Weekly Royal Fashion Awards: May 20-25

Best in Turbans

Queen Máxima

Celebrating the 150th anniversary of Sophia Children's Hospital; at the University of Utrecht; meeting with the Deputy-General of the U.N.; paying a one day visit to Luxembourg

Máx sure did have a turban-y week, didn't she? I don't mind turbans on her, really. Only her. I'm more bothered by the stiff construction of her green suit in Luxembourg, which I think is letting her down in major structural ways.

Best in Fresh

Princess Letizia, the Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Mathilde

Letizia visiting the APROCOR Foundation and holding audiences at Zarzuela Palace; Kate attending a garden party; Mathilde at the King Baudouin International Development Award Ceremony and supporting Philippe at the Brussels 20K run

There's something refreshing in all of these, I think: Letizia's cropped trousers (which I happen to love on the right royal, and she's it - plus, it's a nice break from things like her audience outfit), Kate's sunny yellow (which is an Emilia Wickstead I actually like as much as I usually want to like Wickstead on her), and Mathilde in casual wear for a change.

Best in Pastel

Crown Princess Victoria

Attending the release of Princess Estelle's Prayer Book; celebrating Enskilda Upper Secondary School's 100th anniversary; at the OECD environmental conference; visiting the Italian Cultural Center; attending a World Wildlife Fund meeting

The pastels are where Victoria's really been shining lately, I think. (And maybe it's catching: Crown Princess Mary was snapped wearing Victoria's pretty pink dress from earlier this month.) I will give her a non-pastel tip of the fascinator for the Missoni dress she wore to the Italian Cultural Center - see what she did there, eh?

Who was your best dressed last week? 

Photos: Getty Images/DutchPhotoPress/WPA Pool/AllOverPress/Stella Pictures/IBL/Kungahuset

Weekly Royal Fashion Awards: April 22-27

Best in Events

The Duchess of Cambridge

Video: At the inauguration of Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden

What does it take for an event to overshadow the clothes? Well, Harry.Potter.OMG for one. Lucky royals. (But okay, for the record, my sartorial thoughts on the Week in Kate - polka dots: super cute, Erdem: fabulous, Emilia Wickstead: needs a little something, and Topshop in video: cute.) Also, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that some of the blogs following Kate have joined forces for the Baby Cambridge Fundraiser (click here for their Facebook page). A brilliant idea to raise funds for EACH, and I suggest you check it out!

Best in Fancy, Part 2

Princess Letizia

A lunch at the palace for the Cervantes Award and at the ceremony

Hey, we've got a little streak going. I like it!

Best in Mix and Match

Crown Princess Mary

Opening the Finn Juhl Hall at the United Nations in New York. Click here for video from TV 2, click here for pictures.

This is a nice combo of pieces we've seen before, the skirt multiple times and the top from the Luxembourg wedding. Now I'm wishing she'd worn the top with the printed skirt from the start.

Best in Almost Queens

Princess Máxima

Visiting Show Band (with and without coat); attending a concert; opening the King's Games in celebration of the inauguration; launching national Girlsday

The last review before she becomes the only queen on our weekly list! {Pause for nostalgia.} After this post...it's inauguration festivities time!

Best in Estelle

Crown Princess Victoria

Let's be real: the other thing that overshadows the clothes is an Estelle sighting. Other engagements, schmother engagements.

Who was your best dressed last week?

Photos: Getty Images/PacificCoastNews/TV2/DutchPhotoPress/ANP/PPE/Kate Gabor/Kungahuset

Weekly Royal Fashion Awards: March 10-16

Best in Additions

The Duke of Cambridge

Video: Presenting shamrocks to the Irish Guards for St. Patrick's Day

The Duchess is very glow-y and happy and hair-up-y and that's all good. But I'm digging Cambridge #2 this week and I have my reasons. First, he has a new addition to his uniformed fanciness - he was just made an Aide-de-Camp to the Queen, and has the gold braid at his shoulder to prove it. And second, glasses (at the Cheltenham Festival).

Best in Purses

Princess Letizia

Attending the Discapnet Awards; at a concert organized by the Prince of Girona Foundation

I like her sparkly clutch. Yes, I'm reaching.

Best in Shoes

Princess Máxima

Attending a meeting; opening an art event (with and without coat); participating in NL Doet volunteering day

Uh...I honestly think the bowling shoes are an improvement over some of her other clunkers.

Best in Effort

Crown Princess Victoria

At the farewell ceremony for the President of Turkey; the return concert hosted by the Turkish president

Again, Victoria's tried a little hair ornamentation...not sure I'm a fan, but A for effort given the circumstances. (We won't be covering Lilian's funeral now, either. Too sad.)

Who did you like last week?

Pssst: Look for a post on the Pope's inaugural mass later in the week!

Photos: Getty Images/SCP/ANP/Parool/All Over Press

Runway to Royal: The Luxembourg Wedding

I don’t know about you, but I have the most massive tiara and couture hangover from this weekend. To soothe my symptoms of withdrawal, I have a couple more posts for you on the fabulousness we just enjoyed. Hey, we’re not going to see another event like this for a good while, so we better take it all in. First, a little comparison from runway to real royal life: who adapted it best?

This is legit couture – made just for you, so runway matches aren’t exact. So many of you noted multiple similarities between a lot of the Elie Saab gowns, and I don’t disagree with you. As with most ornate creations, it doesn’t help that we can’t pick out the fine details like we would be able to if we were standing right in front of the dresses. But I can’t get enough of it either way, so I remain firmly on Team Bring It On. For the record, Marie-Chantal's was my favorite - a true classic.

Also for the record, there were Elie Saab ensembles that didn't float my boat. Sorry, Clotilde. I'm still upset there wasn't a legit tiara (I just love the pink tiara she wore on her wedding day sooooo much, I'm complaining about its absence again), and the wedding outfit needed some color somewhere in the worst way.

I guess this is something of a classic silhouette for Mary; she’s worn these tiered gowns in the past, and I won’t lie to ya, they’re never my favorite. But they are probably spectacular in motion.

I was surprised how many of you hated Sophie’s outfit for the wedding. All I know is this: I watched the arrivals live, and it was like one long parade of standard suits and shiny suits and standard suits and shiny suits. Sophie was a breath of fresh air, totally striking in her black and white. And I couldn’t tell there were horses in the print – something which seemed to bother several of you on a deep level - until looking at photos.

Some found Caroline’s dress for the gala hideous, but I say to you: rejoice, for she stopped short of matching boots. (I actually quite like it, especially when you compare it to some of her recent evening choices).

What I loved about both Astrid and Margaretha was that I would never in a million years have selected these dresses for these two ladies. But here they are, workin' them like nobody's business.

Máxima is my favorite runway to royal example: she's given this Jan Taminiau dress so much more life with her feather boa on steroids and her rubies. Bless her and her flamboyance.

This is only a selection, feel free to post other runway finds in the comments!

Who had the best runway interpretation?

Photos: Getty Images/Cour grand ducale/Style.com/Jan Taminiau/Jesper Høvring/Bruce Oldfield

Royal Fashion Awards: The Religious Wedding in Luxembourg

Well, I think our lovely royals exhausted themselves after the fabulousness of last night. Because today's results at the wedding were...a mixed bag, at best. But loads of fashion to review is fun either way, so let's get started:

Best in Luxembourg

Princesses Marie Astrid and Princess Margaretha

Left to Right: Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, Princess Tessy, Princess Margaretha and Princess Marie Astrid, Princess Sibilla, Countess Diane de Nassau

Can't for the life of me figure out the purpose of MT's faux shawl, clasped not with one of the wonderful family gems but with a faux brooch. (The horror!) Note she's carrying yet another shawl too. Just how cold did she think the church would be? Still, I'd rather have the extra fabric in identifiable form than in straight ghost sheet form, like Tessy. I have to give this one to Margaretha and Marie Astrid, with an honorable mention to Sibilla.

Best in Queens

Queen Silvia

L to R: Queen Margrethe of Denmark, Queen Sonja of Norway, Queen Paola of the Belgians, Queen Silvia of Sweden, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, Queen Anne-Marie of Greece, Queen Margarita of Bulgaria

Repeats for some, fur bucket hats for others (oh, Paola), and a few rays of light to grab on to: Silvia in purple, of course, with a special nod to our elegant Bulgarian friend on the end there too.

Best in Big Hats

The Princess of Asturias

L to R: Princess Astrid of Belgium, Princess Claire of Belgium, the Princess of Asturias, Princess Miriam of Bulgaria, the Duchess of Parma

There was a lot of strange headgear at this wedding overall, and in particular, a lot of massive hats preventing view above navel level, because that's what you want when you're navigating steps in front of photographers and greeting people you're supposed to recognize. I understand until the wedding got started and kept going...and going...and going. A marathon ceremony requires a hat that'll have your back in case you doze off. Well played, ladies. Letizia's chic Felipe Varela wins it, though I also find myself with quite a lot of affection for Astrid.

Best in No Hats

Princess Lalla Salma

L to R: Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, Queen Fabiola of Belgium, Princess Lalla Salma of Morocco, Princess Zeina of Jordan, Princess Sarvath El Hassan of Jordan

Brave, these ladies, to go without hat cover for their mid-ceremony nap. I don't know what Mette-Marit was doing there with her hair, exactly, but I don't think it fits the hat bill. (I found her outfit kind of depressing, honestly.) You have to love Fabiola with a headband, Zeina tall and glamorous in red (outfit look familiar to you?), and Sarvath in purple, but this one goes to Lalla Salma. If you're not going to wear a hat to a hat event, you might as well be a red-headed Rapunzel.

Best in Low Key

Princess Marie of Liechtenstein

L to R: Crown Princess Margarita of Romania, Princess Marie of Liechtenstein, the Duchess of Braganza

These ladies flew under my radar for the most part. Margarita looked a little dated to me, and I'm not sure the Duchess of Braganza was in the same season as everyone else with that fur trim, but Marie looked lovely and classy.

Worst in Fit

Crown Princess Victoria

L to R: Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, Princess Mathilde of Belgium, the Princess of Venice and Piedmont

Oh, this pains me. This whole category pains me, because there's so much potential gone to waste. Issues with, uh, drooping and so on, are tragic, as is just too much fabric. Mathilde was my automatic worst while watching the wedding - that coat is adding so much to her frame that shouldn't be there! - but after seeing photos, Victoria is committing greater sartorial sins. The bunched up dress underneath, the overly long length and the hemline mess, and the hat which looks like she caught a flipped pancake on the way to the church...my poor Victoria. Not her finest moment.

Best in Máxima

Princess Máxima

I tried to fit her in with another category, but let's face it: girlfriend's a category of her own. You're either going to hate it for the muddy yellow color or the sleeves which may have been ripped off of a costume from Beauty and the Beast, or you're going to love it because it's Máx. Oh so very Máx.

Best in Guest

The Countess of Wessex

L to R: Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, Princess Märtha Louise of Norway, the Countess of Wessex, Princess Caroline of Monaco

Mary's on my list of faves: shocking, I know. Märtha Louise made the faves in her gray sheath accessorized with the brooch that closed the coat on her wedding gown: now that's a genuine surprise. As is Caroline, honestly, who managed to shop at the sane end of Uncle Karl's Chanel closet for a change. But let me tell you something: the only guest that got a literal jumpy clap out of me on arrival was Sophie. So chic, very retro Dior, with just a touch of wacky to keep it interesting when you bother to look closely (yes, there are horses on that Emilia Wickstead print). I loves.

Who's your best dressed guest?

Stay tuned tomorrow for a look at the gentlemen.

Photos: PPE/Dutch Photo Press/Cour Grand Ducale/Christian Aschman/Getty Images

Royal Trip Report: The Wessexes in Canada

The Earl and Countess of Wessex have been on a working visit to Canada for the past week. Unfortunately this trip coincides with the Cambridge trip, and that means even less coverage for Edward and Sophie, but we’re here to help them out. (And by them, I mean Sophie, and some of her outfits. Because that’s how we do.)

They began in Ottawa, where Sophie took a page out of Eugenie’s style book and sported a Peter Pilotto print dress. And just as we learned when Eugenie did it, this is not going to suit the tastes of everyone – nothing with this much statement ever does – but I still applaud her for the youthful spirit. Of more general love I’m sure will be this fantastic red dress worn with a wedge that is as close to delicate as wedges come.

Next up was Nunavut, and this beige coat/dress/thing, and then Iqaluit, where she also wore beige, and then a more of a va va voom turn just to counteract the blergh in sleek black at the Toronto International Film Festival. I’m not usually one for gimmicky handbags, but I’d take that fan off her hands right quick. The extra shiny stockings are the only thing bringing me down here. Quite a fish out of water statement at something like TIFF.

On day 4 we got a royal repeat of her Jubilee outfit – and a regimental brooch, as she was presenting new colors to the Lincoln and Welland Regiment – but then she was all colored out, I guess, because it was back to beige the next day for more Ontario engagements. This one reminds me very much of Kate’s beige Malene Birger dress from one of her Canada stops last year; serviceable and princess-y, but nothing to write home about.

Sophie and Edward's trip ends today. What's your favorite outfit from Sophie on this trip to the Canadian wonderland?

Photos: Governor General/Ottawa Citizen/Nunatsiaq News/BulletNews/Facebook

Week in Review: The Duchess of Cambridge, 1-8 July

1. Attending Wimbledon, 4 July.
2. The Order of the Thistle service, 5 July.
3. a) Attending the Wimbledon Men's Final, 8 July, in b) repeated Joseph pieces. I dig her double necklace deal.

Photos: PA/Getty Images/Joseph

Royal Fashion Awards: The Order of the Thistle Service

The service of the The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle (isn’t that just a deliciously medieval title?) was held yesterday. The Order of the Thistle is Scotland's highest order of chivalry, and its service resembles Garter Day in pomp and would-be-silly-under-any-other circumstance outfits. And where go the froofy hats, so go we…

Best in Day Bling

Queen Elizabeth

Is this modern emerald set my absolute favorite of the Queen’s? Nah. But I can’t complain about diamonds. Especially not when we’re looking at such a low key year for the Windsors, tiara-wise.

Best in Introductions

The Earl of Strathearn

The Thistle service usually isn’t such a big to do (media-wise), but this year the Cambridges – excuse me, the Strathearns, as they are properly known in Scotland and heavens, we must be Proper – were in the house, and there you go. The Queen decided to bestow the Thistle on William, and this was his big day to take the oath and make it official (he did receive his insignia from her last month, and wore the star at Trooping the Colour). I have to say, this debut was far more dashing than his slightly embarrassed Garter debut a few years ago.

Most in Need of Something

The Countess of Strathearn

Yeah…this isn’t doing it for me. I’m a little disappointed overall lately on the Emilia Wickstead front, which is sad. Anyway, I think Kate here just needs something. A belt to cover up that wonky bit of seaming on her waist, a different hat…something.

Best in Consistency

Lady Sarah Chatto

After temporarily abandoning her white and black wardrobe for Garter Day, Lady Sarah is back on point. Sometimes, if it isn’t broke, you don’t need to go messing with it. (Plus - star brooch alert! Like the Jardine Star's little sister.)

Best in Poise

Arthur Chatto

Lady Sarah’s in attendance at these events because her son, Arthur, is currently serving as a Page of Honour for the Queen. That means he’s tasked with tending to her train and what have you, and though he flew solo today, he’s sometimes joined by his cousin Charles Armstrong-Jones. I always find these boys to be very composed in their outfits (which are stately and traditional, but must feel a little silly to a 13-year-old boy), but this green one truly gets my praise. Forgive me, you all know I love the ceremonial, but this just makes me want a bowl of Lucky Charms. 

Best in Knights and Ladies

The Princess Royal

Left to right: the Duke of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal

It’s interesting to me that the Thistle is less frequently awarded in the royal family than the Garter, which is higher in precedence (when you look at the U.K. as a whole). So I have to aim my golf claps in Princess Anne’s direction, for being the only one of the Queen’s children in attendance (Charles had a prior engagement elsewhere; Andrew and Edward have not been awarded the Thistle). Besides, Philip is Philip, and his praise is implied.

Who wins your Thistle awards this year? 

PS: This replaces our Flashback Friday today.

Photos: Reuters/Getty Images/PA/Bauer Griffin

Week in Review: The Duchess of Cambridge, 27 May-5 June

1. Attending a garden party at Buckingham Palace, 29 May, repeating her Emilia Wickstead dress from the sovereigns' jubilee lunch and adding a Jane Corbett hat.
2. a) At the Thames River Pageant, 3 June, in b) Alexander McQueen with a Lock & Co. hat.
3. a) Attending the Diamond Jubilee Concert, 4 June, in b) a Whistles dress with a McQueen jacket.
4. The Jubilee Thanksgiving Service, 5 June, in McQueen again with a Jane Taylor hat. Much as I loved how she rocked the red at the Thames pageant, this final elegant turn is my favorite jubilee appearance from Kate. Which one did you like best?

Photos: PA/Getty Images/Daylife/Reuters

Week in Review: The Duchess of Cambridge, 14-19 May

1. Attending Queen Elizabeth's Jubilee luncheon for fellow sovereigns, 18 May, in Emilia Wickstead.

Photo: PA

Royal Fashion Awards: The Jubilee Sovereigns' Luncheon

As promised, the world’s sovereigns descended upon Windsor Castle today for lunch with Queen Elizabeth to celebrate her whopping 60 years on the throne. Historic picture time!

Anyway, several basic suits and a few mishaps with the Bedazzler later, here’s what we came out with:

Best in Boss Ladies

Queen Elizabeth

Left to Right: Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Margrethe of Denmark

This lunch is being touted all over as the most exclusive lunch in the world, but this right here is the most exclusive club: the queens regnant. The Jubilee Girl wins it for obvious reasons, though Queen Beatrix gets some serious bonus points for looking so thrilled to see her girl QEII. Time for some queenly girl talk! 

Best in Shoulder Doodads

Queen Paola

L to R: The Duchess of Cambridge, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, Queen Paola of the Belgians, Queen Rania of Jordan

I loved Kate’s demure pink Emilia Wickstead number and was so delighted to see her wearing a brooch (some sort of homage one way or the other to the Broochiest Queen of All perhaps?) that I bumped her up to a special little category. But when it comes to shoulder doodads, she still needs some practice: she kept forgetting her brooch was there and covering it up with the hair. I still prefer that to Maria Teresa’s hubcap shine (repeated from National Day), or the top that Queen Rania stole from an Egyptian mummy on the way up north, but Queen Paola wins this one. She’s lovely, and she’s purple. Done and done.

Best in Blue

Sheikha Mozah

L to R: Queen Anne-Marie of Greece, Princess Charlene of Monaco, Sheikha Mozah of Qatar, Queen Sonja of Norway

You know Sheikha Mozah’s my girl crush, right? The lady’s got flair - flair enough to steal her category right from under the NON-BLERGH suit of Charlene, wrinkles and all. As thrilled as I am to see Charlene back in that gorgeous Mediterranean blue hue, the feat of hairspray sculpture up top is way beyond her years.

Best in National Dress and Etc.

Empress Michiko

L to R: The Queen of Brunei, Princess Srirasm of Thailand, Princess Lalla Meryem of Morocco, Empress Michiko of Japan, Sheikha Sabika of Bahrain

Here’s the category for those of you disappointed in the lack of tiaras at the lunch – why, the Queen of Brunei’s outfit alone gives you plenty of ornamentation. I’m a sucker for those gorgeous caftans the Moroccan ladies treat us to, but this one goes to the empress, for pure adorableness.

Worst in British Glimpses

The Countess of Wessex

L to R: Princess Eugenie of York, the Countess of Wessex, Princess Beatrice of York

Precious view glimpses are around of some of the other British royal ladies. We’ve got two different takes on the Princess Gladiator from the York gals: Bea in gold-wrapped super hero mode, and Eug in a toga thing. I’m pretty sure I love what Beatrice is cooking up there, but I can’t tell. On the other hand, I don’t need a better look to know that Sophie’s depressing me.

Best of the Rest

Crown Princess Margarita

L to R: Queen Silvia of Sweden, Crown Princess Katherine of Serbia, Crown Princess Margarita of Romania, Queen Margarita of Bulgaria, Queen Mesenate Mohato Seeiso of Lesotho

Two things I love: when Crown Princess Katherine comes out to play at the royal events, because she always looks so darn friendly, and when Crown Princess Margarita does the same, because she always puts on her royal best. Like so many of these other ladies, she’s gone the prim and simple route with a skirt suit, but there’s something about her dainty red take that jumps out above the rest.

Worst in Hot Glue Ornamentation

Inkhosikati LaMbikiza of Swaziland

Did you know that this lady here was one of the King of Swaziland’s multiple wives before this lunch? I’m guessing you didn’t. But you do now. So...mission accomplished?

Who was your best dressed at the luncheon?

P.S.: The evening event is still to come.

Photos: Getty Images/Reuters/AP/WPA Pool/Zimbio/Daylife

Week in Review: The Duchess of Cambridge, 11-19 March

1. a and b) Visiting the women's Olympic hockey team, 15 March. Look! Cambridge No. 1 rides again! And I like her patriotic little outfit with the Team GB Paralympic scarf, even though I saw it compared to a flight attendant somewhere and can't get that out of my head.
2. Visiting Dulwich Picture Gallery with the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, 15 March. Doubling up on the engagements, and clearly feeling one colorful turn a day is plenty. (I kid, but I do prefer this one to her last Orla Kiely.)
3. Presenting shamrocks to the Irish Guards for St. Patrick's Day, 17 March. Yay for Emilia Wickstead! I love her - she was even one of my dark horse hopes to be chosen as The Wedding Dress Designer.
4. Opening a new facility (and making her first public speech) for EACH hospices, 19 March, wearing a dress also worn by her mother... and yes, this is exactly the dress one's mum would also wear, if you know what I mean.

Photos: Daylife/Reuters/Getty Images