SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss USA 2017: Top 10 Preliminary Gowns

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss USA 2017: Top 10 Preliminary Gowns

Best In Gown: Miss USA 2017 contestants during the Evening Gown portion of the Miss USA 2017 Preliminary Competition--Mandalay Bay Events Center Las Vegas

Last night was the Miss USA 2017 Preliminaries, which occurred at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. The Preliminary Competition is very important because it's when the Top 10 Semifinalists are decided that will go on to compete in Sunday night's Final Miss USA 2017 pageant. 51 contestants representing the 50 states plus District of Columbia competed in Swimsuit and Evening Gown. Naturally here on my Sashes and Tiaras blog, I'm interested in the EVENING GOWNS!

Satin and Sequins: Miss USA 2017 contestants during the Evening Gown portion of the Miss USA 2017 Preliminary Competition--Mandalay Bay Events Center Las Vegas

The Preliminaries give pageant fans a "glimpse" into what the contestants will wear for the Evening Gown portion and their taste level and more importantly, who went the "Pageant Betty" route or tried to be at least more Fashion Runway Fab. As a fashion designer--and beauty pageant fan--when commenting on the Evening Gowns, there are several things I'm looking for...

Exhibit A, B, C, D & E: Fashion-forward, Red Carpet Fab and...Pageant Gown Gorgeous--Miss South Dakota USA 2016 Madison McKeown at last year's Miss USA 2016 Finals

My criteria for judging a gown is based on my desire to see an element of Fashion-forward/Fashion risk-taking designs combined with the understanding that these dresses are primarily for stage and have to somehow be "Pageant Appropriate"--which inherently has their own set of "Dress Criteria". A perfect example of how one can bridge Fashion & Pageant/Stage Impact would be last year's Miss South Dakota USA  Madison McKeown who wore this cape-fab gown from Lebanese designer Tony Ward and his Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2015 Collection seen in above photo. With that said...



Here are my TOP 10 Best Gowns of the Miss USA 2017 Preliminaries--in order of Highest to Lowest:

Miss Massachusetts USA Julia Scaparotti: Julia's black gown was probably my favorite of the night. She wore this black halter neck gown featuring gorgeous sequined lace applique in a smooth fit-and-flare "mermaid"-like silhouette with Open Back. The gown fit her perfectly, defined her figure and best features and was the correct length (hiding those tacky nude platform pumps!). This is a nice example of a fashionable style that was Pageant Perfect as well--and notice lack of HOOCHIE-licious too-high slits and no breast-a-licious cleavage (Thank You Julia!). I also liked her modern hair and the earrings. I hope, though, she lightens up on the too-heavy makeup. Score: 9.9

Miss North Carolina USA Katie Coble: LOVED this gold gown worn by Miss North Carolina USA. It was my second favorite. The gown featured gold lame pleated fabrication and great criss-cross torso draping detail. The style gave me a definite "Old Hollywood" vibe, harking back to the 1930s and 1940's days of Lauren Bacall, Jean Harlow and Marlene Dietrich with a nod to Cleopatra. The look was unique and stood out, for all the right reasons. Score: 9.89

Miss Kansas USA Catherine Carmichael: Catherine was a STUNNER last night during the Miss USA 2017 Preliminary Evening Gown Competition. When she came out in this coral colored gown, I was like "OK, NOW we're talking!". The crepe gown--which fit her perfectly playing up her 6' 1" tall statuesque beauty--featured a multicolored sequined bodice and DIVA-like dramatic chiffon back cape which she modeled as if THE RENT WAS DUE! Every pageant girl worth her sash needs to watch her modeling this to learn and take a lesson on how to work a gown with a chiffon cape. ASAP! She looked like a QUEEN. Score: 9.8

Miss Louisiana USA Bethany Trahan: Miss Louisina USA Bethany Brehan comes in fourth position of my Favorite Gowns of the Miss USA 2017 Preliminaries. She made quite a fashion statement with this black sequin applique-over-nude gown with iridescent organza back overskirt. The base gown was GORGEOUS: The sequin work was outstanding and it fit her to a 1/4" of her life! To be honest, I would have done without that back overskirt. I understand why it's there (drama, stage presence, etc.) but it needed to be re-thought. It did not seem organic with the beauty of the dress. Score: 9.65

Miss Nevada USA Lauren York: Lauren--who is one of the favorites to win the top crown (according to many pageant followers/missosologists on the internet) didn't disappoint in her choice of evening gown for last night's Preliminaries. She wore this very pretty column-style gown featuring a side nude illusion panel, white crepe base and unique geometric sequins and pearls. It was from Venezuelan fashion designer Dheymid Galaviz who has created many a sequined-and-crepe gown for many Miss Venezuela contestants and last year's Miss World Venezuela. Sometimes they can look similar to one of his design compatriots Gionni Straccia and at first I thought it was an Straccia gown because the sequin work looked like this: Score: 9.6

Mariam Habach Miss Lara (and eventual Miss Venezuela) at the Miss Venezuela 2016 Pageant wearing Gionni  Straccia

Miss Ohio USA 2017 Dinaleigh Baxter: One of my other Top Ten favorite gowns from the Miss USA 2017 Preliminaries was this black and fuchsia dress worn by Miss Ohio USA 2017. One of my all-time favorite color combinations are black and fuchsia mainly because Cristobal Balenciaga utilized this combination in a lot of his super stunning Haute Couture creations back in the day (Lower Photo above). So when Dinaleigh came out, I was like "You Go Girl!". Her gown had a very fitted black velvet base gown with plunging sweetheart neckline and a GORGEOUS satin cape that was precariously knotted and twisted into these tiny shoulder straps. It was dramatic, entrance-making and yes, VERY fashionable and Cristobal Balenciaga-like. Score: 9.55

Miss New Hampshire USA Sarah Mousseau: Nice gown. BAAAD shoes. Let's discuss the dress first (please!). I liked this gown so much that yes, I included it here in my Top 10. I thought the style was impacting, suited her well...I admired the unique silver sequin work and I even liked the back overskirt. Here, in this gown it seemed a bit more natural to the rest of the gown. I also thought her hair and styling were on-point. But then, she wore those nude platform pumps!!! One question: WHY??? Where there no silver strappy shoes available? I just don't get it. It baffles the mind. NO ONE would be caught wearing these type of shoes with this type of a gown on the red carpet, black-tie gala, Haute Couture fashion show...ANYWHERE! Score: 9.3

Miss Montana USA Brooke Bezanson: I included Miss Montana USA's gown here because of its elegant simplicity and chic style. It was giving a little bit of a nod to what Miss South Dakota USA wore last year in the Finals (go to the top of this post). It was also a nice breath of fresh (Gown) air to see NO SEQUINS, NO SLIT and NO tacky platform pumps (she still made a wrong color choice in wearing NUDE shoes!). The white satin crepe gown featured a column shape highlighted by a dramatic hi-lo cape. While I liked this gown, I'm not so sure it was the right gown for Miss Montana USA. Brook is a lovely looking woman but I think this might have been more effective and had more "Diva" stage effect if it was worn by an olive-skinned or darker skin toned contestant...a "Miss Venezuela" or "Miss Curacao"-type.  It also needed to be just 1" longer. Score: 9.25

Miss Tennessee USA Allee-Sutton Hethcoat: In 9th place of my Top Ten Favorite Gowns was this golden/Blush-colored sequined gown worn by Miss Tennesse USA Allee-Sutton Hethcoat. In terms of style or silhouette, there was nothing really Earth-shattering Fashion Diva about it, but it looked beautiful nonetheless. The halter-style gown fit her well and the sequin-over-nude fabric looked expensive and nice. From head to toe, this was a perfect Miss USA look. Score: 9.2

Miss Washington USA Alex Carlson-Helo: Finally, I want to give MAJOR props to Miss Washington USA Alex Carlson-Helo. While I liked her black sequined gown and thought it was impacting, I just about FELL OFF MY COUCH when I saw that she was NOT wearing those tacky nude platform pumps that EVERY OTHER contestant wore: She wore the PERFECT strappy black heels! Who knew that these women actually had other choices?? And for her perfect shoe choice, Miss Washington USA belonged in my Top Ten list! Score: 9.2



**UP NEXT: The UH OH/Oh No She Didn't/Could Have Been Better...of Miss USA 2017 Preliminary Evening Gowns

Curvy Girl Fashion Outfits - Tips For Ladies

Curvy Girl Fashion Outfits - Tips For Ladies

With the rise of full-figured models, there has been a sudden surge of appreciation for the curvier aspects of feminine beauty. Curves are to be embraced, celebrated, and accessorized—not hidden!

From mini dresses to chic tunics, Pink Lily has cute outfits for curvy women that follow the most up-to-date runway fashion trends. The outfits we offer show you how this season’s trends, colors, and styles can flatter your body and express your personality.

Dress for Your Body

 While many styles for curvy girls were once shapeless, clothing designers are now working to create cuts that flatter the variety of curvy shapes. Learn about which cuts and embellishments are the best styles for a curvy figure with Pink Lily!

Pear Shape

If you have a pear or triangle shaped body, try to find a way to visually extend your neck and shoulders with a scoop, v-neck, or sweetheart line. Since your bust is smaller, highlight it with extra details like pleats or ruffles. Accentuate your waist with belts and empire silhouettes, and choose pencil skirts, A-line dresses, and wrap around styles.

Hourglass

An hourglass body generally has shoulders and hips that are the same size. The best styles for this curvy figure are ruffles and soft drapes, as well as open collars and asymmetrical cuts. Fit and flare shapes will fit the hourglass body well and fitted tops ensure that the upper body is accentuated.

Oval Shape

When you have an oval shape, you need to elongate your body with a low neckline. Choose cowl, scoop, or v-neck cuts to flatter your upper body. Do the same for your waist with ‘peak' empire waistlines, princess seams, and faux wrap dresses. Balance your lower body with dropped waist pants or skirts with high slits.

Rectangle

Rectangle bodies require you to create a waist and accentuate your chest. Use the sweetheart, asymmetric, jewel, and cowl necklines to highlight your femininity. You can also embellish your top with curve defining bodices and ruched and frilled tops. Wear belts to fabricate a waist and add slightly flared leg pants to create the illusion of a curved shape.

Bold Patterns and Colors Stripes and floral designs were all heavily represented on the runways this year, so embracing this year’s celebration of bold colors and fun patterns is essential for every fashion-obsessed woman. 

When adding to your collection of cute outfits for curvy women, find pieces that create contrast between dark colors and bright patterns to create an eye-drawing outfit that will earn compliments every time.

Stay cool with Pink Lily’s What I Live For Damask Mini, where contemporary styling meets classic beauty, with a nod to the sophisticated tea parties of yesteryear. The neon pink damask pattern paired on a black background evokes a sophisticated outfit that looks amazing on the curvy woman. Since this mini dress accentuates the waist and minimizes the chest with a patterned bottom and a plain top, this dress is one of the best styles for a curvy figure.

Accessorize the scoop neck with a statement necklace to draw attention to your face and add a couple of bracelets to complete the look. Slip into your favorite wedges and you’ll be ready for a night out with the girls, or opt for flats to fabricate a look that’s perfect for a casual lunch date.

Cut and Shape

 Cut and shape are important parts of a piece that ensure your clothing hugs you in all the right places. The mini dress is cut in a way that accentuates your legs, balancing your body and making you look taller. This is definitely one of the best styles for the curvy figure! This style of dress lends itself to more casual events, like summer barbecues and strolls on the beach.

In addition to its flattering cut, the Count on Me Mini plays with this season’s love of bright pastels. The shallow pockets add an adorable detail to this dress and embellishes a simple cut without adding bulk. Both the top and bottom pieces are unlined to keep you cool throughout the day.

Add a fashionable floppy hat in coral or straw for sunny summer days and delicate gold jewelry to subtly highlight the outfit. Pair this dress with all of your favorite summer shoes—from gladiator sandals to height-enhancing wedges. As the weather cools, add a pair of leggings and booties for additional warmth and keep rocking your mini.

For more formal events, a longer skirt or dress—like the maxi dress—is also one of the best styles for a curvy figure. A dress with an A-line waist that skims your figure, instead of hugging it, lengthens your torso and balances the upper and lower body.

Our Holdin On to Something Maxi is appropriate for both dressy and casual events—it fulfills all of the requirements for the perfect curvy piece! Flowy and fabulous, the soft drape flows over your curves without squeezing, ensuring your comfort and elegance. Wearing your maxi with wedges or heels will keep the hemline pristine and lengthen your legs. A few bangles and subtle earrings embellish your look while keeping your silhouette clean and curvy.

Warm and Cozy Maxis

 At Pink Lily, we firmly believe that the maxi dress can be worn even after the summer solstice. To let all maxi lovers wear their favorite dress well into the autumn season, we offer a maxi with a three-quarter length sleeve for cooler days and evenings.

The Over My Head Maxi has a classic chevron pattern and soft colors that complement any shape. It can also be worn to any event, making it one of the best styles for a curvy figure. For an extra sizzle, wear a wide belt to highlight your waist and separate your upper and lower body. Adding a thin cardigan or wrap around sweater will supply the extra warmth you need without adding bulk to your outfit. Wearing fleece-lined ankle leggings under this dress is another way to stay warm without compromising style or elegance.

Autumn Tops

 As we move into fall and winter weather, shirts and pants are essential to stay warm. Instead of boring basic tops, add interest to your wardrobe with a stylish tunic. Tunics are somewhere between a dress and a shirt, meaning they have the same versatility as dresses and look great on any curvy shape.

A charcoal side button tunic from Pink Lily has a modern asymmetrical cut to emphasize the waist and balance the hips and shoulders. Pair this tunic with leggings and heeled boots for an elegant ensemble or wear it with skinny jeans and booties for a casual look. Grab a black quilted clutch and some delicate, colorful jewelry to accessorize.

Animal Prints - A Timeless fashion print

Animal Prints - A Timeless fashion print

A TIMELESS CLASSIC THAT NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE

When someone says ‘animal print’ the first thing that comes to our mind is the leopard and when worn in a classic silhouette, it adds a visual interest and a bit of glamour to your look.  Even though it seems as if animal print comes in and out of style every couple of years, it's always in and always highly glamorous.

Earlier animal prints were born out of the skin and fur of select animals, they were used by men and women as it offered protection from the elements. Throughout history, kings and other high-ranking people have worn animal skin and use animal rugs as a sign of status and power. In the 20th century, fashion designers, high-ranking people, Hollywood stars, and celebrities turned it into a fashion trend. Nowadays, many famous brands, like Prada, Betsey Johnson, Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Dior are big supporters of animal print. Supermodels, Hollywood stars, and celebrities are also big fans of animal print.

Animal print is a fashion style that is made to resemble the pattern of the skin and fur of an animal such as leopard, cheetah, zebra, tiger, and giraffe.  Animal prints are similar to a neutral—they’re made up of brown, beige, and black, after all.  They’re seasonless, and you can wear them with almost anything, plus, they add a little edge to your wardrobe.

These wild prints can create attention anywhere you go. So going overboard won't make you more fashionable. Remember, It is always a good idea to start small and keep it simple, less is more when it comes to animal prints. Simply adding animal-print inspired jewellery, a key accessory (scarf, shoes or handbag) or one wardrobe piece (blouse or jacket) is all you need to spice up your look.

Add bright spots of colour with animal print to make a bold statement. When used in moderation this pattern is an exotic and elegant addition to our wardrobe and an edgy, yet classic, addition to our outfit.

These days animal print dresses are worn with chunky earrings are perfect for a night out. You can also opt in for cardigans with animal prints rocked with a shirt and a dark coloured trouser or a jean or a scarf to keep it stylish and subtle.

Animal print can really look great on anyone, It’s one of those timeless patterns that can work for any season.  Here are a few chic animal print pieces that will ensure you are on trend this season.

BY MALENE BIRGER Animal Print Knit Cardigan

Balmain Animal Print Skirt 

MARC BY MARC JACOBS Animal Print Pullover

BLACKCHERRY Bag Ladies Fashion Clutch Bag Animal Print

LILY & ROSE Ladies Animal Skin Detail Wallet Blue

ALEXIS BITTAR Animal Print Lucite Earrings

For a little more inspiration, take a look at how these fashion bloggers are styling their animal prints this season.

I hope these animal print style tips have given you some inspiration! Till' next time xo

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Editors notes:  This post was originally posted in July 2015 and has been updated

Royal Wedding Minute: Wedding of Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg and Stephanie de Lannoy!

Royal Wedding Minute: Wedding of Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg and Stephanie de Lannoy!

Royal Wedding Couture

Sweeping Royal Train: Prince and Princess of Luxembourg--Prince Guillaume and Princess Stephanie de Lannoy

Yesterday was the Wedding of Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg to Belgium-born Countess Stephanie de Lannoy. In my last post, I covered the night-before Gala Dinner so now, it's the WEDDING! The tiny Grand Duchy of Luxembourg was all-abuzz with Royal Wedding Fever over these last few days--if not weeks. The boyishly handsome and bearded Guillaume is the last remaining heir-to-the-throne to get married, amongst Euro Royals.

 Postcard Royal: Prince Guillaume and Princess Stephanie de Lannoy

The royals of Europe are that continent's "Hollywood Stars". They really don't "rule" a nation per se, but are mainly there for the PR and to bring Tourism to their respective countries. And yes, they make lots of money for all the Euro tabloids.



So, let's get to the WEDDING and the brides Haute Couture, as well as the guests--with my "Nick Fashion Scores" (Scale of 1-10):

Le Gown: Princess Stephanie's gown was designed by Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab. During the previous night's Pre-Wedding Gala Dinner, LOTS of the royals (including the bride and the groom's Grand Duchess Mother) wore Elie Saab Couture. So, it was not a surprise when yesterday for her MOST IMPORTANT DAY, she wore Elie Saab. Count Jehan de Lannoy, her brother, accompanied her to the altar.

Fashion Designer Elie Saab

Princess Perfect: Stephanie in her Elie Saab Haute Couture Custom Wedding Gown--It took 3,200 hours for embroidery from a team
of 15 people and 700 hours from a team of 10 seamstresses. The dress featured three-quarter sleeves, a bateau/boatneck neckline in
the front and dipped in the back, and a belted waist above a full skirt
and 13 foot train.

The Gown DISH: Masses of fabric went into this creation: 76 yards
of silk crepe and tulle for the lining, plus another 33 yards of satin
organza, 55 yards of Chantilly lace, and 44 yards of Calais lace.
More silk tulle was used for the veil. The leafy pattern embellished all
over the ensemble included 50,000 pearls, 80,000 crystals, and almost 11,000 yards of silver embroidery thread. This is why custom wedding gowns--for royals--can cost as much as a small house in LA! And you can guarantee this one above did.

The Gown was inspired by these Elie Saab Hate Couture Gowns above--using similar sequin embroidery, full a-line shaped sweeping skirt silhouette and high neck fronts.

Gorgeous train, superb silhouette, out of control beading and handwork...Wedding Gown perfection. One the BEST Royal--if not just regular wedding gowns I've seen in recent history! 

I give her a 10 out of 10 as my Fashion Score.

Peach Chic: Stéphanie was attended by two older bridesmaids, her new sister-in-law
Princess Alexandra and her niece Antonia Hamilton. Both were dressed in
peach/orange dresses from Edouard Vermeulen of Natan.   

As far as Bridesmaid Dresses, they get a 8.9

Blue Flower Girls and Page Boys: Guillaume’s nephew Prince Gabriel plus a nephew and nieces of
Stéphanie’s made up the orange and blue clad younger party. Orange and blue are the
colors of the House of Nassau, so that is why they are wearing these colors. I think they look quite cute. Very Royal Wedding. Pages and Flower Girl ensemble scores: 10



The Veil and Tiara:

She wore a Lannoy family tiara, made of platinum and diamonds with a
large inverted pear shape diamond in the high center. It was made by
Althenloh of Brussels and was worn by Stéphanie’s sisters and
sisters-in-law at their weddings. So, it is a family wedding tradition.



The Family and Royal Guest Red Carpet:

Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg and Prince Guillaume--Maria Teresa wore a coral colored coat and dress with a dramatic draped shoulder "shawl" held with a HUGE diamond brooch. Love her pillbox hat. Everything matched...except the shoes. Do you guys think she should have just gone "full-throttle" and worn matching coral-colored pumps? Or did we like these? 

Fashion Score: 9.2

Monaco:

Princess Caroline of Hanover and Hereditary Princess of Monaco: The always-chic Caroline wore Chanel Haute Couture (naturally!). Her bolero and sheath dress was Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2010. 

It was camel colored wool crepe with hand-sewn sequins and beading with pleating detail. Just so you know kids, a Chanel Haute Couture dress/suit ensemble like this can put you back about $30,000-$40,000, especially anything with sequins and hand-sewn oversized jewels.

Score: 9.9

Great Britain:

Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Prince Edward--The Countess looked quite fab in this printed square-neck dress. The sleek hat with pheasant feathers is from Jane Taylor. The dress hits all the right points: three-quarter sleeves, right-at-knee length, a fitted drop-waist shape highlighted with a solid belt.

Score: 9.0

Spain:

Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia of Spain--Letizia wore a light lilac-colored applique coat, solid dress underneath and a wide brim hat, everything matching--color-wise. It was a bit of a Yawn for me. She loves all that applique embroidery, but sometimes--if not done delicately (like the Bride's Wedding Gown), it can come off as dowdy, heavy and dated.

Score: 8.3

Italy:

Prince Emanuele Filiberto and Princess Clotilde of Venice and Piedmont--French Actress Clotilde Courau looks chic in her Elie Saab Ready-to-Wear Fall 2012 Collection suit with 3/4 sleeves, side peplums and attached pencil skirt. This look is perfect for that fashionista girl attending a fab wedding.

Score: 9.6

Sweden:

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, Duchess of Västergötland and her husband, Daniel Duke of Västergötland and her very handsome brother (the "Brad Pitt of Euro Royals") Prince Carl Philip of Sweden--I liked Crown Princess Victoria's unusual chappeau, but I though the rest of her look (coat with dress) was rather dowdy and unexciting. It made her look 15 years older than she really is. I think MY MOM has coat just like that.

Score for Victoria: 8.2

Score for her brother Carl Philip: 10 (How do say "Hottie McHottie" in Swedish?)

Denmark:

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and Prince Consort Henrik--Queen Margrethe wore a purple long-sleeve suit featuring a very on-trend peplum, below-the-knee skirt, matching belt and matching hat. The pearls, diamond brooch, gray gloves and purse finish the look. She's ultra conservative and appropriate for a Queen, but the peplum tells me there's still a little "Fashion" in her still. But there's something about the whole outfit that looks a bit as if she had gone to a vintage store and found it. The princess seams on her upper torso are so Pattern Book 101. Now, Henrik, God bless him--first, look at his pooch. I love that his jacket fits him perfectly and obviously had to be custom made to fit his not-so-symmetrical body frame.

Queen Margrethe Score:  8.0

Prince Henrik Score: 8.9

Denmark 2.0-- Here are the "New/Young Blood" of Danish Royalty--Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark (Margrethe's heir) and his wife, Australia-born Princess Mary--she chose a maroon dress/suit--again with the on-trend peplum detail, long sleeves, v-neck, at-the-knee pencil skirt--and that great hat. Not sure about this look for her however (minus the hat). The color is too dark and macabre and she looks as if she took no time in really trying to find anything semi-interesting to wear. He looks better--and definitely far more interesting- than she does.

Princess Mary Score: 8.0

Crown Prince Frederik Score: 9.8



Greece:

King Constantine II of Greece and Queen Anne-Marie of Greece--Both are always the definition of Style; they could give a lesson in it. Anne-Marie of Denmark wore a lovely boucle coat and matching-color pleated silk dress, belted with a bow-waist tie. She also gets sartorial "Nick Points" for her pill box hat as well.

Score: 9.8



Norway:

King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway--The Queen wore a silvery/lilac suit. Nothing wrong with this ensemble. It's respectable, conservative and non-fashion threatening. It's a nice suit one could find in the "Mother-of-the-Bride" section a very upscale department store.

Score: 8.4 



Netherlands:

Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands: Three words: You Go Girl. One of the wealthiest monarchs in the World (before Bernie Madoff took a lot of it away!), Queen Beatrix never dissapoints when it comes to her "red carpet" moments. She loves BIG hats, prints, ruffled sleeves...and color. For yesterday's Luxembourg Royal Wedding, she wore a lilac colored jacquard ensemble with a cascade neckline, oversized ruffled-hem sleeves and yes, a BIG OL' Hat. She looks like the fun Grandma who will join you at the bar for some extra whiskey...without even battling an eyelash. PS: loving her gold-toned Ferragamo shoes.

Score: 9.8

Fashion Diva Award Goes To: Princess Maxima of the Netherlands, here with her husband, Willem-Alexander, Prince of Orange and Heir to the Dutch throne. Argentina-born Maxima has taken a lesson from her Mother-in-Law Queen Beatrix and has become a Fashion Plate in her own--sometimes outshining the Queen with some of her over-the-top getup's. For the wedding, she certainly wanted to make a statement. It's all very High-Fashion; the UBER tight high-waisted pencil skirt (above the knee--Mon Dieu!); the bell sleeves, the hat with oversized pheasant feathers; the stacked platform pumps.  

Score: 9.9



Morocco and Japan:

Princess Lalla Salma of Morocco, Princess Consort to the King of Morocco wore a traditional Moroccan caftan or takchita, in a bright royal blue color with white embroidery.  I think she looked great and I especially love that she's representing her country as a "Style Ambassador" wearing something native to her country.

Score: 9.0

Crown Prince Nahurito of Japan: Nahurito wore a traditional tuxedo with tails--or "Morning Dress" suit. Well done.

Score: 9.5 

The Royal Wedding Photo: Wedding of Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg and Princess Stephanie de Lannoy

The Royal Kiss: Newlyweds give their county a "William-and-Kate at the Balcony" Moment

Click Below to Watch Video of the Royal Guest Red Carpet and Bride in her Wedding Gown Emerging from Her Limo: