About That Other Royal Wedding & The Pope Gets An iPad

Hello-Hello, it is a simply gorgeous day here in The Great Midwest, sunny, breezy, beautiful.

Today we look at this weekend’s big doings in Monaco, where Prince Albert II is marrying Charlene Wittstock.

Eric Gaillard/Reuters

The tiny principality is getting gussied up for the marriage of Grace Kelly’s only son and the former South African Olympic swimmer.  Below we show the couple at a horse-jumping competition this weekend, left to right: the Prince, Ms. Wittstock, the Prince’s niece, Charlotte Casiraghi and his sister Princess Caroline of Hanover.

Eric Gaillard/Reuters

An article about the wedding in the Times last week has generated a significant amount of buzz, in part because it does not portray Ms. Wittstock’s life as particularly enjoyable.

“FOR four years, Charlene Wittstock lived mostly in the shadows, waiting for Prince Albert II of Monaco to propose.

With no job, no college degree and no knowledge of French, she was installed by him in a small apartment in the center of the tiny Mediterranean principality, far away from home in South Africa. With no official status, she appeared at the side of the prince when summoned, to smile a lot but to say little.”

Lionel Cironneau/AP

Above, the couple at a parade in Monaco last week, below they are shown at Formula Events, also last month.

Eric Gaillard-Reuters / Pascal Le Segretain-Getty

Back to the article by Elaine Sciolino:

Asked in the same interview whether she was afraid of protocol and the relentless glare of the press, she choked. “No, I am not nervous, or … I’m quite excited actually, so …” she said. She then turned to Prince Albert, asking, “What do you want me to say?”

“No, it’s fine!” he assured her.

To be fair, the couple often appear to be enjoying each other’s company immensely. The stress that comes with a massive production like this weekend’s dual ceremonies and accompanying hoopla would be expected to have an impact. Below we see the Prince and Ms. Wittstock at a fundraiser in Cannes this May.

Francois Mori/AP Photo

The piece touches on a sensitive topic:

Ms. Wittstock has been both praised and vilified for appearing to imitate the style of Albert’s mother, who died in a car crash in 1982. Ms. Wittstock sometimes wears the same blond chignon, muted colors, and elegant, tailored dresses as did Princess Grace.

Getty Images

Yet we have to ask, if one wants to appear well put-together, chic, elegant and approachable, how else do they dress other than in garments with clean, unfussy lines in solid colors?  On a more positive note, the story shares this:

“No strangers to tabloid snipes, Prince Albert’s sisters, Princesses Caroline and Stéphanie, have taken Ms. Wittstock under their wings. In an interview with Paris Match, Princess Stéphanie described Ms. Wittstock as “strong” but “very sensitive.” She added, “I try to reassure her. To help her.”

One can only shudder when thinking how much they have dealt with the tabloids over the years.

An Associated Press story that started running this weekend is also getting a lot of play, it looks at phenomenon the couple will be unable to overcome: “Monaco’s long-awaited bride competing with 2 icons: Princess Grace and Princess Kate“.

“And as if the blue-eyed Hollywood beauty-turned-beloved princess didn’t cast a long enough shadow, Albert’s long-awaited marriage to Wittstock comes on the heels of the royal wedding of the decade, Kate Middleton’s union with Britain’s Prince William.”

Below, the couple is seen heading into that April 29th wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton.

Carl D Souza/AFP/Getty

True confession: yours truly is very fond of the coat worn by Ms. Wittstock to the wedding. (Very fond.)  Back to a bit more from the the AP article:

With the help of Giorgio Armani, Wittstock has blossomed over the years into the very picture of understated chic, in beige sheath dresses and sharp-lined gray pantsuits.

When her engagement was announced last June, there was little doubt the Italian couturier would design Wittstock’s wedding dress. That also meant there has been none of the frenetic guessing games that surrounded the identity of the designer of Kate Middleton’s wedding gown, kept under lock-down until the moment the now-Duchess of Cambridge stepped into Westminster Abbey.

There has been no lack of online conversation about “why aren’t people more interested in the Monaco wedding?!” Several reasons come to mind:

• despite the allure of Princess Grace and all she embodies, to a younger generation the emotional appeal has never equaled that of an older demographic
• Prince Albert is not a young man, nor is he perceived with the same royal cachet enjoyed by Prince William and Prince Harry, plus there are those pesky issues of infidelity and out-of-wedlock children
• While Monaco carries a certain fairytale cachet it lacks power; it is often gazed at as a wee, tiny, “isn’t-it-a-cute-Kingdom?”; it also lacks power players, like Queen Elizabeth.

The very premise of the second article we feature begs debate: does anyone know that Ms. Wittstock believes herself to be in competition with either Princess Grace or the Duchess of Cambridge? While it is only natural to hope you fill a spouse with pride and aren’t compared negatively to a parent, let alone a deceased icon of Grace’s standing, your correspondent imagines the bride-to-be has her hands full dealing with this weekend’s events and all that follows, it sounds like more than enough to keep her mind on things other than how her wedding compares to that of her husband’s parents or the couple several countries over on the map.

At any rate, we’ll probably be camped out in front of the either the television or computer this weekend, reveling in some of the pretty pictures, hoping it is a dream come true for everyone involved. .

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Next, two very quick items, the first making us ask, have you ever seen such a sad scene on the runway?

PHOTOS: Imaxtree via Fashionista

Apparently this unhappy young man cried all the way down the runway at Paris Fashion Week, Fashionista has more on the weepy spectacle.

The nature of our second little tidbit mandates we advise TQM (The Queen Mother) to step away from the computer.

Imagine the voice of the Great and Powerful Oz from behind the curtain booming at TQM:

“There’s nothing to see here, move along.”

“We said step AWAY from the computer.”

There, that’s better. (We feared the following might send her into orbit.)

Via Mashable

That is not a joke, it is the first Tweet from Pope Benedict XVI, suggesting followers (of the Lord, not Twitter followers) might want to visit the Vatican’s new site.

Via News.va (The Vatican Today)

We can proudly say TQM is an early adopter, starting to use her iThing (as she calls it) *long* before the Pope started using his. (By at least a week, heh, heh, heh.)

On that remarkable image we say goodbye until next time!

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.

A Busy Week for the Ralph Lauren Clan, An Unexpected Royal Wedding Dress Reaction

Hello-Hello, please forgive the lack of a post yesterday, things have been crazy-busy here at the Prepatorium.

We begin today with an update on someone we don’t follow in-depth, Dylan Lauren of Dylan’s Candy Bar notoriety.

Photo via Lifeguard Press

There is a significant amount of buzz surrounding the entrepreneur’s activities of late, not all of it limited to her popular candy stores. Some of it involves the launch of her new Stationery and Gifts line with our friends at Lifeguard Press.  Above she is seen at the official début of the new collection yesterday, wearing one of the Candy Bar Tiaras.

Ms. Lauren is also going to be featured on the cover of the May 23 Forbes.

Courtesy Forbes

From that story:

“When your dad is worth $5.8 billion, it’s not like you need to work for a living. But Dylan Lauren, 36, daughter of fashion mogul Ralph Lauren, devotes round-the-clock energy to her ten-year-old retail sweets business, Dylan’s Candy Bar.”

Some pieces from the new stationery collection are available now, like tableware for parties, pens, and sticker sets.

Dylan's Candy Bar at Lifeguard Press

Future additions to the line include agendas, scented iPhone cases and candles.

Ms. Lauren continues to work on expanding her original candy store business as she looks at other endeavors:

“The Manhattan flagship just got a liquor license and opened a redesigned upstairs space to serve candy-themed cocktails as well as pizza, cupcakes and ice cream. There’s talk of a children’s book and a TV show.

To see the entire Forbes story, click here.

In related news, expect to see Dylan, as well as the other Lauren kids on Oprah tomorrow, part of a show featuring Oprah’s interview with their father, Ralph Lauren.

Photos via Styleite.com

As portrayed in USA Today, the “queen of daytime is taking on the king of the runway.” (Cough-cough.)  Here is more from the paper’s story:

“As part of her élite eight — those last eight shows — Oprah Winfrey is sitting down Wednesday with the famously press-shy Ralph Lauren, who is giving his first TV interview in nearly 20 years, according to Harpo, and opening up his RRL Ranch outside Telluride, Colo., also a TV first.”

It is common knowledge within the industry Mr. Lauren is not at all fond of television interviews, tomorrow’s show is likely to do a huge number. (Translation: the show should have big ratings.)

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We bring you a quick look at a line we weren’t aware of until today, Regatta.

Regatta

The company’s runway show at Philippine Fashion Week caught our attention, the pieces are from the Holiday 2011 collection.

Via Regatta Facebook Page

Clearly derivative of sailing and beachside motifs, the line was intriguing.

Via Regatta Facebook Page

The downside is that we don’t see any locations where Regatta is sold in the US, so we can’t speak to the quality of the clothing. (A caveat if thinking about looking for the company’s wares online, this is not the same as the UK’s Regatta, a much older firm whose quality we can attest to.)

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A note for royal readers, expect to see author Andrew Morton simply everywhere as he hits the promotion circuit for his new book, “William & Catherine: Their Story“.

Borders.com

Mr. Morton is perhaps best known for his books on Princess Diana.

From his biography:

“He became an overnight sensation with the publication of his groundbreaking 1992 biography revealing the secret world of the late Diana, Princess of Wales.”

Although the book was published just three days after the wedding, the serious publicity only started yesterday, with appearances on morning shows, with lots more on the schedule.  The timing coincides with the launch of Mr. Morton’s new website, The Morton Report. To read excerpts from the new book, click here.

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We leave you with a “Help Me understand,” for your devoted correspondent is confused and we just know you can provide insight. Our question involves a surprising reaction to the Kate Middleton wedding gown, it seems a burgeoning number of fashion stories feature similar headlines, “________________ dresses like Kate Middleton at ______________” whatever event.  A case in point, Penelope Cruz and the Givenchy dress worn for the UK première of the latest Pirates film.

Photos: Courtesy Givenchy/Getty Images/AP

From The Daily Mail:

Very Kate Middleton! Penelope Cruz wears white lace to Pirates London premiere

“It had been said that Kate Middleton’s wedding dress would influence bridalwear for years to come.

But it seems her Alexander McQueen lace gown is influencing more than that, as Penelope Cruz showed when she arrived at the premiere of Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides in London last night wearing a full-length white lace dress”

Really? Are we supposed to believe that Penelope Cruz and/or her stylist saw the Sarah Burton/Alexander McQueen wedding gown and said “Oh, I must have something like Kate Middleton’s dress to wear in two weeks for the UK opening”?! We think not. (Unfortunately this is not one of Ms. Cruz’s best looks, she is generally in something much more flattering.)

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Our final note (so we don’t leave you thinking we are a Crankenstein), some of our favorite new pillows, perfect for the sailor in your family.

Cottage Coastal Store

One would also make a splendid hostess gift for your next visit to a friend’s cottage. On that happy thought we say g’bye until next time!

A Gossip Girl at Prep World Launch & Kate’s Coming to California

Hello-Hello, we are just all adither, business and volunteer commitments have combined to make the time fly by, so we are brief.

We begin with a more in-depth look at the Prep World pop-up shop.

Tommy Hilfiger

From a NY Times story about the store:

“It could have come straight from the Hamptons or Martha’s Vineyard, or “The Wizard of Oz.” Instead, it came from a warehouse in Yonkers, a pop-up dwelling built to look like a fancy beach vacation house, and assembled in less than three days on newly planted sod in Gansevoort Plaza.”

The cottage/shop is designed to have a weathered feel.

Via Dazed Digital

The store opened with a party last night, bringing out a number of celebrities, below we see John Legend and Christine Teigen, as well as model Jessica Stam and Gossip Girl’s Jessica Szohr.

Steve Eichner/WWD

Prep World is a collaborative effort between “TOPH/True Prep” author Lisa Birnbach, and mass merchandiser Tommy Hilfiger.  Below we see the best selling author at last night’s party with actress Hayley Atwell, on the right, Mr. Hilfiger with his wife, Dee.

Steve Eichner/WWD

Teen Vogue has photos from inside the store.

Via Teen Vogue

Why do the limited edition line? More from the Liz Robbins story in the Times:

“The preppy lifestyle has gone global,” he said. “We feel that our business has grown so well because preppy travels so well. It’s all-American classic.”

Via Teen Vogue

Below, merchandise from the 60-piece collection, the Fabric Boat Shoe, and the Anchor Tote.

Via Tommy Hilfiger

More of Mr. Hilfiger’s thoughts on the designs from the Times story:

“When you’re wearing it, maybe you feel like you are a yachtsman,” Mr. Hilfiger said of the line. “Or if you’re wearing something madras, you feel like you’re out on the lawn playing croquet, or if you’re wearing something beachy, you feel like a surfer. It has a lot of different meanings to a lot of different people.”

Shot By Jake

That is true, the word definitely has very different connotations to people.  Just how different? Well, most preps we know wouldn’t even consider wearing these shoes, yet they have already proven to be very popular with the more fashionable crowd.

Tommy Hilfiger

More photos from the store may be found on the the Hilfiger Facebook page.

Tommy Hilfiger

Fortunately there are a number of the cottages, because the London shop in Covent Garden is opening as we type, with another Gossip Girl star on hand, Ed Westwick.  For more detailed background on the collaboration, click here for our original post.

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Our other tidbits involve Prince William and Kate (more formally The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge). St James’s Palace has verified the newlyweds will visit the US, spending three days in California. They are expected July 8-10, following almost ten days in Canada. From The Telegraph’s story:

“While on tour, the Duke and Duchess will take part in Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa on July 1. They are also expected to zigzag across then country, visiting the Arctic, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Alberta.

It will be the Duchess’s longest time in the public eye to date, with the world’s media scrutinising all that she wears, says and does.

The Duchess will have more than enough time to prepare herself – and her wardrobe – for the trip.”

And for those curious about how photographers managed to keep the young bridesmaids and pages entertained while taking the formal photos, The Daily Mail has a cute story explaining the secret.

“…a £1 ‘wiggly worm’ which Camilla revealed yesterday had been bought by her stepson Prince Harry especially for the occasion.

Yesterday, the Duchess revealed that she had been ‘terribly worried’ that three-year-old Eliza and the other bridesmaids might find the event overwhelming.

AFP/Getty

“‘Harry pulled this wiggly worm out of his pocket in the carriage to keep them amused. Eliza loved it so much that she wouldn’t let go and it even made the official photographs.

‘Can you believe it? She was holding onto my finger but in her other hand was this worm.

The young lady was absolutely precious, and very well-behaved throughout the day’s events.

AFP/Getty

On that darling image we say goodbye until next time!

Target’s Next Designer Collaboration, & It Was Bobbi Brown for Kate Middleton

Hello-Hello, happy middle-of-the-week to everyone.

We begin with what could be wonderful news, word that Le Boutique Targét’s next collaborative partnership will be with Missoni.

Stefano Rellandini/Reuters; Luca Bruno/AP via The NY Times

The styles above are from 2007, but you get the idea. For those unfamiliar with the brand, Missoni is known for their strong designs, saturated in lush, vibrant colors.  Below, Alessia Piovan in Missoni, surrounded by pieces from the home collection during Milan Design Week last month.

Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty

Below we see Margherita Missoni at Monday’s Met Ball with Joy Bryant.

Mike Segar/Reuters

Vogue broke the news:

“…the 400-plus fruits of their collaboration (the biggest to date, apparently) will hit Target stores nationwide, the latest in a long line of couplings for the retailer (Proenza Schouler and Rodarte among them). Everything from clothes (women’s, men’s, kids’), to bed sheets, to enough dinnerware to set the table for colazione, pranzo, and cena—all in plenty of Missoni’s swirls, zigzags, and near-hallucinogenic florals.”

Although concerned by sentiment that the Target/Calypso collaboration is sub-par, we are optimistic this will be a strong collection. Our favorite part of the group is likely to be things made for the home.  Below, Missoni dinnerware shown at Milan.

Getty Images

Missoni Rugs via Verde Design Studio .

Verde Design Studio

A look at the results of this spring’s collaboration between Missoni and Converse,

Via High Snobiety

The spring 2011 Chuck Taylor All-Stars by Missoni come in a number of color palettes.

Via High Snobiety

More formal shoes.

Via Shoeblog

The company has been busy, a collaboration with Bugaboo was just announced as well.

Via Missoni

The line is slated to launch September 13.

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Next, we look at a line being shown at Australian Fashion Week, now underway in Sydney. The designer is Lisa Ho, we may have a new obsession.

All Photos by Getty Images

The clean lines, structured cut and strong colors make the designs more-than-appealing.

All Photos by Getty Images

This is something your intrepid scribe feels the need to investigate.

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Another follow-up to our royal wedding coverage, word on who helped Kate Middleton with her makeup. From the Bobbi Brown FB page:

“We are proud to confirm that Bobbi Brown Cosmetics makeup artist Hannah Martin provided makeup artistry assistance to members of the bridal party for the Royal Wedding. We wish to respect the privacy of all those involved, and therefore will not be releasing further details.”

The company has a step-by-step primer for those interested in learning more about the look, or trying it themselves.

Via Bobbi Brown FB page

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We have news about still more ‘copy-Kate’ gowns, dresses imitating the Sarah Burton/Alexander McQueen dress created for the newly titled Duchess of Cambridge.

Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty

Here is the version made for House of Fraser, a UK retailer. The Belfast Telegraph has more:

“Local dressmaker Mary Rose McGrath was among the hundreds of designers who got to work making cut-price copies of the regal look.

Her take on the gown, made of French lace and delicate ivory fabric, was put together in less than 24 hours.

It is said to be a perfect replica of Kate’s dress.”

Below, the McGrath dress.

Via Mary Rose McGrath

Ms. McGrath displays her Royal Replica gown.

Via Mary Rose McGrath

We’ll have more on this knockoff and others at our sister site, What Kate Wore, later today. (We already have a lengthy piece looking at other dresses copying both Kate and Pippa Middleton’s gowns, including one Nordstrom is offering.)

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We leave you with today’s Pretty in Pink, personalized hard candy.

Yum Baked Goods

How darling would that be as a wedding favor? The candies are from etsy seller Yum Baked Goods, and they come in a variety of colors.We also like the company’s Tie the Knot rings.

Yum Baked Goods

Until next time, g’bye!