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 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 Tatiana, 5-11 June

Here's what Tatiana wore from 5-11 June:

1. At a cocktail party celebrating 35 years of Taki's 'High Life' column, 8 June. Bad picture there. Sorry Tatiana, can't concentrate on the dress in these circumstances.

Photos: Dave M. Benett/Getty Images

Week in Review: Princess Marie-Chantal, 5-11 June

Here's what Marie-Chantal wore from 5-11 June:

1. At a cocktail party celebrating 35 years of Taki's 'High Life' column, 8 June. 
2. Attending the ARK Gala, 9 June (yes, alongside some other people). Just lovely, this.

Also, excuse me, when did Maria-Olympia grow up?

Just makes me feel old, that.

Photos: Dave M. Benett/Getty Images/Chris Jackson/Zimbio

Week in Review: Princess Tatiana, 5-11 June

Here's what Tatiana wore from 5-11 June:

1. At a cocktail party celebrating 35 years of Taki's 'High Life' column, 8 June. Bad picture there. Sorry Tatiana, can't concentrate on the dress in these circumstances.

Photos: Dave M. Benett/Getty Images

Week in Review: Princess Marie-Chantal, 5-11 June

Here's what Marie-Chantal wore from 5-11 June:

1. At a cocktail party celebrating 35 years of Taki's 'High Life' column, 8 June. 
2. Attending the ARK Gala, 9 June (yes, alongside some other people). Just lovely, this.

Also, excuse me, when did Maria-Olympia grow up?

Just makes me feel old, that.

Photos: Dave M. Benett/Getty Images/Chris Jackson/Zimbio

Royal Fashion Awards: Ascot 2011, Ladies' Day

It's day 3 of Ascot and it is it should be the best day yet: Ladies' Day! Also known as crazy hat Mecca. The question is: did the royals live up to the occasion? Let us see...

Best Roller Coaster

Princess Anne

Day 1, icy blue perfection. Day 2, stale mustard. Day 3...back on top! And dressed in purple, just for me. (Ha.) Whatever will tomorrow bring? Way to keep us on our toes, Anne.

Best in Non-Ladies' Day Form

Queen Elizabeth

There's definitely something to be said for consistency...but sometimes I just wish Liz would kick it up a notch for days like today. It'd probably scar my retinas for life, but at least we'd have a laugh. Surely that hairnet isn't the only nutty thing banging around in her closet? In the mean time, I suppose hot watermelon pink will have to do.

Best Try

Carole Middleton

All the chatter over the Middletons riding in a carriage today and being in the royal box kinda cracked me up. They have a stake in a horse racing today, why wouldn't they be there? Sophie's father was in a carriage yesterday, no comment on that. People seem to be grasping for things to hyperventilate over in Kate's absence. So good on Carole here for not giving it to them in the form of a fashion disaster. This hat is weird, but whatever.

Worst Loss of Mojo

Princess Beatrice

Seems that one princess-y effort wasn't a permanent trend (sigh). This is just...I mean...it's fine. It's not anything, really. It's like she tried to do something a little trussed up for Ladies' Day, but she forgot to work it. Bea's done lost her hat mojo.

Worst Race Rerun

The Countess of Wessex

Epsom, and now Ascot. While I can credit her for a flattering coat and for mixing up the hat on her repeat, I'm just a little bored overall. With the whole field. Poor Sophie, it's not her fault. UPDATE: I've added the hat into the equation now...and, well, at least somebody brought a little something out of the ordinary.

Best in Lovely

Princess Haya

I know some of you were a bit perturbed to learn that Haya here is one of multiple wives for the Sheikh (see our discussion on just exactly who Princess Haya is here), but I tell you, I have a soft spot for her. Doesn't she look like she'd be just lovely to have a chat with? As Crown Princess Katherine is to royal weddings, Princess Haya is to royal racing.

Worst in Missing Persons

Zara Phillips

You know what we needed today? Some Zara. Where is she? Why has she not been at Ascot for a while? She always brings something interesting to talk about. I need a Bat Signal or something.

Best in Ladies' Day Fashion

Absolutely Nobody

This whole day was a little pffftblerghsigh, wouldn't you say? The answer to my question (did the royals live up to the occasion) is: no. What's the matter, Windsors? Rain got you down? How come not a one of you really embraced the Ladies' Day spirit? People wear dead animals just for this occasion, you know. Two days left for you to redeem yourselves. Don't let us down.

How are you feeling about the Ladies' Day fashion? Am I the only one that's a bit let down?

Photos: Chris Jackson/Getty Images/Daylife/Daily Mail/Isopix/Rex Features

Royal Fashion Awards: Ascot 2011, Ladies' Day

It's day 3 of Ascot and it is it should be the best day yet: Ladies' Day! Also known as crazy hat Mecca. The question is: did the royals live up to the occasion? Let us see...

Best Roller Coaster

Princess Anne

Day 1, icy blue perfection. Day 2, stale mustard. Day 3...back on top! And dressed in purple, just for me. (Ha.) Whatever will tomorrow bring? Way to keep us on our toes, Anne.

Best in Non-Ladies' Day Form

Queen Elizabeth

There's definitely something to be said for consistency...but sometimes I just wish Liz would kick it up a notch for days like today. It'd probably scar my retinas for life, but at least we'd have a laugh. Surely that hairnet isn't the only nutty thing banging around in her closet? In the mean time, I suppose hot watermelon pink will have to do.

Best Try

Carole Middleton

All the chatter over the Middletons riding in a carriage today and being in the royal box kinda cracked me up. They have a stake in a horse racing today, why wouldn't they be there? Sophie's father was in a carriage yesterday, no comment on that. People seem to be grasping for things to hyperventilate over in Kate's absence. So good on Carole here for not giving it to them in the form of a fashion disaster. This hat is weird, but whatever.

Worst Loss of Mojo

Princess Beatrice

Seems that one princess-y effort wasn't a permanent trend (sigh). This is just...I mean...it's fine. It's not anything, really. It's like she tried to do something a little trussed up for Ladies' Day, but she forgot to work it. Bea's done lost her hat mojo.

Worst Race Rerun

The Countess of Wessex

Epsom, and now Ascot. While I can credit her for a flattering coat and for mixing up the hat on her repeat, I'm just a little bored overall. With the whole field. Poor Sophie, it's not her fault. UPDATE: I've added the hat into the equation now...and, well, at least somebody brought a little something out of the ordinary.

Best in Lovely

Princess Haya

I know some of you were a bit perturbed to learn that Haya here is one of multiple wives for the Sheikh (see our discussion on just exactly who Princess Haya is here), but I tell you, I have a soft spot for her. Doesn't she look like she'd be just lovely to have a chat with? As Crown Princess Katherine is to royal weddings, Princess Haya is to royal racing.

Worst in Missing Persons

Zara Phillips

You know what we needed today? Some Zara. Where is she? Why has she not been at Ascot for a while? She always brings something interesting to talk about. I need a Bat Signal or something.

Best in Ladies' Day Fashion

Absolutely Nobody

This whole day was a little pffftblerghsigh, wouldn't you say? The answer to my question (did the royals live up to the occasion) is: no. What's the matter, Windsors? Rain got you down? How come not a one of you really embraced the Ladies' Day spirit? People wear dead animals just for this occasion, you know. Two days left for you to redeem yourselves. Don't let us down.

How are you feeling about the Ladies' Day fashion? Am I the only one that's a bit let down?

Photos: Chris Jackson/Getty Images/Daylife/Daily Mail/Isopix/Rex Features

Week in Review: Princess Mathilde, 5-11 June

Here's what Mathilde wore from 5-11 June:

1. Visiting a retirement home, 8 June. Hey, this looks familiar.
2. At the closing concert of the Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition, 10 June, a) on Mathilde and b) the dress, c) the coat from Emporio Armani. I thought these were flashback pictures at first - with her hair like that, she looks just like she did when she got engaged to Philippe. She looks lovely. What do we need to do to tip the scales from more Natan to more Armani?
3. Attending the religious wedding of Mathilde's sister, Countess Hélène d'Udekem d'Acoz, and Baron Nicolas Janssen, 11 June. Somebody's taking a page out of Máxima's book! 

And here's the lovely bride:

I love it when the veil is the star of the show (bit much for poor Princess Elisabeth, though!). Absolutely gorgeous.

Photos: Nieuwsblad/Elle/Isopix

Week in Review: Princess Mathilde, 5-11 June

Here's what Mathilde wore from 5-11 June:

1. Visiting a retirement home, 8 June. Hey, this looks familiar.
2. At the closing concert of the Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition, 10 June, a) on Mathilde and b) the dress, c) the coat from Emporio Armani. I thought these were flashback pictures at first - with her hair like that, she looks just like she did when she got engaged to Philippe. She looks lovely. What do we need to do to tip the scales from more Natan to more Armani?
3. Attending the religious wedding of Mathilde's sister, Countess Hélène d'Udekem d'Acoz, and Baron Nicolas Janssen, 11 June. Somebody's taking a page out of Máxima's book! 

And here's the lovely bride:

I love it when the veil is the star of the show (bit much for poor Princess Elisabeth, though!). Absolutely gorgeous.

Photos: Nieuwsblad/Elle/Isopix

Week in Review: Charlene Wittstock, 29 May - 4 June

Here's what Charlene wore from 29 May - 4 June:

1. During an interview for French television.
2. At the Grand Prix, 29 May. I must say, I find this adorable. Seems a departure from most of her Akris stuff, and I like it. And you know I love the shoes.
3. Grand Prix gala dinner, 29 May. Ooh, I love a little sparkle. She's like a bronze sculpture.
4. Attending a fundraising event for the Special Olympics, 31 May. Is this the most random print ever? And does it only go on the front of the dress? Je suis confused.

We mustn't forget about the Casiraghis and their assorted plus ones, as they all remembered to turn up for the Grand Prix:

Left to Right: Tatiana Santo Domingo and Andrea Casiraghi, Beatrice Borromeo and Pierre Casiraghi, Alex Dellal and Charlotte Casiraghi

Now, as you know, I am slightly afraid of TSD, even in the summer edition. But I am amused that she has so thoroughly stuck to her apparition-esque appearance, even at the race track. She's an entertaining contrast to Beatrice, who seems to have sought out the least-clothed way to remain respectable on the arm of a pseudo prince. Charlotte's my fave here: bright, weather-appropriate, royal-appropriate. (And it seems that her boyfriend is trying to fill the gap left by the lack of zebra shoes with his own green kicks. Alas, he's going to have to try harder than that.)

Photos: Bauer Griffin/Zimbio/Hola

Week in Review: Charlene Wittstock, 29 May - 4 June

Here's what Charlene wore from 29 May - 4 June:

1. During an interview for French television.
2. At the Grand Prix, 29 May. I must say, I find this adorable. Seems a departure from most of her Akris stuff, and I like it. And you know I love the shoes.
3. Grand Prix gala dinner, 29 May. Ooh, I love a little sparkle. She's like a bronze sculpture.
4. Attending a fundraising event for the Special Olympics, 31 May. Is this the most random print ever? And does it only go on the front of the dress? Je suis confused.

We mustn't forget about the Casiraghis and their assorted plus ones, as they all remembered to turn up for the Grand Prix:

Left to Right: Tatiana Santo Domingo and Andrea Casiraghi, Beatrice Borromeo and Pierre Casiraghi, Alex Dellal and Charlotte Casiraghi

Now, as you know, I am slightly afraid of TSD, even in the summer edition. But I am amused that she has so thoroughly stuck to her apparition-esque appearance, even at the race track. She's an entertaining contrast to Beatrice, who seems to have sought out the least-clothed way to remain respectable on the arm of a pseudo prince. Charlotte's my fave here: bright, weather-appropriate, royal-appropriate. (And it seems that her boyfriend is trying to fill the gap left by the lack of zebra shoes with his own green kicks. Alas, he's going to have to try harder than that.)

Photos: Bauer Griffin/Zimbio/Hola

Week in Review: Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, 29 May - 4 June

Here's what Maria Teresa wore from 29 May - 4 June:

1. Attending a mass for the Octave.
2. At the closing of the Octave of Our Lady of Luxembourg, 29 May. Strange brim on this hat, no? Very...severe. Or something.
3. The welcome ceremony to kick off the state visit from Luxembourg to Norway, 30 May. Ah, the Spring Wonder again! And this time it's grown a little pillbox hat and a cornucopia of fresh produce (maybe?) as a brooch. Still love it, I do. Fantastic shape for her, and she's uniquely suited for this color scheme.
4. More events on Day 1 of the state visit, 30 May. Also worn sans hat. Plain, but I like it.
5. The gala dinner, 30 May. It always bothers me when she uses her wraps as permanent parts of her dress. [Caution: rant ahead.] Can you imagine how annoying that must be? To eat and shake hands and such while keeping your wrap permanently glued to your upper arms? I mean, if you're uncomfortable showing off that part of your body, just don't wear strapless gowns. [End rant.]

Let's pause for a brief diamond break, shall we? We shall.

On her head, Joséphine-Charlotte's Diamond Belgian Scroll Tiara; around her neck, a necklace that can also be worn as a tiara (though not very successfully, in my humble opinion). You will not find that piece in my list of Maria Teresa's tiaras as I've never seen a picture of her wearing it as such. (Same goes for the other tiara-convertible sapphire necklace and sapphire bracelet the family has.) I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong on that, but until then, I'll just assume she agrees with me about the unsuccessfulness of its tiara capabilities.

[And now we return to our regularly scheduled weekly review...]

6. Day 2, 31 May. Uh oh, the Shapeless Suit has returned. A shame.
7. More on Day 2. Sort of the same as Outfit 3...so yes, I really do like this shape on MT.
8. Still on Day 2, the Day of Outfit Changes, I guess, which means she has to repeat Outfit 1!
9. Reception at the end of Day 2. Apparently, we all liked this dress so much when she wore it in red, she went and ordered a second in Kermit Green! We can assume this one is also Elie Saab, then. I confess, I miss the gorgeous deep red, but this is still a great dress. (And you see what I mean about a gown that just covers the arms, MT? So much easier!)

Here, the state visit road ends for our Grand Duchess, even though her husband and the Norwegian royals carried on for another day. Maria Teresa's brother is very ill in the States, and she departed to be with him. You can see the rest of the state visit from the Norwegian side in Mette-Marit's week in review post.

Let's backtrack for a moment to the other significant event of the week: the closing of the Octave in Luxembourg usually gets a fair family turnout, and this year was no exception.

 Left to Right: Princess Tessy, Princess Alexandra, Prince Louis (half hidden behind Alexandra), the Hereditary Grand Duke, the Grand Duchess, the Grand Duke

Love, love Tessy's look, from the big ol' hat right down to the red purse. Alexandra's not making a bad showing either, though she seems a bit thrown together, with her beige(-ish?) fascinator, white coat, navy or black dress, and black shoes.

And the gentlemen...well, they certainly make them dapper in Luxembourg, don't they? Even the littlest family members turned up for the day's balcony appearance:

Prince Noah and Prince Gabriel, sons of Louis and Tessy, dapper princes in training. (Good call taking the hat off, Tessy. Can't you just see one of those boys yanking it off and giving it a toss over the edge?)

Photos: Siste.no/Cour grand-ducale/RTL/Tageblatt/Mark Wilwert/Wort/Vic Fischbach/Getty Images/Daylife/AP Photo/Reuters

Week in Review: Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, 29 May - 4 June

Here's what Maria Teresa wore from 29 May - 4 June:

1. Attending a mass for the Octave.
2. At the closing of the Octave of Our Lady of Luxembourg, 29 May. Strange brim on this hat, no? Very...severe. Or something.
3. The welcome ceremony to kick off the state visit from Luxembourg to Norway, 30 May. Ah, the Spring Wonder again! And this time it's grown a little pillbox hat and a cornucopia of fresh produce (maybe?) as a brooch. Still love it, I do. Fantastic shape for her, and she's uniquely suited for this color scheme.
4. More events on Day 1 of the state visit, 30 May. Also worn sans hat. Plain, but I like it.
5. The gala dinner, 30 May. It always bothers me when she uses her wraps as permanent parts of her dress. [Caution: rant ahead.] Can you imagine how annoying that must be? To eat and shake hands and such while keeping your wrap permanently glued to your upper arms? I mean, if you're uncomfortable showing off that part of your body, just don't wear strapless gowns. [End rant.]

Let's pause for a brief diamond break, shall we? We shall.

On her head, Joséphine-Charlotte's Diamond Belgian Scroll Tiara; around her neck, a necklace that can also be worn as a tiara (though not very successfully, in my humble opinion). You will not find that piece in my list of Maria Teresa's tiaras as I've never seen a picture of her wearing it as such. (Same goes for the other tiara-convertible sapphire necklace and sapphire bracelet the family has.) I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong on that, but until then, I'll just assume she agrees with me about the unsuccessfulness of its tiara capabilities.

[And now we return to our regularly scheduled weekly review...]

6. Day 2, 31 May. Uh oh, the Shapeless Suit has returned. A shame.
7. More on Day 2. Sort of the same as Outfit 3...so yes, I really do like this shape on MT.
8. Still on Day 2, the Day of Outfit Changes, I guess, which means she has to repeat Outfit 1!
9. Reception at the end of Day 2. Apparently, we all liked this dress so much when she wore it in red, she went and ordered a second in Kermit Green! We can assume this one is also Elie Saab, then. I confess, I miss the gorgeous deep red, but this is still a great dress. (And you see what I mean about a gown that just covers the arms, MT? So much easier!)

Here, the state visit road ends for our Grand Duchess, even though her husband and the Norwegian royals carried on for another day. Maria Teresa's brother is very ill in the States, and she departed to be with him. You can see the rest of the state visit from the Norwegian side in Mette-Marit's week in review post.

Let's backtrack for a moment to the other significant event of the week: the closing of the Octave in Luxembourg usually gets a fair family turnout, and this year was no exception.

 Left to Right: Princess Tessy, Princess Alexandra, Prince Louis (half hidden behind Alexandra), the Hereditary Grand Duke, the Grand Duchess, the Grand Duke

Love, love Tessy's look, from the big ol' hat right down to the red purse. Alexandra's not making a bad showing either, though she seems a bit thrown together, with her beige(-ish?) fascinator, white coat, navy or black dress, and black shoes.

And the gentlemen...well, they certainly make them dapper in Luxembourg, don't they? Even the littlest family members turned up for the day's balcony appearance:

Prince Noah and Prince Gabriel, sons of Louis and Tessy, dapper princes in training. (Good call taking the hat off, Tessy. Can't you just see one of those boys yanking it off and giving it a toss over the edge?)

Photos: Siste.no/Cour grand-ducale/RTL/Tageblatt/Mark Wilwert/Wort/Vic Fischbach/Getty Images/Daylife/AP Photo/Reuters