Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Vogue: 'Kate's the rare creature whose look appeals to men, women and the fashion industry alike'.




Duchess Kate's Royal tour has been the topic of discussion in every magazine around the world. Kate has been unfairly and harshly criticized for choosing conservative pieces and wearing hose. (She is not an actress and doesn't have the same freedom with fashion choices) In my opinion each and every piece in her wardrobe was classic, timeless and elegant. One could tell careful thought and consideration had been given. Whether it was respecting Canadian fashion by choosing Erdem or staying true to old favourites, Reiss, Issa and LK Bennett she pulled it off effortlessly. Simple clean cut lines and neutral colours part of Kate's signature look. She represented fashion, the Monarchy and herself excellently. I was always a fan of her style going back a number of years ago when she shopped at Topshop. She never needed to expose too much skin or felt compelled to wear 'trends' and one has to admire her for that. An article about the Duchess of Cambridge's style has been released. The verdict is very good! (Did you all hear Anna Wintour wants her for the cover?) The article describes Kate's style as 'feminine' and 'accessible'. It also mention how she woke up before William each morning to have her hair done by James Pryce. I was very pleased with it and I think they understand her style perfectly!







The Duchess of Cambridge came, she saw, and she conquered North America on a nine-day tour of Canada and California, but whether rowing crew, visiting a hospital, meeting and greeting, or attending the black-tie BAFTAs, the former Miss Middleton was perfectly outfitted for each and every occasion. In an effort to keep the entourage small (leaving plenty of room for those reported 40 dresses that she packed in her luggage), the duchess traveled sans stylist. She did, however, bring along her go-to hair guru, James Pryce, from the Richard Ward salon in London’s Chelsea, and woke up before Prince William each day to have her hair done before heading out for their official engagements—clearly, Catherine knows the power of a good blowout. That smooth and effortless-looking hair translates to the duchess’s overall approach to dressing: classic and easy, yet polished. 

In a time when most public figures are trying to push the envelope and shock and awe with their outrageousness when it comes to fashion, the Duchess of Cambridge is bringing an understated elegance (not sexy) back, while still managing to dress in a way that men clearly appreciate. She never wears pieces that befuddle the boys, like gladiator sandals, rompers, or platforms. Instead, she’s the rare creature whose look appeals to men, women, and the fashion industry alike. She shops where regular girls shop—Topshop, Reiss, Whistles, and L.K. Bennett—and wears looks that regular girls wear—wrap dresses, shifts, and skinny jeans. She’s pretty—but not intimidating; she looks like someone we could be friends with. Of course, she also wears Alexander McQueen and Erdem, but even when it’s “designer” it looks like “her”—the shape, the length, the neckline, the sleeves (she’s a one-woman endorsement for the comeback of sleeves!). Even at the BAFTA awards, her McQueen dress wasn’t a recognizable runway look—it was streamlined and modified by her. She repeats looks, too, which is both endearing and, in the midst of a difficult financial landscape, respectable. And she supports her hometown houses, boosting morale by working tirelessly yet tactfully to promote British labels while traveling. 

Above all, she understands that flirty, feminine frocks are always pretty and never fail. She keeps her accessories simple and pulls off a look that’s straightforward yet somewhat normal. Not normal in a banal way, but normal in a way that it’s empirically attractive and universally appealing. Sure it’s safe, but stylishly refined: exactly the right way for her to dress. She’s not alienating anyone—and no one is going to misunderstand her look. Her approach sends a powerful message that is stylish, thought-out, and position-appropriate—suggesting the best about British public life and decorum.There’s no subtext or hidden agenda when it comes to the Duchess of Cambridge’s style, and it’s refreshing that an aesthetic like this is finally having a well-deserved moment in the limelight.

















Duchess Kate looks striking shopping in Zara




I was very excited to see these unexpected candid's of Duchess Kate leaving a Zara store in London yesterday. Kate looked relaxed and elegant walking beside her royal protection office. I expect the Duchess is starting her Christmas shopping (Yes it is that time of year again :) I was chatting with another Kate fan on facebook recently and commented on the fact it has been a couple of months since we saw a candid photo and that I expected to see one soon........


Pop Sugar

In this photo we can see Kate's stunning outfit.



Duchess Kate looked chic and glamourous today. I really expect she would stand out on any street even if she was not married to Prince William. Kate wore a fitted black polo neck sweater and the Mulberry Polly Push Lock Herringbone Wool Skirt. (With thanks to Rachel for the ID) The skirt is currently selling for £424 and it described as


"A feminine pleated skirt in a black wool blend with a herringbone stitch. Slighlty flared, small waistband, deep pleats, decorative belt. A mixture of classy,......classic and luxurious".


Duchess Kate is also carrying her favourite Mulberry Polly Push Lock handbag. I love how she is wearing a matching skirt and handbag. They look beautiful together. 


Kate finished off her look with black tights and her favourite black suede Aquatalia cookie boots. The Duchess also wore them in the last candid photo we saw of her leaving James Ward's salon.


This has to be one of my favourite 'Kate' outfits. She looks simply stunning. Only Kate could look even more beautiful out shopping than when attending a ball. I'm also glad to see her shopping at Zara, she is staying true to her love of the high street. Kate is still very young and we rarely see her in a shorter skirt, I think the length suits her as she is so tall. Hopefully we will see her wearing whatever she purchased!


Sources (Mulberry, Popsugar, What Kate Wore Facebook)

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Duchess Kate looks stunning as she carries out her first solo engagement

Duchess Kate looked breathtakingly beautiful as she stood in her for her father in law at a charity dinner for InKind Direct last night, performing her first solo engagement Kate exuded class and appeared completely at ease. The Duchess met with thirty guests after Prince Charles was called way on a trip to Riyadh to present condolences to the Saudi Royal family following the death of their crown prince. St James's Palace said 


"The Duchess of Cambridge was delighted to be able to step in for her father in law, The Prince of Wales, who has shown her so much support over the years".


Kate appeared to be carrying a glass of water instead of champagne. This will fuel the pregnancy rumours but I assume she wanted to represent the royal family with a completely clear head.


Daily Mail

I cannot tell you how much I adore Kate's look here, She looks absolutely stunning. Wearing a vintage Amanda Wakeley fall/winter 2006 (With thanks to What Kate Wore Facebook) floor length dove grey gown, Kate looks glamorous, sophisticated and could easily pass for a supermodel. I simply adore the detailing on the criss cross straps.




Kate is only 29 and I'm thrilled to see her dressing for a young woman. The Duchess generally covers up her arms and for me this is a big fashion moment for her.....Beautiful!


PA


Kate wore her beautiful Jimmy Choos Ubai shoe which matched embellishment on her dress perfectly. Kate previously wore these shoes to the BAFTA reception.


Kate's shoes and dress sparkled last night and her jewellery played an important part in completing the look. Kate wore a beautiful diamond flower cluster art deco bracelet she wore to the BAFTA reception and stunning diamond cluster drop earrings (With thanks to Jenny from WKW) she wore to Zara Philips wedding. It is reported these pieces were given to Kate around the time of the wedding. Possibly a gift from William or family pieces given to Kate for royal engagements?
More information on Kate's jewellery Here.



Duchess Kate's hair was worn in a demi chignon last night, She favours this look having wore it many times before. It shows off her bone structure while still giving her the length at the back. The Daily Mail reported Kate was wearing hair extensions. Vicky Demetriou from salon Daniel Hersheson said


 "Kate Middleton's hair looks really natural and to achieve this look most people would need to use temporary, virtually invisible, strip hair extensions".


This is completely false, The Palace confirmed it was a scar from surgery Kate had as a child. I'm not surprised to hear the story is false as Kate has always had beautiful, long hair.




InKind direct was founded by Prince Charles to encourage companies to donate surplus goods to charities, either for use by them or for their charitable work. The charity's chief executive Robin Boles was delighted with Kate and couldn't praise her enough. And if we didn't love Kate enough already she called her mom Carole, to ask her to donate any surplus products to the charity.


"You would never know it was her first solo engagement. It was as if she had been trained by the Prince of Wales. She was completely natural, professional and charmed everyone. She spoke to every single guest and was genuinely interested, and interested in continuing to help. She said she had already called her mum to tell her about us in case Party Pieces had surplus products".




The Duchess of Cambridge clearly did herself and the royal family proud appearing completing at ease with the guests. This is exactly what I wanted to see for Kate, She is coming into her own. I had thought it would be a tad longer before we would see her complete her first solo engagement. Kate is definitely the perfect royal. Kate also stepped into the role with very little notice proving how reliable and adaptable she is. Her style is evolving and without a doubt this is one of her most beautiful looks.


Sources (Daily Mail, Mirror, What Kate Wore Facebook,)

Duchess Kate signs up for Prince Charles's cause to prevent riots

The Duchess of Cambridge's visit to Birmingham where she met riot victims was hailed as a great success. A source on the day said that Duchess Kate was eager to understand what measures were being taken to ensure these terribly riots come to a speedy end. The visit clearly touched Kate's heart and she is reportedly now considering becoming the patron of a charity working with young people affected by riots around the country. 'Catherine is keen to do what she can to keep young people on the right track. One of the things that she respects most about William's family is their efforts to help people less fortunate than themselves'. A friend of Kate's said.
A spokesman for St James's Palace, where Kate's official office is based said she is putting much thought into her charitable work. 'Since returning from Canada and California, the Duchess has been using the time to research her options for where she can most make a difference for causes close to her heart'. During Kate's visit to Birmingham she met the families of the men killed while trying to protect their homes and businesses. Kate obviously feels this is a charity which needs help now. I would love to see her working with riot victims. Britain has been left shocked and devastated in the wake of these horrific riots and should the Duchess lend her patronage to a charity in their aid it would not only give a morale boost but ensure the charity gets the support it deserves. The Duchess has not been the only Royal who feels compelled to help. Prince Charles has announced his trust will invest £2.5 million to help communities affected by the riots.

Operation Princess Kate, Designer uniform for staff at Kensington, Kate doll, upcoming events + more

Hello Kate watchers,


It's been quiet on the Kate front since the Copenhagen trip with the exception of a couple of small stories, I would like to share with you. We all know Duchess Kate is loved worldwide, nonetheless I was a little taken aback to read that Afghan soldiers fought off the Taliban in an attacked named 'Operation Princess Kate'. Afghan soldiers were captivated by Kate after seeing photos of the royal wedding. Afghan National Army Sergeant, Abdul Wahid said


"We are grateful to the British troops for everything they are doing to help us become a capable army who can take on the insurgency. So we decided to name this important operation in honour of someone who is close to the hearts of the British people. Along with my fellow warriors, I was proud to play my part and to honour a member of the Royal family in this way".


Operation Princess Kate was a resounding success as a team of four hundred Afghan soldiers descended on a Taliban stronghold. Sergeant Wahid believe Kate brought them luck. Who knew Kate could be so good for international relations? There is nothing out Duchess can't do :)


I've often wondered what life is like for the staff at Kensington Palace, watching the Royals go about their daily lives, one thing I had not thought of is there uniforms. British label Jaeger are set to design uniforms for front of house staff as part of the royal residences £12 million transformation. The uniform which will be unveiled on March 26 2012 will be worn by around fifty staff. Great thought has been put into the design of the uniform. I was amazed to read the design was influenced by palace architecture and the interiors of the state apartments. The uniforms are being manufactured by London based Jermyn Street Design. Stuart Stockdale, Creative director at Jaeger said


"It's a great honour to have had access to the Royal ceremonial dress collection at Kensington Palace. I have been inspired by centuries of royal and court style and married this with modernity to offer the Palace staff a bespoke uniform that they can feel proud and enjoy wearing. The new uniform really tells a story".

William and Kate will need a large staff when they move in to their new apartment and working for the couple just became an even more attractive prospect :)



Prince William and Duchess Kate have been named as the most influential royals in a list compiled by London's Evening Standard. The panel of judges said the couples influence had grown greatly since their wedding last April. A wonderful honour for William and Kate.

Duchess Kate graces the cover of Hello magazine again this week, (She must be simply doing wonders for their sales) Photographed with Princess Mary of Copenhagen.


Companies around the world have cashed in on the royal wedding, In fact I would imagine it has done wonders for sales. With everything from replica engagement rings to books and DVDs available we could all have a piece to remember the wedding by. However, the latest 'Duchess Kate wedding doll' leaves a lot (Let me stress an awful lot) to be desired. 
The £120 figurine draped in a replica of Kate's wedding gown complete with lace detail looks exactly like 'Action Man'. With masculine proportions and a manic smile this doll certainly doesn't resemble Kate in any shape or form. I think with time and effort a wonderful doll could be produced which emulate's Kate, but this isn't it!
What do you all think? Will this doll be on your Christmas list? :)


I actually wanted to write this post to remind you all of the imminent Kate sightings. Tomorrow evening (November 10) The Cambridge's will attend a dinner at St James' Palace in aid of The National Memorial Arboretum appeal. The appeal was launched by William in 2009 to develop the world renowned arboretum into a centre for remembrance. I will include plenty of information on the Aboretum appeal in tomorrows post.

This weekend the 'Remembrance Day' ceremonies will be taking place. With events Saturday and Sunday we should be seeing quite a lot of new photos of the Duchess! We may possibly see Kate at an unscheduled event too.

Here is a video from last years Remembrance Day.........


See you all tomorrow, I will update with photos and news as soon as they come in.

Sources (Mirror.co.uk, The Telegraph, Youtube, Daily Mail)

William and Kate are officially more popular than Justin Timberlake

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are loved globally, and even by the editor of Vanity Fair magazine! Vanity fair planned to feature popstar and actor, Justin Timberlake on their July cover. Instead they opted for a beautiful candid of William and Kate taken by Mario Testino as part of their official engagement shoot, though Justin Timberlake's feature still appears inside. A source close to Justin said: 'He is very happy with Vanessa's story and Mr. Roy's photos.' Their siblings Prince Harry and Pippa have also been gracing numerous covers in the states. William and Kate's popularity is felt everywhere. We have all been touched by their beautiful wedding and fairytale story. They are as good looking as any Hollywood couple and Kate's style is amazing.



South East Asia Tour Itinerary, Possible Tiara, Kate's Second Speech + Kate Attends Swimming

Clarence House released details on William and Kate's South-East Asia tour this afternoon and I think you'll agree, it looks like it's going to be a fantastic tour. The nine day trip begins on September 11 in Singapore where William and Kate will visit the Botanic Gardens where they will an orchid named after each of them and visit an orchid named after Diana shortly before her death. Sadly Diana (who died fifteen years ago tomorrow) never got to see the flower and no doubt it will be a special moment for the couple. 


Singapore Botanic Gardens

A look at Diana's orchid.


My Gola
The couple will visit a Rolls Royce Factory and attend a state dinner at the President's residence. The Palace is not ruling out the possibility of Kate wearing a tiara, a first for the Duchess. A private hairdresser will travel with Kate to ensure her glossy locks are in perfect condition for the tour. James Pryce accompanied Kate during the Canada tour but will not be doing the same this time as the two parted ways a number of months ago.



Georgina Brewer Twitter

The couple's next stop is Malaysia where they will stay in Kuala Lumpur. A very exciting visit for Kate as she will make her first speech abroad at Hospis Malaysia. The location was reportedly chosen for Kate as she made her first public speech at  the East Anglia's Children's Hospice, and she is keen to forge links between the two organisations. William and Kate will also attend a Diamond Jubilee tea party thrown by the British High Commissioner and a glamorous dinner hosted by the country's King in his Istana Negara palace. 

The Istana Negara Palace.


Istana Negara

The couple will then fly to Sabah, the Malaysian part of Borneo and explore the jungle at Danum Valley. The area holds unique status in the sense that before it became a conservation area there were no human settlements in the area. The conservation area is a 438 square kilometres tract of relatively undisturbed lowland dipterocarp forest.


Visit Asia
On September 16 the couple will travel to the Solomon Islands. Despite their small population of just over half a million the couple have been told to expect a very warm, colourful welcome. William and Kate will attend another state dinner with a difference - an outdoor island feast. The couple will take a boat trip to Marau and then sail by traditional war canoe to Tavinipupu Private Island resort. With crystal clear waters, delicious food, ice cold beer and relaxing massages the island is described as 'paradise'. It is expectedly William and kate will stay in a £300 a night hand thatched bungalow. The Palace said they also hope to do a little snorkelling in the Azure waters.


Theodora

The final destination on the couple's itinerary is Tuvalua, when the Queen and Prince Philip last visited in 1982 they were carried ashore from Britannia in a canoe on the shoulders of locals. William and Kate will arrive by plane but their private secretary Jamie Lowther Pinkerton said 
'We really have no idea what to expect'


PA
Kate has reportedly chosen thirty outfits for the tour and will borrow pieces of jewellery from the Queen. I expect we will see Kate in an array of stunning outfits, paying homage to local designers from South-East Asia with a mix of British designers and quite possibly pieces we've seen before. It sounds like it's going to be a wonderful tour. Less than two weeks away. Are you looking forward to it? :)


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Kate watched the swimming at the Aquatics Centre tonight. It was a solo for the Duchess.


London 2012

Kate wore her Team GB jacket, skinny jeans and Stuart Weitzman Corkswoon Wedges. Kate wore her in a ponytail, a lovely look for her.



Stuart Weitzman

Kate's honeymoon wardrobe


Seychelles
It was confirmed that William and Kate are honeymooning in the Seychelles today. The commander of the Seychelles police force, Ernest Quatre, said detailed security plans were drawn up weeks prior to the couple's arrival. He confirmed a team of specialist local police officers had been deployed to protect the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on their sunshine break. The pair are believed to be staying at a villa on a private island. Seychelles has been described as an 'otherworldly archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean'. William and Kate are expected to enjoy complete seclusion and privacy from the press during their honeymoon in the idyllic paradise. The couple snubbed an electric golf car in favour of cycling side by side along the island. A source said 'William wants Kate to be completely relaxed and for it to be just the two of them. They hope to turn off their mobile phones, shut out the modern world and reflect'.

Since there will be no photos of the luxury honeymoon, the question everyone is asking (Every female at least :)) 
is how does Kate's honeymoon wardrobe look? Days before the wedding, Kate was spotted shopping in established high street chain Warehouse. She purchased three floral dresses and a white blouse, perfect for her honeymoon. Kate's four purchases cost under £225. Kate has stayed true to her love for the high street despite having access to the finest designers in the world. Her choices indicated they were going somewhere hot on their honeymoon. Kate has never been spotted on holiday without a white bikini,  and I expect this will certainly feature in her honeymoon wardrobe as the couple have been pictured swimming together frequently. The style icon loves her black wedges. She was pictured wearing her LK Bennett wedges at her wedding rehearsal and the morning after her wedding while walking with William through the gardens of Clarence house. Along with sunglasses and suncream, these items will create the perfect capsule wardrobe for Kate.






Kate's Warehouse Purchases:


Monday, February 27, 2012

Kate's New Designer, Upcoming Engagements, William and Kate Barbie's + More

We will next be seeing Duchess Kate on Tuesday ((February 21st) She is scheduled to visit The Art Room's classrooms in Rose Hill primary school and Oxford spires academy school. Royal fever is already mounting in Oxford with hundreds expected to line the streets when Kate meets children from the school. Clare Keep, The Art Room manager said
"We are absolutely delighted The Duchess is coming to see what we do. The students will be presenting the Duchess with a bunch of flowers and showing her their work. This is an enormous endorsement by Her Royal Highness".
It is expected the visits will begin in the morning time. So looking forward to seeing Kate interacting with children again, they warm to her so easily.


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In celebration of their one year anniversary, Barbie - makers Mattel will be releasing William and Kate barbie's. The Kate doll wears a miniature version of the iconic Alexander McQueen wedding dress while William is smartly dressed in his red military jacket. Aimed at adult collectors the dolls can be pre-ordered for £99.


 Kate will also be immortalised at four branches of Madame Tussauds in April. Waxworks of Kate will grace four different branches of the world famous museums. The figures will each be wearing a different dress. What do you think of William's waxwork? :)




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Exciting news for fans of Kate's style. The Duchess has reportedly asked Bosnian designer Emma Hadzic of British based label La Luna London to create new pieces for her wardrobe.The brand is aimed at a younger clientele and has been worn by actress Cameron Diaz. 


UPDATE: Despite the numerous reports claiming Kate had plans to order pieces from Emma Hadzic, La Luna London Facebook Page just posted this. (With many thanks to What Kate Wore)






A pity but perhaps the Duchess will work with Emma in the future.



The collection comprises of elegant, limited edition, ladylike pieces. Available from £200 to £1200 at fashion web retailer Asos.


Twenty eight year old Emma Hadzic prides herself on ignoring trends and instead focusing on using classic materials and designs.


Emma like Kate favours lace, I expect we could see the Duchess in something like this.


Very similar to Kate's Temperly 'War Horse premiere' dress.


Breathtaking evening gown.


The structuring is amazing.


I cannot wait to see what Emma creates for Kate, no doubt they will be very similar if not identical to some of the pieces shown. If you wish to purchase these stunning dresses Click Here.


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Designer Rebecca Taylor has revealed Kate also favours her fashion label. 'Kate wears our clothes but we can't gift them, so just this week I received a check with an invoice number straight from Buckingham Palace. I love Kate's style'. 

Three looks from the 2012 pre fall collection.


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Sources (Daily Mail, What Kate Wore Facebook, The Telegraph, Asos, Rebecca Taylor, The Art Room)