The Royal Tour – My favourite looks from (N)Z to A

Posted on April 27, 2014 by fashion-mommy

The Royal tour of New Zealand and Australia is now officially over, and by any standards, it has been an absolute triumph for Prince William, Duchess Kate and the gorgeous baby Prince George. Kate’s wardrobe, as ever, has been a joy for fashion lovers, with a definite emphasis on something old, something new, jewellery borrowed, and something blue.

Before the tour, there had been lots of speculation about Kate’s wardrobe, with some saying The Queen had asked for more jewellery, more designer wear and longer skirts. I personally think Kate’s wardrobe proved to be a total triumph that stayed true to her fashion roots. There were splashes of High Street with a beautiful LK Bennett dress(featured here on Friday’s celeb post), lots of new designer looks from Erdem, Alexander McQueen and Lela Rose amongst others. But Kate still recycled looks from the past, including the Luis Spagnoli red suit she wore before her wedding, and hats were kept to a minimum, with a lot of bare-headed looks and lots of flowing hair.

With the tour now over, I have spent a leisurely few hours looking at every single look from the two countries. I have chosen my personal favourites from the tour for this post, and would love to know what your favourite look was.

I have also added a few Kate inspired items for a get the look at the end of the post.

Alexander McQueen

Emilia Wickstead and a Jane Taylor Hat

Roksanda Ilincic

Zimmerman Dress

Alexander McQueen and a Jane Taylor Hat

Roksanda Ilincic

Alexander McQueen

Lela Rose

Get the look

Marios Schwab/EDITION Was £135.00 Now £80.00 Now £54.00 click to visit Debenhams

Marios Schwab/EDITIONNow £54.00
click to visit Debenhams

Mary Portas The twist dress short sleeve £69.30 click to visit House of Fraser

Adrianna Papell Cap Sleeve Grupere Lace £170 click to visit House of Fraser

Shubette Guipere lace dress with satin dress coat £250 click to visit House of Fraser

Side Knot Dress £47.20 click to visit Kaliko

LISANNE DRESS
£125.00 click to visit Coast

Designer pale pink belted fit and flare dress £60 click to visit Debenhams

Crepe Shift Dress
£16.00 click to visit George at Asda

Friday Fashion – Duchess Kate and more looks from the New Zealand Tour

Posted on April 11, 2014 by fashion-mommy

I have to say I am loving the range of looks that Kate Middleton has been wearing on the Royal Tour of New Zealand. Even though, yet again, she has been criticised for playing it safe, and even ‘looking like an air hostess’, I think Kate has been showcasing a great range of British fashion, wearing two of her favourite designers in Jenny Packham and Alexander McQueen. There have also been a nod to trend, with vibrant blue and midi lengths being part of the look.

Alexander McQueen

For a visit to the Blenheim War Memorial Kate wore an Alexander McQueen bespoke frock coat in the most gorgeous shade of Periwinkle blue. This is one of my favourite Kate looks of all time, not least because I think her hair looks fabulous in this jaunty, 1950s style pony tail. Once again I think Kate is taking inspiration from the past – this frock coat is has quite a 40s feel, almost a utility style, but in that rich blue shade, Kate looks just beautiful. A total hit from my point of view.

I think Sarah Burton and Alexander McQueen are a great fit, although the more fanciful, dramatic elements of McQueen design are toned down for the Duchess. Selfridges has just had a new drop of McQueen styles, some of which would be perfect for Kate, and I do wonder whether we will see any of these looks, albeit in some bespoke, unique form?

Kate could definitely wear these.

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Engineered stretch-knit dress
£1,125 click to visit Selfridges

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Two-tone dress £1,265 click to visit Selfridges

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Monochrome print stretch-knit dress £995 click to visit Selfridges

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Sweetheart crepe gown £1,395 click to visit Selfridges

Jenny Packham

Jenny Packham is another favourite for Duchess Kate, particularly for evening occasions. For a state reception at Government House, Kate turned once again to the designer. In elegant black and silver, Kate looked stunning. This dress had a boat style neckline, with a silver-embroidered fern across one shoulder. Midi length, this reminded me of styles from both the 1930s Hollywood films, and from the 1970s cocktail hour looks. It also reminded me of a memorable Charlize Theron look.

Inspiration

Hedy Lamarr

Victoria Beckham

Charlize Theron

Kay Francis

Jenny Packham at Debenhams

Designer navy pleated embellished dress £140 click to visit Debenhams

Designer dark blue lace sequinned shift dress £130 click to visit Debenhams

Designer navy embellished shoulder midi dress £99 click to visit Debenhams

What do you think of Kate’s looks so far?

Kate wears Tory Burch for a visit to Plunket

Posted on April 9, 2014 by fashion-mommy

Prince George may well have stolen the show, as well as toys belonging to other babies, but Duchess Kate showed, once again, her impeccable fashion credentials during a visit to Plunket, a New Zealand well baby programme, on the second day of the Royal Tour. Opting for a stylish, yet practical option, Kate was able to get down on the floor and play with the baby prince, whilst looking cool and elegant – and that is no mean feat.

The monochrome, graphic print dress that Kate wore was the Paulina dress from American designer Tory Burch. I’m not sure if Kate has ever worn Tory Burch clothing before, the designer is better known for her accessories and highly coveted flat shoes, but sister Pippa is certainly a fan, and has worn Tory Burch pieces on many occasions.

The Paulina dress that Kate chose was another perfect choice. Short sleeved, and in a soft, open knit, the stretch allowed the Duchess to sit and play on the floor with the adorable baby prince. A simple, elegant design, the pattern assured that minimal accessories were needed. The dress is available at Net-a-Porter (although it currently says all sizes will be available soon at the moment).

Tory Burch
Paulina open-knit dress
£390
click to visit Net-A-Porter

Print dresses are a great way to tap into pattern, and are versatile enough for any occasion. You can add a blazer and heels, or a denim jacket and flat ballerina pumps, to get two very different, and yet effective, stylish and totally wearable looks. There are some great print dresses on the High Street and internet at the moment, as these are also a perfect transitional piece.

Get the look – Print dresses