Royal Fashion Minute: Princess Beatrice Hires Stylist

Beatrice The Fashionista...

Beatrice and The Hat, at William and Kate's Royal Wedding-pre-stylist

It was just announced that our dear Princess Beatrice--yes, the one of THE famous Philip Treacy hat at the William & Kate Royal Wedding has hired a stylist!! According to the Daily Mail, she has hired Charlie Anderson, who is represented by Naked Artists (and they confirmed the news by the way) Not sure why--personally, I think she was doing just fine. Supposedly, it had a lot to do with "The Hat" incident, but to tell you the truth A) I LOVED the hat and B) I think she looked FAB in that Valentino Haute Couture coat-dress ensemble. I think she "stole the show" that day (besides Pippa of course!). So, I'm at a loss as to why she would need to hire one. Also, she doesn't really work, so how can she afford to....hire a stylist? And one who charges 1,500 Pounds ($2,400) a day. Her father, Prince Andrew is footing the bill, one assumes.

Gown Perfect: Princesses Beatrice (left) and Eugenie (right) with mom, Sarah Ferguson Duchess of York, White Tie And Tiara Ball

Anderson happens to be actress Emma Watson's stylist (as well as others) and is very connected with all the top fashion designers. One of her first assignments was to style Beatrice for the White Tie And Tiara Ball hosted by Sir Elton John.

$117,000 Perfection: Princess Beatrice in Elie Saab Spring 2011 Haute Couture

The Princess wore a blush-colored, completely hand-beaded gown from Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring 2011 Collection priced at 73,000 Pounds--approximately $117,000 (yes kids, THAT'S what a COUTURE Gown costs!!). As you tell from the above, the gown was probably THE actual Runway sample (look how LONG it is on Beatrice!) since designers don't really make several samples of their Haute Couture gowns that cost over $100,000.

Beatrice's Elie Saab Spring 2011 Haute Couture Gown--on the runway

It will be interesting to see how much more of a "Fashion Gal" Princess Beatrice will be now that she has hired a stylist...Time and more Red Carpet events, will tell...

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

Week in Review: The Duchess of Cambridge, 5-11 June

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

1. Out shopping, 9 June. Oh! A serious color, you know I love that.
2. More shopping, 9 June. Two shopping outfits on the same day...that's the life, my friends. Where can I sign up for that? Harry, call me.
3. Attending the ARK Gala, 9 June, a) on Kate, b) from Jenny Packham and shoes from LK Bennett. She also carried a Prada clutch and wore Links of London earrings. Similar dresses have been worn on Gossip Girl and by Dita von Teese (of all the people you never thought Kate would be lumped in with...). Everybody was gushing over this one; personally, I found it very encouraging. I'm choosing to consider this a baby step into magpie territory: start small, just some sparkle on the gown, and before you know it, she'll be piling on the diamonds. Right? (Just nod and smile. If I'm wrong, I'd prefer to let the disappointment set in gradually over the years.) I am also choosing to consider this a step into serious shoe territory: pink with bows? Yes, please! Let's bring these babies out again with a shorter skirt so they can really shine.
4. Trooping the Colour, 11 June, a) on Kate, and b) the coat from Alexander McQueen. The hat is from Philip Treacy, and is a black version of the one Queen Sonja wore to Kate's wedding (talk about another person you never thought you'd lump Kate's style in with). I was totally bored when I saw her in the carriage; the coat just looked like a plain cream suit, and the hat is weird. I was all prepped to take another neutral nap. But I can't hate now, because she wore McQueen, and it does have the potential for fierceness. I'm not sure she's quite there yet (like I said, she's still missing the riding crop...), but once again I am encouraged.
5. Attending the wedding of Sam Waley-Cohen and Annabell Ballin, 11 June. And for her next trick to make me declare this a good week, Kate pulled out the ultimate illusion: she dressed her sister up like this...and stood next to her. SHAZAM! Kate looks amazing! She could have worn anything, really, so this repeated dress and hat from the morning certainly make the grade. Listen, if you can come up with any shred of logic for the things The Pips has thrown together here...I need to know. Report back in the comments.

Best and Worst of the Week

The sparkly thing wins the week, because, well, hello. Logic tells us that Outfit 2 has to be the worst, because we can't go calling anything in living color bad, nor can we do that for McQueen, and my hands are tied on number 5 because of the magic Fug Pippa trick. So, there you have it. What say you?

(Pssst: before someone asks, week in review posts end on Saturday, that's why the blue number isn't here. Besides, we have to save some color for next week, just in case we need it.)

Photos: Popsugar/Arthur Edwards/Rota/Daily Mail/Jenny Packham/LK Bennett/Getty Images/Daylife/Net-a-porter

Week in Review: The Duchess of Cambridge, 5-11 June

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

1. Out shopping, 9 June. Oh! A serious color, you know I love that.
2. More shopping, 9 June. Two shopping outfits on the same day...that's the life, my friends. Where can I sign up for that? Harry, call me.
3. Attending the ARK Gala, 9 June, a) on Kate, b) from Jenny Packham and shoes from LK Bennett. She also carried a Prada clutch and wore Links of London earrings. Similar dresses have been worn on Gossip Girl and by Dita von Teese (of all the people you never thought Kate would be lumped in with...). Everybody was gushing over this one; personally, I found it very encouraging. I'm choosing to consider this a baby step into magpie territory: start small, just some sparkle on the gown, and before you know it, she'll be piling on the diamonds. Right? (Just nod and smile. If I'm wrong, I'd prefer to let the disappointment set in gradually over the years.) I am also choosing to consider this a step into serious shoe territory: pink with bows? Yes, please! Let's bring these babies out again with a shorter skirt so they can really shine.
4. Trooping the Colour, 11 June, a) on Kate, and b) the coat from Alexander McQueen. The hat is from Philip Treacy, and is a black version of the one Queen Sonja wore to Kate's wedding (talk about another person you never thought you'd lump Kate's style in with). I was totally bored when I saw her in the carriage; the coat just looked like a plain cream suit, and the hat is weird. I was all prepped to take another neutral nap. But I can't hate now, because she wore McQueen, and it does have the potential for fierceness. I'm not sure she's quite there yet (like I said, she's still missing the riding crop...), but once again I am encouraged.
5. Attending the wedding of Sam Waley-Cohen and Annabell Ballin, 11 June. And for her next trick to make me declare this a good week, Kate pulled out the ultimate illusion: she dressed her sister up like this...and stood next to her. SHAZAM! Kate looks amazing! She could have worn anything, really, so this repeated dress and hat from the morning certainly make the grade. Listen, if you can come up with any shred of logic for the things The Pips has thrown together here...I need to know. Report back in the comments.

Best and Worst of the Week

The sparkly thing wins the week, because, well, hello. Logic tells us that Outfit 2 has to be the worst, because we can't go calling anything in living color bad, nor can we do that for McQueen, and my hands are tied on number 5 because of the magic Fug Pippa trick. So, there you have it. What say you?

(Pssst: before someone asks, week in review posts end on Saturday, that's why the blue number isn't here. Besides, we have to save some color for next week, just in case we need it.)

Photos: Popsugar/Arthur Edwards/Rota/Daily Mail/Jenny Packham/LK Bennett/Getty Images/Daylife/Net-a-porter

Week in Review: Princess Beatrice, 24-30 April

Here's what Beatrice wore from 24-30 April:

1. Easter at Windsor, 24 April. One of her more sane outfits, as it turns out.
2. Pre-wedding dinner before the royal wedding, 28 April, a) on Beatrice, and b) from Australian designer Rachel Gilbert. Love that she gave a little love to some fashion from Down Under.
3. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding, 29 April, a) on Beatrice, and b) from Valentino Couture. As we determined on the wedding day, this is the hat that keeps on giving: Facebook fans, tribute websites, memes galore.
4. The evening party after the wedding, 29 April, a) on Beatrice, and b) from Marchesa. I'm not the biggest Marchesa fan, but this color is luscious. It's better when I don't include the pic of it tucked up behind her.

Those of you still wondering WHAT Bea was thinking (which is all of you) might find this video interesting. A crew from ABC News ran into Beatrice at Philip Treacy's salon just before the wedding. She tells them that she has no idea what he's designing for her; she trusts him, apparently. So: is it Bea's fault, or is it Treacy's? And which is worse? (You'll also see Cynthia McFadden trying on the hat that Treacy made for Zara Phillips. If I'm Zara, I'm about to call up and read this guy the riot act. You let a journalist's head touch my hat???)

Photos: Getty Images/Daylife/Style.com/Net-a-porter/Rachel Gilbert

Week in Review: Princess Beatrice, 24-30 April

Here's what Beatrice wore from 24-30 April:

1. Easter at Windsor, 24 April. One of her more sane outfits, as it turns out.
2. Pre-wedding dinner before the royal wedding, 28 April, a) on Beatrice, and b) from Australian designer Rachel Gilbert. Love that she gave a little love to some fashion from Down Under.
3. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding, 29 April, a) on Beatrice, and b) from Valentino Couture. As we determined on the wedding day, this is the hat that keeps on giving: Facebook fans, tribute websites, memes galore.
4. The evening party after the wedding, 29 April, a) on Beatrice, and b) from Marchesa. I'm not the biggest Marchesa fan, but this color is luscious. It's better when I don't include the pic of it tucked up behind her.

Those of you still wondering WHAT Bea was thinking (which is all of you) might find this video interesting. A crew from ABC News ran into Beatrice at Philip Treacy's salon just before the wedding. She tells them that she has no idea what he's designing for her; she trusts him, apparently. So: is it Bea's fault, or is it Treacy's? And which is worse? (You'll also see Cynthia McFadden trying on the hat that Treacy made for Zara Phillips. If I'm Zara, I'm about to call up and read this guy the riot act. You let a journalist's head touch my hat???)

Photos: Getty Images/Daylife/Style.com/Net-a-porter/Rachel Gilbert

Week in Review: Princess Eugenie, 24-30 April

Here's what Eugenie wore from 24-30 April:

1. Easter at Windsor, 24 April.
2. Pre-wedding dinner before the royal wedding, 28 April.
3. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding, 29 April.
4. The evening party after the wedding, 29 April.

Yup, I still like her in Vivienne Westwood, wedding outfit and all. More, please!

Photos: Reuters/Getty/Daylife

Week in Review: Princess Eugenie, 24-30 April

Here's what Eugenie wore from 24-30 April:

1. Easter at Windsor, 24 April.
2. Pre-wedding dinner before the royal wedding, 28 April.
3. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding, 29 April.
4. The evening party after the wedding, 29 April.

Yup, I still like her in Vivienne Westwood, wedding outfit and all. More, please!

Photos: Reuters/Getty/Daylife

William and Catherine Royal Wedding: The Royal Family Red Carpet!

La Reina y everybody else...and THAT FABULOUS Hat Princess Beatrice wore!!!

Continuing with my "Royal Wedding Red Carpet Report", I couldn't leave out the Royal Family of course...Let's begin with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. I expected her to be in a soft pastel but no, kids, she went ALL OUT COLOR, wearing a primrose wool crepe coat and dress from Royal Dresser Angela Kelly. Kelly has been The Queen's personal designer/stylist/wardrobe coordinator for about 17 years and in 2006 was recognized with the honor of becoming a Member of the Royal Victorian Order.

Primrose Queen: Queen Elizabeth II

The color was outstanding in that it made her presence known. And surely, NO ONE could miss her--even the kids watching from the farthest of bleachers! She has stated that she wears bright colors to these events with large audiences, so that everyone can spot her. She accessorized it with the stunning Queen Mary's True Lovers Knot brooch (how appropriate!) and also wore a matching hat, her ever-present pearls and of course, her handbag.

The Fashion Girls Have Arrived: Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice of York

The Younger Royals were well represented in terms of fashion with Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice of York, daughters of Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York. Both girls have become quite the Fashionistas and were expected to be "giving" fashion with a Capital "F". Eugenie (the younger of the two, on the left) wore a Vivienne Westwood fitted multi-colored jacket and poufy silk taffeta skirt and Jimmy Choo shoes. Beatrice, on the right, surprised a lot of fashion insiders by not wearing a British brand and in fact, choosing to wear...

Valentino Haute Couture Spring 2011. How a 23 year old university student can afford to buy Couture (that hand-made custom ordered coat-dress probably costs in the vicinity of $25,000. Not kidding) is questioned but then again, she is a Princess so I'm sure she's got a "Princess Checking Account". Incidentally, Beatrice is FIFTH in line of succession for the Royal Throne of SIXTEEN independent states: Hello!

Chapeau Divas: Princess Eugenie and Beatrice of York, in Philip Treacy

I thought Beatrice's Valentino Haute Couture coat-dress was elegant, timeless and appropriate for a Royal Wedding. And--more importantly--made a perfect canvas for THAT over-the-top Philip Treacy hat! I LOVED it! I'm sure there are "haters" who just "didn't get it" but huney, you've got me in your corner darling! Kudos to Philip Treacy and Kudos to her for having the inner-drag Queen Fabulousness, to wear it! Oh yeah, I liked Princess Eugenie's chapeau as well...

Their father, Prince Andrew, Duke of York looked great in uniform...

As well as their Uncle--and Father of the Groom--HRH Charles Prince of Wales and heir apparent.

Who Looked Best? Carole Middleton or HRH, the Duchess of Cornwall

Mother of the Bride, Carole Middleton was quietly elegant (maybe too quiet for my taste) in a pearly blue wool crepe coat and silk shantung day dress by Catherine Walker, a favorite designer of the late Princess Diana. The coat featured matching satin piping and braiding at the waist and sleeve hems. Her hat was created by milliner Jane Corbett. It was the perfect "Mother of The Bride", simple, serene. But part of me wanted just "a little more". Next to her, is HRH Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, who looked slightly more fabulous in a champagne-colored silk box-pleated coat and duck egg blue-and-champagne silk dress designed by Anna Valentine. Her hat was by Philip Treacy.

Princely Chic: Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex with his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex

Sophie, the Countess of Wessex had her ensemble custom made by British Designer Bruce Oldfield, and supposedly paid full price for it (estimated at approximately 6,000 pounds according to some sources), according to the UK tabloids--and good for her! (and Oldfield--no freebies darling!!). LOVED the sleeve embroidered detail and the horizontal seaming in the jacket at the torso-bust.

And last but not least, we have Princess Anne, only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and aunt to the groom, Prince William. Bless her heart--she wore a flower-printed lilac and lime green coat with large cuffs and a purple silk taffeta dress underneath. It was kinda too EIGHTIES/early NINETIES for my taste (those fold-up cuffs! Hello!). The hat and swooped-up hairstyle, dated--as well as aged-- her. On a positive note: Her figure under all that looks GREAT!

Nick Verreos Project Runway MyLifetime.com Recaps: Episode 4!

Hat Fantastique!!!

On last night's Project Runway Season 8 Episode, the contestants had to create an ensemble inspired by incredible Hat Couture designed by Philip Treacy. Who needs an outfit when you've got those FABULOUS hats??!! The episode was filled with Ambulances, a Designer Down, More of Gretchen Replacing Tim Gunn while he's not there, FOUR designers caught...

The "Handkerchief Hem Bug" and we even got to witness...

The FIRST ever Triple Panty in Project Runway History from...

Separated at Birth?! Figure Skater Nicole Bobek (left) and Project Runway Contestant Nicole Johnston (right)

Designer April Johnston--who bears a striking resemblance to Olympic Figure Skater Nicole Bobek (I know, did I just give you a Figure Skating Reference!?). She designed a Hoochie Indochine ensemble to go with her Asiana-inspired hat. I suggested that maybe she should have referenced...

John Galliano's masterful Spring 2007 Haute Couture Christian Dior Collection...but alas she did not. For all my thoughts, below is the beginning of my MyLifetime.com Recap of this week's Hat-Glorious Episode:

Finally...It is interesting that the winning design was worn with this iconic Isabella Blow hat (below). Maybe the memories for Philip Treacy helped give Michael Costello the win?!

We Will Miss You Isabella Blow xoxo

Below is the beginning of my mylifetime.com recap:

Sad Orchids, Handkerchief Hems and a Triple Panty Party!!

OMG!!! It's Philip friggin' Treacy! God, Genius, Hat Zeus! Seriously, I got the shivers just thinking about what I would design with one of his masterpieces! I was so excited at the prospect of the marvelous creations these designers would make. But then someone slapped me back to life — I think it was the Ghost of Alexis Carrington from "Dynasty" — with the realization that Casanova was still in the show and that there would certainly be some embarrassing messes ahead ... But before we get to all that, plus the Triple Panty Party and how EVERYONE'S drinking the Handkerchief Hem Kool-Aid, let's talk about Designer Down.....

Click HERE to read the entire Recap!