The wedding invite has arrived - but what to wear??

With the wedding of the century now done and dusted, the fun really begins analysing who wore what, and how well they wore it. Sleuth was glued to the telly to see not only THE DRESS, but the attire that over 1800 guests arrived in, resulting in a melting pot of not only high-designer fashion, but some fashion-crime moments that sometimes only the Royals can achieve (raise your hands Beatrice & Eugenie....)

When it comes to being a wedding guest, it can often be a little daunting to decide what to wear to ensure you are dressed appropriately for the occasion, and also feel confidant in your outfit to ensure a good time throughout the event.

The dress code for a wedding should be clearly stipulated by the bride & groom so that their guests know what is expected, although at every wedding there always seems to be a ‘what were they thinking’ guest or two (denim is included in this category!)
So Sleuth has put below a run-down of wedding-wear protocol to guide Shopistas to the ‘do’s and don’ts’ of wedding guest garb, along with fabulous outfits to make an entrance in (but don't forget the golden rule - never aim to outshine the bride!)


Happy Shopping! x

The White Tie Wedding – the crème de la crème of wedding attire, white tie can often be the most fun, and also the most stressful for guests. Short dresses have no business here, with ladies expected to be in ball gowns worthy of a Cinderella moment. So frock up and have fun with it - just preferably don't wear white as you may find yourself being mistaken for the bride by tipsy relatives.....

This gown is a moment in itself, designed by homegrown fashion queen Rachel Gilbert US $1,820 from net-a-porter - BUY HERE 

Heels with a bit of sparkle will add some splash to your formal look, 'Queen' AUD $109.95 by MOLLINI - BUY HERE

Shimmer & shine with this lovely diamante-encrusted box clutch by Olga & Berg AUD $189 - BUY HERE

House of Harlow 1960 drop earrings AUD $17.30 - BUY HERE

Juliet & Company Lumiere Stretch Ring AUD $41.60 - BUY HERE

The Black Tie Wedding - Not as formal as white tie, black tie is a common dress code for weddings, with brides & grooms asking their guests to frock up and put in some effort for their special day, but not look like they should arrive in a horse & carriage. Traditionally black tie still implies a floor-length dress, but depending on the style of dress, many shorter versions are still suitable. 

Leopard is the colour of the season, so crack out this Calvin Klein number to celebrate, paired back with gorgeous bling accessories US $111.30 - BUY HERE

Nine West's 'Julius' heels will help you make a noble statement AUD $149 - BUY HERE

Bling with a difference - Rachel Leigh's Singita Drop Earrings AUD $118 - BUY HERE

ASOS Roaring Tiger Metal Ring - bling for a bargain! AUD $3.61 - BUY HERE 

Dress like the Queen of New York with Tory Burch's Metallic Logo Clutch AUD $322 - BUY HERE

The Cocktail Wedding - A fun spin on the traditional reception, cocktail often implies canapes and drinks rather than a sit-down dinner. Regardless of proceedings, if an invitation invites guests to dress 'cocktail', this doesn't instantly read as 'slutty nightclub'. Once again, the fact it's a wedding must be observed, so leave the crotch-skimming minis at home and opt for either a shorter (read - appropriate) or maxi length dress and heels. 

BCBGMAXAZRIA'S one-shoulder taffeta mini dress is a perfect cocktail concoction AUD $384.68 - BUY HERE

Jimmy Choo's Crown Glitter-Covered & Metallic Leather Pumps - the name pretty much sums up the extravagance of these lovelies! AUD $671.70 - BUY HERE

Simply stunning studs by Belle Noel AUD $24.75 - BUY HERE

Dare to be different and add a splash of Alexander McQueen colour to your couture look AUD $459 - BUY HERE

No cocktail ensemble is complete without a fancy knuckle-duster, and this Cognac Cocktail Ring by Sassi Jewels helps us understand where the term 'cocktail ring' came from, and will look perfect perched against a frosted Martini glass AUD $69.95 - BUY HERE

The Garden Wedding - is often held in the afternoon, and a lovely setting for gorgeous garden attire. Unless otherwise stipulated, garden weddings are often cocktail with a twist. Dresses of respectable length, heels and jewellery are all necessary, and just because it's outdoors doesn't mean that guests shouldn't frock up. If in doubt, confirm with the bride who should guide you on her expectations of guest attire, and have fun with one of Sleuth's favourite fashion settings!

Whimsical garden nymph, Sleuth is fantasising about FLEUR WOOD'S Ali Dress dress paired back with vintage-style jewels, clutch and heels, very Picnic At Hanging Rock, and oh-so-divine! $395 - BUY HERE

Mushroom & grey, a gorgeous colour palette for an afternoon garden setting. OLGA BERG $119 - BUY HERE

Feeling very La Dolce Vita with Samantha Will's gorgeous retro earrings  $245 - BUY HERE

Capping off the vintage feel with patent heels from STEVE MADDEN and a gorgeous toe polish $159 - BUY HERE

The Beach Wedding - Aaah cocktails by the sea & saying vows to the sounds of waves lapping on the shore...dream wedding really! If you've been invited to a beach wedding... firstly, lucky you! And secondly, enjoy the fun of dressing down-yet-up. This means that while you may even be barefoot, there is still an expectation of what you wear as a guest on the big day. What the designer's love to call 'resort-wear', bejewelled kaftans, lovely large changelier earrings and sparkly flats are all ingredients in a successful beach wedding outfit....and of course, a fabulous toe and nail polish to finish off the tropical vibe!

Byron-based designer Phyllis Boho's Carmen Beach Kaftan with its glorious mix of print and sparkle is perfect for seaside nuptials $199 -  BUY HERE

A perfect coral infusion with Kenneth Jay Lane's Three Drop Earrings $79.30 - BUY HERE

Wear your tropical feeling on your wrist, adding glitz to your beach look with this gorgeous coral cuff AUD $157 - BUY HERE

The perfect mix of beach & chic with Michael by Michael Kors' Rattan & Leather Box Clutch USD $170 - BUY HERE

Sleuth already has a pair of these gorgeous Seahorse Sandals by River Island on express order from ASOS. What's better than the AUD $54 price tag? Free International shipping - Shopista bliss! BUY HERE 

Go troppo with OPI's 'Koala Bear-y' polish $19.95

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AN ODE TO McQUEEN

What a day for British fashion, and aspiring brides the world over.
Sarah Burton should be one proud lady, not only did she design three amazing gowns (Kate's Abbey gown, Pippa's attendant gown, and then Kate's banquet gown - shown below), she has described designing the dresses as "the experience of a lifetime". 
While some fashionistas have commented the design was quite safe, particularly for Burton who is renowned for her edgy designs, the general consensus from the estimated 2.5 billion judges who tuned in is that Kate looked every bit the Royal bride, and her gown was a fitting first entry into what is sure to be a lifetime of keen fashion watching of the new Duchess. 


Lee McQueen sadly passed away in 2010, but Sleuth is sure he would have been a very proud Brit yesterday, not only for the amazing creations produced by his fashion house, but for the stamp in history his name will now have forevermore. 
We can only hope that both Diana and Lee McQueen are looking down with a chilled glass of bubbles, and clinking glasses to their respective successes.


Sleuth's fave online boutique net-a-porter.com has an exclusive line of McQueen wedding gowns & accessories - but if you're in the market, you'd better hurry as these are now likely to waltz out the door in no time!


Happy Shopping! x

Image - Credit: PA Wire/Press Association Images 

The new Duchess of Cambridge wearing her beautiful banquet gown, also designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen

McQueen Embroidered Duchess Satin Gown - pure quirky bliss US $15,065 - BUY HERE

McQueen Silk-Satin Organza Gown - seriously princess-worthy US $12,395 - BUY HERE

These resin leaf silk-satin peep-toe pumps highlight the mix of couture and wearability McQueen is so loved for. US $1,675 - BUY HERE

McQueen's signature lace-on-satin look perfects the vintage feel of these pretty pumps US $995 - BUY HERE

For a bride with a bit of grit, this bling knuckle-duster will certainly pack a punch at the reception!       US $2,295 - BUY HERE

KATE THE GREAT - get her look

Well, with a waiting mass of 2 billion people all prying to see her frock, Kate Middleton pulled off the almost impossible and rocked Westminster Abbey in a fabulous Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen wedding gown.

Finding inspiration from Sleuth’s all-time favourite Royal bride, Grace Kelly, the new Duchess of Cambridge evoked classic elegance while still looking the modern bride, and drew gasps when she emerged from her Phantom chariot to the applaud of thousands.

It also takes a brave & confidant bride to allow her chief attendant to look as hot as Pippa did. The younger Middleton drew applause, not only with how spectacular she looked (no 80's puff sleeves here), but also for having broken the traditional rule of not wearing the same colour as the bride. 

But it worked, and they looked the beautiful pair, one being escorted to her life in Royalty, and the other being escorted to what is sure to be a life of high social status, magazine covers and rich partners (Pippa that is...!)

So now the replica game begins. Sleuth pities any bride who may have been thinking along these lines prior to Kate's grand entrance, as replicas will be a dime-a-dozen from here on out. 

While seamstresses the world over madly dash to replicate the dress of the century, thanks to brides.com, below is a collection of gowns that have a flavour of Kate the Great, so you too can feel like a princess bride.....

Happy Shopping! x

Kate in her stunning McQueen gown, looking every part the Royal bride. Sleuth was a little disappointed with the bouquet, feeling it could have had a little more grandeur to add to the vintage glamour of the gown...

Image - EPA (L), Sipa Press/Rex Features (R)

Comparisons with the Queen of Brides, Grace Kelly - not a bad comparison to be had Sleuth thinks!

Image - AP Television News

Wow, what a predicament to find one's self in. Which priceless tiara shall one wear on the big day? 

The chosen number? The Queen's 'Halo' Cartier tiara, a 1936 family heirloom & given to her by her parents for her 18th birthday.

Image - Reuters (L) / Getty Images (R)

Pippa performing her duties & looking simply stunning, the cowl neck and gorgeous button detailing screams upperp class, and will hopefully spawn a new tradition in chic bridesmaids wear. 

Oh to be a Royal bride....

Romona Keveza's designs are divine, including this gorgeous gown from the 2012 collection - VIEW HERE

One of the great American bridal designers, Priscilla of Boston's A-line gown will win the crowd $4975 - BUY HERE

Pronovias' 2012 sweet heart dress with lace applique will turn heads and melt hearts - VIEW HERE

For a crowning moment, wear the 'Diane' Pearl & Crystal Tiara by Orange Blossom US $89 - BUY HERE

Wedding fever - what Julia SHOULD wear....

For homegrown fashionistas, shopistas and basically anyone with a pulse, the Royal wedding is something of a momentous occasion, not only to find out what Kat(herin)e wears down the aisle to her beloved, but also what Ms Julia Gillard will wear to represent us as Australia's first female Prime Minister (read - the first PM that we've actually cared about what they're wearing....) 

With the countdown on, Sleuth has proposed a look below for Julia, working with her complexion and also keeping in mind she is a head of state, so knee-grazing cocktail dresses aren't going to cut it here (stay tuned for wedding-wear post!)

For Julia's look, Sleuth has taken cues from another famous red-head, Miranda from Sex And The City. 

When the show first began, Miranda's short & severe crop won few fans, but as the series progressed, along with the fashionability of the show, Miranda's look was softened and played with, so by the time the movies came around, they had the right make-up working with the perfect fashion colour palette - resulting in a foxy flame-haired vixen who knew how to strut her stuff.

So come 5pm tonight, we'll see if Julia has also hit the mark with her Royal look, fingers crossed ladies!

Happy Shopping! x

Miranda (aka Cynthia Nixon) working a cobalt Zac Posen gown for Carrie's wedding on SATC

For Julia

Roland Mouret's gorgeous Sapphire-blue gown has appropriate upper-arm coverage,  flattering  waterfall ruffles around the waist & a slight slit to show off heels US $2,910 - BUY HERE




Adding some sparkle with Adriana Orsini's Pave Link Drop Earrings AUD $102 - BUY HERE




The height of glamour - Christian Louboutin's 'Jenny' heels $895 - BUY HERE




Jimmy Choo silver Tube clutch, perfect for lipgloss, comb, mints and other VIP needs US $1,295 - BUY HERE


Hair & Makeup


Miranda's makeup is perfect for Julia's complexion - some colour definition & highlighting on the cheeks, flawless skin (achieved by the-one-and-only Armani foundation) and bringing out the eyes for a more glamourous look.

Soft volume in the hair is also key to achieving this red-carpet-ready look.

See you on the red carpet!!

Get your own 'piece' of the royal action!

What better way to feel part of the wedding action in just 10 hours time by sipping away at your tea (ok, will be subbed for champagne, just this once!) in one of the official Wills & Kate tea cups. 

Thanks to our friends at Victoria’s Basement (Sleuth’s fave shopping destination for all things culinary), you too can dine with the Prince & his bride, whether you’re serving tea (akhem, champagne), or handing your wedding party guests some monarch-worthy canapés on the official fine bone china plate, you're sure to be feeling very regal come vow time. 

Yes, it’s a tad tacky, but Sleuth can’t help embracing the Royal love, and what great kitsch memorabilia to have collecting dust in the cupboards for years to come.....Sleuth is getting the set!

Happy Shopping! X

Big enough to fit a yummy hot chocolate/bottle of Veuve! $19.95 - BUY HERE

Eating from the plates of Royalty for just $29.95 - BUY HERE

A little more dainty & fit for a princess $19.95 - BUY HERE

If fine-bone china isn't really your 'cup of tea' and diamonds are more your thing, perhaps you'd like to sport Kate's bling number - as Will so lovingly put it, 'I'm told it's a Sapphire with some Diamonds around it'. Bless!

Get your bling on with this Kate Middleton silver-tone ring $34.95 - BUY HERE

SWLS QUICK BUY – simply CHARMING!

Colette Accessories has 50% off a very cute selection of jewels and accessories currently in-store, and Sleuth was charmed (pardon the pun!) to find these two dainty & gorgeous necklaces among them. 

Not only does the ‘No 1’ bottle paired back with a twinkly martini glass make Sleuth feel instantly Hepburn, the best part of all is the total price for both after the 50% off discount - $7.46 - very princess-fund friendly!

Head to colette.com.au for your nearest store, and of course....

Happy Shopping! x