Top Knots and Curly Locks

Friday, April 29, 2011

Royal Wedding: Pippa's Maid of Honor Dress

Pippa's maid of honor dress is stunning and also designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.  The column dress fits her body beautifully.  I couldn't help but wonder why she decided to wear white until I found out the different tradition in England.  There is an old superstition saying that bridesmaids and groomsmen can ward off evil spirits by dressing similarly to the bride and groom.

The dress has the same button detail down the back and lace detailing as Kate's.  It also has an ivory satin-based crepe.  The cowl neckline on the dress is absolutely beautiful.

Photo courtesy of OK!

Photo courtesy of RoyalWedding.aol

Photo courtesy of The Associated Press

Royal Wedding: Kate's Dress

From the top part I can see of Kate's dress, it looks beautiful.  It has long lace sleeves with a sweet-heart V-neck.  The dress is timeless.  The designer is Sarah Burton who is an Alexander McQueen designer.

Now that the wedding is over and I've had three hours of sleep, I can go back and add more to the blog posts.

The famous wedding dress was designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.  I don't know what exactly I was expecting her to wear, but this was not it; however, it was gorgeous.  The dress combined modern with a traditional look.

It was made from hand-cut English and French Chantilly laces along with ivory and white satin gazar.  There were lace appliques all over the dress.  The appliques were made by the Royal School of Needlework using a technique originated in Ireland in the 1820s called Carrickmacross; something old.  When applying the appliques, the workers had to wash their hands every thirty minutes and change needles every three hours to keep the dress pure white.

The silhouette featured padding at the hips which made Catherine's waist appear even tinier -- I didn't even think that was possible!  There were 58 organza and gazar buttons up the back of the dress.  The full skirt led to a train that was just over 6-feet-long.

The bride was given a pair of Robinson Pelham leaf-shaped diamond earrings by her parents to wear on this special day; something new.

The beautiful veil was made from ivory tulle and went well with the 1936 Cartier tiara the Queen let her borrow; something borrowed.

Even though the bride was in all white, she had blue ribbon stitched on the inside of her dress; something blue.

Photo courtesy of People

Royal Wedding: Mother of the Bride

Carole Middleton, Kate's mother, arrived at Westminster Abbey looking gorgeous in a sky blue 'Sydney' day dress with a crepe coatdress featuring satin piping and and a braided trim at the waist and on her sleeves.  The dress featured short pleated sleeves as well as pleated pockets.  The dresses were designed by Catherine Walker and her hat was designed by Jane Corbett.


Photos courtesy of Mail Online

Royal Wedding: The Princes' Attire

Princes William and Harry have arrived at Westminster and we can see their handsome uniforms.  Prince William looks dashing in his red Irish Guards uniform while Prince Harry looks dapper in his Blues and Royals.
The Princes in the car taking them to Westminster

Photos courtesy of Mail Online

Royal Wedding: James Middleton Heads to Westminster

Kate Middleton's brother has been spotted wearing a black suit jacket with pinstriped pants, an ivory waistcoat and a maroon tie.  Do any of these colors give away the wedding colors and what Kate might be wearing?
Photo courtesy of Mail Online

Royal Wedding: Fascinators Everywhere

As the wedding guests file in, the women are wearing fascinators of all kinds.  I could spend all day looking at them; they're in every shape, size and color.  Not only was nearly every woman in attendance wearing one many people lining the streets were wearing them too.  Fascinators are headpieces, a form of millinery that is slightly to very frivolous which are worn to occasions where hats are traditionally worn, such as weddings -- especially they Royal Wedding.

Of course Victoria Beckham drew attention with her glamorous look.  Even pregnant, this fashionista can rock it.  Here she is arriving at the wedding in a dress of her own design and a hat by Philip Treacy.  David doesn't look too bad himself in a handsome Ralph Lauren suit.

Photo courtesy of Mail Online

Joss Stone looked beautiful in a class wide-brimmed hat.
Photo courtesy of People

Princess Letizia of Spain wore a pink fascinator with tulle.
Photo courtesy of People

Princesses Eugine and Beatrice of York both wore Philip Treacy fascinators
Photo courtesy of People

Royal Wedding: Their New Titles

It has recently been announced that Prince William's title will be His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge and Kate's will be Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge.