The Duchess of Cambridge Meets the Obamas in Reiss

So much for keeping a low profile.

Just returned from their private honeymoon in the Seychelles, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge found themselves thrust back into the spotlight as they welcomed the Obamas to London. Not that we mind. And we hear that Will and Kate won't be participating in the big state dinner, a way to show that they're not really working members of the Firm--yet--despite the fact that they've proven so popular.

Kate Middleton went for Reiss again, this time the Shola Bandage Dress. Demand for the dress was so high that the Reiss website crashed from traffic overload after these snaps were beamed 'round the world. Such is the power of KMidd. We do love how Kate makes high street and reasonably affordable (in this case £175) outfits look like a million bucks.

Kate accessorized with simple black Prada pumps and the Anya Hindmarch Maud clutch in black. Could Kate's shell necklace be something she brought back from her island getaway?

via dianasjewels.net

The Reiss dress was an inspired choice: understated, but with enough subtle detailing to make it interesting. There is one thing we need to get off our chests, though. Here goes...

KMidd, girl, we love you, but didn't they have food in the Seychelles?
Seriously. For the love of all that is holy, Eat. A. Cheeseburger.
'Kay? Thanks! Luvs, Us

And we're also not feeling Michelle Obama's prom-y and pastel-y outfit from Barbara Tfank. That pink bolero is hideous. Obvs, in this case, Britain has won the war. The style war that is.

Photos via Grazia

Old School Stylings: Kate Middleton is Chic in Polka Dots

We kind of love this look on Kate.

Simple, elegant, chic.

She was definitely slim enough to pull off the skinny jeans + floaty blouse look. We still can't get over how much her face has changed. Kate was always skinny, but her face is literally transformed these days!

The black-and-white polka dot blouse is from Whistles.

Kate's flats are almost certainly Gucci.

Kate's earrings appear to be her Eye of Shiva

Shell Earrings.

Have We Seen Kate Middleton's Wedding Dress Before?

When Kate Middleton stepped out of the car infront of Westminster Abbey few could deny she looked beautiful and that her Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen gown was a triumph of delicacy and skilled workmanship. Still, some--like us--were kind of disappointed. We felt like we'd seen this dress before. We would have liked to see something a bit more unique.

The first inspiration was inevitably Grace Kelly,

that icon of brides and commoners everywhere.

But Marie Claire UK has unconvered an even closer match to Kate's McQueen, the wedding dress worn by Isabella Orsini, the Italian goddaughter of Silvio Berlusconi, when she wed Prince Edouard de Ligne, a Belgian, a full two years before Kate and William said their "I dos." See what we mean? There's no way Kate Middleton should have worn a dress we've seen before and so often. And check out Isabella's tiara--a cool something blue, no?

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.

Kate Middleton Goes Grocery Shopping, Looks Casually Chic

Kate Middleton seems to be settling into her new role as housewife to an army officer with some gusto. And KMidd also seems determined to remind the world that she's a normal girl, just like us. Well...except for the royal title and all that.

The newly minted Duchess of Cambridge was seen sailing into a grocery store in Angelsey looking like one of those perfectly groomed girls we kinda feel honour bound to hate. You know the type, that wonderfully smooth, blown-out hair and casual outfits that never veer into stained sweatpant territory (we're not admitting anything.)

For her shopping trip to Waitrose, Kate sported a cashmere Minnie Rose green frilled shrug wrap with a white sweater and dark Hudson skinny jeans. Catherine also wore a pair of mock-croc London Sole flats (we were just thinking how rarely we see KMidd in flats) and the same Links of London Hope Egg earrings she wore for her engagement pics.