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

Week in Review: Crown Princess Victoria, 19-25 June

Here's what Victoria wore from 19-25 June:

1. Attending the opening of an exhibit at the Prince Eugene's Waldemarsudde Art Museum, 21 June. Repeating her H&M dress, YSL sandals, Malene Birger bag. Meh.

Week in Review: Crown Princess Victoria, 19-25 June

Here's what Victoria wore from 19-25 June:

1. Attending the opening of an exhibit at the Prince Eugene's Waldemarsudde Art Museum, 21 June. Repeating her H&M dress, YSL sandals, Malene Birger bag. Meh.

Week in Review: Crown Princess Victoria, 15-21 May

Here's what Victoria wore from 15-21 May:

1. Speaking at the opening of the Nobel Laureate Symposium on Global Sustainability, 17 May. Here's a full length view from a previous outing.
2. Arriving in Ockelbo (Daniel's home) for their three day visit, 19 May.
3. Dinner at Gavle Palace, 19 May, a) on Victoria and b) from Escada. We have this one in navy, and the long version in red...wow, when she likes something, she goes all out, doesn't she?
4. More engagements, 20 May, with YSL shoes and Malene Birger bag (Victoria often goes with Birger for bags).
5. Reception in Ockelbo, 20 May. The traditional outfits were a wedding gift.
6. Last day in Ockelbo, 21 May. Ah, a repeat from the glorious stylist days before the wedding. Nostalgia!

Best and Worst of the Week

Let's start with the worst. Outfit 2...well, it looks like something Queen Elizabeth would have worn in at Victoria's age, sensible lady that she is. Which is fine. For 1956. I'm no fan of that H&M dress from outfit 4, but at least it's youthful! The Alberta Ferretti is also a rather mature look, but it gets my best anyways because I'm still clinging to the notion that she might make a triumphant return to her pre-wedding style one of these days. A girl can dream.

Photos: PPE/Svenskdam/ANP/PurePeople/Abaca

Week in Review: Crown Princess Victoria, 15-21 May

Here's what Victoria wore from 15-21 May:

1. Speaking at the opening of the Nobel Laureate Symposium on Global Sustainability, 17 May. Here's a full length view from a previous outing.
2. Arriving in Ockelbo (Daniel's home) for their three day visit, 19 May.
3. Dinner at Gavle Palace, 19 May, a) on Victoria and b) from Escada. We have this one in navy, and the long version in red...wow, when she likes something, she goes all out, doesn't she?
4. More engagements, 20 May, with YSL shoes and Malene Birger bag (Victoria often goes with Birger for bags).
5. Reception in Ockelbo, 20 May. The traditional outfits were a wedding gift.
6. Last day in Ockelbo, 21 May. Ah, a repeat from the glorious stylist days before the wedding. Nostalgia!

Best and Worst of the Week

Let's start with the worst. Outfit 2...well, it looks like something Queen Elizabeth would have worn in at Victoria's age, sensible lady that she is. Which is fine. For 1956. I'm no fan of that H&M dress from outfit 4, but at least it's youthful! The Alberta Ferretti is also a rather mature look, but it gets my best anyways because I'm still clinging to the notion that she might make a triumphant return to her pre-wedding style one of these days. A girl can dream.

Photos: PPE/Svenskdam/ANP/PurePeople/Abaca

Week in Review: Crown Princess Mary, 8-14 May

Here's what Mary wore from 8-14 May:

1. At the 2011 Årest Reumert Awards, 8 May, a) on Mary and b) from Prada. Not a fan of this, and I'm not sure why...don't like the large scale of the lace, maybe? Or maybe that's just my predisposition to dislike Prada showing through.
2. Buying Isabella a new bike, 10 May.
3. State dinner for the South Korean President's state visit, 11 May, a) on Mary and b) from Malene Birger. Tremendously plain dress, but I like it for a princess. Nice and appropriate.
4. Celebrating their wedding anniversary out to dinner, 14 May. No heels?? Say what??

Now, since we have a state visit, there's more fun to be had! Mary was a no-show for the arrival ceremony, but we did get fashions from these lovely ladies:

Marie's repeating the dress she wore to christen Henrik. (Little Henrik, her son. Not big Henrik, though that visual is pure comedy.) I think this is one of her best appearances: youthful, yet put together. Margrethe's got her racing stripes on, so it's not like there was major competition. Bonus points to all the ladies for team outfit coordination.

And on to the non-Mary gowns at the gala dinner:

Margrethe's very Margrethe-y, per her usual. Benedikte's repeating the nightie we last saw at MII's birthday celebrations, and Marie's very Marie-y, per usual, by which I mean she's worn another evening gown better suited to a starlet on the red carpet, or a teen at prom on a budget in this case. I just don't think this is doing our Marie any favors.

It's a full-on gala, so you know what that means: gratuitious bling time!

Margrethe's pulled an unusual piece out of the vaults, her turquoise bandeau. (And she's pulled a page out of Queen Sonja's book, wearing whatever colors she pleases with it.) Benedikte's wearing her star tiara, with a rather disturbing Farrah Fawcett sort of do (note to B.: you simply must have more hair than this to try that look out, dear). Marie's in her usual (only) tiara. And Mary's changed her wedding tiara! Can you smell the Tiara Thursday coming? It will be, so you consider this until then. Contemplate. Ruminate. Do other things that rhyme. Consider it your homework.

And one last event, a reception on Thursday. Once again, Mary is nowhere to be found, so in her absence:

More pink for Marg, and a very coordinated and classy look for her sister B. Marie's got an LBD with a little rosette detail all around to bottom and up the back. It's almost like she's stepped it up a bit in Mary's absence (same at the arrival ceremony). I might find this twee on anyone else, but it goes with her smile.

Who's your best-dressed lady from the South Korean state visit?

Photos: Ekstra Bladet/BilledBladet/PPE/Nieboer

Week in Review: Crown Princess Mary, 8-14 May

Here's what Mary wore from 8-14 May:

1. At the 2011 Årest Reumert Awards, 8 May, a) on Mary and b) from Prada. Not a fan of this, and I'm not sure why...don't like the large scale of the lace, maybe? Or maybe that's just my predisposition to dislike Prada showing through.
2. Buying Isabella a new bike, 10 May.
3. State dinner for the South Korean President's state visit, 11 May, a) on Mary and b) from Malene Birger. Tremendously plain dress, but I like it for a princess. Nice and appropriate.
4. Celebrating their wedding anniversary out to dinner, 14 May. No heels?? Say what??

Now, since we have a state visit, there's more fun to be had! Mary was a no-show for the arrival ceremony, but we did get fashions from these lovely ladies:

Marie's repeating the dress she wore to christen Henrik. (Little Henrik, her son. Not big Henrik, though that visual is pure comedy.) I think this is one of her best appearances: youthful, yet put together. Margrethe's got her racing stripes on, so it's not like there was major competition. Bonus points to all the ladies for team outfit coordination.

And on to the non-Mary gowns at the gala dinner:

Margrethe's very Margrethe-y, per her usual. Benedikte's repeating the nightie we last saw at MII's birthday celebrations, and Marie's very Marie-y, per usual, by which I mean she's worn another evening gown better suited to a starlet on the red carpet, or a teen at prom on a budget in this case. I just don't think this is doing our Marie any favors.

It's a full-on gala, so you know what that means: gratuitious bling time!

Margrethe's pulled an unusual piece out of the vaults, her turquoise bandeau. (And she's pulled a page out of Queen Sonja's book, wearing whatever colors she pleases with it.) Benedikte's wearing her star tiara, with a rather disturbing Farrah Fawcett sort of do (note to B.: you simply must have more hair than this to try that look out, dear). Marie's in her usual (only) tiara. And Mary's changed her wedding tiara! Can you smell the Tiara Thursday coming? It will be, so you consider this until then. Contemplate. Ruminate. Do other things that rhyme. Consider it your homework.

And one last event, a reception on Thursday. Once again, Mary is nowhere to be found, so in her absence:

More pink for Marg, and a very coordinated and classy look for her sister B. Marie's got an LBD with a little rosette detail all around to bottom and up the back. It's almost like she's stepped it up a bit in Mary's absence (same at the arrival ceremony). I might find this twee on anyone else, but it goes with her smile.

Who's your best-dressed lady from the South Korean state visit?

Photos: Ekstra Bladet/BilledBladet/PPE/Nieboer

Week in Review: Crown Princess Victoria, 10-16 April

Here's what Victoria wore from 10-16 April:

1. Visiting the Swedish Armed Forces' Viking exercise, 10 April.
2. At a gala dinner at the Palace, 13 April, with her two handsome escorts. Wearing this Malene Birger gown we've seen before, and that Crown Princess Mary also has. I'm tempted to say that this is a little more black tie than white tie, but it's better than the last time she got those two confused, so I'll keep my trap shut.
3. Visiting the isle of Gotland, 15 April. A great, simple dress, but once again I find the boots and black stockings weigh the whole thing down.
4. Dinner in Gotland, 15 April.

More ladies from the gala, just for fun:

Queen Silvia's mixing two different outfits here, with minimal success (in my opinion). The gold and the brown combo is just a little too reminiscent of a 1970s kitchen for me, but she does get points for her gorgeous Connaught Diamond tiara. I like it with her hair down, it's a nice little nest for the jewels. Princess Christina's repeating from the Nobel Prizes with her gown, and looking lovely while at it. So nice to see her back in action and well after fighting cancer.

Photos: Svenskdam/helagotland.se

Week in Review: Crown Princess Victoria, 10-16 April

Here's what Victoria wore from 10-16 April:

1. Visiting the Swedish Armed Forces' Viking exercise, 10 April.
2. At a gala dinner at the Palace, 13 April, with her two handsome escorts. Wearing this Malene Birger gown we've seen before, and that Crown Princess Mary also has. I'm tempted to say that this is a little more black tie than white tie, but it's better than the last time she got those two confused, so I'll keep my trap shut.
3. Visiting the isle of Gotland, 15 April. A great, simple dress, but once again I find the boots and black stockings weigh the whole thing down.
4. Dinner in Gotland, 15 April.

More ladies from the gala, just for fun:

Queen Silvia's mixing two different outfits here, with minimal success (in my opinion). The gold and the brown combo is just a little too reminiscent of a 1970s kitchen for me, but she does get points for her gorgeous Connaught Diamond tiara. I like it with her hair down, it's a nice little nest for the jewels. Princess Christina's repeating from the Nobel Prizes with her gown, and looking lovely while at it. So nice to see her back in action and well after fighting cancer.

Photos: Svenskdam/helagotland.se

Royal Style Duel: Mary vs. Victoria

Yet another thing I'm way late in covering: another royal twin appearance!

Mary sported this gown first in white at Victoria's private pre-wedding party, followed by Victoria herself in the gray version while on duty with Willem-Alexander:

You think Victoria and Mary had a little fashion chat at the party? That's the scenario I'm going with, just because the picture of a couple of princesses sneaking off for a bit of girl talk makes me smile.

This, of course, is from Malene Birger:

Now, here's something I thought might be fun: let's put it to a style duel and see who wore it best! Cast your vote below:



Photos: Svenskdam

Royal Style Duel: Mary vs. Victoria

Yet another thing I'm way late in covering: another royal twin appearance!

Mary sported this gown first in white at Victoria's private pre-wedding party, followed by Victoria herself in the gray version while on duty with Willem-Alexander:

You think Victoria and Mary had a little fashion chat at the party? That's the scenario I'm going with, just because the picture of a couple of princesses sneaking off for a bit of girl talk makes me smile.

This, of course, is from Malene Birger:

Now, here's something I thought might be fun: let's put it to a style duel and see who wore it best! Cast your vote below:



Photos: Svenskdam

Week in Review: Crown Princess Mary, 19 - 25 September

Here's what Crown Princess Mary wore the week of 19-25 September:

1.  Accepting the keys to their new home, 21 September.  I adore this repeated Malene Birger coat (and love that she's able to use it both for maternity and non-maternity wear) but what I love even more is that little Isabella got her own mini-bouquet.  Aww.

Week in Review: Crown Princess Mary, 19 - 25 September

Here's what Crown Princess Mary wore the week of 19-25 September:

1.  Accepting the keys to their new home, 21 September.  I adore this repeated Malene Birger coat (and love that she's able to use it both for maternity and non-maternity wear) but what I love even more is that little Isabella got her own mini-bouquet.  Aww.

Week in Review: Crown Princess Mary, 5-11 September

Here's what Crown Princess Mary wore the week of 5-11 September:

1.  With the Danish Refugee Council, 5 September.  The Malene Birger top looks a little big here, but I love the draping.
2. Gala evening for the Danish Refugee Council, 5 September.  Repeated dress.
3. Premiere of Eksperimentet at Dagmar Teatrat, 7 September. 
4. Opening the Buster film festival, 9 September.  Love this combination!
5. Charity dinner for the World Wildlife Federation, 9 September.

Best and Worst of the Week

Oh, I love a purple dress.  If I could change one thing, I'd take those leafy things off (they remind me of the stuck on adornment of the dresses that Victoria lent during her wedding, and I don't think they're necessary), but I love the rest enough to make up for it.  Speaking of unnecessary adornment, let's move on to the yellow dress.  All that froufiness at the top is just adding bulk, and the leopard accessories are overdoing it.


Photos: PPE/Colourpress/NDam/Abaca/Purepeople

Week in Review: Crown Princess Mary, 5-11 September

Here's what Crown Princess Mary wore the week of 5-11 September:

1.  With the Danish Refugee Council, 5 September.  The Malene Birger top looks a little big here, but I love the draping.
2. Gala evening for the Danish Refugee Council, 5 September.  Repeated dress.
3. Premiere of Eksperimentet at Dagmar Teatrat, 7 September. 
4. Opening the Buster film festival, 9 September.  Love this combination!
5. Charity dinner for the World Wildlife Federation, 9 September.

Best and Worst of the Week

Oh, I love a purple dress.  If I could change one thing, I'd take those leafy things off (they remind me of the stuck on adornment of the dresses that Victoria lent during her wedding, and I don't think they're necessary), but I love the rest enough to make up for it.  Speaking of unnecessary adornment, let's move on to the yellow dress.  All that froufiness at the top is just adding bulk, and the leopard accessories are overdoing it.


Photos: PPE/Colourpress/NDam/Abaca/Purepeople

Week in Review: Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 15-21 August

Here's what Crown Princess Mette-Marit wore the week of 15-21 August:

1.  Presenting awards at a beach volleyball tournament, 15 August, a) in action and b) the Malene Birger top as modeled.  Looks better on M-M, no?
2. At a fashion show, 17 August, a) the Valentino shoes on display and b) in action.  SHOES!  I heart them.  Who cares about the dress.
3. Ingrid Alexandra's first day of school, 19 August.

Best and Worst of the Week

Hot shoes vs. an excessively large coat.  No contest.

Photos: FVN.no

Week in Review: Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 15-21 August

Here's what Crown Princess Mette-Marit wore the week of 15-21 August:

1.  Presenting awards at a beach volleyball tournament, 15 August, a) in action and b) the Malene Birger top as modeled.  Looks better on M-M, no?
2. At a fashion show, 17 August, a) the Valentino shoes on display and b) in action.  SHOES!  I heart them.  Who cares about the dress.
3. Ingrid Alexandra's first day of school, 19 August.

Best and Worst of the Week

Hot shoes vs. an excessively large coat.  No contest.

Photos: FVN.no