Tag: Catching Up

Catching Up With: Swedish National Day
Sweden

Catching Up With: Swedish National Day

The HandbagLeave a comment

Sweden has celebrated its National Day on June 6 since 1983. It was established on that date in honor of two events: the crowning of Gustav Vasa in 1523 and the adoption of a new constitution in 1809.

The Swedish royals are enthusiastic supporters of National Day. There are many types of regional national dress in Sweden, but the royal women are wearing the national dress that was initially designed in the early 1900s. It was brought back to prominence by Queen Silvia and became the national costume in 1983. It is the one dress that’s designed to represent Sweden as a whole, and it’s called “Sverigedräkten”.

Most of the family gathered together here to participate in a ceremony at Skansen.

Embed from Getty Images

Embed from Getty Images

The family also split up duties, with Victoria and Daniel heading to celebrate at Haga Park in Solna. Victoria wore a brightly printed floral blouse and top by Rodebjer. I find Victoria commanding when giving a speech, and I think that posture has a lot to do with it.

The King and Queen headed to the province of Dalarna, to be enthusiastically greeted by crowds. Maybe they heard that Sils was going to be wearing this terrifically fresh looking white suit?

Carl Phillip and Sofia covered the activities at the Royal Palace, and Sofia appeared in national costume, because when you look that good in it, why change?

Let us know what you think of Swedish National Day below.

Catching Up With: Bhutan
Bhutan

Catching Up With: Bhutan

The HandbagLeave a comment

I think we can all agree that there are worse things than sharing Hump Day with an update from Bhutan.

A very happy birthday to the ever serene and gorgeous Dragon Queen. She turned 29 on June 4. Also – earring alert.

I found this information about the Royal Mobile Court fascinating! It sounds both grueling and involving, and really shows what a committed monarch Bhutan has in Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

I don’t know what prompted this sweet tribute from the King, but I am all here for it.

And who can’t use a dose of Gyalsey?

Don’t you all feel better now?

Catching Up With Letizia and Sofia
Japan · Spain · Sweden

Catching Up With Letizia and Sofia

The HandbagLeave a comment

I thought I could work up a theme for Letizia because she was on a streak of black and white and grey and navy, all solid and structured and firmly in her wheelhouse.

Embed from Getty Images

And then, boom.

Embed from Getty Images

Yes, a couple of flowy florals. They were all in service of the events, though.

From top to bottom, left to right, the grey pattern is a repeat Hugo Boss, worn to a WHO presentation on health and energy. The fabulous white pant suit by Carolina Herrera was worn to chair the Board Meeting of “Help for Drug Addiction Foundation” (FAD). The navy jumpsuit by Mango was for a fun event, the finals of Famelab, 2019. The black and white yet unidentifed dress was worn when the Queen and King presided on the occasion of the 175th anniversary of establishment of the Civil Guard.

Leti wore her florals to her softer side events, relating to societal issues. The pink Asos floral midi was seen at the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2019 events. The new blue silk print is by Sandro, worn when she chaired presentation ceremony of Santander’s XI Social Projects Awards.

Queen Sofia, not to be outdone, wore her own sophisticated white pantsuit to watch the defeat of Rafael Nadal of Spain against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece during day 8 of the Mutua Madrid. She sported a lovely silky suit at a meeting at ‘Escuela Superior De Musica Reina Sofia’. Looking good, La Reina.

Embed from Getty Images

Also, bonus Classic Queen and Princess editions alert! Victoria hosted the best lunch ever at Haga Palace. Her guests were her own mother, Queen Sofia, and Princess Takamado. Everyone was in Stockholm for the Dementia Forum X 2019.

I started with a black and white and grey theme but lost the plot there after a while. However, I hope you agree that the Spains are a busy bunch!

Catching Up with Max and Mathilde
Belgium · Netherlands

Catching Up with Max and Mathilde

The HandbagLeave a comment

There’s so much going on in Great Britain, let’s not ignore the fact that Max and Mathilde, the MM Queens, have been out and about and busy as bees.

Maxima and her handsome partner Wax were on a two-day visit to the German states of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Brandenburg. Max wore a repeated chiffon dress, sprinkled with woven dots, by Saloni Lodha. I have always loved this colorful entry. If you click through the slideshow you will also see another repeat from 2017, an outfit by Mattijs van Bergen’s Photo to Fashion collection. The combination of the collarless blazer with the light organza skirt makes for a zingy contrast. I find the embroidered lily to be such a Max touch. She accessorized with stonking pearls and topped it all with a Fabienne Delvigne cocktail hat.

Embed from Getty Images

Max and Wax blew into a visit to Volucap Studio in Rostock, Germany. Max wore – well, you guess the designer ; ).

Embed from Getty Images

Mathilde has been all about the florals lately. Taking a page from Mette Marit’s book, she wore a flowing, bohemian dress by Giorgi Armani to the first session of the final Queen Elisabeth Competition . I like the fabric, although maybe there is a little too much of it. Clicking through the slide show you’ll see she continued her floral streak with a new bold sheath from Erdem. I think this one is a win for Tils. Perfect for attending a lunch meeting with the jury members of the competition.

Bonus Astrid sighting! I don’t know much about her ensemble, but we’ll just leave it with “it’s good to see her.”

Embed from Getty Images

So, what do you think? Do you like Tils on her mad floral tear? Approve of Max’s entries during her German working interlude? Let us know in the comments!

Catching Up With Princess Charlene
Monaco

Catching Up With Princess Charlene

The HandbagLeave a comment

We haven’t stopped by Monaco lately but some things are happening there that I think we should discuss. For one thing, Charlene appears to be growing out her hair, and I am seeing signs of the razor bob. Every since our Queen Letizia left that style behind, I have been hoping and praying to see it on someone again. I think it works for Char here.

The whole family attended the Sainte Devote Rugby Tournament, so, bonus sighting of cute Monaco twins in sunnies.

Embed from Getty Images

Embed from Getty Images

She also popped over to China, as one does, to attend the “Grace Kelly From Hollywood to Monaco” exhibition at the Galaxy Macau Exhibition Hall. She wore what I can only describe as a liquid Tom Ford, although officially it is the “Long Sleeve Crocodile Print Sheath Dress”, which certainly ties into our theme of royals gone wild this week. She carried a Louis Vuitton BB Capucines Handbag, with what looks like the Beijing skyline (correct me if I am wrong on that one!)*. I know it’s all not typical royal wear, but man does she wear this type of thing well.


Palace Princier de Monaco
Palace Princier de Monaco

Finally, the wedding ensembles of both Charlene and Albert are on display in China. I don’t know that I ever realized how much embroidery was on the front of her gown. I am feeling much warmer toward this dress now.

*AG says she thinks it’s Shanghai on the purse.

So what do you think of Char’s appearances? Is anyone out there as excited as I am for the return of the bob?