The Duchess Effect

“The Duchess effect” is the top fashion buzzword, referring to the way the Kate Middleton can sell out an item in hours just by wearing it in public.  The terms also refers to the way Kate’s fashion choices have led to more accessible pieces and a style that is more colorful and feminine than in the past.

The Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton)  has become renowned for her powerful effect on the economy as most items of clothing she wears become an instant sell-out.  If she is seen wearing a dress, blouse, sweater, or sporting a handbag, that item immediately sells out in the stores.  I have never been one to run and buy a particular item of clothing when a celebrity (or someone famous), wears something, but I do like to follow those trends and happen to Love the looks I’ve seen worn by Kate.  That being said…I’m none too fond of the fact they say that Kate Middleton has single-handedly brought back Panty Hose (future blog, btw)  Although my BFF  Lora sure is happy about that (the panty hose part, not the blog…she thinks I have a ghost-writer.  I do not, sadly, this is just me), as she is thrilled panty hose are back in style!  I personally like to go sans hose, but will wear tights.  Not sure if it’s a requirement of the Duchess of Cambridge to wear hose, but I will reveal the hows and why’s in the blog, “Panty Hose…are they making a comeback”?  Which, no doubt, will be another blog my brother Mark, will find “boring”.

Back to Kate:) ….  She’s following in the near-perfect stylish steps of Princess Diana, but with a more modern flair…and it appears to be with No effort, whatsoever.  Some of the best style icons seem to effortlessly wear their clothes, so it doesn’t appear that the clothes are wearing them.  The clothes just accentuate her look and  personal style.

Kate Middleton is not the first style icon to impart her midas touch to the collections of successful British retailers. Marilyn Monroe, Jackie O, Coco Chanel and Grace Kelly still act as muses for the most successful of fashion collections. But for the first time, with the advances in social media and speed of communication ‘the duchess effect’ can be seen in our own wardrobes faster than ever before. (PRweb.com).

Here are some of my favorite Kate Middleton looks:

Truly, how can you not love this young woman and her sense of style?!  I’ve yet to see her make a misstep!

Happy Anniversary William and Kate!!

On more than 1 occasion this week (and basically every other week, thruth be told) I was and am referred to as a “princess”…and I don’t take offense to that.  Those who know me, understand I’m not really a princess, but I do like cute things, and if Tiara’s were, indeed in style, I’d have many.    However, I’d like the record to accurately reflect what transpired yesterday:  2 Commercial Water Heaters, each holding 115G and 85G , respectively, leaked (well, poured) into the mechanical room.  While wearing rain boots (zebra print) I wet-vac-ed the entire room of 150+ Gallons of nasty, mucky liquid, with the help and camaraderie of my dear, dear friend Susan…and emptied the wet vac more times than I care to recall while Susan swept water in my dirction, and shut off all the pertinent valves (there were 5, btw) and did the “heavy lifting”, as I don’t care to lift heavy things (even when they’re my soaked belongings).    Thank goodness for Fabulous friends, who don’t judge you and your inability to properly access a flood (or lift heavy things) and the “chutzpah” to get things done when required, even when they’re not part of my wheelhouse!  As Susan said, we’re “sturdy girls”, and we can do this.  And do it we did…though I’m still wondering if being “sturdy” is a good thing, but it was yesterday.  And at 1157PM on the night of the flood, I had a dry mechanical room.  No hot water, but a dry mechanical room.  And a friend for life in Susan.  I’m glad she doesn’t live by the mantra, “A friend in need, is no friend”.

Love ya S!

xoxo,

T.

Related posts:  http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2011/04/29/and-a-girl-became-a-princess/

And a Girl became a Princess!

 

I must admit.  I got up a dark-thirty o’clock to watch the royal wedding.  Can’t help myself.  I’m a hopeless romantic and believe in Fairy Tales.  I am truly Loving the fact that a Girl will become a Princess.  And, No, I was Not invited, but I find it charming how many people have asked me if I’ve been.  Nope, I was not (and realize they are, indeed, being sarcastic)…But, just in case they are serious, not being invited is for the best, since

I typically post my blog around 630A on Fridays, so in reality, this should be really up to date and quite current…and hopefully with fabulous photos (as I’m hoping to grab from google)!  I’m all about weddings, but I have to admit, there’s been quite a bit of media coverage on this…Perhaps, just a wee bit too much leading up to the Big Day (sorry Laurie F) ?    I totally understand  the coverage starting today at 4AM, but all the news media in England a full week early?  Really?  I don’t believe the paparazzi were in Mt. Prospect a full week before I married Kevin! 

Royal Wedding Tid Bits

The Dress- Let’s face it, it’s all about Kate’s dress!   Who designed it (Sarah Burton) , what does it look like (The design: “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.” The fabrics: “French Chantilly lace was combined with English Cluny lace to be hand-worked in the Irish Carrickmacross needlework tradition.” The veil: “The veil is made of layers of soft, ivory silk tulle with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers… and held in place by a Cartier ‘halo’ tiara, lent to Miss Middleton by The Queen.”)  does it have a train, (Yes, indeed)  is it ivory or white? (white) ?

Here it is, and it is Magnificent!  And I am so happy she wore the Tiara! Well done.

The Accessories – handbag and shoes.  Since I can’t get a good picture of what she’s using, If I were Kate Middleton, these would be my choice:

 

Hats – as I’ve mentioned before, a hat, for me, is an all day decision (I heard that from Ellen Brown many years back, and it remains true).  Another reason why I wouldn’t be a good guest.  A hat is a commitment.   I don’t care for hats, or should I say Hats don’t fancy me!  But I’m sure there are tons of fabulous hats on parade at the big event.  If I didn’t have  hair, with bangs,  which looked ridiculous in hats, I’d pick one of these:

Cake or Cupcakes?

My vote would be for Royal Cupcakes, though if I was a betting gal (and I am),  I’d place my $$$ on a cake.  But for me, I’d go with yellow cupcakes, white frosting, and a coconut filling.  Or these lovely royal cupcakes, would be total crowd-pleasers.  This cake , I have to day…a bit much!

Famous Guests - I think a bride and groom should be  allowed to invite whomever they wish, but they really didn’t think it necessary to invite President and Michelle Obama?  Yet David Beckham, Victoria Beckham and Guy Ritchie made the list?  Really?!  Again, their choice, but not sure William and Kate hob nob about with the Soccer star and his wife?  I guess Bend it with Beckham is true british :)  Seeing Elton John at the ceremony reminded me of seeing him at Princess Diana’s funeral.  He had a front row seat at both (or at least was easy for the media to spot).  Added note, it has been brought to my attention that David Beckham and William are , indeed, friends, so I stand corrected!

Questions, Questions, Questions….hopefully all will be answered today. And regardless if the media coverage has been rather excessive (my opinion only), let’s not forget the fact that today a girl became a Princess.  And, that certainly constitutes a good day!  And getting up early was worth every moment.

And they lived happily ever after!

xoxo,

T.