TREND I-SPY

  Ok, I am a bit obsessed with them at the moment, but no more and no less than anyone else. I have always been a fashion democrat and the way they flaunt those High Street labels simply gladdens my heart. Loved this article courtesy of In Style Magazine Kate and Pippa: Style Twins Kate and Pippa are a year and a half apart; but when it comes to fashion choices, they might as well be twins. They gravitate not just to similar clothing (they are sisters, after all) but to identical styles. Check out the pair as they mirror each other's day and evening looks (white denim and light-as-air silk gowns); preferences in cuts, patterns and colors (they love their cobalt!); and even their accessories (neutral leather satchels and white leather flats). 

An unexpected offshoot of the Royal Wedding has been the excitement over the new Duchess of Cambridge's sister, Pippa Middleton. It got me thinking about sisters and how influential they have often been in the past in inspiring fashion and lifestyle trends. One of my favorite pairs to look at has always been the Bouvier sisters, Jacqueline, born in 1929 and (Caroline) Lee who was four years younger.  Jackie's relationship with her younger sister was curious from the beginning: a mixture of closeness and intense rivalry, protectiveness and the desire to dominate, jealousy and interdependence. It was a relationship that eventually soured, but was important to both for most of their lives. "Jackie's relationship with Lee was very much S & M," said Gore Vidal, who was connected to the sisters through his mother's previous marriage to Hugh D. Auchincloss II, who subsequently became their stepfather, "with Jackie doing the S and Lee the M....

Finally we know who designed the dress, Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. The lace appliqué for the bodice and skirt was hand-made by the Royal School of Needlework, based at Hampton Court Palace, and was custom-made to include the four emblems of the United Kingdom: the rose, the thistle, the daffodil and the shamrock. The dress, made of ivory and white satin gazar, had lace handcrafted to ensure all adorning flowers were of matching colour and style. The veil, made of layers of soft, ivory silk tulle with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers, subtly dropped onto the long train, 2 metres and 70 cms long, which fell three steps down onto the Abbey steps. The shoes, were Alexander McQueen too, and made of ivory duchess satin. The long lace sleeves of the dress are bound to set a trend for future bridal gowns. It has been remarked upon by many that the gown is reminiscent of the one worn by Grace Kelly on her wedding day.  ...