Monday 19 August 2019

A Bumper End to 'Styling Kate' 2019!

We're back with a bumper edition filled with the remaining looks from our stylists this year (click here to visit Part 1 and here for Part 2). The brief was to choose a look for the Duchess for a day in the Royal Box at Wimbledon to possibly include presenting duties afterwards. We saw an eclectic mix of pieces, from vibrant florals to classic designs, and stylish jumpsuits to chic skirt and blouse combinations. You all did an outstanding job. A huge thank you to all who participated, it's evident you all put considerable thought and planning into your ensembles which made for an abundance of sartorial eye candy.


CJ - Our final round of stylists' looks begins with CJ's Wimbledon choices. She chose a sky blue sheath dress by Prabal Gurung accessorised with Dolce Vita Noles Sandals, the Bottega Veneta Acro bag and aquamarine Kate Spade earrings.


CJ - CJ also shared a jumpsuit look featuring Jason Wu's gathered poplin striped jumpsuit, Christian Louboutin Barbaclara sandals, the See by Chloe Paige bag and Claudia Bradby's Biography pearl grey earrings.


Tammy from California - "I'd like her to look sporty-chic, if this makes any sense. Chic enough to hand out awards, but a print and hairdo that say, "I'm here for the competition". Dress by Neiman Marcus in blue. I like the ties at the neck and waist. They are fun, feminine and ties representing sport- you lace up for the game. I also like the geometric pattern- "angles" of the court. For shoes, I'd like to see her in Stuart Weitzman Jennifer Suede Shoes in Navy. You can't tell in this picture, but if you go to this same shoe in cream, you can see there is a basket weave in the shoe that goes with the pattern of the dress and the bow is fun, feminine and matches the Wimbledon bow she wears as patron. For earrings I'd like something small, so as not to take away the tie at the top of her dress. I'd like to see white-ish earrings though and think her Hope Egg earrings from Links Of London would be nice. For her hair, I like the chic pony she rocked at the 2017 Chelsea flower show. For sporting events, I love it. She could wear her blue Cartier watch to add to the sport feel of the outfit and it keeps with the blue color of her shoes while the silver goes well with the earrings.  I'd like to see her borrow a look from sis-in-law Meghan with Le Specs Bandwagon Sunglasses in Raw Sugar with blue polarized lenses."

Couch Potato - Couch Potato chose the Coast Sidney Jumpsuit as "a departure" from Kate's usual style for Wimbledon. The white floral piece is styled with Kate's LK Bennett Natalie clutch, Asos Pimkie yellow block heel sandals and Claudia Bradby Couture Pearl Stud earrings.


Downton Abbey Fan - "The small circles on the green jumpsuit kind of reminded me of tennis balls on the lawn." The Phase Eight Adelina spot print jumpsuit is teamed with Kate's Rupert Sanderson Calice pink pumps, Kate's Kiki Morganite earrings, Longchamp round sunglasses in havana/grey and a delicate Annoushka bracelet.


Nancy USA - Nancy chose Victoria Beckham's neon pink cap sleeve dress from the Autumn/Winter 2019 Collection styled with Kate's Office Nina block heel sandals, Stuart Weitzman Muse clutch in black, Kate's Cassandra Goad Cavolfiore Pearl earrings, Cartier watch and Ray Ban wayfarers.


Jen - "I think this classic Picture of Björn Borg and John McEnroe should serve as inspiration for Kate." (See the iconic image here). A red and white diagonal stripe Topshop dress would be worn with Kate's very popular Office Nina sandals, Victoria Beckham's Quincy tote and Kate's In2Design baroque pearl earrings.


Annika - Boston - "I went for Wimbledon whites, since I just love the fresh summery look." Annika selected the Susannah Starflower Midi Knot Tea Dress. The floral dress is accessorised with Stuart Weitzman Nudist Leather sandals, a wicker and crocodile tote bag by Nancy Gonzalez and Fallon Fern swag earrings. Ray Ban Youngster sunglasses and half up-half down hairstyle complete the look.


Phyl (better known as the always informative Solid Moonlight on Twitter) - It's the J Crew 'Going Places' Dalmatian Print tweed dress styled with LK Bennett Fern Pumps in grass green suede, the LK Bennett Madeline clutch in mint suede, Kate's Monica Vinader Siren earrings and Kate's Bvlgari sunglasses. A bouncy blow out and Kate's Wimbledon pin complete the ensemble.


Rachel - Rachel chose the Alexander McQueen Deconstructed Rose Torn Dress in blue, ivory and black. It's accessorised with Kate's Office Nina block heel shoes (easily one of the most popular pairs in Kate's closet judging by this year's stylists' choices), Kate's Victoria Beckham Quincy bag and blue topaz Kiki McDonough jewellery.


MiLady - Like Pam from Boston, MiLady fell in love with the Finn Floral Embroidered dress by Erdem. The dress is styled with Kiki McDonough Lola blue topaz and diamond earrings, Kate's Dolce & Gabbana Sicily bag and blush Gianvito Rossi 105 pumps.


Erin NZ - "For Wimbledon, I have chosen the LK Bennett ‘Lou’ dress in pink and paired it with her Rupert Sanderson ‘Calice’ pumps. I have chosen the Strathberry midi tote in white/rose/burgundy, her Bvlgari 'BV8170’ sunglasses and some new jewellery alongside her Cartier watch. The Mappin & Webb ‘Masquerade’ earrings and Cartier ‘Love’ bracelet in white gold with diamonds set in. Of course, her Wimbledon bow would also be worn."


Hope from USA - "I decided to mostly recycle. So I'd start with one of my favorite dresses, the LK Bennett Lasa dress worn in Australia. Pairing it with her Victoria Beckham Quincy Bag as it big enough to hold what she will need for the day. I'd love to see her wear the bracelet Camilla gave her, and her double leaf gold earrings. I was also thinking that since she is now a patron of Wimbledon, maybe she needs a diamond tennis bracelet!Sunglasses and her Wimbledon bow are both a must."


Inez of Sweden - Inez would style the Duchess in in the Stella McCartney + NET SUSTAIN Laurieton polka-dot stretch-cady mini dress. Styled with Kate's Office Nina block heel shoes, black suede Mulberry Bayswater clutch, Ray Ban sunglasses, Cartier Ballon Bleu watch and Sydney Evan Mini Bee 14-karat gold, diamond and sapphire earrings.


Sofy - Sofia created a look with by raiding Kate's own wardrobe for inspiration. She chose her Hurst Rose Print Erdem top and skirt first worn in Poland in 2017, Kate's Brora gold charm earrings, Kate's red croc Mulberry Darley bag and the Hobbs Albini shoes.


Beth W7372 - Beth chose the Reiss Mariona Nude Pleated Midi Dress, Kate's Kiki Morganite and diamonds earrings and the look is finished off with a pair of Aquazzura nude crocodile printed leather pumps.


 Karolina Joanna - "Every year when is time of Wimbledon I hope that Duchess Kate would wear beautiful tailored suit from McQueen which she worn in Singapore and India.Unfortunately it didn't happen but I still can dream and show us my creation. I would add to white colour of Wimbledon lively touch of red.Shoes from Rossi are formal and smart. Handbag and earrings are funny, summery accessories. I try to keep balance between formality and fun with fashion."


Smiley - Smiley selected the white and navy Hobbs London Harbour shift dress with Kate's LK Bennett Art navy block pumps and new yellow gold and diamond jewellery from Mappin & Webb.


Andrea from New York - "I love Kate in white which she famously said was her favorite color and I think Emilia Wickstead could become her go to designer for Wimbledon trophy presentations so I chose Emilia Wickstead’s Cloque midi dress in white." The dress is styled with Schutz Ada metallic stack heel sandals, a clutch by Anne Grand-Clément, Kate's Cartier watch, Dolce & Gabbana Devotion sunglasses, the Queen Mother's Sapphire Diamond Fringe earrings and the Art Deco bracelet Charles gave the Duchess.


Couch Potato - "I turned to Kate favourite LK Bennett for a blue and white skirt with a bow combined with a white blouse from Hobbs." LK Bennett Sila navy patent leather court shoes, diamond drop earrings and a Messika bangle from Mappin & Webb complete the look.

German Girl - "I adore Kate Spade, so of course it had to be a dress by her! The Adette is simply beautiful." The lavender and cream dress is teamed with Kate's LK Bennett Fern pumps, amethyst stud earrings and a new pair of Tom Ford Geraldine sunglasses.


S - S put together a look featuring the Reiss Marlie Contrast Pleat Midi Skirt, a camel Halluber t-shirt, Kate's Nina Office block heel shoes (the most popular shoes in Kate's closet), Kate's Annoushka pearl earrings and a freshwater cultured pearl bracelet.


Unknown - Unknown chose the Loro Piana Short-Sleeve Polo-Top Pleated-Skirt Cashmere-Silk Midi Dress for an outing in the Royal Box. The dress would be worn with red Ferragamo Varina ballet flats, Jaeger Kate navy quilted bag, Asprey Oak Leaf earrings and Ray Ban sunglasses.


Unknown - Unknown also chose a look featuring Erdem's Kasia Cotton Midi dress, Kate's Dolce & Gabbana Sicily bag, Jimmy Choo Amely sandals, Kiki pink tourmaline and green amethyst earrings, Kate's Bvlgari sunglasses and rose pink nail polish.

Nicole M - "For the dress I have chosen a German label called "Hallhuber" in color elfenbein." Nicole styled the dress with Stuart Weitzman Nudistsong sandals in basket brown suede, the Michael Kors Mercer handbag, Kiki McDonough Signatures Champagne Quartz earrings and Chanel Rouge Noir.


Elle - "I thought it would be wonderful to see Kate in Victoria Beckham - after all at such a major UK event, shouldn't Kate wear a UK designer? - and I chose this lovely, yet simple soft pink midi length dress for Kate. Accessorized with her new purse that she carried on her first outing at Wimbledon this year and these L.K. Bennett sandal heels. For jewelry, I would love to see the 4 pearl necklace that Kate wore in Paris and Poland with the large round earrings. And then of course her Wimbledon bow (which should look lovely on the soft pink. And her black Givenchy sunglasses. Kate should wear her hair in a ponytail for a nice change."


Clara - Clara selected the Lela Rose Wool Crepe Handkerchief Sleeve Fitted V Neck Sheath dress. The dress is styled with Ted Baker Asselys light pink bow detail court shoes, Pear-Shaped Morganite and Diamond Accent Flame Drop Earrings in 10K Rose Gold and a matching pendant, a Swarovski tennis deluxe bracelet, pink satin Prada sunglasses and Tiffany T Butterfly sunglasses.


Oliver UK - "Well, as I was one that thought she'd 'struck out' this season- with three clear misses, I’d better enter this one! Lol. I’ve gone for simple cool summer dressing with minimalist modern accessories. There’s any number of options one could take with the dress, with patent and assorted pops of colour for accessories. For the Duchess, I’ve left it very simple and clean with minimal “tricks”. She’s a rather “classic” person, to be honest. I think the object is therefore to dress “her” and not satisfy my own personal desires. So this is what I’ve gone with, I had to search the “summer sale” racks to make this happen!" Oliver chose the HVN Maria Cherry-Print Button-Down Midi Dress styled with a Mark Cross Murphy Mini Bucket bag with red interior, Ray Ban wayfarers, Kiki citrine and diamond drop earrings and Kate's Cartier watch.


Anon 183 - Anon 183 would style the Duchess in Goat Fashion's Edelweiss dress featuring a geometric patterned organza with silver lamé and pink diamonds. It's accessorised with Russell & Bromley Park Ave pumps, Monica Vinader Riva Large Cocktail Hoops and Nura Teardrop mixed eternity diamond ring complete the look.


S. from E. - "Kate used to love Goat (although she hasn't worn this label in a while), so I chose a very "Jackie O" blue dress from their collection. New diamond studs (the round shape should pick up the shape of the buttons on the dress) and Kate's Cartier watch. To change up her usual style, I would have her wear flats especially for an event like Wimbledon. A navy patent clutch by L.K. Bennett to match the navy ballet flats."


B - For our final look this year, B shared a Brandon Maxwell pleated button-up shirt dress from the SS19 Collection. It would be worn with Polly Wales Celeste Gold Sapphire earrings, the Rosantico Perseo gold-tone tote, red sandals by The Row, Chloe Sunglasses and Kate's hair styled in a ponytail.


And that's a wrap for 2019! As we head towards the close of the summer season, we expect to see the Cambridges spending time with the Queen, Prince Philip and other royals at Balmoral shortly, most likely over the weekend. If they are in Scotland on Sunday, we should see photos of them arriving at Crathie Kirk.

Tuesday 13 August 2019

Our Stylists' Wimbledon Submissions (Part 2)

Are you all enjoying a nice summer? This evening we're back with a second batch of submissions from our talented stylists, who chose their ideal looks for the Duchess to wear to Wimbledon. There's an abundance of designers and brands, familiar looks from Kate's wardrobe, trendy jumpsuits and everything from summery floral hues to classic neutrals. There are plenty of gorgeous options for a day of tennis. Enjoy!


Princess May - "My goals--Duchess Catherine has a simple, classic style I want to stay in line with; it is a sporting event, so perhaps be a little sporty; she is a sponsor, so align the colors with the green and purple ribbon she wears." May would like to see the Duchess in a custom dark green version of the Altuzarra Sunday striped ribbed dress. Styled with white Jimmy Choo sandals and a green croc Nancy Gonzalez bag. May added "Black Tahitian pearls naturally glimmer green and purple, so her jewelry in black Tahitian pearls/white gold." And to finish off the look "Pull her hair into a scarf wrapped ponytail with this (which should only show the colors, not the pattern)."


Sofy - For a day in The Royal Box, Sofy chose the Catherine Walker Jardin dress which features "a swirl of English garden features". The dress is accessorised with Kate's cushion cut green amethyst Kiki McDonough earrings, Kate's much loved Aspinal Mayfair bag in lilac and Kate's LK Bennett cross strap nude sandals.


Suffolk Sarah - "This is quite formal, but very 'Kate' I think, so it would be for a trophy presentation day rather than a visit earlier in the fortnight." Sarah selected Gucci's Silk Blend Midi Dress with contrasting red and navy striped detailing. A tennis ball shaped Tifosa bag and navy Gianvito Rossi pumps compliment the dress. The look is completed with Kate's Asprey pendant in ruby and rose gold earrings.


Georgina - Georgina chose the cream Bethany wool-crepe Jumpsuit by Roland Mouret for Wimbledon. The statement piece is styled with Prada glossed textured-leather pumps, a YSL gold metallic Loulou shoulder bag and Kate's Cassandra Goad Temple of Heaven earrings.


Flora - "I love Kate's summer style! Especially with more wavy hair!". Flora would love to see Kate wearing a jacquard floral cream Alexander McQueen dress styled with Rupert Sanderson Malory pumps in lapis, an intricate blue and gold bag by Magnetic Midnight and Kate's Ray Ban Wayfarers. In2Design pearl earrings complete the look.


Bluefire - Bluefire chose the Kholoe Alphabet Check Patterned Pleat dress. It would be worn with Tom Ford's Small Tara shoulder bag, Kate's L.K. Bennett Floret pumps, Chaumet Paris earrings and a Portofino watch.


Anonymous - "This 100% silk dress from Madderson London has a fresh and summery print, and more importantly hits at the knee for comfort and a level of appropriateness. I would style it with Kate's navy pumps and navy clutch, but she has a plethora of different options in her closet."


Maria in Germany - "I went with a vibrant green lace dress by Dolce & Gabbana that just represents summer to me!" The sleeveless Dolce & Gabbana dress is teamed with a pair of off-white Jimmy Choo Romy pumps, Kate's Kiki Grace studs, Jimmy Choo's Latte Calf Leather Bowling bag and Kate's Bvlgari sunglasses.


Carlie Renae - Carlie Renae went for a splash of bubblegum pink with Goat Fashion's Iris dress with fluted tier detail. The dress is styled with a pair of nude Emmy London Rebecca shoes, Kate's Dolce & Gabbana Sicily bag, Kiki Morganite earrings, Kate's Cartier Ballon Bleu watch and Ray-Ban sunglasses.


Anna Cecilia - Anna Cecilia chose a separates look featuring Roland Mouret's white gazar cloque Braxton top worn with KAOA fashion green culottes and Will's Vegan sandals, which are ethically made in Portugal.


Anonymous - "On the first tour of Canada shortly after the wedding she wore a blue and white two piece outfit on, I believe Prince Edward Island. I think the designer was Sarah Burton. I loved it so much I would have bought it if I could have afforded it. She then wore it again to Wimbledon. Perhaps my favorite of all her outfits and I think it would be great for her to wear it again at Wimbledon."


Little Miss Sunshine - "I resisted temptation to look for a new dress and instead decided to build my outfit around a dress Kate already owns. The Emilia Wickstead midi dress from the India Tour would totally be Kate's style considering her past preference for midi dresses at Wimbledon. Also, I prefer the simplicity of a light colour for this event. To really differentiate this look from the last time she wore the dress, I would style her hair up in a high ponytail." The dress is styled with Kate's brown Ray Ban wayfarers, Annoushka Dream Catcher rose gold earrings and Steve Madden rose gold pumps.


Anonymous - Anonymous chose Erdem's sunny yellow Kirstie floral print silk voile midi dress styled with Jimmy Choo Romy 100 Patent Leather pumps, Kiki lavender amethyst earrings and Kate's Aspinal of London Mayfair bag in lilac.


Sunny - "While I was browsing the Emmy London page, I fell in love with a set of pumps + clutch.  I know that they are a bit too formal for Wimbledon, but Kate definitely needs them in her closet! I tried to style an outfit around them and would suggest a longer (looks just more professional) version of this Paule Ka dress."



Unknown - Unknown would love to see Kate wearing Erdem's Efinn floral-print crepe midi dress styled with Kate's Catherine Zoraida Fern Hoop earrings, and a pair of her navy pumps.


Unknown - Unknown was torn between two looks; her other possibility was Preen's Serelida asymmetric ruffled floral-print crepe de chine dress worn with her red Gianvito Rossi pumps, Accessorize Polly Petal earrings, Kate's red Miu Miu bag and Ray Ban sunglasses.

Elise - "Jumpsuits are super comfortable, but still formal, so I decided to base my outfit off of a jumpsuit." The Phase Eight Nerissa Floaty Jumpsuit is styled with the Coach Charlie Leather carryall bag, Nicholes Aldo sandals in bone, Kate's In2Design baroque pearl earrings and her favourite Ray Ban wayfarers. Elise adds: "Her hair would also be done in a half-back style with curled ends."


Gigi - "I love this styling challenge! Wimbledon is such a fun event, but it presents a few challenges--weather, sitting for a long period of time, something that looks good waist up as well as full length. I saw some amazing Pucci geometric and Dolce & Gabbana florals that I loved, but here is what I settled on: A dress from a designer that I don't think Kate has worn before, Cefinn. The two tone dress is bold, but not too bold, and would be flattering on Kate. I love the belt and the length. It also combines red and pink, both of which she wears often and look great with her dark hair. I chose the Aspinal Midi Madison Tote in Peony Saffiano. She always wears cute purses for Wimbledon and I don't think she has a pink purse yet. I coordinated that purse with the Gianvito Rossi Portofino sandals in the same pale pink. The sandals are a bit trendy with the ankle strap, but I think they would look amazing on her."


Philly - "Okay. Here goes. Erdem Polly Dress: The photos include a back belt option which Catherine likes. I chose this as redemption for some of her Erdem choices of the past. There were other lovely options in the 2019 collection I also thought highly suitable, but this one is youthfully fresh and works equally for Catherine and Wimbledon. Just because she’s never quite jazzy enough for me with her shoes I chose the Peep toe Point Shoes in Black to riff off the belt. Then this Valentino Shoulder Bag to complement the green tones in the dress. She could also carry her favourite white tote instead, but something new is always nice. White Butterfly Sunglasses by Chanel and Blue Moonstone earrings or she could select from several of the blue, green or pearl options she already owns. Add her go-to Cartier watch and style the hair either half up or in a messy ponytail so that the earrings aren’t lost in her gorgeous hair. Frankly, I’d like to see her try a messy bun, but I doubt that will ever happen. If it does, I’ll eat bluhare’s hat."


Maria - Like several others, Maria's eye was caught by a jumpsuit. The Emilia Wickstead vivid green Cloqué Jumpsuit is styled with Kate's Office Nina Sandals the YSL uptown tote in shiny medium leather, Kate's Cassandra Goad Temple of Heaven sandals and Givenchy sunglasses.


We'll be back with a bumper Part 3 with the remaining looks!