Spring time for Kate

Wedding photo

Entering the Chruch with Philippa

Lilies of the Valley bouquet

Trees in the church

Grace Kelly and the Prince of Monaco

Kiss on the balcony

The Queen- notice the hats

The Beckhams

Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice

Reception in Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen

Fairytale

 Being in Europe during a Royal wedding is an experience. And yes, did I celebrate! With a champagne brunch complete with quiche (any excuse to drink champagne midday on a weekday). I was excited to see the dress and the flowers and to hear the vows. Kate Middelton wearing a rumor confirming Alexander McQueen gown looked gorgeous - and following the royalty wedding rule had her shoulders and arms covered. Many people thought she'd go for something sleek and modern a'la her Lady in Waiting, sister Philippa's dress - also McQueen, but instead went for a princess gown. I, personally, loved her choice it channeled another royal wedding: that of Grace Kelly and you can NEVER go wrong when imitating her. Absolutely gorgeous. Plus, I thought it suited her nicely, as did the hair and makeup. On her head she was wearing a century old crown borrowed from Grandmother, the Queen; and keeping her veil down for the entire walk up that long aisle was truly romantic.

She walked up an aisle, on her fathers arm, adorned with trees. Trees with leaves of bright green which only captures two feelings: spring and happiness. And in that moment, in that spectacular church, you could see the bride surrounded by spring trees getting emotional - that conspicuous "I'm-getting-married-to-the-man-of-my- dreams-but-don't-cry-you'll-ruin-your-makeup" look and it was gone. Those four minutes up the aisle in Westminster Abbey contained the only glimpse of human emotion.The rest of the ceremony was stern and cold.
But the trees. Oh, the trees. They were my favorite part of the whole wedding. They were refreshing and light and happy in that heavy church. I stopped stone cold mimosa in hand when she walked down the aisle and you could see an aerial view of the church and the trees and her dress and the train. OH MY! Stunning, simply stunning.

Is it English custom, royal custom or not custom at all to wear kooky hats at a wedding? Every time I saw Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice I had to laugh. What in the world were they wearing on their head? And why? Now, Mrs. Victoria Beckham, on the other hand, looked beautiful and something around 9 months pregnant, though you can hardly tell. Wearing her own design and about 6 inch Christian Louboutin platform pumps - no one can rock Louboutin platform pumps when your about to pop like Posh Spice. I even liked her pillbox hat.

Despite the wedding being less than romantic, and the kiss on the balcony being a lame peck it was a gorgeous affair. And moments captured like the one where the, now, Duchess of Cambridge, is getting out of her horse drawn carriage, her Prince (literally) holding her bouquet and her hand for support make you sigh in jealousy and you think: some girls do get a fairytale wedding and her prince too. Bitches.

Beautiful Conscience

H&M

H&M

H&M

American Apparel

American Apparel

Toms

 

 

 

 

The Body Shop

 Global warming. 2012. War. Natural catastrophes. The earth is falling off its axis. With all the serious doomsday talk what's a fashion forward girl to do? Pitch in! The world's population is making amazing steps towards making our world a better, healthier place. Why not be apart of that? Especially since it is so easy to do it and look great!

H&M has just released its Conscious Collection: a slew of delicate, white dresses and other pieces with fabulous lace details made entirely out of organic cotton and recycled polyester. I love this collection. I love the light airy feel of the clothes and the white color and I especially love the lace. Any piece in this collection is a perfect addition to your summer wardrobe.

But H&M is just the most recent addition (and my personal favorite) to the "green" clothing movement. Tom's shoes has a great premise: for each pair of shoes you buy Toms gives a pair to a child in need. With lots a simple classic looks to crazy, dare I say hipster-ish designs, there is something for everyone. I know I am going to buy a pair of Toms wedges to prance all around Oslo in and I cannot wait.

American Apparel has always been morally conscious in its clothing making - all their pieces were made in the United States by fairly paid employees, but their efforts don't stop there. They are also fighting for equal rights amongst the gay and immigrant communities. They also have their own line of organic clothing. If you dare to be that fashion forward...

From everything to Lindex's organic underwear to The Body Shops biodegradable Earth Lovers body wash in delicious flavors like Apricot and Basil (don't knock til you smell it) there has to be something for everyone and there better be! So put on your organic dress and your Toms wedges and take out the recycling.

It doesn't get better

Christian Louboutin

Coach

Ann Taylor

Toms

H&M

Louboutin

Chanel

... then feeling the cool summer breeze blowing up your floral print dress, while showing off your sexy tan legs, wearing a pair of wedges. This summer season that feeling will be easy to achieve. With a plethora of different styles and colors it should be easy as peach pie to find a wedge that fits your style.

I have always loved the natural, brown wedge and have a pair I bought for $15 that have lasted me more than 5 years (still haven't found a pair I like better - except for maybe those last Louboutin wedges). I am feeling, though, I might need something new - I love the green pair from H&M  - they are fun, flirty and give off a way cool 1970s vibe. I can picture myself wearing a cool summer dress, a classic trench and those green H&M heels. Makes me all warm and fuzzy inside! The black and white Ann Taylor wedge would be a great way to spice up the traditional spring, floral look; or even add to it.

Whatever you chose, whether it be, my favorite, the traditional, natural wedge - or the green 70s look you are bound to look great this summer, because nothing makes you feel better than the heat on your skin, a tan on your body and a great, great heel. Just as long as it isn't the wedge from Chanel's summer 2011 line - and here I was thinking you could never go wrong with Chanel. Ever.

Do The Bug

Charlotte Russe

H&M

Lanvin

Lanvin

Elsa Peretti for Tiffany &Co.

Blake Lively in Lanvin

Melissa Leo in Katherine Wallach

Ricki Lake started it in 1986's Hairspray where she did "The Bug" in a pink and black cockroach dress, although today it has taken on a much edgier and cleaner look with the help of Lanvin's spring 2011 jewelry collection. It really is a step above the rest. The designs are beautifully crafted and completely astonishing, but perhaps too literal? Come on, Lanvin, use some of that creative license! Don't get me wrong - a house fly does have its appeals: that emerald sheen; those round deep, piercing, onyx eyes; its delicate touch and nature. And yes, I did make a fly just sound fabulous. And yes, I love how fashion is pushing the boundaries on what in fact is beautiful - I am so over the silver butterfly - cutesy rings that have been around for well, now, too long. Let us try something new, exotic, daring...

This is why I was so pleased when I walked into H&M and saw a whole mound (pun intended) of creepy crawlys, in all kinds of fashion forward jewel tones. The H&M ring pictured about would instantly turn a normal outfit into something to be envious of. And yes, I believe it is as simple as an accessory to turn a drab outfit into something great. Even the classy, sophisticated types like Tiffany & Co are on board with this trend: Peretti's scorpion necklace is to be warn with extreme styling caution. It is also refreshing to see the likes of Blake Lively wearing insects and bondage all in one hoot. Now, don't sit there and tell me you wouldn't harm a fly for that Lanvin leather band. I know I would.

Color me in Saab

Elie Saab

Saab's spring 2010

Halle Berry 2001

Evan Rachel Wood 2009

Angelina Jolie 2009

Evangeline Lilly 2006

Spring/Summer 2010

Sarah Jessica Parker 2010

Spring 2011 

Elie Saab is a self taught, Lebanese born designer who first became a fashion heavy weight in 2001, when Halle Berry wore a wine colored gown when she accepted her first Oscar. It was a bold choice for Berry, but it was received well. The Saab ball did not stop rolling. He has consistently turned out gorgeous ready to wear gowns. Year after year these gowns have graced the backs of the most beautiful celebrities and have done nothing but enhance their gorgeousness.

I am a big fan of color and because of that it makes it very easy for me to love Saab's designs. From the deepest black to the palest of nudes he seems to have covered the entire color wheel. I love the jewel tone of Lilly's 2006 Golden Globe gown; I am also dying to see the yellow strapless piece on the red carpet. Megan Fox would look absolutely glamorous wearing that design, instead of her usual sexpot look. Even if she is wearing the hautest haute couture she still looks like a stripper to me. Could it be her face? Nonetheless, Saab could fix, I am sure of it!

Colors aren't the only thing that Saab plays with. I love the necklines of his gowns. He doesn't limit himself to scoop, strapless, or sweetheart necklines, but instead expands on them. I especially love the two necklines we see from his last collection - the lavender/blue and red dresses have unique necklines - enhanced with sexy lace and playful ruffles.

Mr. Saab does not disappoint with his recent collection. He is still using color, but this time he chose soft steel blues, dove grays and olive greens. His dresses flow over a woman's body and fit to perfection. So, it makes perfect sense when we hear he wants women wearing his designs to look like a "goddess taking a walk during dawn under the dew". Now, really, who doesn't want to look like that?