William and Catherine Royal Wedding Guests Red Carpet Fashion Report: Part ONE!

William and Catherine Royal Wedding Guests Red Carpet Fashion Report: Part ONE!

Reporting From the Royal Red Carpet...

Viva España: Queen Sofia, Crown Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia of Spain

First up on my "William and Catherine Royal Wedding Red Carpet Fashion Report" is the Royal House of Spain. Queen Sofia of Spain wore a mauve-colored silk taffeta suit with jeweled button accents and stand-up shawl collar. I think she looked great; loved the color! And as always, she has her pashmina shawl which she never leaves her Palace without! Her son, Crown Prince Felipe, dashing in uniform and Princess Letizia...

Wore a pleated mousseline blush-colored dress by designer Felipe Varela and matching shoes by Magrit. The dress was simple, understated and "Wedding Guest Appropriate". I would have loved to have seen a more dramatic hat however.

L'Afrique C'est Chic: Prince Seeison and Princess Mabereng of Lesotho

A good friend of Prince William and Prince Harry, Prince Seeison Bereng Seeiso of Lesotho was accompanied by his wife Princess Mabereng Seeiso, who wore a colorfully printed floor-length fitted "Mermaid"-style gown.

Takchita Couture: Princess Lalla Salma of Morocco

Princess Lalla Salma is the princess consort of King Mohammed VI of Morocco and she showed up sans her husband (but with some SERIOUS body guards!) to the Royal Wedding, in a traditional Moroccan caftan gown or takchita in silk organza, gold center front covered buttons and gold embroidered applique.

Dutch Royal Treats: Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Maxima of The Netherlands

Prince of Orange Willem-Alexander and his wife, Crown Princess Maxima of the Netherlands. Maxima wore a blush pink Chantilly lace dress featuring a "belted" waist tie and scalloped edges. Her "hat" was more of a turban/pillbox combination and very 1950's Retro.

Millinery Divas: Zara Philips and Crown Princess Mathilde of Belgium

Two Royal Guests stand out for their fabulous Philip Treacy (of course!) creations. On the left, Zara Philips--only daughter of Princess Anne (Prince William's aunt)-chose a gunmetal colored hat of buckram with twisted side detail. On the right is Crown Princess Mathilde of Belgium...

Seen above with her husband, Prince Philippe of Belgium, heir to that country's throne. She looks rather chic in an Armani Prive custom-made teal-blue satin "trumpet"-style dress and matching jacket that featured interesting waist-drape tie. The black asymmetrical ankle-strapped pumps are rather stupendous. Her hat: Philip Treacy. Her necklace: AMAZING!

Blue Boring: Queen Margrethe II of Denmark

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark was a disappointment for me. Usually HRH is the Go-to gal for KRAZEE florals and dresses and suits that an old Costume Designer who has retired to Boca would wear--and that's why I LOVE HER! But for William and Catherine's Wedding, she came rather conservatively dressed, in a lilac blue coat-and-dress ensemble. No prints, no KRAZEE. Boring. Even the hat did not excite me. At least, she had a winning smile which actually was the best thing she "wore"!

Wrinkled Duchess: Maria Teresa of Luxembourg

Another snooze-fest in terms of "Royal Wedding Red Carpet Fashion" was Maria Teresa, the Cuban born (yep!!) Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, one of the smallest countries in the world. Wrinkled, ill-fitting and almost cheap-looking. The style of the dress and suit ensemble is better suited for--dare I say it--a commoner, as opposed to the Duchess of a country!

Miss Diva of Greece: Marie Chantal, Crown Princess of Greece & Princess of Denmark

On the other spectrum, leave it to Marie Chantal of Greece, wife to Prince Pavlos, to bring it when it comes to some fashion. Marie Chantal wore Chanel Spring 2011 Haute Couture darlings. A gray-lilac tweed dress with "spiderweb" hand beaded embroidery. Notice that her style has longer "glove length" sleeves. It is a Couture-ordering client's prerogative to change things a bit--especially when you are paying about $30,000 for a custom day dress darlings! Her flower-adorned hat: Philip Treacy.

For now, we'll end our "William and Catherine Wedding Day Red Carpet Report" with Prince Pavlos of Greece's father and mother--former King Constantine II and Queen Anne-Marie (she's from the Danish Royal Family, in case you didn't know). Both look quite handsome, elegant and Royal Wedding Appropriate, just the way exiled royals who have no country to rule should look like.

Royal Wedding Gowns: A Look Back Through The Years!

Royal Wedding Gowns: A Look Back Through The Years!

Wedding Couture

In honor of Friday's Royal Wedding between Prince William and Catherine "Kate" Middleton, I have decided to do a posting on all the wonderful Royal Weddings of the past and, of course, what they wore! I hope you enjoy seeing all the wonderful ensembles as much as I did...plus I included a little Couture Dish!

Grace of Monaco: Helen Rose

Prince Rainer and Grace of Monaco--in a Helen Rose (an MGM Costume Designer) gown. Edith Head--Hollywood Costume Designer for the A-List of the time (and of Kelly) was reportedly saddened to not have been picked, for this once-in-a-lifetime occasion. COUTURE DISH: The gown was worked on by six seamstress at MGM and 30 million people around the world watched it. The gown has remained THE SYMBOL--and ruler-- of what a "Royal Wedding Gown" should be. Elegant, timeless, classic, serene, and above all, royal. Guests of the wedding included actresses Gloria Swanson and Eva Gardner, the Agha Khan, and many others.

Princess Caroline: Christian Dior Haute Couture by Marc Bohan

Their eldest daughter, Princess Caroline wore Christian Dior Haute Couture by then House Designer, Marc Bohan, when she married Commoner--and French Playboy--Philipe Junot, in 1978. The gown featured a high neck, scalloped edge embroidered gown, bishop sleeves and blouson top. I especially remember (I was VERY YOUNG!) how modern she looked with ringlets of flowers--a la Princess Leia--in her hair--as opposed to wearing a tiara or crown.

Queen Elizabeth: Norman Hartnell

Queen Elizabeth (then Princess Elizabeth of York) and Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh (then Prince of Greece and Denmark--he's actually German and Danish but born in Greece). Her wedding gown was designed by British designer Norman Hartnell. COUTURE DISH: The Queen Mother had specifically asked that Hartnell should use an unusually rich, lustrous stiff satin which was made at Lullington Castle. The satin was ideal for the train, but Hartnell thought that the dress required a more supple material of a similar tone. He ordered the similar fabric from the Scottish firm of Winterthur. Difficulties arose when rivals put about the rumor that the Scottish satin was made from "enemy silk worms", either from Italy or possibly Japan. A telephone call to the town where Winterthur was based, settled the scandal. Mr. Hartnell was assured the silk worms were from Nationalist China and were not "enemy silk worms". Good to know...

Princess Diana: Elizabeth Emanuel

Continuing with the Brits: Prince Charles and Diana in 1981: Her gown was designed by British designer Elizabeth Emanuel is iconic, of course, especially for its infamous 25 foot (wrinkled) silk taffeta train. COUTURE DISH: The entire gown--including the train and veil--were comprised of (wait for it), 275 total yards. The gown epitomized the excess that were to be the 80's.

Princess Anne: Maureen Baker

Another gown I loved was the one Princess Anne (only daughter of Queen Elizabeth) wore when she wed then-Lieutenant Mark Phillips (he was soooo handsome!!) in 1973. The gown was inspired from the Medieval and Tudor styles. It was very "Lady Macbeth Gets Married".

The gown--designed by Maureen Baker, head designer for Susan Small--featured Trumpet sleeves that hid inner Bishop Sleeves (FIERCE!), as you can see above. COUTURE DISH: Fifteen women worked on the dress and each worked on a different section, and they didn't know what the final outcome would look like--this was done for fear that the design would be "leaked" to the press by one of these girls.

Wallis Simpson: Mainbocher

Of course, when speaking of Wedding Couture, we can't leave out the Mainbocher gown worn by Wallis Simpson when she married Edward, Duke of Windsor (also Prince Edward, King Edward XIII of course) in 1937. This pale blue gown and hat--have gone down in history as the epitome of understated chic. The groom wore a Morning Suit, of course. There were only sixteen guests, not one a member of the royal family.

Princess Margaret: Norman Hartnell

Then , there was the Fashionista and "Party Girl" Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon (Queen Elizabeth's sister) and her wedding to Anthony Armstrong-Jones. Her gown was designed and created by the house of Norman Hartnell--same designer who created her sister's wedding gown.This was also the first royal wedding ever televised, and was watched by over 300 million viewers worldwide!Empress/Shahbanu Soraya of Iran: Christian Dior by Yves Saint Laurent

I also absolutely LOVE the wedding gown worn by Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiari (of German-Persian descent) , who would become Empress and Shahbanu Soraya of Iran when she married the Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi (his second marriage) in 1951. She wore a a custom gown designed by Yves Saint Laurent for the House of Christian Dior.

COUTURE DISH: The gown was a silver lame gown studded with pearls and marabou stork feathers (!). To finish the gown, there was a cropped shawl-collar jacket AND a full-length white mink cape which she removed for "let-me-sit-down-and-breathe" photos. Poor Soraya (who was rumored to always have been the Shah's love of his life) soon discovered she could not give him a male heir (she was infertile) and therefore, divorced seven years after their wedding, but was left with a nice you-can-live-forever-in-style bank account.

Queen Sofia of Spain: Jean Dessès

Next of note was Queen Sofia's (then Princess Sophia of Greece) Wedding Gown--designed by Egyptian-born of Greek descent fashion designer Jean Dessès--when she married the future King of Spain Juan Carlos in Athens Greece to much fanfare.

Marie Chantal of Greece: Valentino Haute Couture

Speaking of Greeks, here's Crown Prince Pavlos and his bride, Marie Chantal Miller. Marie Chantal is of US-Ecuadorian ancestry and Pavlos, the son of the exiled King of the Hellenes (Greece), Constantine II, is well, of Danish-German (and not so much Greek) descent. Constantine II is Queen Sofia's (see previous wedding gown pic) brother--yes, keep up!! By the way, the Bride's gown was from Valentino Haute Couture. Don't mess with them darlings!

Maria y Carmen Martinez-Bordiu: Cristobal Balenciaga

Now onto another fabulous Royal Wedding Gown of note. This gown is from Maria y Carmen Martinez-Bordiu y Franco when she wed Alfonso, Duke of Anjou and Cadiz and Grandson of King Alfonso XIII of Spain in 1972. General Franco made him Duke of Anjou and making him a Royal Highness, thereby making her a Princess: Can you say "At-a Girl!" in Spanish?? Momma didn't raise a fool!
COUTURE DISH: Her gown was designed by Cristobal Balenciaga. The Spanish Couturier ended his business in 1968 but came out of "retirement" to design her gown. It featured 14 meters of Abraham silk, 20 silk thread spools, 10,000 pearls, and over 5,000 sequins. It also had the Bourbon "Fleur-de-lis" embroidered into the front of this one-of-a-kind Haute Couture hand-made gown.

The future Queen Noor of Jordan's wedding dress is notable for it's elegant simplicity. It was a blouson gown, with no crinoline, no petticoat, no tulle. This is how you do "restrained" and unfussy, but still beautiful.

Queen Rania of Jordan: Bruce Oldfield

At the opposite end, was Queen Rania of Jordan's wedding gown to King Abdullah II. Her gown was designed by British designer Bruce Oldfield (a name that has been thrown around as a possible candidate for Catherine Middleton's wedding dress designer) and not by a Middle Eastern designer, which was odd.

Princess Maxima of the Netherlands: Valentino Haute Couture

Moving on to the New Generation of Royals--and their Wedding COUTURE: A gorgeous Valentino Haute Couture creation can be seen on Princes Maxima of the Netherlands when she wed Crown Prince Willem-Alexander, Prince of Orange, and heir apparent to the throne of the Netherlands. Maxima is from Argentina darlings, in case you weren't aware. South American girl done did good, as they say...The Netherlands will have an South American-born Queen sometime in the future.

Princess Mette-Marit of Norway: Ove Harder Finseth

Staying in Scandinavia: There was the wedding gown of Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway. Ove Harder Finseth was the designer. I loved this gown for its elegant simplicity. The shape was perfect for Mette-Marit's lean figure and again, as one of the "Next Generation Royals", I love that she chose to do without the Disneyland Princess Crinoline-and-Petticoat Ball Gown "Princes Diana" silhouette. Norwegians know how to give you "Directional Modern Brides" for sure!

Princess Letizia of Spain: Manuel Pertegaz

I also LOVED Princess Letizia of Spain's wedding gown when she married Crown Prince Felipe in 2004. It was designed by 93-year old (yes, 93!!) Spanish Designer Manuel Pertegaz. I'm sure his "staff" had a lot to do with this and he probably sat there and said "Si!" and "No!". Letizia’s beige Valencia silk wedding dress was graceful and Medieval in its silhouette. It featured long sleeves, a decorative stand-away collar, veil and skirt embroidered with flower-de-luce and ears of wheat. Her wedding dress was 4.6 meters long!!

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden: Par Engsheden

And last but not least in my Royal Wedding Couture Nick Verreos Hall of Fame, I have to include the gorgeous gown worn by Victoria Crown Princess of Sweden. The silk fit-and-flare gown was designed by Swedish designer Par Engsheden. Simple. Elegant. Sublime. The stunning crown and lace veil finish it off. THAT is a future Queen ladies and gentlemen.

Now....Which one was your FAVORITE Royal Wedding Gown???

Embroidered & Fancy Asian Bridal Wedding Walima Dresses 2015-2016

Embroidered & Fancy Asian Bridal Wedding Walima Dresses 2015-2016

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Get ready ! here we are with an other incredible and astonishing assortment of bridal wedding dresses . Firstly we want to complete the wedding category then we move onwards . So here we introduce astonishing accumulation of Bridal dresses 2015 for walima festivals has been presented in numerous designs indicates by the best and heading Fashion designers of our nation . These are fashioned according to new recent trends & fashion . These Attire is designed exclusively due to use of heavy embroidery it looks expensive but the price range is easily to afford . Wedding is considered as the most vital day in bride life that comes only one time of their life . The youngsters take a lot of enthusiasm for distinctive sorts of outfits for wedding so this gathering likewise contains wonderful outfits . These attire no doubly gives a traditional & alluring looks on wedding. . If you want to get traditional bridal to look on your wedding then I have a suggestion for you that you just pick color or design which suits on you otherwise if you choose design not according to your personality you don't get traditional bridal look that you want. . Wedding dresses includes Long shirts with sharara , Frock , Saree , Lehenga kurti or Lehenga Saree . Main point of the wedding walima dresses you will go to discover the greatest utilization of the overwhelming Embroidery in addition to the utilization of the stone and also the main use of dabka shading as well . Dresses are generally included with the fabrics that are delicate and agreeable . Here Dresses you will be discovering the colors that are both delicate and striking including with dull red , blue , pink , purple , light black and numerous others . All the dresses are so extraordinary looking that you will go to fall your heart on all the wedding dresses . A portion of the ladies even love to pick the wedding dresses in the colors that are only as per their skin tone . Today I am additionally going to impart to you some most recent wedding dresses . Let's See below the full line of wedding bridal Walima Dresses....! ! 

Wedding/Marriage Walima Dresses 2015-2016 For Brides

 

 

 Wailma Bridal Dresses 2015-2016

 Wedding Dresses 2015-2016 For Asian Brides

 

 Fancy & Embroidered Walima Dresses For Pakistani & Indian Girls

 Beautiful Blue or brown/skin Color Shaded Dress Walima For Brides

 

The Dress That Had Me At Hello

The Dress That Had Me At Hello

Dress: Three Floor Fashion c/o, Heels: Russell & Bromley, Arm Bangle: Feather & Stone c/o, Bracelets: Nadia Rabosio, Rings: Freedom @ Topshop

If this Three Floor dress could talk (no doubt in the most fabulous raspy, upper East Side New York-en lilt) it would have had me, for sure, at hello. 

I wore this look to our friends' wedding this past weekend, and had the most fun. A stellar dress will do that for you. 

Read on for more pics, and my notes on wedding guest dressing . . . 

Notes on styling: By the end of the Summer I will have been to five weddings this year - the most I have ever been to! I know you guys are smart, and so what I'm about to say will no doubt already be ingrained in your wardrobe psyche, however I feel it's worth repeating: you're comfort at the wedding is paramount, do not sacrifice it for your outfit! Bring a coat, wear comfortable shoes, and an ensemble you can eat in. 

When it comes to clothing, a flattering cut is my go-to for confidence. Be that a great pair of trousers and a structured top, or a fit n' flare dress . . . with room for wedding cake! 

Colour is an easy cheat to looking your best; think of the hue which people most compliment you in and search for a great look in that colour. I love pink, and will have worn it to three of the five weddings this year, I always feel great in it and so it's an easy option for me. For you, a fabulous jade green may be your perfect colour, or cobalt blue, or orange . . . experiment until you find a hue which makes your eyes sparkle, skin glow and you smile! If you find yourself lost in a pile of options, take a photo in your mirror of each, including shoes and accessories, and compare your looks once you've had some time to step away and get some perspective. Ultimately, it comes back to my first point, whatever you feel most comfortable in, you'll look your most fabulous!

Nails: Emma @ Boom Nails 

 

What is your favourite wedding guest outfit? Are you guys heading to any occasions soon? Can you share your failsafe tip for feeling fabulous?

Love, 

MB x 

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