Brit Brief
Britain

Brit Brief

The Handbag

The feature where we broom all the Brit news into one handy place for chatting and dissecting. This week we will call the Brit Brief the Brit Long, for reasons that will become apparent to you as you trudge through the news! So read the whole darn thing or jump to the folks who are your jam.

House of Cambridge

The Duchess paid a visit to the Henry Fawcett Children’s Centre in Kennington, channeling the competent Lily Tomlin character in Nine to Five. The shirt is Gucci, and has a snazzy fold-over neckline that you can see at What Kate Wore, They have also identified the trousers as a repeat from her December visit to an RAF base in Cyprus.

Also a minor debate rages over whether she is wearing the blouse backwards, and if so, was it deliberate? Oh, the issues that tear us apart!

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She played the quick change artist and that evening attended the Portrait Gala at the National Portrait Gallery, igniting a minor internet firestorm. Is this a new dress or a rework of the Alexander McQueen that appeared at the 2017 BAFTAs? I vote rework, and I much prefer this version. More balanced now between the bodice and full skirt.

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The best part of the whole ensemble, for me, are these gorgeous earrings. Morganite Kiki McDonough, seen before at Pippa’s wedding.

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House of Wessex

Sophie must have nailed down her teleporting capabilities because she was everywhere these past 2 weeks. Here she is, at the UN opening ceremony of the commission on the status of women.

While in New York Sophie met with survivors, advocates and UN representatives to learn more about what is being done across the world to support women, resolve conflict and build peace at a grassroots level. Seriously, folks, Sophie been a supporter of these issues this a long time. On the frivolous side, I note that she is wearing Aross Girl The Brooke Dress in Apple Green.

In her homeland, she popped up opening up a kitchen manufacturing plant. Yes, I am as exasperated by this hem length as you would expect. We will move on because there is more. Much more!

She spent a few productive minutes staring down Fearless Girl. Who will win the face off? Another voluminous coat that I would love if it were five inches shorter. Or is this the same coat that mysteriously photographs a different color in the light? Not sure. Great shoes.

Finally, she was spotted hosting an event for Peacebuilders for International Women’s Day. Guess who stopped by? Princess Mabel. I shouldn’t be surprised that these two talents have met up. The expanse of toile de jouy on the dress gives me pause, but I can sure support the event.

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The handsome husband of Mrs. Wessex celebrated his 55th birthday last week. Getting better every year, Ed! Other than in your first year when you were just as cute as a button.

House of Wales

Camilla did her own thing for International Women’s Day, hosting an event for Women of the World (WOW). Camilla is president of this organization. Nice how that necklace just lays beautifully inside that neckline. I stared at every pearl clasp described on the Court Jeweller and on From Her Majesty’s Jewel Vault, and alas could not make an ID on this one. Keep us guessing, Cams.

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Today The Duchess of Cornwall hosted a reception at Clarence House with over 100 inspirational women from across the world to celebrate the Women of the World (WOW) Festival. Guests included @cathynewmanc4, @theslumflower, Charlotte Church, and girls from local schools who support the festival. WOW is a global movement that celebrates women and girls and looks at the obstacles that stop them from achieving their potential. The Duchess is President of WOW. The Women of the World Festival was founded in 2010 by Jude Kelly at Southbank Centre in London, and since then has reached over two million people in 17 countries on five continents with more than 65 festivals and events. #wowldn 📸 PA

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At the Commonwealth Day Reception at Marlborough House she also sported a wonderful, colorful wrap and some pretty fabbo earrings. Represent, Cams. From Her Majesty’s Jewel Vault has some great info on the rocks. The always reliable Everything Camilla blog goes into more detail on these events.

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Charles must have been sleeping in his dinner jacket this week. He also hosted a dinner to support the Princes Trust. The guest list was fabulous indeed, including the royal family’s new best friends, George and Amal Clooney. Honestly, the best thing about these Hollywood/Royal intersections is how star struck the Hollywood types seem to be. I love Amal’s dress, particularly the pleated bodice detailing. It is said to be a vintage Jean-Louis Scherrer by Stephane Rolland design from the label’s spring/summer 2007 collection. If 2007 counts as vintage, I have a lot of clothes that can be sourced out to celebrities, straight from my closet!

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House of York

Isn’t this photo charming? Sarah posted this in honor of International Women’s Day. She also added a shout out to Diana in the text of the Instagram post.

Princess Beatrice and her new beau, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, also attended the Portrait Gala. I am not entirely sure I find the dress photographs in a flattering manner, but it is a pretty color and looks like it’s an cozy one to wear. No sucking your stomach in all night.

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House of Sussex

Meghan and her escort Harry attended a Commonwealth Youth Day event at Canada House. Words cannot express how much I love this Erdem coat and, honestly, I never thought I would say those words. Something about the color and the structure of the collar is doing it for me. Last week, Meghan attended an International Women’s Day event wearing black and white Reiss, which is, sartorially, more of what we expect from her.

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I must say I am a fan of this cheeky side bun. And….she’s done for the duration. Look for your next Meghan sighting outside the Lindo Wing, if she chooses to do that!

Cheltenham Races

Cams and Zara were off doing what they love best, watching the horses. Me, I am not so much about horse racing but I do love a good glimpse of MIke Tindall, and he and his lovely wife are looking mighty natty here. Mike’s tie and shoes are just killing me.

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Cams came prepared for the cold, and to hand out the prizes.

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Bonus – do we like Andy Murray? I do ; .

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Random Jewel News

Since we so rarely see tiaras on their heads, we may as well see them in a museum. Queen Victoria’s Sapphire and Diamond Coronet is headed to the Victoria and Albert. Buy your tickets now!