Friday, April 29, 2011

Royal Wedding Week: THE BIG DAY!!!


Well, folks, the big day has come and gone and I would love to know...what did you think?!?! I have to say that when my alarm clock went off at 4:30 this morning, it was the earliest I have ever voluntarily woken up. And instead of hitting snooze 89 times like I normally do, I jumped out of bed, wide-eyed, and raced over to the TV as if my very own prince was going to pop out of it like a jack-in-the-box. It's no secret that London is my favorite city, that I love British culture and am fascinated by the royal family. So I was kind of surprised this week when reading so many negative comments about the royal wedding. To all of you cynics out there...yes, America is celebrity obsessed and yes, the media coverage on the event has been overwhelming and yes, there are much much much more serious news stories taking place. The world isn't exactly a joyous place right now. But isn't that exactly why we need hopeful celebrations like this today? To remind us that true fairy tales really do exist. Personally, I shed a few tears this morning watching the royal nuptials. Not only for the lucky couple, but for the spirit of a country that had so much joy in celebrating with them. The pomp and circumstance, the traditions, the national pride and the shear history behind it all - I loved every second and only wish I could have been there!
As for THE DRESS, the Duchess of Cambridge (nee Kate Middleton) chose Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, as was speculated. I won't lie, I wasn't very impressed at first. After months and months of hype, I expected to be completely blown through the roof with amazement. But it quickly grew on me - the lace sleeves, lace V-neck overlay reminiscent of Grace Kelly, the skirt that was juuuuust grand enough and the elegantly pleated train - it was classic, sophisticated and traditional, just as a royal should be. I think because I expected her to wear Alexander McQueen, I anticipated a style slightly more edgy and modern with a real wow factor, but I kept having to remind myself that this is not just any celebrity wedding. This is Westminster Abbey and, in the end, she chose a beautiful gown that fit her classically elegant style and will stand the test of time. Rumors are that Kate has a total of 3 dresses planned for today's celebrations. I hope we'll catch glimpses of the others soon! And how can I not mention Pippa's dress, also by Sarah Burton? Absolutely stunning!!!

What about you? Did you wake up early to watch the wedding? What did you think of it all? Did you like the dress?

Images via People.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Royal Wedding Week: India Hicks

Almost 30 years ago, a 13 year old India Hicks, member of the British royal family, daughter of famed interior designer David Hicks and goddaughter to Prince Charles, was asked to be a bridesmaid at the royal wedding of Charles and Diana...
 (India, to the left of Diana)

Today, she lives the island life in the Bahamas with her husband and four children, working as an author/TV host/designer/model.

Her home, a 1950s Bahamian beach house, is a 18th-century plantation-style villa with Caribbean touches such as wood, paper and straw materials. Inspired by natural curiosities and her father's designs, the home features splashes color such as bright pink, nautical touches, white woodwork and hundreds of photographs lined on plywood shelves. A rose from Princess Diana's bridal bouquet is treasured in a glass paperweight by India's bed. Salty air and sunlight frolic through the open breezy house...





Amazingly, you can get a taste of India's island life by renting out one of her Hibiscus Hill properties on Harbour Island or Windermere Island in the Bahamas... 
















I don't know about you, but I am drooooooling right now. Take me there! But if a vacation at Hibiscus Hill isn't in your near future (mine either), you can kick back and enjoy Caribbean design and lifestyle with India Hicks' book, Island Life.

Images via The TelegraphIndia HicksCaribbean BelleCoastal Living, and Hibiscus Hill.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Royal Wedding Week: Kelly Hoppen

It has been reported that William and Kate have hired Kelly Hoppen, interior designer to stars such as Elton John and the Beckhams, to design and modernize their future home at Kensington Palace.
(Kensington Palace gates)
(the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace)
(view of Kensington Palace from Hyde Park)
(the Orangery at Kensington Palace. My favorite place in London.)
(afternoon tea at the Orangery)

Here are some of Kelly Hoppen's recent designs...
 (a home in Hyde Park, London)
 (a home in Hyde Park, London)
 (a ski chalet in Zermatt)
(a ski chalet in Zermatt)
 (a home in Chepstow, London. I love this home!!!)
 (a home in Chepstow, London)
(a home in Chepstow, London)
 (a loft in London)
 (a loft in London)
(a loft in London)

Kelly also has her own line of furniture, fabrics, wallcoverings, candles, fashions, paints, shutters and paints. Seriously, she may be my new idol...





Check out more of Kelly Hoppen's reign on the interior design and home furnishings world here.


Thursday, April 21, 2011

Royal Wedding Week: Oscar de la Renta

I am obsessed with all things British. I lived in London for a year, fell in love with the city, and am just dying to go back sometime very very soon. I am also obsessed with the Royal Family, as I find their history and their lifestyle to be so intriguing. And considering I work in the wedding industry, I therefore am completely CONSUMED by the upcoming royal wedding. So, for the next week leading up to the big event, Sand Dune Lane will be overtaken by all things royal, wedding, and British...


After months of speculation, rumors began circulating this week that the lovely Kate Middleton had chosen Sophie Cranston, of the British label Libelula, as her wedding gown designer. Cranston, who has worked with both Alexander McQueen and Alice Temperley, seemed like an obvious choice. Check out a few of her bridal designs here. Sure enough, I read this morning that Cranston is denying rumors that she will design the princess-to-be's gown. Perhaps the coveted role will go to Sarah Burton, who took over as Creative Director for Alexander McQueen. Burton's name has been in the running all along and her latest collection at Paris Fashion Week was heavily bridal inspired.

Nevertheless, I think we'll be waiting until April 29th to find out the official designer. I'm ok with that - I like surprises. However, if I were shopping for a wedding gown now (and had unlimited funds), my first stop would be Oscar de la Renta. His Spring 2012 Collection at Bridal Fashion Week proved to be elegant and chic but with modern, often colorful, and detailed twists. I love the idea of wearing a short wedding dress and his collection was full of many different lengths - from mini to tea length to full train.










LOVE how the Oscar de la Renta for Lee Jofa collection was incorporated into the bridal collection - check out the beautiful embroidery on this skirt. Very fresh and cool!

 My favorite? A tie between these last two!...