Hairstyles 2014: Long and Medium Length hair

Hairstyles 2014: Long and Medium Length hair

Crop Tops: NO. CROP. TOPS. Peplums: The peplum was everywhere last year; they were on dresses, shirts and jackets. Worn/Washed Out Jeans: Raw denim in mid-toned blue and the occasional unfinished hem is looming on the fashion horizon for jeans. The high-wasted, butt cheek bearing jean shorts that were so "in" in 2013 will longer be fashion acceptable so throw those OUT.

Cutouts: The revealing cutout details of 2013 dresses have been replaced by sheer fabric. You can switch to dresses or shirts with sheer paneling.

IN

This trend is great for dresses and going out tops. Collared Shirts: The crisp, menswear-inspired dress shirt enjoys a makeover with inventively cool, contrasting color and/or textured collars and cuffs. The fashion-edgy sporty look is coming in a big way in 2014.

An appropriate expression that summarizes the evening fashion trends of 2014 is "elegant luxury." This time designers have been forgetting the color palettes, textures, shapes, pathos in the cuts and all other innovations that remind us of the past seasons. This time they're bringing back the traditional old-fashioned styles.

Deep cuts and open shoulders were chosen as the neck designs for designing the most seductive chest area. Given below are some popular trends that you can expect to see in the designs of evening dresses in 2014:

Vivid and spectacular color choices

Noble and elegant color schemes are the future of fashion in 2014, so they've been used in evening dresses too. Enlightening folds on the dresses

Folds, pleats and drapes are some common designing tactics used in the evening dresses of 2014.

Whether clothing or hairstyles, each new year ushers in new fashion trends.

Hairstyles 2014: Long and Medium Length hair

1. Braids:

You can wear them in umpteen styles - crown braids, cornrows, herringbone or fishtail braids, the school girl braid, the loose messy side braid, the waterfall braid, the braided top knot, the side swept braid etc.

2. The Ponytail:

Ponytails suit almost all face shapes and hold well on all types of hair. Gather your hair in a sleek, high ponytail for a sporty or professional look. 3. Loose Waves:

This 90's inspired hairstyle never seems to go out of fashion. If you have naturally curly hair, play up the curls on your hair. Hairstyles 2014: Short hairstyle

Shorter cuts have several advantages. Short hair is easy to maintain. Short styles make one look younger. Bangs and bobs gel well. Try different types of bangs - fringe, Cleopatra bangs, side swept bangs or asymmetrical bangs.

If we take a look at what designers have prepared for the prom dresses of 2014 then we find that the prom trends of next year seem to be the formalwear interpretations of street style and high-end fashion. Many celebrities like Selena Gomez, Vanessa Gomez, Chloe Moretz and Carly Rae Jepsen sparked these fashion trends this year by wearing such dresses at premiers and award ceremonies. Some most notable trends are being mentioned below:

Peplum: Over the course of last few months Peplum has exploded in the market of prom dresses. Peplum skirts, tops and other dresses are available at almost all locations and for all budgets. A highly notable trend in the lace designs is that they're being used as striking designs this time. Brighter hues: Brighter is better for prom dresses in 2014. Generally colored dresses used to dominate the space of prom dresses but this time designers have been shifting to the neon hued designs. The most awesome thing about this trend is that it can be easily combined with other trends (i.e. peplum or lace) for making an outstanding prom dress.

The rise of High-Low: This trend gives designers an opportunity to innovate with multiple colors, prints and design trends. You can find ombre everywhere - from nail polishes to hairstyles to prom dresses. Short dresses with sheer overlay: If you want to loo

k sexy on that prom night then this trend is coming out just for you. Dresses like these look like a combination of gown and party dress.

While each colour body and/or manufacturer has at least one dominant neutral colour scheme within their 2014 trend palettes, colour definitely comes into play.

Colours remain bright, bold and playful, which is a continuation - and furtherance - of current trends. a melding of both vibrant and deep hues... intertwined in intriguingly inventive colour combinations

Watery palettes, combining multiples shades of greens and blues, will no doubt be a favorite. With all the agates and high-sheen finishes seen at High Point, expect blue to sparkle.

• It is refreshing to see in a New Year and witness the changing fashion seasons. Floral Patterns- A daunting concept for some of the more macho men but floral patterns seem to be making a huge impact on men's fashion. Colours- For the quiet and reserved gentleman, bright colours may seem a little much but this season they are set to be vital in the world of fashion.

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!

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: