Royal Wedding Recap

Well, I do not need to give you all a lot of details, as The Preppy Princess did a fantastic job. However, here is one fact she did not expand on - the story of the Duchess of Cambridge's borrowed tiara!

Catherine Elizabeth Middleton Mountbatten-Windsor, Duchess of Cambridge, wore the Cartier 'halo' tiara (which some have called the Cartier 'scroll' tiara as well), which was made in 1936. It was purchased by the Duke of York (later King George VI) for his wife, The Queen Mother. Then-Princess Elizabeth received it as an 18th-birthday present. As is the trend for all special royal jewels, Queen Elizabeth II's sister Princess Margaret Rose, Countess of Snowdon, as well as her daughter, Princess Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise, The Princess Royal, borrow it on occasion.

It has a rolling affect with the scrolls that move across the two-layer diamond base to converge in a central ornament surmounted by a larger, more round-brilliant diamond, similar to a miniature crown shape (IMHO). To me, the scrolls almost look like paisley, and I think it was a fabulous choice for her to wear this tiara as her hair is dark enough to show off its features without it looking TOO showy. Certainly when compared to her other options, which you can see here. I was thinking it was a bit understated for the Prince of Wales' wife, but maybe this tiara is her warm-up piece as she gets used to wearing larger ones.

Please read The Preppy Princess's post!

Sidebar - it has been a long time since there has been a Duchess of Cambridge! I had no idea it has been so long, but the history behind this title is pretty interesting.

The last Duchess of Cambridge was Princess and Landgravine Augusta of Hesse-Kassel (Hesse-Kassel was a former German Grand-Duchy). She married one of the many sons of George III. She died at the age of 91! She was the mother of three children, including Queen Mary, the Duchess of Teck. She was the beautiful and popular wife of King George V.

The first Duchess of Cambridge was Queen Consort of King George II, Wilhelmina Charlotte Caroline of Brandenburg-Ansbach. She was of the House of Hohenzollern, married into the House of Hanover. She was incredibly popular as well as influential and gave birth to eight children.

Last sidebar - Catherine did her own makeup, allegedly, chin chin!

Photo credit: REUTERS, Aestheticus Rex for the collage pics - please read her post as well!

Fashion Fave: Lauren Conrad

Does anyone else love the fashion of Lauren "L.C." Conrad?

I think she dresses always in such good taste, and is so healthy-looking!

I know we all first got to know her on Laguna Beach, and then The Hills, but she has been consistent with her growing maturity and taste for fashion. From the brands to how she wears them 'her own way,' I'm always both surprised and impressed by what she puts together.

I think she is my U.S. version of Princess Shinylocks aka Catherine Elizabeth Middleton. Great hair (so much better now compared to when she was still trying to be blonde), great attitude, young but classic fashion, business-savvy as well as well-educated!

And look, even when she cries, she is pretty. JEEZ LOUISE!

Do you have a go-to celebrity or icon, similarly aged, that you enjoy for her taste in clothing? Maybe you even think, 'hmm, we're the same size, I'm going to try that look myself!'

What will Catherine Middleton wear?

What will Catherine Middleton wear on April 29? Harper's Bazaar, who I love for many things, including their feature Fashion for Every Age segments, weighs in...



Sidebar:
"The Queen's formal consent to the marriage was unveiled Thursday, which happens to be her 85th birthday. Under the Great Seal of the Realm, she signed an elaborate notice of approval that proclaimed, in transcribed calligraphy, consent to the union of "Our Most Dearly Beloved Grandson Prince William Arthur Philip Louis of Wales, K.G., and Our Trusty and Well-Beloved Catherine Elizabeth Middleton." " (via People.com)

"Our Trusty and Well-Beloved Catherine" --- I do not remember Diana's being this personal when she and Charles were married... does anyone else? Did that one even become public back in 1981?

Temperature Drop

Today is literally 20 degrees cooler than yesterday, and you can feel it. VA is continuing to be bipolar, great. The dew is no longer refreshing, it is frigid. Particularly when you are like me, needing/feeling obligated to wear Rainbows when it is 60* outside. The smooth legs now have those annoying prickling goosebumps which I know I despise, does anyone else?Here is my outfit for today. I'm fighting the temps but retreated into the library to lock myself in. I hope to complete some assignments before the Easter holiday weekend! Who wants to go home and spend the entire time in bed like I have for almost two straight weeks??:

4-21-2011 by worthystyle

Classic, but shows my age, don't you think? I don't see many 18-21 year-olds wearing fishermen sweaters, striped oxfords like this with nothing fancy going on makeup-wise and no ribbons or Greek paraphernalia around. All I have is me with my daily bling. Classic bling, natch. A simple and elegant tank watch that is treasured, a beloved cuff bracelet and the left-hand ring finger masterpiece!

What are you wearing today? Anything weird going on with your weather?

Forever Prep

Hello ladies! Well this adorable young man was staring up at me when I got home yesterday. Virginia Living is an incredible magazine that my Mom and I have subscribed to since it was first published several years ago. It reminds me of "W" with its oversize format but the pages are heavy and glossy, like national magazines... used... to be. So every month I look forward to getting this magazine at home. This issue is the April 2011 issue and the cover feature is called "Forever Prep."

The story inside (starting on page 102) is fantastic, as it discusses the movement behind the Official Preppy Handbook and how it had a surge that re-occurred last year with True Prep (both of which I own, and enjoy for a good chuckle). More specifically, "Forever Prep" mentions how Virginia really has always been a good bit 'preppy,' but that we have really always referred to it as a 'traditional' lifestyle/fashion statement/etc. instead.

As the article states, summer is a verb (Alice!), and yes, we do go by the Old Dominion moniker. Most of us own at least one Jefferson cup, had cotillion and ballet classes, rode in fox hunts, attended steeplechase and went to a single-sex Episcopalian boarding school. Oh, and by the way, even though some silly young women at Randolph-Macon College wear socks with their boat shoes, if you are a real 'Vuh-gin-ian,' you know that is not acceptable and just looks ridiculous. Do you wear socks with your Rainbows? No. So these are your closed-toe equivalent! I am so happy that they chose Hampden-Sydney College and Sweet Briar as the models for this shoot, seeing as the campus is lovely and these men and women do often wear the garb shown (I would know, I attended SBC... natch it was for one semester... but still I did grow up around here)! Here are some more points from Virginia Living about the fashion of women and men in the Commonwealth of Virginia:
Following up on this article, I was very excited to pick up today a booklet on the 78th Annual Historic Garden Week in Virginia. To say that this event is an event, darlin, it is THE event! It is where women compete to have the best gardens, the most beautiful homes and the event, natch, has the Garden Club of Virginia involved. Okay maybe not all people compete, but a lot of them do as getting on the tour is difficult! As a Virginian with both a mother and two grandmothers as current (and former!) officers of their Garden Club chapters in VA, you know I am socially obligated to attend and I love every minute of it!

As you can see, Virgina Living's "Forever Prep" included a list of Virginia's Preppiest Events, which I have kindly included below:

And yes, you can see that #1 event listed is the thing I speak of above. Coincidence? I think not! ha!

"Forever Prep" really is a flattering look at what life is like in Virginia. For me, a native, it is one of the most realistic reflections into this world that is not necessarily about money anymore. It is about culture, tradition and embracing the values that you hold to a highest standard.

Photo Credits go to Virginia Living magazine and photographer Cade Martin. Text in the images provided was written by Caroline Kettlewell.

Pints and Pinstripes

UPDATE: please see more dress ideas below!


P & P, as it were, is happening in March (click on the image above to read the details).

It is going to be quite the event at Silo Point, in Baltimore, MD (in the Penthouse no less):


I love attending charity events - especially ones in places near and dear to my heart. reWIRED for Change was started by Sonja Sohn after her difficult childhood in Newport News, VA. One of my Great-Uncles ran the Newport News shipyard for years so I know how things there have changed over time (obviously I cannot relate but I hope you all know what I mean).

As Sky Blue Events writes: today reWIRED for Change is a "Baltimore-based 501c(3) non-profit organization empowering at-risk youth living in underserved city communities through a program combining education, media and social advocacy, and street-based intervention." Please try to attend if you can, 15% of each ticket + 100% of silent auction proceeds will be donated to reWIRED For Change!

I have been poking around for the ideal cocktail dress before buying my ticket for the event --- Neimans, Saks, Nordies, etc... trying to find something Spring-y but elegant. I honestly have a hard time wearing most of my Lilly P dresses to an evening event and I am trying to build up a wardrobe of quality pieces I can wear for the next ten-plus years. I already have a deep purple dress in chiffon and satin, a green silk dress, several wool dresses in varying shades for mourning/office, a green cotton embroidered dress, and one proper cocktail-style Lilly P dress. I have others but those are the ones which stick in my mind.

I now want a pink dress.

Here are some of my options:

A Shoshanna pink and white tulip dress - which is cotton. I love the shape and it is flouncy enough to wear to more fun, relaxed events. It has a fitted waist as well, which is good as I am very long-waisted.



This Jay Godfrey dress is the "Jennings" dress. It actually is not this short on me, more like an inch or two above the knee. I love the satin bow on the one shoulder - and the texture of this silk dress is so comfortable.

Here is the back of the "Jennings" dress:


This is my #1 favorite:

A Phoebe Couture dress in pink satin. It is a one-shoulder dress but I feel as though it is elegant. I love the fun details as I like to show off my shoulders and back (without looking skankyyy). The back of the dress is pleated in a way that almost looks like a bow but isn't a bow.

Here is the back of the dress:


Yeah, I love to look confidant. I think this dress would do that. Too bad M isn't attending. BWAHAHA.

I really loved what Claire Danes wore to the Golden Globes this year, a chic salmon-colored frock. It photographed differently from TV show to TV show, camera flash to camera flash. Here it is:


Along in that vein, I give you two new options, both by Kay Unger New York.



The first is a coral silk cocktail dress with a pencil skirt. There is pleating around the waist to make it more fitted. Beading details finish the dress off:


In the back there is a cut-out shoulder, to really emphasize an hourglass figure:



Here is another option, a faux-wrap salmon taffeta dress. This dress has a sensual asymmetric shape and a flattering one-shoulder neckline. The bodice is tiered in the style of a Herve Leger without cutting off circulation:


The back shows off the vent in the straight, yet shortened style of a pencil skirt - as well as the shimmering shade of coral/salmon in the taffeta fabric:



What are you thinking of wearing to this Sky Blue Event? What would you wear if you could go (if you aren't) (but you SHOULD be!)?

Special Thanks to Sky Blue Events for letting me steal some pictures for reference! Thanks to Neiman Marcus for the pictures of dresses.

Friendship and Blogs

I've recently called into question many people I am friends with. I realized that many people I am friends with on Facebook are not people that I'd tell I was getting married on a specific date... or eventually... if I got pregnant. So I deleted a lot of them. I don't need them in my life, at least not until we reconnect at some point. Why become a statistic when you don't need to have _ _ _ _ # of friends? Facebook is for real, true friends. People I'd run up to in a bar elated to see, people who would CALL me on the phone, reply to my texts and email me back. True friends say hey back. Even if they are busy. Say "hey I am busy, can we talk later?" End of story! Simple!

I have also called into question many of the people I follow on Twitter, the people whose blogs I comment on. If you don't comment on my blog (when I comment on yours regularly), or you never bother to reply to something I said to you on Twitter - I delete you.

There are many people who blog who are not who they say they are. I get privacy and not showing pictures of their face - those people I respect. The people I do not respect are the people who blatantly lie about facets of their life. Lie about jobs, social opportunities and friends. Lying to advance your followers and build yourself up is fake. Acting like a show pony.... sad. Those who do not even understand that their social climbing methods are just ridiculous need to figure that out. I bet those people that, not even kidding, their life is still much better and more interesting than Jane Doe up the street. People should be themselves and not care! Privacy, again, doesn't count. Lying... it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. You can be yourself and gain a following. You see people like that all the time in the real world. But some people think they can make up their own world and no one will notice.

I hope people are happy with what I put on here. I am a person with varying tastes. I do not stick to one subject or write about things I do not find interesting or valid. I write for me. But I chose to make this blog public and share my thoughts with you. Thoughts. Not lies. I frequently tell you about my life, because my life has been public for years.

I had a blog in 2000. That is how long I haven't been afraid to write about myself. I challenge anyone to find issue with that. My boarding school did at one point, and made me delete that blog. I did. Some stupid reason like you could vaguely interpret where the school was. Right. It was stupid of me to let them control my life like that. Then a week or two later I formed another one and gave the school the finger, because I lost four years of deep thoughts and shared interests with friends and all of those interesting melancholic moments you have as a teenager by deleting that first blog. I have continued to maintain that second blog. I love it because it is incredibly raw and intense because points of my life have been that way.

Another way I have had a public life? I've been in the press. My family has been in the press. It isn't like you know my address or SSN. So, my life has been public and that isn't something I really care to hide about. I am not a billionaire or a celebrity. But I have interesting stories and have had an above-average upbringing with good moments.

I really plan on making this blog special in the coming months. I graduate in May and more time will be available to do things like my blog and other plans I have for myself. I really hope people continue to follow me on my journey --- because I want you to see where things take me.

Lilly Pulitzer Spring 2011

Thanks to my BFF Muffy Martini for sharing with me the .pdf version of the latest Lilly Pulitzer catalog (Spring 2011)!

As I sit inside at work on a cold, but cheery-sunny day, the bright pops of color on the models made me feel excited about Spring (and a lil' out of shape, too). Here are a few of my favorite styles, I hope you all do not mind YET ANOTHER blogger writing about her favorite styles of Lilly P.


The "Eryn" is a gorgeous, fluffy dress of the retro variety - clearly something you would see on Mad Men on any given episode. I am a fan of the textured look - this dress has an organza ribbon stripe and a full skirt.



The "Jacqueline" dress has a cheerful green color and a classic shift shape. I am in love with the novelty lace in the Lilly Pulitzer signature lace mini jacquard. Again, I love texture! Isn't it just a fun Spring-y color? I am sure I will see this at Easter and at horse races this Spring.



Lastly, I love the "Shauna" tunic dress. Every season I try to get a new white dress. For one, it is the epitome of summer. Two, I find that it inspires me to really tone up and get some healthy coloring. And it looks flattering with the natural auburn highlights in my hair that happen in the summer months. All good things!

As you can see, I am a fan of boatnecks. I have pretty toned arms so I love that look! Flattering and clean-cut while not looking prude-ish!

What are your favorite Lilly Pulitzer dresses for this year? What about for all time?

Kluge's Magnificent Jewels

Patricia Kluge, probably before her $15 billion divorce settlement from John in the early 1990s.

Formerly fabulous Patricia Kluge didn't just lose her home and real estate this past year, she also lost a lot of beautiful jewels. Prior to her foreclosure issues, she claimed the sale was to "clean closet" of her home in Albemarle ('unloading', you could say to 'concentrate' on her wine business). We know the true reason for this sale now. Regardless, the Sotheby's auction of her jewels was just like the sale of her furniture - fantastic stuff sold at super-inflated prices!

Again, as it was written in Luxist: "Ms. Kluge, who is remarried, is now pursuing a life as a winemaker and decided it was time to change her lifestyle. As such, she felt it was time to part with both Albemarle, the enormous estate in Virginia she called home and the incredible collection of world-class jewels given to her by her ex-husband."

Change her lifestyle indeed! ha!!!

Enjoy the following images of her auctioned property:


Platinum, Diamond and Sapphire “Panthère” Wristwatch, Cartier, French, circa 1985.
EST $100,000-150,000
SOLD at $686,500 (including buyer's premium)



Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Ring
A rectangular mixed-cut diamond of fancy intense yellow color weighing 27.80 carats, flanked by triangular-shaped diamonds weighing 3.50 carats, mounted in platinum and gold, size 7.
EST $400,000-600,000
SOLD at $602,500 (including buyer's premium)



(seen in the top photo)
Platinum and Diamond Pendant Ear clips
Pear-shaped diamonds weighing 13.16, 11.83, 9.33 and 8.74 carats, set in the center with a cluster of smaller pear-shaped diamonds weighing approximately 20.85 carats.
EST $600,000 to $800,000
SOLD at $1,058,500 (including buyers premium)



18k white gold, diamond and sapphire necklace; platinum, diamond and sapphire ear clips (NOT the ring, however)

Necklace: cushion-shaped sapphires weighing approximately 52.00 carats, round and marquise-shaped diamonds weighing a total of approximately 60.50 carats, length 16½ inches.
EST $100,000 to $150,000
Sold at $158,500 (including buyer's premium)

Ear clips: pear-shaped sapphires weighing approximately 21.75 carats, round sapphires weighing approximately 8.35 carats, and round and oval diamonds weighing approximately 12.00 carats, pendants detachable.
EST $75,000 to $100,000
Sold at $116,500 (including buyer's premium)


Patricia Kluge in a more recent photo:


Read more at the Palm Beach Daily News. And at New York Social Diary.
Photos are property of Sotheby's except where noted.

Brands

Do you have a go-to inexpensive brand?

How did you discover this brand?

Relatively-speaking, is your go-to brand inexpensive to the person next to you?

I often think about how I could save money if I bought less-expensive things, however, I cannot count on two hands the number of times a friend has gone to hell and back for buying something at Forever 21 or Urban Outfitters and it literally fell apart after three wear-and-washes.

For me, my go-to inexpensive brands are pretty classic, and I hope most of you agree that their sales are really fantastic when it comes to stocking up on basics:









When I have a fashion emergency, these three stores: GAP, Talbots and J.Crew, are the ones I rush into to remedy my problem. What do I go to these stores for, you may ask? I go to each for very specific things, and if I have any luck maybe I can find something unexpected there as well.

At GAP, I find myself picking out everyday basics - tanks & t-shirts for layering, a basic pair of jeans that don't necessarily need to fit well but work if I left town without a pair and accessories. The tanks & t-shirts there have a good thickness and are great when in-between seasons. I normally go for fun, classic colors by Jockey that I get at my local Belk - but GAP is often the next best thing and occasionally cheaper or easier to get to.

At Talbots, I find myself picking out that last-minute emergency dress, the skirt for a job interview because mine had something spilled on it (and I don't have time to wash out the one I am wearing) or a simple jacket for a date when I hadn't planned on a date (or hadn't planned on the temperature dropping).

At J.Crew, I pick out a quick cardigan, a dress or hair accessories. I normally am able to use my student discount (don't get rid of your ID cards for a reason, ladies!!) and get an extra 15% off of what is already on sale. I don't think I have ever bought ballet flats from J.Crew at full price, ever, because for the same amount I could get a higher-tier brand new at Nordies. Just something I learned from shopping and working in retail over the years.

So ladies, where do you get your basics at? Do you have a go-to emergency store you stop in when you need a quick outfit alteration?

Stylish Blogger Award

Here are the rules:
1. Thank and link back to the person who awarded you this award
2. Share 7 things about yourself
3. Award 15 recently discovered bloggers
4. Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award

Thank you so much to Pink Tulips for giving me the Stylish Blogger Award!
I will now try to come up with some schnazzy things to say.

1. I wear the same size shoe and same size in clothing as my Mom, so we frequently trade things off which is always a blast... especially with some of her vintage items!

2. I have not had my hair cut, in a legitimate way, since 2004. It is VERY long now.

3. I live in Goochland County, Virginia and longingly drive past a lovely, old plantation home everyday. I squint my eyes and try to think of how it would look if M and I lived there.

4. I grew up in Lexington, Virginia, and this upbringing has made me a bit of a snot when it comes to good food, wine and a high appreciation for fine things.

5. I look more like my Grandmama than anyone else in my family.

6. I daily struggle with being a 25-year-old college senior in an undergrad-only college of 1200 students. Everyone knows I am "old" (can't they just say "older" and be nice about it?!)!

7. I have taken over M and my DVR. Shows currently being recorded: Extra Virgin, Southland, The Martha Stewart Show, Grey's Anatomy, the 12am showing up Sportscenter, Conan, The Dish, Soup, How I Met Your Mother, Damages, Greek. No, he doesn't mind. No, I am not totally positive on that last comment.

Fifteen Recently Discovered Bloggers (wow, that is a LOT of bloggers... I couldn't list that many!!!) I have lots of friends, but I have not discovered THAT many recently, here are a handful of recent additions, however!

1. 2frugalfoodies - Boarding school classmate and her hubby making amazingly good food

2. Jamie's J.D. - A Twitter friend whose blog provides me with regular laughs

3. Natalie at Tripping in Heels

4. My cousin's GF, Xiaolu at 6 Bittersweets, makes me drool on a daily basis with her delish-looking meals.

5. A very awesome family friend, Dixie Gypsy, on her adventures in Australia!

6. Amanda and Nick. I always like to get ideas from other people's weddings!

7. Sara in Le Petit Village. Sometimes she does a French word of the day with j'adore!

8. You may follow her on Twitter as SBCVandy, her blog is now titled "My Crooked Life." but I really enjoy her keeping me in the loop about her health! So important!

Feel free to spread the LOVE around, y'all!

XO