Sunday, April 24, 2011

William and Kate First Official Appearances

Welcome to the royal world, Kate! Kate and William made a couple of official appearances today, starting with the christening of a boat, according to People.com and ending with a visit to their alma mater (and the place where they first met), St. Andrews.

Kate looked a little cold while pouring a bottle of champagne over the public launch of a lifeboat in North Wales on Thursday, but was still all smiles for the crowds that showed up to greet the happy couple. The two named the "Hereford Endeavor" lifeboat, provided by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in a ceremony at the Trearddur Bay Lifeboat Station, an event which seems entirely designed to ease Kate into her royal duties.

The princess-to-be showed that her Welsh lessons must be paying off, since she sang along to the national anthem, "Hen Wlad fy NhaDau (Land of my Fathers)." Later, William explained that while he does the "talking bit, she's going to do the fun bit," at which point Kate poured the champagne over the boat.

But their royal agenda hardly ended there. Kate and William headed back to their alma mater Friday to launch the 600th anniversary celebrations at the school, reports the UK's Daily Mail. Kate wore a bright red suit with black buttons and a Clarence House spokesperson said that no details about the suit's designer could be given, but that it did come from Kate's own wardrobe (we're guessing someone will figure it out soon).

Even though the weather was cold and windy, plenty of well-wishers turned out and patiently waited for a chance to glimpse or shakes hands with the young royals. The university also announced they would be creating a scholarship in honor of the royal wedding. While Kate greeted fans wearing a pair of black leather gloves, she later took them off to reveal her gorgeous sapphire engagement ring.

Victoria Beckham with Dress Kate

We already knew that soccer star David Beckham and former Spice girl Victoria Beckham had been invited to the royal wedding -- but it looks like Kate is interested in more than just Mrs. Beckham's friendship, according to People.com.

The singer-turned-fashion-designer told Britain's Daily Telegraph, "Apparently, [Kate] likes my clothes and has asked to see a selection." The designer, speaking from her New York Fashion Week Show, said it would be an "honor" to dress the princess-in-waiting, adding, "It's tremendously exciting."

Victoria's most recent collection has been generally well-received since it premiered on Sunday. Victoria is also expecting her fourth child at the end of June.

This just in -- Princess Diana's brother, Charles Spencer, has announced his engagement, reports the Washington Post. Diana's brother is perhaps best known for the (somewhat scathing) eulogy he gave at Diana's funeral. Earl Spencer reportedly plans to tie the knot in June to Canadian philanthropist Karen Gordon. He was broke off his previous engagement, to Lady Bianca Eliot, just four months ago. Charles was previously married to model Victoria Lockwood, with whom he has four children. His second marriage was to Caroline Freud, with whom he has two children. Let's hope the third time is a charm.

Beautiful Kate Middleton with Hat Designer

Of course it wouldn't be a springtime British wedding without lots of gorgeous hats and over-the-top fascinators. Which has had us wondering... who will be dressing the royal heads for the wedding?

Famed hat maker Philip Treacy has confirmed that he's designing wedding hats for "some members of the royal family and attendees," reports People.com. Philip has designed hats for stars like Sarah Jessica Parker, Lady Gaga -- and worked with royals like Camilla Parker Bowles (Kate's future step-mother-in-law). Philip even designed Camilla's feathery headpiece for her wedding to Prince Charles.

But there are other rumors that indicate Philip might be designing for Kate herself. "Kate recently met Treacy after the Duchess of Cornwall (Parker Bowles) recommended his designs for the senior members of the wedding party, including mother-of-the-bride Carole," says Katie Nicholl in the UK's Mail on Sunday. Insiders say that Kate will stick to tradition for the ceremony, wearing a veil, but is "keen on wearing something fabulous," for the evening reception.

Kate is also expected to have another costume change -- her dress -- and wear a different wedding gown entirely for the dinner and dance hosted by Prince Charles. (Plus, check out photos of Kate as a kid.)

Bachelor Spoilers with Angelina

So was it a publicity stunt? That's what some insiders claim about Angelina Pivarnick's recent red carpet engagement, reports Perez Hilton.

Sources that not only is the engagement a publicity stunt to get her back on the reality TV series, but that her supposed fiance, Dave Kovacs doesn't even like her. In fact, Angelina is dating a Staten Island firefighter. Says the source, "They aren't even friends on Facebook. The whole thing is weird... The day she got engaged to Dave, she put photos of herself and Ivan [the firefighter] on her Twitter."

So what do you think? Could it be possible that Angelina is just that desperate to get back into the limelight?

And in other reality TV news, bad boy Bachelor star Brad Womack has reportedly bought a $90,000 ring to give to his chosen lady, according to The Hollywood Life. Though the winner won't be revealed for weeks, the season finale was actually taped a while back -- so the winner just needs to keep her hands hidden until the episode airs. Says the insider, "The stone is a round diamond with a pave eternity band. The setting is in platinum. The whole piece is just spectacular." For $90,000? Yes, we should hope it is indeed spectacular.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Incredible Natalie Portman's Ethereal Look from Italian Bridal Designer

Natalie Portman hit the red carpet fashionably late, but looking just as gorgeous as ever. We picked this draped, tip of the shoulder gown from Le Sposa di Gio, a small Italian bridal designer, for her look alike bridal gown. The rouching, and soft silk chiffon goes perfectly with the flowing, ethereal look that Natalie (now visibly pregnant!) has on the red carpet. via Just Jared and Le Sposa di Gio.

Fantastic Perfectly Scarlett Johansson in Lace

Scarlett Johansson took to the red carpet in a peek a boo cut out lace gown that showed off her curvy figure. While we love the way the lace looks on the red carpet with, even with a slight glimpse of her black bra (and I think her black thong from the back...) it might not work on the aisle. That's why we picked this classic lace gown with a high collar from Beth Elis. Lots of stars this year opted for higher-necklines, and this wedding dress captures that look perfectly. Via

Elegant Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa

Cutie Hailee Steinfeld might be the world's luckiest 14-year-old tonight, as she attends the Oscars for the first time in a custom-made Marchesa gown. The dress is totally age-appropriate, and yet has a timeless elegance. Hailee, who co-starred in True Grit says that she actually sketched the dress herself and gave that to Marchesa, who made the gown for her. Love it? Why not try this Oscar de la Renta style, which captures the same playful length. While the colors are a little different, we think the fun, light-hearted feel to both dresses gets the right mood across. via 3am.co.uk

Wonderful Mandy Moore Designed By Monique Lhuillier

Wonderful Mandy Moore hit the red carpet tonight looking all grown up in this gorgeous gown from Monique Lhuillier. The illusion neckline, the crystal details and the modified A-line are all so of-the-moment! And that color just looks lovely with her skin tone. Love it? Then try this bridal version, also from Monique Lhuillier. via Celebrity-Gossip.net

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Wedding Michael Buble

Michael Buble is officially a married man. The singer tied the knot with his girlfriend, Luisana Loreley Lopilato de la Torre in Buenos Aires in a series of elegant ceremonies, reports People.com.

And, keeping in line with a stateside trend, Lopilato also donned a trio of dresses for the two different weekend wedding ceremonies. For the civil ceremony in Bueonos Aires, the 23-year-old TV star wore a violet dress with a crystal encrusted bodice (far left photo). On Saturday, Lopilato donned a more traditional gown designed by Argentinean designer Sylvie Burstin (middle photo). This religious ceremony, held at a private mansion called Villa Maria Paz, was attended by some 300 guests, and Lopilato’s father, Eduardo, walked her down the aisle. That gown reportedly featured a satin bodice with a plunging neckline and a feminine, tiered skirt made of layers of tulle, with ribbons and silk thread embroidery. She also wore a pair of Christian Louboutin heels.

Then, during the reception — which featured a special performance by Buble of “Haven’t Met You Yet” which he dedicated to his new wife — Lopilato slipped into a silk chiffon v-neck gown by Marchesa (sketch, far right). The dress reportedly featured a delicate embroidered waist and details at the shoulders.

Insiders said the wedding was a big hit. “The wedding was unbelievably joyous,” said one insider. Guests danced until six in the morning, and “the bride and groom and families and friends had a phenomenal time,” says the source.

But the party isn’t over yet. Buble and Lopilato will reportedly hold yet another reception in Vancouver, Canada, close to the groom’s native Burnaby, in May.

Monday, March 28, 2011

New Royal Wedding Updates

Sure, plenty of couples get to see a recording of their wedding on video, but what about making an audio recording of the wedding available as an album? Moments after Kate and William exchange “I do’s,” Decca Records is expected to release the entire ceremony digitally on the same day, reports People.com.

And in May, they’ll debut a deluxe CD package, which will include a special collector’s booklet. it won’t be the first royal wedding album either. Diana and Charles’ 1981 nuptials were also released by Decca Records. “This is a great honor and an enormous responsibility,” says Anna Barry, the Grammy-nominated producer who will work on the record. “The wedding means so much to millions of people all over the world — we have to capture every note and every nuance perfectly and have the recording ready within minutes of the end of the ceremony.” (Talk about working on a tight deadline!)

Well, we’ve seen the mugs, tea towels, and even the royal wedding condoms — but what about a royal wedding refrigerator? That’s right, now you can think of Kate and Will every time you open your fridge thanks to a limited edition release from GE, reports PerezHilton.com. We’ll be honest, this is basically just a normal fridge with a big William and Kate decal on the door, right?

Not be left out of the memorabilia madness, Dunkin’ Donuts is also releasing a limited edition royal wedding doughnut. The heart-shaped sweet treat will be filled with jelly and available only from April 24-April 29 (the day of the wedding).

Meanwhile, production is underway for the Kate and William Lifetime movie that we reported about earlier. One notable scene so far that the tabloids are reporting on? Apparently after Kate gets dumped by William, there’s a scene of her crying into her wine glass in the bath tub. Other buzzed-about scenes from the upcoming film include one where the two are seen in bed together — but fully clothed. The actors, Camilla Luddington, who plays Kate, and Nico Evers-Swindell, who plays William, seem to be doing their best to pull off the iconic roles, but the film is already expected to be a highly-cliched version of the actual relationship.

And finally, Camilla Parker-Bowls, the future mother-in-law of Kate Middleton, has spoken out about her feelings on the upcoming wedding. “Kate’s a lovely girl,” she says according to the Daily Mail. “We’re very lucky. I’m very much looking forward to the wedding.” The two were recently spotted at dinner together at the Berkley Hotel in Knightsbridge — a three-star Michelin restaurant. An on-looker said they heard talk of “trumpets” possibly in reference to Westminster Abbey. “They were all getting on very well and they clearly hadn’t asked for an out-of-the-way table and nor did they attempt to lower their voices,” one diner said. Camilla has also recently joined Kate’s parents, Michael and Carole, who are reportedly looking to move into the Duchess’ former home, at a Royal Opera House performance of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland last week. Overall, it would appear that the new in-laws are set to get along drama-free.