Royal Fashion Minute: Catherine Duchess of Cambridge Gives you Military Chic in Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2011

Salute Couture!

Soldier Girl: Catherine Duchess of Cambridge in Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2011

Over the weekend, on Saturday, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge--and yes, new wife of Prince William--stepped out with her Prince, attending the Irish Guards Medal Parade, in the Victoria Barracks, in London England. As usual, Catherine looked FANTASTIC (does she ever get it wrong??) in a Military-inspired (how apropos?) navy wool crepe double-breasted coat-dress with brass buttons and epaulets from Alexander McQueen's Pre-Fall 2011 Collection. On the original model--in the McQueen Look Book (on the right) it is not a dress but a coat with an open "cut-out" section. Of course it was customized for the Duchess!

Try Not To Be Excited Boys: Catherine Duchess of Cambridge, greeting the Irish Guards, Irish Guard Medal Parade, London England

Catherine accessorized her look with a golden Irish shamrock brooch, an Anya Hindmarch Marano clutch as well as a chic little matching pillbox hat with a looped ribbon and feather by Rachel Trevor-Morgan--the ribbon detail is VERY Korean Airlines flight attendant if I don't say so...(I just did!)

And lest we forget, Prince William also looked dashing in his Military uniform and coat!! Seriously! THAT is a COAT huney!!! It could have come straight from a McQueen Collection as well!!!!

Royal Fashion Minute: Prince William and Duchess of Cambridge attend ARK Gala Dinner

Steppin' Out...

Perfect Couple: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, 10th Annual ARK Gala Dinner at Kensington Palace

Last night, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge--Prince William and "Kate"--attended the 10th Annual ARK/Absolute Return For Kids Gala Dinner at Kensington Palace in London. Of course, what was on everyone's minds--at least we the Fashion Watchers--was what the newly-titled Duchess of Cambridge would be wearing. Well, kids, she did not disappoint.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge wearing Jenny Packham to the 10th Annual ARK Gala Dinner at Kensington Palace

She wore a rose-colored silk tulle and Swarovski-crystal beaded high-neck gown with fluttery sleeve details, by British Designer Jenny Packham. Packham, in case you didn't know, is a graduate of the prestigious Central Saint Martins College of Art. Her designs are favored by many Red Carpet actresses (Sandra Bullock for example) and is a constant presence at the top Awards Shows.

The gown--which retails for 3,147 Euro (about $6300) is currently SOLD OUT in the UK (of course). Her side-bow detailed pumps were by LK Bennett (see close-up above of the shoe--and the rolled-up hem of her beaded gown).

Also in attendance were Elizabeth Hurley, who wore a light gray one-shoulder side-gathered gown by Italian Designer Roberto Cavalli. She looked AMAZING! The gown with that side-slit, hair and those platforms did look a bit "Miss Universe Evening Gown Competition" but well, as you guys know: I LOVE THAT!!

Prince Pavlos of Greece with his wife Princess Marie-Chantal Miller: Wearing what clearly was the color of the night.

English model Laura Bailey wore Valentino Spring 2011. You may remember her from way back in the day when she first became famous as actor Richard Gere's girlfriend.

British model Saffron Aldridge wore a beautiful "Mermaid"-shaped lemon-yellow gown with drop-shoulder sleeves. Interesting Family Side Note: Her half-sister is Victoria's Secret Model Lily Aldridge (who is married to Kings of Leon frontman Caleb Followill), and her half-brother is Miles Aldridge who is a fashion photographer married to Kristen McMenamy.

Wackiest Outfit Award goes to:
British actress Katrine Boorman, wearing this bright yellow get-up and flower-detailed hat. One word: Mess. Is she going to spend a week in Positano in this bright yellow cotton sun-dress? Or is she going to a Garden Party in West Hollywood? I don't think she even knows. And I haven't even begun on those shoes! Oh Katrine....

Worst Dressed Award goes to:
Sophie Dahl: When you are going to an event that you know Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge will be attending, don't you think you need to step it up a teeny-weeny bit? Would you like to greet William and Kate in this ensemble? Here's the answer: NOPE! Poor Sophie, she looks like a shop girl at my local H&M who is just about DONE with her 10-hour work day!!!

The Always Picture Perfect Award goes to:
Tom Ford: Seriously. Just look at him! That deep-purple velvet jacket of his (Tom Ford I assume?) is scissor-SHARP! The cummerbund (it's officially BACK!!!), the pants, the patent leather shoes and that perfect bow tie! Jesus, does this man EVER get it wrong?? I doubt it.

Royals Fashion Minute: Catherine Duchess of Cambridge and Queen Elizabeth II at the Epsom Derby

Proper Kate...

Just today, Prince William and his lovely wife, Catherine Duchess of Cambridge stepped out to the Races--They went to Epson England, in the UK of course, for the 2011 Epsom Downs Derby.

The "Peacock" Dress, from Reiss

All eyes were on Catherine as she sported a very proper ensemble which included a cream dress with mesh and cording embroidery by British brand Reiss. I absolutely LOVE Reiss and own several items--from the Men's section of course--they are elegant yet fashion-forward clothing, and (somewhat) reasonably priced.

It's not for the "I'm broke" College Crowd but more for the "I-just got-a-really good job in a Fashion PR company" kind. Now, if you go to the company's site, you can't even find the dress she just wore (well, in the cream). I'm sure it's another case of "It's SOLD OUT!". Leave it to Miss Kate. Reiss should send her a TRUNK-FULL of free clothing. I'm sure they already have...

The "Nessie Tweed Jacket" from Joseph, at Selfridges

Over the Reiss dress, she wore a modified Nehru collar jacket with patch pockets, also in cream. The cotton jacket (seen above in navy) was from the brand Joseph and it can be found at UK retailer Selfridges & Co. The entire look was elegant, Derby-proper and most of all, she wore British! Loved the hat as well.

Of course, we cannot forget Prince William and how dapper he looked in his top hat and suit! I love the carnation boutonniere especially. It's all about boutonnieres kids!!! They are not just for Proms.

Pink Queen: Queen Elizabeth II arriving at the 2011 Epsom Derby

Finally, we have THE QUEEN! No, not Elton John, but Queen Elizabeth II. She was there and naturally, she GAVE it to you! She wore a bright bubblegum pink 3/4 length coat with contrasting white banding, printed dress and her ubiquitous white gloves. The Queen loves her colors! And I do too!!
For more on what Catherine Duchess of Cambridge wore (shoes, purses, etc.) click HERE!