Another Day, Another Kate Middleton Coat Dress

The Duchess of Cambridge appeared solo and stunning at the National Picture Gallery for a private viewing of the Lucien Freud exhibit. Kate killed in another flattering coatdress, this time a double-breasted, full skirted grey style by Jesiré (a brand we're imagining wishes they were still in business.) Kate accessorized with a belt that appears to be made of links and leather, the diamond jewelry she debuted on Canada Day, a black clutch, Asprey Button Pendant, and her gorge Jimmy Choo Cosmic platform pumps. A work of art!

Photo via styleite.com

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.

CopyKate: Get Your Own Pair of Kate's Acorn Earrings

Love those diamond acorn earrings that Kate Middleton wore on her wedding day? We think the earrings, custom made by Robinson Pelham, perfectly echoed the scrolls on Kate's borrowed Cartier tiara, and were also a brilliant way to keep the Middletons at the forefront of a big royal day. Every time someone looks at Kate's face they were reminded of her family and their newly designed, acorn-bedecked crest.

If you'd like your own pair of sparkly acorn earrings, check out Nordstrom. The store carries the Ariella collection, which also offers replicas of Kate's engagement ring and the sapphire-and-diamond earrings she's been sporting lately. The prices aren't bad, either.

Happy Shopping! xo

CopyKate: Get the Look of the Kiki Mcdonough Diamond and Topaz 'Grace' Stud Earrings

via strictlykatemiddleton.blogspot.com

Kate's white topaz and diamond stud earrings (from the Grace collection by KMidd fave Kiki Mcdonough) are one of those staple pieces that are a must-have in any waredrobe. Classy, understated and just a little bit blingy they work with jeans or dresses.

An alternative to the Mcdonough pair are these

Halo Stud Earrings set in 14K white gold ($175).

Happy Shopping!

Kate Middleton's New Monogrammed Bracelet

Wondering about that charm bracelet the Duchess of Cambridge wore when meeting with the Irish Guards recently? According to the Daily Mail the bracelet was in fact a wedding gift from Camilla. One side of the charm features Kate's new monogram (a curly 'C' under a coronet) and the other side features Camilla's (also a 'C' under a coronet, but with the letter in a circle).

A lot of people have huge hate-ons for problems with Camilla. We can see where they're coming from. The entire mess with Diana was, well, quite a mess. Still, we're of the mind that Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall seem very happy these days and that his sons seem fond of her as well, a large vote in her favour we'd say. Kate also seems to get along with Camilla, and if the entire family has managed to move past all the mistakes and heartache we say good on them. We'd love to know what you think!

Kate's Engagement Picture Links of London Earrings

Want to get your hands on the white topaz, egg-shaped earrings Kate Middleton was sporting in her official engagement portrait, photographed by Mario Testino?

Look no further than Links of London, who have been selling the Hope Egg earrings since 2006.



Image: Mario Testino via Getty Images

Kate & William's Official Engagement Portraits

Let's say it all together now: Awwwww. That's the exact reaction we had when we spotted Prince William and Kate Middleton's official engagement photos. The casual one, anyway. They look all happy and smiley like. Not surprisingly, both portraits were taken by Mario Testino, who famously photographed Princess Diana and who would totally be our pick if we ever needed to get photographed for the cover of Vanity Fair or something. We're just saying. It could happen. A girl needs to be prepared.

Kate's Whistles Blouse

Trying to figure out where Kate's embroidered blouse is from but don't recall seeing it on the runway? That's because it was never there. Oh, you think, so it must be custom made in some kind of priceless silk, right? Wrong. C'mon lovelies, we're in the middle of a recession and conspicuous consumption is so passé. Kate Middleton knows where it's at. We love us a fab fashionista, but what we love even more is a bargainista who can look like a million bucks wearing something that cost $24.99. Not that Kate's blouse was that cheap, but still. Close enough. And it's two years old. From Whistles.  

William is wearing a Turnbull and Asser shirt and a Brunello Cucinelli sweater. We were all ready to give props to Wills' dreamy sweater when we heard that it really belongs to Testino. See? We knew the man had taste! Now if only he'd call us...

Okay, so this formal pic is nice and all but doesn't really do much for us. Taken in the Council Chamber linked to Clarence house the photo is a little too Madame Tussauds for our taste. Anyhoo, William stayed faithful to Turnbull and Asser while Kate went with Reiss' Nannette dress with Links of London earrings.

We're not sure where the hype ends and the truth begins, but apparently both garments worn by the future princess were already hanging in her closet. If you'd like to snag a blouse for yourself Whistles is re-releasing the style in early 2011 and rechristening it the Kate (cha-ching!) Reiss is also looking to re-release the Nannette, likely in January of 2011.

There is one thing that has us stumped. It's been reported that Kate did her own make-up for the engagement shoot. WTH? Why? Sorry Kate, but that's a little too Bargainista, even for us.

Claudia Bradby Necklace Designed by Kate Middleton

 

 Jewelry designer Claudia Bradby is releasing a necklace that she collaborated on with Kate Middleton during the time the future princess was an accessories buyer at Junior Jigsaw. Apparently the idea was to create something that could be worn by both mothers and daughters.

While we appreciate the sentiment we can't say we looove this style. Cute, but pretty generic.

Fun Fact: Claudia Bradby's husband Tom was the journalist who interviewed William and Kate on the day their engagement was announced.

[Vogue UK]