Friday 20 July 2012

Kate Middleton, Stella McCartney, the Olympics and a Steal

How gorgeous did the Duchess look yesterday in the Stella McCarteny 3/4 length sleeve Olympian blue crepe shift dress? Some people are claiming that this was Kate's most fashion-forward outfit to date. I'd have to disagree. While on trend and chic (Stella is a very popular go-to designer amongst fashionista's; you only have to look at her spotty illusion dress), it was still a very conservative, demure style. It was also very 'Kate' - the cinched in waist, the hem-line, covered up arms.....It also had a whopping price tag: £515.

I like some of Stella's designs; they're laid-back chic, crisp but there are other designer labels I would prefer to see Kate wear. However, the dress looked fantastic on the Duchess, especially teamed with the timeless Prada footwear. What's more, Stella is the official designer for the British Olympic kit, so it was really a great outfit choice by the Duchess.

Instyle



I like the look, and I also believe it's such a simple design to emulate and incorporate into your own wardrobe, so I've had a nosey around the Internet to bring you a brand new style steal!

My number one choice is this lovely dress by Closet - sold through Dorothy Perkins. It comes in at only £45.

Brandalley, the online outlet retailer, is selling Closet clothes very cheap at the moment. Closet is a great label to go to if you are looking for dresses with tell-tale Kate features (waist-detailing, tailored) that are cheap. 

Second up is a stunning dress from Whistles. The Camille jersey dress is a little dearer than Closet and comes in at £95. I think the Whistles dress is a little closer to the mark, but it's also more expensive, and I'm conscious of the fact I often offer quite expensive alternatives to Kate's outfits.




Don't forget to team your dress with black courts and a gold neckless, and don't forget to let me know what you think of the alternatives by rating below. Tick the box that most applies!

Happy shopping and have a great weekend!

Tuesday 17 July 2012

Kate Middleton in Matthew Williamson

I think we all remember the customised Matthew Williamson dress Kate wore to the African Cats premiere, well it's available on net-a-porter and has almost sold out (even with a £1000 price tag)!


It's safe to say that this is out of most peoples price range, but never fear, I have found an alternative!

Why not try this Almari dress on for size? It's only £65 and is a very versatile, sophisticated little number, which can be worn in summer or winter (with a tailored jacket).

To make some impact, like Kate, add some turquoise to the outfit by investing in this J. Crew neckless. It's £120, but it is 18-karat gold-plated and can be worn with lots of other outfits.


Team with some navy or black courts and matching clutch for the ultimate sleek clutch!


Tuesday 10 July 2012

Kate Middleton's Style: The Suede Jacket

The moment I saw pictures of the Duchess of Cambridge stepping out in a brown suede jacket at the Golden Metropolitan Polo Club Charity Cup polo match in June this year, I instantly fell in love with it. It's on trend - bomber style and cropped with a detailed design - versatile and an investment.

As far as I am aware, the jacket has not been identified, but it is reminiscent of a couple of designs by Ralph Lauren, Lot78 (Pippa Middleton has been spotted wearing one of their designs, I think) and the new Burberry A/W13 collection ( denied by their PR team). It could, however, be a McQueen design; we all know Kate loves a high-end, long-lasting jacket.



Any how, I have been on the hunt for a similar design on the high street at an affordable price. I have three options for you. The first is a jacket by the high street chain Zara. It comes in at £99.99.

The second jacket is from Revolution clothing. It costs $147.00.


The last option isn't brown,but it is a gorgeous autumnal shade of red. It's also the most expensive at £330 (reduced from £825) and designed by Lot78. If I had £330 this would be my A/W investment.

Happy shopping and Kate style hunting! Don't forget to rate whether you want to steal the style, have stolen the style, or if the style isn't for you.