London Cowling**

In the 1970s my mother bought me a cowl-neck sweater.  I hated it. 

Ever since then, whenever the fashion world has swooned over cowls, I have sneered, as I truly have not liked them, not one little floppy, frumpy bit.

But then: what of Pippa Middleton's Sarah Burton-designed dress with a deep, prominent cowl neck?

I absolutely love it.

**With apologies to The Clash.

Separated at Birth?**

The delightful new Middleton coat of arms:

and Princess Beatrice's wedding fascinator:

**With props to the late, great Spy magazine's feature.

More to the Point: McQueen Details on Kate Middleton's Wedding Dress?

Once I had taken in the lace sleeves and smart plunging neckline of the Duchess of Cambridge's wedding dress, I became wildly curious about the lines of the skirt. 

The skirt itself is all about curves, as it billows very gently from the waist, but then, there's a wonderfully whimsical, McQueen touch, to my eye, as fabric that's gathered in back--a mini bustle?--peeks out from either side in subtle points.

Oh yes: I did think of those pointy McQueen shoulders:

as well as a certain Lady's "bone" structure.

Here is a close-up of the detail:

Kate Middleton's Graceful Dress

Even though the necklines couldn't be more different, I thought that the new Duchess of Cambridge's elegant, feminine wedding dress echoed that of Grace Kelly, another "commoner" who married a prince.

Just lovely.

Coat of Charms

Why, yes: I do like how this pretty blue ribbon tied in a bow acorns adorns Kate Middleton's newly commissioned coat of arms. 

See you at 5 tomorrow?