Duchess of Cambridge Wears Erdem to Trooping of the Colour

Senior members of the British royal family (including on-the-mend Prince Philip) gathered in London today for Trooping of the Colour, the celebration of the Queen's official birthday. For the event the Duchess of Cambridge once again chose British-based Canadian designer Erdem.

Kate's light grey shift dress featured three-quarter sleeves and tone-on-tone floral embroidery. We want to like this look, we really do, but something about it just isn't working for us. We did quite enjoy the Jane Corbett hat. Earrings are the Links of London Effervescence Bubble Stiletto earrings. From what we can see Kate's bag is a neutral suede box clutch and we've yet to see a shot of her kicks.

What do you think of Kate's Trooping the Colour outfit?

Photos via Mirror.co.uk and SplashNews.com

Kate Middleton Recycles Pink Emilia Wickstead for Garden Party

What does one wear to their first Buckingham Palace garden party? Especially when that person is the Duchess of Cambridge, married to the grandson of the monarch celebrating their Diamond Jubilee? Well, Kate Middleton has answered that question for us, folks.

K-Midd chose the pale pink and pleated Emilia Wickstead dress she wore less than two weeks ago at Windsor Castle. Kate changed out the accessories--gone were the pink satin Pradas (thank gawd, we say!) in favour of day friendly L.K. Bennett Sledge nude pumps and Natalie clutch. Kate also added a pretty Jane Corbett hat accented with raffia and lace and pearl drop earrings.

While we can't fault Kate on her attractive garden look--the pastel and ladylike design are right on trend--we do think recycling a dress so soon may not be the best choice. Thoughts?


Photo via mirror.co.uk

Kate on Christmas Day

The Duchess of Cambridge's collarless Christmas coatdress was reportedly created for her by an "independent British designer". We're big fans of the kind of totally cool Jane Corbett hat that Kate chose. Kate's suede pumps were reportedly custom made by Mascaró at the request of the Duchess.

Kate's amethyst earrings, thought to be a Christmas gift from Prince William, are by fave Kiki Mcdonough. A similar pair can be seen above.

Kate Sports Black DVF Coat at Remembrance Sunday Ceremony, Bonds with Camilla

via The Daily Mail

The Duchess of Cambridge was seen at the Remembrance Sunday ceremony looking suitably sombre (and chic) in a black, double-breasted Diane von Furstenberg coat and Jane Corbett hat worn pushed forward on her head. Kate hung with Camilla and Sophie of Wessex on the balcony of the Foreign Office, which overlooks the Cenotaph where the Queen and the Duchesses' husbands laid wreaths.

via Grazia

Kate and Camilla seem to be getting on like a house on fire with the Duchess of Cornwall offering advice and support to the newly minted Duchess of Cambridge. Apparently the advice extends further than just suggestions as to how best to adjust to life in the royal fishbowl and includes--ahem--some beauty tips. (Camilla is said to have turned Kate on to £165 facials from Deborah Miller that are billed as "non-surgical facelifts"). We're not Camilla haters, but we have to say that she's not exactly the first one we'd turn to for knowledge on beautification and anti-aging. Just sayin'.

Kate's wool DVF "Lio" coat is from 2008 and features interesting rock-like faceted black buttons, as well as eye grabbing soutache detailing on the collar and cuffs. You can't see it here, but the bottom of the coat is pleated, which lends itself to a much fuller and feminine silhouette. And we'd be remiss if we didn't mention Kate's eyebrows and eyeliner, which appear to be the same thickness and color.

Kate Recycles Another Frock for Prince Philip's Birthday

Telegraph UK

Forget the high street or designer boutiques, this weekend Kate Middleton proved that sometimes the easiest place to shop is your own closet. After recycling that black and white Zara dress at her friends' wedding on Saturday, the Duchess appeared at a service celebrating Prince Philip's birthday in pieces she's worn before.

The Mirror UK

Kate's brocade coat is a cornflower blue creation from Jane Troughton last seen at the 2009 wedding of Nicolas van Cutsem (second photo above). For Prince Philip's 90th birthday, Kate changed up the hat (the new one is also by Jane Corbett), shoes (those nude L.K. Bennett Sledge2 pumps) and dress to give the coat a second life.

And the dress underneath that coat? We've seen it before too. It's the blue pleated Zara dress that Kate wore when departing Buckingham Palace the day after her wedding. Kate was also carrying an unidentified nude clutch.

Kate's sapphire-and-diamond earrings have apparently been refashioned from an old pair of Princess Diana's, part of the jewelry suite gifted to the late Princess of Wales by the Prince of Saudi Arabia.

While we can't say we love the earrings--like the engagement ring they kind of seem...old fashioned--the bit of history is appreciated and they do match that famous ring quite nicely.

And this may not be our favourite Kate Middleton fashion look (we'll take a chic McQueen coat dress any day of the week), but we do respect how the Duchess is able to recycle old items to make new looks.

Old School Stylings: Kate Re-Wears Gold Brocade Coat to Oli Baker Wedding

For the wedding of old flatmate Oli Baker in Scotland, Kate Middleton recycled the champagne gold Day Birger et Mikkelsen brocade coat that she wore to Laura Parker-Bowles' wedding. Kate changed up the accessories -- opting for a black fascinator from Jane Corbett (the same she wore to Peter Phillips' wedding sans net), black patent heels and a black clutch.

Old School Stylings: Kate Middleton in Blue Brocade Coat at Nicholas van Cutsem's Wedding

Kate Middleton looked regal in cornflower blue at the 2009 wedding of Nicholas van Cutsem to Alice Hadden-Paton. Kate paired the blue brocade Jane Troughton coat with a silvery dress, white and blue floral hat by Jane Corbett, and a pair of mystery navy suede court shoes.

The coat-over-frock really is Kate's favoured wedding look and one that makes sense. Not only can she preserve the mystery of the dress underneath, but she can also get two looks in one--more conservative for church and a flirty dress for dancing later.

Kate was also seen wearing what looks like the Asprey button necklace, a citrine cocktail ring and a patterned blue leather frame clutch.