Christie’s Hosts Old Queens and New

In the age of Middleton mania, there’s no shortage of mythology (or obsession) surrounding what it means to be a queen.

On June 4, Christie’s will unveil a new exhibition, A Queen Within: Adorned Archetypes, Fashion, and Chess, which examines the principal monarch from a freshly cerebral perspective.

“It all started with the chess museum in Saint Louis,” relayed Swedish curator Sofia Hedman of the impending preview. “The idea is that each piece on the chessboard can be seen as a different personality, and the queen incorporates the different personalities a woman can have—the enchantress, the explorer, the ruler, the mother, and others.”

Rare pieces—Hussein Chalayan’s iconic bubble dress from Spring 2007, Maison Martin Margiela’s Spring 2001 vest made entirely from baseball gloves, and more than a few ornately embroidered gowns by Alexander McQueen (left)—are placed among lesser-known new works from “very, very unpredictable and very experimental” designers, like Charlie Le Mindu and Jordan Askill. Each touches on a different element of the regal persona, with plenty of reference to royal Dutch portraiture from the sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth centuries.

“It’s constantly evolving, in a way,” said Hedman of the queen archetype. “Different types of queens go in and out of fashion, but I think there’s something very solid and traditional about the queen concept—and right now, with last year’s Jubilee, Dolce & Gabbana’s [Fall] show, and in the work of so many other designers, she’s in the air somehow.”

A portion of A Queen Within will be displayed at Christie’s, in New York, on June 4. The full exhibition will open at the World Chess Hall of Fame, in Saint Louis, on October 19, 2013, and run through April 18, 2014.

Little Mix hit the stage at Radio 1's Big Weekend in Derry

Aw, we bloody love Little Mix. They're cute, chipper, and totally co-ordinated. If fact, they make us want to be in a girl group, or failing that, arrange a special colour-based dress code with our friends for every time we head on a night out together. Yes, we're totally going to do that.
Today's outfits were perfectly unmatchily matched as usual - and unlike a lot of the stars - they were actually dressed for a festival, in a combo of monchrome and camouflage gear, with bobble hats, jackets and cargo pants a go go.
And brilliantly, as well as their own songs, the X Factor winners' set included a mash-up of girl band classics including Destiny's Child Bootylicious and TLC's No Scrubs. AMAZING.
With their Big Weekend set, the girls were hard back at work after some time off following their recent tour. Perrie even managed to go for a minibreak with boyfriend Zayn, jetting off to Verona, Italy on Sunday where Zayn was performing with One Direction in front of 15,000 of their excitable fans.
After a tricky few months for the couple, with allegations Zayn cheated, Perrie says they are happy and things are going well - despite the all the rumours she has to deal with.
"Things are all good. Zayn is my best friend and I've seen more of him since we finished our tour as well. I try not to let what I read in the paper get to me. But I still read things and I think, 'That didn't happen.' But as long as me and the rest of the girls know it's not true, that's what matters."
The group are also riding high after recently landing their first big magazine cover in America, posing on the front of Seventeen magazine. Little Mixer Leigh-Anne said: "I asked the boys from One Direction how to make it in America and they basically said, 'Be yourself and you can't go wrong'. People know when you're trying to be someone you're not. Just be true to who you are. So that's what we've been doing!"
And it seems like it's working pretty well. Well we suppose when you've got Simon Cowell and Zayn from One Direction on your side that's got to help (or inspire mass hatred from jealous One Direction fans, one or the other).

Beauty Staple: Elisa Nalin's Platinum Pixie Cut

WHO: Elisa Nalin, the Paris-based fashion stylist

WHAT: “I’ve always cut my hair and then let it grow in cycles. I used to get bored quite easily. I’ve done everything you can imagine, the weirdest styles—mullets, a Ziggy Stardust look, purple hair. Four years ago, after I had my baby, my hair was long and I wanted to cut it again but everyone was against it. After a while, I decided to do it myself. I just went for it. I have no fear when it comes to hair. First, I cut it into a bob at my ears, and I bleached it at home. Then I called and begged Franco Gobbi, my oldest friend and a supertalented hairstylist, to cut it very short into a boyish pixie cut. He did it and I was so happy!”

WHERE: “I always went to Franco, even while I was still living in Milan and he was in Paris. Unfortunately for me, he moved to New York and I had to find somebody new. That was Karin Bigler. We were at the same talent agency at the same time, and so she would cut me and do my color as well. Then, guess what? She moved to London! Recently, as my hair was growing out, I became desperate and went for a walk in my neighborhood in Paris looking for somewhere to get it done. I stumbled upon salon Coiffure et Spa by Christian Lacout, which is a traditional place that’s been around since 1965. The platinum blonde came out very well, and it’s much less expensive than anywhere else I’ve been! It’s the perfect place for a touch-up.”

WHEN: “I’m not regular at all about my cut and color. But after I wash it, I always use a product to nourish and hydrate since I bleach my hair so often. My favorite thing to do is mix Sebastian’s Potion 9 with a bit of argan oil from Cris Dios Organics. I discovered the latter last month while I was in Sao Paulo for fashion week. I went to a hair spa there called Laces, where they massage your legs and shoulders while treating your hair! To keep it from being fluffy when it dries, I use Himalaya Herbal Healthcare’s Protein Hair Cream, which I discovered in India this January. I love it because it works the same whether you apply it to wet or dry hair.”

WHY: “Having short hair changed the way I dressed. Before, I was much more 1960s and very retro. Now, when I put on one of those dresses, I’m like, No, something is wrong. I’m much more comfortable dressing masculine, in a shirt and pants all the time. Of course, I mix a lot of color and textures—I’ve always loved playing with patterns—and I still wear a lot of pink, but the clothes themselves are masculine. I don’t think I can go back to long hair this time. I think part of it is becoming a mother. It’s just less practical. It’s funny—short hair doesn’t change the way you feel, but it changes the way people see you. People didn’t recognize me at first! Also, living in Paris, you get a lot less bothered by men!”

Louise Trotter Bags It for Joseph

For Louise Trotter, creative director of Joseph, releasing a handbag collection was always a matter of “when,” not “if.” With a little technical help from accessories designer Katie Hillier, Trotter has now made her vision a reality. The bags, which hit stores on Monday, are composed of a single piece of bonded cowhide mixed with side panels made from butter-soft napa leather. Devoid of any visible stitching, each bag appears seamless and malleable. “When I design for Joseph, I always look at how much I can take off,” Trotter told Style.com.

Trotter’s focus has been on ready-to-wear since joining the London-based brand four years ago. And, with the exception of a playful zebra print and a few splashes of color, the bags mirror the tailored sensibility and neutral palette of Joseph’s Fall ’13 line. “The bags aren’t really a diversion, as much as an extension of what I’ve been working on [in ready-to-wear],” said Trotter.

The collection features totes, shoulder bags, clutches, and handbags, all in soft-edged square shapes. Retailing for between $265 and $1,695, there’s no doubt the bags will appeal to Joseph devotees seeking luxury essentials. As for her style of choice, Trotter opts for the shoulder bag, which she likes to wear as a clutch with the strap dangling down. “It’s how you carry it, and your attitude, that changes it from day to evening,” she said.

Holly Willoughby on her new dress range: "Everyone needs a ‘go to’ frock for the days you feel rubbish"

She’s famed for her enviable size 10 hourglass figure, but with her new clothing designs Holly Willoughby has created a dress to suit every body shape.

It’s the TV presenter’s 11th collection for fashion e-tailer very.co.uk, and ­although Holly, 32, has always designed with a fuller figure in mind, this season she’s turned her focus to “real women”.

“That doesn’t mean fatter women,” she tells the Mirror exclusively.

“We all have ‘go to’ dresses that make you look great when you’re feeling rubbish and what I wanted to achieve is a whole range of them.”

The mum-of-two – son Harry is four and daughter Belle is two – has been designing for Very since 2009 and enjoys it more than ever.

“I enjoy it more and more because I’m getting better at it – the shapes, the styles, the fabrics.

"I’ve ­managed to find some top ­quality fabrics at ­affordable prices and now I’m free to play around with ­colours and prints.

“We’re very lucky in this country. I think we have the best high streets in the world and just because things are cheap, it doesn’t mean they are badly made – I have some very tough competition!”

There are 10 frocks in the collection with a great mix of body-con, ­empire lines, shift dresses in floral prints, muted tones and block brights.

And Holly, currently busy presenting This Morning and The Voice, has covered all of spring/summer’s trends.

“I try to follow fashion but I’m more interested in focusing on flattering cuts,” she says. “We all want clothes that fit and feel fabulous and I’m very proud of this summer collection,” she says.

Holly led the style pack in a bright red one-shouldered maxi dress at the Bafta TV Awards in London.

The TV presenter is not afraid to flash the flesh, but so far on this series of The Voice Holly has often opted to cover up her boobs.

Last year she attracted a lot of attention for her racy attire and plunging necklines, let's remind ourselves why, shall we?

The Best Prom Songs of the '80s, '90s and '00s

It's prom season again, and while most schools will likely play songs like Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' "Thrift Shop" (edited, of course) and Calvin Harris' "Sweet Nothing" at this year's dance, we can't help but reminisce about the classics. Below you'll find some of the most iconic prom songs from '80s, '90s and '00s, many of which are still played at the end-of-school dance today. While we understand that times and music tastes change, there's something about Berlin's "Take My Breath Away" and Sarah McLachlan's "I Will Remember You" that still get us every time.

1980s

"Take My Breath Away" -- Berlin

Just like 1986's Top Gun, Berlin's single from the movie, "Take My Breath Away," remains a classic. Not only has it endured the test of time, but it also had renewed life two decades later, when Jessica Simpson released it as the third single off of her 2004 album, In This Skin. But Berlin's version remains our favorite, and it's the one we hope still plays at proms today.

"The Lady in Red" -- Chris de Burgh

"The Lady in Red" was a romantic enough track when Chris de Burgh released it in 1986, but seeing Melanie Griffith and Alec Baldwin dance along to it in 1988's Working Girl really solidified it as a great love song perfect for prom. When de Burgh sings, "The lady in red is dancing with me, cheek to cheek/There's nobody here, it's just you and me/It's where I want to be/But I hardly know this beauty by my side/I'll never forget the way you look tonight," it's extra romantic to know that he's singing about his wife, Diane.

"I've Had the Time of My Life" -- Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes

Nobody puts Baby in a corner, and no one's forgotten Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes' single "I've Had the Time of My Life" since Dirty Dancing came out in 1987. Maybe it's the dancing nature of the movie or maybe it's the romantic storyline, but somehow this song transformed into the ultimate slow jam of the late 1980s. Who didn't want to imagine they were being held in Patrick Swayze's arms -- and that their moves were as good as Jennifer Grey's? In fact, we still do.

"Every Breath You Take" -- The Police

The Police's Grammy-winning single "Every Breath You Take" wasn't just a mandatory prom song of the 1980s -- it remains one today. Interestingly enough, Sting has said time and again that people incorrectly view the song as being romantic when he actually considers it to be negative. "I think the song is very, very sinister and ugly and people have actually misinterpreted it as being a gentle little love song," he told BBC 2 radio. Think about that the next time you're slow dancing to it.

"Crazy For You" -- Madonna

The 1985 romantic drama Vision Quest may not have become the stuff of pop culture legend, but Madonna's single that she made for the soundtrack, "Crazy For You," certainly has. With opening lyrics like, "Swaying room as the music starts/Strangers making the most of the dark/Two by two their bodies become one," it's no wonder that the track became a staple of prom slow dances in the 1980s.

1990s

"My Heart Will Go On" Celine Dion

Is there any question why this song is mandatory on this list? Titanic was the romantic movie of the 1990s, and similarly, Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On" was the romantic song of the decade. It didn't matter that the 1997 track was about Rose and Jack's tragic romance -- this ballad is irrefutably romantic. Some people wait a lifetime for a love like that, but all we had to do was wait for prom every year to be sure that we'd hear it.

"I Will Remember You" -- Sarah McLachlan

Sarah McLachlan's "I Will Remember You" was likely used as either a prom or graduation song at least once in every high school during the 1990s. It was first used on the soundtrack to the 1995 indie movie The Brothers McMullen, but grew to such fame that McLachlan's 2000 live version of the song earned her a Grammy nomination. The track continues to be timeless, and was even sung during the Emmys in memorium tribute in 2009.

"Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" -- Green Day

"Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" was a welcome surprise from the punk band Green Day when they released their fifth album Nimrod in 1997. Green Day was known for pop-punk tracks like "When I Come Around" and "Basket Case," so "Good Riddance" was about as close to a ballad as the band came at that point in time. The fact that it was so easy to play on guitar only helped the song's popularity; not only did many prom DJs play the track, but men could later serenade their dates with it for an added bit of romance.

"I Will Always Love You" -- Whitney Houston

Though "I Will Always Love You" is a song released by Dolly Parton in 1974, it's Whitney Houston's cover of the single for her 1992 film The Bodyguard that lands on most modern playlists. Something about her R&B take on the country hit still resonates with people today -- and it definitely works better as a prom song. Of course, it's bittersweet to listen to the track since Houston's death in 2012, but it's nice to know that she left such a powerful legacy behind.

"Wonderwall" -- Oasis

English rock band Oasis released a number of songs during their 18-year-long career, but it's their 1995 track "Wonderwall" that is unquestionably their most famous. It's romantic, slow enough to dance to, and definitely an iconic hit from the 1990s, so of course it was a high-school dance staple. When Noel Gallagher croons, "Because maybe/You're gonna be the one that saves me/And after all/You're my wonderwall," it's easy to realize why it still resonates.

2000s

"A Moment Like This" -- Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson's Season 1 American Idol win with "A Moment Like This" back in 2002 is still arguably the FOX reality competition's most iconic moment. Clarkson has had plenty of hits since then, but fans -- and proms -- kept returning to "A Moment Like This" during the 2000s. Seasons of American Idol have come and gone, but Clarkson's first hit still has staying power.

"Shape of My Heart" -- Backstreet Boys

The Backstreet Boys' last album before their 2002-2003 hiatus, Black & Blue, provided one of the mandatory prom songs of the early 2000s. "Shape of My Heart" was more a redemption song than a love song, but it still perfectly fit the boy band-centric mindset of fans at the turn of the millennium. Lyrics like, "Lookin' back on the things I've done/I was tryin' to be someone/I played my part, kept you in the dark/Now let me show you the shape of my heart," aren't exactly poetry in retrospect, but that didn't stop us from wanting to dance along to the single any less.

"Here's To The Night" -- Eve 6

Full disclosure: Eve 6's "Here's To The Night" was my prom song, so I had to include it on this list. But the whole track is about a night that easily could have been anyone's prom, so it makes perfect sense why it was a must-play at dances after being released in 2001. The way Max Collins sang, "Here's to the nights/We felt alive/Here's to the tears/You knew you'd cry/Here's to goodbye/Tomorrow's gonna come too soon," definitely made it feel like he was singing it directly to all of us mourning the end of our high school days.

"Chasing Cars" -- Snow Patrol

Blame the Grey's Anatomy's Season 2 prom scene for this, but Snow Patrol's 2006 ballad "Chasing Cars" definitely brings us back to slow dancing and heartbreak every time we hear it. It was nominated for Grammys and Brit Awards and remained on the official UK's Top 75 Singles Chart through 2012, so that's a testament to its continued popularity. It might not have played at every prom during the late 2000s, but it definitely earned its place among the greats thanks to its iconic usage on ABC's romantic medical drama.

"You and Me" -- Lifehouse

"You and Me" is such a perfect ballad to dance to that Lifehouse released a special wedding version of the track just six months after the original one hit the Internet in January 2005. It's no wonder then that it was frequently used during proms in the mid- to late-2000s, and still appears in popular TV shows. "It's you and me and all other people/And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you," Jason Wade sings, describing a situation prom attendees likely wanted to experience as they joined their dates on the dance floor.

red prom dresses

Here's The Real Cost Of Being A Wedding Guest

When it comes to planning a wedding, most of the focus is on how much the bride and groom will have to pony up for their big day.

But what about the people who pay just for the pleasure of wishing them well?

A new American Express survey found wedding guests and bridal parties expect to spend more than $500 on average this year –– a huge bump over 2012.

Between tux rentals, dress fittings, bachelor(ette) parties and pre-wedding showers, bridal party members will shell out $577 per person these days, compared to $377 in 2012.

As for the 69 million wedding guests expected to attend nuptials this year, they can expect to spend $539, up 59% since 2012.

The reason? Hotel and gas costs are rising, which means just getting to a wedding costs more than usual. And then there are the gifts, of course.

Guests spend about $108 on average on wedding gifts, AmEx found.

For more on the high costs of weddings, check out American Express' infographic below:

MOTHER'S DAY GIFT GUIDE

For your glamorous mom, give her a Mother's Day gift that appeals to her sense of style. From chic diaper bags to glitzy jewelry, here are some of our favorite Mother's Day gift ideas for the glam mom.

Pretty iPad case

If your mom never leaves home without her iPad, give her a case that any glam mom will appreciate. We love the Lilly Pulitzer iPad case (See Jane Work, sale price: $25). It comes in gorgeous prints and has a wraparound style that folds into a stand.

Fashionable diaper bag

New moms can be glam moms. Give her a Mother's Day gift that is both practical and stylish too, like this Marc by Marc Jacobs diaper bag(Nordstrom, $298). It features plenty of pockets and a coordinating changing pad.

Wonderful wedges

With all the running around that Mom does every day, she wants shoes that are just as comfy as they are cute. We love the selection of wedges from Aerosoles, including their Plush Pillow wedge sandals (Macy's, sale price: $70) with the espadrille heel.

Colorful makeup palette

For the on-the-go mom, give her a makeup palette that includes a full-face of essentials. Check out the Buxom Passport Collection The Day Tripper Edition set (Sephora, $39). It features three amazing eye shadows, mini mascara, blush, bronzer and more.

A little bling

From glitzy diamond earrings to bold cocktail rings, jewelry that sparkles is always appreciated on Mother's Day. We love the build your ownjewelry options from Blue Nile, where you can create stunning diamond rings, earrings, bracelets and pendants.

A year of nails

 

Splurge on a Mother's Day gift that she'll enjoy all year long — a standing appointment every two or three weeks for a manicure at her favorite salon. Mom deserved a little pampering and she'll love always having her nails looking their best.

A trainer’s tips for getting beach body-ready

You’re not the only one thinking about shaping up for summer. We are too! Here’s a little helping hand to kick-start your shape-up by Clare Howard, Personal Trainer at David Lloyd Leisure.

Start by removing the biggest exercise myth: “Train hard and you can eat whatever you want”.

I’m sorry to say, amazing results are 70% down to what you put in your mouth and 30% the exercise routine you follow. So, with this in mind, here are our top tips for blasting body fat and achieving the beach body of your dreams!

Little and often
Consuming small meals and snacks - every two to three hours - revs up your metabolism, helping your body to burn an extra 350 calories every day.

More protein
High quality protein has two direct benefits. Firstly it helps your body to feel fuller, for longer, which helps you to maintain a healthier more consistent eating pattern. Secondly it’s essential for repairing the body after exercise and in sculpting the shape you long to see. (Try a little Spirulina, an algae that is high in protein and said to have 60-70% more protein content than any other natural food. Furthermore, it contains high concentrations of vitamins, minerals and other beneficial nutrients).

Hydration is key
If your body lacks water, it cannot transport food or convert it into essential energy. As a result, all the food is instead converted and stored as fat. In order to avoid unwanted weight gain, flagging endurance levels, tiredness, headaches and dizziness, you need to be drinking around two litres of water a day. If you know this already but forget, remind yourself with this Water Reminder and Counter app.

Pre-workout meal
After breakfast, this could be the second most important meal of the day. What you eat depends on the nature and intensity of your exercise: If it’s low, eating a meal before you train will make you feel slow and sluggish. Whereas for moderate to high intensity, extra fuel is vital in order to get the best from your workout. Let these simple guidelines help:
Three hours before eat a small meal combining protein and good carbohydrates
Two hours before consume a protein bar or shake
One hour before top up with a small snack e.g. a handful of almonds and a banana
Post-workout meal

Following cardio and/or resistance training there is a key 20-minute window during which your blood vessels are enlarged and ready for the uptake of key nutrients. Exercise depletes critical amino acids (such as glutamine) and breaks down muscle fibre. In order to combat losses and make repairs your body must restock its stores with protein. Chicken, fish, eggs, whey protein and soy protein are perfect. In addition, your body will also need glycogen, stored in the liver. Oatmeal, brown rice, grains such as quinoa, vegetables and fruit are great for replenishing this.

Big muscle groups
Working the body’s big muscle groups will help you burn more calories, key to getting the beach body you desire. Good choices for exercise include squats and lunges for legs; cable flies and TRX chest presses for the trunk; wide-grip, pull-ups and seated rowing for the back.
Women and weights

Weight training reduces body fat because as your muscle mass increases, so does your resting metabolic rate. Put simply, with more muscle your body will burn an extra 40-60 calories per day. Studies show that women who strength-train regularly (two-three times a week) for two months increase muscle mass by two pounds and decrease body fat by three-and-a-half pounds. Don’t worry about suddenly bulking up - a pound of muscle is equivalent to a large strawberry.