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!

RECAP - MELBOURNE FASHION WEEK

RECAP - MELBOURNE FASHION WEEK

Melbourne Fashion Week took over the footpath of Swanston Street for its annual week long offering that launches the beginning of Spring and Summer and the social season in which Melbourne comes alive. 

Suit: Jack London

Shirt: Department 5

Socks: Gucci

Shoes: Ben Sherman

Bag: No Name

Sunglasses: Arockonalens

The fashion obsessed flowed into the Melbourne Town Hall to view the latest offerings from both designers and retailers with their glasses of champers in hand. It is always a great environment to catch up with your fellow stylish friends, see familiar faces behind a camera and meet new and exciting people that your normally only communicate with through your instagram feed. The MFW Bar meant serious business inside with its set up and exhibition space, which unfortunately did not flow outside to the claustrophobic outdoor area on the footpath either side of the entrance. 

Courtesy: Mamamia

For dedicated fashion addicts there were a handful of people on the street that peaked my interest. Hoards of bloggers, influencers and wannabes presented their best offerings for the camera's as they circled the block. As you know the louder and more individual you are in your clothes, the more likely you are to peak the interest of the papz and be snapped. In this case I felt like I was stuck inside a photo shoot for a menswear suit catalog. After a week of viewing the street styles I was left with the impression that Australian menswear fashion is still relatively conservative, with not much evolution between seasons or even years. Thankfully there were standouts from the ladies who bought their A game to the footpath injecting understated chicness and colourful combinations whilst braving the chilly nights.

Shirt & Blazer: James Harper

Pants: Department 5

Shoes: Lacoste

Bag: Doucals

Sunglasses: Gucci

Trends that dominated the footpath outside the shows:

Street Luxe - The number one dominating trend was the mixing of streetwear with high fashion. Of course all black ensembles were everywhere, and the opposite. All white was also present like a flock of seagulls searching for a potato chip. 

Florals - As Miranda Priestly so eloquently put it, florals for Spring. Groundbreaking. Let's move on.

Belts - Belts were everywhere. Some good, some bad and some that I will be happy to never see again. If I see one more GG gold belt I think I will scream as it has replaced the tiresome YSL tassel bag that every woman has been renting for the last year.

Men in Suts - When it comes to men's suits there were some stylish accessories to set off the slim tailored fits that were on display. Plenty of pocket squares and lapel pins which showed individuality of the wearer. There were minimal pleated trousers which have been huge in Europe for the last two years and plenty of loafers with no socks. Special shout out to the gents who took the stuffiness out of menswear and wore something a little different and didn't play it safe. Bravo.

Pretty Ugly Shoes - Delighted to see so many wonderful shoes with different hardware and embellishments in a variety of styles both on men and women. Thigh high leather tan boots on women with chunky heels were a regular staple. The elaborate shoes would not normally be considered pretty but the vulgarity and opulence was beautiful and refreshing to see in Melbourne. ADORE!

Fur - Fur accessories adorned everything from earrings to bags and shoes. Poor little critters will live on for seasons to come after being dyed in fabulous colours providing a lux

vibe to ensembles.

Blazer & Coat: Oxford

Shirt, Tie, Pocket Squares & Shorts: James Harper

Sweater: Ted Baker

Socks:  Gucci

Most of the shows were exactly as I feared, producing safe visions of well groomed and pruned ensembles ready for the horse racing season in a few months. The flare for dramatics or igniting a point of difference was eliminated by many big designers that played it safe and delivering much of what they have for the previous seasons. However there were a few examples of inspiration and creativity that will be burned in my mind for a while. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram for updates

Garage Runway - As much as I enjoy a good summer dress, there was a lot of black and muted tones or uninspiring patterns that were constantly reused. I understand ethical fashion and the need to be wise with materials, but without variety comes boredom. I have seen so many dresses inspired by Queen B's baseball bat twirling dress to last me a lifetime. 

Menswear Garage - Alike the aforementioned it was held in the basement of the Melbourne Town Hall, the likes of Amxander, Jack London, Autonomy, Chris Ran Lin and Dom Bagnato sent styles down the runway that unfortunately did not peak my interest. Following European trends with oversized bumbags across the chest and numerous patterned materials that were reused for different pieces, there were a few nice pieces but nothing that made me gasp. The overall vibe of the show was trying to be edgy with the model selection, music, skateboards and styling, that it all felt the same. I left a little deflated after this showing.

David Jones - The creative styling team behind the show should be commended for creating safe ensembles that would peak the interest of suburban housewives and gents who require a suit for the races. A huge retailer like David Jones do know their target audience very well and this showcased their knowledge of their consumer, right down to the YSL heels or The Kingsman inspired gentlemen that will soon appear on movie screens.

Premium Runway Four - Finally an injection of what fashion means to me. There were opulent embellishments, tassels, fabric choices, voluminous sleeves and dramatics in the styling including a little homage to good old Formation film clip. The line up of deisgners meshed well together although once again there was a little too much black on the catwalk for my liking, but it is Melbourne after all and black sells. 

Premium Runway - Closing - The saying "Leave the best to last" was true of closing night of the festival with some inspirational displays sent down the ice melting runway. In a week that started off rather underwhelming it was good to wrap the festival up on a positive note with some of Australia’s most popular labels such as Romance Was Born, solid stand out for me.

After a few seasons not attending what was Melbourne Spring Fashion Week and rebranded MFW, it was pleasant to see new ideas influence the program and inject some much needed innovation into the festival. Melbourne has serious pride in it's events and the team behind Melbourne Fashion Week should be commended for staying current and on trend whilst producing a solid program. A huge shout out to the volunteers who spent 12 hour days holding the festival together. Round of applause.

I believe that some of the designers need to lift their game if they wish to retain current supporters of their brands, or attract new customers. By the end of the week photographers were not on the streets, media pit at the end of the runway appeared a little thin and there were many empty seats in the town hall creating an underwhelming atmosphere. With Melbourne Fashion Festival receiving an injection of funding from the State Government recently it will be interesting to see if the fashion capital is big enough for both Fashion Week and Fashion Festival. Let the catwalk battles begin.

Women Fashion Tips For Body Types - 10 Rules.

Women Fashion Tips For Body Types - 10 Rules.

Being fashionable can be a struggle at times. What to wear? What accessories go with which style of clothing? The questions go on and on. For women looking for fashion tips, the following 10 fashion tips every woman should know offer insights into fashion-forward thinking.

When searching for fashionable wardrobe items, research available clothing options before making a purchase. Also, find out which fashion styles work best with each particular body type, how much is too much to spend on an outfit, and places to find and buy fashionable wardrobe items, such as at local clothing stores or online marketplaces like eBay.

Every shopper would like to know how to make the best decisions when it comes to fashion. The following section contains 10 tips every woman should know before buying new wardrobe items.

Top 10 Fashion Tips for Women

The following detailed 10 fashion tips offer women some guidance on fashion-forward thinking.

1. Focus on Strengths

Shoppers need to know the ABCs of fashion: Accentuate, Balance, and Camouflage. Shoppers should also look for styles that accentuate their body's strengths and downplay their weaknesses. For example, shoppers who have an hourglass figure should wear clothing that accentuates those attributes, including scooped or V neck outfits, vertical striped outfits, or dresses and one-piece outfits that cinch at the waist. For tall women, for instance, avoid stripes, which make a wearer look even taller. To create volume, add colors and patterns to pants or skirt. This accentuates a triangle shape.

Women's body types include:

Tall and slender. Considered the most desirable body type.

Endomorph

Apple-shaped. Women with this body type carry a lot of their weight in the upper body area.

Mesomorph

Athletic build. Women with this body type have broad shoulder, wider hips, and smaller waists.

2. Quality Versus Quantity

Always buy fashion pieces with quality in mind. A few really good pieces will do a shopper better than numerous items that might not have as much of an impact. Another strategy: Buy a few pieces that shoppers look fabulous in and then augment those classics with more trendy items over time.

Quality does not always mean high cost. Buying well-made brands that fit into the shopper's look and plays to their strengths can ensure each purchase is justified.

3. Create a "Personal" Look

Look for clothing designs, certain cuts, and styles that look the best and offer superior comfort. Buy more than one if something is found that works. For example, if a shopper finds a pair of jeans that accentuate her glamorous attributes, she should consider buying multiple pairs in more than one color.

The best way to make a powerful and lasting impression through fashion includes developing a fashion style that others won't forget.

4. Try New Things

While sticking to what works best, shoppers should also try new fashions out. This doesn't mean abandoning what has worked for shoppers. One way to experiment with new fashions and still save money is to buy pre-worn clothing that remains in great condition.

5. Simplicity Is Best

Staying simple is usually the best way to go. This goes for both makeup and wardrobe items. When in doubt, keep the accessories to a minimum and use timeless, classic fashion styles, such as a black dress with red pumps. When wearing makeup, shoppers should use only enough to highlight the best features of their face: cheekbones, lips, or eyes, for example.

6. Don't Break the Bank

Shoppers don't have to buy the most expensive items to be fashionable. Less expensive items can work just as well, especially if they play toward a shopper's strengths. So, instead of buying an expensive Versace dress, shoppers could instead buy a less expensive Banana Republic dress.

Used items of fashion are also an option, especially lightly used clothing. This way shoppers can get the items they want in almost-perfect condition at a much lower price point compared to new items.

7. Take Note of Fashion Trends

Shoppers should keep their eyes on the latest fashion trends. That said, shoppers should only adopt those styles that match their body type and personality. If the latest fashions do not look good on a shopper and accentuate their strong points, it doesn't matter if those fashions are in style or not.

Read magazines such as Allure, ELLE, and Fashion Magazine to keep up on the latest styles. This allows shoppers to keep up with the latest fashion news and trends, especially in regard to upcoming seasonal options.

8. Accessories Make the Outfit

Shoes and other accessories can make or break an outfit. A perfect belt or piece of jewelry can really tie an outfit together and make a statement. Another important tip: Do not overdo the accessories. As stated above, shoppers should keep their outfits simple. This goes double for makeup, as too much looks gaudy and draws too much attention away from the entire ensemble.

Mix and match accessories between outfits. Also, neutral colors and blacks and browns are best to extend the use of accessories between outfits.

9. Tailor an Outfit

If shoppers can afford it, they should have their outfits properly tailored to fit their body. Wearing clothes that look custom made is a first step towards taking a standard look from plain to fashionable. Another way to assure a good fit: Go for a fitting.

10. Implement the Basics

The basic wardrobe items every woman should own include a black dress, a blazer, a pair of great-fitting denim jeans, a classic pump, a neutral handbag (black, brown, or both), a leather jacket, and a ballet flat. With just these few articles of clothing and accessories, shoppers can come up with a fashionable ensemble on the spur of the moment.

Neutral colors, blacks, and browns are best for establishing a basic fashion wardrobe. Throw in some whites, such as a blouse or pumps, and shoppers are set.

Korean Daily Fashion

Korean Daily Fashion

Korean Daily Fashion- Date Look♥

Long white sleeve blouse

Flower strap dress

White graphic t-shirt

Blue skinny Jeans

Beige cardigan

Black converse sneakers

Grey long sleeve top

White mini skirt

Navy coat

Plum cross body bag

Beige t-shirt

White spring jacket

Blue skinny jeans

White sneakers

Brown shoulder bag

White t-shirt

Denim jacket

Black layered skirt

Black converse sneakers

Black shoulder bag

White blouse

 Black v-neck knit

Light blue skinny jeans

Black ankle boots

White long sleeve blouse

Grey wrap skirt

White shoulder bag

Blue/white buttoned shirt

White skinny jeans

White sneakers

White shoulder bag

White Blouse

Pastel blue belt skirt

Black Blazer

Black high heeled shoes

Light pink long sleeve top

Flower patterned skirt

White Sneakers

Plum cross body bag

Flower printed blouse

Blue skinny Jeans

White sneakers

Blue vintage printed dress

White shoulder bag

White t-shirt

Black blazer

Blue skinny jeans

Black converse sneakers

Beige shoulder bag

Beige striped t-shirt

White shorts

Beige Sandals

White cross body bag

White t-shirt

Denim Jacket

Pink flower printed skirt

White sneakers

White long sleeve blouse

Blue flower printed skirt

White high heel shoes

White shoulder bag

White shirt

Black V dress

Black brogues shoes

Black mini handbag

White t-shirt

Teel strap dress

Black high heel shoes

White shoulder bag

Pink ribbon dress

Light beige cardigan

White sneakers

White blouse

Pink shorts

White sneakers

White mini shoulder bag

White t-shirt

Denim jacket

Black pleated skirt

Black converse sneakers

White t-shirt

Black mini skirt

Beige Cardigan

White and blue printed blouse

Navy belt skirt

Black loafer shoes

White shoulder bag

Beige off the shoulder blouse

Black jeans

White sandals

White casual top

Blue shorts

Black sandals

White shopper bag

Striped mini dress

Black cardigan

Black sandals

Black shoulder bag

White casual top

Pink cardigan

Blue Shorts

White sneakers

White casual top

Beige mini skirt

White sandals

Black and white striped dress

White cardigan

White sneakers

White long sleeve blouse

Pink strap dress

Pink high heel shoes

Flower printed dress

Beige cardigan

Black cross body bag

White striped t-shirt

Blue short

White sneakers

Photo credits; mixxmix