Favorite Collections from Bridal Fall 2012 (part two)

While a lot of the trends from bridal week seemed to go toward embracing minimal and column dresses a la Pippa Middleton, Marchesa and Temperley London seemed to channel Kate.  Both created long sleeve and lacy dresses that resembled the gorgeous McQueen look Kate wore on her wedding day, and while I adored that dress, I was also happy to see a little less structure from the likes of Jenny Packham, who I think was inspired a little by Kate Middleton and Kate Moss.  With so many important weddings this year, I think that those are the three types of wedding dresses we will see a lot of next year, whether it's Moss's Galliano/Gatsby loose fitting silhouette, Middleton's traditional, structured and lacy long sleeved gown or Pippa Middleton's column, tight-fitting and minimal dress.

Marchesa

NYFW: Monique Lhuillier, Zac Posen and Jenny Packham

Sorry for falling behind in my fashion week posting, I, of course, got hit with a test and a lot of reading halfway through New York Fashion Week.  I thought I'd post about these three designers, and then throughout the afternoon Thursday, I'll try to get on top of the more recent shows.

I'll start with Monique Lhuillier's collection that really sort of surprised me this season.  Lhuillier is known for her princess dresses and red carpet after red carpet looks, and I felt like this season she went for a look with harder edges.  Although she did throw a few large evening gowns in at the end, I enjoyed her use of the black leather-looking straps on the dresses that played with hard versus soft.  I also liked her solid black dresses with the little details on the side and back.  Could Lhuillier be turning over an edgier leaf?

Zac Posen, who decided to return to New York to show this season, definitely knows glamour and likes to play with the curves on a woman's body with his clothes.  I liked the constructed look of his evening wear and how he styled the models.  Overall, it was very Zac Posen and very pretty, especially the dress with the lace and flower bottom.

This season Jenny Packham designed for princess.  OK, let's be honest, I think she designed for Kate Middleton.  Can't you just put Kate's head on almost all of the models and think to yourself, "Yeah, that looks like something Kate would wear."  I love the collection, though.  It's pretty in a simple and elegant way without being over the top.  Fingers crossed that the Duchess of Cambridge rocks some of this come spring.

Monique Lhuillier

Kate Middleton vs. Kate Moss

So is it Kate Moss or Kate Middleton?  After two extremely well-publicized events, who pulled it off the best and which dress would you rather wear on your wedding day?  Click below to see the options.

The Royal Wedding Photos

Here's some more gorgeous photos from the royal wedding.  I still can't get enough of Kate's dress and her sister Pippa is stunning.  Also, that cake?  Amazing!

Kate Middleton wore McQueen!

Last night as time was ticking down toward the nuptials, my roommate and I of course, put in our two cents as to what Kate Middleton would wear.  We both hoped for an Alexander McQueen gown similar to the ones below, but we knew Kate wouldn't give that to us.  So we went through her lookbook on the Internet, and I said I hoped she wore something strapless and pretty, but my roommate pointed out she was a fan of longer sleeves.  So we put together a dress that had sleeves but made of lace and was simple, and somehow as if Sarah Burton conjured are wish, this is what Kate stepped out in this morning.  It was a dress fit for a fairy tale.  Congratulations William and Kate!

Fall 2011 Bridal Collections (part one)

Over the weekend I went home to see my family for Easter and of course, the topic of the royal wedding came up.  Everyone came to the consensus that they couldn't care less about the royal wedding, except me. My defense was that they all got to see Diana get married, and so they've seen what a royal wedding's like.

However, I have to say I am the most excited to see Kate's dress, and it's got a lot to live up to.  So in honor of the nuptials that will take place tomorrow, here's a look at some of my favorite bridal gowns from the fall 2011 bridal collection.

Happy Royal Wedding everyone!  I'll post some more gorgeous looks later!

Monique Lhuillier

Seriously, so gorgeous.  I would wear every single one of these dresses.  I am secretly hoping Kate's looks like peach ruffly one, but I have a feeling she might go for something simple, but she's surprised everyone along the way, so maybe she'll step out in some dynamite Alexander McQueen look.

OBSESSED: Alexander McQueen Fall 2011

If there was any doubt Sarah Burton couldn't live up to the name of Alexander McQueen, I would imagine it vanished Tuesday when she showcased her fall collection.  With rumors swirling that Burton will be dressing Kate Middleton on her wedding day, I have to wonder if the gowns at the end were a preview of what's to come for the royal wedding.  If Middleton really does wed in Alexander McQueen, I think it will show a new side to the royal family, a younger more modern side, that she has already done a great job promoting.  Also, I'll do a separate post later, but the shoes in this collection were insane.  Sarah Burton has really proven herself with this beautiful collection. 

Designers dish out the sketches for Kate Middleton's big day

So, the announcements have been made, the pictures have been taken, the venue (Westminister Abbey) may or may not have been decided on, but what everyone is wondering is what is Kate Middleton going to wear?

WWD posted 30 looks designers have drawn for Kate, and they range from extravagant to bare bones.

Now, Kate has thrown fashionistas off in the past two weeks because in the photos below she opted to wear a look from last year and do her own makeup even though she probably had tons of gorgeous clothes at her disposal.  Her knack for staying true to herself is going to throw designers off a little, and God forbid, a future princess pull a Carrie Bradshaw.  I don't think the royal family is going to want "the bride to wear a dress by no one."

However, in all seriousness, I wouldn't be surprised if Kate went ultra simple because Diana went ultra extravagant, and let's face it, no one can beat Diana's train (nor does Kate probably want to).

Out of all the designs below here's my top 5 not in any particular order:

1.  Badgley Mischka

2.  Monique Lhuillier

3.  Gucci

4.  J. Crew

5.  Tory Burch

(If I thought Kate would be going for opulence, I'd pick Valentino hands down, and Prabal Gurung and Jason Wu's designs are stunning in a not over the top way as well)

Regardless, I'm sure Kate will make the right decision and will look beautiful (especially in any one of these designs) on her wedding day. 

What designs make your top 5??

Class Act: Kate Middleton

I adore Kate Middleton, and I can't wait for the royal wedding.  I think her style is classy and sophisticated, and while it's not my personal style, I think Middleton carries herself very well and makes sophisticated look cool.