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.

Duchess Wears Ralph Lauren Sweater Dress to Centrepoint

Laid back and approachable seemed to be the theme of the day for William and Kate when they made a low key appearance at the Centrepoint Camberwell Foyer youth facility. Centrepoint is a charity that the Prince has been involved with for years and we like that Wills did away with his regular suits and opted for cords and a jumper instead.

Kate, for her part, opt for an olive/khaki Ralph Lauren Blue Label dress in a wool/cashmere blend. The turtleneck sweater dress style is both elegant and current, and Kate's choice of a belt gives the outfit definition. We'd say the outfit's slim lines also silences all those baby bump watchers -- at least for now. We can't say we love the choice of belt, though, and we really wish that Kate would give up her love affair with those Aquatalia knee-high Rumba boots, but we know you can't have everything in life.

As for accessories, Kate was once again sporting the Kiki Mcdonough Grace earrings.

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 Wears Zara & Ralph Lauren at Prince's Trust Concert





via The Daily Mail





  

Tonight we got glossy hair, big smiles, a moderate mini and the answer to one of the mystery items we've been trying to ID for awhile. At the Gary Barlow concert to raise money for the Prince's Trust, Kate wore the Zara Lace Tulip Dress, a pretty black-and-white frock that was thankfully both a bit of fun and age appropriate. The Duchess of Cambridge paired the belted dress with the same black blazer that she wore with that blue Zara dress when departing from Buckingham Palace the day after her wedding (finally identified as Ralph Lauren), black opaque tights, a black clutch and round-toed black suede heels with a slight platform.

We do prefer the dress with bare legs, but we understand why Kate went the opaque tight route. The Duchess' jewelry included her Kiki Mcdonough earrings and that gold charm bracelet from Camilla (who was also in attendance, wearing what looked like a lamé sack).

Kate Chooses Mulberry for Buckingham Palace Press Party

We have one thing to say about the Duchess of Cambridge's

emerald green pleated Mulberry shirtdress: Oh la la Kate!

Photo via myfashionlife.com

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 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

Lady in Red--Again! The Duchess in Denmark

It's pretty obvious that Kate Middleton is a creature of habit.

She likes what she likes, and we can respect her for that.

Two things the Duchess of Cambridge appears to really like?

Red and knee-high boots. KMidd looked pretty streamlined and

chic upon arrival in Copenhagen to today while wearing both.

Kate and William were in Denmark to show support for Unicef's East Africa famine relief appeal, and were joined by Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary for a tour of the Unicef facilities. It's been reported that Kate has hinted at an Africa trip soon.

In the fashion faceoff between Kate and Princess Mary of Denmark we have to give the edge to KMidd. Mary, while quite pretty (especially for someone who has four kiddos), looks a bit to secretarial for our taste. We much prefer the burst of colour from the Duchess' coat (the Ami Long Coat in Burgundy from L.K. Bennett), which was paired with an interesting red croc belt. We're kind of over these types of boots for Kate in most cases.

Kate's belt has not been definitively ID'd,

but it looks similar to this one from Vecceli Italy.

Kate also accessorized with her gold leaf Vinnie Day earrings

and the gold charm bracelet she was given by Camilla.

The black clutch and knee-high zippered boots with rubber sole worn by the Duchess remain a mystery at the moment. What did you think of Kate's Copenhagen outfit?

UPDATE

What Kate Wore and Duchess of Cambridge Style have been on the case and have confirmed that Kate's belt (the Bessie from AW08--nearly identical to the Vecceli above, only wider) is from Reiss and her boots are the 'Zipkin' by Stuart Weitzman.

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.

The Duchess of Cambridge is Chic in Amanda Wakeley at The Royal Marsden Hospital

Kate and William stepped out this morning to open a new cancer unit at Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton. In our opinion, the Duchess' figure-hugging, knee-length dress (complete with three-quarter sleeves) was a great choice. This cut is made for a body like Kate's and we're even feeling the neutral tones. After that recent salon trip Kate's hair looks both shorter and lighter. People reports that poor Wills flew all night on RAF missions before meeting up with Kate at the hospital for the opening.

Kate's dress is the Sculpted Felt Long Sleeved Seamed Dress by Amanda Wakeley in Oatmeal (from the designer's AW 2011 collection). Currently the dress is available on the designer's site for £450.00, but only in the darker Gunmetal, which according to Amanda Wakeley's Twitter was also purchased by the Duchess along with the black version of the dress.

Kate accessorized with her trusty nude L.K. Bennett

Sledge2 Pumps and Natalie Clutch.

As is her wont Kate chose simple jewelry to accompany her streamlined outfit. Namely the White Topaz Grace Earrings from Kiki McDonough and that diamond cross necklace we've seen many times before.

 Our verdict? Kate for the win.

Photos: Getty, mirror.co.uk

Kate Middleton's TopShop Purchases

The TopShop Spot Pencil Skirt

There have been many rumors swirling as of late that Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of American Vogue and Queen of All Fashionistas, has been courting the future Queen of England--more commonly known as the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, or, as we affectionately refer to her, KMidd--to feature on the cover of the iconic magazine. Word is that Wintour is using Mario Testino, favoured photographer of Will and Kate, as bait.

The Palace has shot down claims that Catherine will grace the cover of American Vogue and instead asserts that the royal newlywed will be solely focused on her charity work. (As for whether Kate is also concentrating on babymaking, well, those reports remain unconfirmed). This is quite believable to us, above all because the Firm seems cognizant of what a commodity they have on their hands when it comes to Kate--fresh meat, so to speak--and are going full steam ahead on shaping her public persona into one of a responsible, empathetic royal. Plus, we have a hard time believing that the Duchess' first big time magazine cover would be for an American publication, even if Wintour is British--and super scary.

Kate Stepped Out in London Recently to Get Her Hair Did
(and Dyed!) - Carrying the Mulberry Tote from the Canada Tour

Perhaps to remind us that she's not all about the couture, Kate was recently seen snapping up some pieces at TopShop. According to People, the Duchess of Cambridge "patiently waited in line" to purchase a skirt, jacket and gold earrings in a feather motif. Kate's reported purchases can be seen here, ones we'll have to remember for ID purposes the next time the Duchess steps out in a new outfit.

Velvet Trim Boucle Jacket

Kate reportedly bought the Spot Pencil Skirt in Teal (£38.00) and a Boucle Jacket ($130.00) in one of her favoured colours (cobalt). The blazer features black velvet trim and a Peter Pan collar.

According to Social Beautify, Kate also snapped up this Unlimited Celeste Flared Coat from Hobbs (at time of publication the coat is still available online for £369.00). What do you think of Kate's buys?

Kate Wears Red Lace to Wedding in Wiltshire

Kate arrived at the wedding ceremony of Thomas Sutton and Harriet Colthurst with pal Louise Aubrey-Fletcher, looking chic in a knee-length red lace dress. The dress was originally reported as Erdem, but has now been confirmed as a french lace number from Collette Dinnigan. It may not be our favourite Kate look (the slanted hat kind of has a stewardess feel), but we understand that it must be difficult for the Duchess to strike the right note when trying not to upstage the bride.

Kate's accessories included a pair of patent platform Prada pumps.

While they look black in the first picture, this one definitely shows

them as more burgundy. The Duchess also carried her Aspinal

London Eaton Clutch and wore a diamond bracelet that looks

like the one she wore to the BAFTA event in L.A.

 

A similar red dress from Collette Dinnigan, fashioned from French lace.

This one has cap sleeves and an attractive V-neckline (we pretty much

like it better than Kate's), but is made of the same lace and has the same hemline.

Pippa, who has been on quite the marathon wedding schedule as of late, showed up with boyfriend Alex Loudon this time. Pips wore a monochromatic Alexander McQueen dress. This isn't terrible, but we never seem to be wowed by the Pipster's wedding looks.

The bride wore an oldish-feeling column dress with a pleated bodice.

We do like that tiara. Very much.

Oh, and were you wondering just what Wills was up to?

He was at the wedding too, but as he was an usher he showed

up at the church beforehand so that Kate had to arrive solo.

Photos via The Daily Mail

Kate Shops for Home Goods at Peter Jones & Happy Birthday Pippa!

Kate Middleton was spotted shopping at home goods store Peter Jones, wearing her standard casual outfit of skinny jeans (we're thinking Hudsons) and flats. This time Kate accessorized with a floaty peasant-style blouse with some pretty feminine detailing from Warehouse. Many have remarked how, once again, Kate was carrying her own bags. Seriously peeps? She's a Duchess not an invalid.

There is some real Kate News to report, namely that the royal couple have donated a Land Rover wedding gift they received to a Mountain Rescue Group. How very selfless, Wills and Kate! Also, there are reports that Catherine is determined to learn Welsh so she can fit in better on Anglesey. Hats off to KMidd for having the cojones to tackle the difficult language (that's right, we speak Spanish!)

Pippa Middleton, meanwhile, was seen out and about in London, all smiles on her 28th birthday. Okay, so we haven't always had the smoothest of relationships with the Pipster--and we're not really feeling the H&M lace minidress and knee-high black boots combo--but we'd like to wish her a very happy birthday nonetheless.

Photo 1. Us Weekly

Photo 2. People

Pippa Middleton Sports The Kate Blouse in London

Pippa Middleton was seen out and about in London today wearing what looks like a perhaps more sheer version the now-iconic Kate Blouse from Whistles, the very same one that big sis Catherine sported in her Mario Testino-snapped engagement pics.

We're pretty sure the one that Pip was sporting is the original, because the reissued version (snapped up by the Duchess of Cambridge prior to the royal wedding) comes sans collar and it seems sure that the engagement photo blouse had one. 

Kate and Pippa Take a Stroll on the Beach

Photo: PopSugar.com

The Middleton girls were spotted together this weekend, strolling along the beach on Llanddwyn Island, near Anglesey, where Kate and Wills have set up shop. (We're skipping any allusions to babymaking that may or may not have popped into our brains when we typed that last sentence). Kate was the picture of laid back cool in a pink cowl-necked tunic sweater we've seen before, skinny jeans, an olive coloured jacket (Barbour?) and wellies. Pippa not so much. Really, those running shoes should have been chucked into the water. And to think that beau Alex Loudon wasn't far behind sporting a vibrant pink sweater. Oh, Your Royal Hotness, how the mighty have fallen.

Kate's chic boots are by Le Chameau.

Kate Middleton Wears Military-Inspired McQueen in Birmingham

Photo: Getty

Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge were spotted out and about in Birmingham, meeting with area residents and families of the victims of the London riots. Kate's attire sombre enough, another military-inspired ensemble from Alexander McQueen (Pre Fall 2011). We'll just say, straight off the bat that this isn't our fave McQueen military look on Kate. We love the skirt, but we're thinking a little more simple on the blouse would have been good. Yes, a girl can have to many gold epaulets. And we're not entirely loving the match of the blue suede mystery pumps with this outfit, either.

Photo: style.com

You can see that Kate has done away with the belt and made the slits in the skirt much lower. The military silk-georgette blouse and the embellished wool crepe skirt are both available on net-a-porter.com. Kate also added her sapphire cabochon earrings (thought to be Tiffany) to the outfit.

Sartorial opinions aside, many have raised the question as to whether a military-inspired outfit--let alone one costing thousands--was really appropriate for the occasion. Kate's usually pretty diplomatic in what she wears, and conscious of the message she's sending, do you think this was a misstep?

Spotted: Kate Middleton Shopping at Zara's



Old School Stylings: KMidd in a Checked
Blazer from Zara


We thought we'd interrupt your afternoon with some breaking news: Kate Middleton was spotted shopping at Zara today! Okay, so maybe this qualifies as a slow news day.

According to HollywoodLife.com, "around 4 p.m. London time, Kate visited the Zara on London’s Duke of York Square, near upscale, boutique-lined King’s Road. 'Kate was in the store,' says the source. But Kate didn’t linger too long: 'She came in, and she left after a few minutes.'" Doesn't sound like Kate purchased any new Zara pieces that we can ooh and aah over.

We kind of love that Kate is able to slip into stores and shop with us normal folk with hardly anyone even noticing! Click here if you want to see some of the Zara pieces that the Duchess of Cambridge has worn in the past.

Get Your Hands on Kate Middleton's Blue Issa Engagement Dress & Strappy LK Bennett Sandals

One of our all-time favourite Kate Middleton looks is the royal blue Issa wrap dress the Duchess wore when announcing her engagement to Prince William. Not only did the dress perfectly flatter Kate's new bling, but it suited her to a tee. The dress seriously did wonders for Kate's body and we've been lusting after it ever since. Our prayers are answered as MyTheresa is now stocking the same dress (or nearly identical). If you're looking to buy Kate's blue Issa engagement dress you can get one from the site for €498.00.

Also, the strappy taupe sandals that Catherine wore to the polo match in Santa Barbara with that pretty floral Jenny Packham number are now back in stock. The L.K. Bennett Sliver Sandals in Dark Taupe sell for £185.00.

Happy Shopping! xo