Week in Review: Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, 26 June - 2 July

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

1. Family photocall, 27 June.
2. Audience and a hospital visit, 29 July. Instant reminders of Máxima's comical red and white check outfit, no? Except I think MT did it better.
3. Attending the Prince and Princess of Monaco's wedding, 2 July.
4. At the evening ball, 2 July....not the best evening wear choice for our Grand Duchess.

Two things make me happy this week: first, the whole family turned out for that photo op. Cuteness in the form of dogs, kids, and princes, people.

And second, I finally found a decent picture of Maria Teresa's jewels from the evening wedding ball!

Grand Duchess Marie Adelaide's tiara, sapphire and diamond earrings, a diamond brooch, and a sapphire and diamond necklace that can also be converted to a tiara. She has been added to the mass tiara festival post from that evening (as have the other two ladies I was missing, so go check it out again).

Photos: Wort/Cour gr ducale/Newscom/Belga/Bekia

Week in Review: Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, 26 June - 2 July

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

1. Family photocall, 27 June.
2. Audience and a hospital visit, 29 July. Instant reminders of Máxima's comical red and white check outfit, no? Except I think MT did it better.
3. Attending the Prince and Princess of Monaco's wedding, 2 July.
4. At the evening ball, 2 July....not the best evening wear choice for our Grand Duchess.

Two things make me happy this week: first, the whole family turned out for that photo op. Cuteness in the form of dogs, kids, and princes, people.

And second, I finally found a decent picture of Maria Teresa's jewels from the evening wedding ball!

Grand Duchess Marie Adelaide's tiara, sapphire and diamond earrings, a diamond brooch, and a sapphire and diamond necklace that can also be converted to a tiara. She has been added to the mass tiara festival post from that evening (as have the other two ladies I was missing, so go check it out again).

Photos: Wort/Cour gr ducale/Newscom/Belga/Bekia

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

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

1. Laying a wreath at the Battle of the Bulge Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery during the economic mission to the U.S., 26 June. What a pretty outfit. Shame about that dish sponge on her head.
2. Visiting the Whittal Pavilion at the Library of Congress, 27 June, a) on Mathilde and b) from Natan. I am required to like this, due to the Fifties flair going on here. We all have our weaknesses, and this is one of mine.
3. At the Flemish League Against Cancer, 30 June, a) full view and b) the top. Oh, no, thankfully I am not required to like this. Massive Natan fail, so shapeless!

4. Arriving in Monaco, 1 July. I think we need more Mathilde in sunglasses. It's sort of...dare I say it...bad ass. (Now there's a way to describe Mathilde that I never thought I'd use.)
5. Attending the concert/reception before the religious wedding, 1 July. Still a Christmas tree, still ruining whatever bad ass cred she just obtained.
6. At the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Monaco, 2 July, a) on Mathilde, and b) the style from Armani Privé.
7. At the evening ball, 2 July. I'd say getting the wedding gown designer to do you up a few pieces for the occasion is a pretty smart move indeed, wouldn't you?

Also, Mathilde did her piece to keep hold of her title of Blingiest Wedding Guest, which we can all appreciate.

Her brooch for the wedding belongs (or belonged, perhaps it was a gift) to Queen Fabiola, and in addition to her standard laurel wreath tiara, she seems to have brought a new necklace to the evening festivities. A+ for magpie effort indeed, especially considering she could have gotten away without a necklace on a gown like that!

Photos: Newscom/Natan/Style.com/Svenskdam/Hola/Bekia

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

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

1. Laying a wreath at the Battle of the Bulge Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery during the economic mission to the U.S., 26 June. What a pretty outfit. Shame about that dish sponge on her head.
2. Visiting the Whittal Pavilion at the Library of Congress, 27 June, a) on Mathilde and b) from Natan. I am required to like this, due to the Fifties flair going on here. We all have our weaknesses, and this is one of mine.
3. At the Flemish League Against Cancer, 30 June, a) full view and b) the top. Oh, no, thankfully I am not required to like this. Massive Natan fail, so shapeless!

4. Arriving in Monaco, 1 July. I think we need more Mathilde in sunglasses. It's sort of...dare I say it...bad ass. (Now there's a way to describe Mathilde that I never thought I'd use.)
5. Attending the concert/reception before the religious wedding, 1 July. Still a Christmas tree, still ruining whatever bad ass cred she just obtained.
6. At the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Monaco, 2 July, a) on Mathilde, and b) the style from Armani Privé.
7. At the evening ball, 2 July. I'd say getting the wedding gown designer to do you up a few pieces for the occasion is a pretty smart move indeed, wouldn't you?

Also, Mathilde did her piece to keep hold of her title of Blingiest Wedding Guest, which we can all appreciate.

Her brooch for the wedding belongs (or belonged, perhaps it was a gift) to Queen Fabiola, and in addition to her standard laurel wreath tiara, she seems to have brought a new necklace to the evening festivities. A+ for magpie effort indeed, especially considering she could have gotten away without a necklace on a gown like that!

Photos: Newscom/Natan/Style.com/Svenskdam/Hola/Bekia

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

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

1. a) Attending the Prince and Princess of Monaco's wedding, 2 July, with b) one major feather.
2. a) At the evening ball, 2 July, and b) gratuitous bling. Probably didn't need the choker with all the dress and hair fluff, but you can't fault a girl for opting for more.

Photos: Getty Images/Daylife

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

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

1. a) Attending the Prince and Princess of Monaco's wedding, 2 July, with b) one major feather.
2. a) At the evening ball, 2 July, and b) gratuitous bling. Probably didn't need the choker with all the dress and hair fluff, but you can't fault a girl for opting for more.

Photos: Getty Images/Daylife

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

Flashback Friday: The Coronation of Albert II

In the wake of the dress code confusion and so forth from the wedding of Prince Albert II of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock, I decided to take a look at the last major royal event held in Monaco: the celebrations surrounding Albert's coronation. I'm always game for reminiscing about Things Involving Tiaras, you know. Everybody buckle up in the time machine, we're shooting back to the National Day festivities of November 2005, including a public mass (which served as the coronation ceremony, basically) and a gala at the Opera: 
 

Left to Right: Princess Caroline of Hanover (and Monaco) at mass, Princess Stephanie of Monaco at mass, Charlotte Casiraghi at mass, Princess Caroline at the gala, Charlotte at the gala

Well, at least this one didn't have any beach party attendees! I loved Charlotte's fuzzy angel get-up for the mass, halo hat and all. This is how Charlotte does ladylike, and it wouldn't work on anyone else. But I'm less enamored of her evening wear, which is just a pregnancy rumor waiting to happen. Caroline's dress and coat are lovely, but with just Charlotte's Fringe Tiara worn as a necklace, she just wasn't up to par with the international royal ladies in attendance.

Speaking of international royal attendees, the first noticeable difference from the wedding is the numbers. Royals in attendance were:

• Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden
• The Hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg
• The Hereditary Prince and Princess of Liechtenstein
• The Earl and the Countess of Wessex
• Prince Joachim of Denmark
• Prince Faisal bin al Hussein of Jordan
• The Prince and Princess of Venice and Piedmont
• Prince Serge of Yugoslavia and his wife
• Prince Carlo and Princess Camilla of Bourbon-Two Sicilies (now the Duke and Duchess of Castro)
• Prince Jean of France

The absence of royal presence from countries like Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain was widely interpreted as a snub to Monaco's new ruler. (Whether it actually was is up to your own interpretation as always; there are many valid reasons why those royals did not show up, including the baptism of Princess Alexia of the Netherlands taking place at the same time and the birth of Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway's son Sverre Magnus just a week or so later.)

L to R: Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, the Hereditary Princess of Liechtenstein, the Countess of Wessex, Princess Camilla of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, the Princess of Venice and Piedmont, Prince Serge of Yugoslavia's wife

Those that did show up represented the properly-hatted dress code well, with Victoria indulging in a red overdose and Clotilde Courau (the Princess of Venice and Piedmont) looking awfully chic. Such an event always produces odd hat news, and so we have Sophie of Liechtenstein in some sort of harsh flat-brimmed Amish affair, and Sophie of Wessex in yet another gravity-defying feat of millinery. Camilla, the Barbie Princess, turned up in a shockingly tasteful ensemble; thank your Gods for the horrors of post-Dynasty chapeaux, or else we wouldn't even be able to recognize her. And I actually really like what the wife of Prince Serge there is wearing...too bad she's not a senior enough royal to warrant better identification. (I think her name is Eleonora? And I think we could call her Princess Serge? But we'll stick with how she's usually identified: Prince Serge's wife. Lucky her.)

L to R: Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, the Countess of Wessex, the wife of Prince Serge of Yugoslavia, the Princess of Venice and Piedmont 

And here begins the dress code confusion: I find it very strange that the host lady, Princess Caroline, didn't wear a proper tiara (on her head, as the Cartier Gods intended it to be), but the royal ladies did. Oh well, I shan't complain. Victoria wore a dress so trademark Victoria that she received a Barbie doll of herself in this outfit for her wedding, along with the Baden Fringe Tiara. Clotilde was back to her usual over-the-top sartorial tricks, topped off with one major sapphire necklace. And Sophie brought the best thing that came out of this event: a new tiara! This bad boy can also be one hefty aquamarine necklace.

Thus, we learn that there will always be some confusion when Monaco is involved, and that no matter what feelings of royal superiority one might have, all the world loves a wedding.

What was your favorite Coronation outfit?

Photos: Getty/Zimbio

Flashback Friday: The Coronation of Albert II

In the wake of the dress code confusion and so forth from the wedding of Prince Albert II of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock, I decided to take a look at the last major royal event held in Monaco: the celebrations surrounding Albert's coronation. I'm always game for reminiscing about Things Involving Tiaras, you know. Everybody buckle up in the time machine, we're shooting back to the National Day festivities of November 2005, including a public mass (which served as the coronation ceremony, basically) and a gala at the Opera: 
 

Left to Right: Princess Caroline of Hanover (and Monaco) at mass, Princess Stephanie of Monaco at mass, Charlotte Casiraghi at mass, Princess Caroline at the gala, Charlotte at the gala

Well, at least this one didn't have any beach party attendees! I loved Charlotte's fuzzy angel get-up for the mass, halo hat and all. This is how Charlotte does ladylike, and it wouldn't work on anyone else. But I'm less enamored of her evening wear, which is just a pregnancy rumor waiting to happen. Caroline's dress and coat are lovely, but with just Charlotte's Fringe Tiara worn as a necklace, she just wasn't up to par with the international royal ladies in attendance.

Speaking of international royal attendees, the first noticeable difference from the wedding is the numbers. Royals in attendance were:

• Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden
• The Hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg
• The Hereditary Prince and Princess of Liechtenstein
• The Earl and the Countess of Wessex
• Prince Joachim of Denmark
• Prince Faisal bin al Hussein of Jordan
• The Prince and Princess of Venice and Piedmont
• Prince Serge of Yugoslavia and his wife
• Prince Carlo and Princess Camilla of Bourbon-Two Sicilies (now the Duke and Duchess of Castro)
• Prince Jean of France

The absence of royal presence from countries like Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain was widely interpreted as a snub to Monaco's new ruler. (Whether it actually was is up to your own interpretation as always; there are many valid reasons why those royals did not show up, including the baptism of Princess Alexia of the Netherlands taking place at the same time and the birth of Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway's son Sverre Magnus just a week or so later.)

L to R: Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, the Hereditary Princess of Liechtenstein, the Countess of Wessex, Princess Camilla of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, the Princess of Venice and Piedmont, Prince Serge of Yugoslavia's wife

Those that did show up represented the properly-hatted dress code well, with Victoria indulging in a red overdose and Clotilde Courau (the Princess of Venice and Piedmont) looking awfully chic. Such an event always produces odd hat news, and so we have Sophie of Liechtenstein in some sort of harsh flat-brimmed Amish affair, and Sophie of Wessex in yet another gravity-defying feat of millinery. Camilla, the Barbie Princess, turned up in a shockingly tasteful ensemble; thank your Gods for the horrors of post-Dynasty chapeaux, or else we wouldn't even be able to recognize her. And I actually really like what the wife of Prince Serge there is wearing...too bad she's not a senior enough royal to warrant better identification. (I think her name is Eleonora? And I think we could call her Princess Serge? But we'll stick with how she's usually identified: Prince Serge's wife. Lucky her.)

L to R: Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, the Countess of Wessex, the wife of Prince Serge of Yugoslavia, the Princess of Venice and Piedmont 

And here begins the dress code confusion: I find it very strange that the host lady, Princess Caroline, didn't wear a proper tiara (on her head, as the Cartier Gods intended it to be), but the royal ladies did. Oh well, I shan't complain. Victoria wore a dress so trademark Victoria that she received a Barbie doll of herself in this outfit for her wedding, along with the Baden Fringe Tiara. Clotilde was back to her usual over-the-top sartorial tricks, topped off with one major sapphire necklace. And Sophie brought the best thing that came out of this event: a new tiara! This bad boy can also be one hefty aquamarine necklace.

Thus, we learn that there will always be some confusion when Monaco is involved, and that no matter what feelings of royal superiority one might have, all the world loves a wedding.

What was your favorite Coronation outfit?

Photos: Getty/Zimbio

Week in Review: Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 26 June - 2 July

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

1. Arriving in Monaco, 1 July.
2. Attending the concert/reception before the religious wedding, 1 July. So simple, but I love it. Ice Princess does breezy Mediterranean!
3. At the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Monaco, 2 July. The fact that she has this one in white as well cracks me up. Hey, I'd buy Valentino in bulk too...if I could. The dreams of a simple girl, and so forth.
4. At the evening ball, 2 July. The low point of the affair, to be sure.

Photos: Getty Images/Daylife/Svenskdam/Hola

Week in Review: Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 26 June - 2 July

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

1. Arriving in Monaco, 1 July.
2. Attending the concert/reception before the religious wedding, 1 July. So simple, but I love it. Ice Princess does breezy Mediterranean!
3. At the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Monaco, 2 July. The fact that she has this one in white as well cracks me up. Hey, I'd buy Valentino in bulk too...if I could. The dreams of a simple girl, and so forth.
4. At the evening ball, 2 July. The low point of the affair, to be sure.

Photos: Getty Images/Daylife/Svenskdam/Hola

Week in Review: Crown Princess Victoria, 26 June - 2 July

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

1. a) and b) Meeting the UAE's foreign minister at the Royal Palace, 28 June. Just odd all over, this one.
2. a) At the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Monaco, 2 July, and b) the hat. And speaking of odd...I feel like this is Escada trying to do the ornamentation that only Elie Saab couture can pull off. Oh, V, you should just stick with Mr. Saab. Pretty please?
3. a) At the evening ball, 2 July. I'm concerned about the belt detail (b). Plastic? What? Huh?

Not a spectacular week for one of my favorite royals. (Insert frowny face here.) Let's cleanse our palettes with some diamonds:

Ah, that's better.

Photos: Getty Images/Daylife/Newscom/Svenskdam/Royal court

Week in Review: Crown Princess Victoria, 26 June - 2 July

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

1. a) and b) Meeting the UAE's foreign minister at the Royal Palace, 28 June. Just odd all over, this one.
2. a) At the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Monaco, 2 July, and b) the hat. And speaking of odd...I feel like this is Escada trying to do the ornamentation that only Elie Saab couture can pull off. Oh, V, you should just stick with Mr. Saab. Pretty please?
3. a) At the evening ball, 2 July. I'm concerned about the belt detail (b). Plastic? What? Huh?

Not a spectacular week for one of my favorite royals. (Insert frowny face here.) Let's cleanse our palettes with some diamonds:

Ah, that's better.

Photos: Getty Images/Daylife/Newscom/Svenskdam/Royal court

Week in Review: The Duchess of Cambridge, 26 June - 2 July, Part 2

If you need a refresher, here's where we left off with The Adventures of Kate and Wills in Canada. Now, to finish out the week through Saturday:

1. Canada Day, 1 July, a) Kate's outfit, b) the Maple Leaf Brooch, c) the red shoes, d) the dress from Reiss, e) the hat from Lock and Company, f) the clutch from Anya Hindmarch.

Confession: I'm disappointed. If there was a day to get a new dress, and make it from a Canadian designer, today would have been the day! It's Canada Day! I can't help but think that it looks like she planned on repeating the Reiss dress from her engagement photographs, and at the last minute, panicked and realized it wasn't Canadian enough. Cue the red shoes and stuck-on maple leaves in the hat. There's just a lot going on here.

2. Evening concert on Canada Day, 1 July, a) on Kate, b) the dress from Issa, worn with Prada pumps and another Anya Hindmarch clutch, and c) the maple leaf brooch again with diamond earrings.

After the Maple Leaf Brooch (on loan from the Queen, also worn by the Queen Mother and the Duchess of Cornwall) spent most of the day underneath Kate's hair, she threw it in the evening mix with an updo (yes!) and a purple Issa dress. This one I like standing up, not sitting down. (Weird, right? That's me.)

3. Day 3 of the Canada trip, 2 July, a) the Kensington dress from Catherine Walker with an Anya Hindmarch clutch, b) the back detail (with a bonus precious wee one), c) gamely sporting a chef's coat, d) the shoes, and e) swapping to black Prada shoes and a black Anya Hindmarch clutch.

A brand new designer on parade: Catherine Walker, she of my favorite Diana gown ever (and Carole Middleton's wedding outfit and so much more). A savvy choice, as Walker was French. I love the sweet sleeve and neckline details, and you know I love the first shoes of the day. But later she switched back to basic black, leaving me to wonder if they were uncomfortable or if she (gasp!) got them muddy in a tree planting haze. I long for an updo, though. There was a lot of hair flicking, even more than usual, what with the planting and meeting kids and playing chef, plus the back detail of the dress really deserves to fly on its own.

And now I'd like to give a shout out to an unsung fashion star on this trip so far: Prince William.

Two cases in point: lookin' good at the concert, and pulling a Barack by losing the jacket while on a hospital visit. I like to spread the praise around, you know.

Yes, I know this doesn't bring us up to everything she's worn so far, but you'll have to sit tight. In the mean time, did any of these three tickle your fancy?

Photos: Just Jared/AP/Reuters/Daily Mail/Camera Press/Mark Stewart/Splash/Michael Dunlea/Bancroft Media

Week in Review: The Duchess of Cambridge, 26 June - 2 July, Part 2

If you need a refresher, here's where we left off with The Adventures of Kate and Wills in Canada. Now, to finish out the week through Saturday:

1. Canada Day, 1 July, a) Kate's outfit, b) the Maple Leaf Brooch, c) the red shoes, d) the dress from Reiss, e) the hat from Lock and Company, f) the clutch from Anya Hindmarch.

Confession: I'm disappointed. If there was a day to get a new dress, and make it from a Canadian designer, today would have been the day! It's Canada Day! I can't help but think that it looks like she planned on repeating the Reiss dress from her engagement photographs, and at the last minute, panicked and realized it wasn't Canadian enough. Cue the red shoes and stuck-on maple leaves in the hat. There's just a lot going on here.

2. Evening concert on Canada Day, 1 July, a) on Kate, b) the dress from Issa, worn with Prada pumps and another Anya Hindmarch clutch, and c) the maple leaf brooch again with diamond earrings.

After the Maple Leaf Brooch (on loan from the Queen, also worn by the Queen Mother and the Duchess of Cornwall) spent most of the day underneath Kate's hair, she threw it in the evening mix with an updo (yes!) and a purple Issa dress. This one I like standing up, not sitting down. (Weird, right? That's me.)

3. Day 3 of the Canada trip, 2 July, a) the Kensington dress from Catherine Walker with an Anya Hindmarch clutch, b) the back detail (with a bonus precious wee one), c) gamely sporting a chef's coat, d) the shoes, and e) swapping to black Prada shoes and a black Anya Hindmarch clutch.

A brand new designer on parade: Catherine Walker, she of my favorite Diana gown ever (and Carole Middleton's wedding outfit and so much more). A savvy choice, as Walker was French. I love the sweet sleeve and neckline details, and you know I love the first shoes of the day. But later she switched back to basic black, leaving me to wonder if they were uncomfortable or if she (gasp!) got them muddy in a tree planting haze. I long for an updo, though. There was a lot of hair flicking, even more than usual, what with the planting and meeting kids and playing chef, plus the back detail of the dress really deserves to fly on its own.

And now I'd like to give a shout out to an unsung fashion star on this trip so far: Prince William.

Two cases in point: lookin' good at the concert, and pulling a Barack by losing the jacket while on a hospital visit. I like to spread the praise around, you know.

Yes, I know this doesn't bring us up to everything she's worn so far, but you'll have to sit tight. In the mean time, did any of these three tickle your fancy?

Photos: Just Jared/AP/Reuters/Daily Mail/Camera Press/Mark Stewart/Splash/Michael Dunlea/Bancroft Media

Royal Fashion Awards: The Prince & Princess of Monaco's Religious Wedding

Another Monaco event, another curious dress code! What, oh what, to wear to an outdoor wedding (in the blazing hot sun, yet still a religious, Catholic affair), at 5 p.m. (normally a tiara or cocktail time of day, but with an invitation that said hats for ladies)? Let's see what everybody came up with, shall we?

As always, click the pictures to enlarge...

Best in Monaco

Princess Caroline

 Left to Right: Pauline Ducruet, Princess Stephanie of Monaco, Camille Gottlieb, Princess Alexandra of Hanover, Princess Caroline of Hanover (and Monaco), Charlotte Casiraghi, Beatrice Borromeo, Tatiana Santo Domingo

I'm starting to think Stephanie is allergic to headgear. No tiaras, no hats, and a trait she's clearly passing on to her daughters. Seems more concerned with showing off her tattoos. (Why yes, I am clutching my pearls. Nothing against tattoos, but if I were going to a royal wedding, I'd cover 'em up. That's all.) Charlotte wore Chanel's version of that thing Chelsy Davy wore to The Other Wedding without any more success, mostly because she put THIS on her head. Is it a funeral flower arrangement? Is it a washed-up piece of fisherman's net from the sea? The guessing fun never ends. Also sporting remnants from the sea: Beatrice, in her sparkly fishnets, and Tatiana in her deflated khaki beach ball hat. Thus, I give my prize to Princess Caroline: well coordinated with her youngest child, a little bit sparkly, and an understated big ass hat (which is the way to do big ass hats if it's a big ass hat you must do).

Best in Un-Throned Royals

Crown Princess Margarita

L to R: Crown Princess Katherine of Serbia, Empress Farah Pahlavi of Iran, the Duchess of Braganza, the Duchess of Anjou, Crown Princess Margarita of Romania, the Princess of Venice and Piedmont, the Hereditary Princess of Baden, the Margravine of Baden

I love the events where they're not picky about who gets an invitation (ahem, Brits). Just because you don't technically have a throne to sit on anymore doesn't mean you can't bring something fun for us to chat about. Case in point: all these lovely ladies. We've got Crown Princess Katherine, happy as ever (if you thought she wanted to gossip about the London wedding, just think what she'd have to say about this one!); Farah Pahlavi, elegant as ever; the Duchess of Braganza, understated but classy; and the Duchess of Anjou, a little bit sparkly and out to show those Brits the hat they missed when they didn't invite her to their wedding. My best goes to Crown Princess Margarita - how cute is she in her little yellow ensemble? Sublimely ladylike. I was also surprisingly impressed by Clotilde Courau (Princess of Venice and Piedmont) for leaving behind her usual attention-grabbing starlet style for the moment. I loved the Hereditary Princess of Baden, though I wish she would have investigated a little more support for the affair, and her mother-in-law the Margravine was classic as well.

Worst in Un-Throned Royals

Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna

L to R: Princess Ursula of Bavaria, the Countess of Paris, Princess Virginia Ira von Fürstenberg, Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna of Russia, the Duchess of Castro, the Princess of Naples, Princess Sophie of Isenburg

Another reason you should invite the un-royals: look what else they bring to chat about! Oh, ladies. Princess Ursula looks hot - literally. How did she not pass out in that suit and that wackadoodle hat? Just look at what the heat is doing to the Countess of Paris' chapeau. (Oh, that's the way it's supposed to be? Well, then.) Speaking of strange hats...a von Fürstenberg was there. The prize, though, clearly belongs to our Russian friend, Maria. You see, she's taken the muumuu and claimed it for Russia by adding a kokoshnik on top, though I think the muumuu was up for nationality grabs to start with. She had steep competition from Plastic Princess Barbie herself, Camilla from Castro, who wore THIS on her head. A giant foam-esque heart. Like something you might wear to a sporting event to cheer on your favorite team by supporting the mascot, except this is a wedding and she's backing the mascot of love. (Blech.) We also have Marina from Naples in an outfit she shares with Tina Turner, and Sophie of Isenburg wearing snowflakes and a skunk hat. (You should get acquainted with Sophie and her snowflake-in-July style, by the way: she's having a royal wedding of her own in August.)

Best in Blues, Pinks, and Such

Queen Silvia

L to R: Princess Sara al Faisal of Jordan, the Hereditary Princess of Liechtenstein, Queen Silvia of Sweden, Princess Mathilde of Belgium, Princess Michael of Kent

Now, back to some more familiar faces and ruling monarchies. Pure elegance from Sara and Sophie, and I especially like the added satellite flair from Liechtenstein. Mathilde brought her bling again with that wonderful brooch, but a little more of the try-hard (and a hat out of Sophie Wessex's closet), and Princess Michael must have parachuted in on her sleeves, so I'll go with Queen Silvia. Good old Silvia, she always classes the joint up.

Best in Pale

Princess Madeleine

L to R: Princess Astrid of Belgium, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, Princess Madeleine of Sweden, Princess Marie of Denmark, Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway

Another royal that must have died in the heat: Princess Astrid, a.k.a. The Talking Hat (Update: here's a full view). But she looks elegant, as do the rest of these ladies; fine, nothing spectacular I must say, though I obviously love Maria Teresa's sparkly number there. The best for me turns out to be Madeleine, who I think is even repeating her dress. And why not? She looks good, and she's added a jaunty touch with her upright feather. A daring touch too: that thing defies gravity. One doesn't want to risk a flaccid feather situation, though I'm sure it happens to everyone...

Worst in Sparkly

Crown Princess Victoria

L to R: Princess Lalla Meryem of Morocco, Princess Lalla Soukaina of Morocco, Queen Paola of the Belgians, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana of Thailand

With a 5 p.m. wedding time, it's understandable to drift towards something sparkly. I'm prone to it no matter what the clock says. But there are right ways and wrong ways to do that, you see. Right way: stick to your national dress, like the ladies of Morocco and Thailand. (I want a caftan. They make it look so good! Is it wrong to want a sparkly caftan just for wearing around the house?) Wrongish way: to do it with an ill fit, like Paola, who is not at all flattered by that skirt length. Totally wrong way: Victoria. She's wearing a tinsel dress and a tinsel Amish bonnet. (I don't think the Amish would approve.) And baby blue shoes. V, you were my best at April's wedding! What happened?! Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

Best of the Best

Crown Princess Mary

L to R: the Countess of Wessex, Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, Princess Máxima of the Netherlands, Princess Claire of Belgium

I had a hard time picking a favorite, I'm telling you. I loved the Countess of Wessex: so elegant, and weather-appropriate to boot! I loved Máxima in the mustard too, she made a colorful picture with Willem-Alexander and she always brings her A+ wedding game. Princess Claire was a surprising front runner in her fifties glam Natan outfit (she's like the Sarah Chatto of Monaco!), but in the end Mary won it for me. I don't care for the Sophie Wessex hat (seriously, Sophie, lock your hat box), but the dress - the dress! I want need it. In this Mediterranean turquoise, and also the purple that Princess Haya has it in. But it's Prada, so I'll be taking up a collection. Start digging for spare change, kids.

Who made your best- and worst-dressed at the religious wedding?

Photos: Getty Images/Reuters/Daylife/Newscom/Bekia/PPE

Royal Fashion Awards: The Prince & Princess of Monaco's Religious Wedding

Another Monaco event, another curious dress code! What, oh what, to wear to an outdoor wedding (in the blazing hot sun, yet still a religious, Catholic affair), at 5 p.m. (normally a tiara or cocktail time of day, but with an invitation that said hats for ladies)? Let's see what everybody came up with, shall we?

As always, click the pictures to enlarge...

Best in Monaco

Princess Caroline

 Left to Right: Pauline Ducruet, Princess Stephanie of Monaco, Camille Gottlieb, Princess Alexandra of Hanover, Princess Caroline of Hanover (and Monaco), Charlotte Casiraghi, Beatrice Borromeo, Tatiana Santo Domingo

I'm starting to think Stephanie is allergic to headgear. No tiaras, no hats, and a trait she's clearly passing on to her daughters. Seems more concerned with showing off her tattoos. (Why yes, I am clutching my pearls. Nothing against tattoos, but if I were going to a royal wedding, I'd cover 'em up. That's all.) Charlotte wore Chanel's version of that thing Chelsy Davy wore to The Other Wedding without any more success, mostly because she put THIS on her head. Is it a funeral flower arrangement? Is it a washed-up piece of fisherman's net from the sea? The guessing fun never ends. Also sporting remnants from the sea: Beatrice, in her sparkly fishnets, and Tatiana in her deflated khaki beach ball hat. Thus, I give my prize to Princess Caroline: well coordinated with her youngest child, a little bit sparkly, and an understated big ass hat (which is the way to do big ass hats if it's a big ass hat you must do).

Best in Un-Throned Royals

Crown Princess Margarita

L to R: Crown Princess Katherine of Serbia, Empress Farah Pahlavi of Iran, the Duchess of Braganza, the Duchess of Anjou, Crown Princess Margarita of Romania, the Princess of Venice and Piedmont, the Hereditary Princess of Baden, the Margravine of Baden

I love the events where they're not picky about who gets an invitation (ahem, Brits). Just because you don't technically have a throne to sit on anymore doesn't mean you can't bring something fun for us to chat about. Case in point: all these lovely ladies. We've got Crown Princess Katherine, happy as ever (if you thought she wanted to gossip about the London wedding, just think what she'd have to say about this one!); Farah Pahlavi, elegant as ever; the Duchess of Braganza, understated but classy; and the Duchess of Anjou, a little bit sparkly and out to show those Brits the hat they missed when they didn't invite her to their wedding. My best goes to Crown Princess Margarita - how cute is she in her little yellow ensemble? Sublimely ladylike. I was also surprisingly impressed by Clotilde Courau (Princess of Venice and Piedmont) for leaving behind her usual attention-grabbing starlet style for the moment. I loved the Hereditary Princess of Baden, though I wish she would have investigated a little more support for the affair, and her mother-in-law the Margravine was classic as well.

Worst in Un-Throned Royals

Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna

L to R: Princess Ursula of Bavaria, the Countess of Paris, Princess Virginia Ira von Fürstenberg, Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna of Russia, the Duchess of Castro, the Princess of Naples, Princess Sophie of Isenburg

Another reason you should invite the un-royals: look what else they bring to chat about! Oh, ladies. Princess Ursula looks hot - literally. How did she not pass out in that suit and that wackadoodle hat? Just look at what the heat is doing to the Countess of Paris' chapeau. (Oh, that's the way it's supposed to be? Well, then.) Speaking of strange hats...a von Fürstenberg was there. The prize, though, clearly belongs to our Russian friend, Maria. You see, she's taken the muumuu and claimed it for Russia by adding a kokoshnik on top, though I think the muumuu was up for nationality grabs to start with. She had steep competition from Plastic Princess Barbie herself, Camilla from Castro, who wore THIS on her head. A giant foam-esque heart. Like something you might wear to a sporting event to cheer on your favorite team by supporting the mascot, except this is a wedding and she's backing the mascot of love. (Blech.) We also have Marina from Naples in an outfit she shares with Tina Turner, and Sophie of Isenburg wearing snowflakes and a skunk hat. (You should get acquainted with Sophie and her snowflake-in-July style, by the way: she's having a royal wedding of her own in August.)

Best in Blues, Pinks, and Such

Queen Silvia

L to R: Princess Sara al Faisal of Jordan, the Hereditary Princess of Liechtenstein, Queen Silvia of Sweden, Princess Mathilde of Belgium, Princess Michael of Kent

Now, back to some more familiar faces and ruling monarchies. Pure elegance from Sara and Sophie, and I especially like the added satellite flair from Liechtenstein. Mathilde brought her bling again with that wonderful brooch, but a little more of the try-hard (and a hat out of Sophie Wessex's closet), and Princess Michael must have parachuted in on her sleeves, so I'll go with Queen Silvia. Good old Silvia, she always classes the joint up.

Best in Pale

Princess Madeleine

L to R: Princess Astrid of Belgium, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, Princess Madeleine of Sweden, Princess Marie of Denmark, Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway

Another royal that must have died in the heat: Princess Astrid, a.k.a. The Talking Hat (Update: here's a full view). But she looks elegant, as do the rest of these ladies; fine, nothing spectacular I must say, though I obviously love Maria Teresa's sparkly number there. The best for me turns out to be Madeleine, who I think is even repeating her dress. And why not? She looks good, and she's added a jaunty touch with her upright feather. A daring touch too: that thing defies gravity. One doesn't want to risk a flaccid feather situation, though I'm sure it happens to everyone...

Worst in Sparkly

Crown Princess Victoria

L to R: Princess Lalla Meryem of Morocco, Princess Lalla Soukaina of Morocco, Queen Paola of the Belgians, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana of Thailand

With a 5 p.m. wedding time, it's understandable to drift towards something sparkly. I'm prone to it no matter what the clock says. But there are right ways and wrong ways to do that, you see. Right way: stick to your national dress, like the ladies of Morocco and Thailand. (I want a caftan. They make it look so good! Is it wrong to want a sparkly caftan just for wearing around the house?) Wrongish way: to do it with an ill fit, like Paola, who is not at all flattered by that skirt length. Totally wrong way: Victoria. She's wearing a tinsel dress and a tinsel Amish bonnet. (I don't think the Amish would approve.) And baby blue shoes. V, you were my best at April's wedding! What happened?! Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

Best of the Best

Crown Princess Mary

L to R: the Countess of Wessex, Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, Princess Máxima of the Netherlands, Princess Claire of Belgium

I had a hard time picking a favorite, I'm telling you. I loved the Countess of Wessex: so elegant, and weather-appropriate to boot! I loved Máxima in the mustard too, she made a colorful picture with Willem-Alexander and she always brings her A+ wedding game. Princess Claire was a surprising front runner in her fifties glam Natan outfit (she's like the Sarah Chatto of Monaco!), but in the end Mary won it for me. I don't care for the Sophie Wessex hat (seriously, Sophie, lock your hat box), but the dress - the dress! I want need it. In this Mediterranean turquoise, and also the purple that Princess Haya has it in. But it's Prada, so I'll be taking up a collection. Start digging for spare change, kids.

Who made your best- and worst-dressed at the religious wedding?

Photos: Getty Images/Reuters/Daylife/Newscom/Bekia/PPE