An affair to remember...

After a history-making occasion [and early one at that!], I think it's safe to say that Princess Catherine nailed it.  Her natural poise paired with her classic, yet updated Alexander McQueen gown made for a memorable fashion moment, indeed. And I couldn't help but notice the striking resemblance in both manner and dress to fellow Royal bride and fashion icon, Grace Kelly.

And for the evening gown....

Image courtesy of USWeekly.com

On a side note, I cannot end this post without acknowledging the Beckhams - beyond fierce in terms of their styling for the grand occasion.  David completely pulled off a more modern interpretation of the morning suit in this dapper Ralph Lauren creation, while Victoria epitomized Royal wedding glamour in her own sleek navy design and a matching Philip Treacy topper [while almost 7 months pregnant!]...



Congratulations to the new Duke + Duchess of Cambridge! 

What a smashing young couple...

William + Catherine

04.29.2011

London calling...

With all of this wedding hype, I just had to post this image that combines two amazing symbols from my favorite city - the graphic Union Jack + the one-and-only Kate Moss. Her chic, yet edgy style is impeccable and just excudes, "cool."  So London...

Image via Jeans, Fashion + StreetStyle.



Once Upon A....Royal Wedding Viewing Party!

Set that alarm Ladies in Waiting!  It's almost time for the much anticipated Royal nuptuals of Miss Catherine Middleton and Prince William, set to air live on April 29th at 6:00 AM EST.  And to get you in the spirit (not that it's possible to get anymore excited), I have a Royal Wedding Viewing Party that will have your guests ready to rise and shine for a seriously chic get-together to view all the glitz and glam that is sure to ensue at Westminster Abbey...

Royal Attire: Glamorous Pajamas [what else?!]
Note: It's a Royal wedding - feel free to go a little over-the-top!

Due to the not-so-convenient time difference, I think its completely acceptable to throw a pajama party for this history-making occasion. No need to sacrifice style - pick out a new pair of glam pajamas (fit for public, of course) and lounge in luxury as you watch Miss Middleton walk that runway of an aisle...

1920's Marabou Robe. Pink Marabou Slippers. Burberry Silk Satin Robe. Sabbadini Lovely Diamond Rose Earrings.

Jenny Packham Robe. TopShop Versus Jewel Pumps. Collage created by In Good Taste.

English Accessory: The Fascinator

In a nod to our fashion-forward friends across the pond, adorn your head with something fabulous to celebrate the special occasion.  Try making your own fascinator or order one from a few of the great shops below (Etsy also has great vendors).  This Brit-inspired accessory is too gorgeous not to be an American staple..

Top Left  + Bottom Right: BHLDN. Top Right + Bottom Left: Lo Boheme. Collage created by In Good Taste.

The Menu:  Traditional English Breakfast [Madeover]

Treat your friends to a stylish English brunch full of champagne cocktails, refreshing Pimm's cup and traditional British favorites. Keeping things simple with a little sophistication is the perfect combo for an early morning event that is honoring such a high-end occasion.  The key is making things ahead [noted below] in order to eliminate a 'crack-of-dawn' panic attack. Making a frittata is a great way to prepare a brunch main dish without having to slave at the store. Throw the eggs and other ingredients into a pan and pop in the oven...that's it! Puffy, golden deliciousness in less than 30 minutes. Cut into small wedges or squares and its the perfect breakfast dish without the fuss (and easy for guests to eat standing). Prepare your other menu items while its bakes. Follow this chic menu with a few tips and your guests will feel like Queens, indeed!

Collage created by In Good Taste.

Menu designed by In Good Taste [Laura Boyd].*

· For the Pimm's, slice all fruits the night before and store in air-tight plastic bags, so all you have to do is throw them in the pitcher and mix everything up before the guests arrive.  You'd be surprised how long this little step to prepare a garnish takes!

· Make the scones the night before as well. Store in air-tight containers or plastic bags. Buy store-bought clotted cream, jams, lemon curd and marmalade to eliminate prep time. Dish into small bowls the night before and store with plastic wrap so all you have to do is remove from the fridge and serve!

· Make the lemon-lavender syrup the night before. Slice the strawberries and cover with plastic wrap that night as well. Store in the fridge and mix with the syrup just before serving. Again, slicing  takes more time than you think!

· If you don't have time to make your own cookies (and totally not necessary since they are really just an accessory to the coffee and tea), go ahead and buy store bought shortbreads and tea cookies (Walkers are classic and a great alternative to homemade). Chances are most guests will be full off of the main menu items anyway.

· Be sure to cook the potatoes for the fritatta the night before as well. Reheat before using in fritatta.

 *All recipes and photo credits are listed within the 'Bites' tab.  Enjoy! xx

a little glitz to start the day off right...

I came across this amazing sequined chair on The Glitter Guide (one of my favorite tumblr sites) and just couldn't help but post. I need this to be my vanity chair - can you imagine waking up every morning only to sit in this glitzy gem and get ready for the day?  Such an amazing piece...

 So glam - especially situated in front of this...

via [another one of my favorites!] The Paris Apartment

via The Paris Apartment

Add piles of pearls and a bright lipstick, and it looks like the perfect day to me! xx

easter sweets.

With the infamously pastel-colored holiday just around the corner, I had to share some of my favorite sundresses from Lilly that are out right now. These candy-colored confections will have you celebrating in style, and like all LP finds, will work for many Easters, lawn parties and horse races to come!  If there's one thing about Lilly, its that her good taste is timeless...and we love that.

There's nothing better than a sunny yellow grograin stripe dress! Love!!

The pretty beading on this paired with the cotton silk faille grograin stripe give it a

dressier feel than the typical cotton Lilly, making it the perfect party dress!

Who doesn't love a little Kelly Green??

[Scooped this up when it first came out - the flamingos are so fun!

Looks great with a fun statement necklace or glitzy earrings]

Pink Seersucker perfection.

[I own this in white and navy - was so in love, I had to get both!

Such a classic staple for any closet. I like to switch up my belts between the

two for a fun twist - navy on white and white on navy]

All images courtesy of Lilly Pulitzer.

pucker up for some pisco perfection.

After a long week, everyone deserves a fancy cocktail or two to start the weekend off right.  One of my favorite drinks is a Peruvian concoction, the Pisco Sour. Tart and refreshing, yet still silky and smooth from a touch of luscious egg white, this cocktail is my go-to luxury libation. Most of my favorite spots serve it in vintage-inspired champagne coupes, which only add to its glamorous, indulgent appeal.  Often made with lime juice, I came across this recipe from Audrey Saunders of the Bemelman's Bar at the Carlyle Hotel in NYC - she lightens things up a bit with a refreshing squeeze of lemon instead.* Nothing is better than a little old mixed with some new, right? 

While you're sipping and musing about the glorious weekend ahead (with a fabulously frothy little pisco mustache!), note that this swanky little piece of Peruvian culture was popularized by Town & Country food and drinks editor, Charles Baker, in the forties. Talk about good taste (with a little punch!)...

Photo coutesy of Gourmet Magazine.

1 1/2 ounces ABA Pisco brandy

3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice

1 ounce simple syrup

1 small egg white

Angostura bitters for garnish 

Measure all ingredients except the bitters into a mixing glass. Shake well for at least 10 seconds, to emulsify the egg white, and strain into a chilled martini glass. Drop the bitters on the surface of the drink to create a circular pattern. Drag a toothpick through the droplets to swirl.

*For Purists and Type-A drinkers who prefer lime and/or don't have time to concoct simple syrups, click here for an easy, traditional recipe. Cheers! xx

must have.

Kate Spade for Adeline Adeline bicycle. Photos by Julie Hirschfeld via Greta Guide



style lust.

Okay, so I know featuring Olivia Palermo again is a little overkill, but this girl is a serious style over-achiever.  I am dying over this amazing dress she wore to a recent 'Couple of the Year' event with her new beau in Hamburg, Germany.  She looks absolutely stunning and oh-so-chic in the white chiffon Marchesa with simple, understated hair and makeup. I'm obsessed with the gorgeous beaded neckline...and (let's be honest) Johannes Huebl is a pretty dapper accessory as well...congrats to the happy couple!

Photo by Krafft Angerer/Getty Images Europe via StyleBistro



glamorous inspiration...

 Image via Sunshine On A Cloudy Day.

Photo courtesy of Eddie Ross window styling for Elle Decor. Quote via Design2BBeautiful. Image above by In Good Taste.

a little living room love...

Photo courtesy of Elle Decor.

Jamie Drake interior via Habitually Chic.



Via The Glitter Guide (via Michelle Halpern)


"I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say
any other way - things I had no words for."

-Georgia O'Keeffe

you're invited...

The Royal Wedding bells are just about to ring! Stay tuned for a viewing party post fit for a king...

coral rouge.

Now that the weather is perking up a bit, I'm absolutely loving the pop a bright corally-red nail brings to just about any outfit.  Here, Olivia Palermo shows how a simple red nail can lend a happy splash of color to a more muted palette of black and denim.  Ever since I was little, I have always opted for vampy red nails (was never a fan of the typical girly bubble gum pink), and leaning towards a coral-toned version instantly updates the hue for Spring (not to mention it will compliment those punchy neons that are popping up everywhere!).  I also love how fresh this color looks with nautical stripes and white jeans...grab some classic Ray Bans and you will certainly be exhibiting some great taste this season...

Image via The Glitter Guide (via MusingsinFeminity and PoorLittleRichGirl)

Try Essie's "Flirt" or "Coral Reef," or OPI's "Cherry Red" to brighten up those nail beds! Keep nails short and squared off to avoid looking too vamped up - bold hues on long nails are never a good combo!

Essie's "Flirt"

kate says 'i do!'

Just when you think Kate Spade New York can't get any better (have you seen the Spring line?!), they go and create a fabulously fanciful wedding line!  Brides-to-be will be in marital bliss with her new line of whimsical accessories full of punchy color and tons of panache.  For those without a groom (or with lots of soirees to attend!), not to worry - most of the line is totally wearable with or without a gown to accent - I'm in love with the little hot pink clutch and all of the gorgeous jewels!  So chic and fun.  Not to mention, I can't help but smile at the amazing campaign photos - makes me want to throw on a pair of fuschia tights and dance the night away with a sparkley glass of champagne!

 

All images courtesy of Kate Spade New York. Collage by In Good Taste.



 All images courtesy of Kate Spade New York.