The Kate Debate

I've always thought that Catherine Middleton literally rocked everything she wore...until I saw her outfit at Zara Phillips' wedding. I'm not sure if how I feel about this look so, to spice things up, I'm going to have an inner debate...on this blog. This may seem schizophrenic- I promise you I don't have a problem- but it's a fun way to determine your true feelings. And if they do something similar on The Gloss, I suppose it's a fad. The Internet can't hide anything!

Wearing Jane Troughton (Photo Cred)

Pessimistic Trendologist (aka Pessy): She's not even thirty and Queen Elizabeth is wearing chicer outfits! Obviously, Catherine can rock a body con silhouette and platform shoes, but the awkward A-Line hem isn't doing it for me.

Optimistic Trendologist (aka Oppy): It's classic! And what would you expect? A pencil skirt? That SCREAMS elementary school principle.

Pessy: True, but what about Katherine Kelly's dress? It's been getting negative reviews, although I like the concept of it.

Oppy: It's a nice concept; however, Catherine is a part of the Royal Family, not an actress.

Pessy: Okay, but what about the concept of Countess of Wessex's suit?

Oppy: True, that is dressier.

Pessy: And she's a repeat offender?!

Oppy: She's being economically friendly! What a role model!

Pessy: But at multiple high profile events?

Oppy: You're right, not cool. But it's a beautiful color.

Pessy: Agreed, but those shoes? Obviously neither Christian Louboutin nor Brian Atwood will ever be her top contenders, but maybe a Manolo?

Oppy: It's a classy choice, tasteful.

Pessy: But the color is so boring! In a certain lighting, it looks like a nude pump, which makes me excited. And then it looks like a matte silver.

Oppy: It's dainty, Pessy?

Pessy: But dainty is better for the summer, don't you think? It's summer, I'd either like a nude or a light blue to match Prince Harry's suit, because she must've realized she married the less attractive Prince.

Oppy: Well...that is a fabulous hat.

Pessy: Yes, you're right.

In conclusion, fabulous hat but this is not the place to repeat outfits, especially a less-than-perfect outfit.

xx

xx

The Weekly: The Stylish Life of a Hugh Hefner Wannabe

As cliche as it sounds, the Hamptons does have fabulous stores. When my friends and I drove through Easthampton, my jaw literally dropped: Malandrino, Tiffany&Co., Tahari, and many more. Seriously, the epitome of fabulous living. While typical Hampton vacationers go to these luxe stores and buy whatever their hearts desire, I did not. Instead, I went to a funky vintage store in Bridgehampton (I think Bridgehampton, if not, I'm incredibly sorry and purchased a smoker's jacket. No, I do not smoke; Yes, I did actually buy a smoker's jacket. The only male friend on the vacation tried on the smoker's jacket, quickly discarding it because he thought he looked silly; however, I tried it on and loved it instantly. A smoker's jacket is, in my mind, one of those really obscure pieces that nobody ever really purchases. Unless you're willing to take the risk of a "what-was-she-or-he-thinking-moment."

Robe? I think this would even look good belted. Innovation is key here, people! 

 And believe me, I faced one of those the second I got home:

MOM: And you got a smoker's jacket? 

         ME: Yeah, let me show you! I love it 

(Pulling my beloved smoker's jacket out of the bag)

        MOM: You...bought a robe. I hate this.

My own mother, who is chic, despised this piece! Instinctively, I started to wonder if I made a really stupid purchase. But then I realized that I didn't care if anyone, even my mom,  hated this smoker's jacket or claimed it was a Hugh Hefner moment because  I  love it and I see so much potential in this piece.

Obsessed with the detailing! 

Here's what I'm thinking:

- Nix the belt (it'll look cuter like a jacket a la Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City).

-Wear with ripped jeans, black jeans, or even a cute dress

-I'm not sure what kind of  shoe (at first I was thinking about a strong boot but I'm not sure) but I'll get back to you on that.

I guess what I'm trying to say in the grand scheme of things is that we all need to stay tough and true to our personal styles. I know that conforming to the masses, or what other influencers think is chic, can be easy, but fashion's no fun that way. To me, fashion is nothing without originality and fearlessness.  If we lived in a world where everyone wore the same exact thing, that'd be a pretty boring world, don't you think? 

Well, that was inspiring. Now, onto the weekly!

• Demi Moore at the Samsung Hope for Children Gaga (Louis Vuitton): In my weeklies, I frequently condone celebrities for maintaining chic status while staying true to their true age. This is no exception. First of all, I really think Demi gets better with age and I'm always dumbfounded by her effortless beauty.  Anyways, back to the look! I love juxtaposition between the plunging neckline and the long hemline. It's "I still got it" meets "I do act my age, I'm a lady!," which I greatly admire. I also love the detailing around the neck, sheared fabric I believe? And the sequined bits on her skirt look so fabulous. You know a dress is incredible when, even in black, you can spot all of the fabulous effort that was put into the creation. Her semi-pulled back hair gives that same combination of youthful and age appropriate. The drop earrings complement the previously discussed sequins, which makes this a complete look. Also, I love how she wore a bold strappy heel. A pump, the obvious contender, would be to matronly and an elegant evening shoe would've been too fancy. Overall, she looked incredible! 
• Kate Middleton at the Ark gala (Jenny Packham):  I'm so pleased to see that her Sarah Burton wedding dress wasn't the golden age of her style. Many of you may have seen this Jenny Packham dress on Leighton Meester during an episode of Gossip Girl and no offense Erik Daman, but I love this dress so much better on Kate Middleton because of the styling!  Meester's hair is overbearing in the Gossip Girl adaptation, as opposed to Middleton's sleek hair. The dress has so much detail, an "piece of art" if you will, that it's better not to over accessorize. Middleton looks awesome because, in true Middleton style, she kept is classy and simple with minimal jewels, soft hair, and a small clutch. J'adore! 
• Elle Fanning at the Super 8 Premiere (Vintage): This is the epitome of boho chic and I love it. Everything about this is so soft and ethereal, which is key to successfully wearing a look like this. For starters, I love how she didn't feel inclined to wear some leading designer to her premiere, the vintage is amazing! Although I wish she wore some jewels, whether earrings or bangles, I do love silky smooth hair with this look. And the wooden platforms, or are they flatforms? Regardless, they really pull the look together and are awesome. Florence Welch, the reigning queen of this look,  must be so happy!

xx

Well...It Ain't No Diana

I just woke up from a really weird dream- John Travolta was dressed up as an angel and not like the movie Michael- and then I realized, "Hey, the Royal Wedding is on!" Luckily, I found a live stream online so here I am watching it. So why not blog about some of the looks?  And I just thought that Kate's sister, Pippa, was Kate. And I was thoroughly disappointed in her outfit. But...then it wasn't Kate. As of now, we're still waiting.


THE MEN: 
While I liked Ian Thorpe's gray hues, he looked very clean and simple, my favorite was Prince Harry. Maybe because he's cute and, since he's not married, I have a .000000000000000000000000001% chance of being his wife? I'm not dumb, obviously they don't have a say in what they wear: it's uniform. But he's so cute, I  figured this is a perfect excuse to put his picture on this post. But  I did think that the navy looked great with his red hair.

Photo Cred

Not from the wedding, but I'm coming for him...watch your back, Chelsy Davy.  Since my name's Kelsey and her name is Chelsy, he won't notice the difference? Right?



THE  LADY GUESTS:
 It seems like the major trend for the guests is bright minimalism...with a tophat. THERE WERE JUST SO MANY TOPHATS. I wonder if it was dress code or is everyone paying homage to Kate's hats? Well Samantha Cameron didn't wear a hat (oooooooh).

• Posh Spice's  look, from her own collection, is...well...posh! I think it's a great color and silhouette, especially for a pregnant woman. While I wish she had a nude pump, I'm obsessed with Posh's sleek pony. BUT I WISH THAT STUPID HAT WAS GONE! She may think she looks Posh, I think she looks silly. 

• Chelsy Davy has not one, but TWO dresses! Steal the spotlight why don't you? Everyone seems to be giving her flock about her seafoam Alberta Ferretti, but I can't appropriately judge because I haven't seen the bottom half! But this is what I can see, so far.

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A little ill-fitted but, I love the color against her blonde hair. And finally, a sleek and chic hat!

• English socialite, Tara Palmer- Tomkinson, is fancier than Pippa! While I would usually love this cobalt blue and huge fashion statement, this day isn't about you! It's about Kate! And Sarah Burton! It's waaay too much blue, I wish she added some subtle hues for at least the gloves! 

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It's worse than Princess Eugenie's!  I actually like Princess Beatrice's avant garde head piece with the tan dress.

HERE ARE THREE LADIES WHO REALLY KNOCKED THE FASHION ATTENDEE  LOOK OUT OF THE PARK: 

Princess Maxima, Charlene Wittstock,and Princess Letizia

Both of them found the key to looking chic at the Royal Wedding: muted pastels and dainty hats. While Wittstock's blue outfit suggests more minimalism, I love the small details on Princess Letizia's dusty rose dress as well as Princess Maxima's tan lace dress! Princess Maxima is rocking a turban-esque hat which I loved! Apparently is Charlene is wearing Armani to her own wedding, July 2nd.  Anyways, neither of the two overpower the special occasion, which I love. 

THE ROYAL PARTY:

I dont really care about Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, so I'm just going to ignore her. BUT HOW CUTE DID THE QUEEN LOOK!?

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She's looking adorable in her yellow Angela Kelly dress and I'm so enamored with her cute top hat. This is seriously a top hat...none of this chic and fashion-forward hat for the Queen!  Ugh, she's so cute, I just want her to bake me cookies and serve me milk...because the Queen would do that...

I think Pippa Middleton's McQueen by Sarah Burton dress was beautifully understated. I swear I thought she was Kate...did I already say that? It's really early. Anyways, I wish she didn't wear white. It's her sister's big day, let her wear white! I'm sure my sister would be kind of pissed off. Sticking to navy, black, or any spring muted color would've been much better! 

THE BRIDE:

IT'S THE MOMENT THE WORLD HAS BEEN WAITING FOR! YIPPEE! Kate Middleton looked like a modern fairytale in her Alexander McQueen (by Sarah Burton) dress. Did she know his exhibit is opening in New York soon? Clearly, she'd rather be at the Costume Institute Gala than the Royal Wedding...jokes. Anyways, I'm in love with this dress! Guliana Rancic, yes I stay true to my E! no matter what, said that it looked a lot like Grace Kelly's wedding dress, with the long laced sleeves, which I love. Clearly, this was not like Diana's huge 80's sleeves and train. But, even though I do love the 80's, I love Kate's dress more. Part of me wishes that she picked some no-name from London; however, that designer would dive head first into a state of chaos and shock right about now. Sarah Burton can do it: she's the successor of fashion's prince so she must be used to pressure! Anyways, the dress! I loved how the cinched waist really flattered her shrinking figure and it really wasn't some avant garde piece. She stayed very true to her own sense of style: small crown, light veil, and I heard she wanted to do her own makeup. All in all,  the perfect choice for Kate.

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She's a modern-day princess, living the modern-day fairytale. I sincerely hope that she and Prince William share a lifetime of happiness! Congratulations!

xx

 

Style Spotlight: Anna Dello Russo

So I was just perusing on style.com, as I frequently do, and I found something that was truly inspiring, uber trendy, and so worth blogging about: pictures from the Tommy Ton and Anna Dello Russo exhibit in Toronto's The Bay. I looked at the pictures and instantly became overwhelmed with fabulousity.

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One of my friends at BU loves loves LOVES Anna Dello Russo and, to be perfectly honest, how can you not?  Not only is she a great editor, but a style icon to all.  I think these pictures have an emphasis on the detail of her wardrobe. This is something I really admire about her style: detail and her courage. She does some really crazy avant garde looks. Even though it may not be appropriate for all occasions, it's so trendy and so right on.  I really hope that her style, as well as this exhibit, will inspire others as it did me. I know this is an uber short blog, but I thought it was important.

And let's be honest, she definitely dominates Kate Middleton's collection of hats:

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versus

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xx