2011 in Review: The Duchess of Cambridge

Best of the Year

Boom! The late entry wins the game at the buzzer! Yeah, I lurve it. The dress is just divine, I think this is the most flattering thing she wore the whole year. Like so many of you noted, I have some reservations about the necklace (I'd take the ruby flower deals off, that's too wee and twee for my tastes), but: she wore it. And what did I say about that? Step 1: put the diamonds on. Step 2: do other things. Here's hoping for a blingy new year!

Runners Up

I love a killer shoe and I love purple - these are not secrets well kept. Therefore, the very first Kate appearance of the year must make my list of runners up. Nods also go to what I found to be two of her most young, fresh, and feminine takes on the old school jacket and dress/skirt combo, the blue and black and the crochet look (which I know some of you will very much disagree with me on). At the time of the big tour, I favored her lilac Roksanda Ilicnic dress, but fickle me has now switched my affections to the twirly purple McQueen. The pink Jenny Packham was actually going to be my #1 until the black velvet slinked in at the buzzer because, well, I love a sparkly "Look at me!" number. I just do. Sue me.

And then there's the wedding gown. The wedding gown is in here simply because I recognize that it would be ludicrous not to include it, though I still agree with my first impressions. Thus, I include my favorite view: the train, which is and was perfection.

Worst of the Year

Nobody has a perfect year, alas. I thought about the Salmon Stella, which is probably the only thing I'd call an actual hot mess for the Duchess' whole year, and I thought about a couple of the entirely oatmeal ones - seriously, contrast is your friend - but I'm giving my title to the Alexander McQueen outfit worn to visit the aftermath of the riots. And that actually has nothing to do with how the thing looks (though I do stand by my initial assessment, which was: work it or go home).

No, this is about public relations. Katemania dictates that everything she wears will be analyzed to death and just a hair beyond that, and there's nothing she can do to stop it. It's a monster, and it's coming for all of us. But the newest Duchess on the block is a careful player in the sartorial game. She's done her best to restrain the debate over her outfits...except for this one. Debuting a pricey ensemble on this particular occasion was a misstep. I don't care if it personally offended you or not (it didn't bother me), but it was a rare PR mistake, and for that, I hereby dub it the Worst of the Year.

Which outfits make your best and worst lists for Catherine in 2011?

Photos: Daylife/Getty Images/Hello/AP

Week in Review: The Duchess of Cambridge, 18-24 December

Here's what Catherine wore from 18-24 December:

1. Arriving for the annual big fat royal Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace, 19 December. Anybody up for a round of Caption This? Here's my entry: "I'm in a car, the windows are blurred with rain, you can't see past my shoulders...are you seriously going to try and analyze my outfit? Seriously?"
2. a) At The Sun Military Awards, 19 December, in a b) a custom Alexander McQueen. Delish, still.
3. a) Visiting Centrepoint, 21 December, in b) a Ralph Lauren sweater dress. Would've stuck with the brown accessories myself, but I think black is her default. But what's the point of getting all dressed up when you're just going to be out-dorked by your hubs anyway?

While the world awaits a lil' Cambridge announcement, Prince William perfects his embarrassing dad dance moves.

Photos: Daylife/Getty Images/Net-a-porter/Ralph Lauren

Gold Star: Cambridge Black and Bling

Did your teacher give out gold stars when you were a kid? Mine did. And while sometimes those stars were for a job perfectly done, other times they were for progress well made. You know, a little encouragement along the way. It is in this spirit that I award the Duchess of Cambridge her first ever Gold Star.

Because tonight, at The Sun Military Awards, Catherine busted out her first major piece of ice since that tiara she wore that one time - a new necklace and bracelet, a wedding gift. Seems to be a diamond necklace with circles of diamonds alternating with fringes ending in petite flowers made of colored stones, maybe rubies. The bracelet appears to be a part of the demi-parure, as we can see the same motif and colored stones. (And we pause for a FAQ quick hit: What are the stones? Don't know for sure. Who gave them to her? Don't know. Can it be a tiara too? Don't know. Isn't the bracelet just the one she's worn before but with different inserts? Doubt it, as they're different scale and have different spacing.) She paired these pieces with the same diamond earrings we've seen several times before.

These are the most substantial jewels we've seen her wear, and simply breaking them out is something worth a little applause around here. The velvet Alexander McQueen gown is applause-worthy too - simple and black, but it fits her incredibly well. Stunning. And when you have a piece like that necklace, you don't need competition.

Would it have been MAJOR jumpy claps if she would've pulled the hair back? Yes. Are there other things to pick at? Of course, and I'm sure many of you will do so in the comments. But, baby steps. Step 1: put the diamonds on. Step 2: do other things. Gold Star, Catherine.

And another two Gold Stars for her escorts, Cambridge No. 2 and Prince Harry, for suiting up the James Bond way. You can never go wrong with a tux.

Photos: Getty Images/Reuters/Daylife/Just Jared/Grazia

Style Speculation: Alexander McQueen Spring 2012 RTW

When I started the blog I used to do "Runway Monday" posts, where I'd take a collection and pick what I hoped the royals would wear from it. Obviously those posts are extinct now, but Paris Fashion Week has brought the fashion fortune teller back out of me. Care to play along?

Sarah Burton's most recent collection was definitely the true McQueen (something I honestly was relieved to see in full force, given that their most famous model these days is the quite un-McQueen Duchess of Cambridge). That means: a little bit of Victorian flair, a little bit of fetish, and a whole lot of artistry and stunning craftsmanship.

Alexander McQueen Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear

Potential royal models:

The Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie

The deal with McQueen is this: you don't wear the runway looks. There is a commercial collection put out that's tamed down for actual wear. If the past is any indication, the Duchess is most likely to pick from the tamest of those tame looks...and then possibly tame them down further. (That's not an insult, by the way: it takes a certain attitude to rock McQueen properly, and she doesn't have it. Which is okay, because you probably don't want that attitude in a future Queen of England anyway.) As I've said before, I do hope that Kate's continuing relationship with Sarah Burton will help her gain more confidence in her dressing, and some of the silhouettes from this collection would be great ways to manifest said confidence.

We might have a little more luck getting Beatrice or Eugenie to wear something resembling the proper collection. Neither is as much a McQueen client as Kate, but they've both dipped toes in and I'm hopeful they'll jump full in (especially considering there's a stylist in the mix there).

See the complete collection here.

The Resort 2012 Collection is also worth a look, since we haven't seen this in royal use yet:

Far more wearable right off the bat. I'm really, really hoping we get to see some of these wide belts in use; they'd look amazing both on those with curves to work with (Bea and Eug) and someone that could stand to have a few curves created (Kate).

See the complete collection here.

Any looks you're hoping to see get a royal outing?

{Psst: this replaces our regular Flashback Friday post today. Also, we'll be taking a look at a couple of the other big name Paris collections ripe for royal use over the weekend.}

Photos: Marcus Tondo/GoRunway.com/Alexander McQueen/Style.com

Week in Review: The Duchess of Cambridge, 14-20 August

Here's what Catherine wore from 14-20 August:

1. a) Visiting Birmingham in the aftermath of serious rioting, 19 August, in b) Alexander McQueen. I feel like this needs to be worn with a touch of irony. With a serious hairdo, and some cheeky shoes. A touch of costume to take it into a real military tribute, with a bit of 1940s flair. But worn this way - which is the nice, appropriate way; certainly this is no time for costumes - it's more of a 1980s Diana relic sort of thing.


2. Walking in Wales with her sister and friends, 20 August, in the same sweater she wore pre-wedding.

The question this week seems to be not whether you like outfit 1, but whether you feel it was appropriate; not usually a question we have to get into with the Duchess here. But the fact is, this outfit consists of a blouse retailing for $1,355 and a skirt for $995, along with Prada shoes. Too fancy and pricey for visiting an area this damaged, or not?

I don't have a problem with the cost here; she should look nice, and I fall in the class of people that will not magically forget that her clothes budget is the stuff of my dreams, even when she dresses from the high street. Besides, this is nothing compared to the cost of William's outfit.

But there is a public relations game at play here. Right now, the most consistently interesting thing the media has found to talk about when it comes to Kate is her clothes. (Is that the way it should be? No. But that's what it is, and my personal opinion is that until she becomes known for something else - a certain cause, that sort of thing - this is how it will remain.) So far, she's done a pretty good job of directing the media traffic as much as she can; repeating her clothes at Zara's wedding is a great example. This one, I think, was a bit of a fail in that department.

What do you think?

Photos: PA/Daily Mail/Net-a-porter/Bauer Griffin

Flashback Friday: The Royal McQueen

Alexander McQueen has been on the tip of my sartorial tongue ever since that one dress Sarah Burton made back in April. (Surely you remember it?) With the immense popularity of McQueen on the red carpet, you'd think that the house would be a popular choice among royal ladies, but it really isn't. McQueen may be sparingly worn on the royal person, but when it is, it usually makes a statement.

Crown Princess Mary made one of her most memorable gown choices when she chose to wrap herself in this purple McQueen gown. The Duchess of York also made a few memories when she chose the same dress...

...though those memories might be of a different sort.

The York daughters have also had brushes with McQueen.

Princess Beatrice sought out McQueen for her memorable appearance at Peter and Autumn Phillips' wedding, a turn so colorful it made my list of the Top 10 Worst Dressed Royal Wedding Guests. (Not because the outfit's ugly, mind you. No, it's quite the masterpiece. It's just so very much for someone else's wedding.)

And Princess Eugenie made of her more notable appearances by picking a va-va-voom red McQueen for this year's Ascot. I loved it because she went there with her McQueen - I think if you're not opting for the attitude, you're not getting the full benefit of the spirit of the design house.

Which is why I love that Crown Princess Mette-Marit has sported a McQueen skull scarf:

You know, I think she might be the only princess on the block that could pull that off.

And that brings us to the Duchess of Cambridge.

Kudos are most certainly in order for being the greatest royal Alexander McQueen champion yet. It seems to me that Kate has started a comfortable relationship with Sarah Burton that I only hope will grow. Maybe into just a bit of that McQueen attitude, if I can be allowed a far-fetched wish?

Which royal ladies would you like to see embrace McQueen next?

Photos: Just Jared/Daylife/Getty Images/Wire Image

Week in Review: The Duchess of Cambridge, 3 July - 9 July, Part 4

We last left off with William and Kate departing Canada for Los Angeles, and now we return for some royal Hollywood fun:

1. Arriving in Los Angeles, 8 July, a) on Kate, and b) from Roksanda Ilincic, worn with peach-ish shoes and her LK Bennett clutch.

2. Attending a reception, 8 July, a) and b) on Kate, and c) the front, d) the back of the dress from Diane von Furstenberg, carrying a leopard print clutch by DVF and in nude shoes.

The lavender...please. You know I love it. Shape, interest, perfection. (Everybody's calling it blue or blue/gray? Looks lavender as originally reported to me!) The green...that's a different story. I should love it, given how I always stand by the sidelines with my rainbow pom-poms in hand, rooting for some color. But I really really don't. DVF dresses are supposed to be magical curve-creating machines, but this one looks like an oversized sweatshirt re-cut into a dress.

3. Polo for their charitable foundation at the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club, 9 July, a) on Kate, b) from Jenny Packham, c) a close up on the hand-painted dress design, d) new shoes from LK Bennett, the Sliver shoe.

Wasn't sure how I felt about the general sleeve area, but I'm going with: LOVE IT. And not just because of the dress, but because of the way they blew through the red carpet (so awesomely un-Hollywood) and because of Polo Wills, which is right up there with Cowboy Wills in my affections. And hey: the LK Bennett Sledge shoes have been given a much-needed rest! New nude heels, and - sit down for this one - no pantyhose. (As we all breathe a collective sigh of relief that she's not an open-toe stockings-wearer.) I also love it because, when asked what she was wearing, Kate said: "I'm sure you know by now." See, I told you I like my Kate a little bit sassy.

4. a) At the BAFTA Brits to Watch event, 9 July, with b) earrings borrowed from the Queen, c) Jimmy Choo shoes and d) a diamond bracelet and Jimmy Choo clutch.

It really is a very pretty dress. It's lilac, and it's McQueen, and it's twirly. The shoes are positively Vegas-worthy, pure sparkle. There's borrowed bling and bling that's all her own. And it keeps fully in line with the right strategy: nothing special for Hollywood, one is not a starlet. And yet I really wanted an honest-to-gawd hairdo for a change. Go ahead, fine, stick me in the pillory if you must! I wanted something show-stopping. I tweeted that I knew I shouldn't get my hopes up, and I was right. But I'm always cheering for the greatest amount of fabulous humanly possible (especially when the Queen's earrings are involved!), that's just me. Et toi?

Photos: Just Jared/Net-a-porter/XclusivePix/Daily Mail/Polyvore/Matches/Lionel Hahn/PA

Week in Review: The Duchess of Cambridge, 3 July - 9 July, Part 1

Here's the last installment of Kate's North American trip wardrobe, now on to the next:

 1. Attending a morning prayer service and visiting Quebec City on day 4 of the trip, 3 July, a) on Kate and b) from Erdem, worn with her LK Bennett nude heels, nude clutch and sapphire/diamond earrings.

2. Finish up in Quebec and arriving on Prince Edward Island, 3 July, a) the Joseph dress on its own, b) with a jacket (see the tweed in c), d) the LK Bennett clutch.

Fact: Erdem makes things that are not blue lace dresses. I thought I'd tell you, just in case you didn't know. I'm a little bit flabbergasted that the "Frugal Duchess" bought two such similar dresses from the same pricey designer! I like this one much better (not navy, not so much lace, blue for Quebec), so I'm left with regrets that she'd switched up the first frock of the trip. I have no regrets on outfit 2, though - as soon as she added the pink tweed jacket, I fell in love! A perfect princess outfit, but still fresh. The waist on the dress and the length of the jacket are a match made in heaven. So far, my favorite outfit of the trip.

3. Visiting Province House in Charlottestown, 4 July, a) and b) from Alexander McQueen, worn with navy pumps and her diamond/sapphire earrings.

4. Watching William practice water landings in a Sea King, 4 July, a) and b) a ponytail shot. Then racing dragon boats (c) in a Nike windbreaker, boat shoes and skinny jeans, and pulling a Grace van Cutsem (d), in black wedge slingbacks.

The McQueen is jaunty in a sort of old-timey croquet way, like she could have borrowed her inspiration from something the Queen Mother would have worn for sport in her day. Fitting for a visit to Prince Edward Island, land of Anne of Green Gables. It's much better in movement, hence the second shot there, because it needs a little more shape and a little more attitude (which might be why I like it better on Sarah Jessica Parker - and you know how I feel about navy). She made a good hair choice for a windy, rainy day with her ponytail, and I don't have much to say about the sportswear - other than I am ashamed of Prince William for busting out those nasty trainers again (and am very, very sad for the person that had to clean them up), and I wish they would have worn the Canada jerseys they were given for the dragon boat race. They broke the rules! Should've been festive and gone for it, kids.

5. Arriving in Yellowknife for the next leg of the tour in the navy trench and navy heels, 4 July.

After careful consideration, and in spite of my Kate-spawned animosity towards navy blue, I have decided that I need that trench. I promise to wear it in a fashion that will make it easy for you to tell that I've not gone stripper underneath without a squint and a prayer.

Do you have a favorite outfit so far? How are you feeling about navy?

Photos: Reuters/Daylife/AP/Daily Mail/Bancroft Media/Michael Dunlea/Just Jared

Week in Review: The Duchess of Cambridge, 19-25 June

Here's what Catherine wore from 19-25 June:

1. Official portrait released for the Canada trip, repeating the Amanda Wakeley jacket we saw pre-wedding.
2. a) Presenting medals to the Irish Guards on Armed Forces Day, 25 June, wearing b) a shamrock brooch previously worn by the Queen Mother and the Princess Royal while on Irish Guards engagements, c) a new charm bracelet engraved with her royal cypher, a Rachel Trevor-Morgan hat, Anya Hindmarch clutch, Prada shoes, and an Alexander McQueen coat dress, a combination of styles d) and e) from the Pre-Fall 2011 collection.

To all of those that called her out for pulling a Diana move with the military coat for the military engagement, I say: pfffft. That's not a Diana move, that's a royal move. See also: Elizabeth, Camilla, Sophie, pretty much everything Anne's ever worn, etc. If you want to see a Diana comparison here, in my opinion, you have to go to the bracelet. Diana had a known penchant for gifts with the personal touch. Interestingly, this bracelet appears to have been a gift from Camilla as it seems to have Camilla's cypher on the other side.

The hat seems a little froofy (technical term) to me when paired with that stark coat. But at the same time, it's the froofiness of the hat that's keeping this from being a soldier costume, or from being something that the Princess Royal might wear. And I do like the coat (c'mon, she had McQueen make her something, you know I'm loving that). I think it was a great choice for this engagement. She went simple, since it's not like she could compete with her hubby's ensemble:

This, by the way, solves the mystery of the second uniform William wore on his wedding day as the couple drove Prince Charles's classic car away from Buckingham Palace. I shall update his wedding post tout de suite.

In other Armed Forces Day news, Camilla made a half-hearted attempt to compete with her man's uniform with this kicky new hat:

Alas, her efforts were for naught. I mean...look at that uniform. Yowza.

What did you think of Kate's military effort?

Photos: Chris Jackson/Getty Images/Alexander McQueen/Style.com/Daylife/Daily Mail

Week in Review: Princess Eugenie, 12-18 June

Here's what Eugenie wore from 12-18 June:

1. Attending Prince Philip's birthday celebration service, 12 June.
2. Prince Phillip's birthday dinner, 12 June.
3. Royal Ascot, Day 1, 14 June, a) on Eugenie and b) from Issa.
4. Royal Ascot, Day 4, 17 June.
5. Royal Ascot, Day 5, 18 June, a) on Eugenie and b) from Alexander McQueen.

All things considered (meaning, yes, we still have our usual causes for whineage on fit and tailoring and such), I like where Eugenie's going here. Numbers 1, 4, and 5 are all on the right track for silhouettes that she can rock. (I still love 5, haters! You can't persuade me otherwise, so there!) Now if we could just figure out an explanation for poor old outfit 3...

Photos: Isopix/Rex Features/Robin Bell/Daily Mail/Ken Goss/Net-a-porter/Daylife/Getty Images

Royal Fashion Awards: Ascot 2011, Day 5

The Ascot Marathon is over! Can you handle just a wee few more awards?

The Once Again Award

Queen Elizabeth

Once again, she's great. Consistency for 60 years and running: that's our Lilibet.

Best in VaVaVoom

Princess Eugenie

Excuuussseee me, why did we have to wait until Day 5 to see something like this? There are just as many of you out there clutching your pearls in abject horror as there are that are ready to join me in a resounding Hell Yes! for Eugenie here, and that only makes this little number better. This is Alexander McQueen, darlings. And if I had my druthers, Eugenie's wardrobe would be comprised solely of McQueen and Westwood, because she's got curves, and they should be shaped and shown off, not covered up. Yes. McQueen, Westwood, and a tailor. The hat's a little bit of a disco funeral, but that's all right. It's all about the dress, baby.

Are you with me, or have you clutched your pearls so tight you're about to faint?

Photos: Daylife/Getty

Week in Review: The Duchess of Cambridge, 5-11 June

Here's what Catherine wore from 5-11 June:

1. Out shopping, 9 June. Oh! A serious color, you know I love that.
2. More shopping, 9 June. Two shopping outfits on the same day...that's the life, my friends. Where can I sign up for that? Harry, call me.
3. Attending the ARK Gala, 9 June, a) on Kate, b) from Jenny Packham and shoes from LK Bennett. She also carried a Prada clutch and wore Links of London earrings. Similar dresses have been worn on Gossip Girl and by Dita von Teese (of all the people you never thought Kate would be lumped in with...). Everybody was gushing over this one; personally, I found it very encouraging. I'm choosing to consider this a baby step into magpie territory: start small, just some sparkle on the gown, and before you know it, she'll be piling on the diamonds. Right? (Just nod and smile. If I'm wrong, I'd prefer to let the disappointment set in gradually over the years.) I am also choosing to consider this a step into serious shoe territory: pink with bows? Yes, please! Let's bring these babies out again with a shorter skirt so they can really shine.
4. Trooping the Colour, 11 June, a) on Kate, and b) the coat from Alexander McQueen. The hat is from Philip Treacy, and is a black version of the one Queen Sonja wore to Kate's wedding (talk about another person you never thought you'd lump Kate's style in with). I was totally bored when I saw her in the carriage; the coat just looked like a plain cream suit, and the hat is weird. I was all prepped to take another neutral nap. But I can't hate now, because she wore McQueen, and it does have the potential for fierceness. I'm not sure she's quite there yet (like I said, she's still missing the riding crop...), but once again I am encouraged.
5. Attending the wedding of Sam Waley-Cohen and Annabell Ballin, 11 June. And for her next trick to make me declare this a good week, Kate pulled out the ultimate illusion: she dressed her sister up like this...and stood next to her. SHAZAM! Kate looks amazing! She could have worn anything, really, so this repeated dress and hat from the morning certainly make the grade. Listen, if you can come up with any shred of logic for the things The Pips has thrown together here...I need to know. Report back in the comments.

Best and Worst of the Week

The sparkly thing wins the week, because, well, hello. Logic tells us that Outfit 2 has to be the worst, because we can't go calling anything in living color bad, nor can we do that for McQueen, and my hands are tied on number 5 because of the magic Fug Pippa trick. So, there you have it. What say you?

(Pssst: before someone asks, week in review posts end on Saturday, that's why the blue number isn't here. Besides, we have to save some color for next week, just in case we need it.)

Photos: Popsugar/Arthur Edwards/Rota/Daily Mail/Jenny Packham/LK Bennett/Getty Images/Daylife/Net-a-porter

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: The Duchess of Cambridge, 24-30 April

Here's what Catherine wore from 24-30 April:

1. Outside Clarence House, 27 April. Love the cowl neck/blazer combo.
2. Wedding rehearsal at Westminster Abbey, 27 April. Of all the half shots of Kate in cars from this week, this is the only one I'm including. Doesn't it look like she's wearing outfit 6?
3. Last rehearsal and arrival at the Goring Hotel, 28 April. Daily Mail says this dress is Issa.
4. At the wedding, 29 April.
5. Evening wedding party, 29 April.
6. Departing from Buckingham Palace, 30 April, a) on Kate, and b) from Zara. So much better than her usual dress + jacket combos. I think it's the neckline of the jacket that's really making this work.

Best and Worst of the Week

Honestly, I really really liked outfit 6, but sort of felt it would be ludicrous to have that one as best over the wedding dress. Still stand by my original assessment of the gown, though. There's not much to pick from on the bad side, so I'll go with the printed dress that just looked a little messy to me.

Which are your favorites for Kate this week?

Photos: Splash/DailyMail/Zimbio/PacificCoastNews.com/HugoBurnand/royal.gov.uk/PA

The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge's Wedding: The Bridal Gown

So much hype. So much speculation. The question is: did the final creation live up to expectations?

I'll be honest with you: my first impression was a big ol' no. She did go with Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, which I was rooting for. McQueen is known for creativity and intricate detailing. The problem was, on my television screen, all I could see was a lace top over a plain gown.

Good thing we have photos to help us out, because there is a tremendous amount of detail here that just wasn't visible in the broadcast, especially around the bottom of the skirt. In fact, the skirt and train are my favorite parts.

The shape is divine, and the length is perfect: 2 meters 70 centimeters, or about 8 foot 10 inches. Not too long for Westminster Abbey, and a great proportion to the dress. Both the skirt and bodice feature lace appliques hand made by the Royal School of Needlework from varying forms of lace. Lace trims the underskirt as well, a feature which was clearly revealed as maid of honor Pippa carried the train around.

 

The dress itself is ivory and white satin gazar, and Kate topped it with a fingertip veil of ivory silk tulle. She arrived with a blusher on, and her father threw it back during the first hymn to give us a clear view of the dress bodice.

The satin bodice is corseted with padded hips that open the skirt like a flower, a divine feature I didn't notice until the newlyweds were leaving the registry area, and a very McQueen touch.

The back is closed with 58 buttons, a detail that enhances the Victorian corset feeling.

In addition to her veil, Kate's bridal accessories included a new pair of earrings given to her by her parents and a tiara on loan from the Queen. The tiara we had previously known as the Scroll Tiara (see details here) has been named the Halo Tiara by the Palace. We now have more info, and will no doubt have even better pictures of this piece to drool over as the photos continue to roll in, so look for us to talk more about the tiara later this week. Kate did her own makeup and went with a demi-chignon hair style. (Looks like those of you that speculated that the couple's pre-wedding visit to Darwen might have been a hair dry run were at least partially correct!)

She also carried a tiny bouquet (seriously, if this wedding was supposed to be about the language of flowers, this thing doesn't speak loud enough to be heard) including myrtle, lily-of-the-valley, sweet William and hyacinth flowers.

The more I look at this dress, the more I discover the little details it has, the more I like it, yet I'm just not blown away. Don't get me wrong: she looks beautiful. It suits her, and the style we've come to know her for. But my hope (and, yes, it was quite possibly an impossible dream) was that the gown would be original. Epic. Though this is lovely, it is a great deal more Grace, or Margaret, than it is Just Kate. And that's where my hopes get dashed.

Were your expectations met by this gown? What sort of place in royal bridal history do you think it deserves?

UPDATE: Here's Kate's gown for the evening reception, also McQueen. It's strapless white satin gazar with a full skirt and diamante embroidered belt, worn with an angora bolero cardigan for the weather.

Really can't get past the size of that waist, myself.

UPDATE #2: The dress is included in the Summer 2011 exhibition at Buckingham Palace.

Source: The Official Wedding Website
Photos:  AFP/Getty Images/Daylife/Diez Minutos/Daily Mail/Reuters