This morning, the Duchess of Cambridge was in Norfolk to attend the launch of the £10 million capital appeal for a new East Anglia Children’s Hospice (EACH) in Norwich.
EACH provides supportive services for families with seriously ill children. Catherine has supported the charity as Royal Patron since January 2012.
The Duchess debuted a vibrant shift dress from Katherine Hooker. She wore the 'Ascot' style in red.
Katherine Hooker provides customization of the 'Ascot' dress, offering it in a range of fabrics and sleeve styles. Below we show the ready-to-wear 'Ascot' in dupion silk and black wool crepe (£380), and the bespoke option with a sleeveless silhouette in red dupion (£495).
Kate contrasted the red hue with her black Stuart Weitzman 'Muse' clutch bag and Jimmy Choo 'Aimee' platform pumps.
She accessorized with her Kiki Green Amethyst Cushion & Diamond Earrings and Mappin & Webb 'Fortune' necklace.
There are currently no scheduled events for the Duchess until her trip to New York city with Prince William. They will arrive in New York on 7th Dec and participate in a number of engagements over 3 days including a glittering black-tie charity dinner, a NBA basketball game and visits to see inner-city youth projects. This morning, members of the royal family attended the annual Remembrance Sunday commemorations at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London. The Duchess of Cambridge attended the ceremony and watched the service from the Foreign Office balcony alongside the Duchess of Cornwall and the Countess of Wessex. It is customary for royal women to wear black for the somber occasion. This year, Catherine wore a new fit-and-flare black coat from Alexander McQueen. The double-breasted pure wool coat has a military-inspired design featuring an oversized lapel, a nipped waist with buttons, and a softly pleated flared skirt. There is also a shorter version of the coat. It was a surprise to see Kate and Sophie wear the same coat style. It's believed Kate wore the longer version while Sophie the shorter one. Kate's jewellery included her sapphire and diamond earrings, Mappin & Webb 'Empress' necklace and ared poppy-shaped brooch given to her by the wife of Victoria cross recipient Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith while on tour Australia. The brooch is the Russian Imperial Crimson Anemone Pin from the Metropolitan Museum of Art store. It originally retailed for US$85 but is no longer available. Kate's V-neckline revealed a ruffled trimmed black dress under the coat. It has been suggested that it could be the frock she wore to lunch at Belgravia restaurant with Prince William & Pippa prior to the wedding in April 2011. The Duchess topped off her outfit with a black Jane Corbett bowler-styled hat featuring a large sweeping bow adorned with studs. She wore this headpiece to her first Remembrance Sunday service in 2011. 12/11/2014 UPDATE: The dress Kate wore under her Alexander McQueen black flare coat has been identified as the BCBGMAXAZRIA Tuxedo Trim Matte Jersey Dress. The matte jersey frock features a mandarin collar and a split neckline with charmeuse ruffle trim. The cap-sleeve dress also pleating below the banded waist. The dress is from about 2008 and we can now confirm it is the one Kate wore to lunch at Belgravia restaurant in April 2011 (photo above). What Kate Wore has put together this collage that shows the neckline detailing. Shop Kate's style ...
Today, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were joined by Prince Harry on a visit to the opening of the Tower of London's "Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red" poppy installation. The expansive art installation is in honour of the 100th anniversary of World War I. It gives the illusion of a blood-red moat around the castle and the evolving work will feature 888,246 ceramic poppies when completed. The poppies represent a British or Colonial military fatality during the Great War. The installation is the work of ceramic artist Paul Cummins, with setting by stage designer Tom Piper. It was officially opened to the public today, and will run until late Autumn with the last poppy to be symbolically planted on Armistice Day, 11th November 2014. For today's engagement, The Duchess wore her snorkel blue L.K. Bennett 'Detroit' dress. This dress was first worn on Valentine's Day this year to the opening of the ICAP Art Room at Northolt High School in London. The Duchess carried her navy suede Russell & Bromley 'Muse' clutch. Other familiar accessories included her Sapphire & Diamond Oval Drop Earrings and Ballon Bleu de Cartier Stainless Steel Wristwatch. There were two new additions to Kate's outfit today. The Duchess swapped her usual Alexander McQueen navy suede pumps with a new pair from Jimmy Choo named 'Georgia' (identified by My Small Obsessions). This style features a thick column shaped heel with a rounded toe. They are currently available for€450/US$625. Kate also debuted the Empress Mini White Gold and Diamond Pendant necklace by Mappin & Webb (identified by My Small Obsessions). A sparkling motif pendant features 0.40 carats of round brilliant-cut diamonds set in 18 carat white gold on a 46cm (18 inch) chain. The motif measures 15mm (0.59 inches) in diameter. The piece retails for £1,850. The Cambridge's will take a break for the remaining Summer. Kate is scheduled to return to royal duties in mid September, where she will undertake her first solo visit abroad. On 20th - 21st September 2014, the Duchess of Cambridge will visit Malta to mark its 50th annivsary of independence. SHOP KATE'S STYLE ...
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge commenced their Easter Sunday with a traditional church service at St. Andrews Cathedral in Sydney.
The coat silhouette is comparable to this rose Funnel Neck Coat from an earlier Alexander McQueen collection. The tailored coat has a funnel neck, concealed front fastening, structured shoulders, cropped sleeves, inset pockets to the sides, a rear vent and a straight hem. It is made from a acetate/rayon blend and originally retailed for about US$2,800.
The coat also shares a resemblance to Kate's aubergine wool coat, reportedly tailored by an independent dressmaker, whose identity remains unknown.
The Duchess colour coordinated her outfit with a new hat by Jane Taylor.
It is the ‘Lupin’ velour felt teardrop beret.
Kate styled her outfit with sand toned accessories. She carried her modified Alexander McQueen suede clutch, first seen in September 2012. The original clutch has a signature McQueen skull clasp, but Kate had hers customised with something a little more demure.
Kate wore her L.K. Bennett 'Harper' suede pumps, also first seen in 2012. This closed court shoe has a 4.5 inch heel with a concealed platform. It is currently only available in black suede for US$345
Seen for the first time this tour were her unidentified blue topaz and diamond earrings, initially worn during the Southeast Asia Royal Tour of 2012. She also had on her Mappin & Webb 'Fortune' necklace and Cartier Ballon Bleu watch.
Following the service, William and Catherine signed the First Fleet Bible, brought to Australia by the First Fleet Chaplain in 1788. They also signed the 1788 First Fleet Book of Common Prayer.
Over the past century, it has been signed by several members of the Royal Family, including the Queen in 1954 and William’s parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales in 1983. The royal couple returned to their home base at Admiralty House for lunch before heading across Sydney Harbour for an afternoon at Taronga Zoo with Prince George. During the visit, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge officially opened The Prince George Bilby Exhibit at the zoo. The baby prince was fascinated by bilby George, who has been named after him in honour of his birth. The Duchess wore a primrose yellow eyelet frock, again from her 2012 wardrobe archive. Kate first wore it in Tuvalu during the Jubilee Tour of Southeast Asia. The dress was designed by the Duchess with the assistance of the Queen's tailors. It features a boat neckline, short flared sleeves and a self belted waistline, although the belt appears to have been removed for today’s wearing. As she did in 2012, Kate paired the broderie anglaise dress with her Stuart Weitzman 'Minx' tan wedges.
Kate wore her beloved Kiki McDonough Citrine Drop earrings.
The Duchess was spotted wearing a new gold charm necklace. The incredible investigative work of My Small Obsessions has identified it as a piece by Asprey of London, from the jeweler’s Woodland collection. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also viewed tree kangaroos and feed giraffes, before moving to the birds of prey and animal display. They also got to pat a koala with the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge as the backdrop. Tonight, the Cambridges leave Sydney for Canberra. Easter Monday will be a rest day for the couple and their entourage. You can read further details of today's events on the official website of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Today, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge headed to Queensland, affectionately known as the Sunshine State because of its warm sunny climate. They landed at the Royal Australian Air Force base in Amberley just outside the State capital of Brisbane. The Duchess wore a frock by her favourite high-street label, LK Bennett. Catherine opted for the 'Lasa' poppy print dress which reportedly had sold out prior to today's engagement. The LK Bennett Lasa poppy print dress has a slim sheath silhouette, adorned with snorkel blue poppies, arranged in an artful print against a white backdrop. It also features a square neckline and elbow length sleeves. It is fabricated from a breathable cotton blend. In another royal coup for Australian fashion, on the back of yesterday's Zimmermann dress, Kate carried a ombre blue clutch from Aussie brand Oroton. The 'Odeion' clutch is crafted from Italian embossed calf leather and metal, featuring a snake chain strap and Oroton hardware. The minaudiere originally retailed for AU$245 but has now sold out. For the third time on this tour, Kate wore her bespoke navy blue suede Alexander McQueen pumps. I was however surprised to see them again after they got drenched in the rain on their last day in Wellington, New Zealand. It makes me wonder if Kate carries a few pairs of her favourite shoes! We again saw the Duchess accessorise with her sapphire & diamond earrings, Mappin & Webb 'Fortune' necklace and Cartier Ballon Bleu watch. While at the base the Duke inspected the waiting Royal Guard and later both he and Catherine were given a tour of the No 1 Squadron - which is the first Super Hornet squadron outside the US. They were both given the opportunity to clamber into the cockpit a fighter jet. After the hour-long tour, the William and Kate visited Amberley's Memorial Garden, where they planted a Plunkett Mallee, a eucalyptus tree, native to Queensland. The royal pair then headed into the city centre to attend an official reception at Brisbane's Convention and Entertainment Centre. The Duke and Duchess had a gourmet lunch comprised of local Queensland produce, and they had the opportunity to mingle with more than 200 charity, community, political, and business leaders. Following the lunch, William and Kate undertook a walkabout in the centre of Brisbane where they were greeted by over 10,000 fans. Tomorrow, the Duke and Duchess start their day with a Easter Sunday church service at St. Andrews Cathedral in Sydney. Next they will head to Taronga Zoo. It is possible that Prince George may join them when they visit the Zoo's is a Bilby enclosure, which was the nation's gift on the occasion of his birth. Later that day, they will leave Sydney and travel to Australia’s capital, Canberra, staying at Government House. You can read further details of today's events on the official website of the
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. This morning, the Duke and Duchess headed west out of Sydney to the Blue Mountains, one of Australia's most majestic areas of natural beauty. They meet with emergency services personnel, as well as locals impacted by the recent bushfires in the region that destroyed 195 homes. Kate wore a flowy cotton wrap dress by Diane von Furstenberg. The DVF 'Patrice' dress is a faux wrap style made from cotton voile. It is rendered with a blue and black ikat print on a white background. It has cuffed 3/4 sleeves and a subtle flare skirt. At time of posting, it has sold out but retailed for US$325. Kate brought back the navy suede Stuart Weitzman 'Corkswoon' wedges which coordinated perfectly with the blue printed frock. She also carried her navy suede Russell & Bromely 'Muse' clutch, also known as the Stuart Weitzman 'Raz' clutch in the USA. Again, we saw the sapphire & diamond drop earrings, Mappin & Webb 'Fortune' necklace and the Cartier Ballon Bleu watch. SHOP KATE'S 'BLUE MOUNTAINS' LOOK FOR LESS ... The meet and greet was followed by lunch in the Winmalee Girl Guides Hall where they later planted a flowering gum tree out the front of the Hall. The Royal couple then headed to the Echo Point lookout in Katoomba to view the impressive Three Sisters rock formation. The Duke and Duchess concluded their day trip at Narrow Neck Lookout where they observed an abseiling demonstration by the Mountain Youth Services. Prince William boldly stood just inches from the 100-metre cliff face. He made many onlookers nervous as he peered over the edge. You can read further details of today's events on the official website of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Tomorrow morning, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will remain in Sydney where they will visit the Royal Easter Show. If the afternoon, they head to Manly for two events. The first, a visit to the Bear Cottage Children's Hospice, followed by a surf life-saving display at Manly Beach.
Royal Tour Day 10: Duchess, a ray of sunshine in Roksanda Ilincic for first day in Australia16/4/2014
This afternoon, the royal trio emerged from their flight from Wellington to commence the Australian leg of their royal tour in Sydney.
Kate wore a sunshine yellow sheath dress by London-based designer Roksanda Ilincic. No doubt the Duchess selected this colour to reflect the gold of Australia's national colours - green and gold. The dress is a modified version of the Roksanda Ilincic 'Ryedale' wool-crepe dress. The ready-to-wear dress from the spring/summer 2014 collection features bell sleeves and has an exposed back zipper. It currently retails for £941.
Kate's bespoke version has the block colours reversed, with the yellow being the dominant hue. The sleeves have also been fitted and the neckline modified from round to square.
Kate paired the dress with her favourite accessories from LK Bennett; the 'Sledge' pumps and 'Natalia' straw clutch.
LK Bennett 'Sledge' Taupe Patent Pumps (in stock)
LK Bennett 'Natalie' Straw Clutch (sold out)
Kate also donned three pieces of jewellery she has worn consistently throughout the tour; the Mappin & Webb 'Fortune' necklace, Cartier Ballon Bleu watch, and Annoushka pearl drops with Kiki hoop earrings.
Mappin & Webb 'Fortune' necklace (in stock)
Cartier Ballon Bleu watch (in stock)
Annoushka pearl drops with Kiki diamond hoop earrings (in stock)
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge headed straight to a reception at the iconic Opera House situated on the famous Sydney Harbour.
Following the reception, the royal couple greeted eager fans waiting around the perimeter of the Sydney Opera House. They concluded the day by taking a police escorted ferry across the beautiful Sydney Harbour to Admiralty House where they will be staying. This morning, the Duchess of Cambridge officially opened the ICAP Art Room at Northolt High School in Ealing, London. She wore a form-fitting bright blue sheath dress from one of her favourite high-street labels, LK Bennett. The Art Room, of which Kate is Royal Patron, is a national charity which offers art as therapy to children and young people aged five to 16 who are facing challenges in their lives. Today, the Duchess participated in an Art Room workshop and addressed an assembly of children at the school. The sheath dress is the snorkel blue 'Detroit' notch collar fitted dress currently on sale at LK Bennett for £225. The figure-hugging 'Detroit' dress is crafted from elegant crepe with strategically placed panels and cinched waist. The dress provides modest coverage with mid-length sleeves and a clavicle-skimming neckline. Kate contrasted the bright blue frock with her trusty black suede Episode 'Angel' pumps and an unidentified black suede clutch with bow, which she has had for a few years now. Kate also wore her £3,950 Mappin & Webb Fortune White Gold Drop Pendant, first seen on the Duchess in early December 2013 when she visited the Shooting Star Hospice. Kate wore a "new" pair of drop earrings from Kiki McDonough. Kate already owns the diamond hoops, which originate from her Kiki Diamond and Green Amethyst Oval Drop earrings. Today she paired the diamond hoops with a green amethyst drop which is new to her Kiki collection. The earrings can be bought as a set and are known as the Kiki Classic Green Amethyst and Diamond Cushion Drop earrings. We have also seen Kate interchange the hoops with the Kiki Citrine Drop earrings. There was another new piece of jewellery worn by Kate today. We saw her wear a stainless steel watch from Cartier for the first time. This timepiece is part of the Ballon de Bleu collection and retails for US$4,550. More details about the watch can be found on the Cartier website. The next engagement for the Duchess of Cambridge is this coming Monday. Kate will join the Queen at Buckingham Palace for a reception honouring the dramatic arts. Among those expected to attend are Cate Blanchett, Dame Helen Mirren and Sir David Attenborough.
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I have retired the "Bits and Bobs" section of the website and started a new segment title "Outfit Chronicle".
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December 2014
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