Week in Review: Princess Máxima, 27 November - 3 December

Here's what Máxima wore from 27 November - 3 December:

1. At the Prince Bernhard Culture Fund Awards, 28 November. Va-va-voom! This is a great dress. Me likey.
2. a and b) Opening a new care home, 29 November. Meh.
3. a) Attending a gala dinner during an official visit from Mali, 29 November, in b) a repeated dress and shrug made of...used tinfoil from Máx's last highlight?

Photos: Getty Images/Zimbio/PPE/Buys/112 Nederland/Nieboer

Week in Review: The Duchess of Cambridge, 6-12 November

Here's what Catherine wore from 6-12 November:

1. a) Attending a dinner for the National Memorial Arboretum Appeal, 10 November, in a custom version of this (b) Jenny Packham gown and (c) a pair of earrings which have been identified as silver with "crystal paste stones" by Beaut Jewellery who supplied this design to Jenny Packham. I won't lie and say I wasn't disappointed to learn she didn't have a new set of diamonds in her jewel box, but they sparkled on video nevertheless, and they're a great Deco-esque design. As for the toga dress, I think it's great but I wish she'd done her hair up (it was only sort of half up on the one side) because I think there's too much going on with the flutter sleeve and the asymmetrical neckline plus all the hair. In other words: an utterly typical assessment from one who is permanently on Team Updo.
2. a) At a meeting for the Prince's Charities Forum, 11 November, in a b) blazer from Zara. Basic wool blazer with an interesting detail: I like it. Can't really make out what she had on underneath, though.

Outside our regular time frame, but no doubt this is fresh on everyone's minds:

1. At the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph with fellow royal family members (top row includes the Duchess of Cornwall, the Countess of Wessex and Princess Anne's husband Vice Admiral Tim Laurence; bottom row is Princess Alexandra of Kent and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester), 13 November, wearing a Diane von Furstenberg coat and Jane Corbett hat. Not a huge fan of the forward tilt on Kate's hat or of Sophie's choice to repeat the flamboyant gray hat she wore to Monaco's royal wedding for this particular event; however, it doesn't matter. That's just not what this event is about. 

Members of the royal family that lay wreaths at the Cenotaph. (Front: the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. Second: the Duke of York and the Princess Royal. Third: the Duke of Cambridge and the Prince of Wales. Fourth: the Duke of Kent and the Earl of Wessex.)

Photos: Paul Rogers/Daily Mail/Just Jared/British Monarchy Flickr/Zara/Getty Images/Daylife

Week in Review: Princess Mathilde, 23-29 October

Here's what Mathilde wore from 23-29 October:

1. Continuing the economic mission to China, day 3, 23 October, with a sort of a giant sweater coat (a) over a printed Natan dress (b - you know, it's 98% Natan, I don't even bother pointing it out these days).
2. Day 4, 24 October, in a coat with orange accents (a) over an orange dress (b). The coat is especially cute here, and I'm really really happy she didn't opt for a pair of her favorite orange pumps.
3. An evening reception on day 4, 24 October, after which she departed the China trip to go home for Elisabeth's 10th birthday (her husband stayed on).
4. Attending an autumn concert at the Royal Palace in Brussels, 28 October. Some bad prom hair there, with those odd curls at the front, but at least she goes for the updo, right?!

The concert was a family affair, with Paola and Fabiola looking their usual classy selves and Princess Astrid...well, you know, she's apparently going to run the New York City Marathon with her husband and son Amadeo, and that's impressive enough to shut my couch-sitting wine-drinking self up about a shiny sea creature coat or two.

UPDATE: Mathilde also attended a working lunch with a group of female entrepreneurs on October 27th.

Photos: Nieuwsblad/HLN/Purepeople/Abaca/APAPictureDesk

Week in Review: Crown Princess Mary, 16-22 October

Here's what Mary wore from 16-22 October:

1. Visiting the United Nations Fund for Population Activities and a school in Harlem on day 1 of the crown princely couple's visit to New York City, 20 October. Look familiar? (Malene Birger dress, this time paired with an Isabel Marant jacket.) Yeah, sometimes I get lazy and don't want to dig very far back in my closet either.
2. Opening an art exhibit alongside other Scandinavian royals, 20 October. This is a beautiful dress. Some felt she was overdressed, given that Queen Sonja and Queen Silvia wore more basic skirt suit sorts of things, but I thought it was a perfect young take on the occasion.
3. Visiting the 9/11 memorial site on day 2 of the visit, 21 October in a black coat over a Heartmade dress.
4. At the opening of the BIG architectural studios, 21 October. Same dress, with a different Heartmade jacket on top.

5. a) Attending the Scandinavian-American Foundation Centennial Ball, 21 October, in a gown from Ole Yde (b).
6. a) At the "New Nordic Cookout: A Taste of Denmark" event at Union Square Greenmarket on day 3 and then squeezing in some shopping in flats at Saks (b), 22 October. Should've stuck with the flats for the whole day, I'm thinking. Odd gray shoes there.

I'm going to dub this NYC trip (which will continue in next week's review post) the trip of Excellent Separates and Curious Pairings. I do not get, at all, the pairing of that bright and happy floral dress in 3 and 4 with either of those somber jackets or those gray and black Prada shoes. Most curious.

Photos: Purepeople/Abaca/Billed-Bladet/Zimbio/Bauer Griffin/Daylife/Reuters/AP Photo

Royal Fashion Awards: The American-Scandinavian Foundation's Centennial Ball

America's just riddled with royals at the moment! Prince Harry's been making his way through southern California's selection of cocktail waitresses on his way to Arizona for military training, while Princess Beatrice acted as boyfriend Dave's plus one in New Mexico and Las Vegas. But the main royal gathering happened over the weekend in New York City as a whole slew of Scandinavian royals on separate visits to the U.S. collided to celebrate with the American-Scandinavian Foundation and give us something sartorial to talk about (the real purpose of their trips, I'm quite sure...).

Best...uh...Assets? I don't know.

Crown Princess Mary

I am in love with the idea of this: the interesting neckline, the sort of va-va-voom quality of this shimmery fabric, the usage on the whole of a shimmery fabric for a non-tiara event. But I am in, well, not hate, per se, but dislike with a single raised eyebrow at the execution. That's one clingy dress, m'lady! In some pictures it's perfectly lovely, but in others...whoa. Kudos for the after-babies bod and all, but I'm just not sure we needed to see all of that.

Best Bling

Queen Silvia

Who you gonna call when the dress code says no to tiaras? Queen Silvia! (She's like the Ghostbusters, only prettier.) There's a brooch in the hair and a tiara (her modern fringe tiara) around the neck. A+. Oh, and PURPLE! Yay.

Best in Typical

Princess Madeleine

She's got a taste for strapless dresses that just make you want to give them a wee tug north, doesn't she? That said: she does look awfully pretty here. I love the styling.

Worst in Typical

Queen Sonja

Oh, man. I do not get her taste sometimes. She looks like she's being strangled to death by lace and pearls. Which, I suppose, if you've got to go, that might be the way to bow out, but still. She did put a brooch in her hair too, to be fair, but it takes a lot more than that to make up for the gown.

Best in Scandinavian...wait, huh?

Princess Tatiana

Just me that wondered why Nikolaos and Tatiana of Greece took their globe trotting party machine to the American-Scandinavian bash until suddenly remembering that they are princes of Greece and Denmark? Fine, whatever. Smartypants. Anyway: it's always hard to see what she's wearing, on account of the posing (argh), but I'm sold enough on what I can spy here to give the evening's prize to her. Lovely red, little bit of interest, and easier to move in than some of these other gowns.

Who was your best-dressed for the night?

Photos: Zimbio/Daylife/Getty Images/CTK/Bekia

Week in Review: Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, 9-15 October

Here's what Maria Teresa wore from 9-15 October:

1. An audience with a delegation of Special Olympics participants, 12 October.
2. Attending the Red Cross' annual fashion show in Luxembourg, 12 October. Oh, MT. This is a bad bad outfit. It is not your sartorial friend.

Photos: Cour grand-ducale/BGL/BNP/PARIBAS/Jean-Claude Ernst/Tageblatt

Week in Review: Princess Máxima, 2-8 October

Here's what Máxima wore from 2-8 October:

1. Opening the new trading floor of the Amsterdam Stock Exchange, 3 October. The poof on the skirt sort of looks like it was desperate to escape the straight jacket above.
2. a) Opening the Brazil Festival in Amsterdam, 3 October, b) in blindingly shiny Halson Heritage. Basically, since her sister-in-law has a lock on the saggy torpedo boob category, Máx here decided to shore up the "locked and loaded" torpedo boob category. I think I'm going to get Princess M. a mirror for Christmas this year, you guys want to chip in?
3. Attending the MBO Gala, 4 October.
4. Opening the TERI research institute, 5 October.

5. Opening the new council of state's offices, 5 October. Now this is lovely, I'm liking all the different textures, and the A+ reuse of last year's Prinsjesdag hat.
6. In Rome to open a Mondrian exhibit, 6 October. Another day, another reused Prinsjesdag hat...I suppose if you're going to wear your Indiana Jones hat anywhere, it might as well be to a museum. But I can't help but think a Mondrian exhibition would have been the place for #3 up there.
7. Opening the Exodus House, 7 October, a) with and b) without wrap.
8. At the 40th anniversary celebration of the Introdans company, 7 October. Oh yes, I do love this repeated Alessandra Rich gown. It could be very Morticia on anyone else, but with that personality and that giant jewelry, it's just chic. (I am of course ignoring the hair, as I usually attempt to do.)

She's such a worker bee, our Máxima. She deserves some praise, so just in case you can't find anything worth loving above, feast your eyes on the ring from #5 (worn with matching earrings, natch):

Photos: Purepeople/Abaca/PPE/van Katwijk/Nieboer

Week in Review: Princess Charlene, 2-8 October

Here's what Charlene wore from 2-8 October:

1. Attending the Akris fashion show, 2 October. I do like the makeup here, it's helping give her a little more color.
2. Meeting with the President of Croatia, 4 October. My guess is that this is the missing dress from Charlene's wedding ensembles, meant for the brunch the day after and described by the Palace as a "strapless cocktail dress by Giorgio Armani Privé in silk satin duchesse in bright green color" with a "pleat detail on the bodice and skirt," and she's had a little cardi made to cover it up. Whoever designed it, I'm all in: it's a color! Yay!

Oh, and on that Akris show...you can see the whole collection here, but I have to say I'm not impressed. I found it very hard to imagine any of those looks on Charlene. What do you think?

Photos: Lehtikuva/Zimbio

Week in Review: Princess Charlene, 25 September - 1 October

Here's what Charlene wore from 25 September - 1 October:

1. a) and b) Hosting a lunch to celebrate Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day, on 24 September (I think...wrong week, oh well). Yeah...I'm gonna have to give this an "OH HONEY NO." I think every time Char pops up somebody calls her out for not dressing her swimmer's body right, and this time it's me. A tube top? Oh, honey. With trousers so flared they might be relics from a decade gone by? Oh, honey....no.
2. Attending mass for Saint Michel Day in La Turbie, France, 29 September. And I don't even know that the jacket helps. Because now I want to call it out for being an old lady outfit, but I know - I know - that there is a tube top under there. Man, I guess I really don't like this outfit. Don't know what it did to offend me so, but there you go.

Photos: Eric Mathos/Palais Princier/Gala/Special Olympics/Realis/Visit Monaco/PurePeople/BestImage

Week in Review: Princess Mathilde, 11-17 September

Here's what Mathilde wore from 11-17 September:

1. a) and b) Attending a memorial for the 9/11 attacks, 11 September.
2. a) and b) Visiting the 'Infirmieres de Rue' association, 13 September, in an oft-repeated dress.
3. At a gala evening for the King Baudouin Foundation, 14 September, in a homemade aluminum foil concoction!

Photos: Nieuwsblad/Belga/Nicolas Maeterlinck/Svenskdam

Week in Review: Princess Máxima, 11-17 September

Here's what Máxima wore from 11-17 September:

1. a) and b) Opening the new headquarters for Dutch company Van Leeuwen, 12 September. You see, we may grumble about the daily messiness of Máxima's hair, but it just means she's impervious to an actual messy hair situation. Point: Máx.
2. Attending the 50th anniversary gala of the Dutch National Ballet, 13 September, with (a) a wrap upon arrival that she later (b) removed. While I can certainly appreciate the logic of wearing the closest thing you've got to a tutu to the ballet, something's not right. I think the Queen Bea gets my vote for best dressed here.

Photos: Dutch Photo Press/Bekia/volkskrant.nl

Week in Review: Crown Princess Victoria, 11-17 September

Here's what Victoria wore from 11-17 September:

1. Attending a boat detachment as part of the Sustainable Seas seminar, 12 September. So this is basically just the navy version of the black one she has.
2. At the International Paralympic Committee meeting in the Netherlands, 13 September. And this is basically the maroon version of all the rest of the dresses she's worn so far in the pregnancy.
3. Attending the opening of the Swedish Parliament, 15 September. But THIS is how you do it, see. This is how we do the sorta-maternity wear.
4. At the Opera House, continuing the Parliament celebrations, 15 September. And this is NOT. No, no. I know some of you have given Vic here a free pass on account of how adorably happy she is, but this is a shower curtain and a tent and a muumuu, and she's too cute to be dressed like that. Also, I find the necklace a bit dubious.

Strange. Queen Silvia was thoroughly typical for the whole Parliament extravaganza, which leaves Madeleine to be my star.

She's so hit and miss, but when she gets it right, I think her take on the trendy young princess look is the best one around. (And in case you're wondering: black and white is the dress code for the Parliament opening, they didn't just all wake up feeling boring.)


Photos: lehtikuva,fi/Bekia/Expressen/Stella Pictures/Belga

Royal Fashion Awards: Belgian National Day 2011

While I was away, the Belgians celebrated National Day with a concert, Te Deums at various locations, and a military parade. Knowing how they've spruced it up for National Days past, I had my hopes up for at least a few giggles this year. The verdict? Disappointingly tame. Regardless, we continue on with our usual shenanigans:

Best Spirit

Queen Fabiola

Electric blue tights. YES. There's no better way to say "I'm 83 years old, people seem to enjoy throwing death threats my way; I'll do what I please." Fab indeed.

Most Consistent

Princess Astrid

Astrid's like Princess Anne in that her best showings involve rocking the lady military uniform. She does have a bit of non-uniform game, though: the gold number's simple and elegant (if a bit of a wrinkly mess). Her daughter Princess Laetitia Maria made a cute companion in dual greens.

Most Typical

Princess Mathilde

Head-to-toe typical Mathilde on show this year, including one trend she seems to be catching lately: the copy cat. She wears Kate's Issa dress, followed by a near-replica of Máxima's royal wedding outfit...and now she turns up in Armani's version of Mary's dress from the Monaco wedding! What's up with that?

Best Dressed

Queen Paola

I'm usually not that impressed by Paola. I mean, she just doesn't stick out that much. And it's not that there's anything terribly memorable here either, but together: it's a nice showing. Cute polka dots and a flattering flower print? Why not?

Most Missed

Princess Claire

Princess Claire is the one that usually makes National Day so darn entertaining. She puts extra special care into her outfits, and I always appreciate her eye-searing efforts. Alas, with her husband's particular brand of misfit not currently welcomed with open arms at the royal court, she went M.I.A. Claire and Laurent attended only a popular street party with their children in tow. Shape up, Laurent: I'm going to need some LOLs next year from your better half!

Who made your best dressed list this year?

Photos: Hola/AP Photo/Reuters/Daylife/PurePeople/Abaca

Week in Review: Princess Letizia, 10-16 July

Here's what Letizia wore from 10-16 July:

1. Audiences at Zarzuela Palace and a luncheon for the President of Panama, 11 July. Was it National M.C. Hammer week in Spain?
2. At the Culture National Awards, 12 July. WAS IT? This is not at all legit, and should be quit immediately.
3. Visiting Montserrat Abbey, 14 July. I'm checking...I'm checking...okay, not a trace of Hammer.
4. At the AIJEC 25th Anniversary Gala, 14 July. I just still can't believe she busted out my 2 least favorite pairs of trousers and wore them back to back. I care not about the rest of the week. (And there you have the fundamental problem with the Hammer pants.)
5. Attending graduation at the naval academy, 16 July. Oh, except that she did it again. I don't get it.

Photos: Daylife/Getty Images/Reuters Pictures/Hoymujer

Week in Review: Princess Tatiana, 5-11 June

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

1. At a cocktail party celebrating 35 years of Taki's 'High Life' column, 8 June. Bad picture there. Sorry Tatiana, can't concentrate on the dress in these circumstances.

Photos: Dave M. Benett/Getty Images

Week in Review: Princess Marie-Chantal, 5-11 June

Here's what Marie-Chantal wore from 5-11 June:

1. At a cocktail party celebrating 35 years of Taki's 'High Life' column, 8 June. 
2. Attending the ARK Gala, 9 June (yes, alongside some other people). Just lovely, this.

Also, excuse me, when did Maria-Olympia grow up?

Just makes me feel old, that.

Photos: Dave M. Benett/Getty Images/Chris Jackson/Zimbio

Royal Fashion Awards: Ascot 2011, Ladies' Day

It's day 3 of Ascot and it is it should be the best day yet: Ladies' Day! Also known as crazy hat Mecca. The question is: did the royals live up to the occasion? Let us see...

Best Roller Coaster

Princess Anne

Day 1, icy blue perfection. Day 2, stale mustard. Day 3...back on top! And dressed in purple, just for me. (Ha.) Whatever will tomorrow bring? Way to keep us on our toes, Anne.

Best in Non-Ladies' Day Form

Queen Elizabeth

There's definitely something to be said for consistency...but sometimes I just wish Liz would kick it up a notch for days like today. It'd probably scar my retinas for life, but at least we'd have a laugh. Surely that hairnet isn't the only nutty thing banging around in her closet? In the mean time, I suppose hot watermelon pink will have to do.

Best Try

Carole Middleton

All the chatter over the Middletons riding in a carriage today and being in the royal box kinda cracked me up. They have a stake in a horse racing today, why wouldn't they be there? Sophie's father was in a carriage yesterday, no comment on that. People seem to be grasping for things to hyperventilate over in Kate's absence. So good on Carole here for not giving it to them in the form of a fashion disaster. This hat is weird, but whatever.

Worst Loss of Mojo

Princess Beatrice

Seems that one princess-y effort wasn't a permanent trend (sigh). This is just...I mean...it's fine. It's not anything, really. It's like she tried to do something a little trussed up for Ladies' Day, but she forgot to work it. Bea's done lost her hat mojo.

Worst Race Rerun

The Countess of Wessex

Epsom, and now Ascot. While I can credit her for a flattering coat and for mixing up the hat on her repeat, I'm just a little bored overall. With the whole field. Poor Sophie, it's not her fault. UPDATE: I've added the hat into the equation now...and, well, at least somebody brought a little something out of the ordinary.

Best in Lovely

Princess Haya

I know some of you were a bit perturbed to learn that Haya here is one of multiple wives for the Sheikh (see our discussion on just exactly who Princess Haya is here), but I tell you, I have a soft spot for her. Doesn't she look like she'd be just lovely to have a chat with? As Crown Princess Katherine is to royal weddings, Princess Haya is to royal racing.

Worst in Missing Persons

Zara Phillips

You know what we needed today? Some Zara. Where is she? Why has she not been at Ascot for a while? She always brings something interesting to talk about. I need a Bat Signal or something.

Best in Ladies' Day Fashion

Absolutely Nobody

This whole day was a little pffftblerghsigh, wouldn't you say? The answer to my question (did the royals live up to the occasion) is: no. What's the matter, Windsors? Rain got you down? How come not a one of you really embraced the Ladies' Day spirit? People wear dead animals just for this occasion, you know. Two days left for you to redeem yourselves. Don't let us down.

How are you feeling about the Ladies' Day fashion? Am I the only one that's a bit let down?

Photos: Chris Jackson/Getty Images/Daylife/Daily Mail/Isopix/Rex Features

Week in Review: Princess Mathilde, 5-11 June

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

1. Visiting a retirement home, 8 June. Hey, this looks familiar.
2. At the closing concert of the Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition, 10 June, a) on Mathilde and b) the dress, c) the coat from Emporio Armani. I thought these were flashback pictures at first - with her hair like that, she looks just like she did when she got engaged to Philippe. She looks lovely. What do we need to do to tip the scales from more Natan to more Armani?
3. Attending the religious wedding of Mathilde's sister, Countess Hélène d'Udekem d'Acoz, and Baron Nicolas Janssen, 11 June. Somebody's taking a page out of Máxima's book! 

And here's the lovely bride:

I love it when the veil is the star of the show (bit much for poor Princess Elisabeth, though!). Absolutely gorgeous.

Photos: Nieuwsblad/Elle/Isopix

Week in Review: Charlene Wittstock, 29 May - 4 June

Here's what Charlene wore from 29 May - 4 June:

1. During an interview for French television.
2. At the Grand Prix, 29 May. I must say, I find this adorable. Seems a departure from most of her Akris stuff, and I like it. And you know I love the shoes.
3. Grand Prix gala dinner, 29 May. Ooh, I love a little sparkle. She's like a bronze sculpture.
4. Attending a fundraising event for the Special Olympics, 31 May. Is this the most random print ever? And does it only go on the front of the dress? Je suis confused.

We mustn't forget about the Casiraghis and their assorted plus ones, as they all remembered to turn up for the Grand Prix:

Left to Right: Tatiana Santo Domingo and Andrea Casiraghi, Beatrice Borromeo and Pierre Casiraghi, Alex Dellal and Charlotte Casiraghi

Now, as you know, I am slightly afraid of TSD, even in the summer edition. But I am amused that she has so thoroughly stuck to her apparition-esque appearance, even at the race track. She's an entertaining contrast to Beatrice, who seems to have sought out the least-clothed way to remain respectable on the arm of a pseudo prince. Charlotte's my fave here: bright, weather-appropriate, royal-appropriate. (And it seems that her boyfriend is trying to fill the gap left by the lack of zebra shoes with his own green kicks. Alas, he's going to have to try harder than that.)

Photos: Bauer Griffin/Zimbio/Hola