the world according to sherimaven

 

Hello my darlings, mazel tov to the happy couple, Kate and William. I crept out of bed at 4 am to watch the whole thing go down, and I'm very glad I did.

Many of my pals in social media land and beyond were nonplussed by this whole event, which I get. The world is in a precarious state, the Southern part of our fair country is in turmoil, and pomp and circumstance seems a bit out of touch with this here world upside down.

But I think the royal family nailed it with the wedding- because it was understated, sophisticated, a bit serious, and stripped free of artifice. When you get married in Westminster Abby, do you really need much more? I think not. And with this latest union, we see the next generation of royals- modern and free of pretension and procedure. As I watched the ceremony, I couldn't help but think that both Kate and Wills looked like they wanted the whole thing to be over so they could kick up their heels and get the party started. It brought to mind many friends of mine who had big weddings, counter to who they were, because their families expected and demanded it of them. I'm sure the same was true of this happy couple, who seem more the type to have less time in the spotlight and more time just being together and trying to enjoy life. But when you see that gorgeous overhead shot of the Abbey, you can't help but get choked up and appreciate the tradition and sanctity of getting married in such a place. Not to mention the fabulous caravan of stellar British cars. Yes I am an Anglophile, and not ashamed of such things. I have always been a proud American, but if I had to choose another nationality to be, it would surely be British. I think in a past life it may have been a real possibility, as my time in Scotland felt familiar in a way I can't really explain...but we must move on now.

Admittedly, I recall the wedding of Charles and Diana as being right out of a fairytale. It was big and splashy and over the top. An interesting comment from one of the newscasters was that unemployment in England was even higher at the time of that wedding than today, but I think with the immediacy of today's media and the often angry tirades on feeds and message boards, this next generation of all things royal kept it super low key, purposefully so. And it was done with great success.

Now on to the dress. GOD SAVE MCQUEEN. I was chatting with my husband in the car yesterday (who pretended to be interested, Lord bless his soul) about Kate's dress, and how I prayed it was McQueen. As most of you know, if not all, McQueen took his own life and cut short a prolific career of fashion magic. I will say that the Sara Burton for McQueen gown on Kate was not at all "Mcqueenish"- in fact, it was much more tame than any of his enfant terrible creations. But what I loved abotu it was its simplicity, its rightness, its undeniable ability to focus on the bride and her beauty. Kate is not a gal who needs drama or overt sexiness- she is beyond that and focuses on a quiet stylishness that I admire greatly. She was a stunning, stunning bride, and the Cartier tiara "borrowed" from the Queen was absolutely amazing and tasteful, if a tiara can be, that is. And her family is equally as lovely- Pippa in the McQueen cowl neck was a standout as was her beautiful mother in Catherine Walker who was elegance personified.

 

There are probably some among you that feel a bit disappointed by the bride's dress, that it somehow was not dramatic enough. But if fashion is indeed a barometer for the times in which we live, this dress was the equivalent of the perfect temperature. It was tasteful and understated and beyond whims or trends. A more over the top dress would feel out of touch with the times. And wearing McQueen, sans his beautiful outrageousness, was the fashion lover's choice, and seals her place as fashion icon for years to come.  But if you were looking for some over the top, Fergie's daughters did not disappoint in the hat department. I heart Eugenie and Beatrice, don't you? I half expected them to break out into "Born this Way", albeit a royal version of the Gaga hit. Love the humor, the wit, the Brit eccentricity that I have always been a tremendous fan of- say what you will, but you know how I adore my Brits.

Now about that Harry- I saw him getting rather chatty chats to Pippa...just planting that seed right now...all in all, a fabulous display of grace, elegance, and a new era of the British Royal family, who has a true "commoner" in their midst for the first time in hundreds of years. I'm glad I watched it all in real time, and those two kisses on the balcony were worth the price of admission. Much love to you all and hope you have a royally great weekend, cause that's what's up this perfect Friday in the MIA, and once again GOD SAVE MCQUEEN. XO