Week in Review: Crown Princess Mary, 3 - 9 July

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

1. Visiting Circus Summarum with Isabella and Christian in a repeated Hugo Boss dress. Taken individually, I do not like a single one of these prints. And yet, you stick them all together, and I think you end up with a super cute little frock. What kind of sartorial magic is this?

Week in Review: Crown Princess Mary, 3 - 9 July

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

1. Visiting Circus Summarum with Isabella and Christian in a repeated Hugo Boss dress. Taken individually, I do not like a single one of these prints. And yet, you stick them all together, and I think you end up with a super cute little frock. What kind of sartorial magic is this?

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

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

1. Attending a conference for Importante, a project for female ambition, 28 June. Being married to the Prince of Orange and all, I'm really quite surprised she didn't go for orange in this like Mathilde did. But I'm glad, too, because I think I like the blue better.
2. Arriving in Monaco, 1 July. Love. This. Perfect waist for Máx! I also think I saw some pics of her mucking about Monaco casually, but wouldn't you know, I can't find them now...alas.
3. Attending the concert/reception before the religious wedding, 1 July. Greek goddess, or bathing beauty...your choice.
4. At the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Monaco, 2 July. Classic Máxima.
5. At the evening ball, 2 July. Classic again - it's all about the jewels, and you know what that means: gratuitous bling time!

Aquamarines for the win - bonus Máxima expression included free of charge.

WAIT - one more thing. Did you see Máxima's shoes at the wedding?

Lolz. What would we do without our Máx to give us a daily giggle?


Photos: Newscom/Getty Images/Daylife/Dutch Photo Press/Hola/Svenskdam

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

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

1. Attending a conference for Importante, a project for female ambition, 28 June. Being married to the Prince of Orange and all, I'm really quite surprised she didn't go for orange in this like Mathilde did. But I'm glad, too, because I think I like the blue better.
2. Arriving in Monaco, 1 July. Love. This. Perfect waist for Máx! I also think I saw some pics of her mucking about Monaco casually, but wouldn't you know, I can't find them now...alas.
3. Attending the concert/reception before the religious wedding, 1 July. Greek goddess, or bathing beauty...your choice.
4. At the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Monaco, 2 July. Classic Máxima.
5. At the evening ball, 2 July. Classic again - it's all about the jewels, and you know what that means: gratuitous bling time!

Aquamarines for the win - bonus Máxima expression included free of charge.

WAIT - one more thing. Did you see Máxima's shoes at the wedding?

Lolz. What would we do without our Máx to give us a daily giggle?


Photos: Newscom/Getty Images/Daylife/Dutch Photo Press/Hola/Svenskdam

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

(Previously, on Kate n' Wills Take North America....) And now we've arrived at the end of the Canada trip, and the moment we've all been waiting for: the cowboy hats. Canadian Judgement Day, coming up:

1. Arrival in Calgary, 7 July, a) on Kate with the ubiquitous LK Bennett nude heels and LK Bennett clutch, b) from Jenny Packham, and c) and d) the problem with the thing.

Yellow! Girly! Sort of a wee Fifties flair with a dash of schoolgirl thrown in just for kicks! You know I love it. Sadly, though, I do think this highlights one of the reasons Kate should just get a dresser already. I mean, we know she's a DIY girl, but one can't help but think things might have turned out better if there'd been someone on wind forecast watch, standing by with a pencil skirt with an extra lead-weighted hem and a hair tie, just in case. For not only did Kate come perilously close to a Marilyn moment, she also was so busy taking care of her hair and her skirt that she and Wills did not put on the cowboy hats they were given at the famous White Hatting ceremony. A disappointment for the crowd, the photographers, and enough of a faux pas that their press secretary had to clarify that they weren't snubbing anyone. All was forgiven in the end, because Kate gave a 6-year-old girl with Stage 4 cancer and a dream of meeting a real princess a big hug (TEARS), and then this happened....

2. a) Reception at the Calgary Stampede, 7 July, in b) an Alice by Temperley top, jeans, and brown boots.

3. a) Opening the Stampede, 8 July, in Temperley London (b - the "Rodeo" top, natch) and jeans.

It's full-on Cambridge Cowboy Chic! Yeehaw, y'all! I watched the live stream of some of reception, and the whole thing was completely hilarious. I had no idea Canada had its very own Texas. Anyway, the kids do Western well, no? I think they win the prize for best rodeo royal appearance, wouldn't you say? Most especially Cowboy Wills, who looked right at home rocking the hands-on-hips stance. Let me know when Temperley starts opening mass boutiques in the south-central U.S., I'll buy some stock or something.

 4. a) and b) At the Calgary Zoo and departing Canada, 8 July, in Catherine Walker and sporting c) the Queen's Maple Leaf Brooch with her nude clutch and those nude LK Bennett shoes once again.

Red, finally! And the Queen's brooch worn the right way! Kate went out with a bang, didn't she? She looks fab in red, and this is princess perfect. I'm especially loving the wee flair at the bottom, and the sleeve length.

And with that, William and Catherine said goodbye to Canada. Next stop: Los Angeles! (Stay tuned for the one and only black tie event of the trip!)


Photos: Chris Jackson/Getty Images/Reuters/Daylife/AP Photo/Alice Temperley/Jenny Packham

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

(Previously, on Kate n' Wills Take North America....) And now we've arrived at the end of the Canada trip, and the moment we've all been waiting for: the cowboy hats. Canadian Judgement Day, coming up:

1. Arrival in Calgary, 7 July, a) on Kate with the ubiquitous LK Bennett nude heels and LK Bennett clutch, b) from Jenny Packham, and c) and d) the problem with the thing.

Yellow! Girly! Sort of a wee Fifties flair with a dash of schoolgirl thrown in just for kicks! You know I love it. Sadly, though, I do think this highlights one of the reasons Kate should just get a dresser already. I mean, we know she's a DIY girl, but one can't help but think things might have turned out better if there'd been someone on wind forecast watch, standing by with a pencil skirt with an extra lead-weighted hem and a hair tie, just in case. For not only did Kate come perilously close to a Marilyn moment, she also was so busy taking care of her hair and her skirt that she and Wills did not put on the cowboy hats they were given at the famous White Hatting ceremony. A disappointment for the crowd, the photographers, and enough of a faux pas that their press secretary had to clarify that they weren't snubbing anyone. All was forgiven in the end, because Kate gave a 6-year-old girl with Stage 4 cancer and a dream of meeting a real princess a big hug (TEARS), and then this happened....

2. a) Reception at the Calgary Stampede, 7 July, in b) an Alice by Temperley top, jeans, and brown boots.

3. a) Opening the Stampede, 8 July, in Temperley London (b - the "Rodeo" top, natch) and jeans.

It's full-on Cambridge Cowboy Chic! Yeehaw, y'all! I watched the live stream of some of reception, and the whole thing was completely hilarious. I had no idea Canada had its very own Texas. Anyway, the kids do Western well, no? I think they win the prize for best rodeo royal appearance, wouldn't you say? Most especially Cowboy Wills, who looked right at home rocking the hands-on-hips stance. Let me know when Temperley starts opening mass boutiques in the south-central U.S., I'll buy some stock or something.

 4. a) and b) At the Calgary Zoo and departing Canada, 8 July, in Catherine Walker and sporting c) the Queen's Maple Leaf Brooch with her nude clutch and those nude LK Bennett shoes once again.

Red, finally! And the Queen's brooch worn the right way! Kate went out with a bang, didn't she? She looks fab in red, and this is princess perfect. I'm especially loving the wee flair at the bottom, and the sleeve length.

And with that, William and Catherine said goodbye to Canada. Next stop: Los Angeles! (Stay tuned for the one and only black tie event of the trip!)


Photos: Chris Jackson/Getty Images/Reuters/Daylife/AP Photo/Alice Temperley/Jenny Packham

Week in Review: Princess Máxima, 19-25 June

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

1. Opening the Social Performance Task Force conference, 21 June. At least we've had a year to recover since the last notorious double outing of this mustard-bowed wonder.
2. Attending the Love Concert at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, 22 June. Oh, Máx. You so crazy. Reader Lyrebirdgully sent this outfit in with a bit more info: this concert had a Spanish theme, and the guests were Dutch citizens with non-Dutch backgrounds. As good a place as any to fly her Argentine background flag, really. And yet...no. This is a costume. She might as well plop a bunch of fruit on her head and drop by for a set at the Copa on her way back to the palace.
3. Visiting the Museum Park Orientalis, 24 June. Just a little dose of sanity, to round out the week. Phew!
   

Photos: PPE/Getty Images/Daylife/Belga

Week in Review: Princess Máxima, 19-25 June

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

1. Opening the Social Performance Task Force conference, 21 June. At least we've had a year to recover since the last notorious double outing of this mustard-bowed wonder.
2. Attending the Love Concert at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, 22 June. Oh, Máx. You so crazy. Reader Lyrebirdgully sent this outfit in with a bit more info: this concert had a Spanish theme, and the guests were Dutch citizens with non-Dutch backgrounds. As good a place as any to fly her Argentine background flag, really. And yet...no. This is a costume. She might as well plop a bunch of fruit on her head and drop by for a set at the Copa on her way back to the palace.
3. Visiting the Museum Park Orientalis, 24 June. Just a little dose of sanity, to round out the week. Phew!
   

Photos: PPE/Getty Images/Daylife/Belga

Week in Review: Princess Mathilde, 19-25 June

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

1. Starting an economic mission to New York, 22 June.
2. Day 2, 23 June. Have to be Natan, these first two ensembles. Not bad at all, just typical.
3. At a reception on Day 2, 23 June. Repeating from her sister's civil wedding ceremony. Love this dress for her.
4. Day 3, 24 June. Well, you know how I feel about purple. But even if I wasn't a grape fanatic, I'd like this one for her. The draping covers just what it needs to cover. This one might be my favorite of the week.
5. Attending a concert, 24 June. YELLOW. But this is a princess, second to Máxima, that can pull off the colors.
6. Day 4, 25 June. Look: Mathilde has caught Kate fever. This is a blue version of the black Issa wrap dress Ms. Middleton was spotted shopping in just before her wedding. I'm really surprised to see Mathilde in Issa! I will never be a huge fan of the brand, but a dress with a design that can flatter both of these ladies is a design feat indeed.

Photos: Belga/Diane von Furstenberg/Newscom/Getty Images/Daylife

Week in Review: Princess Mathilde, 19-25 June

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

1. Starting an economic mission to New York, 22 June.
2. Day 2, 23 June. Have to be Natan, these first two ensembles. Not bad at all, just typical.
3. At a reception on Day 2, 23 June. Repeating from her sister's civil wedding ceremony. Love this dress for her.
4. Day 3, 24 June. Well, you know how I feel about purple. But even if I wasn't a grape fanatic, I'd like this one for her. The draping covers just what it needs to cover. This one might be my favorite of the week.
5. Attending a concert, 24 June. YELLOW. But this is a princess, second to Máxima, that can pull off the colors.
6. Day 4, 25 June. Look: Mathilde has caught Kate fever. This is a blue version of the black Issa wrap dress Ms. Middleton was spotted shopping in just before her wedding. I'm really surprised to see Mathilde in Issa! I will never be a huge fan of the brand, but a dress with a design that can flatter both of these ladies is a design feat indeed.

Photos: Belga/Diane von Furstenberg/Newscom/Getty Images/Daylife

Royal Fashion Awards: Luxembourg's National Day

Yesterday was National Day in Luxembourg! You know how I love it when the Lux royals come out to play. The family attends the Te Deum mass, and then the Grand Duke and Hereditary Grand Duke review troops and watch a parade with the Grand Duchess. And they get all dressed up and everything:

Best Pepto Bismol

Grand Duchess Maria Teresa

THIS IS A LOT OF PINK. I like the shape on her. I certainly do like my Grand Duchess in a bit of color and a pillbox hat. And yet...THIS IS A LOT OF PINK. Also, I'm concerned that the thing on her shoulder might be trying to eat her alive.

Worst U.M.O.

Princess Tessy

What's a U.M.O., you ask? It's an Unidentified Millinery Object. I feel like if Dale Chihuly did hats, this is the hat that Dale Chihuly would do. Except that he'd do it in a rainbow, and I'd probably have to like it on principle if he did. But he didn't, so I'm out. (And so, probably, are the rest of you that have no clue what in Chihuly hell I'm on about.) I'll say this for it: girlfriend seems to be working it. And so is her husband...really, Louis? A matching tie?

Worst Raincoat
Princess Alexandra

Look how lovely Princess Alexandra is. Another Alexandra to add to my list of royals that I want to hang with. And that's why this coat pains me so. Standing still, it's passable, but in action (see her walk here)....no. Nooooo.

We usually get a picture or two of the gala (think: MT in a tiara), so I'll update when those pop up.

On the day before National Day, the family gets the party started by visiting various spots around the country: on Wednesday, the Grand Duke and Duchess visited the municipality of Niederanven, and the Hereditary Grand Duke and his sister Princess Alexandra visited Esch-sur-Alzette. Then the whole family comes out for a band performance and fireworks show in the evening.

Best in Day-Glo

Princess Alexandra

Once again, Alexandra has worn Natan, and once again, I am dubious. But this is fairly suited to her age (as far as Natan goes) so I'll buy in. If nothing else, it made her easy to spot in the crowd, right?

Best in Sparkle

Maria Teresa in the Evening

Here's MT in her (and my) beloved Elie Saab. And while I could quibble over fit and what have you, I won't. Because this is super elegant and classy. Also, it sparkles.

Best in Red

Maria Teresa in Niederanven and Tessy at the Concert/Fireworks

Looks like Maria Teresa has a red version of the purple dress we just saw in Norway! Nothing wrong with that. Nothing wrong with Tessy here, either. Looks like she might have a little military flair going on in the jacket, which I love. (Also: Louis, if you're gonna match your tie to your wife, this is the way to go about it.)

Do you have any Luxembourg favorites?

Photos: PPE/v.d.Werf/Tageblatt

Royal Fashion Awards: Luxembourg's National Day

Yesterday was National Day in Luxembourg! You know how I love it when the Lux royals come out to play. The family attends the Te Deum mass, and then the Grand Duke and Hereditary Grand Duke review troops and watch a parade with the Grand Duchess. And they get all dressed up and everything:

Best Pepto Bismol

Grand Duchess Maria Teresa

THIS IS A LOT OF PINK. I like the shape on her. I certainly do like my Grand Duchess in a bit of color and a pillbox hat. And yet...THIS IS A LOT OF PINK. Also, I'm concerned that the thing on her shoulder might be trying to eat her alive.

Worst U.M.O.

Princess Tessy

What's a U.M.O., you ask? It's an Unidentified Millinery Object. I feel like if Dale Chihuly did hats, this is the hat that Dale Chihuly would do. Except that he'd do it in a rainbow, and I'd probably have to like it on principle if he did. But he didn't, so I'm out. (And so, probably, are the rest of you that have no clue what in Chihuly hell I'm on about.) I'll say this for it: girlfriend seems to be working it. And so is her husband...really, Louis? A matching tie?

Worst Raincoat
Princess Alexandra

Look how lovely Princess Alexandra is. Another Alexandra to add to my list of royals that I want to hang with. And that's why this coat pains me so. Standing still, it's passable, but in action (see her walk here)....no. Nooooo.

We usually get a picture or two of the gala (think: MT in a tiara), so I'll update when those pop up.

On the day before National Day, the family gets the party started by visiting various spots around the country: on Wednesday, the Grand Duke and Duchess visited the municipality of Niederanven, and the Hereditary Grand Duke and his sister Princess Alexandra visited Esch-sur-Alzette. Then the whole family comes out for a band performance and fireworks show in the evening.

Best in Day-Glo

Princess Alexandra

Once again, Alexandra has worn Natan, and once again, I am dubious. But this is fairly suited to her age (as far as Natan goes) so I'll buy in. If nothing else, it made her easy to spot in the crowd, right?

Best in Sparkle

Maria Teresa in the Evening

Here's MT in her (and my) beloved Elie Saab. And while I could quibble over fit and what have you, I won't. Because this is super elegant and classy. Also, it sparkles.

Best in Red

Maria Teresa in Niederanven and Tessy at the Concert/Fireworks

Looks like Maria Teresa has a red version of the purple dress we just saw in Norway! Nothing wrong with that. Nothing wrong with Tessy here, either. Looks like she might have a little military flair going on in the jacket, which I love. (Also: Louis, if you're gonna match your tie to your wife, this is the way to go about it.)

Do you have any Luxembourg favorites?

Photos: PPE/v.d.Werf/Tageblatt

Royal Fashion Awards: Ascot 2011, Day 4

You aren't getting tired of Ascot, are you? We still have a day left, you know. Seems to me the royals might be growing a little weary, though...let's see:

Best in Rain Gear

Princess Eugenie

This is how we handle the rain at Ascot. We don't bundle up like it's Christmas at Sandringham as Beatrice did yesterday; we just coordinate our outfit to our brolly and call it a day. Well played, Eugenie.

Worst Seasonal Confusion

Queen Elizabeth

This suit/hat combo is so odd to me. It's spring-ready buttercup yellow, but the accent colors are quite autumnal. All of which is to say: meh. I had to include Prince Philip in the picture just for some entertainment. He doesn't have to do a thing, and I still find him delightful.

Best Potential

Princess Haya

Hat: big, fab, check. Rest of it: damn you, rain.

Best Effort

Princess Michael of Kent

I requested that someone, anyone, bring it, and look: Marie-Christine wore a hat with a furry tail, bless her over-the-top heart. A+ for effort. Here's hoping the sun comes out tomorrow and more Windsors come out to play.

UPDATE: Found another Windsor!

Best in Youth

Lady Amelia Windsor

A new royal at Ascot, yay! Lady Amelia is the daughter of the Earl and Countess of St. Andrews, which makes her the granddaughter of the Duke and Duchess of Kent. And yes, I reckon if you are 15 years old and you are out at Ascot, this is precisely what you'd wear. Well done, Amelia.

Is anybody tickling your fashion fancy on day 4?

Photos: Tim Rooke/Rex Features/Isopix/Newspix/Belga/Getty Images/Daylife

Royal Fashion Awards: Ascot 2011, Day 4

You aren't getting tired of Ascot, are you? We still have a day left, you know. Seems to me the royals might be growing a little weary, though...let's see:

Best in Rain Gear

Princess Eugenie

This is how we handle the rain at Ascot. We don't bundle up like it's Christmas at Sandringham as Beatrice did yesterday; we just coordinate our outfit to our brolly and call it a day. Well played, Eugenie.

Worst Seasonal Confusion

Queen Elizabeth

This suit/hat combo is so odd to me. It's spring-ready buttercup yellow, but the accent colors are quite autumnal. All of which is to say: meh. I had to include Prince Philip in the picture just for some entertainment. He doesn't have to do a thing, and I still find him delightful.

Best Potential

Princess Haya

Hat: big, fab, check. Rest of it: damn you, rain.

Best Effort

Princess Michael of Kent

I requested that someone, anyone, bring it, and look: Marie-Christine wore a hat with a furry tail, bless her over-the-top heart. A+ for effort. Here's hoping the sun comes out tomorrow and more Windsors come out to play.

UPDATE: Found another Windsor!

Best in Youth

Lady Amelia Windsor

A new royal at Ascot, yay! Lady Amelia is the daughter of the Earl and Countess of St. Andrews, which makes her the granddaughter of the Duke and Duchess of Kent. And yes, I reckon if you are 15 years old and you are out at Ascot, this is precisely what you'd wear. Well done, Amelia.

Is anybody tickling your fashion fancy on day 4?

Photos: Tim Rooke/Rex Features/Isopix/Newspix/Belga/Getty Images/Daylife