Well, a week of fun has come to an end … well, not really because a wedding is just the beginning, right? I am celebrating with family (by getting up at 5 and watching with tea and homemade scones) and friends (by hitting a local tea room for afternoon tea … so fun!), and I hope that you enjoy the day. Below is a photo from the program of William and Kate. Have a wonderful Royal Wedding Day!

The photo above was taken by Mario Testino. I find it a little funny that William’s receding hairline didn’t make it into the photo … good choice!

Monday I admitted that I was obsessed with the Royal Wedding, and I will also admit that I am a HUGE fan of Project Runway (PR). I just love seeing the creativity and fashion sense of the designers come to light in their clothing. The Royal Wedding is no exception. Lifetime (who hosts Project Runway) had some of their former PR contestants design some mockup gowns for Kate Middleton herself, and I love (and loathe!) some of them.

Here are my picks for the best of the lot (these are just my humble opinions) …

The above gown by Simone LeBlanc says classic, yet it still shows elements of Kate’s unique fashion sense and style. I even love the flouncy veil, which gives a nod to Diana’s ensemble.

This gown says both “elegant” and “timeless” to me, and I think Kate would be just stunning in it! Shirin Askari also added a “wow” factor for me with the tiara … they are so en vogue right now, doesn’t a princess to be have the right to wear one? I think so! Although I doubt she will …

Although, I think that Kate would choose something a little less Madonna-like for the bust (seriously!), I do love the rosettes that Rami Kashou decided to feature on this gown above. It would be stunning in person!

I can’t really put my finger on why I like this one … the asymmetricalness of Michael Costello’s design from shoulder to train, maybe? I also find the little bits of flounce combined with draping intriguing, although I am certain Kate would choose a different look for her hair and makeup (hopefully!).

This gown above by Jennifer Deiderich has sweetness and an etherial quality to it, yet it still has enough detailing here and there to hold my interest for sure.

Heidi Elnora captured Kate’s impeccable style in this gown! She is often seen wearing a blazer or jacket, so combining that into her wedding gown is pure genius while the patterning is sheer delight.

Yes, this dress above is probably too busty for a royal affair, but I love how the train drapes from the detailing of the bustline. Such a score in my opinion!! Again, this design by Daniel Franco is classic and will stay in style for all of the years that those royal photos will be hanging around.

Christopher Collins took a lot into consideration with his rendition. Of course a princess can get away with the fullest of gowns, yet the modesty of the top combined with the open back adds the drama and style for this dress.

Now on to some fun. Some of the former contestants renditions below had me chuckling just a little … some because they were not fit for a royal and others because … well, you will soon see.

Oh, I have no clue what this dress above is doing. Truly! A distended bodice and scribbles here and there … maybe I just need Vincent Libretti to explain it to me in person.

I apologize in advance, Suede, for this, but the two words that come into my mind are “butch” and “baseball cap”. Really? Kate has the loveliest of figures, but that is not evident here … also, WHAT is on her head? Honestly, I think Suede may have done this at the last minute while watching men play baseball, and then he folded it in half and mailed it in. Wow.

Oh my. My, my, my. Let’s save this one by Nicolas Putvinski for the Royal Wedding Night instead, ok? But then again, William just might be scared if Kate showed up in the ensemble above.

I adored Mondo on Project Runway, and I love his adorable conglomerate photo above. I just have to give him the axe because I am also enamored by the fact that Kate has Diana’s ring, not just ANY engagement ring. Oh, Mondo, Mondo. Although, the gown itself just might prove to be amazing in person.

Oui?? Um, NO!! Red? And what exactly is the design? Malan Breton’s dress above just confuses me.

Although this is a bit irreverent and sassy, it would be darling on Kate … just not for her wedding day, though. Good try, Joe Faris!

Where do I begin on Jason Troisi’s design? Viking bust and a swordlike swirl at the waist just leave me thinking that the above “bride” just might show up in a video game soon.

Well, hopefully you enjoyed my little trek through my loves and loathes from the designers of Project Runway. I think that brides could definitely gather ideas of their own from these unique creations. If you are still craving more, there are actually 52 designs on the website of myLifetime.com. Just click here to head straight on over there, and feel free to put any of your favorites (or least favorites) in the comments section below. I would love to hear your opinions, too!

For a look at real gowns of royals throughout the ages, just click here for a few photos and a mini slideshow. I can’t wait to see what Kate wears!

*All images of the designers’ sketches are the property of myLifetime.com.*

Scour many an antique market, and you just might find some old time souvenir from yesteryear’s regal nuptials. So, why not collect one or two now for fun, and they will be a fun find along with possibly being worth a little something someday … even if it is just for laughs! Of course since we can’t be running off to London to peruse the shops to purchase these pieces of memorabilia, I thought I would bring you some of the finest (and funniest) ones around.

These plates are available individually, or you can purchase a set which comes with 5 different plates, 3 of which I am showing below. So fun for conversation pieces, and check out the full set here.

“Royal flushes” aren’t just for card games anymore. I can not believe this one, and I have NO clue where to purchase it. Don’t even ask. Ha!

For fashionistas, everything from bags to a cute scarf (the Katie Scarf) are aglow with the British flag. What a way to make a statement! They hail from Ted Baker.

For those of you who may be looking for a true heirloom, this next set of photos from Mulberry Hall is definitely pricy yet beautiful.

This plate is lovely, and what could be more UK-like than an egg cup and spoon?

The box would be such a useful keepsake, and the mug is appropriately called a “loving cup”. Perfect!

Again from Mulberry Hall, these are interesting to say the least. They are candle snuffers … no joke!

Here is one for those of you who are truly distraught over not being “the one” for Prince William. This one is my favorite and cracks me up immensely! They are available through eBid, so just click here to check out these coasters.

I am so doing this!! So, so, so!! I love the flowers, bows, feathers and all sorts of other goodies that are showing up in hair nowadays, and they were big in the UK before they were barely noticed here in the US (shame on us!). Of course, Royal-to-be, Kate Middleton, is well known for sporting a lovely hat or a fascinator … especially if she is attending a wedding.

I hope that you enjoy this video I found on how to make your own fascinators, and it even includes a photo of Kate and you get to hear a British accent. How wonderful! Enjoy, and I hope that you will be well on your way to making a few hairpieces of your own.

If you have trouble locating a fascinator base at your local craft store (I have not tried to search for one yet locally, but I will!), you can try Etsy … just click here to look at what I found. Happy DIYing!! Also if you would like to see a mini fashion show of some of Kate’s hats and fascinators, just click here … it’s worth the visit.

Please forgive me for deviating this week. I had a full week of regular blog postings this week … real weddings, DIYs, articles … etc. Truly, I did!! But, with all that is going on with the Royal Wedding, I do have to admit that I am a teeny (ok, more than teeny!!) bit obsessed with what is happening on Friday. I am so excited!

I am aging myself here, but I remember as a young girl waking up at 6:00 in the morning to watch Charles and Diana get married. It was such an anticipated affair, which did not disappoint … a long, flowing gown, a beautiful location and a girl becoming (what else?) a princess! It is every little girl’s dream. Mine came true, after all I did find my handsome Prince (really … that’s my last name for those of you who do not know me!).

I am also a bit enamored with London, so the wedding is doubly exciting for me … I have traveled a good bit of the world, yet London is my favorite city by far. It is so steeped in history, art and culture, yet it is so modern and hip … I love how the combination forms the strikingly beautiful city of London.

Anyway, with the Royal Wedding coming up on Friday coupled with childhood memories and fun plans to celebrate the regal nuptials with friends, I have decided that this is a once in a blogtime opportunity to take the time to focus on William and Kate.

Here are a few images of the royal engagement photos from years past … it is so fun to see the line of the Royal Family starting with William’s great grandparents.

Above are Queen Elizabeth’s parents, the Queen Mother Elizabeth with her husband, Albert. So serious!

Photo credit goes to: Central Press/Getty

I just adore this photo of Queen Elizabeth with her husband Philip … she was so beautiful!

Photo credit belongs to: Press Association/AP

Aahhh … Diana and Charles (ok, just aahhh Diana), but truly their wedding was such an exciting time. This is their formal engagement photo, which is traditional for the royals.

Photo by:  Snowdon/Camera Press/Retna

Now that’s more like it Diana and Charles! It is almost hard to believe that their two engagement photos are from the same time period. I love the casualness. Also, it is very sweet that Kate now has Diana’s ring … it is beautiful!

Photo credit goes to: Snowdon/Camera Press/Retna

Here is another timeless engagement photo … what a lucky girl to have her photo taken in such a stunning setting (and with a prince, of course!).

Photo credit: Mario Testino

Again, a fun casual photo was taken that shows off their personalities, and there is Diana’s beautiful ring. What a special heirloom. They make such a beautiful couple!

Photo taken by: Mario Testino

What a rich history of engaged love, and I am so glad that we now live in a day where couples can actually smile and show their love in photographs … royal or not. For more royal engagement photos (and to see where I snagged these from), just head on over to People Magazine’s website by clicking here. Enjoy!