Kate Middleton Has Something I Want ... Sleeves

H.R.H. Catherine Middleton can do no wrong.  Clearly, she would do well in life with or without a royal title.  Chalk it up to having a level head on her shoulders, as well as, a grounded family.  So far, there's only been mild scandal:  Her mother, Carole, whose ideas and mettle lead to the creation of Party Pieces, a muti-million-dollar family business, was seen chewing gum in public, and it made the English tabloids.  Shall we gasp together?  Oh, wait!  I chew gum in public too.  Recall.

Along with the rest of the world, I adore Kate's elegant style.  Whether dressing up or down, she's spot on lovely.  Brittany Spears is a beautiful girl, but I'd much rather look like Kate Middleton.  Sure she wears Alexander McQueen, but she's just as likely to buy an accessible garment right off the rack.  And by the way, she does buy her own clothes, plus recycles dresses for different occasions.♥

Her classic style catches my eye because for a few years now I've had trouble finding the details I like in a dress.  Why do all dresses today lack sleeves and have plunging necklines?  Am I the only woman left who doesn't want to show cleavage when not at the beach?  Kate and I haven't meet, but she seems to agree with me.  As it turns out, I mostly cling to my dresses of yesteryear, still hanging in my closets.  So designers, listen up.

Here are elements I'd like to see more of from dressmakers:

1) Just right hemlines – I can find minis (about 17 inches from the waist) or grannies (to the ankle).  But what I want is a length that is just above the knee.  About 20-22 inches from the waist is just right -- a hem length that's dressy and flattering on everybody, short or tall.  And, you can expose a little leg without worrying about sitting down.
2) Sleeves – Who decided to remove the sleeves on every dress in every store from Elie Tahari to H&M?!?  Have you noticed?  But!  Sleeves are fashionable and practical.  I can comfortably wear a dress in air conditioning as long as I have cap sleeves.  Otherwise, I need a sweater.
3) Princess neckline – A princess, or rounded neck is a classic.  The cut is pretty, feminine and versatile, allowing you to go from the office to a night out.  A square neck is a nice change, but with a plunging neck, you often need a camisole or t-shirt to layer it.  Why can't we keep it simple?  I'd like to buy a dress and let that be enough and complete.  No extra pieces to cover up.

4) Natural fibers – I look for cotton, silk and linen for the summer and wools for the winter.  Natural fibers breathe and last.

Perhaps Kate Middleton will kindly tell us where to shop for sleeves.  From all accounts, she is kind.  So Your Royal Highness … gobal girlfriend … some of us really want to know!  Call me.

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Kate Middleton's Thigh High Slit Gown

At 5'10" Kate doesn't shy away from wearing high heels.  (A few reports say she's actually 5'8 1/2" sans heels.)

I am an unabashed Kate Middleton fan.  I know we are supposed to call her Catherine, but she's Kate because we love her.

Previously I stated that Kate can do no wrong.  From all accounts, she has intelligence, a level head, a kind heart, a strong work ethic and is, without fail, an asset everywhere she goes.

One place Kate went recently was a formal dinner in London with Prince William at Mayfair's Claridge's Hotel.  

"Eva" earrings by Beaut sold via Jenny Packham

Kate looked smashing, wearing a cream colored, long, to-the-floor, gown believed to be designed by Roland Mouret.  Wow, did she kill it!  Her understated gown had a high neckline and long sleeves, as well as, a thigh high slit to show off a pair of lovely, bare legs.  What I love most about Kate's style is this: She is always classy, totally practical and never boring.  She stands out without being showy.  Her dazzling crystal [not diamond] earrings, crimson pedicure and shimmering, Jimmy Choo, 5 ½-inch-high sandals perfectly complement her elegant, simple dress.

"Vamp" sandals by Jimmy Choo

The Duchess famously does her own makeup (said to be foundation and eye showdow by Bobbi Brown.  Love B.B.!).  The natural earth tones Kate favors balance her high impact red nails and glitter assessories.  HRH is flawless and a role model for anyone needing a primer on looking glamorous.

London friends are reporting they are having the coldest May since 1698; therefore, Kate needs her long sleeves and is wise enough to wear them. Brrrr! 

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10 Women I'd Like To Meet For Tea

Sarah Jessica Parker on Katie 

Let's play a game: Name 10 women you'd like to meet for tea. I'll go first. (If you are a man, you have to come up with men.)

If any of the ladies on my list call to invite me to tea I will drop whatever I am doing to accept. I'll take a day off from work, fly back from another continent, or sneak out of the hospital (with tubes and medicine attached) so as not to miss my fun chance.

Not only do I admire each name on my list for her life accomplishments, I think each woman is a good person. Smart, savvy and positive, they seem like grounded, lovely women, whose hearts and minds are in the right place. Just the kind of women one would enjoy sharing a laugh, chat and cup of tea with. So in stream of consciousness fashion, here are my choices:

1. Michelle Obama - America is lucky to have her as First Lady. Bright. Straightforward. Warm. She cares about people. Do you think she'd introduce me to Bo and Sunny?

2. Sarah Jessica Parker - As a child, she supported her entire family of seven siblings with her Broadway actor's wages, and today remains a successful actress, producer, clothing and shoe designer. She's a wife, mother of three, on the New York City Ballet board of directors, social activist and down-to-earth person. I like how she loves fashion, always looks great, but doesn't take it too seriously. 

3. Jennifer Lawrence - Talented, focused, witty, a lovable goofball (I think, because she grew up with brothers), real, has a good heart, as well as, a wise head on her young shoulders. (I love Louisvillians and Londoners. It's a long story.)

4. Drew Barrymore - Overcame a less than ideal childhood, but learned from her mistakes and got on a healthy path. She sort of raised herself. Today, she's a successful actress, executive producer, as well as, wife, mother and founder of Flower, an affordable line of cosmetics.

Julianne Moore & family (photo: isubscribe.co.uk.com)

5. Julianne Moore - Actress extraordinaire. From all accounts, intelligent, level-headed and a wonderful person. Without a doubt, she'd be a joy to hang with.

6. Katie Couric - She is a good journalist, that's a given. Moreover you just sense, she's the girlfriend everybody should have - fun, thoughtful and watches your back.

7. Meryl Streep - Inside and outside the film industry, who doesn't love Meryl? ♥ ♥ ♥ She's our Queen of Hearts. The admiration spans several decades and just continues ... 2014 ... going strong.

8. Kathy Lee Gifford - As the hostess of the third hour of the Today Show, she

Jennifer Lawrence (photo: stylebistro.com)

expresses her views on the topical issues of the day. She has a positive, yet knowing outlook. When she gives her two cents, I find myself agreeing with her. She understands human nature and talks sense.

9. Kate Middleton and her mother Carole Middleton - Carole started a successful business and raised 3 balanced, happy children; there is never a wrong step in that family. I bet, Carole and Kate are delightful company, together and separately. 

10. Kristin Van Ogtrop  - Real Simple's editor-in-chief. (Full disclosure: I have reported to KVO.) She is nothing like the diva portrayed by Meryl Streep in The Devil Loves Prada, despite being as smart, savvy and successful as that movie's main character. KVO is an inspiring boss and a genuinely nice person. Reading her blog, Adventures In Chaos, inspired me to start mine. She is a brilliant writer sharing her snippets of life as a working mother.

I have a hard time stopping my list at ten women. There are many more -- Shakira and The Chew's Carla Hall are also on it, but now it's your turn.

Who would you like to meet for tea?

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Kate Middleton's Tangle Angel Brush

The Duchess of Cambridge, a/k/a, Kate Middleton gets lots of love from THE SAVVY SHOPPER. Ever wonder what tools her hairstylist uses to create her sleek and shinny locks of hair? When you live in a castle and have access to London's best, there are bound to be a few products and tools (not to mention hands) involved. 

One tool is an affordable hair brush designed by her hairstylist, Richard Ward, called the Shine Angel. In fact, there are a series of Tangle Angel brushes: the Shine Angel, Tangle Angel and Cherub Angel.

The brush's purpose is to detangle the hair, either wet or dry without damaging the strands. The Tangle Angel brushes are perfect for Kate's "Chelsea" style of hair blowouts. The brush's bristles are real, flat and infused with (anti-bacterial and) anti-static properties to tame and smooth flyaways for a silky finish. The brush is suitable for all hair textures; and the Tangle Angel Cherub brush is small enough to tot inside a purse, or gym bag. So you never have to be without one.

Here's a video to show you how to get the signature shine, movement and bounce of Kate's Chelsea blow dry. Ooh, I'll take the brush and a stylist, please!

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Royal Engagement Rings: Let's Take A Look

When a royal couple gets engaged, count on seeing a gorgeous ring. Although diamonds are the hardest, most durable stones, there are plenty of diamonds in the world. Sapphires are rarer, which is why royalty often chooses a sapphire engagement ring. For fun, let's look at several famous royal rings: 

Kate Middleton (2011), now Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge - A 12-carat sapphire with 14 diamonds that once belonged to fiancé Prince William's mother, Lady Diana Spencer (1981), is a favorite. The ring was picked from Garrard's catalog by Diana and reportedly was inspired by a sapphire brooch that Queen Victoria received on her wedding day from new husband Prince Albert that today is often worn by her great, great-granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth II. I adore blue sapphires, and you don't need to be engaged to a prince to wear a royalty-inspired knockoff. Trust me! (In a window of a Madison Avenue jewelry store near my home sits a 12-carat Ceylon sapphire and diamond ring exactly like the royal engagement ring. I'm going to walk over there, wearing all my cheap imperfect jewelry, to try it on. Heck, yeah!! It's the one, I wanted to buy.😊)

Queen Elizabeth II (1947) - To make his betrothed, Princess Elizabeth of York's engagement ring, Prince Philip's mother, Princess Alice (née of Battenberg) who married Prince Andrew of Greece, gave her son one of her tiaras, a wedding gift she received from Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra (Romanov) of Russia. Princess Alice was Tsarina Alexandra's niece. Diamonds were removed from the tiara and reset into an engagement ring. The ring is a round 3-carat brilliant stone flanked by smaller pavé-set diamonds mounted into platinum.

Queen Victoria (1840) - On the right is the exquisite sapphire brooch that a century later inspired Lady Diana's engagement ring. On the left is Queen Victoria's engagement ring. Both were designed by Queen Victoria's fiancé, soon to be husband, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha and presented to her for the wedding. The serpent is an ancient Roman symbol for everlasting love and seems to have been a popular motif for rings during the Victorian era. (It is not for me, I hate snakes!) Set in 18-carat gold, the serpent eyes are rubies, the mouth a line of diamonds and the large center emerald is Queen Victoria's (born May 24, 1819) birthstone. Prince Albert put a lot of thought into the Queen's wedding gifts!

Princess Eugenie of York (2018) - Queen Elizabeth II's granddaughter selected a 3-carat padparadscha pinkish orange glow sapphire, surrounded by diamonds for her engagement ring. It is an ultra rare sapphire. (Not that anybody asks, yet I always prefer blue.) Her own mother, Sarah Ferguson (1986) received a red ruby with diamonds engagement ring commissioned by Prince Andrew as a nod to her red hair. Newspapers wonder if Eugenie is trying to carry on a family color tradition. Only Eugenie knows.

Sarah's ruby and diamond engagement ring

Maghan Markle (2017) - A trio of 3 diamonds, one 2.5 cushion-cut central diamond with two round side diamonds to make 3 carats, set in yellow gold designed by her fiancé, Prince Harry, who used some of the jewelry once belonging to his mother, Diana, later the Princess of Wales.

It's always fun to look, write and gush over jewelry. 

Although sapphires are my favorite gems, I still prefer a traditional round-shaped (called a Tiffany setting) diamond as an engagement ring ... a BIG one, surrounded by smaller diamonds! Do you have a favorite stone.

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How Does Kate Middleton Wear Those High Heels?

Photo: Zimbo

Ever wonder how Kate Middleton walks so effortlessly in high heels? She made wearing a 3-inch heel while pushing Princess Charlotte up a concrete-and-grass path to the royal christening look easy. How are her feet not killing her?

According to Vanity Fair magazine, the Duchess wears leather Alice Bow insoles as her "secret weapon."

Without a doubt, our beloved Catherine, The Duchess of Cambridge, has access to the very best products. Alice Bow insoles are carefully made in London from fine Italian leather. They look and feel luxurious underfoot. The superior padding absorbs shock, lets feet breathe and has antibacterial properties.

The insoles fit any shoes to make walking in heels comfortable for hours on end. They are designed to be as thin as possible while providing ultra padding only where you need it -- in the case of high heels, that is under the ball of your foot and not under your toes.

In fact, there are two different designs of Alice Bow insoles: 1) one crafted for heels and 2) another made for flats. Each variety sells for £13.90, which is a bit of an investment. For those of us not living in the UK, we'll also have to pay a hefty shipping charge. So stock up if you find yourself visiting.

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Ted Baker Opens A New Fifth Avenue Store

Kate and Pippa Middleton wearing Ted Baker

The gold print on a charcoal black invitation read: “Ted Baker, London ... His 5th Avenue Store is now open.” [at 48th Street.]  “Ted Baker requests your presence at his grand house on Fifth.  Enjoy ... afternoon tea ... and the chance to peruse Ted's fall collections."  Attached was a brass skull-type key with yellow ribbon to keep as a souvenir.  Clever marketing, no?

I anticipated staying home all afternoon to watch the London Olympics.  Really I did, but how many endless hours of beach volleyball can a person take?  Thanks, NBC!

So off to the store opening I went.  Upon arrival, waiters passed trays with bangers and lemon tarts.  And, I knew I was in the right place.  Tasty!

The British clothing retailer was launched in Glasgow in 1988 by managing director Ray Kelvin, before opening stores in Covent Garden and London's Soho. 

The apparel, consisting of menswear, womenswear, shoes and accessories, is tailored, elegant and has a touch of humor.  A style mix of English traditional and Modern Art Deco, the perfectly cut suits, lady-like dresses, sparkling cufflinks, plus colorful scarves and neckties are pricy, yet still affordable.  You will drop $200 - $500 for an outfit, but get interesting details and unusual finishes.

Old and new world London meets Midtown in the city that never sleeps.  Other Ted Baker stores are located in the Meatpacking district [34 Little West 12th Street] and Soho [107 Grand Street].  Now that you have the gen, there's no reason to faff around.  Check out the collection here.  Extra points if you undertand British slang.

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The Prabal Gurung For Target Collection

For designer duds, it's Target again!  Mark you calendar for February 10th, the day Prabal Gurung's Target Collection goes on sale in stores and online.  Gurung is a Singapore born, Nepali bred, American designer.  He successfully designed for Bill Blass before launching his own label.   Michelle Obama, Kate Middleton, Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lawrence (+ other Hollywood red carpet walkers) wear his dresses.  He says his Target collection is inspired by ♥love♥ -- all of the stages from first crush to everlasting.♥♥♥  The apparel and accessories are colorful, fresh and feminine ... with a bite.

The limited edition collection consists of 80 plus pieces: clothing, handbags, shoes and jewelry.  The price ranges from $13 (crystal stone earrings in silver) to $200 (for a blue leather jacket), with most falling under $40.  To see the entire Prabal Gurung Target offerings, click here.  The designer claims that red is his favorite color, but I see lots of blue.  Gorgeous!  Decide: Which are your favorites?

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Gorgeous Sunglasses At Old Navy

Often I'm pleasantly surprised by the cute clothes and accessories available at Old Navy. This summer I'm wearing three of Old Navy's adorable, cotton dresses. Each is machine washable and $15 on sale. Look for a promotion. They run frequently.

Another find is a soft cotton scarf, which I like to fold up to carry in a purse, then pull it out to use as a shawl in order to protect my bare arms and shoulders from the damaging heat of the sun, or Arctic cold of an air conditioner. I paid $9 for my pretty textured-and-smooth scarf, then walked across the street to see a similar Eileen Fisher scarf selling for $138. There wasn't a significant, deal-breaker-difference in quality. The comparison was a real eye-opener. Perhaps, that's when I became an Old Navy fan.

In addition to the summer dresses, I bought active wear yoga pants, leggings and just this weekend, a gorgeous pair of sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection. The price points are always fabulously cheap. Using a 20% store wide discount, I paid about $12. What a steal! They are light-weight, sturdy, an excellent fit and ultra stylish. Already, I've gotten compliments!

At Saks Fifth Avenue, I tried on a pair of Chanel sunglasses. The cost? A cool $550. I didn't buy 'em, but let me tell you, I looked gooood in those shades! These Old Navy sunglasses remind me of the Chanel style. (They also remind me of Tom Ford's current sunglasses.) Unlike the scarves comparison, the Old Navy sunglasses don't quite measure up to Chanel, but they are durable and look expensive. The O.N. store selection is huge. 

Everyone is different. Personally, when I think of where to splurge, it isn't going to be on sunglasses. A sharp kitchen knife, bed pillows, comfortable shoes, an education ... yes, yes, yes and yes. Travel ... maybe. Sunglasses, no. However, never buy a pair without sun protection for your eyes.

For the price, you can splurge by buying a few pairs from Old Navy. If you break or leave them in a restaurant, it will hurt less. Plus, you can change your sunglasses like you change shoes and outfits. It's well worth a trip and a browse.

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Cute Summer Old Navy Dresses

When I came to help my mom, who took a fall fracturing her fibula, I packed all winter clothes, including leggings, t-shirts, and two cardigans since I only thought I'd be away for about 4 weeks, but she is undergoing physical and occupational therapy and I'm still here. Spring has arrived and all my spring and summer clothing is at home. I only packed one dress (this one) that I can wear on a chilly, early, spring day, but not on a balmy, global warming-created day.

So in anticipation of 80 degree F days (in fact we had one today), I bought 2 Sub-Knit Short Sleeve Tiered Swing Dresses in hot pink and medium-navy blue from Old Navy, as well as, a black pair of $2 flip flops to wear around the house. Old Navy's flip flops are great, no need to pay more elsewhere, and I'm happy the retailer once again manufactures 100% cotton dresses. Not polyester, not rayon, no blends, all-cotton dresses!!! ON is forever offering deals. Wait for one to get a dress dirt cheap!

Hopefully, between my ballet flats, Nike sneakers, and the new flip flops I won't lack shoes to wear as the weather warms up. The all-weather mocs I also brought with me will soon be retired until early autumn. 

The thought crosses my mind I'll be wearing the same style of dress over and over like a uniform, but I bet real money the majority of people rarely notice what we wear when we encounter them. They sense if we are disheveled and not coordinated, but can't recall our particular outfits. What do you think?

My life as a minimalist-want-to-be is being tested and frankly, I'm enjoying the noble less-is-more experiment. So far, I'm managing!

Moreover, ladies, look at this handsome guy! Hubba, Hubba!! Posting him fits into our spring fashion topic. Colorful shirts in a breezy linen blend have just arrived at L.L. Bean for men. The fabric wicks moisture and dries fast. 

Get ready, Betty ... Freddy for cotton dresses, linen shirts, and shorts season. 

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Seven Rules For Holiday Dressing

Fearne cotton clutch purse; photo from TotalBeauty.com

Recently Paul Fredrick, a company which makes a full line of men's business attire, but is best known for its affordable dress shirts, contacted me with a request. Could I share tips for sharp holiday dressing? My advice is very straightforward and applies to men and women equally.

1) Select classic pieces that never go out of style. Chanel's little black dress is as chic today as it was at the turn of the 20th century. A tailored man's suit with a cotton oxford shirt and silk tie is always dapper and current.

2) Stick with natural fabrics. Cashmere, lambswool, silk, cotton and linen are fashion-forward investments, because they wear well, lasting for decades.

3) Embrace your personal style. Wear what makes you feel like a million bucks, and you will not only pull it off, you'll sparkle and shine! 

4) Dress for comfort. Anything that is too tight, or ill-fitted, or hurts to don should not be in your closet. How can you party like it's 1999 if your clothes are trying to pinch, blister or trip you? If you can't walk in shoes, don't buy them. And, replace your mistakes; in the spirit of the season, take those to Goodwill!

5) No need to buy special holiday outfits unless you walk red capets. You might do it once in a while, but try to look your best all-year-a-round by sticking to well-crafted and well-fitted classics that you can wear time and again.

6) Add pizazz with accessories. Glitter with silver and gold jewelry, or cuff links. Drape a velvet or faux-fur stole/jacket on your shoulders. For women, rhinestone ballet flats or heels look festive. A shimmering clutch purse also works. Men can achieve the same effect with a fine watch.

7) Don't be afraid of playful accents: For men, a neck tie with a holiday motif, a polka-dot bow tie, or two-tone shoes complement an understated suit. A bright red tie and handkerchief make a dark suit pop. Colorful scarves do the same for a woman wearing neutrals.

When styling for holiday events, always be yourself ... but, be your best dressed, polished self. Have fun celebratng!

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