The Queen's Visit to Ireland

Before we dive in, let me offer massive apologies for going missing for a month (and thus delaying this post).  There were 2.5 major illnesses in my family (0.5 being a family friend) that needed urgent tending to.  So, now hopefully every one is happy and healthy.  Let's get the show back on the road by covering Queen Elizabeth II's state visit to the Republic of Ireland.

Date:  17-20 May 2011
Place:  Ireland
Event:  UK State Visit to Ireland

Queen Elizabeth's outfits made a splash on her state visit to Ireland just over a month ago.  She was heavily praised for her sensitive wardrobe choices that signaled the extension of an olive branch in relations between the two nations.  Elizabeth certainly has a keen sense of fashion as a political statement, but credit in this case should very much be shared with Angela Kelly.  Kelly is the Queen's long-time assistant and clothier--she designed her radiant yellow outfit for William and Kate's wedding and is of Irish ancestry.  Applause to both Her Majesty and Ms. Kelly for coordinating this savvy wardrobe!

Upon arriving in Ireland, Her Majesty wore this jade green outfit by Stewart Parvin.

The matching hat was made by Rachel Trevor-Morgan (a favorite milliner of the Queen's).

She added Queen Victoria's bow brooch to accent her attire.

Later in the day, to visit the Garden of Remembrance, Elizabeth switched into a metallic pearl bouclé ensemble, edged with soft olive green flowers.

She accented this outfit with a ruby brooch for a splash of color.

The next day, the Queen and Prince Philip visited the Guinness Storehouse (where he was seen gazing longingly at a pint).

Then, she visited the Government Buildings in Merrion Street.

She wore an aqua-colored ensemble.

Then, she visited the National War Memorial Gardens where she laid a wreath.

Later in the day (after a quick-change), she arrived at Croke Park sports stadium along with Irish President Mary McAleese.  While yellow suits Her Majesty (and the floral dress and matching color motif on the hat are stylish), this double-breasted coat dress purportedly by Karl Ludwig does her no favors.

Finally, that day, the Queen was the guest of honor at a state dinner where she wowed the crowd with her speech (beginning in Irish).  Unfortunately, in her traditional white gown, the Queen looked less than stellar.  The gown was shapeless and the "fuzzy" shamrocks of the bodice added unnecessary bulk.

Astutely, she wore the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara to the affair to accompany the 2,091 shamrocks on her gown.

On her third day in Ireland, Queen Elizabeth managed to make the trip not just business but also pleasure by visiting the National Stud Farm--horses being a passion of the Queen's.

She looked radiant in a cornflower blue dress and coat with a stylish matching hat.  (Get a load of that massive sapphire!)

Later that day, she attended a British Embassy party at the National Convention Centre.

Again, Elizabeth went for a green themed-outfit--this time in brocade.

On her fourth and final day in Ireland, Her Majesty and Prince Philip visited the Rock of Cashel (again in green) . . . where apparently they were holding a silly faces contest.

Philip won.

She continued on to Cork where she visited an English market.  (I could be wrong, but I think they have those in England, too.)  I'm tempted to run a caption-this-photo contest.

This was the last stop on the Queen's tour before heading home, though she broke with the itinerary and went on an unscheduled walkabout in Cork.

All in all, it looks like Queen Elizabeth enjoyed her time in Ireland and that she accomplished her mission.  She seemed to mend a number of bridges in her actions, her words, and especially her clothing choices.

Stay tuned for more from Fashionably Royal.  There's been a frenzy of summer fashions that we'll be getting to soon!  Thanks for reading.

Liz, Phil, Barry, and Michelle

Well, I promised you Her Majesty's trip to Ireland and that you will get.  But because it will be at least a two parter, I've decided to save it for next week as not to break it up over the weekend.  So, to send you off to the weekend (Happy Memorial Day, if you're American), I'm give you one last look at the Obamas with the Royals.  Cheers.

Date:  May 2011
Place:  London
Event:  American State Visit

For their farewell dinner, the Queen stuck with her traditional white gowns with a snazzy pair of metallic shoes and purse.  (Looks like some of her accessories from the Ireland trip--tune in next week!)

Michelle Obama wore a gorgeous black Ralph Lauren gown that somehow managed to top the white, halter Tom Ford gown worn the night before.

Mrs. Obama paired her beautiful gown with some really wacky, crystal costume jewelry made by Tom Binns.  The necklace and bracelet are, according to the designer's website, part of the Dumont collection.  You can see it here.

Well, that's it for this week.  See you next week for some Irish fashions!  Thanks for reading Fashionably Royal.

The Obamas' Visit to Buckingham Palace, 2011

I'm certainly a fan of First Lady Michelle Obama's style, so it is with great pleasure I bring to you coverage of the President and Mrs. Obama's recent visit to Buckingham Palace.

Date:  May 2011
Place:  Buckingham Palace, London
Event:  American State Visit

First, let's start off with the newlyweds as they meet the Obamas.

The two men wore nicely tailored suits, but the real story was the women's style choices.  Michelle Obama wore a pale blue, floral jacquard dress designed by Barbara Tfank, a Los Angeles-based designer.  The dress was paired with a pink, three-quarter length sleeve bolero jacket and silver, pointed toe, high-heel shoes.

The Duchess of Cambridge wore a khaki colored bandage dress by Reiss called the "Shola" dress.  Word is, it sold out quickly through their website.  I don't doubt it--the dress looked great on her.  Also, if I'm not mistaken, the black heels she wore have been in her wardrobe for some time.

Actually, it's a good thing the First Lady didn't sit on that sofa.  It would have clashed with her dress.

Mrs. Obama looks enthralled by Camilla's anecdote.  I'm not crazy about the Duchess of Cornwall's choice of outfit here.  The extra-feathery hat looks too formal and the jacket accentuates all the wrong things.  (Also, didn't she wear those shoes the day before to the Chelsea Flower Show?)

Princes Charles looks a bit stodgy in one of his standard grey, double-breasted, pinstripe suits.  I would dearly love to see what a top stylist would do for him.

President Obama with Prince Philip, looking even more spry than usual, inspect the Scots Guards.

Her Majesty wore a floral number by Peter Enrione.  The four of them looked quite put together.

It's believed that the Queen has a fondness for the Obamas, but I'm not entirely convinced.

Here, the Queen has completed her outfit by wearing the matching pale blue coat and hat.  Mrs. Obama struggled with the wind to keep her skirt where it should be.  (The Queen usually has small weights sewn in her hems to avoid such a situation.)  All three of the ladies (Camilla being behind President Obama) had to fight the wind.

Mrs. Obama really wowed the crowd gathered for the formal state dinner at Buckingham Palace in a white halter-neck Tom Ford gown.  Again, the four together really looked sharp.  (One wonders if the Queen and Mrs. Obama coordinated their white gowns, though Her Majesty often wears white to state dinners.)

Coming in a close second in the style stakes was the Duchess of Cornwall, who wore a just-off-the-shoulder gown (designer unknown) in a stunning shade of blue.  Not to mention, the tiara she chose to wear really suited her as well as her gown.  (Click to enlarge the photo.)

That's all for now!  Come back soon for a look back at the Queen's recent state visit to Ireland.  Lots to talk about there!  Thanks for reading Fashionably Royal.