Kate Middleton Stuns in Teal Jenny Packham at Olympic Event

We love when we look at a Kate Middleton outfit and only one word comes to mind: love. This is what we thought when we spotted the Duchess of Cambridge's gown at the Greatest Team Rises Olympic Event. Kate looked gorgeous and glamorous and youthful in her customized Jenny Packham bridal gown (the "Aspen"). We love it all--from the bejewelled belt (we're thinking belts could become a real Kate trademark) to the flowing pleats--but especially the teal colour, the lace and the braids, three things we're pretty much obsessed with around here. Ob-sessed. Not to mention anything that sparkles.

And can we just talk about the back of this gown for a minute? Classy drama. Le sigh. K-Midd, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you. And we need to see more of this, glamour and styles that are still very Kate. Can we also say we're pretty much dying over the cap sleeves?

Accessories included Kate's seen before Jimmy Choo Vamp Sandals (first debuted at the BAFTA dinner in L.A.), a teal clutch covered in lace, and a pair of dangly, sparkly earrings.

Photos via The Mirror UK

Kate Wears a Roland Mouret with Slit Up to There at Thirty Dinner

If there's one thing we hate it's sitting on the fence, but we've become increasingly familiar with the place due to Kate Middleton's recent outfits. We look at what the Duchess is wearing and find ourselves somewhere in the middle of Love It! Land and OMGNoes! Village.

Roland Mouret 2009 - Lombard Gown - Style.com

The white Roland Mouret dress that Kate Middleton wore to dinner at the Thirty Club in London (where Prince William gave a speech) has us sitting in that uncomfortable position. On the one hand we're kind of intrigued by the straight, clean lines, the creamy white colour, the hint of leg from the thigh high slit. We also love the choice of Jimmy Coo Vamp sandals and dark toes for a little youthful flair. And still, something is a little bit off. We don't lurve this look. Just for some added interest this dress (the "Lombard") was worn by Carla Bruni and supermodel Amber Valletta before this version of it made its way to Kate.

These photos are courtesy of The Daily Mail who report that Kate's sparkly clutch is also Jimmy Choo and her vintage-y sparkly dangle earrings are the Eva from Beaut.

What do you think of Kate Middleton's white Roland Mouret look?

Kate Wears Black Lace Temperley Gown at Warhorse Premiere

At the London première of Warhorse, the Duchess of Cambridge opted for a black-over-nude lace Temperley gown. We think we like it. The horizontal lace doo-dad above the flare is kind of strange, but otherwise we're feeling this look.

The belted dress is similar to a short sleeved version available from the Temperley Bridal range's 2013 collection. Kate's black velvet bow clutch is by Mascaró.

Photo via Yahoo UK

Kate Wears Strapless Black Velvet McQueen to Military Awards

You know friends, nothing troubles us more than when we're not exactly sure if we like something or not. We much prefer it when we can look at an outfit and either fall in love instantly or dismiss it out of hand right away. We find that when it comes to the Duchess of Cambridge we're often teetering on the fence. There are times when it seems like a lot of Kate's outfits lack that one essential ingredient to make us totally swoon, or are just nice enough that we can't hate them. It's all very troubling.

Take the black velvet (or what appears to be velvet) Alexander McQueen gown that Kate sported at the Sun Military Awards held at the Imperial War Museum in London. At first glance we were a little underwhelmed. Black - yawn. Strapless - yawn. Velvet - well, it's almost Christmas, so we're inclined to give her a pass...

And then we looked closer. Like many a McQueen garment this dress is really all about the construction. The fitted bodice and dropped waist, the expert fall of the skirt. We also liked the sweetheart shape of the neckline and the added interest of the the pleated frill detailing. What we liked even more was that K-Midd was actually sporting some serious bling, apparently one of her wedding presents. The earrings were the same diamond ones we've seen before, most notably on Canada Day with that purple Issa number.

Kate's black platform pumps have been suggested to be Prada or Jimmy Choo, both brands that the Duchess has worn often. As for the black velvet bag with bow? It's the Pretty Ballerina clutch lined with Jamie Mascaro fabric.

So, overall, we're going to judge this velvet number a win, especially on Kate's tall and shapely frame. The only thing that may have been miscalculated is just how quickly a black velvet dress would get Kate compared to her late mother-in-law. Maybe that was the objective in the first place, but we can't help but think that if the Duchess wants to carve out her own identity within the royal family she'd do well not to encourage the inevitable Diana comparisons.

Kate Middleton is a Grecian Goddess in Jenny Packham

A new Kate sighting! This time at an event hosted by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at St. James’s Palace for the National Memorial Arboretum Appeal. Kate wore a custom Jenny Packham design, which the designer described as a "silver chiffon satin asymmetric gown." We're fans. Even if the colour is muted we think it suits Kate, as does the artful draping and one-shoulder design (and, no, we don't think it has anything to do with hiding a bun in the oven, either).

Kate accessorized with the same Jimmy Choo heels and diamond bracelet she wore to the BAFTA event in L.A., as well as new crystal drop earrings (confirmed as Beaut Jewellery from a collection available exclusively through Jenny Packham) and a simple red poppy. The event came on the heels of the news that Prince William will be stationed in the Falklands for six weeks in 2012, news that the Argentine government apparently did not have a positive reaction to.

Chelsy and Harry in Happier Days

We've admittedly never been big supporters of Chelsy Davy, but a recent Daily Mail story about the royal ex has certainly upped our opinion of her, if true. Apparently Chelsy was offered an astronomical sum to dish the dirt on Prince Harry in a book. Chelsy, who admittedly doesn't want for cash, refused out of loyalty to her ex. At least there is one person out there able to keep their lips zipped in this age of social media and total exposure! The article also goes on to state that it was the royal wedding that made Chelsy realize her relationship with Harry had no future. Apparently, Ms. Davy took one look at all the pomp and circumstance within the fish bowl and knew that the royal life wasn't for her. For his part Harry was said to be quite understanding. How can you not love the ginger Prince?!

Photos via The Daily Mail

Kate Middleton Wows in Chiffon Amanda Wakeley Gown

What does a girl wear to her first solo public engagement after the biggest wedding of the decade? If you're Kate Middleton, a decidedly gorgeous chiffon frock that is the perfect mix of sweet and sexy. The Duchess of Cambridge was called upon to fill in when her father-in-law was called away to Saudi Arabia last minute. Kate took one for the team--or the, err, Firm--and hosted the black tie charity event at Clarence House in Charles' absence.

While some publications like The Daily Mail were concentrated on the scar that Kate's half-up do was showing off (apparently from a childhood surgery), we'd much rather look at those diamond earrings. The same ones Kate sported at the BAFTA event in L.A. (same bracelet too). As for that Amanda Wakeley gown, we're big fans of the rope-y, sequined bodice. A girl as buttoned-up as KMidd has been recently can always use a little sex kitten in her life, especially when finally stepping into the solo spotlight.

Lady in Red: The Duchess of Cambridge in Beulah London

Last night the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made their way into London for the black tie gala held by 100 Women in Hedge Funds at St. James' Palace. Not only is Prince William a patron of the fundraising organization, but he is also involved with the charity that the night benefited (to the tune of more than £675,000), the Child Bereavement Charity.


Kate seemed determined not to fade into the background, choosing a rather bold floor-length, V-neck gown in silk jersey. The red Sarai dress from Beulah London also featured billowing long sleeves in chiffon. Beulah London is the brainchild of Lady Natasha Rufus Isaacs, close pal of Wills and daughter of the Marquess of Bristol, and Lavinia Brennan.

Lady Isaacs Wears the Sarai Dress with Lavinia Brennan

According to The Daily Mail, the line was started "almost two years ago to provide employment for human trafficking victims in India. [Isaacs] was drawn to their stories during a trip to the country where she spent time working in slums with recovering rape and abuse victims who had escaped the international sex trade." Of all the labels Kate could be bringing publicity to this one seems quite worthy, a fact that was likely quite plain to the Duchess too.

Is it just us or does Kate look particularly...old in the picture above, especially from the neck up? There seems to be something kind of stiff and matronly about the hair/make-up/face situation. We're not feeling that same fresh, dewy vibe we got from, say, that Packham at the ARK Gala. Still, the Beulah is an interesting choice. If you're wondering about Kate's glittery gold clutch, it's by Wilbur and Gussie.

The gold clutch is also the same one that Pippa wore with her red dress (the Temperley London Begonia Dress) at the recent Boodles Boxing Ball charity event. Pips was pretty much a hot mess in our estimation.

Kate Dazzles in Sparkly Jenny Packham at the ARK Gala

Photo Credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage

There are certain times when you see someone in a particular dress or outfit and you just know that the sartorial gods are pleased. Such was our reaction when we spotted Kate Middleton in pale pink and sequined Jenny Packham at the ARK Gala. The Duchess looked relaxed, young, happy, feminine--in short, this dress was made for her (although not, you know, literally).

Photo Credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage

MyTheresa.com

Anyone still think that Kate can't do high fashion as well as she does high street? This is your notice. The Duchess seems to be ready to play in the big leagues, and while we'll likely never see her in anything too fashion forward this definitely seems a step in the right direction.

via ibtimes.com

Kate's pink ankle-strap shoes with bow are the Agata from fave L.K. Bennett and her pink satin box clutch is via Prada. Kate once again wore Links of London jewelry, this time the Effervescence Bubble Stiletto Earrings.

Photo Credit: Giovanni Ruffino/CW

And have we mentioned that we're almost as obsessed with Gossip Girl as we are with KMidd? Well, we are. And we just know that somewhere Blair Waldorf is smiling (and scheming, naturally) knowing she bested Middleton by donning a very similar Packham first, although if you'll recall Blair's wasn't floor-length.

So who do you think wore Packham better - Kate or Blair?

Or do you love both princesses-in-waiting equally?