McQueen For A Princess: Sarah Burton Steps Up

Trumpets, crumpets, pomp and circumstance.  Finally... the dress revealed.  For the first time in a long time, my gut instinct was correct.  Princess Catherine chose to wear McQueen. 

Photo: Getty via Daily Telegraph

Sarah Burton took over as creative director last May, shortly after the great designer, Alexander McQueen, hanged himself.  Burton was under a tremendous amount of pressure and millions of eyes across the world were on Kate... and her dress.  Burton delivered.  The dress was appropriate and quite suitable for a princess; lace covered up Kate's sinewy arms and athletic shoulders.  Her pretty and naturally made-up face was visible through the sheerest of sheer veils, a perfectly fitted bodice whittled down her already slender waist and the back detail was marvelously folded and draped without becoming too heavy.  Well done Ms. Burton.  And well done Ms. Middleton -- pardon me, I meant, Princess Catherine.

My Top Twenty Reasons For Loving Britain

Last year after Fall 2010 Fashion Week wrapped in London, I posted my top twenty reasons for loving Britain.  I still stand by this list (which you can see here in last years post, (Rule, Brittania!).  What do you love about the UK?

Emily Blunt

 Emily Blunt

 Emily Blunt

Emily Blunt

The Royal Wedding: Who Will Kate Wear?

It's nearly upon us.  The much talked about and much celebrated union of Prince William and "commoner" Kate Middleton -- we'd all be lucky to be that common.  The world has been waiting with baited breath to see the bride's dress.  Buckingham Palace has been very tight-lipped about Kate's decision (well, that's assuming it's actually Kate's decision to make), however, there has been quite a bit of speculation and rumor.  Will it be McQueen?  Apparently, Alexander's successor, Sarah Burton, has denied the gossip, but I'm not so sure there isn't some truth the the whispers.  We'll find out soon enough. 

Gareth Pugh, Spring 2009
Photo: Marcio Madeira via Style.com

Meanwhile, I posted a little poll to see what my taffetadarlings thought (please vote on the sidebar).  McCartney?  A very good possibility, plus her dad's a knight.  Westwood?  Maybe.  After all, she came back in 2006 to win British Fashion Designer of the Year after receiving it fifteen years prior.  She's proven that she's a contender.  Or, will Kate go with Diana's guy, Bruce Oldfield?  These are all obvious choices, but Middleton might surprise us all by selecting a frock by some obscure designer (who will inevitably rise to fame immediately thereafter), or by donning something avant-garde by Gareth Pugh, Victor & Rolf or maybe even Pam Hogg.  Maybe not.  Most likely not!

Victor & Rolf, Spring 2011
Photo: Monica Feudi/GoRunway.com via Style.com

Additional note:  I cannot believe how many horrible knock offs of the Royal Ring I've seen.... this one takes the Royal Wedding Cake -- for only $19.99 it can be yours!
"The Official Royal Wedding Ring" As seen on TV! 
(a.k.a. "Cheap Piece of Garbage") 


Wouldn't you rather have these incredibly detailed and exquisitely crafted pieces by Wendy Brandes? 
Matilda Sword Earrings by Wendy Brandes
White and yellow 18K gold
Two rose-cut diamonds
Four sapphires
$10,000


Matilda Sword Necklace by Wendy Brandes
18K white gold sword pulls out of 18K yellow gold scabbard
Two rose-cut diamonds
Four blue sapphires
$7,600

Ellen Pompeo

 Ellen Pompeo

 Ellen Pompeo

 Ellen Pompeo

 Ellen Pompeo

Ellen Pompeo

Happy Easter!

Just Say NO... To Bunnies And Chicks!

my bunny Miles (Netherland Dwarf)
May 1999 - May 2008

It's that time of year again... baskets, bonnets, pretty dresses and pastels.  Cadbury, Peeps, egg hunts and the smell of fresh cut grass.  Spring is in the air.  And, of course, Easter time means bunnies and chicks.  I thought it would be fitting to repost my Easter piece from last year because I still have the same message...


Original post from 4.4.2010

little "Miss Miles" (I thought she was a boy when I first got her and never bothered to change her name!)
 
Since it is Easter and I am a bunny person, I wanted to remember my dear little pet "Miles" who passed away nearly three years ago at the ripe old age of nine. What is that in bunny years anyway? I ADORED my little pipsqueak more than anything and spoiled her rotten. I miss her everyday :-(
 
she was trained so well - she could jump for her treats!
 
Many people feel that Easter is an appropriate time to purchase little fluffy chicks or baby bunnies for their little ones, but they don't take the time to research and understand that these animals require just as much love, attention and care as a dog or cat.  A lot of times, children are excited and fascinated with their new pets for a few days and quickly become bored and ignore the animals, or even worse, neglect them.
 
Miles lounging in one of her beds
 
 
Miles lounging in my bed!
 
As if animal cruelty isn't rampant enough, every year around this time an overwhelming number Easter "bunnies" are abandoned or harmed.  If you know anybody who is considering buying a rabbit as a gift, please let them know about this and maybe they will reconsider.  They should really look into rescuing a poor little fluff ball that needs a home as opposed to purchasing a brand new, shiny one.
 
I didn't get her as a gift... I just did really annoying things to her which she tolerated (against her will!)

Sorry to get all "preachy," this is just something near and dear to my heart.

my sweetie

UPDATE: WendyB kindly sent me this article from the Wall St. Journal. Thanks Wendy!!

Catherine Keener

 Catherine Keener

 Catherine Keener

 Catherine Keener

Catherine Keener

Sandra Bullock

 Sandra Bullock

 Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock

Kim Cattrall Is My Kinda Gal

One of the questions I'm asked fairly often as a designer is, "Who do you see wearing your clothes -- who is the Stacy Lomman woman?"  I never really liked that question.  It doesn't have a simple answer.  Usually I just say something canned like, "Well, my girl isn't defined by age, race or profession.  She is a woman who is confident in her own skin and who likes to look sexy, yet refined."  Sometimes, I'll add that she must (obviously) have good taste!  Unfortunately, that answer never goes over very well -- everybody is looking for a name.  They want to put a face/body/image to my label.  Fine.  Okay then, it's got to be Kim Cattrall.

Kim Cattrall (photo source unknown)
Let's face it, with a body like that she can wear anything and look good!

Most people know her best for her role as the uber sexy Samantha Jones in Sex and the City, but well before she teamed up with SJP and the girls Cattrall had many many film credits under her belt.  That's not to say I didn't completely worship love her character on SATC, but Kim is quite a diverse and talented actress -- from Porky's and Police Academy to Mamet and Chekov (I'll forgive her for Mannequin!).  She is stunningly gorgeous, elegant and smart.  Kim has always represented strength and self-assuredness to me.  Now THAT is the Stacy Lomman woman.

Bonnie Wright

 Bonnie Wright as Ginny Weasley

 Bonnie Wright

 Bonnie Wright

 Bonnie Wright

Bonnie Wright

Kirsten Dunst

 Kirsten Dunst

 Kirsten Dunst

 Kirsten Dunst

Kirsten Dunst

Elisha Cuthbert

Elisha Cuthbert

 Elisha Cuthbert

Elisha Cuthbert

 Elisha Cuthbert

Elisha Cuthbert

Coté de Pablo

 Coté de Pablo

Coté de Pablo