Tag Archives: royal wedding

Inspired Princess Style

Posted on April 29, 2011 | 1 comment

If everything old is new again, we have to find inspiration somewhere.  For Kate Middleton, there was no better inspiration than Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco.

Kate Middleton, April 29, 2011 – Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen


Grace Kelly, April 19, 1956, Dress designed by MGM Costume designer, Helen Rose


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Posted in Her Weddings + Events, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Inspiration

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Dress Like a Princess, Spend Like a Commoner

Posted on April 29, 2011 | Leave a comment

For as much as Kate loves Will, I’ve noticed a few other things that have really caught her fancy.  Among them, tights, boots, blazers, and a great cocktail dress.  Kate has a style that is contemporary and accessible.  She knows her shape, colors, and what works best for a life in the limelight.

She favors deep v-necklines, which I suspect will become less deep after the “I do”, cinched waists, and fabric details.
Want the Kate look for less?  Try these on for size.
Like any good Brit, Kate often dons the trench coat, but like any savvy shopper we’ll forgo the Burberry for a chic coat for less than $200.
Casual about Town, Top Row: Macks Trench Coat via French Connection, English Rose Kimono Blouse via Anthropologie, Broome Street Jeans via Kate Spade, Calvin Klein Metallic Scarf, Heeled Stretch Boots via Boden.

Kate is often photographed in dresses, like the one in the original engagement photos, the highlight and accentuate her slender waist.  Expect to see more dresses and conservative style in her new role.  She also isn’t afraid to shop off the rack – we should be no different!
Dress for the Occasion, Middle Row: BCBGMaxAzria Ruched Jersey Dress via Bluefly, Tahari ASL Sheath Dress via Bluefly, Contrast Tank Sundress via White House/Black Market, Cole Haan Opaque Tights via Zappos, Michael Michael Kors Flex Low Pump via Zappos,  ASOS SUGAR Bow Court Shoe via Asos.

Will and Kate got engaged while on Safari in Africa, and I am sure they will honeymoon somewhere fabulous.  Whenever they get the chance for some R & R, expect more dresses and chic, simple resortwear.

Princess on Holiday, Bottom Row: Free People Tiered Lace Dress via Nordstrom,  Crisp Chambray Blazer via Anthropologie, Off White Anglaise Bikini via TopShop, Sapphire and Diamond Ring via Ice.com, Melin T-Strap Pump via Nordstrom

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Posted in Budget, Fashion Inspiration, Her Closet, Shopping

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On Being a Princess

Posted on April 28, 2011 | 1 comment

Tomorrow, Waity Katy will wait no more.  Tomorrow, Kate Middleton, the future Catherine, the Something of Somewhere will be a bride, and the most watched bride of all time.

Kate and William via People.com
I mentioned in conversation the other day that I sort of feel badly for Kate – yea, we’re on a first name basis.  It can be tough to be a bride, especially when your every move is scrutinized and then compared to one of the world’s most beloved women, your groom’s mother.  

Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, July 29, 1981via People.com
But, it also got me thinking, how unique is her situation, really?  On her wedding day she will become a princess, and on your wedding day so will you.  Stay with me here…

You might hate the idea of being a princess, and what is stands for: the patriarchy, and pomp and circumstance.  
You might be a beach bride, a ballroom bride, a courtroom bride or a castle bride.  
You might get your dress off the rack, at a sample sale, or have it be the most highly speculated gown of the year.  
You might share donuts with your spouse, cupcakes, or a multi-tiered traditional English fruitcake (*yikes!).
You might have a very small budget, be a DIY-er, or be employing a royal army of vendors for your wedding day.

It makes no difference.  On the day you put on your dress (maybe it’s red, “diamond” white, ivory, or somewhere in between) and walk towards your groom, (up the stairs of the courthouse or down the long and storied aisle of Westminster Abbey), you will be the only person anyone looks at, the only person anyone talks about, and the only Princess for your Prince Charming.
Mark and I on our Wedding Day, via 1313blog.com
I will be watching tomorrow as William and Kate say “I do” and share their awkward first public kiss as husband and wife.  

If you’re in need of more Royal Wedding info, People has done a great job of pulling it all together, and you can watch it live online at 5 AM, EST.  You can also follow the wedding news on Twitter with #rw2011.
Now all that’s left is seeing what she wears!

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Posted in Advice, Her Weddings + Events

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Plum Romance

Posted on August 11, 2010 | 2 comments

Inspiration can come from anywhere, and as summer very quickly winds down it is a reminder that fall is around the corner.  Fall, to me, sparks the beginning of something grand.  The colors, crispness and start of the celebrating season all connote a sense of royalty, grandeur and glamour.

For a bride getting married in the fall, I say go for glamour.  
Four Season Palo Alto Wedding

When I first saw this picture I was in awe.  It is romantic, glamorous, sophisticated, but it doesn’t scream “wedding!”  With a few tweaks it could easily be the setting for another fabulous social event.

In this image, the impact is all in the color.  There isn’t an abundance of flowers, and if working creatively as shown in this wedding you can use fabrics to supplement the visual impact floral arrangements would typically provide.

I wanted to imagine what the rest of this wedding might look like for you.

I took the liberty of adding a classic and very glamorous wedding cake, and picking out the wedding attire, and outfitting a black and white post wedding lounge party.  Also, how great are the bow topped candles? I think they would be great as a favor.
Purple is the color for royalty, and on a wedding day every bride is a queen.

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