Monday, November 14, 2011

Kate's First Remembrance Sunday as a Member of the Monarchy


Kate attended her first Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph today as a member of the royal family. This is an annual tribute to all of Britain's war casualties. She watched the ceremony alongside the Duchess of Cornwall and the Countess of Wessex



All royal women are required to wear black for the somber occasion but Kate still managed to stand out.




The Duchess of Cambridge wore a black double-breasted coat by Diane von Furstenberg (Fall/Winter 2008 Ready-to-Wear-Line). She pinned two red poppies above her left breast which followed precedent set by the other royalty. The hat she chose was a small brimmed bowler-styled hat with a large sweeping bow adorned with studs by Jane Corbett.



Additional details of Kate's 100% 'Lio' Wool coat include faceted buttons and a detachable trim to the collar and cuffs which is called ‘soutache’ (a kind of braiding usually reserved for Military uniforms.)



Kate finished off her look with black leather gloves and her Kiki McDonough 'Grace' earrings.


Sunday, November 13, 2011

Kate's First Prince's Charities Forum

Photo courtesy: The British Monarchy

On Friday, November 11, 2011 Kate attended her first Prince's Charities Forum at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly.

Photo courtesy: The British Monarchy

'The Prince's Charities' is a group of not-for-profit organisations of which Prince Charles is Patron or President; 18 of the 20 Charities were founded personally by The Prince.


Kate wore a black Zara jacket with zip and belt (thanks again to 'What Kate Wore'). The jacket is 100%  polyester and was £79.99 (currently sold out). Ref. 7745/626




Friday, November 11, 2011

Kate Shines in Silver at St. James's Palace Dinner



Last night, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge hosted a dinner for 120 guests at St. James's Palace. The event was to raise money for the National Memorial Arboretum, of which the Duke is patron.


The goal is to raise £12 million to turn the Arboretum, near Lichfield, Staffordshire, which honours all those who have sacrificed their lives for their country, into a world-renowned centre for Remembrance.


The organization was set up to provide necessary facilities for widows, families,comrades, and the public.


Kate looked glam in a silver, floor-length, one shoulder grecian gown by Jenny Packham. The loose-fitting chiffon satin gown gently gathered and tied at the waist.


I wasn't able to find a picture of the gown in Jenny Packham's current line. It could either be a custom piece or vintage. Above is a similar dress from Jenny Packham. It's the 'Red Flame One Shoulder Dress' $2,130.


She coupled her beautiful dress with her Jimmy Choo 'Vamp' sandals in champagne glitter $750, her still unidentified diamond bracelet and a bright red poppy as a symbol of remembrance.




Kate's hair was styled in a fresh new way. It was parted slightly off-center and pulled back on one side to expose an over sized diamond drop earring and left loose on the other.

Update 11/11/2011


Jenny Packham has confirmed via her Facebook page that Kate's gown is a custom piece.
"The Duchess of Cambridge looked amazing in the silver bespoke gown last night." 

Update 11/13/2011

Kate's earrings have been ID'd (thanks to 'What Kate Wore'). They are from Beaut's Vintage Collection $775. A statement was released on November 11, 2011 by Beaut Jewelry on their Facebook page.

"We can confirm that the earrings worn by the Duchess of Cambridge on Thursday are from Beaut’s Vintage Collection. The design worn by the Duchess of Cambridge is part of the collection supplied exclusively to Jenny Packham.

The earrings are silver 9ct hoops with crystal paste stones and hand set in London.

Beaut is a small concession based in Grays Antique Markets who specialize in bespoke, bridal and vintage style jewellery.

Beaut Limited
Grays Antique Mews |South Molton Lane |Mayfair |London |W1
T: 020 7629 0688| 07771 628050
www.beautjewellery.com"


Wednesday, November 2, 2011

William & Kate In Copenhagen for First Joint Humanitarian Mission


Today, William & Kate are in Copenhagen, Denmark to undertake their first overseas joint humanitarian mission. They are meeting with Princess Mary and Prince Frederik of Denmark (seen above and below).


The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge are showing their support for UNICEF's East Africa crisis appeal which is a cause that bears special significance to the couple. It was in Kenya where they became engaged just over a year ago.


The couple visited a Unicef famine relief depot in the city and were offered a taste of a special high-protein peanut paste which is being sent to malnourished children in East Africa.




Kate wore a chic three-quarter length belted burgundy coat for the occasion. She combined it with a seventies-inspired belt, black suede boots and a matching clutch. The coat has been ID'd (thanks to 'Get What Kate Wore') as the L.K. Bennett 'Ami Coat' which is currently on sale for £276 (originally £345).


Description from the L.K. Bennett website is as follows:
'This structured, military-style, fashion coat is defined by beautiful detailing, a modern belt and a clean fitted silhouette. The fabric is a tightly woven Wool Melton rich wool mix and the coat is fully lined. Throw on this feminine, wear with everything cover-up for an instant fashion update. Available in Toffee, Black and Burgundy. Fabric is 80% wool, 20% nylon'



Kate also wore her gold plate Vinnie Day logo leaf earrings and her gold charm bracelet. We think the bracelet was gifted to her by her step-mother-in-law, Camilla.


Update 11/2/2011


Kate's belt has been ID'd! Follower, Kherrington has told me that it's by  
Reiss.
Reiss has released a statement about the belt on Facebook "We've been through our archive and can confirm that Kate Middleton was wearing the bessie Belt from our AW08 collection in Denmark"


A similiar belt (seen below) is the Croco Red belt ($59) by Vecceli Italy www.vecceli.com



Kate's boots have been ID'd! They are by Stuart Weitzman for the Cool People 'Zipkin' and only available at Russell & Bromley in the UK (she bought them here) and zappos.com ($635).


The knee-high suede “Zipkin” style features a 4½-inch heel and a graphite zipper that extends from the footbed to the top of the boot.

Update 11/29/2011


Kate's clutch has been ID'd (thanks to WKW). It is the Stuart Weitzman 'Raz Clutch.' and no longer available.



Thursday, October 27, 2011

Kate's First Solo Engagement!


Last night, The Duchess of Cambridge carried out her first official solo engagement, stepping in for her father-in-law at a private charity event.


Kate undertook the role at Clarence House after the Prince of Wales was called away on a trip to Riyadh to offer condolences to the Saudi Royal Family following the death of the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.


The event was a dinner for In Kind Direct, an organization which takes surplus goods from manufacturers and retailers and distributes them to charities.



Kate wore a vintage floor-length pale blue evening gown with a delicately beaded halter neck that extended round her bust. The dress was designed by one of her favourite couturiers, Amanda Wakeley, and was from her Fall 2006 collection


The Duchess had her glossy chestnut hair pulled up into a glamorous half up, half down do. Underneath Kate’s stylish half-up, half-down hairstyle a prominent three-inch scar could be seen on the side of her left temple.


A spokesman for the Duchess at St James’s Palace confirmed last night that it was the result of surgery as a young child. ‘The scar related to a childhood operation.’


To complete her look, she added diamond drop-earrings and a matching diamond bracelet that we've seen her wear on previous occasions. The origins of this jewelry are still  unknown.

Update 10/28/2011


In one of the pictures above, there is just a peek of a silver shoe under Kate's dress. I was able to get an HQ picture and it looks like Kate is wearing her Jimmy Choo 'Vamp' sandals in champagne glitter $750. She wore these to the Bafta Dinner in LA earlier this year.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Kate - the Lady in Red


Last night William & Kate were guests of honor at a fundraising gala evening at St James's Palace.The event was hosted by the 100 Women in Hedge Funds and raised £675,000 for the Child Bereavement Charity -- a cause close to William's heart. This marks a first royal patronage for the Duchess.


Kate dazzled in a red floor-length red dress with billowing sleeves by Beulah London. The low-cut, pillar-box, maxi-length evening gown emphasized Kate's beautiful figure.


The gorgeous silk jersey dress is the 'Sarai Dress' (£565) from the Beulah London Autumn/Winter 2011 Collection. It is also available in navy blue. www.beulahlondon.com/



The Duchess accessorized with a gold clutch, her sapphire and diamond engagement ring and a pair of diamond earrings that we have not seen before. Her shiny hair hung loose around her shoulders.



Update 10/19/2011

After finding a HQ picture, I think I have ID'd Kate's clutch. It is the 'Edith' Gold Glitter Clutch (£160.00) by Wilbur & Gussie. As of this writing, it's currently sold out. www.wilburandgussie.com/


Information from the Wilbur & Gussie Website:

"It's an envelope style clutch with an inside pocket and optional wrist strap. It comes in 100% silk or metallic weave. It holds more than just credit cards and cash. It lets you throw in your blackberry, keys and lippy and is becoming the firm favourite season after season.

•Size: 26.5 x 15.5 cm
•Made in Spain
•Edith was named after Brett's border terrier."


On a side note, this was the same clutch that Pippa paired with her dress to the 2011 Boodles Boxing Ball.