Kate's Uncle Inspires Charity Choice, New Milliner + London Fashion Week Styles

When I heard Kate had chosen Action On Addiction as one of her patronages I couldn't help but wonder if her troubled uncle Gary Goldsmith has influenced her choice. Three years ago Goldsmith was filmed taking cocaine and bragging about his royal connections. Since then the multi millionaire has sought help and has reportedly offered to give Kate advice for her work at the charity. Nick Barton, the chief executive of Action on Addiction said

"When I met the Duchess she didn't discuss her uncle, but this was clearly a cause close to her heart. We hadn't approached her to be a patron of the charity, and, while we are obviously delighted to have her as ours, it was she who picked us, rather than the other way around."

The Mirror

************

With the Jubilee approaching Kate will need a number of hats and has *very* surprisingly commissioned erotic milliner Piers Atkinson to create a special hat for her. The designer has been quite outspoken about his dislike for the royal family. A look at one of his creations from the A/W collection.

************

More wonderful fashion shows took place at London Fashion Week today. During the tour we saw Kate wear two lace dresses by Canadian designer Erdem. The A/W 2012 collection included combinations of colour, floral prints, tweed, silk and of course lace.

Critics have described the collection as pieces of art. The second dress is divine.

The Burberry models carried umbrellas as rain descended on the catwalk. 

Detailed dress and quilted jackets took centre stage. Notably 'Bow Belts' were 'the' accessory of the show. A favourite trend of Kate's.

Alexander's McQueen diffusion line McQ held their show tonight. The line is aimed at younger customers. The military theme was seen throughout the show and the bold use of colour looked extraordinary on the runway.

Full brocade skirts added a period feel. Fabulous collection.

The view during the show.

Parts of the collection were very reminiscent of Kate's iconic wedding gown. Note the sheer sleeves above. The show ended with an ivory gown.

See you all tomorrow morning for Kate's visit to The Art Room classrooms.


Sources (Daily Mail, Daylife.com, The Telegraph)

Read More

Kate wears something old to the wedding of 'royal matchmaker'

Kate has never been one to wear an item of clothing once then discard it and today was no exception. The Duchess of Cambridge attended the wedding of jockey Sam Waley-Cohen and party organiser Bella Balin wearing a black and white spot monochrome dress. Kate was previously photographed wearing it back in 2007 after she and William had broken up. She wore the satin dress with a chunky belt, black shrug and her hair swept back on a night out at the Boujis nightclub again accompanied by her sister Pippa. However Kate obviously felt the dress deserved a second outing. This team worn with a skinny black belt and the black Philip Treacy hat she wore today while supporting William at Trooping The Colour.

Sam Waley-Cohen has been credited with rekindling the romance between William and Kate after their brief split. Kate greeted him with great affection and appeared very happy. I think Kate looked very chic today, Her dress looked new. I admire the way she keeps her clothes in such magnificent condition. She also has a keen eye for fashion making the dress look more chic than the first time she wore it.

Read More

Kate Supports Team GB Hockey and BMX

Duchess Kate supported Team GB's hockey team tonight at the Riverbank arena as they compete for a place in the final against Argentina. The Duchess was accompanied by her private secretary Rebecca Deacon.

Dan Roan Twitter

A look at the stadium just before the match. A beautiful evening in London.

Dan Roan Twitter

Despite a valiant effort form Team GB, Argentina won with a score of 2-1.

Reuters

Kate wore her Smythe Blazer and white Team GB polo shirt.

Melissa Sharman Twitter

Smythe shared a list of retailers who have the blazer in stock via their Facebook Page.

Smythe Facebook

Kate is wearing her 'Olympic Shoes', the $375 Stuart Weitzman for Russell and Bromley Corskwoon in Great Britain Blue. 

Stuart Weitzman

To place an order for the shoes please follow the instructions below. 

Stuart Weitzman

Kate is also wearing her navy skinny jeans, Givenchy sunglasses and carrying a Team GB  jacket and Team GB Olympic pin badge.

London Pins

 (More updates shortly)

************

Earlier today, Kate watched the Women's BMX Racing  where Team GB's Shanaze Reade made it through to Friday's Olympic Women's finals day after qualifying in fifth place from the seeding run. Very strangely I haven't seen any photos of Kate there yet but I will update once they emerge.

BMX was inspired by motocross, the motorised version of the sport and made its Olympic debut at the Beijing 2008 Games. BMX riding is described as 'fast and furious and riders must be daring and fearless'.

London 2012

I'm not familiar with the sport and whilst researching it, I found some of the jargon both interesting and amusing :)

• Bunny-Hop - To lift both wheels off the ground at once
• Whoop - a small, wave-like bump in the track
• Berm - a banked corner
• Holeshot - The first rider to take the lead after the start

An aerial view of the track which is located next to the Velodrome in the North of the Olympic Park. The track will be open to the public after the games. 

London 2012

Kate wore her Team GB jacket with jeans again today. Kate appears to take great pride in her role as Olympic Ambassador and sees wearing Team GB attire as a means of showing support to the athletes. 

************

In other news, members of the U.S. women's gymnastics team were stunned when they were paid a visit by the Duchess at the O2 arena on Sunday. Aly Raisman, Kyla Ross, Gabby Douglas and Jordyn Wieber have become hugely popular and their talent and determination did not go unnoticed by Kate who wanted to congratulate them on their success.

NBC

Jordyn Wieber shared her excitement via Twitter.

Jordyn Wieber Twitter

It's wonderful to see Kate supporting all the athletes, aside from Team GB. No doubt a memorable moment for the young gymnasts. 

************

Read More

The Duchess of Cambridge attends her first 'Remembrance Sunday' service

The Duchess of Cambridge attended her first Remembrance Sunday service this morning in Cenotaph, Central London. This is a special day for Duchess Kate as we rarely see so many members of the Royal family gather for any one event. Senior members of the Royal family laid a wreath to commemorate the lives their lives during hostilities. You will notice Duchess Kate wore two poppies. This is to commemorate the lives of two of her relatives who died in war. One of whom was her late grandfather Peter Middleton who trained pilots in Calgary during the second world war.

Kate did not lay a wreath, Instead she joined the Duchess of Cornwall and watched from the foreign office. Only members born into the Royal family lay wreaths. Prince Philip seems to be the exception to the rule, this is most likely due to his military history. While the Duchess did not lay a wreath she took part in singing the anthem. You can watch a video f the event here.

Prince William's laid a wreath and left a touching card remembering two of his friends who died in service.

"For Jo, Lex and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country Wills".

Duchess Kate, the Duchess of Cornwall and Sophie, Countess of Wessex look pensive as they reflect during the service.

Other photos of Kate from the service. One think I almost notice about Kate is how happy she always seems to be. We rarely see her without a smile.....

Duchess Kate looked elegant in a black A/W 2008 Diane Von Furstenburg coat. It was one of the most difficult Kate pieces to ID as the coat is not on the DVF website. However the talented Mary Ellen from What Kate Wore Facebook found it. It is sold out on the site, The coat has detachable cuffs and collar and is 100% wool. Kate teamed the coat with a striking hat with a large bow, by milliner Jane Corbett.

Kate wore her beautiful Kiki McDonough Grace earrings. The white topaz stud earrings framed with diamonds are currently selling for £695.

Remembrance Sunday takes place on the second Sunday in November annually. It is day put aside to remember those who have given their lives for peace and freedom. This morning, the Queen lead the nation in remembering and reflecting. A two minute silence took place and the Queen laid a wreath on the Cenotaph. A very special day to to remember relatives or friends who died in conflict.

The Field of Remebrance outside Westminster Abbey

(Sources: Daylife, Daily Mail. Just Jared, pure people)

Read More

Why the fashion world refuses to acknowledge Duchess Kate as a style icon and Why fans of Kate prove them wrong

I was doing my daily search for Kate related news today and I've noticed a trend among articles. It seems the fashion world and a healthy number of journalists refuse to accept Kate as a fashion icon. After the recent 'Bridal Fashion Week' the press joyfully wrote there was no "discernible Kate Middleton effect"
British bespoke wedding dress designer Sassi Holford said,


"The long sleeved demure look was already emerging before Kate Middleton appeared in her Sarah Burton designed gown. Five years ago, It was all strapless. The last two years - and more this year than any other people say, I don't want strapless, What can you offer me".


Below a model wears a gown by Sassi Holford which seems very Kate inspired to me.....

Other designers including Matthew Williamson and Gregory Nato spoke along the same lines. You can read the article Here. There is absolutely no doubt Kate has influenced bridal trends. I'm sure most of you who have attended weddings this year have noticed lace, longer sleeves and boleros being worn by brides more so than in previous years.


TV fashion presenter Mary Portas felt the need to criticise the Duchess too saying "Is that fashion? No. I do not know how can you say she is a fashion icon. I just don't get that". Portas, not known for mincing her words, recently labelled the female members of the British Cabinet "an ugly bunch".


Others including designer Vivienne Westwood have made similar comments. However designers such as Alice Temperly and Julien MacDonald have spoke out in favour of Kate's style with MacDonald stating Kate is "chic and sophisticated". I've decided to take a look at trends Kate has inspired and why I think she is a fashion icon. With thanks to the Daily Mail for putting an excellent article together documenting Kate's fashion influence.


Firstly 'The Kate effect' has been simply amazing for the retailers she chooses. British high street label Reiss (they currently have up to 40% off on selected lines :) had to reissue the £159 dress she wore for the engagement photos while their website crashed after Kate wore their Shola dress while meeting the Obamas. London based label Alexander McQueen experienced a fifty percent increase in turnover compared to the previous year after Kate wore a Sarah Burton wedding gown. In these recessionary times, Kate is a huge asset to British labels who need all the business they can get. 

No one can deny the massive popularity of Nude court shoes since Kate has been photographed wearing her favourite L.K. Bennett Sledge 2 Pumps. Even Carole and Pippa Middleton are fans..........(You know you're a trendsetter when you're mother and sister want to emulate your look :)) At Zara Phillips' wedding it was pointed out almost every woman in attendance was wearing nude court shoes.

From Kate's wedding gown to the Royal tour and most recently while attending a wedding, Kate is clearly a fan of lace. Classic dresses with clean lines look spectacular with lace detail. It's a look that works wonderfully for the Duchess and any woman can emulate it. Journalist Jessica Vince wrote "Middleton mania has influenced every designer, most notably through lace sleeves that repli Kate the famous Alexander McQueen gown of Royal Wedding day".

Kate's stunning sapphire and diamond engagement ring, originally Princess Diana's sparked a trend for colourful gemstones. Replicas of Kate's ring sold out all over the world. Dervla Cogan from By Brillians jewellery company said

 "In the run up to the Royal wedding we constantly had customers visit our shop and emailing our website requesting a similar piece to Kate's engagement ring. We created a piece inspired by the famous ring and it was hugely popular. It sold out before the big day and people who wanted it had to be put on a waiting list. Even after the wedding it continues to be one of our best selling items".

These are but a few of the trends Kate has inspired but what is the true testament of a style icon? Is it someone designers are influenced by? Someone who makes the headlines? In my opinion a true style icon is someone who is admired and emulated by people like you and me. From your average college student, businesswoman, homemaker and fashionista, Kate's style is loved. Women want to dress like her. 


I asked some wonderful fans of Kate's style what they love about her look. I would like to sincerely thank each of them for taking the time to participate. It is greatly appreciated.


Chiara via Twitter "How she's always appropriate wears the perfect thing according to the event and her role".


Kate Middleton Fans via Twitter "I love how her style is timeless, yet accentuated with such grace. She truly is such an icon, and everyone can wear it".


Alyssa Via Twitter "She's classic and elegant, not overdone. Clean lines, sticks to what works.


Pamela Via Twitter "She always looks effortless. Sounds cliche, but true. She wears clothes, they don't wear her. Never overdone".


Anne Marie Via What Kate Wore Facebook "Several things. I really like choosing things she has worn (the exact not a copy) because it always is very high quality, and has, I guess you would say, a little twist to it. Like the ruffle on the bottom of the trench coat,..".


Brittney Mick Via WKW Facebook "I love how glamorous yet effortless she looks".


Jami Via WKW Facebook "I am also young like Kate and I really like that she is making it stylish to dress conservative, but cute and classy. You don't need to dress trashy to get noticed".


Amber Via WKW Facebook "I love how she "recycles" her clothes as they say. She is not afraid to be photographed in it twice. I love how she wears pantyhose. But I think we can all agree we like her conservative, classy attire".


Dolores Via WKW Facebook "I also like her influence on young girls. She's showing them that you can be beautiful and elegant without being trendy, and garish".


Alyssia Via the blog "I personally love her style, her courage to put sophistication back on the map (so sick of this Lady GaGa/it's OK to dress like a ho fad), and the way she pulls it all off by wearing (for the most part) reasonably priced clothing in a way which makes even the least of us feel as if we can always channel our inner princess. Most of all, and beyond her "style icon" status, she is a good person, an exceptional lady, an advocate for humanity and charity. And that's what makes her one of my favorite people on the planet".


The general opinion appears to be that it's Kate's classy, effortless style we all love. It's attainable, yet glamorous. Affordable, yet chic. Modern, yet classic....................
Why do you all love Kate's style? If you would like your comment added to the list please let me know :)
Again a huge thank you to the women who contributed to this post. Kate has some wonderful fans :)


Sources (Daily Mail, What Kate Wore Facebook, Twitter,Wall Street Post)

Read More

Crowds gather as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive in Yellowknife

Prince William and Duchess Kate have arrived in Yellowknife, The fourth stop on their Canadian tour. Large crowds gathered around the airport as they arrived. After a tiring dragon boat race yesterday the couple showed no signs of slowing down. They are taking tomorrow off to relax. (A welcome rest I'm sure) William and Kate were greeted by two little girls with flowers. It is again, a busy day for the couple. I will update with photos and news throughout the day! :)

Kate was wearing the navy trench coat from yesterday, It's the 'Ted Baker Jinan trench coat'. (With many thanks to @Perfect_sinner on twitter who is just wonderful regarding Kate's looks) Even on her first official royal tour, Kate is proving she is still a fan of the high street. She looked amazing and very chic. With navy pumps and her hair worn down it transformed her look from day to night! 

Yesterday was such an eventful day from the dragon boat race to Kate posing with someone dressed up as 'Anne of Green Gables'. I just had to show you more photos. (Sometimes the best photos don't surface until the next day)

The couple share a private joke

With 'Anne of Green Gables

Read More

Kate Enjoys Retail Therapy, Upcoming Engagements News + More

Hello Kate Fans,
Duchess Kate has been enjoying some retail therapy ahead of this weeks engagements. She was reportedly seen walking in and out of the GAP on Kensington's High Street last Friday. It is also possible and more likely she was browsing around high street store H&M which is next to Gap. 

A look at Kate's favourite shopping area, Kensington High Street.

                                                                        Denoir Flickr

************

This Thursday Prince Charles will introduce Kate to his charity The Prince's Foundation for Children and Arts. Their Royal Highnesses will meet school children participating in the Great Art Quest project at Dulwich Picture Gallery.The project offers 7 to 11 eleven year old the chance to develop their creative skills and experience visual art as well as the opportunity to create their own masterpiece. The visit will indeed be a special one. It will be the first time we've seen Kate perform an engagement with her father in law. Prince Charles is deeply passionate about the arts and feels Kate has an in depth understanding of this, he is reportedly very eager to involve her in his art related charities.

************

Is anyone else hopeful Kate will wear green on St. Patrick's Day? I explained in this post that blue is also a very strong possibility. I've been looking through the latest collections from some of Kate's favourite designers searching for pieces in these shades :) I think green works incredibly well with Kate's colouring. Below we look at the Milly Lindsay Sheath Dress, Burberry Prosum Silk Georgette Dress and the Orla Kiely Silk Georgette Garden Party Raglan Tunic. I don't think the tunic is particularly Kate's style but Orla is an Irish designer so a piece by her is definitely worth considering.

For Kate's last military engagement she chose a military inspired outfit by McQueen. This Khaki outfit with alterations (and I stress the word alteration) could be something Kate would consider. It is also the only green outfit currently for sale by the flamboyant label.

I expect it will be a cold day and Kate will opt to wear a coat. The Rochas Collarless Silk Coat caught my eye instantly. A designer Kate hasn't worn but the teal colour and cut look incredible.  The Ralph Lauren Leah Suede Coat and the DVF green coat are also appropriate yet stylish pieces.

The Katherine Hooker Braid Coat comes in a simply stunning pale green. 

Whilst on the topic of Katherine Hooker, I was looking on the facebook page last night and saw the beautiful buxton jacket teamed with the new Betty dress. I have no doubt that these pieces could very well be worn by Kate in the future. Perhaps for the tour?

************

Sources ( Dulwich Picture Gallery, The Telegraph, Katherine Hooker)

Read More

Kate Looks Pretty In Pink For Sovereigns' Luncheon

William and Kate attended the Queen's Sovereigns' Luncheon at royal residence Windsor Castle today. 

Reuters

Aside from weddings and funerals, it is the largest gathering of monarchs for a decade. Royals from twenty six countries including Japan, Sweden, Norway, Lesotho, Kuwait, Malaysia, Morocco, Romania, Denmark and Saudi Arabia attended to celebrate Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee. Notably, Queen Sofia of Spain declined an invitation at the behest of the Spanish government, which has reportedly decided to take issue with an upcoming visit by Prince Edward to the British territory of Gibralter, which Spain has long claimed sovereignty over. You can view the full guest list at this BBC article.

AP

Windsor is a mediaeval castle in Berkshire. It has been a Royal home and fortress for over nine hundred years. It is the largest occupied castle in the world. The Queen takes up official residence in Windsor for a month over Easter, a time referred to as Easter Court. It is also often used to host state visits. In November 1992, the castle suffered severe damage in a fire which destroyed many historic parts of the building. You can watch the video here. The castle was gradually repaired at great expense, and questions raised over this expense led to Buckingham Palace being opened to the public for the first time to raise finances for the restoration.

Wikipedia

Many of you will be familiar with the castle's place of worship, St George's Chapel. The chapel has been the site of many weddings including Prince Edwards. The Queen Mother lies buried in the chapel with her husband King George VI and her youngest daughter, Princess Margaret. It is also the chapel of the Order of the Garter (William and Kate will be attending on June 18th)
Below we see Kate at last years ceremony.

The Royals dined at round tables with one member of the British royal family at each table. Interestingly I imagine that means William and Kate were not seated together. Ace photographer @RegalEyes pointed out Kate would have been practicing her curtsies as there was potential for over twenty curtsies for the Duchess, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie and the Countess of Wessex. 

AP

Kate talking to Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco.

AP

A look at the lunch menu. No doubt an important (and daunting) day for the chef. 

Mark Stewart Twitter

I do love the glances William and Kate exchange :)

Reuters

The dress code for the lunch was lounge suit. For women this usually indicates a shorter length dress or suit as opposed to a full length gown. For members of the royal family, protocol has to be taken into account when choosing pieces to wear. 

AP

Duchess Kate chose the pink, pleated, double wool crepe, Alice coat dress by Emilia Wickstead. (With many thanks to Kate Spotter)  Miss Wickstead said it was made to measure from the current collection and cost £1300. The New Zealand born designer also designed the green coat dress Kate wore on St. Patrick's Day. We haven't seen Kate wear much pink and I thought it a lovely, elegant choice for the occasion. Grazia reported the bespoke piece is based on two dresses from the A/W 2012 collection.

Kate carried her Prada pink satin logo box clutch. Kate previously carried the $556 clutch to the ARK gala last year.

Prada

Kate completed her look with a brooch, pink Prada satin shoes and drop earrings.


You can watch a video from the event at The Telegraph.

William and Kate are not expected to attend the dinner at Buckingham Palace later this evening. It is thought to be more intimate affair than the luncheon.

Richard Palmer Twitter

Read More