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bluestjuice's review against another edition
2.0
I'm not anything of a Royal-chaser and I wasn't previously familiar with Holmes' Instagram account (or is it a Twitter or a blog? SEE I HONESTLY DON'T KNOW). I can't even remember exactly where I read about this book originally. All I remember is that I thought it might be interesting to see a thoughtful analysis of the ladies' fashion in the House of Windsor, and in a moment of serendipity the library got me a copy at the same time that I ended up doing a deep-dive into seasons 1 and 2 of The Crown.
This book frustrated me because it felt... too journalistic, I suppose? That feels like an unfair criticism because the author is a journalist, but her attempts to give overviews of the historical context for each of her four featured Princesses felt forced and simplistic, even for someone who isn't well versed in the specifics, and I was hoping for more exclusive access research and information about the various ladies' style priorities, outfit choices in specific moments, etc. etc. Some of Holmes' analysis seemed worthwhile, but other comments seemed off-base or painfully strained. I can give this work credit for liberal application of photos to accompany her thoughts, but often an outfit referenced on one page was illustrated on another page, leading to frustrating searching as I tried to piece together what was being discussed. Short features on specific topics, such as some of the family's vast collection of tiaras, could have been developed into whole segments, but were not.
Ultimately I think I was just looking for something much deeper and more comprehensive, while this was a fleshed-out blog theme or an expanded version of a glossy magazine spread. I could also have used less authorial swooning overall.
This book frustrated me because it felt... too journalistic, I suppose? That feels like an unfair criticism because the author is a journalist, but her attempts to give overviews of the historical context for each of her four featured Princesses felt forced and simplistic, even for someone who isn't well versed in the specifics, and I was hoping for more exclusive access research and information about the various ladies' style priorities, outfit choices in specific moments, etc. etc. Some of Holmes' analysis seemed worthwhile, but other comments seemed off-base or painfully strained. I can give this work credit for liberal application of photos to accompany her thoughts, but often an outfit referenced on one page was illustrated on another page, leading to frustrating searching as I tried to piece together what was being discussed. Short features on specific topics, such as some of the family's vast collection of tiaras, could have been developed into whole segments, but were not.
Ultimately I think I was just looking for something much deeper and more comprehensive, while this was a fleshed-out blog theme or an expanded version of a glossy magazine spread. I could also have used less authorial swooning overall.
ifyouhappentoremember's review against another edition
2.0
I had thought this book was going to have more fashion history and analysis then it actually did. It’s actually more of a light royal biography combined with the author’s opinion on various looks. There isn’t anything necessarily wrong with that, but it didn’t feel like book material. I’m not surprised to learn that the concept originally started on Instagram (which I’m sure works much better).
It’s a quick read. I didn’t get much out of it though.
It’s a quick read. I didn’t get much out of it though.
cstoeger's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.5
I have been a avid royal watcher since Catherine and William's wedding in 2011. I am pretty familiar with Catherine and Meghan's styles, so it was very interesting to get the deep dive about Diana and Queen Elizabeth II's fashion choices.
This book had so many beautiful photos to showcase the ladies' fashion style. I loved Holmes' review of the different outfits, and I hope to see more of her writing in the future. I do follow her on Instagram and I love seeing the little snippets of fashion commentary periodically.
This book had so many beautiful photos to showcase the ladies' fashion style. I loved Holmes' review of the different outfits, and I hope to see more of her writing in the future. I do follow her on Instagram and I love seeing the little snippets of fashion commentary periodically.
jenontheshelf's review against another edition
3.0
Gorgeous photographs, but as many reviews noted the book is very light on fashion commentary. It was also confusingly organized with little rhyme or reason to each section and jumped around in a weird way.
ltsakmann's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this book! It provided a more in depth explanation of royal fashion than I was expecting.
spuriousdiphthongs's review against another edition
3.0
Nice pictures. Text was okay, but there were definitely parts where the author referred to an outfit that wasn't pictured on the page and that was frustrating. Also interesting to read, given that the book was probably finished just after the COVID-19 pandemic began, and talks a lot about the Harry/Meghan/Royal split, but only pre-THE INTERVIEW.
TL;DR: if you like looking at pretty outfit pictures, check it out.
TL;DR: if you like looking at pretty outfit pictures, check it out.
nssutton's review against another edition
4.0
Was thrilled to find a copy of this on the new books shelf at the library. Will and Kate's wedding piqued my royal fascination -- or rather, the delightful breakfast to watch it during my roommate's bachelorette weekend did. Really, it was Holmes' Instagram account that totally hooked me, with her thoughtful commentary on the statements behind the pieces and connections across generations.
I wasn't sure how the book would play out, given the pacing/format of Instagram stories is part of Holmes' storytelling, but it is a delightful continuation of the conversation. I knew how much thought had gone into the book from hearing her share the process, it is evident on each page how much time and planning went into curating the pictures and commentary. It was more than the coffee table book than I thought it would be and left me wishing to be a bit more intentional with my style (she says, having read this book largely in her pajams).
I wasn't sure how the book would play out, given the pacing/format of Instagram stories is part of Holmes' storytelling, but it is a delightful continuation of the conversation. I knew how much thought had gone into the book from hearing her share the process, it is evident on each page how much time and planning went into curating the pictures and commentary. It was more than the coffee table book than I thought it would be and left me wishing to be a bit more intentional with my style (she says, having read this book largely in her pajams).
thebestbee1234's review against another edition
2.0
Ugh.
The two stars are given for the authors sections on the Queen and Diana which were lovely to read, like a longer magazine article.
I do not recommend the rest of the book. How she can be so critical of Kate and so glowing of Meghan is beyond and probably speaks to her overall thoughts about “the firm” even though it’s made her a New York Times best seller. Maybe she just didn’t want to be sued by Meghan and Harry?
Also, for a book about fashion, don’t expect to see any pictures of any of the outfits the author describes in her introductions to any of the four highlighted women. It’s like she did the writing and then blindly chose her favorite pictures and stuck them in.
Additionally, I would have loved to read about the other royals, Anne, Sophie, Beatrice, and Eugenie would have been welcome additions and more in line with the title as they are all still working royals.
The two stars are given for the authors sections on the Queen and Diana which were lovely to read, like a longer magazine article.
I do not recommend the rest of the book. How she can be so critical of Kate and so glowing of Meghan is beyond and probably speaks to her overall thoughts about “the firm” even though it’s made her a New York Times best seller. Maybe she just didn’t want to be sued by Meghan and Harry?
Also, for a book about fashion, don’t expect to see any pictures of any of the outfits the author describes in her introductions to any of the four highlighted women. It’s like she did the writing and then blindly chose her favorite pictures and stuck them in.
Additionally, I would have loved to read about the other royals, Anne, Sophie, Beatrice, and Eugenie would have been welcome additions and more in line with the title as they are all still working royals.
sfaircloth's review against another edition
5.0
Elizabeth Holmes is my go-to for royal fashion and protocols. She is so knowledgeable and makes it so fun to learn the history and nuances of royal fashion.
_basicbookworm's review against another edition
5.0
When I first heard about this book I knew I needed to add it to my royal collection of coffee table books. (I also made a trip to London a few months after Harry and Megan’s wedding so I made sure to get their official book from the palace as well).
HRH did not disappoint. Filled with stunning pictures, beautiful fashion, and interesting background information and analysis of the Royal women and their style. If you are a fan of the royals, you need this book!
HRH did not disappoint. Filled with stunning pictures, beautiful fashion, and interesting background information and analysis of the Royal women and their style. If you are a fan of the royals, you need this book!