Elizabeth Holmes’s 5 Favorite Royal Gowns

+1

I honestly don’t get it either. But it’s everywhere- so many of my girlfriends are absolutely obsessed. Why care so much about an antiquated monarchy that’s been so malignant and degrading to most of normal society? It seems so shallow and vapid. It seems like we’re pining for a more classist society that has been so historically harmful. These people didn’t do anything to deserve our adoration except be born into or marry wealth. It’s similar to the Kardashians to me. I really don’t get it. I always click away and try not to judge but I’m glad there are people who feel the same as me too.

?? I feel the same about the Dutch Royal House/Family… ??

YES. A class based social system? On the surface, peerage titles should be anti-American as well.

Agree 100%

As other posters have said more eloquently, I try to just look away from royal/Elizabeth Holmes posts here. I am relieved to see in these comments that I am not the only one who cringes a bit with each one.

Agree. SMT has always been problematic– I consistently got the feeling Kate Middleton was her favorite and that Meghan could rarely get anything as right. That just never sat well with me, or with others… Holmes apologized on her insta a few months ago for her poor coverage of Meghan, but for me, it was too late. https://www.instagram.com/p/CBCIRrhHmkt/

I have loved Cup of Jo a long time, but I hope the editorial team knows that love does NOT extend to SMT or Holmes, not even with a cheerful product placement. Instead, this post irks me.

I hear you, but it’s a book about style and fashion, not history or politics or social justice, and this is a post about holiday gift ideas. Those would be different book/posts, written by historians or other qualified experts, or possibly a documentary, or even a political science class. You may argue that it is wrong to exclude that context from the book or this blog post, but every book/ post cannot cover every topic exhaustively. And you may criticize and condemn this blog for referencing it, but it is a lifestyle blog, and they can post what they want. If you have better ideas then why not take advantage of the open comment section here to suggest alternative books? Many of us do read the comments and are very interested in suggestions.

I’m British and I’d say it’s not okay to dismiss this subject as fine due to being related to lifestyle. The Royal Family is a big sensitive topic, the UK has huge inequality, child poverty and increasing need for food banks, and yet paid for royal weddings.

Also they are part of a certain (inaccurate and rose-tinted) post-imperial narrative that pervades current patriotism with no one thinking of all the repercussions for the “former colonies” due to colonialism and slavery, which is not being confronted by the royal family or government. Instead there’s royal visits to the “commonwealth” countries that the UK ruined.

Not to mention how the British Museum won’t give back all the items it should be giving back to cultures and places, as they see themselves as the protectors of history (Who chose them as the protectors, again more imperialism thinking that my country can’t seem to grow out of…)

Judith, I am not dismissing these subjects as fine. I’m questioning whether it is realistic to complain about it not being addressed in a book about fashion. In the US we also have poverty, hunger, homelessness, inequality, and rampant racism, not to mention a broken health care system, and misguided ideas about patriotism. We do not pay for royal weddings but we do pay for a lot of other crap that seems absurd and morally offensive given the ever widening income distribution gap. But I don’t look for information about these issues on a lifestyle blog or in fashion magazines, and I am suggesting it’s better to share other resources than to criticize and complain and accuse. The comment section here gets a lot of attention and discussion, why not opt instead to shed some light and share additional info?

C,

I don’t believe any of your comments are in good faith, but here’s a reply anyway.

It is absolutely realistic to discuss poverty, inequality, racism, etc when discussing fashion because fashion is not exempt from these things. No one is saying that people should come to a lifestyle blog specifically seeking information on these issues. They are saying that it is appropriate–even necessary–for cupofjo to address these issues when relevant such as in a post about a family that represents colonialism and imperialism to much of the world.

If you reply, I hope that you ensure your follow-up comment does not criticize and complain and accuse about what others have written–because we can all post whatever we want–but sheds some light and adds some additional information to the conversation.

I think a good analogy for American readers of this blog is if a beautiful book of Trump fashion and interiors were featured. Despite his hateful rhetoric: demeaning people with disabilities, women, and poc. Despite his sham University and underpaying his workers. Despite his sham foundations and tax avoidance. Despite separating children from families at the border, etc, etc etc. What if we put all that aside and oohed and aahed over the clothes Melania and Ivanka wear or oohed and aahed over their interiors? I think the thought of that would make many people upset. Maybe that’s how some people feel when the royals are featured.

Nina – I don’t believe any of your comments are in good faith either.
And I don’t really know how to respond to snide mocking.

Could say the same for most US presidents… including Obama. Do you object to them being on this blog? I don’t like imperialism either but I do think royals are fun!

I agree Farhana.

SR, I think the point is that the royal family represents a monarchial system where being born into wealth or marrying into wealth gives you capital and power that allows you to subjugate the poor and colonize the vulnerable. It’s a system that marked a pretty important and dark period of history that led to the worst classicism and inequality in the UK society. Obama was a democratically elected leader so…. not really the same thing. Maybe because I’m Asian and my family come from a heavily colonized country that’s a direct result from imperialism, I don’t get the “fun” part. To me, it’s pretty gross to adore people whose only intrigue is being born into or marry wealth and disregarding they’re part of a really terrible and shitty system we’ve replaced because it’s fucked over so many people. People gushing over the diamonds Diana wore is slightly worse to me than people gushing over the Kardashians. And yeah, it’s disappointing to see it on a blog known for its progressiveness and intelligence.

Yes, that’s exactly it – so fascinating, in both the positive and negative sense!!

I live in the U.K. and come from one of the former colonies. I think the queen is a good stabilising influence – we’ve had a run of rubbish governments and a number of constitutional crises (near failures to form coalitions, Boris Johnson. And by that I mean Boris just existing) but you always have this idea that if things really went tits up the queen could step in and she is a very knowledgeable and experienced guide to whoever the prime minister is.
As for the rest, I could care less. I think it was actually an awesome move by Meghan and Harry to leave. We need a smaller monarchy anyway, and it can’t have been easy to put up with all the abuse from the right wing press (the Daily Mail is particularly nasty – there was an article I read comparing coverage of Meghan and Kate and it’s appalling). Maybe it’s best if once QE2 dies the monarchy just falls away.

Couldn’t agree more, Lisa. I’m also British and although I’ve never been a monarchist, the pandemic has made me look at the monarchy quite differently….although I respect the Queen and her quiet dedication over the years, I think it incredible that we expect any kind of social mobility to happen with a class system as ingrained, and as monarchy-dependent, as ours. To my mind, the unimaginable privilege of most of the royal family and, in turn, the British aristocracy, is starting to look in distinctly bad taste, to put it mildly. I think the pandemic has just made me look at all the palaver and pageantry and silliness of the British class system and just think, wtf, to be honest. Vive la république!

I live in a monarchy, though Queen Elizabeth the second, my head of state, is not my fellow country person. She is British, while I am Australian. Her representative to Australia once dismissed our democratically elected Prime Minister, almost certainly with her blessing. I am unimpressed. Plus, The Crown misrepresented Bob Hawke and I’m just tired of all the fuss about the monarchy that’s followed from it – I don’t want it to have any power over my country anymore.

Our monarchy (Sweden) hasn’t got any power at all, the power is with our prime minister and government. Some people do want a republic, but I think most prefer keeping the monarchy. The king and queen are quite popular, and the crown princess even more so. Politicians come and go, change their mind to attract votes, but the monarchy remain and is a constant.

I’m not really into monarchies, but I must admit I am charmed by the Swedish crown princess and her prince. They seem genuinely in love and really sweet.

I agree. I completely understand the need for ads but lately, I’m forced to quickly catch up on Cup of Jo posts before quitting my browser because the site slows Chrome down *so* much. It’s deterring me from reading daily. Please Jo, how can we fix the speed issues with the site?

Just download a free ad-blocker and donate to support them?

I had the same experience with Go Fug Yourself! I discovered them only last year and quickly fell in love with the daily snark. Unfortunately they clearly took affront at the leaving of the firm and so did most of the readers. Their comment section became a complete trash talk against Meghan, interestingly, not so much against Harry. The site owners themselves pitched in to criticise her in the comments constantly. After months of this, I just gave up.

Raquel, perhaps she made that comment because there is a very notable history of monarchy marrying for rank, not love. Charles and Diana is an obvious example. I wouldn’t have read that as racist, and rather more in tune with the larger context. Just my two cents. :)

Thank you for bringing this up – I hadn’t heard about this and would love to learn more. Could you explain what you mean by how Elizabeth Holmes kept “doing it a slightly different way that suited her”? I just looked at Elizabeth Holmes’ instagram and saw her apology posts – was it just a meaningless apology, and has she posted racist content about Megan even after the apology? I was actually planning to buy HRH as a gift, but I would not feel comfortable supporting an author doing something racist and wrong.

??????

Agreed, and thank you for saying something. All the work around diversity and inclusion gets thrown out the window when $$$ is involved and it is disappointing.

Hello,
I haven’t read HRH, so I can’t speak to how the Duchess of Sussex is covered in the book. I do follow Elizabeth Holmes on Instagram. Her account is how I know about all the good work the Duchess of Sussex has done since leaving the UK (serving at Homeboy Industries, giving the address at her alma mater, meeting with Gloria Steinem, her recent piece in the NY Times). This coverage makes me excited about what the Duke and Duchess will do via their new foundation, and appreciative of the unique role the Duchess is creating for herself on the global stage. From what I understand, the Sussexes’ plans had to shift because of the pandemic, and it strikes me that highlighting and covering these events serve their long-term goals. Elizabeth Holmes has a huge following and she is helping to fan excitement around their next chapter. Wishing you all the best.

Megan Markle should have NEVER been included in the book. It is an insult to the Royals to associate her with them in any way.

Thank you for saying that. I remember seeing one of the couples’ photo kissing outside the church and one of Elizabeth’s “thoughts” was: “The way he’s leaning over towards her makes me think he really loves her”. How did people not think this was problematic and racist at all?? There was never DOUBT if William loved Kate. Is it really THAT surprising that a white man fell in love with a Black woman? Ppl need to understand that racism comes in different forms including this and this is extremely racist.
And to answer Ameya’s question, Elizabeth posted she wouldn’t comment anymore about Meghan’s hair. I don’t follow her but I’ve checked from time to time and I’ve seen a SMT that she did comment on Meghan’s hair so, to me, that’s not really committing to do anti-racist work.

yesyesyesyesyes!!!!! EHomes is still profiting off of Meghan, and saying “it’s royal business.” I had to unfollow because of her off-handed OK-ness. STOP HIGHLIGHTING HER.

@Raquel
<<>>

The answer to your question is yes. Serena Williams is a perfect example. I don’t know what it is about black women that deems us so unlovable. This type of thinking is rooted in systemic racism and how black women are portrayed in the media. I mean the fact that Prince Harry adores his biracial wife and child and took measures to protect them is incomprehensible to some white women because they think they alone deserve to be loved and protected.

What am I missing on this? I just absolutely do not understand these opinions or the outrage at all. Are you all saying that it is racist to photograph or admire Meghan Markle? This is confusing to me, in part because Elizabeth Holmes didn’t take these photos. Is it the commentary in the book (I have not read it)? Is the issue that she included Megan Markle in her book at all? Would it have been better and more respectful to have excluded her? Because to me that would be very wrong and discriminatory.
Meghan seems a positive role model in so many respects, and I just don’t understand why that is not a good thing for women of color, and for women in general.

I always thought it was a really bold move and that she completely pulled it off. The sunburn story does make sense. Anyone else would have just left it home and this was so much better.

Her/his royal highness

Her Royal Higness – just a guess

His/Her Royal Highness

If by “mania” you mean overwhelming rage, then yes. Season 4 alone has reminded me the rosy thoughts of wanting to date Prince William would have me attached to people who dictate my every move, each item of clothing, how I style my hair, and how I comport myself. I hated when my dad did it, I’ll be damned if I had in-laws that did the same. It might be a lot of fiction, but Queen Elizabeth is not someone to fawn over when it comes to ignoring some huge issues in her family.

Totally agree. It’s not the monarchy so much as it is celebrity more broadly. I feel sorry for them all.

Hannah, I feel the same way. I keep watching, because it’s a well-done confection and I do like the fictionalized look-back at major events of the 20th century, but at the end of every episode, I rail to my husband about what an absurd institution it is, how they are all so miserable and so clearly all need good shrinks.

Seconding this. I wouldn’t say I want to abolish the monarchy, but I often feel uncomfortable reading pieces about Diana that casually mention her unhappiness as a bit of entertainment. I don’t really get the appeal.

I totally agree with you. Every aspect of their lives this season felt sad and the story of Diana was utterly depressing.

1000000% agree. Every season I pity them. All their relationships. Rules that ruin their lives. The total farce of it all – how do the British people support it? It’s mind boggling.

I just finished the “you’re wrong about” for Diana, and that was my first thought too. Specifically, though, I can’t look at how thin Diana looks in these pictures without thinking about how much suffering she endured and her bulimia which was a symptom of all of that suffering and mistreatment.

Hannah-my sister and I text about this constantly. NOTHING sounds more painful to me than going to Scotland and changing 4 times a day to then have dinner with strangers until midnight and then go to sleep in a frigid castle WITH THE WINDOWS OPEN, only to wake up and do it again for 8 weeks at a time. I can’t even believe it.

I am surprised to find I have mixed feelings about it. On one hand Queen Elizabeth has entirely rocked the Queen “Mother” aspect. (“Mother” meaning “parent”.) She has represented for the world, publically at least, standards. Standards the rest of the world have either never had or else entirely forgotten the value of as in the case of the US. Without social standards we lose civilized, humane behavior. This is the SOUL role of modern royalty otherwise, who the hell do they think they are, lol. To embody, for the public who pays them, noble behavior as a standard. The church tried to do this via laws and deceit but of course that never works. Noble behavior has always been the highest goal of the human experience. Royalty exist to provide that example and it’s never been more important than now. Imo the British do it BEST.

So is it abuse? No. If they take a paycheck this is what they are signing up for. To represent best behavior as role models for humanity in the modern world dealing with modern life.

I LOVE how supportive Harry appears to be to Meghan in leaving the nest by moving to LA. This is the noble behavior you would expect of any gentleman in this position, (unlikely to inherit the crown/head position, standing up for his wife, etc).

But as a royal I would definitely initiate press reform. Boundaries are essential and press savages have gotten dangerously out of hand. With telephoto there is no need to crowd – how insane! Nor should lying or racism be acceptable. News flash: these are not unreasonable standards to ask of an industry. Also the surge in surveillance technology should make invading clear private time/space off limits. That will require a social system with standards.

FYI for “You’re Wrong About” fans – Mike & Sarah released a bonus episode on their patreon today called “Princess Diana, The Crown and Responsible Storytelling” !

Yes yes yes! I would love to see this too!

LMAO – I thought you meant Queen Elizabeth and just tried to find her account, thinking i was missing out on some iconic posts! Sadly… no offical Queen E account -_-

@ Paisley, Yes! that was my first thought too, LOL!

Yes me too! A beautiful but also slightly ominous dress. What could her message have been ? haha

Actually, you *are* the only one.
Haha.
It’s a lovely dress.
The only thing I wish is that the color of the top backing material at the top of the dress, which is supposed to be “nude” (check out the topmost bird on her shoulder…it’s on a sheer netting) had been replaced by a slightly darker shade backing that was closer to *her* skin tone instead of Default White People “Flesh” Color In Box Of Crayolas Back In The Day “nude”.

@ Gwen, I agree about the dress lining. I can not believe her stylist allowed that to fly. It ruins the look. But I wonder if this is the type of subtle racist neglect she has to deal with everyday? Ugh, if so. It takes two minutes for someone to run to Joanne’s Fabrics and pick up some sheer lining in her skin tone and baste it in. It won’t be silk but if this dress is a loaner then it won’t matter. Especially if photo’s are going to be involved. Annoying.

@Gwen and @Abigale
I see what you are saying but I think the dress would have been too risqué for a royal if the top matched her skin tone. There are so many royal “rules” and I think that would have been too much for a royal to wear. Very pretty and a neat effect….but maybe just for a celebrity

No, you are not alone. It was my first thought, too. But then, I am slightly afraid of black birds after a bird attack when walking past a tree with a nest in it…