Hollywood Royalty: BAFTA Bash Hits and Misses

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge hit Hollywood in royal style on Saturday night!  At around 8:04 pm Saturday night the duo pulled up to the BAFTA Bash held in their honor in a black Range Rover, flanked by police escorts.  All eyes were on the Duchess as she slid out of the car in a lilac Alexander McQueen gown, Jimmy Choo sandals and clutch, and earrings on loan from the Queen.  Prince William looked dapper in his tux, and the royal pair stole the spotlight from everyone in attendance, including the likes of Tom Hanks, Blake Lively, Jennifer Lopez, and Jennifer Garner.

They chatted with lots of Hollywood celebs throughout the evening – most of whom were insanely excited to met the Duke and Duchess themselves.  Jennifer Lopez’s date for the evening – her mom (hubby Marc Anthony stayed home) was so excited, in fact, that she tripped over her gown!

Obviously the Duchess was stunning, and ever regal in her McQueen gown, but let’s check out what some of the other celebs were wearing – shall we?

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GREATEST HITS

Blake Lively: Draped in lace and delicate embroidery, Blake Lively wowed in Marchesa.

Elizabeth Banks: The 30 Rock star turned heads in this va-va-voom number by Versace.

Jennifer Garner: This blue one-shoulder Yves St. Laurent number left us drooling. The perfect choice for meeting a Princess.

Nicole Kidman: For me one of the night’s standouts was Nicole Kidman, who shined (literally!) in her custom-made Elie Saab haute couture gown.  Nicole looks like she is prepared to meet royalty.

Elizabeth Moss: Looking like a goddess in her own right, Elizabeth Moss stunned in a J. Mendel gown.  Perfect for summer, but still appropriate for the occasion, she hit the nail on the head.

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BIGGEST MISSES

Jennifer Lopez: Don’t get us wrong, Jennifer Lopez looked sizzling in her Emilio Pucci dress but we think it was a bit inappropriate for the occasion.

Zooey Deschanel: While we big puffy heart Zooey (as well as Oscar de la Renta, who made her dress) we felt the length of this dress was too short for the occasion and the color was not the best on her.

Kristin Chenoweth:  We know she has the most amazing voice in Hollywood, but instead of looking statuesque, Kristin just looks like a gold statue.  Not her best look.

Fall Fashion Trends: Military Inspired

A Ten- HUT! Sound the trumpets- military is back!  Fashion does indeed repeat itself.  During my past couple of trips to the mall, I could not help but notice that from wall-to-wall, the army was sweeping into fall fashion. I was at first, slightly disconcerted; the thing that comes to mind when I think of army is camouflage, which certainly is not my thing. Fortunately, I came to find that army and camouflage are not one in the same!

Almost every major retail store is joining the trend, selling plenty of military-inspired pieces that are suitable for all ages and styles.

Mackage ‘Diana’ Military Inspired Wool Blend Coat

Mackage certainly puts a posh spin on the standard idea of “military”. This classy wool jacket has a standout collar, and flared cuffs. Whether worn over jeans or a suit, it is sure to make a statement, and is ideal for those chilly days ahead.

Military Strapless Dress**Love

This casual dress is the epitome of the trend- super simple but still marvelously stylish. All that would be needed to complete the look is some layers of Bengal bracelets and ankle boots.

A Ten-Hut Military Jacket

And the essential staple piece of fall is undoubtedly the jacket, or in this case, the military jacket. Always known for selling trendy items at affordable prices, Forever 21 also caught on to the trend. This jacket is under $30

Michael Kors “Joplin” Buckled Military Boots

Combat boots are as military as it gets. To wear boots like this is a bold statement sure to turn heads and show off that “tough-girl” image.

Alexander McQueen Military Lace-Up Faithful Bootie

For those a little hesitant to strut in combat boots, there is a softer alternative. The late and legendary genius Alexander McQueen knew just how to intertwine lady and soldier. These peep-toed stilettos are absolutely to-die-for. Who wouldn’t feel like a supermodel in these six-inch-high sensations?

There you have it- military-inspired looks that are completely absent of camouflage. All of those pieces are only a sliver of what’s out there, so there is no excuse not to leap enthusiastically onto the bandwagon, especially after seeing that exquisite pair of Alexander McQueens.

Monday Lust

No, no, no, I’m not lusting after Monday, but I did spend a good portion of my evening on Saturday falling in love with some of these amazing items.  My style is decidedly girly-chic with a dash of rock and roll and Audrey Hepburn mixed in.  No matter what your style is, I think you might find a piece here to lust after as well.  At the very least, it will lessen any case of the Mondays that you might have.  Enjoy!

1.  Net Ballerina Skirt from Lipsy.  $60 2. Leaf Clasp Waist Belt.  $29  3. Alexander McQueen Heart Peep Toe Pumps.  $835 $467.60   4.  Coach Madison ‘Juliane’ Tote.  $95/month  5. John Lewis Bow Leather Gloves.  $57   6.  Phosphorescence Bracelet. $42   7. Dolce & Gabbana dress.  $2,325 8.  Erickson Beamon Medieval Swarovski drop earrings.  $400.   9.  Charles by Charles David Fluster (in plum).  $125  10. MICHAEL Michael Kors ‘Berkley – Large’ Clutch.  $195.