Fashion Icon Kate Middleton - That's Queen Catherine to you!

It seems that the Royals have a knack of picking fashion icons as their Princesses/Queens.  Or its simply that they are put on that pedestal after the men they get married to?  I would like to say it is a blend of both, but in the case of Princess Diana and Kate Middleton, they both truly have their own unique styles and had already become fashion icons before attaining the royal status.  I am not sure Princess Diana and Kate Middleton should be compared at all, since both have their own very unique tastes and signature styles. 

Kate Middleton, now an ever popular household name, is on every magazine and tabloid cover out on the stands today.  After all, every outfit she wears such as her birthday outfit in 2007 or her blue Issa London dress worn for their engagement announcement sold out within hours of her appearance! 

While she posses an aura of total elegance and poise, she does also dress down and dresses comfortably which really defines her personal style!  She could have lined up racks and racks of designer clothes for her royal engagement portraits but instead picked a blouse and a dress from her own wardrobe the former being over two years old!  Now that is classy!

 

 

 

I would describe her style as very feminine and elegant yet slightly sexy due to her slim figure and choice of fitting dresses.  She is very versatile in her outfit choices as well as her hat choices.  One thing is for sure - she loves wearing dresses that accentuate her waist and slim figure (and rightfully so) and all her outfits have a fitted waist including her fitted jackets.  That, in my opinion makes her a daring fashion icon.

While the most anticipated and most watched event in television history will be their upcoming nuptials at the Westminster Abbey on April 29th 2011, the most coveted and respected job of the year will be designing her wedding dress!  Esteemed designers from around the world have submitted their sketches for what they feel the Princess should wear.  Eyes are pointing from Bruce Oldfield to bridal gown designer to the stars Phillipa Lepley and Kate’s own fashion favorite, Daniella Issa Helayel, creator of the Issa London Label.  Word on the street is that she will probably maintain the nation's pride, and pick a local designer, but at this point all is speculation till the big day.  Here are a few sketches that have been submitted by hopeful designers in bid to be the one lucky dress!

1.  MONIQUE LHUILLIER

One of my favorite designs.  It blends in Kate's style (Long fitted sleeves, fitted waist) as well as the requirements for a royal gown all in one!   It has a Chantilly lace bodice encrusted with an embroidered tulle overlay and pick-up ball skirt!














2.  ASHLEY ISHAM

UK designer whose looks have been worn by the likes of Lady Gaga, and Christina Aguilera, created a "princess dress" embellished with ostrich feathers and Swarovski crystals. "I would describe it like an old, dreamy, fairytale dress but modern and contemporary – not meringue-like!"













3.  BEN DE LISI

Another British designer,  a favorite of  Kate Winslet designed a  a gown with a twisted and torn silk tulle torso with ruched sleeves and a full skirt.















4.  BEN DE LISI

Here the designer uses silk bows and grosgrain knots adorning the bodice, which "explodes" into a hammered duchess satin skirt. I am not sure it is grand enough for the event of the decade. 















5.  REEM ACRA

A Lebanese designer who has dressed the likes of Eva Longoria.  She envisions a silk chiffon gown with crystal beading.  Too risque in my opinion for a Royal event.
















6.  SUZANNE NEVILLE

Another one of my top choices, this dress also blends in Kate's style as well as maintaining the Royal look to it.  A British wedding dress designer, known for her corsetry and structure.  Neville envisions a hand-embroidered strapless dress with Italian duchess satin jacket.












7.  ALBERTA FERRETTI

 Alberta Ferretti  imagines Kate in an "embroidered, fluid-silhouette dress."
I Love the tiered look, but I highly doubt that the Princess will go for a strapless 'look' or anything close to it.  Her choice will be modern but more conservative. 














8.  JASON WU

 Jason Wu suggested "mixing traditional opulence with a very clean aesthetic for this modern-day princess."  In my opinion, the arm cut out and design has more of Mrs. Obama written on it rather than Kate Middleton

9.  KARL LAGERFELD

 Karl Lagerfeld's Victorian-with-a-twist dress for Chanel.  Personally, I thinks there is too much going on at the collar and sleeves, something that I have not seen Kate pick her style as.















10.  NICOLE MILLER

Nicole Miller has a very clear vision for Kate on her wedding day: "I think no poof and froufrou. Elegant with a modern twist. A little sexy, but also modest.”  However, in my opinion, this gown does not say "royal gown" and does not exude the elegance needed for such an event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.  NINA RICCI

Nina Ricci's creation for the Princess is “light as a feather, [with] layers of lace and organza."  I really like the tiered bottom half, however the top half does not do the dress justice.

12.  RALPH-RUSSO

Ralph & Russo Creative Director Tamara Ralph created this vintage Chantilly lace gown with hand-embroidered bead work, a cascading fishtail skirt and "dramatic train" for "Princess Kate."
In my opinion, little on the daring side but nicely fitted to showcase Kate's silhouette, and a nice long train. 












13.  REEM ACRA

 Reem Acra's compliments his simple A-line gown with a long train, veil and embroidery to add drama "It’s regal and sophisticated.”

A much better choice for the Princess with the detail on the fitted sleeves.  The fitted waist and flaired bottom make it look very princess and fairytale like. 












14.  VERA WANG

Last but not least, our own bridal gown guru Vera Wang's

traditional design mixes lace, silk tulle, a high-necked bodice, a voluminous skirt and elbow-length sleeves. It "feels regal, yet poetic.”
Personally I expected more from Vera Wang, and I am not sure this has Kate Middleton written all over it. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sketches courtesy of www.people.com and www.stylecaster.com

The Twelve days of Christmas My True Love gave to Me.....

For the twelve days of Christmas my true love gave to me…..La la la …..

Did you know that to actually get each and every item as a gift in this famous Christmas Carol would cost your true love a whopping $96, 824!!!  That is some bill for a gift!  Here are 12 must have this holiday season, that costs a very small fraction of this original amount!  Each of these items is hot, in and trendy and most cost less than $50, while ALL are under $100.  Sure to keep your true love happy and more likely to buy them for you!!

1.  SKINNY JEANS.....

          A never going away trend and can be worn by ALL sizes, shapes and colors!  Just need to find the right kind and right fit!  Guaranteed to keep you warm too on these chilly days! My pick NY & Co, since they have a good fit even for curvy women, but the best part is that they carry petite, regular and tall! 

2. CHUNKY SWEATERS.....
Gone are the days of grandma's style sweaters with huge Reindeers and Christmas trees patched on them!  Instead, opt for warm, cozy sweaters, but don't take away the holiday patterns!
My pick

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=60783&vid=1&pid=792309&scid=792309012 $39.50 and right now at old navy buy one sweater, get one free!!

Target.com has some beautiful chunky sweaters too!

3.  A SCARF......

I am really loving asymmetrical pattern scarves right now, particularly black and white!  The asymmetric pattern gives it dimension as well as depth!  The thicker the scarf, the better to add volume and keep you warm!

My pick

H&M stores $12.50

4.  JACKETS......

No, I am not talking about the big over sized boring winter jackets that you can barely be seen under or those that add 2 sizes to your original size!  The latest fashion features jackets that are eye catching styles and colors and fitted to your body!  Available in various styles with belts, big buttons and even empire waists and puff sleeves!  Forget the tents of jackets worn in Christmas' past!  The new jackets make a fashion statement of their own! Add character to your outfit by picking jackets with big buckles and belts!

http://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/Miss-Sixty-Womens-Double-breasted-Peacoat/4862946/product.html?rcmndsrc=2 $119.99

http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_027B023231420001P?vName=Clothing&sName=Outerwear&cName=Women%27s&srccode=cii_10043468&cpncode=21-88599117-2&i_cntr=1291690148921&sid=KDx20090423x00001 $49.99

5.  HATS....

Made famous by the likes of Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez and Taylor swift, hats are making a comeback even on the runway as well as everyday fashion.  Chose one right for your head size as well as your purpose...

www.zappos.com has the largest online selection of men/women hats.....A few of my picks...

http://www.zappos.com/product/7663241/color/401 $34.00 

http://www.zappos.com/burton-diddle-dally-beanie-incense $33.00



6.  ANYTHING SEQUIN....

Tops, skirts, dresses, and even boots!  Nothing says holidays and celebration like the sparkle and glisten of sequins!  They add shine and make any outfit more noticeable.  Refer to previous posts if you would like more ideas about sequin outfits.

7.  BOOTS.....

Again, and evergreen item that will never go out of style!  Last season was all about ankle booties, but this year, it's back to calf and knee high boots!  The higher the boot, the sexier the look!  Every girl should own a pair of calf length boots (or higher) with a heel!  Flat boots are in too! My picks...

http://www.payless.com/store/product/detail.jsp?catId=&subCatId=&skuId=079154110&productId=67579&lotId=079154&category=&catdisplayName=Womens 

$49.99

 http://www.payless.com/store/product/detail.jsp?catId=&subCatId=&skuId=079291110&productId=67823&lotId=079291&category=&catdisplayName=Womens $49.99

 http://www.ardenb.com/catalog/product.jsp?categoryId=142&subCategoryId=1081&productId=39299 $69.30

8.  TIGHTS....

The reason I love tights is that not only do they complement boots, they can be made versatile by dressing them up or down!  They can be used to make a summer outfit into a winter outfit and can be used to make a sweater into a dress!  Owning one pair of tights can add 2-3 outfits in your wardrobe!  I am a fan of textured tights, particularly with vertical lines to make your legs look longer!

My Picks....www.macys.com all under $15.00!

                             

9.  SUNGLASSES......One of the hottest looks the stars are sporting right now are Aviator sunglasses.  No more hiding your face behind big huge sunglasses!  Show of that winter kissed cheeks in aviator sunglasses!  My Picks...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0031564GK/ref=asc_df_B0031564GK1344867/?tag=shopzilla_rev_10-20&creative=395021&creativeASIN=B0031564GK&linkCode=asn $65.00

10.  STATE NECKLACES........

The one accessory every celebrity wants to get their hands on this Christmas is - Maya Brenner's state necklaces.  Katy Perry and Giuliana Ransic were seen wearing a necklace with a pendant of the state of California.  Eva Longoria and Jessica Simpson showcased the state of Texas.  Maya Brenner has all the states available at http://www.mayabrenner.com/store/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=5 and are available in all different finishes

11.  COCKTAIL RINGS.....

It was in fashion last year and is still in fashion this holiday season!  That means it is a trend here to stay!  Large enough to make a statement or be a conversation piece, cocktail rings can be worn in either hand and any of the fingers.  Right hand rings are so yesterday :) my picks for cocktail rings....



www.whitehouseblackmarket.com both rings $24.00

12. RED LIPSTICK.....

I personally feel that this is one time of the year that anyone can get away with red lipstick and not look so gaudy!  Red lipstick compliments all the above outfits as well as the cocktail party dresses and little black dresses.  In the wise words of Make up Guru Bobbi Brown, "If I had to teach someone just one thing about lip color it would be this: Find a lipstick that looks good on your face when you are wearing absolutely no makeup." Remember to pick one that matches your skin tone and color.  As  a general rule of thumb

Dark Skin Tones - Full "bloody' red with bluish/purple tones.  Stay away from orange tones.

Medium/Olive skin tones -dark reds, mahogany almost into deep maroon shades.

Light.Pale Skin Tones - Vibrant red and bright shades including shiny tones would work.

So there you have it....The twelve must haves of the season, that will not break the bank, still make you look stylish and gifts that your true love will gladly want to buy!!!