Saturday 30 April 2011

Kate's Other Outfit for the Wedding

Of course we all saw Kate (now HRH the Duchess of Cambridge) in her simple yet stunning wedding gown, designed by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen, but did you get a glimpse of her in her other "party" dress?

Here's a picture of Kate in an equally gorgeous gown (also made by Burton), which is a simpler version of what she wore earlier. It almost looks like the same dress sans lace sleeves, lace work along the hemline and train. To keep warm on a potentially cool April evening, Kate covers up with an elegant, and simple, shrug. She's obviously wanting to be much more low-key for the evening's events, but still knows her place, with the diamond encrusted belt around the waist of her dress. Lovely!


Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/britishmonarchy

The Official Royal Wedding Photos


Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/britishmonarchy

Thursday 28 April 2011

Kate Middleton to Do Her Own Makeup for Royal Wedding

Her face will be undoubtedly be splashed across the front of every publication across the globe but that isn't stopping Kate Middleton from putting on her own face tomorrow morning before she makes her mark in history as Prince William's bride and the future queen of England.

According to People, the soon-to-be newlywed has taken several private lessons with London makeup artist, Arabella Preston.

"She's had about three or four lessons with Kate at her private flat in Chelsea and has also gone, very privately to Clarence House," wedding planner, Mark Niemierko told People.

Although Preston initially intended to be with Middleton tomorrow morning as she readies to walk down the marathon aisle at Westminster Abbey, Middleton has instead decided that she is confident in her own eyelash curling and blush brushing skills.
Niemierko believes that it is Middleton's "informal character" that has her wanting to keep her wedding day as simple as it can possibly be for a commoner marrying into the royal family.

But that doesn't mean that Middleton shouldn't pull out all the stops when it comes to glamming up her wedding look -- making it stand out from her typically all-natural makeup looks.

"If you're going for a natural, no makeup look, you need quite a lot of product – especially for the photos," Niemierko said.

We can't imagine the natural beauty going over the top when it comes to her makeup look. The future princess was reportedly unhappy with the way her makeup was done for the couple's official engagement photos and re-did her face just before photographer, Mario Testino, began clicking away.


William's Story: told by the journalist who knows him best

Once upon a time, many years ago, there was a beautiful young woman who had a dream for her son of the kind shared by millions of mothers all over the world, which was that he could be – and indeed must be – whatever he wanted to be in life. The only trouble with this charming notion was that it made the boy’s father quite angry. And it did so for the simple reason that, barring tragedy, revolution or a personal decision of historic proportions, the child could not actually be what he wanted to be at all. For his name was Prince William and he was destined to be king.

But looked at through the prism of where we are today, few would argue that Princess Diana was wrong to have put such ideas into the head of her 11-year-old son. I hope it is many decades until anyone gets around to discussing what will be marked on William’s gravestone, but we could already have a stab at it: He did it his way.

Yes, he may be king one day. But within the confines of that straightjacket, William does seem more than usually determined to carry off his destiny in a manner of his choosing. Indeed, the quickest way to make him really, really mad is to suggest that something should be done in a certain style because it has always been done that way.

He fights protocol tooth and nail. He doesn’t like titles, nor care much for pomp and circumstance. He prefers most things in life to be kept low key and simple.
So you can imagine that negotiating details of the wedding with the keepers of the traditional flame across the park at Buck House has not been without its issues. It is no great secret that William would much rather be getting married in the village church in Bucklebury with 200 of his closest mates. He accepts the fact that Westminster Abbey will be full of dignitaries he has never met and that hundreds of millions, if not billions, of people will watch the event on TV all over the world, but he doesn’t particularly relish it. I mean, would you?
He has seen the way this life has constrained his father and – literally – destroyed his mother and he views it with caution and suspicion. He is at his most decisive and impressive when his protective instincts are aroused, particularly on behalf of his bride and her family. Indeed, what he would really like as soon as he and Kate are married is to return to Anglesey and hole up there for as long as possible in pursuit of a conventional military career and domestic happiness.

But here is the conundrum: if William remains in some ways cautious of the life fate has allotted him, he does seem to be driven by a desire to perform the role with gusto. As soon as the earthquake hit New Zealand’s South Island in February, for example, he was chomping at the bit to get out there and pay his respects. And he didn’t stop hassling until he landed in Christchurch a few weeks ago.
He understands the importance of leadership. He was proud of his role in the World Cup bid, even if he was perplexed by the result. He appreciates how privileged his existence is. He understands the importance of doing his duty and wants to be a good king. It is clear to anyone who knows him that his life has long been characterized by an aching determination to make sure he never gets anything wrong, an ambition which is notably shared by his wife-to-be.

I used to look on perplexed as Kate was painted in some quarters as a grasping and lazy social climber with her eye on the main chance, because what I have seen is a loyal and rather straightforward woman who has been determined throughout to avoid doing anything that would make her boyfriend’s position more difficult.
William will turn 30 next year and about the worst thing you can say about either of them is that he once landed a Chinook in her parents’ back garden. He’s got the wrong side of a bottle of whisky a few times, it’s true, but that’s about it.

Nobody is suggesting they are perfect, but they have kept a remarkably clean sheet. For a couple destined one day to assume such an elevated position of national leadership, it’s a record that is hard to argue with.
My own association with William goes back about a decade to the period when I was Royal Correspondent for ITV News. I had previously been Asia Correspondent, but had got shot in a riot in Jakarta and had decided that I wanted to steer clear of war zones for a while. No one ever came into journalism wanting to be a royal correspondent, but I wasn’t in a position to choose and I didn’t think I would stay long.
I don’t know whether the fact that I had just been wounded made me seem like a slightly different beast, but it was decided that it would be a good idea for William and I to get together. It was clear to me that the purpose of the meeting was to convince the young Prince that not all journalists had two heads and breathed fire. He wasn’t wholly keen and the lunch was postponed a couple of times. But eventually, we did get together at a restaurant in Fulham.

I was very careful to ask him as little about his life as possible, since I knew – or suspected – that he disliked the way the media treated him as a commodity and I didn’t want him to feel that he was being traded. I told him lots of stupid and indiscreet stories from my time on the road and we joshed along happily. I liked him a lot. He was – is – a good bloke. He certainly doesn’t like to take everything in life too seriously.
It seemed to start something, because we gradually built a relationship. I went off to Lesotho with his brother shortly afterwards to make an hour-long documentary for ITV, the proceeds of which went to found Harry’s charity, Sentebale. It was the first time either of them had talked publicly about their mother, though I knew it was a subject that exercised them both greatly.

They were written up at the time as reluctant royals and in many ways this was a true picture of their sentiments. They quite openly blamed the paparazzi for their mother’s death in Paris and believed the press more generally to be responsible for hounding her into an early grave. On occasions, it made them very, very angry.

They were also wound up by the constant leaks of personal information to the press. The stories kept coming, week in week out, and they had periodic bouts of trying to work out who it was that was betraying them. Trust was the defining issue in all their relationships and I was tolerated because I proved repeatedly that I could – and did – keep my mouth shut. I took the view that if I didn’t tell anyone anything, then nothing could leak. And it didn’t.

Until, that is, one day in 2005, when I woke up to a very surprising story in the News of the World. To cut a long tale short, I had said I would help William pull his gap-year videos together and he had called me to say that he was in London and would I fancy meeting up for a beer to talk about it. I asked him to tell security at the gate I would be in on Monday, but I didn’t mention it to anyone else so I was pretty surprised to read a small story about our proposed meeting in the News of the World the following morning. When William and
I got together to discuss how this could possibly have leaked, I mentioned that as Royal Correspondent (I was now Political Editor), I had heard that some newspapers routinely tapped into people’s phone-messaging services.

William called in his private secretary, a ruthlessly effective former SAS officer called Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, and the rest is history. I did notice, however, that almost as soon as Clive Goodman and Glenn Mulcaire were arrested, the leaks about William and Harry’s private lives dried up. They have had the pleasure of discovering that no one ever was betraying them, after all.

I suspect this development has contributed more than any other to their ability to retreat effectively from the public gaze and this in turn will increase their ability to survive the strains of their strange existence.
I have been asked about a thousand times since the interview I did with William and Kate what kind of couple they are and it is always hard to know what to say.

They have a tight circle of close-knit friends and I should stress that I am not one.
But quite a lot of information has passed through my brain these past 10 years, which has allowed me to form a relatively clear picture of what kind of guy William is.

For the purposes of balance, I have sought out the negatives. He can certainly be stubborn at times, but even this seems only the reverse side of his determination to beat back a system that he feels overwhelmed his mother. He is loyal. He forms close friendships with people who seem, for the most part, to be pretty solid. He would like to a have a conventional life conducted far from the madding crowd, but certainly doesn’t want the historical, not to mention global, opprobrium that would result from a rejection of his destiny.
I do not know Kate well, but my wife, Claudia, who worked with her briefly when she was at Jigsaw, says pretty similar things of her. She always said she thought the royal family was lucky to have her and felt sad that Kate wasn’t able – or didn’t feel able – to pursue many of the career interests that attracted her.

Claudia always thought she was pretty smart.

And as for all the snobby bitching about the Middletons that got written up from time to time? I never knew whether to laugh or cry when I read those. Her mother chews gum at Sandhurst? Ooh, er. It is difficult to think of anything that the Queen, let alone her grandson, could care less about. But there you are.
Maybe someone did get offended. There are some very sad people around.

I certainly don’t know William and Kate well enough to have a handle on what makes their relationship tick. My guess – based on no more than a hunch – is that Kate was probably the first person apart from Harry that William ever really talked to about his parents’ divorce, his mother’s death and all the hideous public scrutiny of his teenage years. They seem to have a deep friendship, founded on loyalty and mutual respect (not to mention physical attraction). At one point, William seemed quite an angry young man, smooth and amusing on the surface but intense and sometimes anxious underneath. I’d hazard she is a calming influence.
As I look at them in the church on April 29, I will have at the forefront of my mind the fact that this is a young couple locking themselves into a system that will provide them with some very substantial challenges. I am not going to go as far to portray them as victims, since it is a pretty gilded cage and at least they will never have to worry about paying the mortgage. But they are rare among their peers in having so little choice over so much of what they do. I suppose that is what makes their journey so interesting. They are an ordinary couple facing an extraordinary life.
Amidst all the splendour, the friends, the families, the dignitaries and the assorted others, my wife and I will have a very simple wish, which is that they find the domestic happiness and tranquillity they so keenly seek. They’re good people. And they deserve it.

Tom Bradby, political editor of Britain’s ITN, is Special to The Globe and Mail

URL:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/europe/the-royal-wedding/royal-wedding-news/williams-story-told-by-the-journalist-who-knows-him-best/article2000009/?cmpid=rss1

Wednesday 27 April 2011

Another Alternative to Buying Mulberry Products Brand New...

For those who can't afford to run out and buy a brand new bag from Mulberry, especially when you include the exchange rate from pounds to dollars, not to worry, there is another alternative!

You can get those fabulous purses and bags a little cheaper on ebay.ca, but I find that going right to the source (ebay.co.uk) is even better for finding the most variety at the best prices!

Here's an idea of what you can find:















This is a beautiful vintage "Scotchgrain" leather saddlebag from Mulberry from the Highland Emporium on ebay.co.uk (http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/the.highland.emporium/?_trksid=p4340.l2559).
And, instead of paying an arm and a leg, it only costs 125 pounds! Going by the current exchange rate, you could have this bag for just 200 dollars Canadian! That price may still sound expensive, but it really is a great price, especially for this enduring staple accessory that only gets better with age.
This will become a timelesss piece in your wardrobe.

The only thing one should keep in mind, when purchasing online somewhere like ebay, is that there are fakes floating around and people out to try to con those who don't know any better. Protect yourself and learn what makes a real Mulberry bag by searching online before you buy (http://reviews.ebay.co.uk/How-to-Spot-a-Fake-Mulberry-Bag_W0QQugidZ10000000003389086).
Also, look for stores on ebay, rather than individual sellers. This usually guarantees that you will be getting a real bag. Always read the listing carefully, and if there aren't enough pictures, don't bite. You should always have enough pictures to work with, in order to see what kind of condition a product is in, with your own eyes. Make sure that the seller has a high, or even perfect, rating. This also ensures that they are most likely credible. And remember, even if a seller doesn't offer refunds, you know you're protected when you see that ebay or paypal guarantee. Happy bidding!

Planning a Trip to the U.K.?

VisitBritain.com is the only place you need to visit if you're planning a holiday to the UK, looking for hotels and accommodation in Britain, or simply after UK travel, attractions or events information.


VisitBritain.com provides everything you need to know!

 

Looking for British Treats at Home?

Take a look at the "Chocolate Box". They provide "all British confectionery and treats"!

Go to their store (415 Donlands Ave. Toronto, ON) or visit them online at: http://www.thechocolatebox.ca/store/index.php?p=home

"So what makes our store unique? We bring the taste of Britain right to your doorstep.

Chocolate produced from the finest manufacturers and the purest ingredients, Candies produced in the widest variety, Jams & Marmalades, Beans & Pickles – a taste of Britain that will simply keep you wanting more.

You may ask - why "British" chocolate? British chocolate has a perfect balance of taste and texture than American; it has more milk products and no artificial flavorings or wax. Although you may wonder how that can be – you have to try it to believe it.

We also carry a large variety of English biscuits, teas, crisps and a wide selection of souvenir and gift items.

Checkout our
Marks & Spencer section– a variety of the well-missed store are also available.

Thinking of a gift for a special someone, gift hampers for an event, the holidays or simply to indulge.....we can customize and create baskets and hampers for all occasions.....we deliver too.

Best of all - If you can't visit us, use our secure online shopping service that brings all our goodies right to your doorstep – wherever you are.

Want to be kept updated on new products, join our mailing list and receive our weekly newsletters."

Looking for more places like the "Chocolate Box"? Here's where you can find other Irish /Scottish/British food shops and stores in Toronto and the GTA that import chocolate, crisps/chips, biscuits/cookies, and other food:

http://www.torontoirishassociation.com/british_food_stores_shops_toronto_gta.htm

Tuesday 26 April 2011

William's Favourite Chocolate Biscuit Cake

(It's going to be at the wedding)

Recipe taken from Huffington Post, recipe of Alison Ladman

The royal family prefers McVitie's brand Rich Tea Biscuits for their chocolate biscuit cakes, but any firm butter cookie can be used in this intensely rich and chocolatey no-bake treat. Cover and refrigerate any leftovers; the cake gets better with time.

Start to finish: 3 1/2 hours (30 minutes active)

Servings: 12

Ingredients:

  • 7-ounce package butter tea biscuits (sold in the cookie aisle)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
  • 16 ounces (about 2 1/2 cups) bittersweet chocolate bits
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the glaze:
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 6 ounces (about 1 cup) bittersweet chocolate

Directions:
  1. Coat a 7 or 8-inch round spring form pan with cooking spray.
  2. To make the cake, with your hands break up the biscuits into 1/4- to 1/2-inch pieces; you want chunks, not crumbs.
  3. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the cream, honey and butter. Microwave on high for 1 1/2 minutes, or until bubbling. Add the chocolate and stir until melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir in the vanilla, then the crumbled biscuits. Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan, using the back of the spoon to smooth the top. Gently tap the pan on the counter to eliminate any air pockets.
  4. Refrigerate for 3 hours or until thoroughly chilled.
  5. Once the cake is chilled, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and cream. When the mixture reaches a boil, remove it from the heat and add the chocolate, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
  6. Carefully remove the sides from the spring form pan (you may need to slide a paring knife around the inside upper edge to ensure the sides come away cleanly from the cake). Invert the cake onto a wire rack, then remove the bottom of the pan from the cake. Set the rack over parchment paper to catch drips.
  7. Pour the glaze evenly over the cake, allowing it to drip down and completely cover the top and sides. Allow to firm up, then transfer to a serving plate. Refrigerate leftovers.
Source: http://www.neontommy.com/news/2011/04/royal-wedding-menu-cake-plus-recipe-prince-williams-chocolate-biscuit-cake

Kate Middleton's Hair and Makeup How-to's

We've covered Kate's style extensively, but what about her brilliantly done hair and makeup?

Kate has achieved the coveted natural beauty look, and what's even better, she makes it appropriate for both the day and the night. Also, if you haven't heard, Kate did her own makeup for her engagement photos with Mario Testino back in the fall. And now she wants to do it again for the wedding!


How to emulate Kate's hair:

Kate's hair is obviously in perfect health, being both shiny and free of any visible split-ends. Use deep conditioning treatments weekly to get your locks up to snuff.
Next, Kate wears her hair long, and the same goes for her layers. The only shorter layers she sports are her side-swept bangs. I notice that her bangs are very versatile, in that they can be parted left or right. Make sure you tell your stylist that you want to be able to do the same with your hair and they can cut it accordingly.
Because of her longer layers, Kate needs body at her roots. Blow-out your hair using a brush to lift your roots as you dry. This will provide much needed lift. Also, remember to keep products away from your roots, to avoid excess oil that will weigh-down your hair. To give added lift to your roots, and to build even more body into your hair, try using the "Helen of Troy Tangle-Free Hot Air Brush" (http://www.folica.com/reviews/tools/hair-dryers/helen-of-troy-tangle-free-hot-air-brush#reviews_anchor).
Sometimes Kate's hair seems more wavy and at other times more curly. She is obviously blessed with great natural texture, but she also must use a flat iron to manage little fly-aways around her face and elsewhere to smooth out and polish her look overall. If you want to build in waves or curls, use a curling iron only at the bottom of your layers. Also, flip out your bangs only slightly so that they're back off of your face.


How to emulate Kate's makeup:

Kate never looks like she's wearing gobs of makeup, and that's they key to her look. Keep it simple people and focus on one aspect to really highlight, like she does with her eyes, and keep everything else more neutral and understated (like your skin, cheeks and lips).
Always cleanse your face well before applying your makeup. This, along with a proper toner and moisturizer  (with an SPF), will ready your "canvas". I like to use a moisturizer specially designed for the delicate eye area as well, which helps makeup apply even more easily.
After this first step, apply your foundation. I prefer to only apply it to certain areas, rather than all over the face. This allows more natural skin to show through, avoiding that sometimes cakey look. Also, skip using concealer unless you absolutely have to. Just use foundation. Again, this helps to keep the look simple and usually less mask-like. I usually apply foundation (and sometimes concealer) under the eyes and on the lid, around and on the nose, upper lip area, and around the mouth down onto the chin. Make sure to blend, blend and blend some more! You don't want anything to look unnatural! Use your foundation brush to sweep the edges of the areas you applied foundation to in order to do this. Even sweep under the chin and along and under the jaw line as well.
Once you've applied your foundation (and maybe concealer), season depending (like spring and summer and early fall), sweep some bronzer (lightly at first and getting darker if needed) along your cheek bones, temples, up to the sides and top of your forehead. This will give you a warmer complexion and subtle glow. Next, apply some blush (lightly at first and getting darker if needed) to the apples of your cheeks (smile to find them) and along your cheek bones and lightly across your forehead and then down along your jaw line (lightly!). Nothing should really stand out, it should all look natural and blended.
Finally, the eyes. Kate does use and apply darker eye makeup, but she does it so nicely that it's never harsh or garish. She always lines her bottom and top lids, lightly or more heavily depending, with either a liquid liner or a pencil eyeliner. To achieve a polished look when applying your pencil eyeliner (which can sometimes be a tricky thing to do), use an eyeliner brush. It's small and pointed and on an angle. Smudge this along your lines (practice to see what effects you can create) and this will help to smooth out any problem areas without having to start over again. Liquid liners can also be tough to use, so use the same eyeliner brush and fill in any problem areas with a matching eyeshadow, or apply eye makeup remover to the tip of a Q-tip to remove anything you don't like. These little tricks will help to make your eyeliner (no matter what you use) look tidier, smoother and usually more defined. Sometimes Kate will be seen to wear more neutral shades of eye shadow on her lids and on other occasions she will opt for a fully shadowed darker lid (usually in greys) or just the corners (usually in black or charcoals). Always make sure to apply your mascara last! She has nicely defined lashes, but she obviously puts on more than one coat of mascara. But remember, avoid that clumpy look, that's never classy. Kate will sometimes almost invisibly apply a coat to her bottom lashes, just for subtle definition. But it's hardly noticeable, so take it easy! Curl lashes ever so slightly, nothing too noticeable, to finish with the eyes.
To finish off Kate's effortless perfect for all occasions makeup look, apply either a lightly coloured natural looking lip gloss (or clear) to your lips. It's rare that we see Kate in anything so bold as even a softly coloured lipstick. She keeps her lips young and fresh. Also, make sure to use a good moisturizing balm regularly to keep those lips hydrated!


Pick up your Realm Magazine!


And just in time...  

A Commemorative Guide to the Royal Wedding:

"As the countdown continues to the biggest event of 2011 don’t miss your chance to pick up a copy of our commemorative guide to Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding, taking place on 29 April at Westminster Abbey. This beautiful 100-page guide has been designed to take you on a journey back through the royal couple’s childhood, romance and engagement, through to their plans for the wedding, before looking at what the future holds for them as the King and Queen of the United Kingdom.

As Kate Middleton prepares to become Princess Catherine of Wales we have also delved into the history books, with details of royal weddings through the decades, the making of the Windsor royal dynasty, the history of Westminster Abbey and the greatest royal romances of all time. Last but not least, this comprehensive guide also includes a special wedding planner, with details of the processional route, the celebrations taking place across the country and our guide to planning a street party.

Whether you plan to cheer the royal couple on along the streets of London or watch events unfold from the comfort of your own home, The Royal Wedding: Prince William & Kate Middleton is the perfect souvenir guide to this historic occasion."

To order your copy for just US$16.99 including P&P, visit www.greatbritishmagazines.com/royal
In Canada and the rest of the world, order your copy for just £9.99 (plus £2.50 P&P) at www.subscriptionsave.co.uk/royal

The British Monarchy on Flickr

Check out the British Monarchy's photostream on Flickr!

At: http://www.flickr.com/photos/britishmonarchy

Here's a sample of what you can expect to find:

The Garden at Clarence House

Kate Middleton's Style

Since her engagement back in November 2010, Kate Middleton has exploded onto the scene as a woman to watch! Being William's long-time girlfriend she was always in the press, but now she's gracing magazines because of her fantastic British girl-next-door style.

Kate, I am happy to say, is not what one might refer to as a "fashionista". That is to say, she isn't always wearing the latest and the greatest of the ever-changing styles that one might see in places like L.A. or New York. Rather, she stays true to the classic British look that we've seen her wearing since 2002.

Kate is a practical, feminine and ultimately a classic dresser. She knows what to wear for all occasions, but what makes her look so effortless is her fuss-less style. Kate stays true to tailored clothing, and she always looks fabulous!

This kind of look has often been called "Sloanie" style, which refers to "a stereotype in the UK of young, upper class or upper-middle-class women who share distinctive and common lifestyle traits. The term is a punning combination of "Sloane Square", a location in Chelsea famed for the wealth of residents and frequenters, and the television Westerns character The Lone Ranger." Ironically enough, "initially the term "Sloane Ranger" (another form of the nickname) was used mostly in reference to women, a particular archetype being Diana, Princess of Wales." (Wikipedia).

To fit in with this crowd, and to achieve Kate's style, "it's important to wear tweed, polo shirts, skinny jeans tucked into Ugg boots and brands such as Ralph Lauren, Jack Wills and Lacoste." Also, "investing in a green Babour wax jacket & a pair of Hunters is an absolute must. Watch out for the end of season sales." (WikiHow).

Here are the style staples for getting Kate's wonderfully enduring look:

Kate is known to love purses and bags from Mulberry (http://www.mulberry.com/). These items are very British and always a must have classic accessory. Instead of taking along a bulky bag to lunch, swap it for a clutch (with or without the strap) like Kate is seen to have done here. All you need anyway is a lip balm or lipstick and your bank cards. The clutch in this picture does double-duty, as a bag and a purse.


A few other must-have basics in Kate's wardrobe are her boots, and in the picture above she can be seen wearing one of her many pairs. Having them in an assortment of different colours and fabric, like Kate has, means having versatility. Now one can be prepared to match and belt or bag and be prepared for different occasions. Also, boots never go out of style, in fact, Kate shows us how enduring these kinds of footwear can be. Back in December Kate came under fire for always being seen out in the same boots! But, if they work, you're going to wear them!
Also seen in the picture above are another one of Kate's staple pieces, her tights. Kate is mostly seen wearing sheer tights (usually black), but she also wears opaque pantyhose as well. This is because both instantly slim the leg and they always help to create polished look.
As you'll also see, Kate loves her coats and blazers. She has them in a variety of styles, but they all are similar in that they fit her well, so as not to look sloppy. Tailored coats and blazers will help to give anyone a tidy hour-glass figure.
Finally, Kate is also seen wearing a lot of skirts (mostly to work or more formal occasions like weddings in lieu of a dress). This is very feminine and pretty, and it also helps to instantly polish and slim a figure because her skirts are worn higher and longer.


Only up until just recently, Kate has been seen out and about in London wearing her favourite piece of no-fuss clothing, her jeans. Below you'll see her in a few pairs of skinny jeans, as well as the classic boot-cut. The former is on trend, but not overtly so, and they help to create a long and lean look; especially when tucked into boots. The latter also help to do the same, but they also balance out a taller frame like Kate's (she's been said most commonly to be around 5'9").
Notice also that Kate's style on top is not fussy either. She is usually seen wearing simple cardigans in neutral colours, with a white t-shirt or tank top underneath.


A few more items that must be mentioned are Kate's love of no-fuss flats and elegant heels (she is known to favour L.K. Bennett). Both can be seen on Kate's feet, either while she's on the go or attending a wedding. Whatever the occasion, she's always spot on with these effortless accessories!


In keeping with her "Sloanie" style (because it is said that "no Sloane is seen without her colourful pashmina"), pashminas are also a must-have accessory in Kate's wardrobe. As seen below.


In the summer time Kate is calm, cool and collected in simple frocks, white pants and breezy blouses. These items help to create her simple summer look. Notice too her low-key sunglasses. No over-sized bug eyes here! Simple, clean-cut lines. Classic.

Since Kate's engagement, she has been seen in arguably more "royal" attire. She was always spot on with her wedding wear before, which is also quite formal, but this is a slightly different look. Perhaps it's that she's no longer out just to please herself, but now she must also suitably impress her new future family and subjects as well.

Wedding wear (Pre-engagement):


Event/Appointment wear (Post-engagement):


Notice how in these other pictures (the ones just above) Kate is even more tailored than she was before in the preceding ones. Her entire outfit, rather than just the jacket on top, is more structured. Although some critics say that this is too mature a look for her (or matronly), it is perfectly fitting for a princess-to-be. Kate is both modest and impeccably dressed, and she does add some youth to the look with her hair being half up and down in the first of the latter two pictures. However, both of these looks are still "her style", being both feminine and classic. These second pictures are hardly a departure from how she dressed prior to her engagement, being only a little more refined and "royal" looking.

Kate's style, as mentioned many times before, is fairly simple, and when it comes to accessories her approach is no different. Thus, she does not wear a lot of jewelry. When Kate does opt to wear earrings, and whether they're dangly or they're studs, they're always understated and blend in well with everything else she has on. She's also know for wearing the same thing multiple time, and this certainly also applies here. For instance, in the picture below, Kate wears these earrings for this engagement earlier in the winter and then again for her last engagement before the wedding in April. She's not afraid to be seen in the same thing more than once.


 

Perhaps the only outstanding piece of jewelry Kate owns, is her recently acquired engagement ring. There is nothing subtle about this gorgeous sapphire surrounded by flawless radiant diamonds.

Another must-have, in order to emulate Kate's timeless style, is her love of hats. Kate is always seen in one when attending a wedding, and especially a royal event.



Now you know what to wear to dress like Miss Middleton! Remember, nothing too flashy, nothing too on-trend (e.g. bright, sparkly "Hollywood" with too much skin showing). Kate knows what works and what endures (that oh-so-classic tailored, feminine and effortless look) and she dares to stick with the tried and true. And that's why she'll be the perfect princess!

As the Royal Wedding Approaches...

The count-down is on!

The wedding between Wills and Kate is fast approaching, and all over London the exciting preparations are visibly underway!

Britian's Daily Mail reports that "half a dozen English Field Maples" have been delivered to Westminster Abbey today. With the help of her floral designer Shane Connolly, Kate Middleton hopes to create an English Country garden look inside the famous church.


Link to the Daily Mail article: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1380765/Royal-wedding-2011-Prince-William-leaves-Kate-Middletons-family-home.html