Weekly Wrap-Up, 11th July 2015

NEWS

The week kicked off with the christening of Princess Charlotte. Click here to read more >

View image | gettyimages.com

Mid-week, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were in the Royal Box at Wimbledon, cheering on their local champion, Andy Murray competing in the men's quarter finals. Click here to read more >

View image | gettyimages.com

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WHAT'S NEW IN KATE'S CLOSET

This week, Kate debuted four new pieces from her closet:

Alexander McQueen ivory coat dress

Jane Taylor orchid hat

Mappin & Webb 'Empress' Earrings

LK Bennett 'Cayla' dress

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ID UPDATE

This week we had a break-through with identifying the shoes Kate wore to the christening!

The Duchess first wore these nude patent pumps to last year's Buckingham Palace garden party and it was "confirmed" they were the Russell & Bromley '5th Ave' style. I was not convinced and started the hunt again. To my delight, Natalie, a long time reader of Kate's Closet found this stock image on Russell & Bromely's Facebook page from 2012.  R&B have now confirmed they are the 'Pointy' style.  I'm relieved we can finally put this ID debate to rest! 

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REPLIKATE ROUNDUP

Below are my favourite repliKates of the week ...

US$58

Hobbs £69

US$69

US$68

US$11.13

Macy's US$70

US$42

US$118

US$33

The lovely Christine from What Would Kate Do emailed me these bargain-priced jewellery repliKates from Ebay:

US$2.55

US $3.99

US$3.99

US$3.59

US$3.29

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PRODUCT REVIEW

Margaret (who is not pregnant) took the plunge and bought the Séraphine 'Jolene' knot front maternity dress.  Here are her thoughts on the dress:

I purchased the Seraphine Pink Fuchsia Knot Front Maternity Dress which Kate famously wore in the first family photos with baby George. I had contemplated purchasing the dress for a while, but hesitated because of the price. Additionally, I’m not pregnant and don’t plan on becoming pregnant any time soon. However, the dress is designed to be flattering before and after pregnancy. I finally decided to buy it on Amazon because my Prime membership allows me to easily return the dress if it didn’t fit.

The fabric is silky soft and is draped beautifully. Often jersey dresses cling in unflattering places and highlight areas that I’m self conscious of. But this one does not. It is comfortable. The V is not too deep and doesn’t slip or flash my chest. (I’m small busted so this is often an issue with dresses and tops for me.) The dress also doesn’t look like a maternity dress.

I decided that the fuchsia color was not the most flattering on my pale skin. I returned the fuchsia color and ordered the green and blue from Seraphine’s website (Amazon didn’t have those colors at the time.) The Amazon.com return was simple and quick.

I received the green and blue dresses in about a week from Seraphine. The fit, fabric, etc. was identical to the fuchsia one. I ultimately returned both dresses because of the length. I’m 5’10” and they were just too short for my comfort level, especially in the back.

Seraphine returns were simple, but took a little longer than Amazon. Seraphine provides a return label with the dress so all you have to do is put the dress back in the package, stick the new label on and mail it.

Sizing is based on bust measurement, but I think there is a lot of flexibility in sizing because of the jersey fabric and cut of the dress.

Overall impression: flattering, comfortable dress, but not a great value (almost $100 for a short jersey dress) and too short for me.

BUY FROM SERAPHINE >

BUY FROM AMAZON >

If you would like to submit a review of your recent repliKate purchase or showcase your repliKate closet, please send an email to admin@katescloset.com.au

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SAVVY SALES

The Hobbs Wessex dress has been reduced to £89.00, the lowest price this season!

Shop @ Hobbs

shop @ House OF fraser

shop @ john lewis

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WIN! WIN! WIN!

Kate re-wore her Mirabelle 'Lolita' earrings to the tennis this week, and I'm thrilled to announce that my good friends at Mirabelle Jewellery are offering one lucky Kate's Closet reader a chance to win a pair!  For your chance to WIN a pair of these beautiful earrings simply complete the entry form below.

Terms and conditions:

This competition is run by Kate's Closet. Mirabelle Jewellery have kindly donated the prize, one pair of “Lolita” earrings.

The competition is open worldwide. The prize will be posted using Australia Post Air Mail (untrackable service). Neither Kate's Closet nor Mirabelle accept responsibility or liability if the parcel is lost or damaged in transit.

The competition will end at midnight AEST on 17th July 2015 and the winner will be announced in the 18th July edition of the newsletter.

GOOD LUCK!