The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge had a busy evening on their second night in New York. They first attended a reception for their charity, United for Wildlife, before heading to a NBA game at the Barclay Center to launch the partnership between the Royal Foundation, United for Wildlife, and the NBA.
The conservation reception was held at British Consul General’s residence on behalf of the Tusk Trust and United for Wildlife, where Prince William, Hillary Clinton, and Chelsea Clinton all spoke about fighting the illegal wildlife trade.
This evening, Kate wore a new tweed coat from American fashion brand Tory Burch. The 'Bettina' tweed coat ($595) is a cotton-blend jacket woven with bouclé, slubbed and metallic yarns. It has slit pockets and a hidden snap button placket. It is finished with a belted collar.
Her accessories included the Mulberry 'Bayswater' clutch (£495) in bespoke black suede leather and Stuart Weitzman 'Power' black suede pumps (US$335).
Kate paired the coat with black skinny jeans, most likely Topshop Maternity Moto Leigh jeans (£38). Kate has been spotted wearing the Topshop maternity Moto Leigh Jeans following her pregnancy with Prince George.
The style she wore tonight does not have the rolled cuff, but the new season Moto Leigh jeans shows them with an unrolled leg opening.
The Duchess added some bling to her ensemble with a pair of statement earrings, wearing the Patric Mavros Crocodile Stud Earrings Large (£160). Kate has worn earrings from this jeweler before who is an avid supporter of wildlife conservation, and hence a good fit for tonight's theme.
At the NBA game, the Duchess unbuttoned her coat to reveal a black high-neck sweater.
I'll leave you with some photos of Kate and William at tonight's NBA game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Brooklyn Nets.
09/12/2014 - UPDATE
Following today's meeting between Kate and J.Crew creative director Jenna Lyons at the GREAT reception, it was reported that Kate wore J. Crew denim to last night's Conservation reception and NBA game. Royal correspondent Rebecca English received confirmation from Ms. Lyons, quoting: “I was told she wore J. Crew jeans last night to the game. I was so excited. You couldn’t tell, but that’s okay. At least I know that fact.”
It’s possible Kate was wearing the maternity 'Toothpick' jeans, or the maternity 'Minnie' pants.
Within an hour of arriving in New York, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge headed out to attend a private Royal Foundation reception dinner at the plush Manhattan apartment of English businessman Martin Sorrell. Kate stepped out from The Carlyle Hotel, where they are staying during their 3 day trip, wearing a new black fit and flare lace cocktail dress from Beulah London. The style is called 'Amara' and is from the Spring Summer 2015 collection. The dress has an embroidered organza which overlays a silk crepe de chine lining. It is currently available for pre-order and will set you back £650. Kate also donned a new pair of statement earrings. As yet, no details have emerged regarding the designer. 16/12/2014 UPDATE: The amazing Facebook community of My Small Obsessions have identified Kate's stunning earrings as the Kenneth Jay Lane Silvertone Crystal Earrings (€262). It was refreshing to see the Duchess wear jewellery from an American costume jewelry designer, and a fitting choice for her first night in New York. She accessorized with familiar pieces, carrying her Mulberry 'Bayswater' black suede clutch (£495) and wearing her Stuart Weistzman 'Power' pumps (US$335), also rendered in black suede. Tomorrow the Duke and Duchess will have separate agendas. Prince William will travel to Washington to meet US president Barack Obama, while Kate will visit a Harlem-based organisation for child development. They will reunited in the evening and attend a NBA basketball match in Brooklyn, where they will watch local team the Brooklyn Nets take on the Cleveland Cavaliers. SHOP KATE'S STYLE ... The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge touched down in New York this afternoon for their whirlwind three day visit. The royal couple are staying at the famed Carlyle Hotel for the duration of their trip. Kate arrived at the luxury hotel wearing a stunning purple plum boucle coat. The maternity coat is the bespoke 'Marina' style by British label, Seraphine. Kate carried her black suede Stuart Weitzman 'Muse' clutch (£255). We also saw the return of her beautiful diamond deco style earrings. The Duchess wore black opaque tights with a pair of black suede ankle boots which are yet to be identified. It has been suggested that they may be an old pair she has owned since 2009. A follower of the Kate's Closet Facebook page has made an astute observation, suggesting that Kate may have worn the Topshop contrast collar dress under the Seraphine coat. The side-by-side photo below does show a strong similarity to the occasion when she wore it under her Goat 'Redgrave' coat when she was pregnant with Prince George. Tonight they will attend a private Royal Foundation reception dinner at the plush Manhattan apartment of English businessman Martin Sorrell. SHOP KATE'S STYLE ... Today, the Duchess of Cambridge attended the SportAid athlete workshop at the GSK Human Performance Lab in Brentford, West London. Catherine has been Patron of SportsAid since 2013, reflecting her support for the charity which is helping the next generation of British sporting talent. SportsAid offers financial and practical assistance to young athletes, helping them fulfill their ambitions and potential. At the workshop the Duchess met SportsAid athletes as they undertook a number of advanced performance assessments. Some of these young athletes are destined for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic games. After a tour of the world-class facility, the Duchess was invited to undertake two cognitive tests to experience firsthand some of the training done by the athletes. Kate looked stylish and comfortable in the iris 'Vreeland' dress from Goat Fashion. The plum hued shirt dress is rendered in a light wool crepe and has a fit and flare silhouette. The collared dress features a buttoned bodice and cuffs, a self belt with colour matched buckle, and concealed side zip closure. The dress will set you back £450 and is currently available in limited sizes. It is also on sale at Diani Boutique for US$580 in an 'iron' hue. This is not the first occasion Kate has worn a piece from the British designer. Previously Kate wore the Goat 'Redgrave’ coat, as well as the ‘Scarlett’ dress. Today, Kate also wore a new pair of black suede boots, the 'Half N Half Stretch Rider' by Stuart Weitzman from Russell and Bromley. The knee-high boots have a stretch panel on the back and suede on the front, with a low 4 cm stacked block heel. Stuart Weitzman also offers a few equivalent styles with very subtle differences. They are the Mezzanine, Mezzaluna and Mezzamezza. Kate paired her suede boots with her black suede Stuart Weitzman 'Muse' clutch. She completed the outfit with her sapphire and diamond oval drop earrings. SHOP KATE'S LOOK FOR LESS ...
The Duchess of Cambridge started the day by attending a reception hosted by her patronage SportsAid, an organisation which supports the next generation of British sports stars. She then joined her husband and Prince Harry at Hampden Park to attend the athletics on Day 6 of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. It was a consecutive day of outfit recycling for the thrifty Duchess and she stuck with pieces she has favoured at previous sporting events. For today's outing, the Duchess paired her ultra-blue Stella McCartney 'Ridley' dress with her navy Smythe single button blazer (in stock at Saks Fifth Ave). Kate repeated the same accessories she wore to yesterday's events. On her feet were the Stuart Weitzman 'Corkswoon' wedges in navy suede and she carried a matching bag. There is some active debate that the clutch is not her trusty Russell & Bromley 'Muse' clutch. The flap appears to be slightly different to the 'Muse' and the silhouette is not as long. I think the style is more like the Emmy 'Natasha' clutch. Kate owns the 'Natasha' clutch in a carbon and chocolate hue. Emmy offers fabric customization so it's possible Kate has now added another to her collection in a bespoke navy suede. Kate's also recycled her jewellery from yesterday, wearing her Kiki McDonough Citrine Drop earrings, Asprey necklace featuring 'Woodland' charms and Cartier Ballon Bleu wristwatch. SHOP KATE'S SPORTY BUSINESS STYLE FOR LESS ... 02/08/2014 UPDATE The navy suede clutch has been identified by My Small Obsessions. The Duchess was carrying the LK Bennett 'Frome' navy blue suede clutch bag. The sleek clutch is crafted in soft suede, featuring a mag-dot closure, internal zip compartment and convenient removable strap handle. It retailed for £185 but has unfortunately sold out.
Today, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge along with Prince Harry attended various sporting events on Day 5 of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Kate wore an all navy ensemble, a look she has favored for many sporting events since the London summer Olympics in 2012. Kate paired her Zara navy double breasted blazer paired with dark wash Zara skinny jeans. The jacket was first seen on the recent royal tour while in Auckland, New Zealand. On her feet were her trusty Stuart Weitzman 'Corkswoon' wedges in navy blue suede. There is some active debate that the clutch is not her Russell & Bromley 'Muse' clutch. The front flap appears to be slightly different to the 'Muse' and the silhouette is not as long. I think the style is more like the Emmy 'Natasha' clutch. Kate owns the 'Natasha' clutch in a carbon and chocolate hue. Emmy offers fabric customization so it's possible Kate has now added another to her collection in a bespoke navy suede, but I believe it is the carbon suede clutch that she carried today. We saw a new addition to the familiar ensemble. Kate changed up the outfit with a sleeveless striped shirt (yet to be identified). The collarless shirt appears to have dome-shaped navy buttons and a pleated front. Today, Kate wore gold toned jewellery which consisted of her Kiki McDonough Citrine Drop earrings and Asprey London necklace featuring 'Woodland' charms. Another familiar piece was her 33mm Cartier Ballon Bleu wristwatch. There was a lot of criticism on social media about Kate's uniform-like recycling of this outfit. While I long to see new additions to her closet, I respect her choice and admire that she has the confidence to pull off the same look time and time again. SHOP KATE'S CASUAL SPORTY STYLE ...
This morning, the Duchess of Cambridge visited the restored heritage and education site of Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire.
Today's visit by Her Royal Highness marked the completion of the £8 million restoration project, which has restored the site to its World War II appearance.
For today's visit, Catherine wore her military-inspired Alexander McQueen separates, first seen on her visit to the Summerfield Community Centre in August 2011 following the Birmingham riots.
Both the blouse and skirt are from the Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2011 collection. The Military Silk Georgette Blouse features navy trim detailing, gold button-fastening and a peplum hem. The navy Embellished Wool Crepe Skirt has directional front slits and gold tone decorative button front.
We saw the return of familiar navy accessories, which included the Stuart Weitzman 'Muse' clutch, her Alexander McQueen pumps, and her sapphire & diamond drop earrings.
Kate toured the WWII Codebreaking Huts and heard about the achievements of the Codebreakers, one of who was her paternal grandmother, Valerie Glassborow.
Kate then on to view the interactive exhibitions and had a go at deciphering a morse code message using a replica radio that was used at Bletchley Park during WW II.
The Duchess commemorated her visit by planting a tree.
The next engagement for the Duchess will be on 5th July, when she and William will attend the ceremonial start of the Tour de France at Harewood House in Yorkshire.
This morning, the Duchess of Cambridge attended a private breakfast reception at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. It was her first solo engagement since returning from the Royal Tour of New Zealand and Australia. During her visit, Catherine meet with supporters of the bid to launch a British team in the 35th America’s Cup, which is being led by Sir Ben Ainslie. Catherine wore an ivory/navy crepe dress by British high-street label Jaeger. This sleek ivory sheath dress features navy trim along the round neckline, arms and waist. It originally retailed for £150 but has been reduced to £99. Kate carried her Stuart Weitzman 'Muse' navy suede clutch (also known as the Stuart Weitzman 'Raz' clutch in the USA). On her feet were her bespoke Alexander McQueen navy suede pumps. Her jewellery included the sapphire and diamond earrings, Asprey London 'Woodlands' charm necklace and Cartier Ballon Bleu watch. SHOP KATE'S LOOK FOR LESS ... The Duchess meet with crew and boat designers before viewing an America’s Cup class boat at the museum. The America’s Cup, which is the oldest trophy in sport, was first established in 1851 as the hundred pound cup for the winner of a race around the Isle of Wight, witnessed by Queen Victoria. The Cup was named after the first winner of the race, the schooner ‘America’, from New York. American teams successfully defended all challenges for 132 years, until an Australian team won in 1983. Britain has never won the America's Cup.
This afternoon, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended two events to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France. The Royal couple attended a tea party in the town of Arromanches where they spent the afternoon chatting with WWII British veterans and listening to their emotional recollections of the landings. For today's events, the Duchess opted to repeat pieces she has previously worn. No doubt this was to ensure the focus stayed on the commemorations. Catherine wore her bespoke Alexander McQueen cornflower blue coat first seen on the New Zealand tour. Other familiar pieces included the 'Salsa' black straw hat by Sylvia Fletcher for Lock & co, her sapphire and diamond earrings, and Mulberry Bayswater black suede clutch. Kate did however wear a new pair of black suede heeled shoes. My Small Obsessions has identified them as the Stuart Weitzman 'Power' pumps. These pointed-toe court shoes feature a covered 3 ¾ inches thin stiletto heel and leather sole. SHOP THE LOOK FOR LESS ... Following the tea party, William and Kate visited the D-Day museum on Gold Beach (Arronmanches). 70 years ago, over 400 British troops lost their lives in the assault on Arronmanches. There was a ceremony to remember the brave men who paid the ultimate price. The Duke gave a heartfelt speech where he described the pivotal operation which began the downfall of the Nazis during the Second World War as a "great and terrible day." To read an historical account of the D-Day landings click here.
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. |
I have retired the "Bits and Bobs" section of the website and started a new segment title "Outfit Chronicle".
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