When You Wish…

Hello-Hello, all.  The Consort sauntering casually mikeside to entertain you while The (lovely and very talented) Princess tends to some prior obligations.  There have been some events these past few days that I’m sure you noticed.  That’s right, Canada is rolling out the red (how appropriate) carpet for The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.  Or, as we refer to them here at The Prepatorium, William and Kate.  As they tour Canada the royals have been welcomed by great crowds and much to-do.  But I noticed some images that captured the impact the Prince and Princess are having on some of Canada’s smallest citizens.  And those images made me think for a moment.

When I was just a young Consort I imagined myself doing great things.  Shouldn’t all children have those dreams?  My lovely bride tells me many young girls have the familiar fantasy of marrying a prince and becoming a princess.  It’s a fairy tale and part of growing up.  Adults are mature enough to realize life is not a fairy tale.  But children don’t know that yet.  So what happens when the dream comes to life right in front of the youngster’s eyes?

Have you ever seen such precious children?  While the littlest girl greets a real-life princess with her best curtsey the other girl is enthralled.  This meeting will live forever in their minds because this is the moment they saw that dreams can become real.  And that dream can be close enough to touch…

 
This little girl put her pretty yellow flower in her hair and waited at the fence with hundreds of other people.  Can you imagine what she is feeling in this instant?  This is the moment when Kate came to her, crouched to look her directly in the eyes and shared a few words.  It is a private time in an extraordinary public event.  Now the little girl with the pretty yellow flower in her hair has met a real-life princess and knows that dreams do come true.

When does the dream of becoming a princess begin?  Perhaps for this young girl it started in this moment.

She’s delivered her flowers to the Princess and now she has her eye on the Prince.  What could she be thinking?  Is this the moment when she realizes princes are real and within reach?

And for some children meeting a prince and princess brings just too much joy to contain.

This little girl in Quebec is saying so much with her smile.  She is moments away from an encounter that she will likely never forget.  And she will know that fairy tales can come true because she met a woman who became a princess.

Here at The Preppy Princess we hope your dreams come true.

Thank you for indulging me.  My Princess will be back with you tomorrow and I hope to revisit you all soon.  Until then, remember to take care of your waitperson because they’re working hard for you tonight.  I’ll leave you today with a singer who knows a thing or two about dreams.  Good night, everyone!

Photo credits:  Splash News via The Daily Mail, Reuters, Andy Clark/Reuters,  Christinne Muschi/Reuters

Oops: Leaked Missoni For Target Pix, Serious Sales & Another Vanity Fair Royals Cover & William

Hello-Hello, we hope everyone enjoyed their extended weekend.

We begin with a sneak peek at a very few items from the oh-so-secret Missoni for Target collection. The retailer has been even more tight-lipped than usual about this particular collaboration, those invited to the preview were forbidden to take photos of any kind, nor were they supposed to disclose too much information on the collection itself, what sort of products were being created, etc.

Thanks to a Tweet from our friend Madeleine at the always-fabulous In New York Paris Tomorrow blog, we have a few images of said collaborative collection.

Via The Fashion Spot

Apparently the photos were taken by a paparazzi when seeing commercials being shot for the campaign, awarding Targét an honorary “Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men….” award.  Above and below we see Margherita Missoni, she will be featured in the advertising campaign.

Via The Fashion Spot

Ms. Missoni is the eldest grandchild of the company’s founders, and also the firm’s accessories designer. Here are two more quick images, again, via The Fashion Spot.

Via The Fashion Spot

Clearly there will be luggage, scarves, shoes (I think) as well as some interesting pieces in the menswear group. With 400+ products in the collection it seems there should be something for everyone, presuming the quality is a notch above some of the retailer’s more recent design partnerships. To see all of the photos at the Fashion Spot, click here.

On a related note, the second of five hotels under the Missoni name has just opened in Kuwait, Curbed has marvelous photos if you are interested in seeing how that famous zig-zag pattern and bright colors translates.

Via Curbed

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The past weekend is always big for auto racing, both here in the States as well as in Monaco, where the Grand Prix was held Sunday. Always an occasion bringing glitterati to the Principality as well as locals, below we see Princess Caroline’s daughter Charlotte Casiraghi visiting the pits before the race (L), and soon-to-be Princess Charlene Wittstock is seen congratulating the race winner, Germany’s Sebastian Vettel.

PHOTOS: Reuters (L) / Getty Images (R)

Ms. Wittstock was elegant at the Formula One Gala, we’re guessing she may be wearing Giorgio Armani Privé.

Photos: Getty Images

But our favorite ensemble for the evening was on racing legend Jackie Stewart.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

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For those still seeking to supplement their wardrobe, we share a few quick Sales & Savings opportunities, the first at Net-a-Porter.

It’s the upscale boutique’s end of season sale, and the bargains abound, including some very affordable trinkets that might enhance your gift closet.  One the left we show the Marc by Marc Jacobs Enamel Bow earrings at 50% off (now $24) and on the right, Mulberry’s Heart Keyfob, also discounted by 50% (now $32.50).

Staying with a Pretty in Pink theme, the Smythson Dreams and Thoughts notebook is 30% off ($294, originally $420) and the Vivienne Westwood Tartan Leather iPad Case is discounted by 50% (now priced at $110).

Today’s other fiscally friendly mention involves a new ‘flash sale’ site, but this one is a little different from the others. For openers, it is from über-merchant Amazon, called My Habit.  Additionally there is no nonsense about the site being “by invitation only” or “members only,” regular readers know how irritating your cranky trusty scribe finds that practice. The site has been operational for a few weeks now, but we thought we would mention it today, as Tod’s Shoes are on offer.

Via MyHabit.com

To be clear, the classic driving moc by Tod’s is not being offered, but a style we are fond of, the Dee Ballet Flat is available, as are a few other styles.

Other sales coming up at My Habit include Bruno Magli for men, as well as several brands for women we enjoy a great deal, Lafayette 148 and Sigerson Morrison get underway this week. Most sales start at 9am Pacific time, Noon on the East Coast, usually running 3 days. Click here to learn more about My Habit.

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We leave you with two royal notes, the first is next month’s Vanity Fair cover featuring a previously unpublished photo of Prince William and Kate.

Mario Testino/Vanity Fair

The Mario Testino image is from the photo session for the couple’s formal engagement pictures.  The magazine’s website has an interesting tidbit from the upcoming story accompanying the photo:

“Despite Will and Kate’s new official titles—dude duke and duchess, respectively—Will made it clear at the wedding that he will continue to be addressed as Prince William, meaning Kate by default will be Princess Catherine, reports Vanity Fair writer Katie Nicholl. This may rattle some family hierarchies— the Countess of Wessex had wanted to be known as Princess Sophie, but had been forbidden by the Queen.”

Also, those interested in the newlywed’s July tour in Canada with its quick visit to Los Angeles might enjoy this link to the “Official Royal Tour” website.  The itinerary is posted, as well as photos from previous Royal visits. We were a little disconcerted after clicking on the ‘photos’ link, this was the first photo that came up.

Via Royal Tour

That is from the 1991 visit, the site explains the historical images will be replaced with photos from the tour as soon as possible. We do love that impish look on Harry’s face.

She Wore McQueen & Cartier, Prince Harry to William: “Wait ’til You See Her”

What a truly splendid wedding.

Referred to as an “act of faith in a world of doubt” this morning’s wedding had us all a-Twitter, literally. The internet crackled with questions we all had: was Kate Middleton wearing a tiara? Who made the dress? What did it look like? Miss Middleton’s secret was kept successfully, even when seeing the bride with her father on the way to Westminster Abbey we couldn’t decipher who created her gown.

AFP/Getty Images

One could almost hear a collective intake of breath when seeing Miss Middleton emerge from the Queen’s Rolls Royce.  This was the shot that wowed the world.

Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty Images

The Alexander McQueen gown was designed by Sarah Burton. It was exquisite.

Getty Images

The dress was both ivory and white, incorporating hand-cut English lace and French Chantilly lace, appliqued by hand. The work was done by artisans from the Royal School of Needlework, based at Hampton Court Palace. (Psst, they offer day classes!)

Getty Images

From the Palace news release:

“Individual flowers have been hand-cut from lace and hand-engineered onto ivory silk tulle to create a unique and organic design, which incorporates the rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock.”

Some of us immediately thought of Grace Kelly’s gown, with its similar use of lace and high neck, tasteful and elegant.

EPA (L), Sipa Press/Rex Features (R)

Prince William wore the uniform of Colonel of the Irish Guards. He is commissioned in all three armed services, but the Army’s honorary Irish Guards position is his highest military title. The best man, his brother Prince Harry,wore the uniform of Captain of the Household Cavalry, also called the Blues and Royals.

Paul Rogers/Pool/The Times/AP Photo

Kate’s sister Pippa did a masterful job managing the train, almost 9′ long.

Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty Images

More on the dress from the news release:

“The ivory satin bodice, which is narrowed at the waist and padded at the hips, draws on the Victorian tradition of corsetry and is a hallmark of Alexander McQueen’s designs.  The back is finished with 58 gazar and organza covered buttons fastened by Rouleau loops.”

Via AOL's Royal Wedding

The veil needed to be simple and it was.  Made of ivory silk tulle, there were no gathers, it wasn’t hooped, just flat, allowing the focus to be on the bride and her gown.

Getty Images

The tiara was by Cartier, loaned to the bride by the Queen, definitely fitting the ‘something borrowed’ category.

AP Television News

‘Something new’ came in the form of a gift from her parents, diamond drop earrings shaped like oak leaves with a pave diamond acorn suspended in the middle. Pippa wore a similar pair, both pair were made by Robinson Pelham, and said to be inspired by the Middleton family’s new coat of arms, which includes oak leaves and acorns.

The bride’s wedding ring was made from Welsh gold by Wartski, an upscale jeweler and antiques firm located in Mayfair. The ring was crafted from a piece of Welsh gold given to the couple by the Queen.

AP Television News

Using Welsh gold for wedding rings is a royal tradition going back almost a century. Wartski is no stranger to Royal commissions, they made Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles’ wedding rings.

One of the more intriguing questions, “What did Harry say to William?” was answered by The Telegraph, they used a lipreader, evidently he whispered “Wait ’til you see her”.

And William’s words to Kate?

““You look beautiful…Yes, it looks fantastic, it’s beautiful…”

Via The News (Portsmouth, UK)

(Please give us a moment to gather ourselves and find another hankie.)

Pippa Middleton was also busy with the other wedding attendants.

Associated Press

The bridesmaids included Grace van Cutsem, Eliza Lopes, Lady Louise Windsor, and Margarita Armstrong-Jones.

Paul Rogers/WPA Pool/Getty

The young page boys and bridesmaids were darling. Young Master Pettifer seemed to be enjoying himself enormously.

PHOTO:Getty Images

Below, Lady Louise Windsor and Margarita Armstrong-Jones.

Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Their dresses were made from the same fabric as the wedding gown, and embroidered with their names and the date. We liked their satin flats.

Some have said the Maid of Honour stole the show. She was also in McQueen.

Reuters (L) / Getty Images (R)

The chic and elegant gown was surprisingly close in color to her sister’s white and ivory dress. While absolutely beautiful, we think the focus remained where it was supposed to be, on the bride. Below, Pippa beams with two of her young charges as they head to the Palace following the ceremony.

Sean Gallup/Getty Images

The couple are not only well-suited temperamentally, but also physically.

Press Association

The service itself was lovely, with the British pomp and pageantry that has been perfected over the centuries.

Press Association

The crowds waiting for the traditional balcony appearance were enormous.

Oli Scarff/Getty Images

They were not disappointed.

The Daily Mail

All in all, it was an extraordinary event, to some degree because getting from here…

PHOTO: Reuters

To here….

PA via The Daily Mail

…is an amazing accomplishment. Doing so as the whole world watches is remarkable.

John Stillwell/Pool/AP

The gown was precisely what it needed to be: breathtaking and understated, with an elegance that will stand the test of time. Classic and contemporary at the same time, it was ‘very Kate’.

After the balcony appearance and the early reception, the couple made a surprise appearance.

Matt Dunham/AP

Who do you think decorated the car?

Christoper Furlong/Getty Images

In opening his homily, the Bishop of London quoted St. Catherine of Siena: ““Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.”

We can only hope that is true for the couple as they move forward. It seems they have made a significant step on that path. Echoing what we said earlier this morning on Twitter, I think we all needed a fairy tale. We got that this morning. 

We’ll have more later on what other people wore to the wedding, the hits and misses (oh my, there were some fashion faux pas!), and there will also be more later on WhatKateWore.

Until then, may the sun be shining on your corner of the globe!

A Tale of Two Stories, Bridal Party Designer Revealed, Tonight’s Royal Gala

Today’s post is a challenge.

We can’t simply revel in fun and frivolity while ignoring the other news of the day.

Dusty Compton/The Tuscaloosa News/AP

Having personal experience with tornadoes when covering news, we can only say that written descriptions are inadequate.

International Business Times/AP Photo

Above, images from Tuscaloosa last night.

The atmosphere after a tornadic event is beyond explanation, well beyond weird or eerie or any other term I can think of.  The best I can say is it is quiet.  There is an odd silence and the air itself feels funny. Below, north of Centreville, Alabama last night.

Tony Laubach/TornadoesKick.com

People come slowly out of whatever shelter remains, asking “Is it gone? Is it over?”

Gary Cosby, Jr./The Decatur Daily/AP

A few will come out running, racing to find those they love.

Bernard Troncale/Birmingham News/AP

Or those they don’t know at all.

Jeff Roberts/AP Photo/Birmingham News

When the event comes at night one is even more unsteady, there is no sound, no light, no nothing. Only the sound of generators, once they kick in, for those that have them.

Jeff Roberts/Birmingham News/AP

Daylight brings painful realities.

Jeff Roberts/Birmingham News/AP

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted by this disaster.

Dave Martin/AP Photo

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We move on to events across the pond, where it is has been a day filled with last-minute rehearsals, comings and goings, smiles and glad-handing, and this evening’s gala for the out-of-town royals.

The day started with one more walk-through at Westminster Abbey; Prince Harry and Kate Middleton were on hand but Prince William did not participate.

Enigma via The Daily Mail

Young attendants took part in the rehearsal as well, below we see 8-year-old Tom Pettifer, one of the page boys, and Lady Louise Windsor, aged 7, she is the daughter of The Earl and Countess of Wessex (aka Prince Edward and his wife Sophie).

Roland Hoskins/The Daily Mail

We do know the young ladies will be wearing dresses by Nicki Macfarlane, below we see designs from the designer’s 2010/2011 collections.  (Be advised if thinking about checking this site, it seems to be melting down from the increased traffic.)

Nicki MacFarlane Courtesy Image

Ms. Macfarlane has done bespoke dresses for some time, only recently did she start offering RTW (ready to wear) designs. Below, another look at Young Master Pettifer and Miss Windsor.

Eddie Mulholland/The Telegraph

We see Pippa Middleton below, holding the hand of Grace van Cutsem, on the right William (Billy) Lowther-Pinkerton heads into the rehearsal.

Roland Hoskins

We don’t know if the third young bridesmaid, Eliza Lopes, was at this morning’s run-through or not. We show her below in images from an earlier post on the wedding party.

Via The Daily Mail

In addition to hearing about the wedding party’s attire, we are learning what some of the more notable guests will be wearing.  Prince Harry’s guest, Chelsy Davy, will be in two dresses by Alberta Ferretti, for the wedding she will wear aqua with a matching jacket, and for tomorrow night’s party at the palace, a midnight blue one-shouldered design.

Courtesy Alberta Ferretti

The Duchess of Cornwall will wear a creation by Anna Valentine, the designer of the dress for her marriage to Prince Charles.

Getty Images

The Duchess was out and about this afternoon, greeting those camped out on the mall.

Getty Images

Throughout the day the bride, her family and others involved in tomorrow’s events have been smiling, looking quite relaxed.

WENN.com

John Nguyen

This evening the family is safely ensconced at their hotel, below the Middleton ladies arrive at the Goring, left to right, Pippa, Carole, and Kate.

Chris Eads/Reuters

Perhaps one of the most important items brought into the hotel today:

Rex Features via The Telegraph

A sewing machine. Brilliant.

Oh, the groom? He did a walkabout this evening, greeting those gathered on the processional route.

AP Television News

While the Middletons are settled in at The Goring, others are at the Mandarin Oriental for tonight’s big dinner.  The Queen was in periwinkle blue, on the right we see Prince Charles and Camilla.

Prince Edward and Sophie, she looked lovely in red.

Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty

We have a slight concern about the frock Princess Beatrice selected, parts of it look awfully… shiny. Perhaps this is merely an unfortunate camera angle.

Luke MacGregor/Reuters

Others at the gala, Prince Pavlos and Princess Marie Chantal of Greece, on the right we see Prince Daniel and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden.

Getty Images

A favorite with the fashion crowd, Princess Letizia is seen in an elegant grey sleeveless gown, husband Prince Felipe is seen on the left, Queen Sofia is on the right.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Another look at Princess Letizia’s gown, simply stunning.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

We leave you with two things today, the first, another photo from the couple’s shoot with Mario Testino.

Mario Testino

That is the image on the official program.(You can look at the program here.)

The other is the music you will when all is said and done, and the couple turns, and heads up the aisle and out of the abbey.  

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ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty