2019 Oscars Fashion

The Academy celebrated the movies on Sunday night with the telecast of the 91st Oscars. Before the show went live there was plenty of fashion on the red carpet! As always there were hits and misses. Here are some of my favorites!

Laura Harrier in Louis Vuitton 


She's standing kind of awkwardly here which I feel takes away from some of the beauty of the dress, but when it walked the red carpet I was in awe. This custom Louis Vuitton gown was created in partnership with the Red Carpet Green Dress initiative. It just fit her impeccably and the crystals and the pattern they created was so beautiful. I liked seeing baby blue on the red carpet and I think the belt embellishment just took the dress up a notch. I have to say though, I hated the necklace she chose to pair with this gown. All I could see were Christmas colors that clashed!

Helen Mirren in Schiaparelli Haute Couture


Helen Mirren has been on my best dressed lists before because she proves that beauty lasts forever. She just picks things that are so right for her. I thought the combination of the fuchsia, coral, and guava was perfect for an event in sunny California. The colors combined with the pleats gave the skirt so much demention and movement, and the v-neck, 3/4 length sleeves, and sash at the natural waist were perfect for Helen's body. Also, HOLY DIAMONDS!

Melissa McCarthy in Brandon Maxwell


This is the first time Melissa has ever appeared on my best dress list! Usually she's on the worst dressed list. But, I have to hand it to her this time. I feel like a lot of women are doing pantsuits these days and to me, just look overly masculine or frumpy. I thought this pant suit with the addition of the floor-length cape and fabric choices was really gorgeous and feminine. I would have maybe made the pant waist a tad bit lower (as it was made custom for her) and I didn't care for her hair, but she went to the after parties in an Adidas tracksuit and I think that's pretty bad ass. 


Constance Wu in Versace


The Crazy Rich Asians star wore a custom Versace gown. My immediate thought when I saw this was that it's a grown up version of the Princess Belle dress. I watch Constance in Fresh Off The Boat where she plays this really buttoned up, hard ass character so I love seeing her IRL in such flowy, feminine gowns. I love the detailing on the bodice, the pleating, the flutter sleeves, and, if you look closely, there's embellishment at the neckline. She could have worn a necklace here, but overall the jewels are amazing! 


My nominees for worst dressed (womp, womp) are Serena Williams, Rachel WeiszNicole Holofcener (not sure who this is, just saw her look and was visually assaulted), Maya Rudolph, Sarah Paulson and many more. Ruffles seemed to be a trend on the red carpet last night (ie Linda Cardellini and Kacey Musgraves), but I was just not digging it. Everyone really seemed to like Gemma Chan's look (and she's the most beautiful person I've ever seen), but I just.can't.do.it. It's so shapeless! Come on, it's neon pink parachute!





The Royal Report

Here's what the British Royal Family has been up to in February...



February 5


The Duchess of Sussex took on two engagements for Children's Mental Health Week. She visited Lavender Primary School and Alperton Community School. Catherine visited with students, teachers, and administrators, and took part in round table discussions. 





Kate wore an emerald green dress by Eponine London paired with black tights, the 'Marissa' black suede booties by LK Bennett, and her Bayswater clutch by Mulberry. 


February 5

The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall visited the Supreme Court for the tenth anniversary of it's founding. They met the Justices of the Court and viewed all three courtrooms as well as items from the Supreme Court and Middlesex art collections.


Their HRHs let it slip that they will be making a trip to Cuba in the spring as part of a Caribbean tour. Although there is no official word from Clarence House, Camilla was overheard saying she was, "very much looking forward to the trip." Camilla and Charles will be the first members of the Royal Family to visit Cuba. 


February 6

The Countess of Wessex spent the day in Cumbria with a stops at one of the UK's oldest coffee roasters, John Farrer & Co, in Kendal, Cumbria and the Westmorland County Agricultural Society's annual silage competition. 





February 7



The Sussex Sweethearts attended The Endeavor Fund Awards in London. The Endeavor Fund Awards recognizes Armed Forces members who were injured in duty, but have gone on to use sport and adventurous challenge as part of their recovery and rehabilitation.







Meghan wore a custom skirt and blouse by Givenchy, Aquazzura 'Rendez Vous 105' mules, and her Givenchy satin clutch with jewelry clasp (which we have seen on numerous occasions now). 


February 9

Prince Philip, 97, has given up his driving privileges following his January 17 car accident.  A statement released by Buckingham Palace said, "After careful consideration, the Duke of Edinburgh has taken the decision to voluntarily surrender his driving license." While the Duke was unharmed in the crash, two people in the other car sustained minor injuries.


February 9


The Duchess of Cambridge unveiled her plan for a "Back to Nature" garden for the annual Chelsea Flower Show in May. The mom of three has teamed up with designers Andree Davies and Adam White to create the show piece which is described a woodland-themed garden where families can experience the natural environmental together. The design is said to be largely based on the childhood memories of Kate and two designers.




February 10

Thomas Markle released a private letter allegedly written by his daughter. The letter details Meghan's heartbreak over their falling out around the time of her wedding in May 2018. 


The letter, written and sent in August 2018, emerged after anonymous interviews were given to People magazine by five of The Duchesses' closest friends. Her friends revealed their concerns about the rumors surrounding Meghan and spoke of the letter. As friends hoped the letter to be "an olive branch." Mr. Markle described it as "a dagger to the heart." 


In the People magazine article, The Duchess's friends said that Meghan was devastated by the letter she received in return. They claim that in his letter, her father suggest he, Harry, and Meghan pose for press pictures. In her letter to her father, Meghan explicitly told her father that she did not want to communicate through the media. However, Thomas Markle claims that he suggested the photo op as a way of showing the world 'they could be friends again.'


The palace has refused to comment on whether the magazine's anonymous sources had cooperated at the direct request of the Duchess or with her approval.

February 10


Prince Harry stepped out solo to cheer on England at the Six Nations Championships. Prior to the game he met with 3 nominees from the Mitsubishi Motors Volunteer Recognition Programme which recognizes and rewards rugby volunteers.



The Duke also met with a group of children from schools taking part in the CBRE All Schools program. The project aims to increase the amount of rugby in secondary state schools. 

February 10


The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended the BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) Awards held at Royal Albert Hall in London. Prince William has been the president of the Academy since 2010. The future King and Queen walked the red carpet prior to the ceremony.







The Duchess wore a custom one-shoulder, white gown by Alexander McQueen which featured a ruffle hem and floral embellishments. Kate accessorized with Jimmy Choo Romy 100 'Delivered with Chocolates' heels, a custom white satin McQueen clutch, diamond pearl drop earrings that once belonged to Princess Diana, and The Queen's Quatrefoil bracelet. 



February 11

The Queen returns to London via public transit. Queen Elizabeth boarded a train from King's Lynn station in Norfolk headed for London. This signifies the end of her annual winter break at Sandringham. Every year The Queen and Prince Philip head to Sandringham House, her privately-owned country home, in Norfolk in mid-December and are later joined by the entire Royal Family for Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year's celebrations. Her Royal Highness ends her time in Norfolk in mid-February each year.


February 12

Charles and Camilla visited Liverpool, England for a day of engagements including a visit to the University of Liverpool, Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool Central Library, and the Marie Curie Hospice. They were joined by Ireland's president, Michael Higgins and his wife Sabina Coyne. 





February 12

The Duke and Duchess of success attended a performance of the play 'The Wider Earth' at the Natural History Museum in London to help mark the 210th birthday of Charles Darwin and celebrate the work of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust and the Queen's Canopy. The couple also met with the creators of the show.






The pregnant Duchess recycled her Ralph Lauren 'Ricky' clutch, Ralph Lauren 'Celia' pumps in a matching olive green color, and her Amanda Wakeley 'Crombie' coat in cream. She wore a specially created Ralph Lauren midi turtleneck dress.



February 13 


The Duchess of Cambridge stepped out solo for The Royal Foundation's 'Mental Health in Education' conference which brings together delegates from across the mental health and education sectors. The conference brings the two sectors together to work to tackle mental health issues in school and help them become equipped to support the mental health needs of their students.





Kate wore Golce & Gabbanna suiting separates in a white, black, and blue tweed paired black tights and Tod's suede pumps, and she chose to carry Mulberry's 'Bayswater' clutch.


Later that evening Her Royal Highness attended the 100 Women in Finance Gala Dinner at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. All proceeds from the gala The Royal Foundation's and Heads Together's 'Mentally Healthy Schools' program.





For the event the Royal wore a multi-toned Gucci gown with Oscar de la Renta 'Cabrina' heels in platinum lame, a Prada clutch, and Kiki McDonough drop earrings.



February 13

Prince William visited Passage Charity, an organization serving homeless and housing-insecure people. It was announced before his visit that the Prince has taken on the organization as one of his patronages.



February 13

The Duke of Sussex, the patron of England Rugby, attended a reception in support of Try for Change and the Jonny Wilkinson Foundation. 




February 14

The Duke of Cambridge visited Pall Mall Barbers in Paddington which is a collective run by barbers who raise awareness for the prevention of suicide. The collective comes together to provider training in 'BarbersTalk' which helps barbers recognize signs of depression and mental health issues in their clients. 




Later that morning Prince William headed to London to visit with a charity called Future Men to observe the program 'Future Dads.' The charity provides advice and support for fathers, helping to develop their confidence as dads. 



February 14


The Duke of Sussex, Captain General of the Royal Marines, met with deployed service personnel at Exercise Clockwork, located 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle in Northern Norway. At Exercise Clockwork military personnel are taught how to survive, operate, and fight in the extreme cold conditions. 





February 15

Prince Charles visited Bletchingdon Parochial CoE School in Oxfordshire. The next King planted trees, watched children bake, and met with builders. The Oxfordshire village has previously seen investment from The Princes' Trust.



February 15 - February 20

Meghan's NYC Baby Shower Extravaganza! 


The Duchess is first spotted in New York City in the late evening of February 18, possibly returning from dinner with friends at the French restaurant/bakery Laduree. The Duchess looks low-key in a Victoria Beckham coat and Isabel Marant 'Gabor' Tweed Cap and carrying a Rag and Bone navy wide brim fedora and Carolina Herrera 'Mariola' shoulder bag.


On February 19 Her Royal Highness is photographed leaving The Mark hotel with friend Abigail Spencer. The Duchess had her Carolina Herrera bag and wore HATCH Collection 'nearly skinny' maternity jeans, Le Specs cat eye sunglasses, Stuart Weitzman 'Legend' suede pumps, and a Courreges Vintage Haute Couture black coat (circa 1965). 




Later that evening Meghan met friends, including Jessica Mulroney, Serena Williams, and Markus Anderson, for dinner at Ralph Lauren's Polo Bar.



The pregnant Royal wore her Victoria Beckham coat, HATCH Collection maternity jeans, Tamara Mellon 'Kindred' mid-calf boots, and carried a Stella McCartney 'Fine Chain Mini Tote.'


On February 20 The Duchess celebrated her baby shower surrounded by famous faces such as Gayle King, Serena Williams, Misha Nonoo, Markus Anderson, Amal Clooney, Abigail Spencer, Jessica Mulroney, and Daniel Martin along with friends from her time at Northwestern University at The Mark hotel's penthouse suite. 



The shower included a desserts table by Darcy Miller, a floral arranging lesson with floral event designer Lewis Miller, and noshes from famed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The entire event was pulled together and coordinated by Jennifer Zabinski of JZ Events. Harpist Erin Hill was on hand to provide the entertainment. The floral arrangement created by the guests were donated to Repeat Roses who homed the blooms at Ronald McDonald House NYC. 


Decor was said to be orange trees, and flowers in orange, pink, and yellow hues. Guests went home with an Away hard case, monogrammed carry-on suitcase. Meghan opted not to open her gifts, keeping this for her and Harry to do together. The event was reportedly co-hosted by Serena Williams and Northwestern friend Genevieve Hillis.



Later that evening The Duchess headed back to the UK and her Duke, reportedly on a private jet that George and Amal Clooney footed the bill for. She looked super causal in a camel overcoat, Adidas 'Ultraboost' sneakers, Lululemon 'Align' leggings, an Ingrid & Isobel black maternity active wear hoodie, a Jennifer Meyer 'Mummy' necklace, a Vuyana 'Le Sud' leather day bag, and a black baseball cap with the word 'Rectify' which is the name friend Abigail Spencer's TV show that ran from 2013-2016.



February 19

Prince Harry steps out solo again visiting Fit and Fed's February half-term holiday activity program at Streatham SYCT's John Corfield Center. 



'Fit and Fed' is a national campaign run by Street Games which aims to provide children with free access to activity sessions and nutritious lunches during school breaks.



February 19

The Duchess of Cornwall made an appearance at London Fashion Week to present the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. This year the award went to Bethany Williams, a London-based designer who specialized in sustainable and ethical fashion.



February 20

Harry handed out handed out two dozen new Royal Marine Commandos their green berets after they finished a grueling 30-mile challenge across Dartmoor. The green beret is rewarded after 32 weeks of intensive training.





February 23

Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex are seen on a ski vacation with their children Louise and James during school break. The family holidayed in St. Mortiz, Switzerland.



February 23

Harry and Meghan touch down Morocco for a 3-day tour of the North African country. More details to come!




Come back for the next installment of The Royal Report. Coming Soon!