London: Fashion Capital of the World

It's true, ladies and gentlemen! London has apparently overtaken New York City and been ranked the Fashion Capital of the World, at least for the year 2011. According to the Huffington Post, the city's new title can be attributed to the stylish Kate Middleton (more formally known as Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge), and luxury fashion house Alexander McQueen. Of course, the two almost go hand-in-hand, as Kate is often seen sporting a McQueen number everywhere from Wimbledon to the Diamond Jubilee. Not to mention her Alexander McQueen wedding gown designed by Sarah Burton (Pippa's dress is also McQueen!).    

I'm thrilled that London finally has some recognition for it's style. In fact, England in general seems to have an extraordinary number of stylish citizens. Kate Middleton is the most obvious, with her outfits making headlines each time she steps out in public. Who wouldn't want to take fashion pointers from a princess? Below are my favorite English fashion and beauty icons. Whenever I find myself in a "fashion rut", I always look to these British bombshells for some inspiration.


Kate Middleton: 

Forget Cinderella's baby blue ball gown and glass slippers. This princess knows how to dress. Because she must always look poised and polished, Kate has this seemingly magical ability to make even the simplest outfits look fit for tea with the Queen.

Favorite Looks:
- cropped coral jeans + blazer + scarf

- dressed in white at Claridge's

- trench coat perfection

- stunning in McQueen for the Diamond Jubilee

- vintage Amanda Wakeley

- flawless with camilla

- pretty in pink


While it can be more difficult to pull inspiration for everyday life from Kate since most of us don't get the invites to the royal affairs, her style serves as a reminder of how to look elegant and sophisticated no matter what the event.

Victoria Beckham: 

This is the woman that comes to mind when I hear the words "Best Dressed". I've been a fan of Victoria ever since I was a child when I determined that the Posh Spice Barbie doll was my favorite (I had all five). In fact, I chose it as my favorite because I liked the purple and black dress it had on. Even in doll form, Victoria never disappoints with what she wears.

Favorite Looks:
- ombre jeans

- fur, fur, and more fur : she's doing it right

- peachy pink + nude pumps

- airport attire: flying fierce

- sophisticated at Harvey Nichols, similar look

- royal wedding attendee

- orange dress

- gown #1, gown #2, and gown #3

- green chanel jacket

- blue peter pan collar dress

- hot pink dresses and green dress

Every outfit she wears is just perfection. I would do unforgiving things to be able to have (and fit into!) her entire wardrobe. Now that Victoria is a fashion designer and has her own line, I technically can have her wardrobe- I just need to strike it rich first. Basically, I'm as obsessed with her style as she is with Prada. Let's just point out that Victoria Beckham sure knows how to strike a pose.

Pippa Middleton:

The underrated Middleton sister, Pippa is better known worldwide for her impossibly perfect bum than, well, anything else. While she can't exactly compete with her sister, she is certainly not living in Kate's shadow. Pippa has a unique street style, and she flaunts it well.

Favorite Looks:
- bright pink jeans

- green jacket

- red-orange coat + boots

- maxi dress with white jacket

- pink gown and green gown

- denim jacket + dress,

- cardigan + blouse + jeans


When my dream of living in Chelsea comes true, I hope to look as cool, calm, and collected as Pippa does on my daily walks to work. In an attempt to get some sort of a head start on that dream, I even purchased the laptop case that Pippa is always seen carrying, like in the picture above.  Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a little: I just needed a case for my laptop and genuinely like the one Pippa had better than others I had seen. Anyway, you can purchase the Knomo case here.

Stella McCartney:

Like Victoria Beckham, Stella McCartney is no longer just a person, but also a label. Stella is quickly becoming as popular in the fashion world as her father, Sir Paul McCartney, is in the music world. The following links are of my favorite looks that she wore. However, it is her talent in fashion design that makes her one of the most stylish Brits out there. Either way, she is still extremely fashionable and fabulous. Who knows, maybe a future blog post will be about Stella's exquisite designs...

Favorite Looks:
- perfectly pregnant in white coat

- polka dot blazer

- navy blue dress

- white + black

- heathrow houndstooth

- purple dress + black blazer


Obsessing over Stella's ombre jeans in the photo above? The 'Degrade Skinny Ankle Grazer Jeans', as they are called, are by Stella McCartney herself and were also pictured on Victoria Beckham in one of the links to my favorite looks of hers.

Kate Moss

Admittedly, I saved the best for last. The world's greatest supermodel, living legend Kate Moss, is the epitome of cool. Her style is effortlessly chic and often mirrors the rock and roll lifestyle she is attracted to.

Favorite Looks:
- cheetah coat

- floral jacket + white pants

- festival chic

- maxi dress + leather jacket

- pink chinos

- fur + moccasins, black fur, grey fur, and white fur

- studded leather jacket

- pastels

- all black topped with a hat

- ivory blazer, blazers + boots

- white pants

- evening romper + blazer + tights

- kate moss for topshop




Kate's style is envied by women everywhere, and rightly so. She stays true to herself and has been quoted saying that she only wears what she feels like. A trendsetter extraordinaire, Kate has, in recent years, popularized Ugg Boots, ballet flats, Vivienne Westwood Pirate Boots, skinny jeans, waistcoats, denim shorts, Alexander McQueen's skull scarves, Balenciaga handbags, and Hunter wellies, to name a few. She is not only my fashion icon, she is the fashion icon. What she wears, the world wears. I wonder how many women searched for a replica of her gorgeous custom John Galliano wedding dress!

Yves Saint Laurent

London may be the most fashionable, but these Brits are the most stylish. Yves Saint Laurent said it best: "Fashion fades, style is eternal."