ROYAL COUTURE.....Pippa Middleton Wedding: Wedding Gown, Best Dressed & "Uh Oh" Guests!

ROYAL COUTURE.....Pippa Middleton Wedding: Wedding Gown, Best Dressed & "Uh Oh" Guests!

 Wedding Gorgeous: Pippa Middleton and James Matthews smile after their wedding--St. Marks Church Englefield England

Pippa Middleton--the sister of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, married hedge fund manager and former professional racing driver, James Matthews on Saturday at a glorious wedding fitting a royal--or "Royal Adjacent". Pippa might not really be a royal but because of her very close approximation to one, I am placing her--and her wedding--in this Royal Couture blog. So let's discuss the wedding and more importantly, the Wedding Couture beginning with Pippa's wedding dress and then some of the guests...



The Dress:

Pippa Gown: Pippa Middleton chose a "Princess"/A-line shaped ballgown style for her wedding day. The handmade gown of lace and pearls was designed by British designer Giles Deacon. The dress was done in a manner that would not show any seams--by overlapping the lace--by hand--meticulously over the many seams that are in a gown of this silhouette. The dress featured a full ballgown skirt shape and UBER fitted drop-waist torso/bustier. It also had a high neckline, drop shoulder sleeve detail and heart-shaped semi-open back.

 British designer Giles Deacon

Giles Deacon Couture Fall/Winter 2016, modeled by model Anna Cleveland, daughter of famed 70's Supermodel Pat Cleveland 

Giles is said to have put on hold all his fashion business for the last few months to concentrate on Pippa's one-of-a-kind gown. His most recent "Couture" collection was for Fall/Winter 2016 and it showed glorious, billowing handmade gowns with exquisite applique detail. Pippa's wedding dress would probably cost in the realm of $75,000-$100,000, at least that would be the going price for an actual Haute Couture gown from the likes of Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad, Chanel or Dior. No news if she possibly got a "discount" for all the press he would receive.



The Veil:

The veil--of tulle and pearls--was done by famed milliner Stephen Jones.

Sister Fixing: Pippa's sister, Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge, was seen fixing Pippa's tulle-and-pearl veil as she was about to enter the church ceremony, just making sure that it was perfect

Shape Similar: Pippa's lace and pearl wedding gown was similar in shape to the iconic Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton wedding dress worn by her sister Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge

Sealed with a Kiss: Pippa Middleton and James Matthews as they emerge from their church wedding ceremony with their "Flower girls and boys", including William and Kate's children Prince George (second from right) and Princess Charlotte--St. Marks Church, Englefield England

Page Boys and Girls:

Stylish George: Prince George (center), giving a "look" to the photographers--and looking very much like his father when William was his age. Prince George looked super cute in a white Peter Pan collared shirt with mini pintucks and emerald green silk shantung knickers.

Royal Style:

Mommie Kate: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge looked chic and wedding appropriate in a dusty rose/light salmon colored silk crepe dress from Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton. Her dress was a lady-like tea-length and featured a v-neckline, gathered Bishop sleeves, fitted midriff and pleated front skirt details. Her daughter Princess Charlotte looked ADORABLE in her gathered flower girl dress, with fresh flower headdress and pink cummerbund.

I have to say that Catherine looked very "Wallis Simpson Duchess of Windsor"-like in this 30's-like dress.

Dapper Brothers: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and his brother Prince Harry in their tailcoat/morning coat ensembles. 

Guests:

Princess Eugenie, daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York--(seen here with her boyfriend Jack Brooksbank) wore this navy blue A-line shaped knee-length dress from French designer Paule Ka. The cotton dress features a "split-shoulder" neckline and retails for $1,014 HERE. For Pippa's wedding she decided to "play it safe" as opposed to her head-turning look at Kate's wedding.

Vanilla Yellow Donna: British actress--and aspiring fashion designer--Donna Air (who is on-off girlfriend to Pippa's hottie bearded brother James for the last four years)--attended the wedding in this lemon yellow/cream coat-dress from UK designer Emilia Wickstead Spring/Summer 2017 collection. Lots of fashion-watchers criticized her for saying that she should not have worn WHITE (a No-No as a wedding guest) but I have to disagree with these wanna-be-fashion experts...this coat-dress is NOT white and in fact more of a "vanilla yellow"-like color. I liked it! It was demure, elegant and lady-like. I also loved the matching hat and those fabulous ankle strapped pumps. The magenta colored clutch added a respite from all the vanilla/lemon yellow. Did I mention that this WAS NOT WHITE. OK. Thank you.

Tartan: A couple of male guests opted for tartan pants as part of their tailcoat ensembles. And I say "Go On Boys!". Love the tartan, love the statement and even though, yes, I know as a guest of a wedding, it really isn't about you but...I love when (especially) male guests GIVE YOU FASHION!

Flower Prints and Hats: These two guests stood out for their Wedding Fab printed dresses, perfect for a Spring/Summer wedding. I love the canary yellow flower printed dress on the left as well as the blue one on the right. Both looks are great examples of chic Wedding Guest Style, especially for a May wedding. If I had to chose my favorite of the two, it would be the blue; the waist-tie shirt dress style was elegant, fun and I loved the feminine ruffle details.

Fab Dressed: These two guests get my Wedding Guest Best Dressed points--the left one, for that fab pheasant feather-topped hat and blue-and-white ensemble as well as those navy-and-white pumps. I also loved the guest on the right in the pink pleated silk dress with Bishop sleeves and delicately appliqued detail. The gold pumps were a super chic addition.

Uh No Part One: Two female wedding guests that were not on my Best Dressed List were these printed ladies. Now, there's a way to do printed dresses for a wedding (scroll above) and this is a way to not do it. The guest on the left wore this drab Autumn-like printed dress that not only, looked dowdy but also said "I'm not happy at this wedding". And then, somehow, in the middle of May, the guest on the right thought it was fine to bring out her gray fur chubby/mini coat. All I can say is #GURL ! But kids, these two weren't the only ones who went Wedding Koo Koo Couture...

Happy Hands At Home Dress and Lifesaver Fruit Dress Guest: Well, look what we have here--the guest on the left looks as if she took her old Laura Ashley 80's bed sheet or window drapes and felt fine in making a dress out of it. And then, in addition, decided an iridescent organza shawl would make a fine accessory. Speaking of accessories, what in the name of the FASHION GODS are those putrid brown shoes??? Let's move on to the guest on the right--I give this woman points for being "sassy" in this colorful striped ensemble. And the big hat screams "I'm a good friend of the Gays" and I will bet a couple of British pounds that she's a hoot at the open bar, but...this is just too 1992 for me. Especially those "Lifesaver Fruit Flavor"-like buttons.



Oh well, at least, I can still go back to this gorgeous dress:

Congratulations to the Happy Couple--Pippa Middleton and James Matthews!

Basic Fashion For Teenage Guys - Tips For Girls Only.

Basic Fashion For Teenage Guys - Tips For Girls Only.

TEENAGE GIRLS FASHION

 The teen years can be a confusing stage, especially when it comes to individual style and fashion. Instead of trying to always fit in with the peer group, as most teens do, it’s also about being an individual and making your own mark. If you have a teen girl at home, you’ve probably already seen her fretting over what to wear and how to style her look.

As a mom, here’s your chance to update your girl with some interesting and very ‘it’ fashion styles that are all the rage right now. Check out some fun and fresh fashion tips for teens that they love to try out.

Here is a list of fashion ideas for teens that will let your teen girl find her own style and be comfortable with it:

1. Colorful Layering:
    Layering is one fashion trend that is always in rage, and goes perfect for all age groups.

    Help your teen try out all her colorful clothes at once, without them looking too in your face.

    Ask your teen to wear a colorful vest and style it with a colorful shirt or jacket on the top.

    Let her pair it with plain denims and sneakers, and a colorful cross body bag.

2. Striped Simple Crop Top:
  Crop tops have come back with a bang and lots of teens as well as adults are wearing it all the time.

    Your teen can wear a cute striped crop top in neutral tones, such as a black and white striped one, and pair it with a simple pair of denims.

    To keep the focus on the top, ask her to keep the accessories or makeup to a bare minimum.

3. Winter Color Match:
    Your teen can use some bright colors in her winter wardrobe to make sure the look is structured, yet vibrant.

    Ask her to pair any two items in her outfit in a color of choice, such as a bright teal woolen cap with a bright teal woolen scarf.

    Make sure she keeps the rest of the outfit is in neutral or light tones, so that the focus remains on the color coordinated ones. A plain white tee or shirt with a basic pair of denims will go great. This is one of the best fashion tips for teenage girls.

4. The Basic Vest:
    The basic vest is one fashion accessory that should be a must-have in your teen’s wardrobe.

    A basic vest in the shade of white will always help her coordinate her other clothes around it.

    Let your teen try out a white vest with a blue pair of denims and simple or bright tie-on sneakers.

    She can also use a number of accessories on her hand to create the layered effect.

    The best part about this look is that your teen can always add another layer on top, by using a scarf, a shirt, a tee or even a jacket.

5. Classic Blue Denim Jacket:
    Make sure your teen has a classic denim jacket in her wardrobe in the shade blue, as it is one fashion accessory everyone should have.

    She can either go for a more form fitted one jacket or one that is a little big for her size, as both will look great when paired up with other clothes.

    Your teen can wear the jacket over a dress, over a regular skirt and top, over a vest and denim combo, over formal attire, or even as a buttoned-up jacket with a black pair of denims.

6. Shorts And Stockings:
    Teens love wearing shorts, and it is one fashion item that your girl can always use to make a stunning style statement.

    Help your teen dress up a simple pair of blue denim shorts by wearing a netted stocking underneath.

    She can team it up with a white crop top and a colorful pair of tie-on sneakers.

    To give the whole look that much more edge, ask her to add a cap and aviators. This is the best teen fashion tips.

7. Vibrant Pair Of Glasses:
    Big and chunky frames of glasses have come back to make a major style statement, both for teens and adults alike.

    The best part about using glasses as a fashion accessory is that your teen can choose the type of look she wants to create.

    You can help your teen choose a pair of glasses that are either same in color or have multiple colors in them. Also, ask her to choose colors that are more vibrant instead of dull, as they will help to brighten up a plain look.

    Your teen can use the glasses with her formal wear as well as easy and fun casual wears.

8. Arm Candies:
    Styling your arm with the right type of accessories is a big fashion statement, one where your teen girl can actually mix and match her different bangles and bracelets.

    From chunky bracelets and bangles to the more dainty and feminine ones, your teen can go for a super stylish layering effect to add character to a regular and plain outfit.

    Let your teen decide what type of look she wants to wear for that particular day. She can take a pick from leather bands, braided bracelets, chunky jeweled bangles, wooden bangles, beaded bracelets, charm bracelets, wristlets, shell bracelets and many many more.

    Make sure that if she wants the highlight to be around her arm, she needs to keep the other accessories to a minimum or not wear any.

9. Pretty In Boots:
    Let your teen girl have a gala time dressing up her outfits by choosing some cute and fashionable boots to go with them.

    These days, boots are available in a variety of colors and styles, not just the blacks and browns of earlier times.

    Ask your teen to pick two pairs in her favorite colors. She can wear them with outfits that she wants to color coordinate with her boots. Alternatively, she can use them to add some spunk to plain and neutral colored outfits.

10. A Girly Dress:
    Make sure your teen has at least one girly dress in her wardrobe.

    Floral patterns, pink or lavender hues and frills or laces will work best.

    She can wear her dress as it is, or dress it up with jackets, stockings, leggings and more.

As a mom, let your teen girl explore and enjoy the world of fashion, even as you guide her through some interesting ideas that will help her create her own individual fashion identity.

What are those three fashion essentials that you feel your teen girl should have in her wardrobe? Do share about it here.

Project Runway Recaps: Episode 6 --"You Ain't No Waif Yourself"!

Project Runway Recaps: Episode 6 --"You Ain't No Waif Yourself"!

Villain Ven, a Brawny Paper Towel (Wo)man, Hoochie Momma's and My Recap:



Oh Ven!

Posterboy for Plus Size Bashing? Project Runway Season 10 designer/contestant Ven Budhu

Villain Ven: Last night's Project Runway episode was about designers working with "real people"--as opposed to size 0 six foot tall Super-humans known as models. It was the "L'Oreal Hair Challenge of Making Over a Friend" Challenge. The ten remaining designers got ten women of varying sizes and it was their job to create a new stylish look for them. Ven Budhu, who up to now has been a top favorite because of his consistent, elegant styles and Haute Couture aesthetic, suddenly became the most hated contestant of Season 10. I, for one, was one of his "cheerleaders"...

Terri (left in her Ven Budhu Cocktail-meets-work design) and her designer, Ven with Terri's friend Theo, on the right photo

But that was all thrown out the door last night. Not because he created something majorly ugly, but because he was a disrespecting human being--toward his lovely client, a woman named Terri. Throughout the episode, he said some doozies like he was "shocked and disappointed" that he had to work with a real person and not a model, and that his client has no fashion sense and isn't fashion forward--I could go on and on...

Take That Ven!

It was so disgusting that at one point, I almost threw my carb-filled Fettuccine Alfredo dinner at him for saying all those nasty thing about--and to--his beautiful client Terri--but I didn't want to ruin my perfectly good flat-screen TV. What. Is. Ven's. Problem? And like I say in my Lifetime.com Recap--I was so surprised NO ONE--his client or her good friend who enlisted her for this Makeover--went right back at him with a "You AIN'T no WAIF yourself Ven!".

Big Is Beautiful

Important Bullet-points for Ven:

* Non-Size 4 Women Are BEAUTIFUL too!

* The Average Size of the American Woman is a 14

* Good Luck having a Fashion Business without MAJORLY apologizing to all these women

and finally

* Wouldn't it be nice to Google your name and see your fabulous fashions first...as opposed to your photo as a "Plus Size Basher"?



Moving on...let's get to some of the FUN parts of last night's Episode:

Guest Judge British fashion designer Alice Tamperley, whose client includes Catherine, Ducchess of Windsor (wearing one of her Temperley London designs at the London premiere of "War Horse"--The designer didn't know what "Hoochie Momma" meant (until Michael Kors translated it into UK-speak and said "a Tart"--in case you still don't understand Ms. Temperley...



This is HOOCHIE:

This Is Not:

Dmitry and his client Angela: Dmitry Sholokhov's look for his client was directional, very NYC, Fashion Dominatrix--It was one of the Top Looks from the episode. I loved this look. I only wished that it would have been longer--right above the knee or to-the-knee would have been perfect! But a good job Dmitry (and his HOT client Angela).

Gunnar and his client, Kim: First off, congrats to Gunnar Deatharage for NOT being a Ven Size-ist and complaining about how "big" your client was. I have to admit that I would have expected that behavior from you (you have been that Bit*** Queen "character" this season huney!) but...you were a PERFECT Gentleman. Your momma done taught you right! Now, back to Kim--she was Fabulous and Fierce on the Runway. Whatever she's drinkin'...I want SOME!!!



Brawny Girl Winner:

Before: designer Fabio Costa's client Ko-Rely (above) and her plaid non-sexually threatening plaid shirt

Ko-Rely's Muse (above)--The Brawny Paper Towel Man

After: Fabio won this "Make Over My Friend" Challenge for his original color-blocked dress for his formerly known as "Brawny Paper Towel Girl" Ko-Rely--she looked great (sans the belt)

The Hoochie Momma's:

Sonija William's twisted knot dress for her client was a little too short and the judges really didn't like it. I was surprised Alicia Hardesty's very, very tacky design--a pink taffeta badly-fitting WAAAY too short dress--did not end up at the bottom. She was VERY VERY lucky because for me, this was WORSE than who actually got the boot:

Nathan Paul's royal blue and black dress for his client--Liana who sings pop/R and B--ended up at the bottom for almost the same reasons I think Alicia's dress should have been at the bottom. Liana did look like a tacky club goer at some Vegas nightclub--and the side illusion panels did not help, but...I still think Alicia's might have been worse. 

Which was MORE Hoochie in your eyes?



Here's My Recap :

You Ain't No Waif Yourself

On almost every season of "Project Runway"
there is the "Dress A Real Person Challenge." In past seasons, designers
have had to work with moms, bratty teenagers, and even on my season, we
had to make over our fellow designers. Don't remind me the outcome of
that one. Moving on... It's the challenge that both furthers the
stereotype that (some) fashion designers are body dysmorphic creatures
who worship and idolize the size 0, 6 foot tall, super human creatures
(models), and at the same time, can show that we do care about a "real
size" woman. It's an intelligent designer who can be successful at the
latter, which is of course the most important factor, since most women
are NOT a size 0, 2 or even an 8 for that matter. In actuality the
average american woman is a size 14. So with that in mind, let's start
this week's recap:



I Have Style ... But My Friend Doesn't

Heidi waltzes onto the "Runway" stage and announces that "for your
next challenge, we have some new clients for you." Ten men and women
enter and flank Miss Klum. Before the remaining 10 designers can whisper
in disgust a, "Are we creating something for them?!" Heidi adds, "Well,
these aren't your new clients ... you'll be creating looks for their
FRIENDS." It's the L'Oreal Hair Challenge of Making Over a Friend. OK,
now you can cut to the designers giving looks of "We have to dress REAL
PEOPLE!?" Even Heidi noticed the "Oh no" looks as she tries to remind
the designers that "this might be a lot of fun..." The operative word
here is MIGHT. Even Heidi wasn't buying what she was selling — knowing
there is bound to be designer/client drama. They all head to the Parsons
workroom where Tim awaits with L'Oreal consulting hair stylist Johnny
Lavoy, who will help in creating the friend makeover transformations.



Meet Your Clients

Time to meet each of the designers' "real life clients" who were
(supposedly) chosen for each designer at random: Sonjia gets Amanda, a
sweat pant-loving tomboy who hates to shop. Elena is handed Jenna, who
is "bubbly" and loves color. Christopher gets Kate, who is hoping for a
trendy jacket. Dmitry is paired with Angela who likes chunky jewelry and
contrast. Alicia gets Martina, who wants men to marry her and women to
BE her (at-a-girl!). And finally, Melissa gets Kannace who likes
dresses...



CLICK HERE to read the rest of my Recap--and make sure to let me know YOUR thoughts--on Ven, Hoochie Momma's, and Big Beautiful Women--after the Recap on my BLOG 

Dress Code: Black Tie

Dress Code: Black Tie

Dress: Ted Baker 'Nelum' | Bag: Alice + Olivia 'Clee' Old but Love This Fluffy Evening Option | Lip Colour: Topshop Lip Polish 'Gallery' | Earrings: Next Old but Similar | Heels: Reiss Old but Super Cute Alternative Here 

So, what to do when the invitation states Dress Code: Black Tie . . . ?! First: do a celebratory dance. Immediately. I mean, how often is black tie required nowadays?! This is EXCITING. And two: google Blair Waldorf. Nobody gives better gown game than Blair. Fact. 

I have had my fair share of black tie occasions this year, from a ball, to the opera, to a handful of weddings, I have been spoilt with occasions to indulge my Gossip Girl fantasies. There  is something throughly magical about wearing a gown and jewels, and if you don't already have an invitation requiring black tie, I'm going to help you out. More on that later. 

| Shop The Look | 

This beautiful china print Nelum dress from Ted Baker had my heart quickening a pace on first glance. The white felt unseasonably fresh for an Autumn ball, and I adore a touch of cobalt blue in whatever guise. I wore this look for the Next Charity Gala I attended recently, which raised money in aid of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. It was a stunning occasion; Venetian themed, complete with masks, gondoliers, acrobats, fireworks (indoors!) and a heaving dance floor. It was truly a 'pinch me' evening. 

Read on for my roundup of the black tie occasions every one can attend, and the best evening dresses for every body shape . . . 

| How To Find the Best Dress For You | 

Given, wearing a ball gown is hardly an every day occurrence. The process of finding the perfect Blair-worthy dress (with room to eat, dance, get in and out of transport) can be daunting. 

My top tip is to think about your silhouette. What is the most flattering shape for you?

I am an hourglass, and have learnt that a dress which nips in at the waist and skim past my hips is most flattering. I have learnt over time what suits me, but it wasn't always the case! True story: when I was 16 years old and shopping for my prom dress, I was obsessed with buying a silk bias-cut gown similar to Kate Hudson's gold dress in How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days (because duh, she looked amazing). However, it was literally the worst shape on me. I persisted, but eventually caved when I realised how much more flattering an A-line skirt is for me. 

See below for a few recommendations for different body shapes: 

Hourglass:

Straight up and down:

Larger chest, smaller hips:

Smaller bust, larger hips:

Lean arms and legs, middle conscious: 

Now, I truly believe every one should get the chance to have a princess moment, it's a right of passage for all gown-loving girls. If you should already have a black tie invitation sitting in your mail, or you know you have your prom, a friend's wedding, a boyfriend's work occasion . . . coming up, book mark this page! If not, here are three occasions to look in to: 

1: The Royal Ballet in Covent Garden. There is no official dress code, however I feel it's the perfect occasion to many an extra effort. Pop in to Balthazar around the corner for a glass of champagne - you'll definitely feel appropriately attired in here!

2: The Grange Park Opera. Oli and I went this year and had the best time. Book up early for next Summer. If you are under 30 you can receive a special ticket concession. 

3: Your very own soiree! Christmas is around the corner and I can't think of a better excuse to host a party with friends! Chip in for room hire in a lovely restaurant (it often works out more cost effective than you think) and make the dress code your own. Hotel Du Vin have many beautiful locations. 

All of this talk of gowns has got me itching to swap my slippers for stilettos . . . OR binge-watch Gossip Girl. 

Must. Remain. Productive. 

Do you love an occasion to dress up? What would be your DREAM gown?! I think mine would be this. 

Love, 

MB x