Lovely Lacey Kate

Okay, so by now you are most likely feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the attention on the Royal Wedding, but what do you expect? In a world where the news is cluttered every night by murders, natural disasters and other horrific headlines, it is nice to see something so beautiful plastered all over websites and newspapers.

I have counted down the days until the royal nuptials. Ever since I was a little girl I thought Prince William was quite the dreamboat, and ever since he introduced his lovely Kate to the world I have be enthralled by her impeccable fashion choices, bright personality and charming ways.

When I saw Kate for the first time (at 3:45 in the morning, yawn!), I told my daughter "look at her, she is the perfect princess, so beautiful." And she was. She wore exactly what I envisioned she would and she was the epitome of class, grace and elegance. In fact - there have been many comparisons to Grace Kelly, and what a role model for beauty she is!

Sleeves and lace are nothing new, but the popular strapless, mermaid style has really been on top for years and I am so happy that this may turn a leaf in bridal fashion. Another way to have two looks in one, is to have a wedding cap or bolero with lace sleeves - and then for the reception you can still go strapless if you can't decide between the two looks! If you are wanting something Kate-inspired, check out just a few of the stunning options you have to pick from:

Manuel Mota "Opera"

Romona Keveza "L186"

Maggie Sottero

Sassi Holford "Chloe"

Monique Lhuillier

Claire Pettibone "Sky Between the Branches"

Valentino Sposa "Euradice"



Congratulations to Will and Kate on a beautiful wedding and the happily ever after everyone dreams of!

Pig Trees

Pig trees. By definition of my sisters and I, they are the common cherry blossom tree. They captivated us on a trip out west to Vancouver when we were younger, we had never seen such a beautiful sapling. Growing up in Calgary we have coniferous trees and the dreaded Poplar which sheds it's despicable sticky seedlings all over the ground each year. The fluffy pick and white blossoms blowing in the wind were so breathtaking. They instantly were one of my very favorite highlights of the city I was blessed to call home for a few short years. I even have permanently and painfully added them to my tattoo collection.


Along with great vehicles, TV's and sushi, we have the beautiful country of Japan to thank for our trees here in Canada (you can read about the history of the trees gifted to us here). Japan this week has suffered one of their worst disasters in history with the 8.9 earthquake and the tsunami that followed. The images are heart wrenching and unbelievable. The Japanese are proud and beautiful people and we have watched as they deal with this horrific occurrence with grace and calmness. It's really hard to think of anything but them at this time.


The Japanese national treasure, the Sakura, makes for a gorgeous starting point for colours and florals for a wedding. They are soft and pretty and can be combined with several accent colours to create a very vivid look, or a softer, feminine feel. However you use them, make sure you whisper a little "thank you" to beautiful Japan for giving us something so stunning.

Something Blue

Some weddings are based around a favorite throw cushion, a scarf, a postcard or a photo. And then some weddings have no choice but to be based around the dress. If you buy a dress that is not your typical bridal gown, you may want to go this route, I know that's what I will be doing, hoping that I find the perfect vintage antique lace Claire Pettibone gown.

When I spotted this stunning Christian Dior couture gown I needed to set up some kind of scene for what type of wedding this could become. I despise royal blue - it reminds me of prom dresses - but mixed with lots of whites and hints of rustic brown elements it can really look crisp and fresh.

Here's what I came up with based off this piece of art - now can someone PLEASE buy this dress and hire me to coordinate?! Thank you.