Royal Fashion Minute: The Jubilee Thanksgiving Mass--Who Is The Best Dressed: Camilla, Kate, Princess Michael of Kent?

Royal Fashion Minute: The Jubilee Thanksgiving Mass--Who Is The Best Dressed: Camilla, Kate, Princess Michael of Kent?

Battle of the British Royal Fashion Divas: 

Who's The Biggest Fashionista: Camilla Duchess of Cornwall (foreground, left), and Catherine Duchess of Cambridge, Diamond Jubilee Thanksgiving Mass

The Finale of Britain's Diamond Jubilee celebrating the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty The Queen's ascension to the throne, occurred on Tuesday with a Thanksgiving Service at St. Paul's Cathedral, then a wondrous carriage procession through London...

H. M. The Queen Queen Elizabeth II: Sporting a smile, a slight wave, and an Angela Kelly-designed mint coat and Swarovski crystal embellished hat

The UK Royal A-List: (Left to right) Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, prince Charles, H. M. The Queen, Prince William, Catherine Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry

And the de rigueur Balcony Appearance at Buckingham Palace--where H. M. The Queen, Prince Charles and Camilla as well as Prince William, his wife, Catherine Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince Henry (the spare) took part. This balcony appearance culminated in the spectacular Red Arrow's Formation Flyover:

Here in the US, BBC America began showing the entire day LIVE at 4 am--needless to say, I DVR'ed it and watched it later--at a more "civilized" hour, thank you very much. Thank goodness for BBC and the fact I get it as part of my cable channels. Now, let's get to the FASHIONS, since of course, that's what I am interested in. Who was the Biggest Fashion Diva, you may ask? Well, I'll let you be the judge...



Let's begin with H. M. The Queen, Elizabeth II:

Queen Elizabeth arrived at St. Paul's--with her Lady in Waiting, Diana Marion Lady Farnham, as her traveling companion, since her husband, Prince Phillip was in a hospital due to a bladder infection. Lady Farnham (in royal blue next to the Queen in above photo) is her Lady of the Bedchamber, which means she is the person holding the position as THE PERSONAL ATTENDANT to Her Majesty. She is the widow of the 12th Baron Farnham. Imagine having your life devoted to H. M. The Queen. Your ENTIRE LIFE! I wonder if she has a special cell phone to answer her calls when she needs her. And most important: who is paying her? The Queen? The taxpayers? England? Who? Is she part of H. M. The Queen's "staff"? Please tell me she gets a monthly paycheck for this???!!! Well, irregardless, she was there as a Comfort Stand-In on the ride to St. Paul's Cathedral Thanksgiving Service on Tuesday and I would like to think that they are actually friends and it was comforting to the Queen. Now, back to Her Majesty:

Queen Elizabeth wore a mint green princess seamed coat and dress ensemble by her favorite designer, Angela Kelly. It was embellished with silver thread, Swarovski crystals throughout and had an attached mint silk chiffon sash. She may not be up to date in terms of 21st Century Style, but as an 86 year old woman, she was "Giving Fashion"...maybe not Barbara Walters Oscar de la Renta/Carolina Herrera Ladies-Who-Lunch style, but Fashion for her!

Besides that hat with all those crystals, her most prominent accessory was that GORGEOUS--and HUGE--diamond brooch. It is named the "Cullinan III and IV Brooch" and it is made from two of the nine Cullinan diamonds, weighing 94.4 carats and 63.3 carats. In case you did not know, the Cullinan Diamond originally weighed 3,106 carats and it was first discovered in 1905 at a mine near Pretoria in South Africa. The story goes, that originally, it was thrown away (Mon Dieu!) as it was thought too big to be an actual diamond. Once recovered, it was presented to King Edward VII and cuts were used in the Crown Jewels, therefore this amazing brooch.

Queen Elizabeth II's Grandmother, Queen Mary (in photo above) can be seen wearing the diamonds as a brooch--the same brooch H. M. The Queen wore on Tuesday. I love that the Queen "served up" a MAJAH diamond for the Diamond Jubilee! If ever there was a time to break out this gem, it is NOW!

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall:

Printed Diva: Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall and wife to Prince Charles, future King of England, decided to go a bit "Directional" with a champagne and gold colored coat with a "basket-weave" print and dress from one of her favorite designers, Bruce Oldfield. The hat was Philip Treacy, naturally.

I was surprised to see her in such a bold printed ensemble, but at the same time, I realized, that she was making quite a statement and knew that this was an important moment for her and well, this was no time to be a Fashion Wallflower. PS: She rode next to Her Majesty in the carriage procession. Mon Dieu Part Deux!




Now, onto her Fashion Competitor of the Day, Catherine Duchess of Cambridge:

Catherine wore a design from Sarah Burton and the House of Alexander McQueen. It was a blush-colored lace applique fitted knee-length sheath dress design with a high bateau neck, very fitted sleeves and champagne/beige satin waistband.

Her chapeau was by Jane Taylor. The dress fit her ever-so-perfectly and accentuated her I-Do-Not-Eat-Tea Sandwiches figure. She looked "Church" appropriate and well, still gave the Fashionistas out there something to talk about.



The Princesses:

Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice of York: The two lovely daughters of Prince Andrew, Duke of York and Sarah Duchess of York. Side Note: poor Sarah, by the way, she was not invited--since she is persona non grata--to any of these festivities; I really, really hope she was in a beach in Mykonos having her own Diamond Jubilee Festivities with a bunch of her best Gays! Anyhow...moving on. The two Princesses were in contrasting colored ensembles for the Jubilee Thanksgiving Mass: Princess Eugenie wore a lovely purple
dress by Suzannah. The bag was by Loro Piano. Her mushroom-colored
stilettos were also by Kurt Geiger. Princess Beatrice wore a periwinkle blue Kinder Aggugini coat dress with tan colored Kurt Geiger stilettos. Her bag was designed by Lemeresca.

Blue Blood: Sophie Countess of Wessex--wife of Prince Edward Earl of Wessex wore a navy silk ziberline suit with lace applique and gathered princess seamed peplum detail. The Princess Royal, Princess Anne (right) attended in a jeweled blue applique' coat and dress ensemble with popped collar, long fitted sleeves, nude heels, gloves and clutch; quite feminine for her, since well, she's usually looking rather--how shall I say this--BUTCH!

The Real Fashion Diva: But here's my Favorite Royal of the entire Diamond Jubilee Thanksgiving Service--Princess Michael of Kent. German/Czech Republic-born Baroness Marie Christine Anna Agnes Hedwig Ida von Reibnitz, Princess Michael of Kent attended the Diamond Jubilee Thanksgiving Services wearing this gunmetal violet silk shantung suit with notched collar, billowing iridescent silk organza sleeves and princess-seamed fitted knee-length pencil skirt with silk chiffon godet inset.

 

When I saw her on TV entering St. Paul's Cathedral , I thought "Who Is That Fashion Diva?" And yes, of course, it was Princess Michael of Kent. She is like Joan and Jackie Collins all wrapped up in one fabulous person. The Princess knows Fashion and knows Drama. Take a peek at her Wikipedia and you'll know what I mean. Because of this suit of hers above, I have to give it to her as the Winner of my Unofficial "Best Dressed at the Diamond Jubilee Thanksgiving Service". Catherine, take note...




Who Do You Guys Think Was The Best Dressed Royal Gal at Tuesday's Diamond Jubilee Thanksgiving Service/Festivities? Let me know...

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.

Men's Fashion Tips For Body Types - 15 Rules.

Men's Fashion Tips For Body Types - 15 Rules.

Here are 15 Quick Fashion tips:

1. Fit is King

The most dramatic improvement you can make in your style is to make sure everything fits impeccably. Most guys wear clothes that are too large. Make sure everything you wear is almost hugging the shape of your body – without being tight. Bad fit is an epidemic. We call it “Bad Fit Disease”.

2. Keep it simple

You want a wardrobe that looks great on you, but don’t overdo it. Don’t wear more than three pieces of jewelry or more than three colors. Don’t dress like a rock star unless you’re in a band. If you want to be flashy, a simpler but stylish look would be sporting a black striped dress shirt with a white blazer, a dark pair of jeans, a dressy belt, and your sharpest dress shoes. You could also add a flashy watch or a simple accessory like an interesting necklace, but nothing more. Check out out our article on basics to refresh yourself on what are essential wardrobe items.

3. Change the way you see casual C

asual doesn’t have to be boring. Have fun with collared shirts, or take some inspiration from those who approach casual a bit differently.

4. Pay attention to your supporting pieces

Some sweaters are lean and others are big and chunky. The first rule of thumb is that your top and bottom halves need to match. If you’re wearing a big, chunky, rugged fisherman knit sweater, your bottom needs to be rugged, too. Don’t wear a fisherman’s sweater with a beautiful silk-and-wool suit pant. Instead, wear it with something as casual as cargos or jeans, or dress it up with a Harris tweed blazer.

5. Never go shopping alone

Most of the time, it’s tough to trust the sales people because they usually work for commission. Shop with a friend who will give you their honest opinion. Also, read about shopping on a budget.

6. Stay a notch above

Don’t overdo it to a fault, but dare to take some risks. It’s always better to be a little bit overdressed than underdressed in any setting. All you have to do is think about where and who you’re going to be with and just step it up one notch. But make sure you’re not better dressed than someone who is more important in a certain setting, like your boss. 7. Never underestimate the power of details – The last thing on is usually the first thing noticed. So mind the details instead of throwing together the main parts of your outfit. “Details” can include a scarf, a subtle pocket square, or the way you tie your tie knot.

8. Invest in a superb pair of shoes

If it’s one thing that women will notice, it’s your shoes. Especially how clean and sharp they look. It’s easy to wash and press the rest of your clothes to keep them looking new, but most guys disregard their shoes. Show that you’re a man of taste by getting a great pair of shoes and keeping them in pristine condition.

9. Fashion Tees with logos

When you’re going around with a big logo on your shirt, you risk looking like a walking billboard. Lose the lame Coca-Cola shirt and go for a classic v-neck tee or something artsy (check out threadless.com).

10. Disregard trends

Beware of buying something just because it’s “in” right now – stick to what you truly like. A lot of people rush to get in on the latest trend and end up with a bunch of clothes they don’t wear. It’s better to learn to build a versatile and timeless wardrobe first – then bring in your own twists with some of the new fashion. This one tip will save you so much money! Read up on our compiled list of 40 Common Men’s Fashion Mistakes for extra info.

11. Don’t be a sucker for brand names

Don’t be a Patrick Bateman. Before you decide to purchase an item, ask yourself if you are buying it simply because of the brand name or because you love the quality and style. Ask yourself,  “Would I buy this if there was no logo on it?” Check out our article on how to look designer for less.

12. Continually cultivate your image

Invest more time and money into your image. Cultivate your fashion sense. Your style is a huge mode of communication, and is worth caring for as much as your education, career, and relationships. Sign up for our free crash course on knowing your own style. Oscar Schoffler, longtime fashion editor of Esquire once said, “Never underestimate the power of what you wear. After all, there’s just a small bit of yourself sticking out at the collar and cuff. The rest of the world sees what you drape on your frame.”

13. Ask for real feedback

Most of your friends and family aren’t going to go out of their way to tell you what looks bad. You have to ask for it. In fact, ask anyone and everyone you trust to tell you the truth. Ask your hairstylist, ask your best friend, ask your mother!

14. Upgrade your shave

Even if your fashion is golden, an unkempt beard can be an attraction killer. Achieve a perfect shave by trying a shave brush & old-fashioned double-edged razor.

15. Experiment with style

The only way you’ll really learn, is if you go out there and try new things. I make an effort to try something completely out of my comfort zone whenever I’m at a store – many times you’ll end up loving something you never thought you would. If you make mistakes, life goes on. So many guys are afraid to express themselves through their style, don’t be one of them. Check out our article on how to put an outfit together.

Royal Fashion Minute: Diamond Jubilee Dinner for Foreign Sovereigns-Kings and Queens Red Carpet!

Royal Fashion Minute: Diamond Jubilee Dinner for Foreign Sovereigns-Kings and Queens Red Carpet!

Royal Red Carpet

Hosts With The Most: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall host  a Dinner For Foreign Sovereigns to Commemorate The Diamond Jubilee, London, England

As you may be aware--if you've been keeping up on all things royal-- The Diamond Jubilee is taking place this year--right now as we speak in fact, marking 60
years of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's reign. The Queen came to the throne on 6th
February 1952 and her Coronation took place on June 2, 1953, so naturally this weekend is the Central Weekend of The Diamond Jubilee.

 Coronation Day, June 2nd, 1953--Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip

Lots of events, parties and fabulous horse races have been taking place with a highlight being tomorrow's Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant which will celebrate her 60 year reign with a flotilla of 1,000 boats on the River Thames which will be televised live on various networks such as CNN and BBC of course.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Official Diamond Jubilee Portrait

A couple of weeks ago, on May 18th, as part of the celebrations, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla the Duchess of Cornwall hosted a very VIP dinner at Buckingham Palace for Foreign Sovereigns to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee. It was a Who's Who of Kings, Queens, Princes, Emperors and one especially FABULOUS wife of an African Monarch. They socialized, had cocktails, gossiped about the latest multi-palace intrigues and dined on cheese souffle and sea bass. They also gave COUTURE darlings...so...let's check out the Royal Red Carpet...

Monaco Meet England: Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco say "hello" to the Dinner's Hosts, Prince Charles and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall--The Duchess wore a duck's egg blue shimmery gown designed by one of her favorite designers (as well as the late Princess Diana) Bruce Oldfield. The dress featured a delicate lace with a deep v-neck and three-quarter sleeves; all over a matching satin inner gown. She looked like a very, very elegant Mother-of-the-Bride, and I mean that in a good way! I LOVE her! I also love Prince Charles black tie patent leather slippers. I want a pair!

Peach Princess: Monaco's reigning royals, Prince Albert and his wife, Princess Charlene looked fresh and modern in their "Royal Red Carpet" looks. The statuesque Charlene wore a peach-colored silk crepe gown with a silk chiffon cowl-draped capelet from Christian Dior. The Princess always knows how to highlight those incredible swimmer's shoulders of hers and always chooses clean, elegant non-fussy styles, and it goes without saying, she always looks radiant in them.



 Elie Saab Grand Duchess:

The Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, Maria Teresa attended the Dinner in Buckingham Palace with her husband of course, His Royal Highness Henri, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. Maria Teresa LOVES fashion and especially ordering from all the top Haute Couture fashion houses. She's not a six foot tall size 2 but that doesn't stop the Cuban-born monarch from GIVING Fashion with a Capital F! For this dinner a couple of weeks back, she wore Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2012:

The blue-green colored gown is a hand-beaded silk chiffon dress featuring a satin waist-defining belt, three-quarter sleeves and flared shape with train. It's the SAME gown that Katy Perry wore to the 2012 Grammy Awards earlier this year. The difference is the Grand Duchess payed for hers (It's Haute Couture kids and probably cost a cool $100,000)...and there was another difference: when the Grand Duchess custom ordered this gown she had the neckline dropped and scooped. I think for her, this was a wise choice since it opened up her neckline and balanced her upper torso. Perfect gown Maria Teresa. Bellisima!



 More Euro Royals On The Buckingham Palace Red Carpet:

King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden (top left): the Queen--who is of German and Brazilian descent--wore a silk taffeta navy blue high-necked ruffle Blouse/Jacket over an ivory gown skirt.  On the right are Queen Anne Marie and King Constantine II of Greece. They don't really have a country to rule since the monarchy was abolished in Greece in 1973 but they still retain their titles. They're also VERY related to the British monarchs and just about all the other Euro Royals so they get invited to just about everything! Queen Anne Marie of Greece (who's actually Danish) wore a very lady-like silk chiffon flower print gown with a rosette waist detail. I am not sure who the designer is but it's very Valentino. Old-school Valentino.

Queen Sonja of Norway (left) wore a deep red high necked gown with semi-mermaid skirt and a Royal-worthy matching wrap. This woman is exquisitely ROYAL from head to toe. No one in their right mind would confuse her for anything but being a QUEEN! Next to her is Queen Margrethe II of Denmark; I just LOVE her; she seems like a hoot--just look at that facial expression on her--complete opposite of Queen Sonja. Margarethe can't wait for her first cocktail at the dinner! In terms of fashion, Queen Margarethe usually favors the big ol' ball gowns--usually with oversized flower prints. It was a nice change to see her in a more modern and not too over-the-top fashion statement.



Middle East, North Africa and Asia...

Rome, Italy born Princess Lalla Meryem of Morocco (left) is the first daughter and eldest child of the late King Hassan II of Morocco. She's always very elegant and stood out with her Moroccan traditional gown at the Dinner Festivities. On the right photo is the always stylish Queen Rania of Jordan. A Royal Style Icon, Rania wore a color-blocked peplum gown with three-quarter sleeves, contrast waistband and "Mermaid-lite" shape. She is so ON TREND with everything in that gown, she's BEYOND Trend!

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan attended the dinner. The Empress look rather chic in a black and white column silk crepe gown with asymmetrical neckline and waist detail. But it is the Emperor who stands out for me: Simply, the Best Dressed Man of the Night! He looked impeccable in a double breasted tuxedo with peaked lapels.

One of the wealthiest men in the World, the Sultan of Brunei Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darusasalam attended with Pengiran Anak Saleha, wife and Queen Consort of the Sultan (left top photo). On the right is Princess Srirasm of Thailand, wife and Princess Consort to the Crown Prince of Thailand, who attended with her husband, the Crown Prince of Thailand, of course. I love how both of these ladies wore traditional ensembles and highlight the elegance and beauty of each culture.




Finally, It's The Royal Consort of the Night:

Take a look at this lovely lady above ---She is (wait for  it!) Inkhosikati LaMbikiza, one of the THIRTEEN WIVES of King Mswati III of Swaziland. First off, I just want to know how she got so lucky--out of the 12 other wives--to be the one to come to London. Does the King of Swaziland have a gold, diamond and ruby bowl that all of the wives put their names in and the first one picked was the Winner? Can you imagine! This above is what she wore to the Dinner for Foreign Sovereigns to Commemorate the Diamond Jubilee.
It was a gold iridescent confection of a gown featuring gold lamé and
poly organza ruffles tiered into a frothy pouf-cake of a gown, the top
section was beaded and then, if that wasn't enough, in case she would be
cold, a white mink stole. 

The only thing I can think of is "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding":

I swear to the Fashion Gods that she must be using this KRAZEE show as her Fashion Inspiration. I give her lots of points for just going there and wearing this monstrosity of a dress. It isn't just tacky. It's BEYOND Tacky. Maybe this is a culture thing and in the great nation of Swaziland, this is what passes off as Red Carpet Glamour so maybe I'm just being culturally insensitive...

Whatever it is, it's still TACKY-licious to me! One of my favorite pictures from the night's dinner is the one above where the Footguard is standing there, as she enters the Dinner Party, and you can tell that his insides are about to BURST out as he's trying to hold a professional look on his face while on the inside he is SCREAMING and saying "OOOOOH GURLLLL!!!"



I'm just going to say it: I want to see more of Inkhosikati LaMbikiza! I really, really hope she will be attending the Thames River Diamond Jubilee festivities tomorrow, hopefully on her own boat--with TWENTY half-naked hot boys around her dancing!



Happy Diamond Jubilee!!!