29-04-11 Prince William Weds Catherine Middleton #thefashion

After months of planning and excitement, the designer of the most hotly anticipated wedding dress of this century is finally revealed... Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen!!! Catherine Middleton looked breathtakingly stunning in a beautiful Satin and Lace Wedding Dress - the body made with Ivory and White Satin Gazar, and English and French Chantilly Lace running through the entire dress.

Both the hand embroidered flowers that adorned the trim of Kate's veil, and the lace applique on the bodice and skirt were made by the Royal School of Needlework, based at Hampton Court Palace; and incorporate the Rose, thistle, shamrock and the daffodil emblems which represent England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Sarah Burton created a train measured at 2 metres and 70 cm long, and layers of Ivory tulle made for a long veil - fastened by a 1936 Cartier 'halo' tiara lent to Kate by the Queen! What do you think of the dress? I must admit, for so long I was hoping that it would be Sarah Burton, and when I saw that short clip yesterday on the news of a hooded Sarah Burton running into the Goring, I pretty much jumped from my chair out of excitement! I think Sarah and the entire Alexander McQueen team should feel extremely proud of themselves. Alexander would be.

Obviously Kate Middleton (now Duchess of Cambridge!) hits the top spot - but here are some of my other fashion favourites to attend the Royal Wedding...

 Prince William looked charming in his Royal Red Uniform! love...  <3

Kate Middleton's sister, Pippa, also maid of honour, wears a beautiful Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen Dress - a stunning dress that shows her slim figure with clean lines.

Prince Harry looks dashing, wearing a Blue and Royals uniform of a Captain of the Household Cavalry

I must say, I was particularly impressed with Kate's mother, Carole's choice of dress! A Powder Blue Dress and Coat designed by Catherine Walker with a Jane Corbett hat. Carole Middleton's coat beautifully skimmed the dress with the very slightest nip at the waist so not to lose shape. A classic and elegant choice indeed!

Samantha Cameron opted for a Green Burberry Dress with Erdem Jewels in her hair - I love the contrast of colour she bought to the occasion but I must agree with the majority that it would of been better suited to such an occasion to wear a fascinator or hat!

David and Victoria Beckham made for a rather handsome couple... David (looking extremely dapper!) opted for a Ralph Lauren Purple Label made to measure morning suit, whilst a heavily pregnant Victoria donned a Navy Dress from her own autumn winter collection with a Phillip Treacy Hat and six inch heels!

Allbeit Princess Eugene's chosen Vivienne Westwood outfit was not my favourite, Princess Beatrice' chosen Valentino outfit looked wonderful - a Nude pleated Dress with Detailed Collar Coat and Valentino shoes - just a little debate on whether the hat was meant to replicate Kate's Crest!

I absolutely love that the Queen opted for Primrose Yellow as her colour of choice! The inner circle were expecting her Majesty to be wearing a light Blue shade - until yesterday, when she was spotted coming out of the formal dinner in the hue! The Queen's designer of choice was Angela Kelly.

And finally I had to finish with this! We were treated to not one Royal kiss but two! What a stunning Royal couple! Happy Royal Bank Holiday Darlings! xx

Images Courtesy of ELLEUK.

#manicureRoyalWedding*** 'I vant to be a-lone star'

So here's some summer shades I'm extremely impressed with... infact, I can't get enough of them! The Texas Summer OPI Collection consists of 12 vivid shine-intense shades, as iconic as an American Summer! My fave three shades from the collection are 'I vant to be a-lone star', 'Houston we have a Purple' and 'Austin-tatious Turquoise (all below) which I will feature soonish but I've started with my choice of colour worthy of the Royal Wedding... 'I vant to be a-lone star' ...hahaa I love the name of it too! 

This cool icey blue shade is perfect against a summer tan and looks beaut in the summer sun... I've found it to be perfect as it's subtle and chic enough for work (kinda falls into the 'pastels' category) but it's pretty damn cool when out at Pimms o'clock with my raybans too! I LOVE IT.... only £10.50 ... I'd buy it online before they sell out if I were you at www.lenawhite.co.uk. 

I'll feature Austin-tatious Turquoise and Houston we have a Purple soonish darls so keep an eye out for them. With names like 'Do you think I'm Texy?' ... 'San-Tan-Tonio' and 'Y'all Come Back Ya Hear?' ... this is one super cool collection...

*everyday i'm shuff-fflin....

Style Crush : SJP ... style crush i've had for years... dons Chanel Pre-Fall

This is exactly why Sarah Jessica Parker is a front-runner in the style stakes... everyone is out working their hottest spring summer looks for 2011... and SJP is out working a hot Pre-Fall Chanel Metallic Tweed Jacket, over a luxe shimmering Lanvin Olive-hued Dress, and THOSE Manolo Blahnik pumps (remember SATC1...?!) at the Brooklyn Artists Ball. Completely. ahead. of. trend... again.

FIRST LOOK : New Photo released of Prince William & Kate Middleton!

So another official photo has been released of the Royal couple, photographed by Mario Testino - and what a stunning pair they make! The black and white photo has just been released to appear in the Royal Wedding official programme, in which William and Kate write : 

"We are both so delighted that you are able to join us in celebrating what we hope will be one of the happiest days of our lives. The affection shown to us by so many people during our engagement has been incredibly moving, and has touched us both deeply. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone most sincerely for their kindness."

 

Okay... I have just realised that I have serious Royal Wedding fever... I actually am filled with excitement... Eeek!!!

CONFIRMED : Chelsy Davy to wear Alberta Ferretti at the Royal Wedding

Alberta Ferretti has confirmed today that the has designed two bespoke dresses exclusively for Chelsy Davy for the Royal Wedding... and just look at the confirmed designs above! Chelsy will be wearing an Aqua Green bias reverse satin dress for the ceremony, with a coordinating faille silk jacket, with deep boat neck and ruched detail as above. For the eveing reception, Alberta has created an asymmetric crepe satin gown in a Midnight Blue tone with cut-work detailing to the back of the gown.

I cannot wait to see the chosen dress that Kate Middleton will be donning for her big day - I'm still convinced it is Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, apparently four people have come forward confirming this...fingers crossed! If Kate does decide to go high-fashion (lets hope she does), she'll be setting herself up as a Diana-style fashion icon for life...Haute Couture Ball & Chain!... and it has just been confirmed that Ellie Goulding will be performing at the evening reception!! Gosh this is exciting...

Style Crush : The Little Mermaid : Downtime Chic : A Ray of Sunshine

Okay so I might have Blake Lively as more of a 'beauty crush' here rather than style crush - as much as that Zuhair Murad floor length gown is pretty, is kind of reminds me of a mermaid. In fact she loks like she's trying to be Ariel from the Little Mermaid... On the other hand, I think Blake's decision to go a luscious Red colour, swept to the side with beautiful waves was bang on! It seems to make her eyes pop!

Jessica Alba works downtime chic on a trip out for some shopping in LA, and she looks seriously effortless! An easy look ANYONE can rock, throw on some skinny jeans, an oversized shirt (be it crisp white or plaid), havianas and a top knot and your done! Simples. For a pop of colour go for aqua/turquoise on your nails - but keeps them short and tidy!

Gwyneth Paltrow opted for a ray of sunshine in the form of a Rachel Roy knee-length form fitting dress, for a recent appearance for her book... The Yellow works great against her golden locks and those Camilla Skovgaard Platinum Gladiator Sandals toughen it up a notch!

Harrods of London is my pick of the bunch for Royal Wedding fever!

The hour is almost upon us when Prince William "Wills" of Wales and Catherine Elizabeth "Kate" Middleton are due to share their nuptial vows. At 11am on April the 29th the world will be treated to, what promises to be, the most talked about event of the year - and everyone pretty much has 'Royal Wedding fever' ...I've never seen so much memorabilia in my life (some of it is rather ridiculous too) from cups and saucers to tote bags, teabag holders (yes, you read that right) and cushions. Not to mention pretty much every fashion retailer holding discounts for the week (no complaints there) and my inbox is full of press releases and 'Royal Wedding trends'.

Now I'm not one for all the memorabilia as such... but I do like the idea of enjoying the festivities and celebrating the Royal Wedding in style! What I'm really loving atm is that my fave luxury department store, Harrods of London, have created a unique confectionary showcase to mark the imminent marriage between Prince William and Catherine Middleton. That's right, starting yesterday (Tuesday 26th April) until Saturday 30th April 2011, each of the stores iconic Brompton Road windows will house one magnificent Wedding cake!

And these are no ordinary cakes either darls! Each cake is a metre high and has been individually styled by esteemed designers from the worlds of fashion, fine jewellery, food and interiors, each specially invited by Harrods to present their take on the royal nuptials! Want to take a look...?

First up, the most magnificent cake by Harrods of London!

 The Matthew Williamson Cake

 The Handpainted Paul Smith Cake

Lalique Cake

 Van Cleep & Arpels Cake (the detail on this is exquisite!)

Jo Malone Cake

They all look divine!! Although I must admit I am amazed at the detail on the Van Cleef & Arpels Cake - and I love the handpainted design on Paul Smith's cake too! Harrods of London really have kept it sophisticated & luxe, yet fun and regal in true Royal Wedding style... just look at the windows and the beautiful building itself...

So, if you can, pop along and take a look at these amazing creations - you'll be glad you did and you might even decide to pop in to Harrod's confectionary department for a slice of cake! Yummm....

Olivier Rousteing chosen to replace Christophe Decarnin at Balmain.

Balmain's Deputy Designer Olivier Rousteing will be replacing Christophe Decarnin's role as Creative Director. Since announcing Christophe's departure last month, Luxury brand Balmain have decided Olivier is the perfect choice to fill his shoes, having worked for Balmain since 2009, and worked for Roberto Cavalli for six years prior to that. I'm excited to see what tweeks Olivier will bring to the brand, if any... The official announcement will be made in the next few days...

A Vogue Cover with a Blast of Summer!

It's refreshing to see a Vogue cover with such vibrancy and that clearly reflects high Summer - with such colour too! The May 2011 Issue of Vogue Hellas showcases model Bregje Heinen sporting a vivid Sunflower Yellow jumpsuit and tousled waves, photographed by Thanassis Krikis.

Gwyneth Paltrow is the Brand Ambassador of Luxury Bag Label Coach!

Well here's some more fashion news of the day... Gwyneth Paltrow has been appointed as Brand Ambassador of Luxury Bag Label, Coach! And what a perfect fit it is! Previously fronting luxury brands such as Tod's and Christian Dior, Gwyneth will front the Autumn campaign that will be released in September, and rumour has it that the campaign images will be shot by Peter Lindbergh in New York.

Reed Krakoff (Coach's Creative Director and President) felt that the actress was "a natural choice…She embodies the spirit, energy and elegance of the Coach brand." Some more images that I can't wait to set me eyes on!

Could Lara Stone be the next Bond Girl...? Doesn't every girl wish they could...?!

I will never forget that day... 4 years ago, after work, I popped next door to Fresh & Wild in Notting Hill to pick up some fruit before I went home to my flat. My basket was full of everything healthy that you could imagine...Ksumi Peppermint Green Tea, Strawberries, Blueberries, Smoked Salmon, and I had an Acai Berry shake in my hand. You might think, how does she remember all that from 4 years ago?! Oh I remember everything... you see, Notting Hill is known for celebs passing by, we used to have the paps call us out and ask us who was going to be visiting the boutique! So anyway... after trying to juggle my purse, a shake, my phone and a basket, I failed and dropped my basket on to the floor, a gentleman behind me had been kind enough to help me pick up my shopping...it was Daniel Craig! Yes that's right... DANIEL CRAIG AKA BOND, was helping me pick up my shopping in Fresh & Wild!!! He looked no different to how he does in the Bond movies and he had the same intense look in his eyes...Aaaahhhh I will NEVER EVER forget that. Infact, anyone that sits anywhere near me when watching Bond will just get annoyed at hearing me brag about him helping me pick up my shopping! He has, undeniably, THEE sexiest voice ever!

I felt like I had my own little 'Bond moment' just for 2 minutes (allbeit 2 minutes on, and Daniel Craig would not of even remembered my face but I didn't care) - after all, doesn't every girl wish they could be a Bond girl at some point...? That we could be the next Ursula Andress with THAT body in Dr.No...?! Or perhaps the next Luciana Paluzzi (who always got her men) in Thunderball... or even Jane Seymour in Live and Let Die!

 Luciana Paluzzi in Thunderball (1965)

Ursula Andress in Dr.No (1962)

One such Girl who has her sights on becoming the next Bond girl is Supermodel Lara Stone.. (okay, she has a hella lot more chance than us). In a recent interview Lara said "I never gave it that much thought to pursue acting or anything, but I would definitely be a Bond girl if they asked me," "For sure - I would make a great evil Bond girl!"

Errm... come to think of it... HELL YEH YOU WOULD LARA! Infact, why hasn't Lara been chosen yet?! Just look at her, she's got Bond written all over her! Lara kind of reminds me of the modern day Ursula...

 For Vogue Paris

 With Husband David Walliams

On the cover of Vogue Paris 90th Anniversary Issue

Lara walking the ramp for Prada

Does anyone else agree with me...?! I think she would make an amazing Bond Girl!

Angelina Jolie signs a $10 million deal with Louis Vuitton...

Angelina Jolie is the new face of Louis Vuitton, after having having signed a $10million deal with the luxury brand! It's rumoured Marc Jacobs managed to persuade the Oscar winning actress to sign the deal and sit long enough to be shot by Annie Leibovitz for the upcoming campaign which will be released this summer. The Salt actress is not only an Oscar winner, mother of six, 'pillow-lipped' hottie with Brad Pitt on her arm; she is also a Goodwill Ambassador, working for the rights of refugees across the globe and holds her charity 'Education Partnership for Children of Conflict' under her tiny nipped in belt...phew! Angelina seriously just upped the ante! She is an amazing talent - her role in the movie 'Salt' was incredible and I cannot wait to see a glimpse of these first campaign shots for Louis Vuitton... Angelina will no doubt look stunning.

Kate Moss - an incredible spread for Vogue Paris...

This is by far the most impressive (and my favourite) editorial spread I have seen from Vogue this year. Editor-In-chief, Emmanuelle Alt has done an exceptional job with the styling and art direction of this shoot for Vogue Paris May 2011 - we see Kate in the likes of Chanel Haute Couture, Atelier Versace, Armani Prive, Valentino Haute Couture, Dior Haute Couture, and Elie Saab Haute Couture! Clearly, alltogether a fantasticly talented team - exceptional Photography by Mert & Marcus, brilliant frame and character from Kate Moss, and interesting styling from Emmanuelle Alt. J'adore! <3