Today we have a number of updates to previous posts, as well as something a little different from our usual blathering standard fare: a giveaway for readers. Our primary focus is on getting everyone up to speed on the Reiss Shola dress worn by Kate for her first formal engagement as a member of the royal family, yesterday’s meeting with the Obamas at Buckingham Palace.
The British Monarchy
Interest in the Reiss “Shola” dress was so intense the company’s website repeatedly crashed throughout the day, resulting in messages like this one on the retailer’s Facebook page.
Via Reiss Facebook Page
Today the company continues to promote other items online despite the continued inaccessibility of the website, or excruciatingly slow performance for those able to get through. From the Reiss FB page earlier today:
Via Reiss Facebook page
Reiss does not plan to re-issue the dress at this time, so don’t look for images like the one below, showing re-issued Nanette dresses being shipped to the USA back in February.
Lucas Jackson/Reuters
However, all is not lost for those who simply must. have. the. dress.
There are multiple auctions underway on eBay for the dress.
Via eBay
Both the US eBay site and the UK site show many auctions for the dress. Prices for US-based auctions run the gamut, from $160 USD through almost $900 USD, there are similar prices for the UK auctions. As always, use caution if bidding, be sure to check the seller’s feedback before committing to a bid.
If that option isn’t appealing *and* you live in the UK, there is one more alternative: ‘renting’ the dress. Label Lease (similar to Rent the Runway in the US) is offering the Shola for limited-time rentals.
Via Label Lease (UK)
We have an inquiry in to the good folks at Rent the Runway to see if they have any plans to offer the dress; we’ll let you know what we discover.
As far as Kate’s accessories go, the Anya Hindmarch “Maud” silk clutch is a made-to-order piece; the Hindmarch online bespoke shop isn’t yet open, but you can email for more information. The shell necklace is said to be a memento from the couple’s recent honeymoon in the Seychelles.
Multiple reports say the black pumps (court shoes to those on the far side of the pond) are by LK Bennett, but that’s not what WKW was told by the company:
“…if you’re referring to the outfit the Duchess wore yesterday at Buckingham Palace, then that doesn’t appear to be anything from our collection…”
We shall also continue to hunt down that information for you. In the meantime, LK Bennett is promoting the return of its oh-so-hot wedge, renamed the Maddox:
LK Bennett London FB page
In other updates, there are numerous comments to our post about the Minnie Rose shawl Kate wore for her trip to the grocery store in early May, click here to see some of the great info from our eagle-eyed and generous readers!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Today’s other topic is just plain fun: we are partnering with BBC America to offer one lucky reader this:
BBC America
The Royal Wedding – William and Catherine DVD features two hours of coverage from that magical spring morning when Prince William and Kate Middleton were married at Westminster Abbey. The DVD is just going on sale today, but we want to give away a copy to one lucky reader. Here’s how to enter:
- For one entry, leave a comment about your favorite Kate outfit or accessory here at What Kate Wore;
- For a 2nd entry, post the Giveaway on your blog or Facebook page & leave a comment telling us you did;
- For a 3rd entry, Tweet about the Giveaway on Twitter & let us know you did (here’s WKW on Twitter);
- For another entry, become a What Kate Wore fan on Facebook & let us know you did (If already a fan, just let us know so you receive this additional entry!)
We’re just tickled BBC America reached out to us so we can offer something fun to one of you, we will draw a name on Tuesday and announce the winner that afternoon.
Hello, I wanted to let everyone know that if you are interested in copying Kate’s look from her California DVF ensemble, the completely sold out leopard print “Lytton clutch” is for sale in my ebay auction. I think the price is right! It is just waiting for the right buyer. Ebay search “DVF Lytton”. Thanks!!
I wonder if Kate looks at all of the headlines her clothes make, how they sell out and are being sold on eBay and shakes her head and says: “All I did was get dressed today and look what happened!”
Love the shoes. I’m not a huge shoe person but they look stylish and comfortable too.
My favorite Kate outfit is her blue Issa engagement dress. That was the first time I realized what amazing style she has!
I love Catherine’s style and admire everything that she wears. I particularly love the beige Burberry trench coat with the frilled hem and the Libelula black velvet coat with the cute black hat she wore to a wedding in January.
Does anyone also think it’s adorable that she wore that shell necklace that may be a honeymoon souvenir? That is just something so “normal” and unpretentious–like any person wanting to remember a wonderful holiday they’ve just had, rather than raiding the royal stores for some sort of precious gems to wear.
All of her outfits are fabulous – really it’s hard to choose. Right now I’m torn between the blue Issa engagement dress and the Reiss Shola dress.
My favorite piece so far is her shawl she wore grocery shopping–I’m a knitter so I’m trying to re-create it!:)
My favourite outfit that Kate wore is the after wedding outfit with the Zara dress and L.K. Bennett shoes. I just love the dress and I love how simple and natural she looks.
I also love her Issa dresses especially the blue engagement dress and the gray greek goddess dress.
My favorite outfits that Kate wore, were the gray sweater that she wore with the white skinny jeans, and I love the floral print, sleevless chiffon dress of hers. Overall I love Kate’s style, I think she dresses like a lady, she’s classics with a modern edge.
This teen <3 What Kate wore. 
Hello! My favorite outfits worn by Kate are the Blue Issa dress worn during the engagement announcement, as well as the blue Zara dress paired with the Greta LK Bennett wedges. They are both classic yet relaxed looks. I absolutely adore Kate’s style, as well as your blog!
I have also liked your page on facebook as well as retweeted the giveaway on twitter from your page.
My favorite would have to be the blue Zara dress she wore the on April 30. Tried to get it in store but unfortunatley could not find it. Thank you for your website!! It is very helpful!
I became a What Kate Wore fan on Facebook-Elisabeth G
I tweeted here http://twitter.com/#!/egood33/status/73805261038563328
I shared to FB! http://www.facebook.com/elisabeth.good1/posts/174628975927398
I love the Tod’s D-bag that she has, so chic!
Thanks for offering this giveaway! I LOVE Kate Middleton – I’m still miffed that she has managed to marry the man I’ve had a crush on since the age of 10, but whatever. At least someone fabulous like Kate got him!
I’m torn between the blue Issa dress when Wills and Kate announced their engagement, and the blue Zara dress with the blazer and wedges the day after the wedding. Ahhh! Ultimately, I think I’m a bigger fan of the day-after-the-wedding outfit. I can recreate it for work and not get strange looks!
I’m going to post this on my blog as soon as I’m done leaving this entry.
I “liked” the Facebook page just a moment ago. I can’t wait to spend my lunch hour trawling through it.
I feel like I need to change my outfit of choice… can I just say I love everything she wears? Or perhaps I’ll settle on the red/white wrap dress and red wedges she wore to a polo match a few years ago. She’s always wearing black/blue, but she really does look amazing in red too!
I have to say…I love the fact that she wore a Zara dress the day after her wedding, with the cute jacket. And I can’t get enough of the LK Bennett wedges…I’m trying to justify spending that much to have a similar pair.
I’m in love with the blue Issa dress from their wedding announcement. I also love a pair of her brown leather riding boots.
Thanks for doing this giveaway! I have also liked you on fb now, so hopefully I can get two entries!
My favorite accessory is the Links of London white topaz earrings — a great alternative to pricier diamond pave drops! (I bought a pair for myself)
Best outfit was the blue Issa engagement dress.
Mea culpa! I was there crashing Reiss website too! But 900 dollars??? This is getting ridiculous!
Thank you for such a lovely website!
I adored that white double-breasted coat Kate wore to William’s RAF graduation.
My favorite Kate piece definitely has to be the tan herringbone Katherine Hooker coat she first wore in 2006. She wore it again during her first public engagement in Anglesey this past February, updating it with a shorter hemline. It’s a beautiful coat and it’s nice to see how she can keep the same things current over the years.
Loved the Links of London Hope Topaz earrings in the engagement photo. So beautiful!
Ooh – thank you for putting in the suggestion with Rent the Runway. I’m a customer & would definitely try to reserve that one for some upcoming events.
I hear good things about LK Bennett from my UK sources; though $260 something seems steep for a wedge, I’m tempted.
Also, I would be tickled to win that DVD; I’m off to “fan” you on Facebook now. Thanks for the fun giveaway!
My favourite outfit has to be her Burberry trench worn to Belfast… and the Shola dress.
I love neutrals!
Thank you for the great blog, and this giveaway! ^_^