The Design Files - Royal Wedding Dresses
You may have heard that there's a royal wedding this weekend in the U.K.I'm very curious about Meghan's wedding dress. Her style is classic. She wears the clothes, not the other way around. Meghan's not jumping on every random trend and clearly knows what works for her figure. The only look I didn't love was her dress for her official engagement photos. The dress was stunning but I wasn't sure why she was wearing it during a day shoot and Prince Harry's suit was too casual for the dress.Below are three royal wedding dresses that I adore. They all have beautiful silhouettes, the brides look comfortable, and the styles are not dated. I watched Princess Diana's wedding and remember even as a kid thinking her dress was (to reference one of my favorite movies of all time) too meringue. Perhaps it because she was younger than the bridges below, had a very sheltered life, and it was the early 80s. Princess Diana was drowning in her dress.Princess Grace was married in 1956 and this dress is still influencing wedding and formal dress designers. It was designed by Helen Rose who was a costume designer for MGM Studios. She designed two dresses, which were gifts from the studio to their star. Helen was the CD on four of Princess Grace's MGM movies.Gorgeous and timeless. Princess Catherine 2011. Designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. Sarah took over as Creative Director of the house in 2010 after McQueen's death. I don't know if it's rule that shoulders must covered for church wedding in the UK but this dress definitely helped bring back sleeves for wedding dresses.The sleeveless wedding dress had dominated for years. It didn't matter that the style was hard to pull off and not universally flattering. Bridal dress manufactures are happy to make this style because it's cheaper to make. Many American brides complained about the difficulty of finding wedding dresses with any kind of sleeve that wasn't dowdy and/or dated. That changed after 2011.This dress is modern and fresh. Princess Mabel 2004. The Princess married the late Dutch Prince Johan Frisco in a custom Viktor & Rolf dress. Instead of buttons, the fashion forward Dutch designers used bows. The cut on this dress is beyond. The bows add a bit of whimsy.The bride turned down their more conventional designs and asked for something memorable. It's unique without being a costume.[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VQMP8LYEV4&w=560&h=315]
Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria - How to Help
Hurricane Season 2017 was devastating. On the personal front, my parents (in St. Martin) do have electricity again but still no phone service. I haven't spoken to them since the day before Hurricane Irma.Most of the power is back in St. Martin, over 90%. Meanwhile in Puerto Rico, 80% of the island is still without power, there's a lack of running water, and people are dying one month after the hurricane. This is unacceptable. The United States is a wealthy country. However, the administration's response was/is so slow, international organizations like Oxfam had to step in. Oxfam normally works in places like Yemen, South Sudan, Bangladesh, etc.Hurricane Cat's (from Houston) face sums up how we feel about this hurricane season.I've received many emails/texts/DMs asking how to help. Thank you! I thought it would be a good idea to have a place to list relief efforts. If you have any to add that focus on helping those on the ground (and not administrative costs), please do so in the comments. HARVEYHouston Food BankUnited Way of Greater HoustonYMCA of Greater Houston IRMARebuild AnguillaRebuild St. Martin/St. MaartenUnited Way Miami-Dade MARIANew York State Relief for Puerto Rico and US Virgin IslandsSave the Children Hurricane Relief in Puerto RicoUnited for Puerto Rico Charities that are working in several impacted areas:All Hands Hurricane reliefAmericaresOne America Appeal. A fund supported by the USA's ex-Presidents.Salvation Army
Weekend Inspiration - Freedom of Expression
The one-two punch of the SONY hack from a few weeks ago and the terrorist attack in Paris on Wednesday, is a clear reminder that the right to express oneself is very important in a modern society. This is a bigger issue than a comedy or a cartoon.Without freedom of expression, democracy cannot exist.Last night, on my way home, I walked through Piazza Farnese where the French Embassy is located in Rome. I have been in this building several times, mostly to vote. I saw many employees, neighbors, and French expatriates gathered in the square holding candles. The entire square was packed. It was somber but moving.Buon weekend a tutti.
Oscar de la Renta - RIP
I woke up today to the news that one of the most important fashion designers of our time had passed away.Despite his five decades in the industry, de la Renta was not one to live in the past. He made classic, yet contemporary clothes. It is rare to see a designer dress society ladies, Fortune 500 ladies, movie stars of all ages, and women who are not famous nor rich but love beautiful things.Born in the Dominican Republic, he apprenticed at Balenciaga, under Cristóbal himself (unreal), and at Lanvin under Antonio Castillo. I know a lot of people dismiss fashion as silly. Perhaps some people in fashion are over the top but to me fashion is very interesting because it's a combination of art, craft, and commerce.There are so many celebrities out here on these streets calling themselves designers. Please.De la Renta was truly a designer. He made clothes. Beautifully. Mr. de la Renta will be missed.
Weekend Inspiration - Muriel Brandolini's Pool - Hamptons, NY
I wonder if we could re-set this week.Every time I turned on the news in the morning before my workout, there was some horrific, sad, or tragic breaking news.I had to look at something relaxing and beautiful. A picture of interior designer Muriel Brandolini's pool, featured in Architectural Digest was just what I needed.When I read the issue, this page jumped out at me. How stunning is this pool?I don't swim (long story) but I could see myself enjoying the pool and the views.It's important to be informed about what is happening in the world. We must also remember to appreciate beauty in the world as well.Buon Ferragosto!
Weekend Inspiration - Word Crimes - Weird Al Yankovic
The news this week has been horrible.I'm up at 3:00 a.m. I cannot sleep. I must remind myself not to look at Breaking News before I go to bed.This week Weird Al Yankovic (yes, he's still around) has dropped his new parody album. While "Tacky" was quite funny, "Word Crimes", a parody of "Blurred Lines", is my favorite so far.I needed to see and hear something light as we head into what is going to be a very stressful weekend.[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Gv0H-vPoDc&w=560&h=315]
A Tale of Two Houses
I'm always curious about abandoned houses. I wonder who lived there and what happened to the house.Renovating an old house, especially one that hasn't been lived in for a while, is not an easy task. Last week, two stories about two very different renovations were in the spotlight.First up, the New York Times wrote about the controversy surrounding the William Mason House in Thompson, CT.
Photo: New York Times
Famous interior designer Mario Buatta bought it twenty-two years ago. The Mason house is a gorgeous example of Gothic Revival architecture and was built in 1845.
At first, people in the small town were excited that a designer like Mr. Buatta bought the home. They believed the home was in good architectural hands. However, no work has been done in years. The house has become a horrible eyesore and is falling apart.
Everyone knows historic renovations are tricky and things take time. However, Buatta's dismissive attitude has alienated the town. He has worked on massive mansions four times the size of the Mason house which has thirteen rooms.
The house is located right on the village green. I understand why the residents are not happy with the snobby and arrogant "Prince of chintz."
Now for a more uplifting tale:
David Lebovitz linked to Messynessychic's post about Australians Karina and Craig Waters on his Facebook page. In 2013 the couple purchased the Chateau de Gudanes, an abandoned 18th century mansion in the Midi-Pyrénées. The chateau had been on the market for over four years.
While many people dream of taking on a project like this, the reality is that the renovation and upkeep for a place with ninety-four rooms is enormously expensive.
Those stairs!! The height of the ceilings!!
Click over to Messynessychic to see additional photos and learn more about the renovation. I cannot wait to see their progress.
Sam Cooke - "A Change Is Gonna Come"
I heard this song from one of my favorite artists over the weekend. I'm still in shock over the Newtown massacre. I hope a change is coming soon because these shootings (and the ones that happen every freaking day) have to stop. What kind of world are we living in?[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbO2_077ixs&w=480&h=360]