The Daily Catherine

Update - Alice Temperley Armonia Blouse

2011-08-25T14:27:00.000+01:00

Hello Everyone! I just wanted to let you know I got an email from Lucy at Temperley London. The Armonia blouse (Kate's Rodeo Blouse), will be available in December. So, add it to your Christmas list. More about the blouse in my earlier post HERE.

photo credit: AP

Kate in Alexander McQueen

2011-08-19T17:48:00.003+01:00

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited the families of riot victims in Birmingham today. Kate wore a military style McQueen top and skirt:

photos via Daily Mail

Both pieces, the military silk georgette blouse and the embellished wool-crepe skirt, as well as other military inspired McQueen pieces can be found at Net-A-Porter. Click HERE.

Kate's Sebago Bala Moccasins

2011-07-24T15:18:00.000+01:00

After Kate wore these Sebago Bala Moccasins, the company sold 700 pairs in one week. They are sort of a cross between a boat shoe and a mocassin.

I used to have a pair of brown leather driving moccasins similar to these and I loved them. I wore them out and have always intended to buy a new pair, but never got around to it. While you can no longer get these from Sebago, I did find a few very similar alternatives.

This version, the Reagan Campus Driver by Frye is probably the most similar. It comes in 12 colors and is available at Zappos.

This version, the UGG Voyageur is on sale at Zappos. The tassle dresses it up a bit, and these have the awesome UGG sheepskin lining. They are available in 2 colors.

More on the boat shoe side of things, we have the Cole Haan Air Tali. I have heard good things about these Cole Haan Air shoes - very comfy. These come in 4 color combinations and are available at Zappos.

photo credit Getty Images

Kate's Blazer Look

2011-07-22T20:24:00.000+01:00

More Kate inspired looks from H&M's fall collection:

My favorite is this last one. Only £34.99 in the UK and $29.99 in the US (click on your country to link).

Kate's Rodeo Blouse

2011-07-21T22:03:00.000+01:00

Back when Kate wore this, I was more focused on the jeans. Now, Alice by Temperley has the 'Armonia' blouse on their website as 'coming soon'. Even better, IMHO, is the Armonia dress available in the same print.

photo credit: AP

Love the dress:

The embroidered detail is gorgeous.

The website does not say when the pieces will be available, but you can sign up for the Alice by Temperley newsletter HERE.

Kate's Look for Less

2011-07-19T16:06:00.002+01:00

I just received the H&M fall catalogue and I spotted several knock-off Kate looks. I'll feature them here this week. First, is this dress - H&M's take on the navy lace Erdem shift that Kate wore on her arrival in Canada. I love this lace look - it's so fresh and it accomplishes that rare thing of combining a classic fabric with a fresh style. I love it when that happens.

photo Getty Images

H&M's version is black (also available in ivory) and a bit shorter than Kate's Erdem. It's also available and affordable - two things we can't say about the Erdem. If you are in the UK, find it here, if you are in the US find it here!

Kate's LK Bennett Sliver Sandals

2011-07-12T20:27:00.000+01:00

We loved the strappy LK Bennett sandals Kate wore to the polo match in Santa Barbara on Saturday. They are no longer available in taupe, but LK Bennett is now offering them in this gorgeous snake print.

They are currently available in all sizes. Find them HERE.

Kate at BAFTA in Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen

2011-07-11T15:25:00.001+01:00

Kate dazzled in pale lilac Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen at the BAFTA event on Saturday night. She accessorized the Grecian inspired gown with Jimmy Choo accessories, a diamond bracelet and diamond chandelier earrings on loan from the Queen.


all photos via Daily Mail

Of course, what I was most excited to see, were the Jimmy Choo accessories. Kate carried the metallic Ubai clutch and wore the silver Vamp sandals. I'm so excited about these that they are getting their own post here.


photos via Daily Mail

She is looking every inch the modern princess in this dress. It's good to be the (future) queen.

photo via Daily Mail

Kate's Jimmy Choo Accessories

2011-07-11T15:17:00.000+01:00

photos via Daily Mail

Kate looked amazing at the BAFTA dinner on Saturday night in Los Angeles. Though, it's hard to top diamond chandelier earrings borrowed from the Queen, I was very excited to see her wearing Jimmy Choo for her sandals and clutch.

The Ubai clutch is sold out in the metallic color, but is available in black at Nordstrom. The Vamp sandals are available in a range of colors at Jimmy Choo and the metallic sandals are available for pre-order at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Kate at Polo Match in Jenny Packham Floral Dress

2011-07-11T14:29:00.001+01:00

Kate chose a handpainted floral dress by Jenny Packham to watch her husband play polo in Santa Barbara on Saturday.

photo via Daily Mail

The most exciting part of any of this is that she is NOT WEARING PANTYHOSE!!! I am so proud of her. And sandals! Really cute sandals! And a bracelet! It's almost too much all at once. So exciting. Now, the shoes and sandals are from LK Bennett (and of course sold out), but this is definite progress. The clutch is the 'Natalie' and apparently they are re-stocking if you want to sign up. The sandals are the 'Sliver' sandal in taupe. She is also wearing her Kiki McDonough citrine drop earrings, first seen at the Epsom Derby and her "C" charm bracelet, a gift from Camilla, first spotted at the Irish Guard Ceremony.

Kate's Green Diane VonFurstenberg Maja Dress

2011-07-11T13:57:00.001+01:00

One would think I might be more excited to see Kate in one of my favorite designers, the iconic DVF, but this is just not working for the Duchess.


photo via Daily Mail

There are a lot of things at play here. Kate wore this dress to a reception held outdoors in LA in the evening. I will say it again - why is she wearing panyhose (or tights, or whatever name you want to give outdated leg coverings)? In addition, as much as I love DVF, her clothes are probably not the best choice for Kate. Diane VonFurstenberg is one of the few big designers who truly understands how to dress a real woman's body - meaning curves. Most of her clothes are designed to flatter a typical curvy woman's body. You can make it work on tall and thin, but you need to pay attention to how the dress is belted and draped. Clearly, Kate has not done that here. Lacking curves, Kate is always going to do better wearing something with a defined waist. (like the Roksanda from earlier or the Malene Birger bullet dress). Lastly, the simplicity of DVF's dresses always call for interesting accessories and I LOVE that Kate is carrying the snake print DVF Lytton Clutch, but a beautiful necklace, a fabulous pair of shoes or chunky bracelet would be the defining style statement.

All of that being said, I am very excited to see Kate wearing one of my favorite designers. DVF can be found here, here and here. The clutch is sold out in this print, but the same style is available in other colors (same print) and other patterns at the above links.

Here is another similar one I found at ShopBop.

Kate & Will Arrive in Los Angeles

2011-07-11T13:14:00.001+01:00

Kate chose a Roksanda Ilinsic dress for their arrival in Los Angeles. The wool crepe 'Peridot' dress is a very pale grey or lavender with a draping detail at the collar.


photos via Daily Mail

Kate is carrying her LK Bennett Natalie Clutch.


photo via Daily Mail

The dress is not available anywhere, but similar items from Roksanda can be found on Net-A-Porter, Brown's and Matches. The clutch is currently out of stock, but you can sign up to be notified when it becomes available. I don't have information on the shoes, and frankly if you are interested in these shoes, you are on your own, because they are hideous my friend. I'm not really understanding the nude accessories with this dress anyway. They seem to be her default, and while neutral accessorizing is usually a good default, it does not always work. Where are those silver shoes she wore with the grey Catherine Walker dress? Those would have worked much better with this. The dress is pretty, but overall, I am confused by what is going on here.

Kate & Will off To America

2011-07-08T23:35:00.000+01:00

And I am off to Edinburgh for the weekend!! Have a lovely weekend and see you in a few days.

Kate at The Rodeo in Goldsign Jeans and Alice Temperley Shirt

2011-07-08T11:16:00.000+01:00

For their trip to the Calgary Rodeo, Kate wore an Alice by Temperley blouse and Goldsign jeans.


photos via Daily Mail

Kate's cowboy boots (looks like she brought these from home):


photo via Daily Mail

Kate is wearing Goldsign's Passion Boot Cut jeans. They are available online at Shopbop.

I'm off to Stratford Upon Avon to spend time with friends in town. More posts tonight!

Kate in Yellow Jenny Packham Dress

2011-07-08T10:59:00.000+01:00

For their arrival in Calgary, Kate wore a yellow silk Jenny Packham dress.


photos via Daily Mail

The dress is pretty, the color is a refreshing change for her. She wore her LK Bennett nude pumps and carried the LK Bennett Natalie clutch. But what Kate was wearing, was far overshadowed by this:


photo via Daily Mail

Kate & Will had the privilege of meeting six-year old Diamond Marshall. Diamond, who has been suffering from cancer since being diagnosed with an abdominal tumor in February wrote a letter to The Children's Wish foundation. She heard that there was a princess in town and she wanted to meet her. These are the pictures of her wish come true.


photos via Daily Mail

So beautiful and heartbreaking. If I am Kate, this is my favorite moment of the entire trip.

Kate & Will at Slave Lake

2011-07-07T10:57:00.000+01:00

Kate switched up her casual look yesterday for a trip to Slave Lake, a Canadian town ravaged by forest fires a few months ago. She wore her JBrand jeans with a white ruffled blouse, black espadrille wedges and her navy Smythe One Button Blazer. Kitson is taking pre-orders on the blazer due to ship in mid-August. Find them HERE. This is a great classic casual look - jeans and navy blazer and the ruffled blouse gives the look a feminine twist. I think I would have preferred to see a ballet flat instead of the espadrilles, but overall - well done Kate.

photo via Daily Mail


photo via Daily Mail photo via Daily Mail Information about her jeans can be found in my post from yesterday HERE.

Kate's Shirt, Jeans & Shoes

2011-07-06T17:58:00.000+01:00

For those of you loving Kate's casual look yesterday, I found some alternatives to her jeans, Burberry utility shirt, and Sebago Bala moccasins.

photos via Daily Mail

Kate's top is reported to be Burberry, but sold out. Here are some similar options:

This is from MaxMara available at John Lewis

This one is from Ralph Lauren at House of Fraser

I originally thought the jeans were Paige Denim or the Olympia JBrand jeggings, but on closer look I think they are JBrand Low Rise Skinny jean available HERE. The color seems right, where the Paige Denim are very similar, but more black.

And last, but not least, I found a really cute alternative to Kate's sold out Sebago Moccasins. These are from Frye and can be purchased at Zappos.

Here is what the Sebago's look like up close:

I actually prefer the Frye version, as I could do without the white trim on the Sebago's. Well, those are the deets. Hope everyone is having a great day!

Canoeing Kate in Denim and Brown Camp Shirt

2011-07-06T11:17:00.000+01:00

A quick post on what Kate was wearing yesterday. It was a casual day of canoeing and soaking up the local Native culture. Kate wore denim and a long sleeved brown knit camp shirt with her suede Sebago Bala moccasins and (undoubtedly purchased on this trip) silver and leather belt.

photo via Getty Images


photos via Daily Mail

There are not details available on what she is wearing, but my guess on the jeans is Paige Denim - the high rise jegging. They are available at Selfridge's where Kate did a lot of shopping before the trip. They could also be the Olympia jegging from JBrand. Both can be found HERE in the UK and HERE in the US. As for the shirt, I originally thought it was silk, but would that not be ridiculous for this occasion? On closer look, I think it is knit. There are plenty of silk versions of this out there including THIS very similar one by Michael Kors.

Kate in Malene Birger Bullet Dress

2011-07-05T21:34:00.000+01:00

Kate and Will are in Yellowknife in the North West Territories of Canada today. Will played street hockey while Kate looked on wearing a cream linen Malene Birger dress. The "Bullet" Dress has three-quarter length sleeves and a contrasting waist band. As of today, it is still available at Selfridge's. I'm guessing this will be a huge boost for this brand whose items can be found on Net-A-Porter and My Wardrobe. Most of the pieces are neutral, classic styles at fairly affordable prices.


photos via Daily Mail


photo via Daily Mail

I quite like this dress. I like the strong shoulders and the pleat detail at the waist and I LOVE linen. Again, I would love to see Kate do something more interesting with shoes, etc. (she is wearing her LK Bennett nude pumps once again). I have never seen her in this shade and I think it might be especially flattering to her because of her hair color and skin tone. Other than the navy lace Erdem, this might be my favorite so far for this trip. This is dress I would buy and wear. You can see more of Danish designer Malene Birger's collection HERE.

Kate As a Fashion Icon - Some Thoughts

2011-07-05T18:32:00.001+01:00

photos via Daily Mail

The Daily Mail ran an interesting article today on how "Kate Middleton is single-handedly changing the face of fashion". While the Kate Middleton effect has proven to be quite a powerful selling tool for a few high street shops, changing the face of fashion might be just a stretch. A better headline may have been "Kate Middelton inspires young women to dress more conservatively". What was more interesting than the article though, were some of the comments.

There were those in the "Kate is Elegant and Beautiful Camp":

Kate is very elegant , chic and very much at ease with the way she looks which gives her poise.More important than trying to be a fashion idol in some ridiculous uncomfortable "get up" She is a member of the Royal family and fast becoming a great asset to them .......not a model on the cat walk !!!!

This person actually refers to something called "royal clothes" (huh?):

I think her hemline, heel height, etc. are choices grounded with common sense. She needs to be comfortable so that she can stand and talk to people for the duration of an event. The hemline needs to be reasonable for sitting on a stage, walking down airplane stairs or getting out of a vehicle. Royal clothes must be hard-working, diplomatic, suitable for the occasion, photograph well, etc. etc. I think Catherine is doing very well juggling it all.

From the "Kate is Too Skinny" camp (lots of those):

Loving the clothes. Not loving the very bad example she's setting for being super skinny. She'd look better with hips, her dresses would hang better too. Someone tell her being a size 12 is healthy... even a 10 would be an improvement!

THIS interesting take on not overshadowing William (an interesting theory indeed considering his mother and father's legacy):

I think her paired down, understated look has been deliberate. If she had chosen bright, flirty 'novelty' pieces, she would have been accused of deliberately trying to steel the limelight from her husband, and comparisons with Diana would have been rife. As it is, the simple, elegant outfits she has chosen may be a little bland, but no one can accuse her of drawing deliberate attention to herself. Instead, the media have chosen to do that themselves by focusing on her wardrobe so much. But there is no way you can accuse Kate of being responsible for this - you can't get much more discrete than a high necked grey dress, and matching grey shoes!!!! I think she is trying to ensure that William stays in the spotlight with her. And dull though her choices may be, you cannot deny she looks polished, elegant and classy. Bang on fashion may be creative but it often isn't flattering, and I think she looks great for the role she is performing.

And, finally the "Kate Is No Fashion Icon" contingent:

Okay....yes she does dress neatly and conservatively but she is in no way a style icon...please! Sling back espadrilles, sheer pantyhose and twee matchy accessories (red shoes especially) and are hardly cutting edge stuff in 2011. That purple dress was very ill fitting and the sleeve and hem lengths on everything are more suited to a middle aged woman with bingo wings. It is all rather boringly understated and tasteful.

Yes, it seems everybody has an opinion.

What it comes down to is this - Kate is a conservative dresser who looks elegant because she chooses styles that flatter her frame. She is also confident in who she is and no amount of "fashion" can replace the effect that has on how she is perceived. Those of us who love the world of fashion, would be thrilled to see her make more interesting choices, or at the very least accessorize a bit more appropriately for her age. Mostly, I would love to see her at least consult with a stylist - she is a live canvas for fashion and the self-portrait just isn't as interesting as what could be painted by a professional. There is just something a bit off - almost as if her mother has had just a touch bit too much influence on her and that keeps her from being young and relevant. Her hair is a bit too long, the style a bit too tacky. Her lack of imagination in accessorizing seems lazy. Is that the right word? Maybe, not. For those of you who might be thinking - the Duchess of Cambridge cannot dress like Paris Hilton - I totally agree. Paris Hilton is not fashionable either - nor are most of the heiresses and actresses who are regularly over-exposed in the media. I'm thinking more along the lines of Carolyn Bessett-Kennedy. Or, her famous mother-in-law, Jackie Kennedy. These were both women who understood how to be conservative and incredibly fashionable. Kate is so close, but just not quite there. But, as my husband loves to say, "It is what it is". And what it is IS an ever evolving story that has only just begun. Stay tuned and please weigh in below. What do you think of Kate as a fashion icon?

Kate in Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen Sailor Dress

2011-07-04T17:42:00.000+01:00

Kate & Will headed to Prince Edward Island today for more handshaking and carriage riding. Kate wore a beautiful knit sailor dress by Sarah Burton.

photo via Daily Mail

I am even going to forgive her for the boring shoes, because she looks so elegant in this dress.

photos via Daily Mail

Thankfully the dress was lined and a wardrobe malfunction was avoided:

photo via Daily Mail

Kate in Blue Erdem Dress

2011-07-04T17:14:00.000+01:00

I have to be honest, when I saw Kate's latest dress, I burst out laughing. What's going on here? When she gets dressed is she thinking, "Hmmmm . . . should I wear a dress I have already worn, or should I wear a dress that looks just like a dress I have already worn?"

photo via Daily Mail

photos via Daily Mail

Kate's wearing the blue and lace Jacquenta dress from Erdem. I realize it's a completely different color than the navy lace Erdem, but really? This woman has her choice of literally thousands of dresses and she can vary no farther than same designer, same (basic) color and same style? I'm confounded. Befuddled. Utterly stumped. I'm trying to love you Kate, I really am. I am no longer even bothering to figure out the accessories. LK Bennett shoes, Anya Hindmarch clutch, you know the story. One can only help Kate is taking some accessorizing advice from this young man:


photo via Daily Mail

Ok, maybe not.

Kate & Will Cooking in Canada

2011-07-03T15:41:00.000+01:00

These are some really cute shots of the royal couple at the Institut de tourisme et d'hotellerie du Quebec last evening.

photo via Daily Mail

It's nice to see them doing something a bit more fun and relaxing. All the handshaking and smiling has to be wearing on them. I'm glued to the tennis today, so I'm not sure what these two are up to. Good things I'm sure. I'll be posting about it tonight. Happy Sunday!

Kate in Grey Catherine Walker Kensington Dress

2011-07-02T19:39:00.001+01:00

For their final day in Ottawa, Kate wore a grey Catherine Walker dress. Catherine Walker was a favorite designer of Princess Diana's. The "Kensington" dress had a great neckline detail - a pointed V collar that continued over the shoulder and ended in deep V in the back. Truly, the dress was most beautiful from the back. Kate accessorized with greyish/silver pumps and a grey Anya Hindmarch clutch.

photo via Daily Mail

Kate & Will participated in a tree planting ceremony - meaning they threw a few shovel-fulls of dirt on an already planted tree. This tree planting is apparently a family tradition as Will's great grandparents, grandparents and parents have all had their hand in the re-foresting of Canada.

photo via Daily Mail

Next they will tour the Canadian War Museum and attend a reception with veterans. The couple then leaves Ottawa and heads for Montreal where they will visit a children's hospital and attend a reception at a cooking school. Follow THIS link for more photos of the tree planting.

Kate in Purple Issa Dress

2011-07-02T14:28:00.001+01:00

Back to Issa for Kate. The purple dress she wore to a concert in Ottowa last night, was very similar to the navy dress worn back in November at her engagement announcement.

photos via Daily Mail

Let's start with the positives. I'm giving Kate a big gold star for wearing something other than white or navy (or a combination of both). Purple is a really flattering color and she certainly is glowing. Kate chose black accessories - on the whole I'm glad because it would have been very bad if she tried to go all matchy with purple accessories. Very, very bad. That being said, this ensemble is a perfect example of why it would be so much more fun and interesting for all of us if Kate understood how to accessorize. The beauty of these Issa dresses is that they are so simple and sophisticated and BEG to accessorize interestingly - a strappy shoe, a chunky bracelet, a statement necklace. She is a young, beautiful woman who accessorizes like a woman twice her age. Observe:

Now, I realize Olivia Palermo is probably the most stylish person on the planet, but who better to turn to for inspiration? Maybe Kate just feels she needs to be super conservative, and maybe she does need to be. Perhaps being more interesting would open her up to too much criticism. Playing it safe means everyone can just say - "She looks nice" or "She looks beautiful", because she does. She just doesn't look very interesting.