Elizabeth Taylor

"I've always admitted that I'm ruled by my passions."

Elizabeth Taylor has passed away, aged 79. 

The violet eyed Hollywood legend was married eight times- twice to Richard Burton- had four children, nine grandchildren, two oscars, a jewellery collection to rival the Tower of London's, a prominent role as an AIDS awareness activist, and enough chutzpah to survive a lifetime under the Hollywood spotlight. 

She was also immensely quotable.

When the vatican denounced her affair with Richard Burton, who was then married to someone else, she famously asked:

"Can I sue the Pope?"

Other gems include these:

"My mother says I didn't open my eyes for eight days after I was born, but when I did, the first thing I saw was an engagement ring. I was hooked."

"Big girls need big diamonds."

"I am a very committed wife. And I should be committed too - for being married so many times."

"The problem with people who have no vices is that generally you can be pretty sure they're going to have some pretty annoying virtues."

She will be missed.

An Afternoon In The Botanic Gardens

The National Botanic Gardens is one of my favourite places in Dublin. BR and I went this afternoon.

My favourite tree, a Densifolia aka the Story Tree. I just want to climb its branches and spend the afternoon reading:

It's too early in the season for much to be in bloom but there were Daffodils:

Magnolia Blossoms:

These flowers, which may or may not also be Magnolia Blossoms:

More exotic plants such as this (no idea, apologies):

I also love the sculptures, including the drunken ladies also shown at the top of this entry:

The Best Book About The Royal Wedding

While the greatest book about Kate Middleton's style is (obviously) mine, the best book about the upcoming royal wedding must be this one.

It's sold out on Amazon but fear not, I already have my copy, which came complete with a balcony to line up the Windsors on, AND a pattern for the Archbishop of Canterbury. I'll be getting to work on them forthwith.

Edit: The Marxist has suggested I also make a firing squad to shoot them with come the (knitted) revolution. Anyone have a pattern for doll-sized machine guns?

Planet Purple Kids

Above: Barbara's workroom.

It's a been a good week for publicity in our house. As well as starting to promote Kate Style in the UK and Ireland, Barbara's company Planet Purple Kids is to be featured on RTE's magazine show Nationwide on April 4th.

They're filming right now, having spent the morning with Barbara and her expert panel of testers in the National Gallery.

The testers: Cecily, Evan, Katie and Jenny, pictured in front of Planet Purple's new range of craft kits, which are based on the work of legendary Irish Stained Glass Artist and Illustrator Harry Clarke.

Hollie and I wrangled the kids.

In the gift shop:

Making use of the Gallery's Children's section:

Preparing for their first taste of fame:

Filming at the house:

More on Planet Purple Kids and the kits when they are in the store.

Evening Herald Interview

Last week I had a chat with the very lovely Caitlin McBride from the Evening Herald.
The piece  appeared in print yesterday, and is now available online too. I'll scan the print version in and post it to the press page of my website as soon as possible.

In the meantime, here are some well-known designers' suggestions for what the soon-to-be Mrs. Wales should wear on her wedding day (taken from StyleAmor's flickr).