lady di.

I don’t know if I can think of a more perfect picture of elegance and grace than Princess Diana.

With all of the recent hype about the Royal Baby and the new movie Diana set to come out this fall,

not to mention her 51st birthday would have been July 1st

and the 16th anniversary of her death on August 31st,

I’ve been reminded of just how much I love the Princess of Wales.

She was timeless.

“She was a naturally beautiful woman inside and out and a lady of great warmth, humility and compassion.” // Jimmy Choo

With effortless style.

“The fashion world takes itself so seriously, but I saw Diana as above all that.” // Catherine Walker

And a beautiful soul.

“I’d like people to think of me as someone who cares about them.” // Diana

She fell in love with the Prince of Wales.

Taken the day after Prince Charles proposed to Lady Diana Frances Spencer.

Does this image look familiar?

How about now?

What about these?

She married Prince Charles at the early age of 20…

While wearing the longest veil in Royal Wedding history made of 3 different fabrics.

Honeymooners — she was so beautiful.

This is one of my most favorite pictures I’ve ever seen of her.

Taken in Australia in 1983 when Diana accompanied Charles on a tour of Australia + New Zealand along with the newborn Prince William.

“I have a woman’s instinct and it’s always a good one.” // Diana

She wasn’t perfect — but she was great.

She had so much thrown at her so early in life.

And so much life left to live when hers was so abruptly ended.

//tell me she doesn’t resemble like Blake Lively in the above picture//

She was genuine.

And not your typical Royal.

Above: wearing a necklace, given to her by the Queen as a wedding gift, in the form of a headband

with a one-shouldered dress to a movie premier.

I imagine Queen Elizabeth pictured the jewel encrusted piece being worn in a more conventional style.

Some of my favorites:

Prince Charles + Princess Diana + First Lady Nancy Reagan + POTUS Ronald Reagan

I love both Lady Di’s & the First Lady’s gowns in this picture — two legendary women.

The Princess took to the White House’s dance floor with John Travolta that night.

This navy Victor Edelstein dress is now known as the “Travolta Dress.”

“She was undoubtedly one of the best ambassadors of Great Britain.” // Nelson Mandela

Quite the compliment.

A Royal in purple…imagine that.

& to contrast all of the gowns:

Out at the polo fields,

just to show that “she could do what she wanted.”

Leopard + Wayfarers — I don’t find it a coincidence that these are still staples today.

Just ask J.Crew…

I don’t think her boys ever had to wonder if she loved them. What an incredible mother.

“Hugs can do great amounts of good – especially for children.” // Diana

Diana + Harry peep around a corner while hiding from the paparazzi.

She put so much effort into keeping her children’s lives as normal and private as possible;

all the while helping them find their role as members of the Royal Family.

She was The People’s Princess.

“Everyone needs to be valued. Everyone has the potential to give something back.” // Diana

A humanitarian with a heart for those in need.

“HIV does not make people dangerous to know, so you can shake their hands and give them a hug; Heaven knows they need it.” // Diana

“I don’t rule by the book. I lead from the heart, not the head.” // Diana

She will always hold a place in hearts + her memory will live on.

“When you are happy, you can forgive a great deal.” // Diana

Vanity Fair: 1997

by: Mario Testino

(three images above)

Just a little FYI: Diana is covering the September issue of Vanity Fair — picked it up last night!!

The issue hit stands this week! Go. Pick. It. Up.

Forever iconic.

“She was a remarkable woman. She was complicated, strong, intelligent and vulnerable.” //Naomi Watts

By the way, Instyle + TIME + The Huffington Post have beautiful galleries depicting the life of Diana.

cheers,

jordan

p.s. my apologies for such a long post, but it’s hard to fit such a life in a little blog.

the everygirl.

heyyyy, you guyyyyssss,

My friend Amanda Coker of Dash Photography

//you know, the girl who does some awesome shoots for me//

is up on The Everygirl!

#humblebrag #iknowher

Go check it out!

You can find it here!

TGIF!

jordan

lately.

A little different What I’m wearing Wednesday.

Here’s a look at a few looks I’ve worn out lately…#selfie style.

//work day//

top: j.crew blouse

pants: j.crew ponte pants

shoes: zara

necklace: dress up boutique

//wedding//

dress: dress up boutique

shoes: zara

jewelery: dress up boutique, michael kors, dannijo

sunglasses: ray-ban

//dinner + drinks//

cream top: t.j.maxxx

military jacket: j.crew

white denim: pac sun

flops: rainbow

jewelery: dress up boutique, nordstrom, michael kors, dannijo

 

//shoes//

both of these pairs of shoes are from zara + i literally want to wear them all of the time.

hence their frequent appearances in my pictures.

//that time i was invisible//

//midi ring//

can’t forget this little guy

ring: urban outfitters

//olde pink house restaurant//

just wanted to sneak this in.

the hummingbird at the olde pink house restaurant in savannah is to die for.

a little st. germain + sparkling wine — can’t go wrong.

p.s. you can follow @prevailingstyle on all types of social media:

instagram: jp_rowland

facebook: Prevailing Style

twitter: @prevailingstyle

tumblr: prevailingstyle

pinterest: Jordan Rowland

#checkitout + #follow

xoxo

jordan

Happy Hump Day!

london calling.

What I’m Wearing Wednesday on Thursday all thanks to Prince George.

But I don’t mind at all.

Welcome to my life Liberty of London for J.Crew.

Liberty of London creates the most fun floral prints!

I’ve loved this brand for a while now & really loved their Spring collection for J.Crew.

denim: Liberty of London for J.Crew

peplum top: Express

wedges: Michael Kors

watch: Michael Kors

bracelets: DANNIJO

topaz cocktail ring: vintage

topaz + diamond ring: Dimo

xoxo,

jordan

<photo cred: amanda of dash photography>

he’s here.

For those of us that woke up at 3:00 am to take part in watching + celebrating the Royal Wedding,

you’re probably just as thrilled about the birth of the Royal Baby…

…whether you like babies or not!

The wait is over & I think a few of us are pretty excited about it!

Prince William + the Duchess of Cambridge have finally given birth to a baby boy & the world could not be more excited!

(via perez hilton)

William + Kate walk out of the Lindo Wing at St. Mary’s Hospital in the same fashion (pun intended) as Charles + Diana.

Polka dots for the win.

Kate’s one of a kind, cornflower blue, Jenny Packham dress sent the designer’s website straight into a head on collision crash.

& of course, she walked out in wedges.

This baby is destined to be beautiul.

Can we just talk about Kate’s blowout for a minute?

I mean, somebody send the Royal hairdresser my way.

Both sets of grandparents visited before the party of three left the hospital.

All seemed elated with their new center of attention.

Why is my name not Kate Middleton?

Why am I not at Bucklebury with my new born & husband, Prince William?

Flawless is really the only word that comes to mind.

Oh…and jealous.

That is one lucky baby.

See what the Duke + Duchess had to say about their new tot: here.

Any guesses as to what His Royal Highness’s name will be?

Arthur has my vote.

Considering I have 4 chances for that to be one of his 4 first names, I’ve got my fingers crossed.

I’d love to know what your guess is! [comment below]

Happy Hump Day, everyone!

cheerio!

jordan

(images via british vogue)

off beat.

#whatimwearingwednesday is back again.

In this week’s post, I branched out a little from my usual & it was a lot of fun!

I’m a big fan of high tops lately, but not always sure what to pair them with.

So I picked a few things out of my closet that I wouldn’t normally put together & went with it.

happy hump day!

xx

jordan

photos by amanda of dash photography

in love with f. scott.

I know I’m a little late on posting this, but better late than never, right?

Time has slipped away from me a little, so I’m making up for it now.

I had to read The Great Gatsby in high school for a Lit class & fell in love with the words of F. Scott Fitzgerald.

I was looking for a little inspiration this week & found it in his words.

So I thought I would share some with you.

How gorg are these Coralie Bickford-Smith editions of Fitzgerald’s works?

I need these on my bookshelves stat.

Zelda + F. Scott Fitzgerald

Happy Monday!

be inspired.

xx

jordan

flower child.

Well, my plan to blog more regularly somewhat backfired.

I guess that’s why it was a new year’s resolution…so it could be broken.

Because, let’s be honest, how many of those are actually kept?

On another note, I got to shoot with Amanda of Dash Photography recently — she’s so much fun!

I’ve had a slight obsession with flower crowns for a while now & decided to make my own the other day.

It’s a little over the top; I’m aware. But I kind of like it like that.

The pieces I’m wearing have been somewhat in my go-to repertoire.

I love a good oversized top.

This one is actually made out of bamboo & is ridiculously comfortable.

I’m not prepared to say I bought it in 4 colors, but I’m not prepared to say I didn’t either.

I love almostall things chartreuse, so of course this skirt caught my eye.

The lace fabric helps a little, too. I enjoy a good feminine piece.

Wisteria, I love. Spring is here and summer is on the way, people.

Countdown to Gatsby: 2 days.

Happy Hump Day!

jordan

top, skirt, sandals: DressUp

watch: Michael Kors

bracelets: DANNIJO

ring: vintage

not finished yet.

Big shocker…I’ve got more to say on the Oscars.

But really, I didn’t even get into my worst dressed in my first post on the big night.

Not to mention, I can always gush about well dressed celebrities.

Two of my favorite things…people with supreme style & celebzzz.

But, let’s start this post off with my worst dressed of the evening:

everyone’s favorite (for reason’s I’m still unsure of), Anne Hathaway.

Really Anne? I know this was your second choice, but you should have left the fancy apron at home.

While pointy boobs were once considered attractive (circa the days of Madonna), that time has passed.

And you’re not bringing it back in a good way.

Not to mention, I’m not a fan of the backwards necklace (or any necklace for that matter) with this neckline.

It’s awkward.

I know she’s really having a moment right now (& I’m obsessed), but J.Law pulled off the pointy boobs (in Dior) & the backwards necklace better in every aspect.

Here’s a little insight into the whole debacle that ruffled a few Valentino feathers…

Anne (we’re on a first name basis), a loyal wearer of all things Valentino, was originally supposed to wear the center gown. But, she caught wind of what fellow Les Mis star, Amanda Seyfried, was wearing — an original Alexander McQueen that looked quite similar to her Valentino — & made a last minute change to the very pretty Prada apron.

When I say last minute, I mean 3 hours before go time…according to the star herself.

Out of the 3, the unworn Valentino is by far the prettiest, if you ask me.

So that makes for a sad dress, a sad Valentino, & a sad Anne.

Not to mention, I read that she went into an all out crying fit when she saw what Amanda would be wearing…to the point that when she finally arrived at her house on Sunday, hours late to a waiting staff, she made everyone get her ready in complete silence…real mature, Anne.

& now a glimpse at Anne’s 3 looks for the night.

On the far left, she wore a custom light blue silk Saint Laurent column gown to the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty.

I’m a little indifferent on this look…I think I might be okay with it, while it’s not all that figure flattering.

In the middle, we’re all up to date on how I feel about this pale pink Prada gown. Apron. Just think apron.

I love the Tiffany & Co. diamond necklace…but, loathe it with this gown. Bad combo, people.

And on the right, for her Les Miserables performance, she donned a nude-hued embellished custom Giorgio Armani gown…which, while I think it somewhat resembles another fancified apron, I kind of like it.

But, don’t quote me on that.

Up next, we’ve got America’s sweetheart Jennifer Aniston.

Don’t take this as me putting her on the worst dressed list…because I’m not.

I love the classic Valentino red gown. I think it’s beautiful.

But…I do wish she had done something more than her traditional all down hairstyle.

I know she did it because that’s what’s comfortable to her…but come on Jen, beauty is pain.

Although it seems to come pretty natural to you.

This Alexis Mabille dress on Zoe Saldana had so much potential.

If she had of worn it sans belt, it would have been beautiful.

The belt is tacky & she’s got such a tiny waist…let the dress itself accentuate it.

A lesson in “overdoing” it, my friends.

Here’s a look at Diane Kruger & Pacey, I mean Joshua Jackson.

I’m kind of loving her caped Giambattista Valli mini & Louboutin combination.

But at the same time, this look gives no justice to her tiny figure…it kind of makes it a little blob-ish.

I have a feeling it’s a little more flattering in person.

If you have to be pregnant & on the red carpet, you should probably ask Jenna Dewan how.

Her custom Rachel Roy gown was gorge. Her hair & makeup were beautiful.

She looked the best I’ve seen a pregnant lady look in quite a while.

If you haven’t seen this video yet, you are missing out big time.

This was one of my favorite moments of the night.

Jennifer Lawrence was so star struck by Jack Nicholson — it was so funny!

You can watch it here.

And just a little moment to end today’s post: Ben Affleck then & now.

A look at his first Oscar win & his most recent…just a cute as ever.

Side note: I love his voice…I wish he could read me bed time stories every night.

Anddd that’s that.

xo,

jordan

<all images via people.com, fabsugar.com, celebuzz.com, people.com, bravotv.com>

the academy awards.

Oh awards season…it’s like the holidays for those who love fashion.

& let me tell you…the Oscars brings out the best of the best dressed.

Even the worst dressed aren’t that bad.

Not to mention, so much trend forecasting is in play.

Did you notice any 2013 trends on the red carpet?

Black, white, metallics? The peplum hanging around? Sheer? Cutouts?

Here’s my recap of the night:

Back in black…let’s start with the “unstoppable Adele,” as J.Law so kindly introduced her.

I seriously think she has never looked so beautiful as she did last night in this Jenny Packham dress, that weighed 15 kilos [33 lbs], might I add.

In her red carpet interview, she said, “I feel like Beyoncé.”

Jenny Packham has become quite the go to designer for some of my favorite Brits.

The makeup, the half-updo, the dress…she looked phenom.

She also stunned in Burberry for her performance.

Her hair all down & a little messy? Absolute perfection, if you ask me.

When I say I’m obsessed with her, it just doesn’t do justice to my love for her.

She does no wrong.

Few people opted for color this year at the Oscars.

But, those who did [for the most part] knocked it out of the park.

Jennifer Garner is radiant in this plum, custom Gucci gown.

She was beaming all night; so proud of Ben.

I also loved her choice in [2.5 million dollars worth of] Neil Lane jewels.

Especially the 200 carat necklace. Gorge.

Jessica Chastain was one of the first to arrive on the red carpet…with her date, her proud grandmother.

In Armani Privé, she was a vision of old Hollywood glamour.

Sophisticated, elegant, very “happy birthday Mr. President…”

The vintage Harry Winston jewels [from the 1960’s], soft curls, & red lipstick were the perfect finishing touches to this look.

Holy Charlize Theron.

She could wear my grandfather’s clothes & still look drop dead gorgeous.

Very few can pull this hair cut off [insert Halle Berry], but she does without a hitch.

This white Dior peplum number & Harry Winston jewels don’t hurt either.

She looks like a goddess.

New mom, not for the first time, Reese Witherspoon looked great in cobalt Louis Vuitton.

Reese’s thick, side-swept curls really pulled this look together.

I’m not too crazy about the bow on the black band up top. It needs something up there, I just feel like something other than a flat bow could do the trick.

Amy Adams was over the top in Oscar de la Renta & I loved it.

She was magical in this full, barely blue, tulle dress.

Amy also stunned in this very Gatsby-like Oscar de la Renta dress at the Vanity Fair after party.

I love it. I have a feeling the flapper is making a comeback.

Naomi Watts was so glamorous in this silver sequined Armani Privé gown.

The unique neck line on this dress is to die for.

Next up, Naomi’s best friend, Nicole Kidman was a stunner as well in a fully sequined L’Wren Scott gown.

It’s been said that they intentionally coordinate on red carpets — that’s sweet.

N.Kid’s soft waves & loosely pulled back hair were a nice touch.

Sandra Bullock rarely let’s down. She’s so beautiful.

This lace, sheer, & beaded Elie Saab gown was a flattering choice for her.

I wish she had done something a little different with her hair though…maybe all up?

I wasn’t crazy about her hair accessory.

Thanks to Scandal, I have a new found obsession with Kerry Washington.

I think she’s incredible.

So it comes as no surprise that I love her coral Miu Miu gown.

The embellished top & silk train are so elegant.

She topped the look off with Fred Leighton jewels & nude “Olivia Pope” nails.

Stacy Keibler was absolute perfection in fully beaded Naeem Khan.

Showing the perfect amount of skin, she was gorgeous on George Clooney’s arm.

Now for my pick of best dressed of the night:

Jennifer Lawrence…le duh. She is totally having a moment.

I’m 100% confident that if she & I ever met, we’d become best friends instantly.

She is too cool for words.

Not to mention, she is a dream in this to die for Dior Haute Couture gown.

Literally a vision in white.

Not to mention, she was dripping in Chopard diamonds. The necklace down her back…yes or yes?

I’m telling you…this girl has found her style & is totally owning it.

She hit the Vanity Fair after party in a slinky Calvin Klein gown.

Pick your jaws off the ground, boys.

Annnd…if any of you were wondering, I am so okay with all of these beards that were happening at the Oscars.

Ben, Hugh, George…dead sexy.

Don’t forget ole Bradley Cooper, too!

Bearded & suited up in Tom Ford with his mom as his date.

Seriously, how cute is that?

Speaking of cute, who could forget about this starlet, Quvenzhané Wallis?

Hitting the red carpet in Armani & a custom puppy purse named after her own dog, Sammy.

She’s only the youngest actress ever to be nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role by the Academy — flex those arms, girl.

9 years old, people.

After all of its hype at the Oscars, I decided I’ve got to see Beasts of the Southern Wild.

Along with Lincoln & Life of Pi.

I was so happy Argo & Silver Linings Playbook took home awards!

Two of the best movies I’ve seen in a while…

Jennifer Hudson & Adele proved their vocal supremacy on stage once again.

Babs showed us that she’s still got it.

Shirley Bassey didn’t do much for me, but I’m sure most thought she was great.

Kristin Chenoweth…I literally would have preferred earplugs during her “losers” song…but the gold dress — I love.

I could keep going on about the night, and maybe I will tomorrow!

But, for now…happy Tuesday!

xo,

jordan

<all images via huffingtonpost, people, redcarpetfashionawards, mtv, eonline, sfgate>