This evening, the Duchess of Cambridge stepped out for her second engagement of the day, attending the 50th Annual Wildlife Photography Awards at the Natural History Museum in London, of which she is Royal Patron. Only hours after attending a ceremonial welcome for the President of Singapore, the Duchess of Cambridge made a wardrobe change for this evening's black-tie event wearing a bespoke pale jade Jenny Packham creation. The maxi wrap dress was the perfect choice for the Duchess who is about 3 months pregnant with her second child. The gown features a three-quarter sleeve with a wrap front surplice neckline and a lightweight envelope skirt with a pee-a-boo short hem skirt underneath. The silhouette of Kate's bespoke gown appears to be modeled on this Jenny Packham A/W 2014 Cruise collection piece. Kate accessorized the dress with a new clutch bag from Alexander McQueen. Like all her other McQueen bags, Kate had this one modified with the removal of the signature skull clasp. The small curved molded clutch is rendered in a gradient nude pink python leather with gold metal frame. Kate paired the clutch with her blush pink LK Bennett Agata suede sandals, first seen at the 2011 annual ARK dinner. This evening, the Duchess donned a new sparkling diamond necklace and matching earrings. The pieces are from the Monica Vinader 'Riva' collection (thanks to My Small Obsession for the ID). Kate wore the 'Riva' Diamond Cluster Bib necklace which is a Harrods exclusive according to Monica Vinader's Instagram page.
Regrettably the necklace is not available on the Harrods website, but the matching 'Riva' Diamond Cluster Drop Earrings are available directly from Monica Vinader. The earrings are described as Featuring Riva's signature organic shape and pave set diamonds totalling 0.32 carats, these cocktail earrings are beautifully elegant. Measuring approximately 27mm (1.0") in length x 35mm (1.4") in width, the earrings are light enough to wear all day long. 23/10/2014 UPDATE The staff at Monica Vinader contacted me via Twitter to let me know that the Riva diamond cluster bib necklace is now available for pre-order via their website. Featuring Riva's signature organic shape in 21 interconnecting hoops, and pavé set diamonds totalling 0.84 carats, this bib is the epitome of elegance. Measuring approximately 11cm in length by 5.5cm in width, with an adjustable 18 inch chain. SHOP KATE'S STYLE ...
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Today, The Duchess of Cambridge made her first public appearance in more than two months.
Catherine who is pregnant with her second child has been suffering with Hyperemesis Gravidarum for several weeks. She has been forced to cancel a number of engagements due to her illness.
It appears Kate's condition is steadily improving and today she was well enough to join Prince William to greet The President of Singapore, Tony Tan Keng Yam and his wife at the Royal Garden Hotel in London on behalf of Her Majesty, The Queen.
The royal couple later attended the ceremonial welcome for Singapore's Head of State at Horse Guards Parade in London.
The Duchess wore a bespoke grey Prince of Wales plaid Alexander McQueen coat. The silhouette is trademark McQueen with its fitted bodice, structured shoulders and flared skirt. Other features include a peak lapel, concealed front fastening and slanted pockets.
The coat is based on this ready-to-wear Prince of Wales plaid box-pleat coat from the Alexander McQueen Pre-Spring Summer 2015 collection.
The Duchess accessorized with some familiar pieces. She coordinated the coat with her Jane Taylor 'Lupin' grey velour felt teardrop beret, first worn to the Easter Sunday church service in Sydney.
On her feet were the black Prada suede round toe pumps which made their debut in December of 2013 at the Nelson Mandela film premiere.
The black clutch bag she was carrying appears to be a new addition to her closet. Jenny Packham confirmed via Instagram that it is their 'Roxy' black suede clutch.
The AW14 'Roxy' clutch has a pleated, material design featuring a baguette cut, golden shadow Swarovski crystal clasp and a detachable long snake chain. It retails for £378.
The Duchess wore the Annoushka Pearl Drops & Kiki Diamond Hoop Earrings and Mappin & Webb Empress Mini White Gold & Diamond Pendant Necklace.
Congratulations to The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge! News has just broken that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expecting their second child. Clarence House released the following statement. Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting their second child. Sources have revealed that Catherine has not yet reached the crucial 12-week stage of her pregnancy. Similarly with her first pregnancy, the royal couple were forced to announce they were expecting a child earlier than they wished due to Catherine’s illness. There is also serious doubt over Catherine's upcoming engagements, in particular her first solo international visit to Malta later this month. A palace source has said that they will make a decision closer to the date. In honour of the announcement, I've created a board of Kate's maternity style when she was pregnant with Prince George. It was only in Kate's final trimester that we started to see her wear tradition maternity style frocks including a budget friendly dress from ASOS Maternity. Given Kate's thrifty fashion habits, I think we will see her recycle some of the styles she wore during her first pregnancy.
The Daily Star has exclusive photos showing the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge enjoying a casual night out at The Kings Head Hotel located near their new home, Anmer Hall. The royal couple dressed casually for their low-key date night. Kate wore a black crewneck sweater layered over a black & white floral shirt and paired with skinny jeans. Unfortunately, the low resolution photos make it difficult to accurately ID her clothing. The only item I can make out with certainty is her Pied a Terre black 'Imperia' wedges. They are still available in limited sizes from Dune London. Kate appears to be wearing her Asprey necklace featuring 'Woodlands' charms. A Kate's Closet Facebook follower suggested that the shirt Kate is wearing might be this one from GAP. The close-up of the collar does appear to be a very good match to Kate's shirt. The GAP printed shirt is described as a boyfriend fit featuring long sleeves with single button cuffs, patch pocket on chest, curved shirttail, and rear shoulder yoke. It currently retails for US$54.95 and is also available for £34.95 on GAP UK and €39.95 on GAP EU. 10/10/2014 UPDATE Kate's black cable knit sweater has been identified by eBayer seller "copykate". It is by Lauren Ralph Lauren. I did a little research and found the original stock photo of the jumper. The style is called 'Verionika' and features an all-over cable knit with a crewneck and non-functional goldtone buttons on the left shoulder. It is available in a host of colours from House of Fraser, however it has sold out in black. Ralph Lauren has a black cable knit sweater available in the same silhouette without the buttons. It is currently on sale for US$44.95. Shop it here. SHOP KATE'S STYLE ... The Mirror has also published some candid photos of William & Kate arriving from Norfolk into Kings Cross Station in London. Kate appears to be wearing her Barbour Defence jacket although the photos are too grainy to say for certain. On her feet are the Mint Velvet Bibi plimsolls. Kate is carrying two bags, one is an overnight bag, the other, her Tod's G-Bag Sacca hobo which she has owned for several years. The My Small Obsessions Facebook community identified Kate's overnight travel bag as the 'Odyssey' by Sandstorm Kenya. According to the brand, "it was a gift given soon after their engagement in Kenya". This classically styled travel bag is rendered in a tan canvas with leather trim. It has reinforced carrying handles and a leather base with brass base studs. The Odyssey opens up wide for easy packing and is fully lined with a zipped pocket. STEAL KATE'S STYLE ... The next official engagement for the royal couple is on Monday 8th September, where they will formally open The Dickson Poon University of Oxford China Centre Building.
Last week, PopSugar published exclusive photos of the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George strolling through Kensington Gardens with a protection officer. Kate was dressed casually, wearing a sleeveless mint green top and skinny jeans. The top dates back to 2006 and her jeans appear to be the same ones she wore to the Father's Day polo match in June this year. I believe they are the GAP 'vintage loren' jeans which I found at Gap EU. On her feet were the Mint Velvet 'Bibi' plimsolls. Kate's jewellery consisted of the Kiki McDonough Citrine Drop earrings, Asprey necklace featuring 'Woodland' charms and Cartier Ballon Bleu wristwatch. She also wore her trusty Givenchy 'Obsedia' sunglasses. SHOP KATE'S STYLE ... This collection has been created exclusively in collaboration with designer Roland Mouret, who has dressed the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton. The limited-edition collection is crafted using Banana Republic's signature Sloan stretch fabric. To quote Mr Mouret, These clothes are all about refined shapes and beautiful drape. 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 ...
Today marks the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of World War I. At 11pm (BST) on August 4, 1914, Britain declared war on Germany after the Germans had invaded Belgium. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge commemorated the anniversary by attending a number of ceremonies in Belgium. William and Kate arrived at L'Abbaye Saint-Laurent in Liege, where they were received by Their Majesties King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium. Following the official greeting, they walked to the Cointe Inter-allied Memorial for a service, during which Prince William gave a speech paying tribute to the host nation Your Majesties, if I may say so, Belgium's steadfast remembrance of your war dead, and ours, is a great credit to your nation. On behalf of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, head of the Commonwealth, thank you for the honour you do us all. For today's commemoration services, the Duchess wore a cream ensemble featuring a Alexander McQueen coat dress. The coat has many feminine touches including a Peter Pan collar, puffed accent sleeves and a pleated skirt. The design is bespoke but fuses elements from a couple Alexander McQueen pieces. Kate's headpiece is by Jane Taylor Millinery (credit to @AnnieElizabethN for the ID). She wore the 'Fleur-Ruffle' straw beret in nude/blush pink. The headpiece has a tonal hand dyed ruffle detail and is from the current summer collection. It retails for £615. Kate wore her trusty L.K. Bennett taupe 'Sledge' pumps. Kate accessorized with her Annoushka pearl drop earrings paired with her Kiki McDonough diamond hoops and Ballon Bleu de Cartier Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch. The Duchess carried her customized Alexander McQueen suede clutch. SHOP KATE'S STYLE ... In the afternoon, William and Kate traveled to the town of Mons where they were joined by Prince Harry for a reception at Mons Town Hall. The royal trio concluded the day with a twilight ceremony at Saint-Symphorien Military Cemetery. The Duchess laid a floral tribute. Tomorrow, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge along with Prince Harry will continue their WWI commemorations with a visit to the Tower of London's "Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red" poppy installation in the Tower's moat.
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 ... |
I have retired the "Bits and Bobs" section of the website and started a new segment title "Outfit Chronicle".
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