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.