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Kate's Baby is Due in July, Palace Confirms

January 14, 2013, 10:05 am
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No sooner asked than answered. Yesterday, I wondered when the baby was due and if Kate is carrying twins.  This morning at 11am London time, St. James Palace announced:
Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to confirm they are expecting a baby in July...the Duchess's condition continues to improve since her stay in hospital last month.
The wording would also seem to imply she is not pregnant with twins, but with the Palace, who knows! They did say there were no plans to announce gender.
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Emerald is the Official Color of 2013: Kate's Green History

January 17, 2013, 7:15 pm
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Kate Wearing 2012 Official Color: Tangerine 

Last night I downloaded Vogue UK's February edition to enjoy their much talked of Katepedia special. It was a visual feast and fun to see in statistics the various inclinations of the Duchess that most us of us have already noticed. Easy examples: Kate's most worn color is blue coming in first in the color crowd at 24%, she really likes LK Bennett as evidenced by their column's double lead over every other label on the graph, she holds her clutches with both hands 48% of the time, etc, the list continues. In all seriousness, it was very fun and a very friendly piece on Kate.  Numbers tend to give us a sense of veracity, but I do question the accuracy since they kicked the stats off with Kate's height reported as 178 cm with no shoes.  For you Yanks, that is 5'10".  We have had this argument before, eh? Even my ex-boyfriend snorted in disbelief when I said Kate was reputedly 5'10", and I didn't even know he knew who Kate was, so it is more obvious than I thought! Perhaps this will be a myth that is never put to rest.

Blue may have won Kate's year, but the experts at Pantone have declared the official color of 2013 to be emerald. We have seen Kate wearing this shade already with great success, even if it only garnered 6% of the Duchess's attention, according to Katepedia. As you search for inspiration to add this vibrant color to your spring wardrobe, let's look at some of her most outstanding choices. 



Kate dazzled last year in this aqua green Jenny Packham gown at the Our Greatest Team Rises Gala in support of the British Olympic team. Jenny Packham may not be McQueen or LK Bennett, but she has certainly had her fair share of royal attention. Kate might not wear her as often, but when she does it is high profile.  Remember that her first evening gown appearance was in Jenny P at the ARK Gala. I would say the label has essentially filled the evening gown gap left when the she quietly distanced herself from Issa. 



On the job, Kate wore a deeper teal when she joined the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh as they kicked off the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations. Word to the wise, when you go out with Granny, try and coordinate color scheme. Kate and Elizabeth didn't make this mistake twice.  The next time those two were out and about they complemented each other perfectly in blue. 



In a very unusual move, Kate went American in an olive green Ralph Lauren (Blue Label) knit dress when she visited Centrepoint with William. This look is classic Kate Middleton. A streamlined silhouette in an understated color, black stockings and her iconic black suede boots. 

Was Kate ahead of the curve with her green choices this year, or still trading on 2010's official color: turquoise.  Let's not split hairs.  That girl is the Queen of Style, let us simply follow. :)

Still waiting to see her out and about again.  I think we will in a few weeks.
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Kate Loves Starbucks and Other Royal Hearsay

January 21, 2013, 6:43 pm
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Gosh, until this darn Anmer Hall is settled we are going to have to set up some kind of House Watch, like the Royal Baby Watch. A new twist on the ever changing saga is that there is a military base not far from the home.  Perhaps, William and Kate are hankering after some extended normalcy before changing their lives forever, and will remain in the service while they start to raise their first child. The big home could be a perfect upgrade for them as they must expand their household to accommodate a major lifestyle change with the arrival of Baby Cambridge. Even so, it would continue to give them the privacy and sense of a normal life they crave before becoming full-time royals. Supposedly, trees that provide screening and dense shrubbery are being added around the property to further shield it from prying eyes. To be continued...no doubt...

Meanwhile, on January 11th Kate was spotted walking Lupo, accompanied by a security guard, around Kensington.  The Duchess stopped into a nearby Starbucks, where she is described as a regular, to order a decaf skinny latte and a cookie. Frankly, if you are going for sweets why anyone would pass up on the salted caramel cake pop is beyond me, but I suppose if their is a chance of paparazzi around it is for the best. They are quite tricky things to consume with dignity. The above picture is actually from last year. No quick photo was snapped. Starbucks isn't that fast, I guess everyone was thoughtful of her privacy. Kate is a long time fan of the coffee company as we have old photographic evidence.





The Daily Mail reports that Harry is envious of William getting to fly and then go home to his wife and cute dog:
'Before coming out here I was very jealous of my brother,' he said.
'It's operational flying back home. You get all the luxuries of operational flying - the pride, as you call it - and the reward of basically saving people's lives, which is exactly what we try and do as well.
'And back home he gets to go home to his wife and dog, whereas out here we don't. We're stuck playing PlayStation in a tent full of men.'
Harry said William is a little jealous in his own right, wishing he could be flying in Afghanistan:
'I think there is a bit of jealousy, not just the fact that I get to fly this, but obviously he'd love to be out here.
Oh boys and their manly-man rivalries. If you want more on the story, check out the full article here.

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Kate Pops Into Pret a Manger on Friday

January 25, 2013, 8:50 pm
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This is certainly a first. I don't think I have ever seen Kate wear a cape, but I guess a pregnant Kate is a whole different fashion girl.  She was shopping King's Road today and popped into Pret a Manger for a croissant. This Zara cape is from 2010, so presumably she has worn it before, but never in public to my recollection.  I don't love it, but it might look different from the front? Either way, she is dressed down and relaxed.  It would seem the Duchess doesn't want to worry about sucking it in. Frankly, from this I assume she might be lightly showing.



Perhaps, Kate was celebrating being inducted into the All England Club, otherwise known as Wimbledon. Kate loves tennis, as we all know, and often attends Wimbledon  The Queen is patron of the club and the Duke of Kent is president. Perhaps, when HRH the Duke of Kent steps down, they will promote a lovely young royal to the position? It would certainly be appropriate given her dedication to the sport.
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Should Michael Middleton Receive a Title? Teenage Snap of Kate and Pippa Middleton

January 27, 2013, 8:42 pm
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The Daily Mail published this picture of Kate and Pippa playing field hockey together at Marlborough College in Kate's last year there. Frankly, I think that Kate looks much the same, or at least easily recognizable, but I am always thrown by childhood--or early--photos of Pippa. Kate is a keen hockey player as we all know and as she has displayed many times.




The Daily Mail was full of fun today, with a speculative article that Michael Middleton might be granted a title?  I had never actually considered that possibility.  Although, I do not know the political climate, history and tradition certainly stand in his favor.  The article points out:
For the stark fact is that not for 1,000 years of British history has the grandfather of a future sovereign been without a title.
Not terribly surprising given that royals often marry ladies of nobility, but when that has not been the case, the grandfather has been dealt with:

William’s maternal grandfather was an earl (Spencer) — so, too, was the Queen’s (Strathmore). Even Anne Boleyn saw her father promoted from commoner to Earl of Wiltshire long before she gave birth to their daughter, the future Queen Elizabeth I.
The only other non-titled grandpa in the past millennium, the father of Edward IV’s wife Elizabeth, also had an earldom bestowed on him.
It is a fun read. I don't think Michael needs one, but I wouldn't object to it happening. For some reason I think the Queen will not, but we shall see. So, what do you think? Should Michael Middleton be granted a title? If he is granted one, I hope it isn't the Earl of Bucklebury. Ugh, no.

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Kate Appearance Rumored and Pink Issa From Rent the Runway

January 28, 2013, 9:59 pm
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I am going crazy for some Kate.  I would wait until the end of this post to tell you a little surprise  but I know the short attention span of the facebook generation, so I will say right off the bat that a little bird on Twitter is tweeting that Kate will be out and about in the coming week. To which I loudly chirped back, Hallelujah. I am not privy to the original rumor, but it wouldn't be shocker since she hasn't been seen for a while and public opinion seems to be fairly unanimous in the thought that if she is well enough, she should be making the royal rounds.

If she is feeling better, now would be the time to rack up engagements while she can still hide her pregnancy fairly well. As lovely as the hope is, while we wait for actuality let's look back at one of my favorite dresses from the Middleton days.  The Pink Plunging Issa!


Rent the Runway has a pink Issa very similar to this, so now you can have a Kate Middleton moment.  The dresses really are almost identical, although Rent the Runway's has a deeper plunge.  Too be properly princessy you might want to delicately stitch it up just a little to match Kate's sexy, but not exhibitionist, approach.  Nothing says Kardashian, instead of Kate, quite like parts popping out without an invitation.


Soon, I am sure we will be seeing Kate and the comparisons between Elizabeth II and Queen Beatrix will end...
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Kate Shops in Cape

February 2, 2013, 4:34 pm
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At last, we have some photos of Kate shopping in London last Wednesday, January 30th.  One of you lucky readers commented on a post saying,
HI!
Just saw her and her security men in Waitrose Kensington High Street with the exact same cape ! It is definitely herrr ! x
I know there have been some doubts about the snap from behind in Starbucks, but this is proof positive. She is loving the Zara cape, which doubtless hides a very small bump.  I do not think she looks visibly pregnant here, as the papers are crowing. Let's all just relax and wait a little.




We haven't seen these boots in some time. She is wearing those Seville suede boots sold by Really Wild Clothing.  Kate has sported Really Wild Clothing's boots in the past, and she modeled other products in their line when she was younger.  I love all their coats, and these boots are very classic Middleton.




In the photos below, a younger Kate Middleton worked a fair for Really Wild Clothing  as well as modeling for them.





The gilet that Kate wore camping with the scouts was also Really Wild Clothing  so she certainly enjoys the brand.  It is a very trendy and young twist on classic British style, which also specifically describes Kate's fashion, so it isn't hard to see why she loves it.

Expect to see more of Kate as we roll into February.  The Palace has already announced she is "back to work" looking at charities and future engagements, and we should be seeing her officially be the end of this month at the latest.

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Kate Shops for Maternity Wear

February 3, 2013, 1:39 pm
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More pictures have surfaced of Kate shopping for maternity wear on Tuesday in rainy London. She is wearing that Temperley coat that is so awesome and, impressively, wearing heels. I went to church today and thought I would go shopping afterward, and then as I was standing there mid-service I realized I had worn heels and didn't have flats in the car. That put the kibosh on shopping. I can't schlepp around stores in heels. But, Kate is a super woman! Actually, I am sure most of you can shop in heels, and I applaud you.




Umbrellas and royals are interesting things. If you need to be visible they can be tricky little necessities  but if you want to give yourself some privacy, they can be quite useful.  The Queen, who must be visible anytime she is on a public engagement is rather famed for her color coordinated clear umbrellas. Aren't these the cutest, rainy day, fashion accessory?



Kate has actually only used a clear umbrella on one or two occasions. In Canada and in London at the War Horse premiere.



 

Even when not using a clear umbrella, there are ways to hold an opaque one that does not restrict photos and fans. See William, the royal champ, demonstrating this hold perfectly. High and dry.


Kate has also learned this, keeping her umbrella high and away from a restricting angle:


But, all these options aside, the umbrella can be used a little on the low side.  Suddenly, we can't see heads or hats.  Tricky, tricky...




Anyway, I wouldn't want people saying my face is looking fuller, either.  Still waiting and hoping to see her soon in a more official and visible capacity!
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Old Photos of Kate Shopping at Burlington Arcade

February 3, 2013, 9:00 pm
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The first week of November was very busy for me, so these shots of Kate slipped by.  These are old photos of Kate shopping at the Burlington Arcade in Mayfair on November 7, 2012. I did cover her evening excursion on the same day, but I like these photos much, much better. Enjoy.



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Kate at September 29, 2012 Wedding

February 4, 2013, 10:49 am
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I think I may be losing my mind. I know I saw the photos of Michael Middleton giving Thierry Kelaart away and I knew the Middletons were there, but I don't think I posted on this appearance  Obviously, we have seen the dress before, but that hat made me sit up and say, what? I never got a chance to weigh in on such a chapeau. This was the wedding not long after their last tour, henceforth known as, Island Tour.  My brain slows down when I am tired, so I guess I saw Michael with the bride and then moved on. Very weird. It is never too late to fix an oversight.

via Daily Mail
Kate wore this grey, embroidered Erdem to the Trouping of the Colour 2012. I didn't love it then, and I am not crazy about it here, but it is the hat that disappoints.  That is flat-flop pancake à la Pippa if ever I saw one. We know Kate can do the angled hat with a little more omph.


Pippa debuted this unsatisfactory look with that hat and pea green coat last year. It looked really bad, I will refrain from panning it a second time, but it was a major disaster in my book.


This wedding, however, Pippa was the girl with her act together, and Kate was just a little below par.  I really like the neutral colors of Pippa's palette and the dress looks lovely. Her fascinator is interesting and definitive. It doesn't look like a hat that just lost its will to live right before the ceremony... Good on Pippa! Too often she gets the bad rap.


The Matriarch of the clan was stunning, as is usual. That woman never seems to put a foot wrong. We all make the occasional fashion faux-pas. I know I do, but Carole gives us all hope that someday we will have learned from the mistakes.


All this being said, I still feel like I reported on this, but I have scoured this blog and have found nothing.  If I have forgotten, perhaps you have, too. I am off for some tea to clear my head...

Get the best recount of the wedding at the DM here.
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Fun in the Sun: Middletons are on Mustique...bikini edition.

February 5, 2013, 10:37 am
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You won't be seeing Kate today, because she is holidaying on her favorite island Mustique.  William slipped away to the tropic retreat with his wife and the two are staying in a luxury villa, per usual.  Michael and Carole are also reportedly there, although, they have rented a separate villa, as you would imagine   I heard rumors this morning that Pippa is also vacationing, which would make sense. Mom and Dad are escaping the winter blues to holiday with sis and brother-in-law, yeah, I think I would also be hopping a jet to join in the fun. Plus, this seems to be a bit of a yearly thing for their family, last year they vacationed on Mustique mid/late January.

I can't imagine there won't be pictures, there always are. It was announced today that Kate will undertake her first official public engagement since the baby eruption on February 19th for Action on Addiction. Baby eruption is probably a poor choice of words... :)

After what, by all reports, was an absolutely miserable first trimester, it must be nice to soak up some sun and warmth and sip a non-alcoholic cocktail.  I do not begrudge her the break.

The Middletons and royals have long been major fans of Mustique.  Read more about the island and her royal appeal on my earlier post, here. Just below are shots of Kate holidaying with William and friends on Mustique when she was 24 and he was 23!





Remember Kate's rather colorful uncle, Gary Goldsmith?  He has that beautiful home on Ibiza, so Kate, William, and her family were holidaying there in 2006, when these now fairly famous white bikini shots were taken. So much PDAing here, I couldn't resist.




Sisters: Kate and Pippa sun on the boat. Michael Middleton in background.

Here, (below) at 27 years old in 2008, Kate was back with Wills again in Mustique.

They go every year, but we don't always get beach shots, which I have focused on. Giving you some thinspiration. Start now or you won't be ready by the spring...

Just last year in January, the Middletons took off to Mustique with William and Kate for a vacation I posted on here, and below is an extremely grainy long lens of the new Duchess lunching with her family.


Fun times, fun times. Hopefully, they are all enjoying a lovely time, and Kate will be tanned and healthy when she pops back home to make her big appearance on the 19th.
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[Updated] Chi Magazine Publishes Pregnant Kate Bikini Shots from Mustique

February 12, 2013, 11:44 am
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I don't mean to sound like a spoiled and egocentric individual, but I am supremely bored by the indignant cries against the photos of the Middleton vacation this past week, which will surface any day now. The Middletons have been vacationing on Mustique the past seven years and we have had photos of one kind or another almost every year.  What makes anyone think, in the present economy, that lucrative snaps won't come to light this year? It is ludicrous to assume otherwise. Furthermore, the many people who are so indignant that these photos will be printed are the same people who drive up demand for them. If you follow Kate's public engagements you contribute to her celebrity and by direct effect, pap shots.

Darren McGrady, former chef to Queen Elizabeth II, has been tweeting today about this whole uproar and he kept it simple--as one must in 140 characters or less:



Lisa was also a voice of reason and reality:


In no way do I condone the nude photos of Kate that were sold. That should have been a judgement call first on the part of the photographer and then on the part of every decent publisher, not to allow such degrading photos to see publicity. The difference here is very stark to me, and I just don't have an overwhelming problem with it. I wrote this post in 2011, but I still believe everything I said in it. Although, I mention Mustique as a place the royals can find privacy, I do not believe it is a sacred space of freedom. If photographers get beach snaps, that's life. William is a multi-millionaire and can afford to pay for full and complete privacy when the spirit moves him.

I will share the Mustqiue photos here on this blog, as I have posted the many other holiday pictures in the past.
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Photos of Kate Pregnant in Mustique on Holiday with Middletons

February 13, 2013, 8:20 am
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Here are some of the photos of Kate and William holidaying in Mustique. They are snapped almost every time, and I think it offends William and Kate's intelligence to think they are shocked that these were leaked. Ultimately, it must have been worth the risk for them.






Again, I reiterate that the topless photos published were absolutely offensive crossing a very clear line of decency.  I am surprised there even was an official complaint, unless the papers are blowing the royal response out of proportion.  We all knew there would be photos before they even left! Perhaps, they are trying to capitalize on the shock we all rightly feel about the earlier incident in France, but these scenarios aren't the same and I think it ill reflect poorly on the royals to complain too much. These photos are not a shocking breach of privacy to you, me, or the royals, given the circumstances and I am sorry if anyone is offended.

My comment from facebook:
I have received emails from a few of you complaining that I posted he holiday shots of Kate.  The fact is, every person who follows Kate fuels the demand for these paparazzi photos. You can't pick and choose when you are given your approval for celebrity status to be applied to Kate. I was and am vehemently against the nude photos of Kate, which were a shocking assault on her privacy and her dignity, but these are not the same and it is ludicrous for anyone to attempt to argue otherwise. Lastly, as a Kate blog, I blog so you can see what I know, hear, and find, and so that you may have faster and easier access to information you may or may not be able to get on your own. It does not seem fair that I should find the photos and view them, but then say I am above letting you see them. That would be unfair and hypocritical at best. My operating procedure has always been to share with you all photos of Kate that I would secretly or publicly be excited to see myself. I looked forward to Mustique shots all week while they were away and so I posted them. This has always been my "platform" and will remain so. 

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Valentine's Day 2013: Romance with William and Kate

February 13, 2013, 11:18 pm
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So, it is Valentine's Day, which just happens to be my absolute favorite holiday. Pink and red everywhere, roses and chocolate, champagne, romance... It's the best, and I can even say that newly single. I love today. Thankfully for you, this blog isn't about my romantic--or at times unromantic exploits--we are here to keep up with a couple infinitely more glamorous  Since it seems unlikely we will be seeing our favorite two today, let's look over some of their best moments. (Who doesn't like a good, royal snog?) If you would like to indulge in some light voyeurism with me, read on...If that weirds you out, stop now.


Just for clarification's sake, William and Kate were an item long before their first public PDA at Klosters in January of 2006. (Shown above)  They took a ski holiday in early 2004 and were already an item at that time. I guess Wills was feeling frisky this afternoon. Not that frisky, though, since honestly this is not a real kiss, but with work with me.  We shall call it an embrace and leave it there. From an extremely reserved prince, it was pretty news worthy stuff.  





Later in March of 2006, they were again pictured canoodling at a Field Game at Eton. I love this picture--more than the Klosters shot. They look so relaxed and cute. Wills needs a brush...


This shot is Kate arriving a the game with Pips for fashion's sake.


After the pair reconciled in 2007, they were spotted hunting together--and snuggling just a tad.




This is all leading up to one of the best William and Kate moments and that is in 2009. William and Kate left a pub in Wiltshire and as they got to the car park they paused for a bona fide, fabulous snog. I heartily approve.





More background on these shots. In 2009, William and Kate were solidly past their break-up, but there was no engagement and people were still mumbling and grumbling wondering what was up with the two of them.  Remember the shots of Kate in the white bikini? She was holidaying with William and family in Ibiza where Carole Middleton's brother, Gary Goldsmith has a villa. He is a very colorful character  Much too colorful.  A New's of the World sting operation caught him cutting cocaine and suggesting high dollar prostitutes. Not the kind of company that the palace would want their squeaky clean prince keeping company with and a huge embarrassment for the Middleton family. Although, it wasn't Kate's fault, the press was bad and for a girlfriend who had never put a foot wrong, people wanted to claim she was tainted by association. This very public display of attention may have been a quiet moment in which we got lucky, or it may have been Kate and William deliberately sending a signal to all the nasty whisperers who wanted to think that the uncle's conduct would effect their commitment to each other. The answer is very clear in these photos. 

In 2010, William and Kate celebrated a low-key Valentine's Day together at the Pot Kiln in West Berkshire. No PDA's here, but it was actually Valentine's Day, so I had to include. 








We obviously have to close with their most famous kiss, and that is on the balcony of Buckingham Palace the morning of April 29, 2011.  Hip hip, hooray.



To lovers of love everywhere, a very, very Happy Valentine's Day to you all!
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Pippa Middleton's Mustique Mystery Man is Nico Jackson

February 16, 2013, 5:56 pm
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Getting my hand son all the pictures has been something of a nightmare, but there has been a lot of interest in Pippa and her mystery man. He must be around in real life if he gets an invite to the super exclusive yearly holiday with the pregnant Duchess of Cambridge.


Well, the Daily Mail has the scoop,
...Pippa Middleton has fallen for a man who does not own a grand country estate or have an impeccable pedigree.
Instead her new boyfriend, stockbroker Nico Jackson, 35, is the son of a retailer who grew up in the Home Counties and went to grammar school.
Well, there you go. I can assure you that Mr. Bingley's sister would not approve. Not. one. bit. the man's father was in trade.  Thankfully, the rest of us couldn't care less. Yay for Pippa getting a new beau.  Maybe one of these days we will have a Royal Wedding by association. You know Pippa will do it right.

This is Pippa's man with more clothes on, courtesy of the DM:


Get excited, Kate will be on an official engagement this week and will announce new charities. Fashion to brighten these winter months.
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Kate Buys Magazine Featuring Her on the Cover

February 17, 2013, 5:38 pm
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Do you ever wonder what it would be like to have your face on a magazine cover? Ok, maybe that has happened to you, let's up the ante. Do you ever wonder what it would be like to be on tabloids and magazines all the time? I do. Weird, I know. But I wonder what it would be like to be Kate Middleton. Would I Google myself and read blogs that follow my fashion? I think I would a little, just to see what was a hit and what wasn't. Of course, when you are as famous as the Duchess of Cambridge a little goes a long way. If you pay attention to too much you will go totally crazy.  Whatever, the point is I think Kate must be a little curious about her mega-stardom. She wasn't born with it, and she must find it interesting, at least. So, it doesn't shock me to learn that Kate and her mother were shopping at Waitrose together, where Kate bought...a magazine whose cover girl was none other than herself. (Is that even proper English?) So, I guess Kate's question is the same as every single other person on earth's question...how'd I look pregnant in a bikini?

So, my big question is, which magazine???! The thing is, the only magazines that are on the stands right now are Mustique photo magazines. Kate hasn't been in public since her official portrait was unveiled, and in news years that was at least a millennium ago.  My money is on Star Magazine. I think it is the only UK paper to have printed the photos, and that's the only things she is making headlines with right now.

That is the only interesting news I have for you. Vivienne Westwood--an extremely scary woman in appearance--has once again made headlines by criticizing Kate. You have to hand it to her, she is a clever one. She has figured out the game. Everyone on earth loves Kate, so the only way to get some attention is to be radically different and say something negative. Isn't this the third or fourth time she has made the news for calling into question one trivial thing or another?  Major yawn, Vivienne. If I were to put charity aside and begin critiquing you, the list would stretch to the New Year. Find something else t inject some life into your PR.

Sooooo, I am pretty bikinied out. Can't wait to see Kate fully clothed and looking fantastic on Tuesday!
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Kate Wears MaxMara for Visit to Action on Addiction's Hope House

February 19, 2013, 7:59 pm
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It is uncanny. Whenever I have absolutely nothing to do but sit around and hope Kate makes an appearance she is nowhere to be found, but as soon as she does emerge you can bet your last paycheck I will be swamped with other things. C'est la vie.  Better late than never, here we go.  She visited Hope House this morning on her first official engagement since she announced her pregnancy, and her first appearance since her new pregnant self was splashed across several tabloids--and even a few roguish blogs.  A very interesting fashion day it was indeed.



Everyone who complains that Kate's fashion never changes does not watch for subtleties.  Kate, whose recent choices have been structured dresses, reverted to a favorite look of her pre-wedding days with this clingy MaxMara jersey dress. I assumed the circumspect royal would do everything in her power to shield her pregnancy, but Kate went to no pains to hide her growing figure, instead opting for a flattering, but revealing fabric.

She dispensed with the ever present and always useful clutch and instead kept her hands hovering around her small bump. She didn't completely obscure it, but it was a delicate gesture of the protection she and William feel for their precious new royal.

Kate, who usually displays plunging cleavage fearlessly, added a muted dusty blue slip to protect her modesty all around, which proved useful on this blustery morning. She was even retying the wrap dress as she stepped out of the car:




Later as she left the center, the wind blew the panel up, but the duchess was prepared.


Inside the center she visited with various women, and one asked her if she was at all nervous about giving birth. Her obvious answer, who isn't just a little? Not to be overly detailed and offend the more delicate readers but Kate's face has certainly filled out and she looks a little like the college Kate, particularly in the last of these next three photos.




This is so weird. Kate is pregnant. What the heck. I am thrilled and also find it so strange. You can imagine how I am with my pregnant friends...



The jersey dress wasn't the only throwback.  Above you can see a gold ring on her right hand.  Kate always wore rings on both center fingers before she got engaged to William, and I was very stoked to see her wear this. The origin of the ring I cannot tell you, but rings on these fingers were her signature. Don't trust me? look back at almost any old photo of her. Better yet, I'll just dump a bunch here.









I could fill pages, but I will stop. You get the point.  It was her thing, same finger, both hands. Loved it.

As she left she was presented with beautiful pink flowers by two cute little kids. Her big smile should remind everyone what a joyous time this must be for her, getting ready to have a little one of her own after waiting so long. We should all be excited for her.






I think she made all the right choices. She didn't try to hide the pregnancy under some billowy or carefully tailored dress, she went sleek and modern as I hoped, but had not expected.  There has been a lot of negativity surrounding this pregnancy, I think. A lot of people thinking it is coarse to focus on her pregnancy or people who hate the term 'baby bump' raining on the parade, but let's not forget this is all about life here. Life is sacred, life is precious, and life is joy-giving, and that is what I see Kate radiating  She is a woman who is joyful because she has life. Let's celebrate that with Kate. This isn't something she chose to hide today, but to respectfully share and celebrate with all of us, and we should be excited with her and for her.


I am slowly getting to all the comments that have been left, but I am enjoying each one!  See you soon!  Hopefully, before March 5th...
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Harry and Cressida Bonas

February 23, 2013, 9:34 pm
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Harry isn't the subject of this blog, and I mostly ignore all his "girlfriends" since none of them seemed to be real girlfriends, but Cressida Bonas appears to be the "hottest flame" since Chelsy Davy said sayonara. Harry has followed in his big brother's footsteps and announced his feelings for the 24-year-old blond on the ski slopes. How original. Truthfully, with Harry I won't be sure until there is a ring on her finger, but this hoopla has caught my attention sufficiently to merit a quick post.  Apparently, Cressida has/had rather lax facebook settings providing the eager public with some informal snaps. Cressida is good friends with Eugenie, if what I have passingly absorbed is to be believed. Anyway, she is cute and looks fun. With Harry, though, I am never sure what will ultimately stick.






My heart is still with Chelsy, but I guess we all have to move one someday...
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Look-back at the Engagement Tour of the UK: Anglesey Boat Launch

February 24, 2013, 4:57 am
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After William and Kate's engagement they did an "informal" tour of the UK to introduce Kate to the British people and in some ways to the world. It was very, very exciting and it will probably remain my favorite group of official engagements. Kate was still Kate Middleton, we were all wild with excitement as Royal Wedding Fever literally swept the globe. Kate was absolutely radiant as she took her first steps into her public future.  I had not yet plunged into blogging, and since I love these engagements so much, I am going to do a look-back series on them.





William and Kate chose to start things off in their own community. On Thursday, February 24th, William and Kate arrived in Anglesey, Wales to christen a lifeboat. It was a cold, windswept day, but large and enthusiastic crowds still gathered to get a look at Kate.





Kate arrived in the Katherine Hooker coat that she had had altered from its previous longer length. Thankfully, Kate played it safe and kept her hair in a ponytail, with an eye-catching fascinator.  Even then her hair was whipping into her face as the wind seemed to come from every direction.



She was a smash hit on the walkabout, and this very gallant gentleman made the news for his old-school greeting of the future princess.


Kate was wearing the Aquatalia booties that have at least three different names at this point. At the time, I believe they were called rouge.


I just loved everything about this outfit. The color palette, the modernized cut of the coat, the cozy but relaxed scarf. She was absolute perfection and a ridiculous hit. For those who were just becoming aware of her--is that possible?--she instantly won their hearts, and for those who had been fans for some time, were all the more excited. Those who had been following Kate for years really hadn't seen this side of her.  We had seen hints of her lovely personality  but most of the paparazzi shots were of an unsmiling Kate, moving about London.  Finally her real personality was shining through, the bubbly smiles, friendly energy, easy rapport with the crowd. It was a taste of things to come and the future looked bright.



Ok, we will continue the Engagement Tour Look-back on the appropriate days, so tomorrow will be St. Andrews, since they went from Anglesey to Scotland, and so forth.  See you oh so soon...





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Look-back at the Engagement Tour of the UK: Return to St. Andrews

February 25, 2013, 7:18 am
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From Anglesey, the couple headed north to Scotland, because the next stop was their mutual alma mater, St. Andrew's.  How absolutely surreal this must have been for Kate to return with Diana, Princess of Wales' sapphire ring on her finger and her fiancé prince by her side.



Kate wore a red Luisa Spagnoli peplum suit with Aquatalia rumba boots. The suit literally caused stampedes in some boutiques as women fought over the last few available.  Kate left her hair down, and although it did whip into her face at times, I thought it was the right choice. It was very much in keeping with her easy college style.


William addressed the school and the couple toured buildings on the campus, but then they were back in the sharp cold for a walkabout to greet the many fans who had turned out to welcome them back.





This is a really fun six minute video showing some highlights from the day. I can't get it to embed, but just click this link and you will be taken to YouTube!


William and Kate flew back to London that afternoon and joined Harry at New Zealand House, where they signed a condolence book following the horrific earthquake that had just struck Christchurch.


Kate, still new to the official royal business, needed some coaching through the whole book signing.  She signs a simple Catherine now, but I believe at the time she signed it Catherine Middleton.


Their next engagement wasn't until March, but that isn't too far off... 


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