Kate’s first outfit, an off-white REISS dress (the same one she wore in the couple’s official engagement photos), a patriotic maple leaf brooch borrowed from Queen Elizabeth (presented to her by the Queen mom when she first visited Canada in 1939), and a crimson red maple leaf fascinator by Sylvia Fletcher at Lock and Co. Normally we’d consider her bright red pumps matchy-matchy, but worn in the Nation’s capital on Canada Day – they’re the perfect finishing touch.
Moving from Ottawa to Yellowknife, Canada, Will and Kate joined the locals in a street hockey game. Her linen dress is by Danish-born British high street designer Malene Birger. Catherine opted to stay on the sidelines and cheer for the Duke, reportedly explaining that if not for her nude L.K. Bennett heels, she would have joined in the game herself. She had me at nude heels…
Lastly, her Highness wore a navy lace dress called “the Cecile dress” designed by Erdem. The dress can be found in their pre-spring 2012 collection. Kate paired her stunning navy lace dress with her L.K.Bennett Sledge2 patent nude pumps. Her style is so classic, and so-spot-on PRINCESS PERFECT!
Jonathan Adler is a design company offering gorgeous pieces for your home. Celebrities like Lauren Conrad are fans, and so am I. When I moved from West Hollywood to Brentwood back in February, I took it as an excuse for some redecorating. I ordered these gorgeous “K” and “D” letter pillows (we know I’m a sucker for anything monogrammed), and a custom British Flag (Union Jack) pillow in 20 by 22 (inches). Call it the Commonwealth connection (or the year I lived in England), but I’ve always been drawn to all-things-British… and they don’t offer my home-and-native land – Canada’s – flag. Hand made in Peru, my pillows took three and a half months to be ready. After picking them up, and placing them on display on my chocolate-brown leather couch… I’m in ♥.
Kate Middleton, her Royal Highness Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge wore ‘LK Bennett’ black patent wedges the day after her wedding, shown with new husband; William, Duke of Cambridge.
Last Friday’s Royal festivities are still top of mind for many – whether you’ve had your fill of Will and Kate, we’ll definitely be seeing the new Duchess of Cambridge’s style influences for years to come. Kate’s classic, elegant and understated outfits emphasis her long and lean figure – without trying too hard. Above she’s wearing British designer LK Bennett’s black patent “Greta” cork wedges. Paired with a blue chiffon dress (notice the thin black belt) and black jacket… Kate’s a 10!
So let’s take a style cue from the newest member of the Royal family – starting with “less is more”.
“Marry Prince William? I’d love that. Who wouldn’t want to be a princess?” – Britney Spears
Sorry Brit, that ship has sailed.
This Friday, April 29th marks one of the biggest days in nuptial history. Prince William of Wales KG FRS (William Arthur Philip Louis; born June, 21st 1982), the elder son of Charles, Prince of Wales, and the late Diana, Princess of Wales – will marry Catherine Elizabeth “Kate” Middleton (born January 9th, 1982). In full royal-fashion, their Westminster Abbey wedding has earned the UK a bank holiday. After their engagement was announced last year (November 16th, 2010), the world has been counting down to the big day. Who will Kate be wearing? It’s rumored to be the British fashion house of the late Alexander McQueen. 4 more days… until the festivities begin at 4am EST.
Matt Lauer and Meredith Viera will host a NBC Royal Special Wednesday, and E! News will also be on the scene. Not to mention the blogosphere and press coverage from the 1,000 BBC and 400 CNN workers assigned to the wedding. For those of us without an invite (or plane ticket), we can wake up in the early North America hours to our TVs and royal-high-tea. I’ve already got a date.
And for the countless women (myself included) following Kate’s style – her red suit above is Luisa Spangoli, paired with a Hollie de Keyser belt purchased from a Knightsbridge boutique. Her trench coat is by Burberry – selling out within one day of her wearing it (how Oprah-effect). And finally, her hot-blue dress worn while attending a wedding at St Andrews with William is by Issa. Her go-to London designer also responsible for her November engagement announcement dress. While Kate’s turned down offers to grace the cover of VOGUE, and keeps quiet while William shines – we can’t help but LOVE this girl next door turned princess and future Queen of England. Not bad.
What will she be wearing next? Her family’s new coat of arms. It just keeps getting better for Kate.
if you’re visiting New York City any time soon, here are a few stores you DO NOT want to miss…
SoHo is a must-see for it’s energizing vibe and FASHION. From Madewell (J.Crew’s sister company), TOPSHOP (the only US retail store for the British fashion-force), lululemon (go Canada!), UNIQLO and m0851 (more Northern exposure South of the border) – you can lose yourself for hours… I did.
Madewell: Madewell is a more edgy version of it’s tried, tested and true parent company J.Crew. It’s more edgy, think West Coast and SoHo style compared to Upper East Side timeless classics of mama-Crew – or creative visions from Alexa Chung versus Jenna Lyons. Most pieces are a bit more affordable, although it varies. Madewell stores used to only be in NYC, but they’re quickly spreading across the country. And with J.Crew slated to enter Canada this year, who knows?
TOPSHOP: If you don’t know TOPSHOP, you NEED to. Currently in over 20 counties, it offers Kate Moss designer collaborations and British-European fresh styles you can’t help but love. As a bonus, the SoHo store has a free Personal Shopper Service. I had the pleasure of trying this service with Personal Shopper Brittany Barnato and was thoroughly impressed with her great sense of style, and ability to streamline the shopping process. She even shipped my items back to LA for me – saving sales tax and overweight baggage fees. I highly recommend trying this complementary service. With four floors and a ton of great stuff, efficiency is key. Thank you Brittany!
lululemon: Canada’s West Coast Vancouver pride is sweeping the US as stores pop up all over (and globally!). I’ve loyally worn and loved ‘lulu’ since it’s debut in 2000. Their ‘luon’ snugging fabric flatters like no other. As impressive as their stylish active and leisurewear, is their company culture, community outreach and overall brand values. I’m a big fan and promoter of their free yoga classes where they have local instructors rotate in each week. A great way to try a new practice.
UNIQLO: “a new-style Japanese firm making good casual clothes available for all to wear” – the slogan says it all. And you can’t beat the $everyday price point! I was in search of a vest a friend bought there, but ended up with K-Way workout jackets, a fleece, and white hooded sweatshirt with faux fur collar. I’m hoping to see many US stores soon follow this New York global flagship.
m0851: Formerly known as “Rugby North America” this Montreal-based global retailer prides itself on high quality leather pieces and clothing that aren’t branded. I first discovered it back in high school (more than a decade ago, ahem…) and it’s been one of my top five consistent retail indulgences ever since. I even found it once in a boutique in Sydney while traveling in Australia.
Of course New York City’s shopping extends beyond SoHo – next stop is midtown for the J.Crew store at Rockefeller Plaza (further North I also enjoy the Columbus Circle store). There are too many J.Crew’s in the city to list, but special mentions should be made as you continue uptown to their specialty boutiques: No. 1035 is the exclusive Madison Avenue women’s shop dedicated to the Collection label (limited edition, seasonally updated items), plus one-of-a-kind products and vintage pieces; a Crewcuts store was recently opened on Madison Avenue, and back South in SoHo a dedicated jewelry and accessories shop was added to the Prince Street store. J.Crew’s first-ever Bridal Boutique opened last spring at 769 Madison Avenue. And not to be outdone by the girlls, two men’s-only stores are now in downtown Manhattan—The Liquor Store and The Men’s Shop. For a retailer that opened it’s first store in 1989 (after six years of successful catalog sales) in Manhattan’s South Street Seaport – it’s no surprise they are proudly representing all over the city.
So the next time you’re in New York City… make me proud. shop well. and shop smart!!
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