Category: Style

My Fashion Favorites of The Royal Wedding

My Fashion Favorites of The Royal Wedding

thelifestylelady

Howdy Y’all,

Well what a wonderful weekend that was, it makes me so proud to see my country displayed in so much pomp and pageantry. It is something we do so well. The God’s were with us and sent the most beautiful day and when the sun shines with a backdrop like Windsor, fairytales really do come true. Today I am sharing a few of my favorite looks from the wedding. I can honestly say I don’t think I have seen such exciting fashion choices since Diana days. I genuinely was beaming at the beautiful dresses worn, everyone came with their A game. There is nothing like a Royal Wedding to set trends and since we are at the beginning of the wedding season I wanted to share some of the themes I noticed.

  1. Pale Pink. This was by far the most popular color choice or perhaps it was the color chosen by the most fashionable women which is a winner. It is such a soft and romantic color and would be perfect if you have a summer wedding coming up.
  2. Strong Color, in contrast to the pale and softness of the pink, we did see strong gem colors, there was plenty of purple, emerald green and viridian. I did wonder if guests were expecting a colder, greyer day. May can be a difficult month in the UK as the weather is so changeable. It can be gorgeous one and like winter the next. If you have a fall or winter wedding these styles would be fantastic.
  3. Embroidered and Hand Painted Dresses. These were so eye-catching and beautiful, it also could probably be worn all year round.

I now will share some of the best looks of the wonderful day:-

 

Pippa Middleton

Outfit: The Fold.

Loved this look, it was Spring in  a dress. The color, the pattern was breathtaking, the mint green was so fresh and the blossom design screamed May in England. The style, the way it fit just spoke to a modern elegance. In true Pippa style it was the whole look which was mesmerizing, her hat was chic and neat and shoes modern and fun all finished with a simple clutch. Class act.

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Pretty Pink Dress

A trend amongst the female guests was pale pink, this female guest who I apologize I do not know showed us how to dress for a beautiful spring wedding. I loved the bracelet length sleeve, the dress’s midi length and of course it’s color. The simple design fit in with the wedding theme and supported the less is more theory. Her cream hat and chignon hair style just oozed class.
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Jacinda Barrett and Gabriel Macht

Outfit: Emilia Wickstead

These two were one of my best dressed couples, I adored the strong color. The way Gabriel matches her dress with his tie choice is romantic and a lovely touch. It is elegant and demur but has a modern look without being frumpy. My only slight complaint is her hair which I would have preferred to see tied up,  it would have shown off the beautiful shoulder details of the dress. What a handsome couple.
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HRH Countess of Wessex

Outfit: Suzanne.

HRH showed women in their fifties how to dress, I loved this not simply because it was so different to anything else, but it was one of the most fashion forward and interesting outfits of the day. Surprisingly the pale blue and grey color was worn by few others. What I thought was bold was the length of the skirt, we didn’t see much midi/long length outfits, the fabric of the skirt with a slight shimmer which shone and twinkled in the sunshine and the texture/pattern of the top. She accessorized with a simple hat and her hair beautifully styled in a pleat. Again she kept the bag and shoes simple so the outfit shined. HRH rocked this look.
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Sarah Rafferty & Santtu Seppala

Outfit by Lanvin

Arguably one of the most attractive couples to attend, I liked her outfit although the navy did look a little dark/hard for the beautiful May sunshine, it did compliment her hair. I enjoyed her more fashion forward approach the sleeve and stud detail. I loved the netting over her face and the proportion of the hat was perfect in contrast to the sleeves. I had to mention her husband who looked sublime and displayed morning dress as its finest.
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Another Beautiful Pink Dress

Another lady who I thought looked stunning in pale pink, the dress was simple, elegant and appropriate for the chapel setting. I like the hat although I felt it fought the bag I think carrying a simple clutch might have made the look more styled. Although I am a proponent of hair up when wearing a hat or fascinator I think this women carries it off. Very elegant.
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Serena Linley

I wish to call this the Out of Africa outfit as it has a Safari feel. I chose this because again I felt it was very different and I loved the fuller skirt look of it. The proportions of the belt with the collar works beautifully and compliments her figure. I would have liked to see it in another color. I also like her more traditional hat choice although it did fight the collar of the coat a little.
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A Classic Look

Again an unknown guest but a lady who knows how to dress. I adore a coat dress and this is so elegant. The color was so on trend in the pale pink and the fit upon her exquisite. I love the length and the slightly puffed sleeve, what I thinks also works is her hat, it compliments without fighting the look which just adds to the understated elegance. The button detail of the coat into the fuller skirt is beyond beautiful. She should be smiling because this was one of my fav looks of the day. This look will never date. Classy lady.
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Kitty Spencer

Outfit: Dolce and Gabanna

Well this beauty could not look more like her aunt, (Diana.) Everything about this look is breathtaking and this is not a color I would normally love. Her makeup is beyond stunning and the dress just fits her body like a glove, the color choice and fabric could make it look frumpy but the modern shape and hand painted design make it modern and fresh. Her hair and hat are elegant and the netting over her face just looks stunning. She makes the look fun and youthful with the orange and velvet bag and can we take a moment to look at the necklace, simple beautiful.
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Countess Spencer

Not to be outdone by her step-daughter Countess Spencer was one of the first to arrive for the wedding and she for me set the tone for the fashion stakes. The color might have been a little dark for the occasion but the bracelet length sleeve counter balanced it. She screamed sophistication and elegance. I loved the cape style but might not have wanted to sit behind her in that hat, not sure how much you would be able to see.
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Amal Clooney

Outfit: Stella McCartney

This seems to have been for most, the best dressed, I liked it but didn’t feel it was the best dressed. The color suited her complexion but I felt the design combined with the beautiful back detail/sash swamped her tiny frame, I think it might have looked better on a fuller figure. The hat was beautiful with the veil/netting but she did continually fidget with her hair throughout which suggested to me she was uncomfortable. It was a beautiful look and she does have George on her arm, although I think George might have looked better in a darker color.
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Marcus Mumford & Carrie Mulligan

Beautiful couple and she resonated with another fashion trend of the wedding the embroidered dress, they both looked happy and comfortable. I did think the black sash added a more modern edge and provided a contrast to the feminine sleeves and dress design.
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Pink Dress

Another unknown but very stylish guest the pale pink dress and the hat look sublime . A total contrast to the lady in the navy whose dress is too short. The neckline on the pink dress is to die for and the flower detail on the hat is exquisite.
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Sofia Wellesley and James Blunt

Outfit: Valentino

This might be my best dressed lady. What more needs to be said, it sings to spring and the embroidered dress trend. The little details like the collar and sleeve frill add interest. It it is so feminine and she accessorized it simply so the dress was central. It was so different, bold and pretty. I am sure this is a love/hate look but I loved loved loved it.
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Abigail Spencer and Priyanka Chopra

Outfit: Alessandra Rich and Vivienne Westwood

Firstly I loved the vintage feel of the spotty dress with the little collar, the hat, bag, belt and shoes all fitted the look. It was so different to anything else, it was so fun and flirty but still looked demur and appropriate. It was a fantastic example of showing your personality and style in a fun way.

Priyanka’s suit blew me away, it was a modern take on a traditional suit. The fit and color was stunning, the hat even complimented that beautiful neckline. The shoes I was less keen on, but overall she was one of the front runners for best dressed.
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Serena Williams

Outfit: Versace

Serena looked simply beautiful, again in pale pink but she showed ladies how to dress curves. I was not mad about the necklace but loved her hair back and the way she let the dress be central. Beautiful work.
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The Middleton Family

Very little to say about this stylish and elegant family. They show us all how to do it. Carol Middleton exudes the mantra of “if it aint broke” by wearing a dress/coat combo from Catherine Walker as she did for both her daughters. The mint green spoke to spring and looked effortless and age appropriate. The men look super.
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Julia Carey and James Corden

Outfit: Tom Ford

Love this couple. Best dressed by a mile and looked happy and honored to be there. She looked divine and he scrubbed up well in  morning suit. The best of British ambassadors.
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Stunning Pink Dress

Another favorite pink dress look with beautiful hat. I love the bow sleeve detail which makes this dress more interesting. The flower detail of the hat is so romantic and shouts wedding. Stunning guest.
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Gina Torres

This was another different look, the red lace dress complimented her skin tone exquisitely. I loved the midi length and the high neck. The beading detail and red and white color stopped it from looking frumpy. I also adored the panama style hat she accessorized with, it let the dress be central and spoke to the many women who don’t feel comfortable in a hat. She looked so chic and appropriate. I loved it.
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What looks did you love? Do you agree with me? Let me know.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

Ta Ta for now

Kx

House Tour- Part 1 Little L Bedroom

House Tour- Part 1 Little L Bedroom

thelifestylelady

Howdy Y’all

Today is a great day because I get to share with y’all the first room in our new home. If you have followed me for a while you will know I mentioned it was my intention to share areas of my home as the reached completion. The house is a labor of love, we purchased it back in March and after some hefty renovations we moved in June. If you have moved recently you will know what a time consuming project creating a home is. I bound into the house with lots of plans and ideas, after renting for an extended period. I couldn’t wait to choose colors and fabrics but at the same time was conscious not to make expensive mistakes. Choosing furniture that works and will stand the test of time is an investment. One thing I have learnt during my constant moving is the importance of getting the family settled. In my life this has meant always getting Little L’s room unpacked and surrounding her with the possessions she loves and that are familiar. With our new home this was no different. I wanted her room to be one of the first finished and I stuck true to my word and I share that with you today.

A brief synopsis to those of you who may not know, Little L is three and very nearly four. I was wanting her room to reflect a little girl and no longer a baby. A room which could adapt and grow with her as she develops. You will see in the below pictures she is not in a crib and we purchased her Jenny Lind toddler bed when she became two. It is our intention to change her to a bigger girl bed in the next year or two and I was conscious that the design of the room would have to be adaptable. The current need is for a pretty, creative, fun and imaginative space where she can play, relax, read and rest. I had such fun picking colors with her. I did give her carte blanche to choose the color of her room and I confess I was not disappointed with her choice. Little L loves pink and if you can not embrace that with full gusto when you are small when can you. We took the Benjamin Moore samples and decided on Elephant Pink. It is a very close match to Middleton Pink by Farrow and Ball and I was thrilled with the finish. I love the balance between strength of color and the light in the room. It is always important when choosing colors for your home (and I consider myself a semi-expert after the last few months) to consider the natural light in your home, its position in terms of how it faces and how much artificial light you have. These all matter to how successful a color will sit and suit your room, all this without touching on other textures and colors of the room.

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The finished room. A place where she loves to be.
You will see in the above photo, the finished room from her doorway. The beautiful window allows a plethora of natural light and I didn’t want to cover that with blinds, we found these linen Pottery Barn Kids drapes that we both liked. I was a little concerned at first about them being too pink but I knew that I would be changing her bed out in the long term which will be bringing much more white and textile to the pink. The linen fabric of the drapes softens the color and the bows add some texture and interest. My only bug bare is that they crease and I am forever steaming them!

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I am also intending when she progresses to a bigger bed to get another rug but for this short time, this works. It works well to define space for her and she knows this is her rest/sleep place. You will note the furry bean bag propped up against the window, one thing about a toddler bed is that they are not designed for comfortable story telling for the teller. In my and Mr L’s advanced years this provides some comfort for us. It is handy for her to lift and move around the room if she is playing in other areas. The book manger at the end of her bed is marvelous. We did originally have a book case and I often found she was more reluctant to go and explore her books or alternatively she would make a total mess pulling everything out. This has really helped. It holds some of her total faves and I often transfer books around so she always reads different things. It is a total LL love.

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A close up and you can see all the books she loves. Plus the shelf underneath is great for additional storage.
In the first picture you could not see perhaps my favorite part of the room which is to the right of the door and that is her teepee and dress up area. Little L much like her parents loves to read and this teepee provides a wonderful place to snuggle up with her favorite soft toys read and play. I am not sure how clear it is from my photograph but the inside is lined with fairy lights which are on a timer and add to the cozy feel. I placed a patchwork quilt on the base which breaks the color up and is dead easy to lift and wash which is necessary when having a tea party with the fairies (they love goldfish apparently!) I placed a variety of throw pillows in different shapes and sizes at the back and sides. This allows the tent to keep its shape and it is more comfortable. You can see from the picture that the Princesses and Peppa family are very comfortable.

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Under the flower garland you will see another of my crafty efforts where I made a dream catcher. This was simple to make and I think it adds a statement. You can of course buy these but I couldn’t find one I liked enough and I have been happy with the result. It works well in the room, what is not clear is that is also has beads and bells on the end which add some playful interest. The flower garland which again was made by Martha Stewart  me. It is a recent addition and I think it adds a little sophistication, color and texture to the space. I also adore flowers and this was a wonderful way to add country flowers that wont die or get spilt. I love that I could incorporate Roses in the project. Little L often refers to it as part of her fairy garden.

Next to her teepee is her dress up space. She loves to dress up and is a different princess every morning. I wanted a place where they were easily accessible, pretty, functional and organized and this has all bases covered. I really encourage independence and want her to do as much for herself as possible. There is plenty of hanging space a shelf at the top for crowns, tiaras, hats etc and she can reach it. Plus underneath a place to store all the shoes and other paraphernalia. I love the pretty design, I hate to compromise beauty for function. The mirror next to her allows her to get see herself easily and safely. Plus it all matches.

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I will let you into a little secret, I hide some of the ugly things behind her door. The two strings hold her hair accessories and this horrendous cheap shoe holder is on the back of her door and works very well for holding her Barbie dolls and her plastic toys. She also can reach and put them away herself.

If you remember from the first picture you will have noticed the most stunning dolls house which was a beautiful gift from a dear friend. I was very keen to get this up and off the floor and have enough space so that she could open and play with it. It also helps stop items from creeping on the floor. It looks beautiful in the corner and creates a lovely focal point.

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Below I share some other areas of the room.

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This is such a special picture for me and I hope she will always have on her wall

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Another picture taken from her bathroom door. You can see her draws, I changed the knobs to make it look a little different
The most important thing to me is that I have a happy client, who loves to play in this room and I love to play with her. I will share the next phase of the room when she moves to a big girl bed next year. Hope you enjoyed it, any questions please get in touch.

Ta Ta for now

 

Kx

 

Fashion Hack – Breaking in new shoes!

Fashion Hack – Breaking in new shoes!

thelifestylelady

Howdy Y’all,

Sorry it has been a little quiet on TLL this week, I have continued feeling ill. I swear that we are playing football with germs at the moment in the Lifestyle household. I can not say I am on my deathbed but just low grade things which seem to sap my energy, plus honestly I am finding all the negativity surrounding us at the moment a little draining. I am lacking inspiration and creativity. As I mentioned in an earlier post I am not sure what I think about the current election result, if you remove policies and the political element, I have to say I am so disappointed not to see a women elected. Privately as a mother of a daughter I am a little depressed that we have not been able to remove one of the final glass ceilings. It is difficult to say to your daughter that the world is her oyster and that she can be whomever or whatever she wishes because I feel like that is a lie. I do struggle to accept a leader who has verbalized such utter disrespect for women, but I believe everyone makes mistakes and we can all get swept away. Plus my gut tells me that he does respect women. So I pray that now the bravado and razzmatazz of the campaigns are over we can all put on our big girl/boy panties, accept the result and move forwards as much as possible in peace and harmony. After all that is democracy and how lucky are we to have the freedom to vote. I also remind myself how far we as women have come, less that a hundred years ago women could not even vote in the US.

Today I wanted to share with you a hack which works. Are you like me and love to read all the beauty or fashion hacks you can digest? One thing I hate is breaking in new shoes, which is bonkers for a women who loves shoes like TLL. I will tell you a secret, one of the first purchases I made when we moved to the US almost six years ago was a pair of Tory Burch leopard flats. I had always admired them and I was secretly thrilled when I added them to my closet, happy that was until I tried wearing them. Oh golly goodness they were unbearable. I hate blisters (I don’t know anyone who like them!) I think I must have very sensitive feet (I am a delicate petal.) They were so uncomfortable that I was looking to buy other flats with same pattern in a different brand – which is barmey. I love how the Tory Burch ones look on the feet, I thought I wont be beaten and I want to wear them this winter, so I set about finding a hack that would help make them comfortable. I read plenty which involved rubbing alcohol or soaking in water, none which would work with these particular fabric shoes. I then came across one which required a thick pair of socks, a hairdryer and the culprits (uncomfortable shoes.) You are required to warm your socks with the hairdryer for two minutes and then put them on (careful not to burn yourself) and then place said culprits on and wear them around for ten minutes. I was expecting this to be useless but surprisingly it has worked. I intend to do a few more times, but it certainly has made a difference. I always mean to wear them about the house to break them in, but honestly I either forget or by the time I get home the appeal of comfy slippers has the upper hand. So I wanted to share this with you, it is great when we can share things that help or save time, especially in the holiday season.

 

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Who would have thought that these items could help me never have another blister! Plus these shoes are so cute they must be worn.

 

 

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One could never accuse me of being vain for the blog. How sexy is this look? Who cares if it means I can wear these shoes out and about. Plus I have biro marks on my legs from Little L who found great amusement drawing on my legs during her 3 year wellness check today. Whatever keeps the peace #momlife.

 

I wish you a happy Wednesday.

Ta Ta for now

TLL x