Weekly Royal Fashion Awards: December 4-9

Hmm.

The Duchess of Cambridge

Video: William and Kate attend the London premiere of "Mandela: The Long Walk to Freedom"

Look, I find this outfit rather baffling, but the whole thing takes on an extra unimportant tone considering the death of the great Nelson Mandela was announced while they were at this premiere. William's short statement when they left is included in the video above. (Kate also paid a visit to a children's hospice, smartly wearing trousers to avoid any precarious situations when crouching to kid level. Click here for some video cuteness.)

HMM.

Queen Máxima

Attending a concert given in Princess Beatrix's honor

Well, the outfit above is nothing compared to the level of bafflement this brings. From the unflattering bands to the messy skirt to the overly dark stockings - I just can't.

Best of the Rest

Crown Princess Mette-Marit

Mathilde visits Hong Kong (this was my favorite from the trip - click here for a nice video featuring more), Haakon and Mette-Marit at a meeting, Victoria pays a visit to discuss bioenergy, Mary hosts a holiday reception for her foundation

Some lovely business happening here, but the winner has to be Mette-Marit - she's alive! (She's been out of commission for weeks due to a neck problem that required surgery, if you haven't been following your Norwegian royal news.)

Who was your best dressed last week?

Photos: Raad van State/RTL/Kronprinsparet Fond/Lehtikuva/Maryfonden

Royal Fashion Awards: The Coronation Anniversary Service

Yesterday, the British royal family gathered to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Queen's coronation with a service at Westminster Abbey. For video, click here (for Part 1) - don't miss the fantastic entrance music - and for more stuff, click here. Ready? Let's chat:

Best in All The Things

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh

I'm not entirely sold on the Queen's outfit here, but no matter: this is her party, she can be randomly pleated and flowered if she wants to. And she wins brooch points too for her significant selection - see, as always, the Jewel Vault for full details. The dapper Duke of Edinburgh gets our sole male recognition for the day for simply showing up, since he's been unwell lately.

Best in Pale

The Duchess of Cambridge

Left to Right: The Countess of Wessex, Autumn Phillips, the Duchess of Cambridge, the Princess Royal, Lady Louise Windsor

Apparently there was a pale pink/beige/peach/whatever memo of some sort, because these subdued outfits were all over the place. And since I'm loving pale pink of late, I'm on board. I like the shape of Kate's Jenny Packham number and her diamond earrings and bracelet (more casual diamond usage, please, always), so she wins the prize. The anti-prize must go to Sophie, I'm afraid, whose Bruce Oldfield is not quite doing what she wanted it to do, methinks.

Nearest Miss in Statements

These Three

L to R: Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice, Zara Phillips

Well, you can always count on a few members of the younger generation going edgy...or should we say trying to go edgy, with varying degrees of success and varying degrees of, you know, actual edge. I like the contrast of Eugenie's hat and simultaneously think it looks like she didn't have the right one in the closet; I like Beatrice's embellishment and also think it's a little heavy for her; I like Zara's fresh color and print but am not sold on the fit. It's a three way tie in the maybe? but no. category.

Best of the Rest

The Duchess of Cornwall

L to R: Princess Michael of Kent, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duchess of Kent, the Duchess of Gloucester

I love the way Camilla lightly echoes the Queen's color palette without copying, and I love her own aquamarine brooch, so she gets plenty of love from me. (Also, I think the Duchess of Gloucester might be trying to teach anyone that mentions repeated outfits on anybody else a lesson - just how many major events will this neck ruffle see?)

Who was your best dressed yesterday?

Photos: Reuters/PacificCoastNews/Getty Images/WPA Pool

Royal Fashion Awards: Easter 2013

I hope you all had a good Easter! (Or just a relaxing Sunday, if you're not the Easter sort. Good excuse to eat chocolate, either way.) The Spanish and British royal families were out and about for Easter services, and we got some prints (!) and some color (!!) to chat about, huzzah. 

Most Entertaining in Prints

Infanta Elena

Left to Right: Infanta Elena, Queen Sofia with Infanta Sofia and Infanta Leonor in front, Prince Felipe, Princess Letizia

Look at this happy printed family, right down to Felipe's tie! And look at Elena, my oh my. Every year, I hope someone will literally dress up like an Easter egg - you know, because of giggles - and my waiting has paid off.

Best in Color

The Countess of Wessex

The Countess of Wessex and Princess Beatrice

I love that Beatrice's hat is a little yellow. I'm all for an interesting color pairing. But that coat's a bit sack-y, so this one goes to the Countess of Wessex on account of the jumpy claps. Really! That fab electric blue sculpted Roland Mouret paired with a hat leftover from Ascot (oh, I do lurve a little peacock) - Sophie, Countess of Benjamin Button Moves, just keeps getting better. 

Best in Typical

A Tie

The Queen, Lady Louise Windsor, and Princess Eugenie

This is pretty much what I'd expect from any of these three ladies, and it's all just fine. (I can't help but think that if you mushed together the better shape of Eugenie's coat with the better colors of Beatrice's outfit, you'd really be in business.) The Queen, as always, is covered on the Jewel Vault, where you can also find a flashback to Easters and Maundy Thursdays past.

Who wins Easter, fashion-wise, for you?

Photos: Getty Images/WPA Pool/PacificCoastNews

Royal Trip Report: All Kinds of People, All Over the Place

Royal trips a-go-go! Seems like everybody's traveling everywhere lately, and I love it. Trip wardrobes are the best, even when they're a little on the low key side. So let's check in with some of our royal wanderers, shall we?

Frederik and Mary in Chile, days 1-3

First up: Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary went on an official visit to Chile. This was actually supposed to be a state visit made by Queen Margrethe, but on doctor's advice she cancelled and the crown princely couple stepped up. And as you might expect for a substitute visit, this is mainly a trip of repeats. Actually, I think the new item getting the most attention here seems to be Fred's new hairdo...and you thought the royal men didn't get enough frivolous attention.

Days 4 & 5

I think my favorite outfit might be the new dress shown above on the far left, from Elise Gug, blergh and all. And I will be forever grateful that she stopped short of a full jumpsuit with that print on the far right above. We've been there, and it wasn't pretty.

Elsewhere, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene made an official visit to Palau.

Video: in Palau

Seems to have been a pretty short and casual island-appropriate trip, as you might expect.

The Windsors are out and about too, starting with the Earl and Countess of Wessex in the Czech Republic to present Duke of Edinburgh Award certificates as well as other engagements.

These were my two favorite Sophie outfits from the trip: Sophie does McQueen, and more Roland Mouret. I'm not entirely sold on the head-to-toe cream, but the continual Benjamin Button-esque evolution of Sophie's style gets two thumbs up from me. And I think we always need more Roland Mouret.

Speaking of things we need more of, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall started a trip to the Middle East in Jordan with a visit to King Abdullah and Queen Rania, wearing Antonio Berardi. We could use more Berardi on the royal scene, I say. Good match for Kate or Beatrice maybe (or, hey, Sophie while we're at it).

Video: Charles and Camilla's official welcome in Jordan

They're on a multi-country tour which also includes Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. And it's been your basic Charles and Camilla show, you know, no real surprises or outliers in the fashion realm as far as I'm concerned. I will say this: the Qatar leg was disappointingly low on sightings of my girl crush, Sheikha Mozah - only one meeting with Charles, I think. And I will also say this: I can't wait for the release of this year's royal gift list. Will Cams pick up another ruby breastplate? The suspense is killing me.

Which trip outfit is your favorite?

Photos: Kongehuset/Abaca/Marfa/CTK/Getty Images

Weekly Royal Fashion Awards (and a Mini Trip Report): December 3-9

We have last week's round up and a mini trip report (two, actually) to get to, but first a note: my Ultimate Tiara Collection returns on Wednesday - for now, we have tiara sightings coming our way! The Nobel Prizes are awarded today in Sweden (where the tiaras are) and Norway, and we'll have a fashion run down later. Until then, back to our regular business...

Best in Trips

Crown Princess Mary

Visiting Hong Kong and Beijing

Mary and Frederik made a quick visit to China last week, and Mary brought some repeats and some new stuff too. I'm a sucker for a simple but bright blue dress, so sign me up for the Malene Birger number on the left there. (I'll pass on the Elise Gug on the far right, though - what's supposed to read as detailed is coming off muddy to me.) 

Best in Winter

Princess Letizia

Princess Letizia at an Antena Foundation 3 meeting and the National Sports Awards; Crown Princess Mette-Marit visiting Vennesla; Crown Princess Victoria opening an exhibition at the Royal Palace

Why so glum, ladies? Why so dark and dreary? Oh that's right, it's December. Curses. Well, I once again find myself admiring Leti's nude shoes, so I'll give her some love for that.

Best in Twins

Princess Mathilde

At a UNICEF conference in Brussels; on a UNICEF mission to Haiti

Déjà vu for you? Yes, Máxima also has the electric blue number Mathilde started her week with. In the battle of Who wore it best? I'll give it to Mathilde, but it's six of one, really. Still, it's my favorite of the week for her - a week which also included a colorful little trip of her own, to Haiti.

Best in Giggles

Princess Máxima

Visiting the My School project; celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Oranje Fonds; naming a new gas tanker

The gas tanker Máx was naming is an environmentally friendly model, so naturally the Princess opted for an environmentally friendly ensemble for herself: she's used the arm covers from my grandmother's 1971 gold velvet sofa as a hat. Oh Máx, whatever will you stick on your head next?! Thanks for the giggles.

And an Honorable Mention to...

The Countess of Wessex

At ICAP Charity Day

Bonus blue dress points if it's a blue dress from Roland Mouret. Nicely played, Sophie!

Who interested you last week?

Photos: Reuters/Kongehuset/AP/Getty Images/Stella Pictures/UNICEF Haiti/Place Royale/PPE/DutchPhotoPress/ICAP

Royal Fashion Awards: The Thames River Pageant

A landmark celebration for the Diamond Jubilee today: a flotilla of 1,000 boats on the Thames in a magnificent parade for Her Majesty. It was cold and rainy, but do you think that stopped our fair royals from turning out in style? No!

Best Diamond Girl

Queen Elizabeth

A one of a kind outfit for a one of a kind event! Made of course by Angela Kelly (and reported to have taken a year to plan and create), this is one impressive description: white bouclé with a silk organza frill, threaded with silk ribbon and embroidered with gold, silver and ivory paillettes with Swarovski crystal embellishment. The hat, including hand dyed feathers, sweeps up to make sure everyone can see Her Majesty’s smiling face – and to echo the waves of the Thames. And to top it off, she pinned the Jardine Star Brooch on her shoulder. I thought she looked gorgeous.

Best Queen Mum Impression

The Duchess of Cornwall

What do you get when you let Philip Treacy's brain run wild in the late Queen Mother's hat collection? This, methinks. Her long Anna Valentine coat in cream with lovely detailing is just a touch more elegant, though.

Best Use of Red

The Duchess of Cambridge

Taking full advantage of the one day in the year when red is actually the wallflower color choice (seriously, did you see that boat?), Catherine rocked her crimson McQueen. Bonus points for the Strathearn tartan scarf in her hand (she’s the Countess of Strathearn) and for the seafaring brooch with twin silver dolphins given to her by the Royal Navy Submarine Service, of which her hubby is Commodore in Chief. (So now we have polar bears and dolphins…what will be next in the Duch’s zoo-themed brooch collection? Crossing my fingers for a sloth.)

Best Spirit

All These Ladies

Left to right: the Countess of Wessex, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, and the Duchess of Gloucester (Bea and Eug appeared at a street party, then donned coats for the boat)

 These ladies just looked like they were having the most fun of all on their boat, waving like maniacs with flags included and capturing everything with their mobiles. (Precisely what I would do and so would you - don't lie.) Must be good to draw the party boat assignment. So we’ll reward that, since a lot of what I see here is more worthy of a worst dressed list, I’m afraid.

Best in Bundled Up

Princess Michael of Kent

 

Can’t knock a girl for dressing for the cold and wet weather! You go on, Marie Christine.

Best in Kids

Lady Louise Windsor

L to R: Lady Louise Windsor, Viscount Severn (children of the Earl and Countess of Wessex)

Flags and Union Jack colors? Perfect! 

Best in Uniform

Everybody!

L to R: the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge, Prince Harry, the Earl of Wessex

L to R: the Duke of York, the Princess Royal, Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence, Prince Michael of Kent, the Duke of Gloucester

 I can’t be forced to pick a favorite today, you know what shiny things do to my attention span and LOOK at all those medals. I was especially delighted to see William back in his RAF uniform after several appearances in his Irish Guards uniforms, though I can’t help but wish he would have made it an occasion for his Navy uniform (my favorite of them all).

Who do you say wins this river pageant?

Photos: Getty Images/Daylife/Hello/PA/Reuters/Rex

Week in Review: The Duchess of Cambridge, 6-13 May

1. a) Tagging along as William delivered a speech to the exclusive Thirty Club, 8 May, in b) Roland Mouret.
2. Attending the Our Greatest Team Rises Olympic event, 11 May, in Jenny Packham. Rest of the week doesn't really matter, this right here is all I need.
3. a) Watching polo, 13 May, in b) Libélula. 

Photos: Zimbio/PacificCoastNews/Style/Libelula

Week in Review: The Duchess of Cambridge, 26 June - 2 July, Part 1

During the Cambridge's North American tour, I'll be splitting Catherine's looks into multiple review posts since even I don't write posts as crazy long as a full week would be. So, Part 1:

1. At the royal box for Wimbledon, 27 June, a) on Kate and b) with the LK Bennett shoes on display; c) the dress from Temperley London, and d) Secret Agent Wills at Wimbledon, just because I find him entertaining. Kate also wore those diamond and sapphire Are-They-Or-Aren't-They-Diana's earrings again, as well as the famous Bracelet of Controversy, and carried a beige clutch and a brown jacket.

I said it on Twitter, and I'll say it again: kicky little tennis dress. I like it, and I'm ever so glad she didn't have to put the jacket on top. The detail on the back of the straps would bug the crap out of me if I wore this - looks like the kind of thing that would get all messed up on your seat back, or that someone could stand behind you and flick at. (I guess this means we know Secret Agent Wills isn't the kind of husband that annoys his wife for sport.)

2. Leaving Heathrow Airport for Canada, 30 June, a) on Kate, b) the dress from Roland Mouret, and c) the jacket from Smythe. Her shoes are Manolo Blahniks and her bag is Mulberry.

Basically, if I had the money - and the body, but that's a different discussion - my daily uniform would be Roland Mouret and Manolos. Kudos are due to Mrs. Cambridge here: she went French (Mouret), Canadian (Smythe), British (Mulberry) and Fabulous (Blahnik), all in one outfit. That's the mark of a black belt in international political dressing. And this is just the ho-hum, excuse me while I board my private plane look.

3. Arriving in Canada and the first events of the day in Ottawa, 30 June, a) on Kate, and b) from Erdem, with the same shoes and clutch as at Wimbledon. She also wore the diamond and cabochon sapphire earrings she wore on engagement day.

4. An evening barbecue with young people, 30 June, in an Issa dress.

I'd say Erdem's the biggest Canadian name in high fashion, so the second outfit of the day is a smart move indeed. There's that black belt again, karate-chopping her way into Canada's arms. As for the actual dress...eh. Maybe I'm just a little burnt out on the navy overload, or maybe I'm just not a fan of navy lace dresses. I have no complaints of substance here, it just doesn't flip my skirt up. Sadly, neither does the last dress (which she's had for a long time and was last seen the day before the wedding), and I blame it on one thing: the shoes. Can we have the Manolos back, please? (And yes, I know, more comfortable, long day, etc. But my shoe-loving heart wants what it wants.)

How's she doing so far? Do you have a favorite look yet?

Photos: PA/Daily Mail/Film Magic/Getty Images/Daylife/AP Photo/Net-a-porter/Globe and Mail/Chris Wattie/Reuters

Royal Fashion Awards: Trooping the Colour 2011

I was right, y'all. Beatrice didn't even show up to Trooping the Colour, so the parade today was all Kate, all the time. And she sure did give us something to discuss, and we will do that, but we will also give everybody else some much-needed attention. It's the least we can do, right? Per usual, our attention will be in the form of awards. Everybody loves a trophy.

Best Birthday Girl Prerogative

Queen Elizabeth

Another repeat, kind of boring...but she's the (official) birthday girl. When you're in charge, you can wear whatever you please. And it is one of her better repeats, so I shan't be picky. (Well, I'll save my picks for others, at least...)

Biggest Omission

The Duchess of Cambridge

Omission number one: Kate, you forgot the candy that's supposed to go in that dish on your head. How 'bout some nice M&Ms? Perfect for that mid-parade "oh hell, more bagpipes" energy dip, plus a little extra color never hurt ya. Omission number two: What's a fierce McQueen coat without a proper riding crop? Giddyup!

Most Disturbing Genetic Sign

Princess Eugenie

You know who else has a tendency to stick superfluous bows on things? Sarah Ferguson. (And Princess Mabel. And Hello Kitty. Not exactly esteemed company.) Fight the genetic urge, Eug, fight hard! Because that jacket is kinda cute, you really could've had something here!

Most Acceptable Repeat

The Duchess of Cornwall

How many times have we seen this ensemble and it's various iterations on Cams? Approximately 8,698, I'd say. The only reason I'll give her the nod here is that she wore that choker - gah! I love that thing. She can wear that to as many Troopings in a row as she likes, as far as I'm concerned.

Best Dynamic Duo

The Countess of Wessex and Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor

Adorable, these two, in their matching pink outfits. Adorable and a wee bit saucy, I might add - that's a lot of Countess shoulder! (How prudish do I sound?! It's just not what you're expecting to be in for at the military parade, is all. It's sort of like when Anne's cleavage just came out of nowhere, right in your face, that one time. Or, not really.)

Best in Uniform

The Princess Royal

Left to Right: the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge, Prince Harry, the Princess Royal, the Earl of Wessex, the Duke of Kent

If it's color you long for, to the military you must turn. And today's toy soldiers made an excellent display. Which one to pick as best? Philip's always a good choice - come on, he's rocking the bearskin hat at 90. And the Duke of Kent is rocking the bearskin hat while on a horse, at 75. William and Harry hold down the under 30 fort nicely, but I have to give this one to Princess Anne. Any gal that can roll with the boys while absolutely owning a hat that culminates in a feather to the skies deserves all the prizes she can rack up.


Now, there are two types of Trooping the Colour people, really: the carriage people and the balcony people. The carriage people get to ride all fancy, and get their picture taken a lot, and get their names spelled right in the photo captions and things like that. Those people are above. The balcony people cram on at Buck House, fearful the facade might give way from all the Windsors on board, are at the mercy of long-range lens, and usually get identified as "royal family members". There's not much to look at when it comes to the balcony people. Luckily, judging on little information is a specialty of mine, and so we will forge ahead:

Best on the Balcony

Lady Frederick Windsor

 L to R: The Duchess of Gloucester, Princess Alexandra, Lady Nicholas Windsor, Julia Ogilvy (and I believe the Countess of Ulster peeking over her shoulder), Viscountess Linley (with Lady Rose Gilman peeking out from behind), Lady Frederick Windsor, the Duchess of Kent, the Countess of St. Andrews

It's a shame they don't pay more attention to these ladies: some of them really turned it out! Princess Alexandra did her usual thing, but hey - she can do what she wants. That's got to be Roland Mouret on Serena Linley, which I LOVE, but you're not getting anywhere with that ever-so-ebullient expression. The Duchess of Kent and her daughter-in-law the Countess look ladylike as can be, but I'm giving this one to Lady Frederick, a.k.a. Sophie Winkleman. You gotta love that she turned it this far out (that has to be a new hat, probably a new suit) for such a quick appearance (and her first Trooping the Colour, too). She flew in from Los Angeles for this shindig, she deserves a prize.
UPDATES: I have added the Duchess of Gloucester, in a lovely repeat, Lady Nicholas Windsor and Julia Ogilvy - both wearing repeated hats (Lady Nicholas from Garter Day last year, Julia from the Cambridges' wedding). Excellent appearances, all!

Worst on the Balcony

Lady Helen Taylor

 L to R: Princess Michael of Kent, Lady Helen Taylor, Lady Amelia Windsor, Flora Ogilvy (possibly, thanks to Nora)

What in Canadian fashion hell is happening to Lady Helen?! Girl, Erdem has done you WRONG. (And just when I was wondering if Kate would take a look at his stuff for the Canada trip, the nerve.) I put it on the batty radar when we saw it with the matching coat at the royal wedding, but now that I've seen the dress underneath, I'm prepared to commit it to the mental ward. And yeesh, that inside-out/upside-down paper umbrella on her head isn't helping. Everything else pales in comparison, like Amelia's bit of fluff on her head, and that mystery lady's Flora's shapeless outfit (somebody, please, tell me who that is for sure!). And Princess Michael definitely looks out of place next to Helen, since she's only in this category for being stuck in a Trooping rut anyway.

Who makes your best- and worst-dressed for this year's Trooping the Colour?

(And if you see more royals, or better pics, let me know!)

Photos: Ken Goff/Isopix/Reuters/Daylife/Getty Images/Mark Stewart/Camera Press/Tim Rooke/Rex Features/PPE/Nieboer

Week in Review: Princess Beatrice, 22-28 May

Here's what Beatrice wore from 22-28 May:

1. At the Chelsea Flower Show, 23 May, a) with jacket, b) without, and c) from Roland Mouret. Still girlcrushing on this look, though it was obviously a downhill week from this point...
2. Out to dinner with Sarah and Eugenie, 25 May. See, this is just okay, nothing horrendous, nothing fantastic.
3. At the racetrack in Monaco, 28 May. And this, well, this is a fine dress...and clearly the shoes you bring that you only plan on wearing when your feet just can't take all your other shoe options anymore.

Photos: Getty Images/Daylife/Bergdorff Goodman/Xposurephotos.com/Daily Mail//Isopix

Royal Fashion Awards: The Chelsea Flower Show

Lordy, the royals do love their assorted flora and fauna. Just look at how they've turned out for the opening of the Chelsea Flower Show, from those on their A game to those on their WTF game...

Most Typical

Princess Michael of Kent

What can you say about this? It's Princess Michael. This is how she rolls. And this is all we can see. Moving on...

Almost Best

The Countess of Wessex

In smaller pictures, I liked this for Sophie. But enlarge it a bit, and I can't quite agree with the cut of the jacket and the way it's dissecting her lovely floral dress. So close to fantastic.

Best in Duchess

The Duchess of Cornwall

What on earth do I mean by "Best in Duchess," you ask? A valid question. I rarely understand what I'm talking about myself, but I'll give it a go: this is nearing a personal best for Camilla. Fantastically fitted suit, luscious color, great accessories. Best in Duchess, see?

Best in Show
Princess Beatrice

My first thought: Damn! Bea's looking good. If we could get her to dress like this all the time, I'd have a girl crush on her the size of my Sheikha Mozah love. (Well, not quite as big. Because, you know, no diamonds.) So fantastic, this Roland Mouret sheath.

Best WTF Moment

Queen Elizabeth

WHOA. Just a day after I give her a Gold Star, the Queen turns up with some stripper's gimmicky knickers upturned on her head, like the next day remainders of lunch-lady-palooza. What is the point of this?

Who made your best in show list at the Chelsea Flower Show? And would you like to try explaining the Queen's headgear to me?

Photos: Daylife/Getty Images