards: Garter Day 2011

You guys, I love Garter Day. Celebrating the oldest order of chivalry in the world? How much more royal can you get? Most of the gentlemen and selected ladies turn up in their Hogwarts finest (yes, I did make a Harry Potter reference last year, and I will make one every year that we do this thang), but we do get a few ladies that turn up in their English-hatted best for our entertainment too. So let's get to business and throw some awards out on the table.

Best Future Repeat

The Duchess of Cambridge

I saw two opinions on this Katherine Hooker coat and Rachel Trevor-Morgan hat today: OMGAMAZINGOMGSOPRETTY, or ...why is she dressing like a 60-year-old? I could agree with you either way, actually. This is very similar to what the Countess of Wessex has been wearing lately, and the Countess is 46 years old. It's very similar to the silhouette that Camilla wore today, and Camilla is 63 years old. But there's a reason why this style crosses generations: it's universally flattering. It's like the International Princess Uniform. And you know we'll be seeing this for as many years to come as Kate's figure/tailor will allow.

Best in Benjamin Button

The Countess of Wessex

Speaking of the 46-year-old Countess...damn. Sophie looks younger than she did when she married Edward, no? Loving her with her hair up. Thus, I hereby confer a second Benjamin Button title (the first belongs to dear Marie-Chantal, of course) on our Sophie. Well played, Countess.

Best in Froof

The Duchess of Cornwall

This lady has a tremendous ability to pull off a wackadoodle hat. Personally, I love it when she whips that talent out and lets it shine, and this harried Cousin It chapeau is just the thing. Add in a new coat, flattering as can be, and I'm sold.

Best in Bling

Queen Elizabeth

This is one of the times when she brings out the serious daytime bling - every year, the Queen's earrings are killer. Now, these are some sapphire and diamond earrings: Kate, take note. (Yet another reason why I love Garter Day: excuses for diamonds in the daylight are always welcome!)

Best Knight

Princess Alexandra

Garter Knights, left to right: the Duke of Edinburgh, Princess Alexandra of Kent, the Duke of Gloucester, the Duke of York, the Princess Royal, the Duke of Kent, the Prince of Wales, the Earl of Wessex, the Duke of Cambridge

I heart Princess Alexandra, plain and simple. There's no one more elegant, especially in velvet and feathers. As I threw out on Twitter earlier today, we need to get a petition started for Alexandra to take Kate under her wing and teach her the Princess way. Who's with me?

Best Enthusiasm

Lady Louise Windsor

And you thought smiley Kate and her blushing husband were the tops of the cute tree. Good thing Louise, watching from the side with her school chums, is here to show you what's up. More Louise, please!

Best Theme

Lady Sarah Chatto

You know how I don't like neutrals. You know how I don't like it when people wear the same thing over and over again. Well, I'm breaking all my rules. Here's Lady Sarah (attending because one of her sons was pageboy for the Queen this year), looking a whole lot like she did yesterday, and a whole lot like she did at the wedding, and I don't care. This lady is on a one-woman crusade to bring back 1950s glam, and I am behind her all the way. You go, Lady Sarah! Show 'em how it's done!

Worst in Mysterious

The Duchess of Gloucester

Here's Birgitte, only seen because she's sitting next to Anne. You can also see her hiding between Kate and the gentleman on the right in the first picture in this post. Barely visible because once again she's not worn anything of note. How sad! She's so utterly lovely (and a total candidate for another Benjamin Button award, I'm telling you). I'm not saying she should start borrowing from the millinery closet of Princess Beatrice, but we could do a little better than navy/black, right?

Who topped your best-dressed list at the Garter Ceremony?

Photos: Getty Images/Daylife/Reuters/Isopix/Newspix/Belga