Green With Envy- The Duchess of Cambridge Shows Us How to Wear Green

              

          Here is a recent outfit where the jury is still out for me.  I love some of the individual pieces but somehow the way they are styled for this event just haven't clicked for me.  I decided to a post on this look anyway for the previously mentioned reason- the separate pieces really are awesome and may just need to be worn in a different way for those of us who aren't an IRL working royal princess.

Our inspiration comes from a visit the Duchess made to mark the opening of a new exhibition at the Natural History Museum in London.

Splash News

The Mulberry dress that the Duchess wore includes pleats, a pattern of peace signs and trees, a button front placket, bell sleeves and a skinny belt with gold detailing.  This is the meat of her ensemble and in modification I think can be worn by many women.  At the end of the day this is just a very dressed up shirt dress.  As soon as I saw it a dress I saw while watching television too late at night came straight to my mind.

HSN

DG2 Drop-Waist Shirt Dress with Pockets

With this dress we get the color, the top button placket, soft pleating at the waist and long sleeves.  Pretty good right?  At at the moment it can be purchased from HSN here for $29.95.  I have a dress that is made of the same fabric and it is AMAZING and won't wrinkle but still looks and feels like silk crepe de chine.

I think we need to come up with a term for things that are Catherine-Inspired but not necessarily something that is exactly the same as the item she wore.  I will put my thinking cap on and hope you can help me out as well.

Now that we have the dress down the accessories are what we have left.  We saw a new pair of earrings appear and they seem to be pear shaped emeralds surrounded by diamonds hanging from a small drop post.

My Small Obsessions/Facebook

This was a funny one to find since most jewelry on the market is just not produced in such classic shapes and designs readily on the market.  I found the following pair on eBay marketed as a replica of earrings worn by Vivien Leigh in the movie Gone with the Wind.

eBay

Gone with the Wind Earrings Hollywood Collection

Beggars can't be choosers right?  They aren't pear shaped but barring having a jeweler create the earrings for you custom I think these will do the job just right.  You can purchase these from eBay here for $58.50.

Next the belt.  This one was fun to find since there are so many skinny belts on the market but I think I found the right mix of price and style match with the following belt.

LuLus.com

Skinny Mini Green Belt

It is a great shade of green, includes the gold detailing that the Duchess' belt had and at the currently reduced price of $15.00 you really just can't day no.  You can purchase the bel from LuLu's.

Last but certainly not least are the shoes!  Almost always my favorite thing to put on everyday and I know that I am not alone on that one.  The Duchess wore her Jimmy Choo Cosmic Pumps in black suede and I have a dead on perfect match.  These are next on my list of RepliKate shoes to buy.

Nine West

Fortonight

The actual Nine West web store no longer has the Fortonight design in the black suede but Zappos.com has them in almost every size.  Listed at $69.99 they would be a great RepliKate addition to any girls wardrobe.  They can be purchased from Zappos here. 

Now my goal is never to find something as inexpensive as possible to RepliKate with but let's add this post together- $173.44 + tax.  The Duchess' dress and shoes alone were $2895 and the earrings may be priceless depending on where they came from.  I have to admit I am pretty proud of myself for that break down.

What do you guys think?  Is it the buttoned all the way to the top thing that is getting me down?  Either way- she looked great and her use of color I will applaud all day long.

Till next time- happy shopping!

Head to Knee Black Watch Tartan- Oh My!

               I am not going to lie- seeing the Duchess in full on Black Watch tartan momentarily flashed me back to the early 1990s when my step-mother used to wear dresses in a similar all-over plaid motif ala Laura Ashley.  Thank heavens though, I kept looking and realized that she may be the only one who could pull off the look with the help of the superb tailoring skills of Sarah Burton.

Personally, I would probably never wear plaid all over but it is a lovely pattern and just a splash may be just the key for the rest of us mere mortals.

Matt Treacy, BBC Radio Twitter Feed (@RadioMatty)

Below are some ideas to add in Black Watch tartan to your wardrobe.

In a pencil skirt with a black turtle neck, tights and boots.

J. Crew Factory

Pencil Skirt in Black Watch Plaid

Very limited sizes can be found from J. Crew Factory here for $44.99.

In a school girl inspired pleated skirt with side buckles.  Again with your black turtle neck, tights and boots.

Land's End

Women's Pleated Plaid Woven Side Buckle Skirt

This skirt can be purchaced from Land's End here in the Classic Navy/Evergreen Plaid pattern for $36.99.

In a blazer?  This just looks just yummy doesn't it?  I would pair it with a crisp white shirt (or black turtleneck), black skinny jeans and tall boots.

L.L. Bean

Italian Wool Blazer, Plaid

This blazer can be purchased from L.L. Bean here for 199.00.

In accessories, when all you want is to add just a touch of plaid.

FABbyCAB

Wool Clutch - Pendleton Black Watch Tartan Plaid

This clutch is made of a fine Pendleton wool, lined in a forest green dupioni silk. For an idea on size the dimension (inches) are W8xW9xH5xD2.5. For $60.00 it can be yours from FABbyCAB's Etsy store here.

And if you must insist and you can't (or won't) spring for the McQ by McQueen coat:

boobookittycouture
Vintage Inspired Blackwatch tartan full skirted dress

This dress is handmade, made to measure in any size from boobookittycouture's Etsy shop here for $205.76.  I would even dare to bet that if there is another silhouette in her shop, she could make it in this fabric pattern instead.

Once of the Duchess' footwear staples are her Aquatalia Rhumba boots.  My own version are from DSW (you can purchase them from DSW here) and are made for wide calves. They are genius comfy and share a very striking style similarity to the Rhumba boots without the high price tag (and fit!).  As soon as I find a boot that is in a regular calf size I will add them.

DSW.com

Audrey Brooke Wynne Wide Calf Boot

For those who don't have special needs calves like I do these La Canadienne boots are a great look to RepliKate the Duchess' Aquatalia boots.  They cab be purchased at DSW for $179.95 here.

DSW.com

La Canadienne Marisol Boot

Her blue sapphire earrings were worn with this outfit.  I have a few options to share below.  I have not decided on the pair I will be purchasing but here are my ideas so far:

Walmart

Lab-Created Ceylon Sapphire and Lab-Created White Sapphire Drop Earrings in Sterling Silver

There is the above pair of drop earrings that have an oval lab-created sapphire surrounded by lab-created white sapphires.  They do drop a bit more than the Duchess' do (the website lists them at 1 inch long) but they do have almost all of the same design elements.  Listed for $99.00 at the time of posting they are a great price as well.  They can be purchased from Walmart here.

Eve's Addiction

Sapphire CZ Oval Drop Sterling Silver Clip-On Earrings

The above clip-on earrings are closer to the ear and have a smaller drop from the earring post that more closely resembles the Duchess' actual pair.  They can be purchased from Eve's Addiction for $49.00 here. 

One of the items that I am still struggling to find is the black suede clutch the Dutchess carries all the time.  So far the closest thing I have found that is not $500 is below.

Target

Merona Suede Panel Clutch

This clutch bag has only a faux suede panel but has the closest shape to what Catherine carries so I am listing it here for the moment as a place holder.  If I find something better I will update this post.  At the time of this posting the bag was on clearance for $13.78 and can be purchased from Target here.

All in all- I think I am really glad she is bringing "appropriate" back.  She even inspired me to buy shoes with almost no toe cleavage.  The plaid is just so warm and cozy for this time of year and makes me remember my own days of plaid kilts and peter pan collars at school.  She just updated the idea.  I really loved it.

What did you think of all that plaid?  Any items that you are thinking of making your own?  Till next time- happy shopping!

Pretty in Pink... Or White

               We recently saw Catherine and her Prince visiting their namesake city of Cambridge and on that visit she wore the yummiest soft pink Max Mara coat.  As winter is here for many it may be time for a coat collection addition and I think what I found to RepliKate this soft look (how appropriate for a new mommy-to-be) is a good start.

Here is Mrs. Cambridge's entire ensemble for the day:

splashnews.com

There is a lot going on here for such a seemingly simple idea of coat and a dress :-)  Let's begin with the coat shall we?

I found the below coat from one of my new favorite retailers- JCPenney's.  They got company make-over and boy was it a good one!

JCPenney
Worthington® Mixed Media Coat in Pink Chiffon

The Duchess' coat was of course a wonderful mix of wool and cashmere but a $700 coat is not usually on most shopping lists for the winter.  There is a bit of fun texture going on here that her coat lacks but the silhouette and color are dead on.  Personally if I chose this coat for RepliKating purposes I would lose the bow belt since there is already so much visual interest going on here.  For $50.00 this figure flattering blush pink coat can be yours.  It comes in both women's and plus sizing and can be purchased from JCPenney here.

For a more simple look I also found a coat with the EXACT silhouette and material make-up but no pink here- sadface.  Though I may just be mad enough to buy this coat and dump a bit of petal pink RIT dye in the wash to get exactly what I want while some of you may just like the coat in the white color- it has a very mod/minimalist look this way.

piperlime.com

Tinley Road Classic Claudine Coat in White

At $74.99, this coat won't break the bank and you can always add that pop of color with the following accessory to complete the coat look in this ensemble. 

Both coats online seem to be a bit shorter than her coat but you can never tell on super tall models how they will look.  I would make sure you look at the measurements listed on the purchasing websites before committing to anything.

And here is that all too telling little pink bow.

Nordstrom

Another Line Faux Leather Belt

The sweetest detail of the coat is of course the little bow belt (wearing it upside down is optional of course).  I found this one at Nordstrom for $28.00 and can be purchased from Nordstrom's online store here.

I can't lie to you- I am not really fan of the Aquatalia booties she was rocking but I am not entirely against the idea of booties and tights.  My spin on her brown suede boots are below.

6PM.com

Nine West Earlene

I love me a Nine West shoe!  I have a very similar pair in black and they are all day comfortable and make me feel VERY tall (and at 5' 4" that is an important feeling to get).  They can be purchased from 6PM here for $75.10.

A good handbag is hard to find and boy is that the truth with the brown suede clutch she is carrying.  I now know why she bought that Russell & Bromley bag in probably every color they make it in- once you find a good shape- snap it up!

GIONbag

Leather Clutch LILO

This bag can be worn across the chest, as a shoulder bag OR as a clutch by tucking the straps in.  It is made of genuine sueded leather in Deep Brown and is priced at $99.00.  While that price may be a bit inhibitive it really and truly is the best look that I have found so far.  I of course will search till I find the perfect one (or Russell & Bromley ship to the US).  You can purchase this bag from GIONbag's Etsy shop here.

The final RepliKate that I have are her Grace Kiki McDonough earrings.  They are a halo style stud earring are a great everyday piece of bling to add to any grown-up jewelry collection.

QVC

Tacori IV Diamonique Epiphany Halo Stud Earrings

I found these watching TV too late at night but they are almost EXACT matches.  They are from the Tacori line that was made expecially for them and at 1.15 carats an earring they are a great size as well.  They can be purchased from QVC here for $75.00.

There was just one major item that I was not able to RepliKate perfectly at the moment (but I do suggest some alternative ideas below)- her animal print chiffon dress.  Most that I  found were just kinda scary grandma and would be nothing I would suggest anyone wear outside of the house.  So here goes:

Idea #1:

6PM.com

Mac & Jac Animal Crepe Chiffon Skirt

Since the bottom of her dresses is all we really ever see when she wears her coats you could wear a similar animal print skirt with a basic top in black or brown (or maybe even beige/pink).  This skirt comes in at $41.99 and is listed with the color of Frosted Rose Multi.  It can be purchased from 6PM.com here.

Idea #2:

6PM.com

Ellen Tracy Giraffe Print Dress

Here I have found a chiffon dress in an alternative animal pattern with pleating that would be beautiful peeking out from the pink or white coats above.  The draw backs are that it is lighter than the dress the Duchess was wearing and also does not have the sleeves her dress had.  But for $44.99  it is a great price for a very high-end look with great detailing.  It can be purchased from 6PM.com here.

Idea #3:

Nordstrom

Vince Camuto Leopard Print Tie Front Shirt Dress

Here is my favorite one!

It has the sleeves, it has a great print, it is the right length.  Plus- look at that tie neck! To die.  It is not nearly as soft and pretty as the original Max Mara dress but I am not gonna lie- what a fun surprise when you take off your bow belt and sweetly pink coat to reveal this sexy secretary look.  The dress is listed at $49.97 at the moment and can be purchased from Nordstrom's online store here.

Whew- that was a lot to cover in one post!  What do you all think?  Did you find anything to add to your winter wardrobe to spice things up a bit and keep a small reminder of the Duchess as she is tucked away at home resting?  

Until next time- happy shopping!

Wedgewood Blue and Lady-Like Lace and Pearls

               In many of the blogs that I follow that watch what the Duchess of Cambridge wears- there was a huge majority that felt the customized Temperley lace overlay dress in Wedgwood blue for tea at the British High Commission was on of their tour favorites in South East Asia celebrating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.  

There were a few ideas out there on how to RepliKate this look but nothing was really quite it.  But last night I had a breakthrough.  I found not one, not two but THREE great RepliKate ideas!

Let's start with the inspiration:

splashnews.com

The dress is obviously the key component here and I found three great options.  The first is  a pencil skirt dress that has the lovely color of the Duchess' dress with the lace applique only on the bust of the dress.

eBay

Closet Lace Top Pencil Dress

The dress is actually from a British retailer Closet, which I know kinda breaks with the US retailer premise of the blog, but it was too good not to share.  It can be found listed on eBay here.

But the real winner, winner, chicken dinner is what I found last night below.

Dessy

Collection Style 2878

The only kicker is- you have to order from an authorized retailer (and I have no idea what the price would be, though generally most dresses from them are in the $160-$190 range and on up).  Your most likely source is to use the Dessy store finder here and contact a local store to see about ordering options.  You can check out the dresses site here to see all the millions of color combinations available for this dress.

I must admit- this one is pretty dead on.  I know she did not have a bow sash, so for the sticklers there is one more Dessy dress that might work, it just isn't photographed in the right color combo.  It has a smaller lace pattern- and no sash.

Dessy

Collection Style 2866

It has a smaller, more delicate lace pattern and no belt and would be a second great choice from Dessy. The web page to see the color combinations is here.

For both dresses I personally like the White Lace with the Cloud Satin combo.

Now for the accessories.  There was also a large online consensus that we all LOVED her pearl pins in the often missing updo.  Below is a close-up of the Duchess' hair at the tea party:

splashnews.com

I found a great RepliKate on Etsy:

NorthwestBridal

Swarovski Pearl Bridal Hair Pins 8mm

They are listed for $12.00 for a set of 6 and you can purchase a pair from NorthwestBridal's Etsy shop here.

Personally I was not really feeling the earrings but generally light blue topaz can look beautiful in just about all presentations.  My RepliKate interpretation is from JTV.

JTV

5.20ctw Pear Shape And Baguette Glacier Topaz(Tm) And White Topaz Sterling Silver Earrings

They are listed for $49.99 and can be purchased from JTV here.

Of course she wore her trusty LK Bennett Sledge pumps.  My RepliKates are from Nine West and are wonderfully comfortable (I own this one) and are a great look for the price!

Nine West

Regola

They are currently priced at $79.00 (but they are ALWAYS running sales) and are in the Tortora Patent Leather.  They can be purchased from Nine West here.

So what do you think?  Is it time to plan a grown up tea party of your own?  Till next time- happy shopping!

How to Look Smashing Leaving the Hospital

               I have been sharing my Repli-Kate finds on Facebook but have finally decided to consolidate them all here.  There is an app for this of course- but most of the items are from the UK.  This blog is for those of us in the United States to Repli-Kate the looks of HRH the Duchess of Cambridge on a non-princess budget.

To start I will just begin with the last time that we saw her exiting the hospital with her doting husband. I was able to get pretty much the entire outfit! Of course nothing is going to be exactly the same but for those of us without a duchy to fill our pocketbooks- I will try to get a close as possible to create the same effect. 

For future posts I will just start working my way back in time (we have a bit of a rest in her appearances anyways) and I also TOTALLY welcome challenges from readers on items they haven't been able to Repli-Kate yet or would like help with.

Let's start!

Original Look:

splashnews.com

The Coat:
Old Navy has a wonderful wool coat that is a black and blue plaid with a ruffle placket. I own this coat myself and it has a lovely fit and the wool material is actually very nice for the price paid for it.

At the time of posting the coast was on sale for $45.00 and can be purchased from Old Navy here.

Old Navy

Women's Ruffled Wool-Blend Coat Black & Blue Plaid

The Scarf:
While it may be impossible to identify who made the scarf the Duchess wore there are many similar items out there.  I found this scarf on Etsy for $9.95.  Of course I snatched it up.  I have not gotten it in the mail yet but it looks lovely and you can't beat the price.

Anna Mae Designs

Luxurious Periwinkle Pashmina Scarf

Created and sold by Anna Mae Designs on Etsy it can be purchased from her Etsy shop here.


The Boots:
These were harder to find- but I prevailed.  I doubt that I will personally purchase these as I have very wide calves and can generally never wear regular sized boots- but these are dead on, even if I won't see them in person.

Very Volatile 

Women's Whistler Knee-High Boot

They are available from several retailers online starting at around $130.00 to purchase.  They can be found at several retailer but the lease expensive can be purchased from Amazon here.

With all these items- all you need to do is fill in the look with your own black tights and dress!  

Till next time- happy shopping!