Thursday, April 28, 2011

Sun woman gets a Royal makeover

With the Royal Wedding just around the corner, everyone wants a piece of the Middleton look.

The midi skirt that falls just below the knee has been christened The Middleton by fashion insiders and hairdressers are reporting a surge in the amount of women wanting a fringe like Kate's.

High Street retailers Peacocks have noticed sales of Sloaney styles such as pearl earrings and pastel cardigans have rocketed since the engagement was announced.

And new statistics from research commissioned by Tia Maria reveal that Kate Middleton tops the poll of which celebrity Brits aspire to be like.

But there is more to looking like a princess than wearing an Issa dress plus a sapphire and diamond engagement ring.

Here etiquette teacher Jean Broke-Smith, head teacher on C4 show Ladette To Lady, shows Sun Woman's NIKKI WATKINS how to transform herself into a princess.

JEAN says: "The biggest thing she has to learn is protocol and how to greet Royals.

"Kate isn't even a princess yet. She still has to curtsey to the Queen and call her 'Your Royal Highness', then 'Ma'am' said like 'jam'.

"She also has to curtsey to Prince Charles. She is a minor Royal. She is beholden to them.

"Even after she becomes a princess Kate will still have to bob to Prince Charles and the Queen - even to Princess Anne probably, she is higher up the pecking order.

"After the wedding Prince Charles will be her father-in-law so hopefully they will be able to treat each other as such. But their greetings to each other will boil down to respecting Prince Charles as a prince."

PUTTING HER ADVICE TO THE TEST: Jean explains I should put my left foot in front of the other and bend at both knees and I then dip down.

This is not easy and my grace still needs some work.

JEAN says: "The holding of the little finger in the air has gone now.

"If you are standing drinking tea make sure you bring the saucer and cup up to your mouth together. This is important because you don't want the tea dripping.

"If you are at the table you should be happy lifting the cup, just try not to bend down to the table. Try to keep in control. Constant stirring is a no-no as it makes a terrible noise.

"And you must have sugar tongs and proper cubes of sugar."

PUTTING HER ADVICE TO THE TEST: I am known for spilling anything I have in my hands so the thought of standing and drinking a cup of tea leaves me in a cold sweat.

Naively, I thought it was good manners to push the little finger out so now I am fighting to keep it down.

JEAN SAYS: "I am not sure if Kate will have to continue calling Prince Charles 'Your Highness'.

"I think he is very fond of her but even though she is close family there is no chance she will be calling him Charlie.

"Normally the older person would lead in this discussion and they would say: 'You don't have to call me Your Highness, you can call me such and such.'"

Kate's mum was criticised for chewing gum at William's passing out parade and saying "toilet" in front of the Queen.

Jean says: "If Kate were to ask where the toilet was she would need to approach a member of the household staff or entourage. She would probably refer to the toilet as 'the loo'. The word lavatory is also a real no-no."

JEAN says: "Kate does her own make-up. I like yours but tone down the red lipstick a bit. Your eye make-up is a little too black but you've got away with it because you have smudged it underneath.

"My advice is: Not too black if you want to look like a princess."

PUTTING HER ADVICE TO THE TEST: Since the engagement Kate plays it safe when it comes to make-up - always applied immaculately.

Following Kate's lead, I tone down the heavy kohl eyeliner, make sure I use only muted colours on my eyelids, not too much blusher and the red lipstick is relegated in favour of a pale pink.

This make-up is fine for day wear but I would feel very under-done for a night out - let alone a Royal engagement.

JEAN says: "While sitting, it is important to have your legs to the side. The right should have the left one tucked under so you look like you have one and a half legs.

"No straight legs and absolutely no crossed legs."

PUTTING HER ADVICE TO THE TEST: Jean's suggestion is actually quite useful as this position stops you doing the dreaded flash while wearing a skirt. On Saturday night in the pub I adopt this pose and feel surprisingly ladylike.

GLANCING in the mirror at my acid-bright mini-skirt, towering wedged boots, bright red pout and layers of kohl eyeliner, I brace myself for a regal makeover.

Jean says: "I happen to see you have wedged boots on. Kate was wearing boots all the time before the engagement but her shoes are a little frumpy now and yours need to be more elegant.

"And with your black top and skirt, a little jacket would be nice.

"Your skirt is a little short, I would take it down to just on the knee.

"If you want to be a princess you need a little more elegance, a little more sophistication. Perhaps wear the odd pearl earring or necklace, as you want to go classical."

PUTTING HER ADVICE TO THE TEST: Since her engagement, Kate has been pictured in reserved skirt-suits, with her hem never daring to rise more than two inches above the knee, plus tame court shoes.

I suddenly realise my outfit shouts "look at me" rather than being quietly elegant.

The first thing to do is swap the mini for a mid-length dark skirt and heed Jean's jacket advice.

I donned a pair of American tan tights, which Kate seems to wear as uniform.

My 5in heels are ditched in favour of a 2in court shoe.

I was hoping for elegant but feel more like a librarian.

Taking my new look to the street proved I was almost invisible. Even builders looked the other way.

I'm not sure I would fancy being Kate. I'm 27 but feel ten years older.

JEAN commands: "Head up, shoulders back and glide. Hips back, bottom under and breathe.

"There should be no dropping forward. Your weight is through your back leg and this is the glide.

"Remember - short strides and head up, like a puppet on a string."

PUTTING HER ADVICE TO THE TEST: Growing up just outside Birmingham and attending a mixed comprehensive, I must admit learning to walk like a lady was never top of the curriculum.

Jean's advice sounds like a complicated yoga pose.

Walking down the street trying to perfect the move makes me feel a bit silly.

Credits: Skirt suit and blouse by Warehouse, shoes and pearls by New Look. Teacup and table cloth by Marks & Spencer, cake stand by Laura Ashley


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