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Very Brief Updates, Re-Stocked Kate Items, Plus Sales & Savings Kate Style

We are back a few quick updates and several retail notes of interest.

First, the latest on Kate’s schedule:

  • From all reports it seems Kate, George and Charlotte continue enjoying their time at Anmer Hall, the Cambridge’s country retreat on the grounds of Sandringham
  • The Sunday Times reported there will be more royal engagements with Prince George, quoting who say George will be “more visible over the next few months”. The article notes William & Kate realize there is “…good-natured [in him] from people”. The full story is here, but be aware it is behind a paywall, so if interested in reading the entire piece you will need to be, or become, a subscriber. (But the gist of the story is really in the first two paragraphs which are readily seen.)
  • As noted on Twitter by our friend Patricia Treble, the first family photos of Kate and William with George were released 30 days after his birth. It’s possible we are close to new family pictures being released with Charlotte.
Michael Middleton via PA Wire

Michael Middleton via PA Wire

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We move to the retail updates we mentioned, beginning with a stellar copyKate to share, compliments of a tip from the one and only Stephanie Champion-Helton. The frock is actually from LK Bennett, the brand’s ‘Lara’ dress in  cornflower blue, almost identical to Kate’s snorkel blue ‘Lasa’ dress. The ‘Lara’ dress is exclusive to the UK’s John Lewis, where it is still available in sizes 6, 8, 10 and 12. In a side-by-side comparison with last year’s snorkel blue ‘Lasa’ dress you can see the subtle color distinction.

John Lewis/LK Bennett

John Lewis/LK Bennett

One cautionary note: the frock is not available for shipping to the USA. If in the US and interested in purchasing the dress your best option is one of the services that specializes in shipping items purchased overseas to US addresses.

Next, several items that have been restocked by retailers, starting with Seraphine’s Natasha coat, available in all sizes as of this writing. The piece is a cashmere/wool/poly blend, and also offered in an eggshell, or beige color.

Splash News/Seraphine

Splash News/Seraphine

Kate wore the coat in January for a series of engagements in Kensington. She paired it with Seraphine’s ‘Florrie’ dress. The coat is $395 and available in sizes 2- 12. The dress is priced at $179, inventory for this piece is not quite as robust.

Also restocked, the ASOS dress worn for Kate’s visit to Brookhill Children’s Centre in March.

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This is the original version of the dress, it is called the ASOS Maternity Nursing Kate Wrap Skater Dress. The piece is $63; it is available in sizes 2-14, size 16 is sold out.

ASOS

ASOS

Also back in stock, the DVF Zarita dress worn by the Duchess to the Royal Variety Show.

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Splash News/PA Wire/i-Images/i-Images

The dress is available in sizes 0 – 12 on the Diane von Furstenberg website; it is $898.

Diane von Furstenberg

Diane von Furstenberg

Several short versions of the dress are actually on sale, including the Hot Coral and Spring Green versions; both were originally $348, they are now selling for $243.60. There is also a Metallic Gold shade that was really not very popular at all, at least if using the deep discount as a barometer; the dress was originally $468, more than any of the other short versions of the dress, it’s been marked down to $187.20.

Diane von Furstenberg

Diane von Furstenberg

And Kate’s ASOS Maternity Dress is back, in the original print.

 

We’ve a few more Sales & Savings notes to share, beginning with the Jaeger Tile Print Silk dress worn by Kate in her video on behalf of Children’s Mental Health Week is on sale.

Screen Shot 2015-05-28 at 1.42.59 PM

The dress originally sold for £250, it is on sale for £185. (At today’s exchange rates the dress would have been roughly $385, now discounted to about $225.)

Jaeger

Jaeger

LK Bennett’s sale is underway. A very quick scan of the merchandise yielded the Wessex Showerproof Mac trench in beige (also available in black); it was originally priced at $595, now selling for $297.50. On the right we share the Valorie Fitted Dress in blue cyan; it was $425, but is discounted to $297.50.

LK Bennett

LK Bennett

The Mariana Pleat Dress comes in both regal blue and black; it originally sold for $425, but is marked down to $297.50.

LK Bennett

LK Bennett

There is a sizable shoe selection on sale at LK Bennett. Below we show the Maddox Wedge, similar to Kate’s Greta wedge. It is available in limited sizing, and selling for $157.50, the original price was $315. The Clemmie Patent Slingback Heel is something akin to the Sledge in an open heel slingback style. This shoe was initially priced at $345 , it now sells for $241.50, offered in a broad selection of colors.

LK Bennett

LK Bennett

Kate’s Sebago Bala boat shoe is on sale via Amazon. Sebago ‘Bala” is on sale at Amazon for $70.99, the regular price is $95.

Splash News/Wolverine Shoe Co.

Splash News/Wolverine Shoe Co.

The shoe appears to be available in almost all sizes.

An enormous sale that we don’t want to leave off the list: Nordstrom’s Half Yearly Sale.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Kate’s Aquatalia Rhumba boots are $449.90, that is 35% off the original price of $725. There is a variety of other Aquatalia footwear on sale.

Aquatalia/PA Wire

Aquatalia/PA Wire

LK Bennett merchandise is also on sale at Nordstrom, as well as Topshop goods (including a Prince of Wales check maternity dress for just $29.99). Alexander McQueen items in the sale include the Leaf Crepe Peplum Jacket, now $1605, originally it sold for $2675. The Leaf Crepe Dress in royal blue is now $1032, the frock originally was priced at $1720. The Lela Rose Abstract Print Silk Sheath Dress initially sold for $1595, it’s $956.98 now. The Rebecca Taylor Matelassé Fit & Flare Dress on the far right is $224.98, its original price was $375.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

There is a broad selection of Jimmy Choo goods in the sale, as well as Paige Denim and 7 for All Mankind denim. There are limited offerings from Tory Burch, but that designer is in the midst of her semi-annual sale.  A surprising amount of Lancôme is on sale, the majority of it 20% off normal retail prices. That includes the brand’s Définicils High Def MascaraLa Laque Fever Lip Shine, and just in time for summer, Flash Bronzer, along with scents like Poême’ Parfum Spray.

Nordstom

Nordstrom

Even things like this All Over Face Palette are discounted, this item by 25%.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

It’s unusual to see cosmetics discounted by this percentage, at least from my limited (cough-cough) shopping experience.

Showing the Nordstrom McQueen styles on sale, it seems appropriate to note that Alexander McQueen’s sale is also filled with bargains, albeit at more…well, prices at what one might call investment grade level. We show Kate wearing her bespoke version of the Box Pleat A-Line Coat in the Prince of Wales check, seen during the Singapore State Visit in October of last year.

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James Veysey-Camera Press-Goff Photo-Splash / Alexander McQueen / Polaris Images

The biggest distinction between the two is the lapel/collar treatment. The off-the-rack version is marked down 40% from its original $3995 price, now $2400.

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen

Also discounted 40%, the same Box Pleat A-Line Coat in black; its original price was $3595, now it is $2160. We show an Oversize Peplum Top, now $675, and the Trapeze Wrap Dress, now 40% off at $1485.

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen

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A brief word about the State Opening of Parliament Wednesday.

Splash News and Pictures

Splash News and Pictures

The occasion is always held shortly after a general election. Below, the Queen arriving.

James Whatling/Splash News

James Whatling/Splash News

The event is a sterling example of pomp and pageantry, with formal attire, eye-popping jewels, and carriage processions from Buckingham Palace to Westminster. There is live television coverage and a select group of invited guests in attendance. This is an event we will eventually see the Duke and Duchess attending.

We have little to share on the occasion, other than to note there are some fine posts about the jewels worn during the event. Kelly over at The Duchess Diary has a splendid rundown, and royal expert Ella Kay has two fabulous posts at The Court Jeweller. They are here and here.

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Finally, for those who enjoy following other royals, a reminder that TRH, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands arrive in the US for a State Visit May 31st. The royals are in the States for 3 days, the couple is currently in Canada.

For anyone not familiar with the couple, there is a YouTube video that’s a great backgrounder, it only runs 2:30.

For more of the Washington portion of the visit click here; if interested in the Grand Rapids, Michigan itinerary click here; and finally, click here to learn more about the Chicago part of the trip. We also have some links below that offer solid background on the visit and other Netherlands information.

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GinnyLou

Friday 5th of June 2015

Have a question for you all: Does anyone happen to have the Sebago Bala shoes? I just got mine and I love them, but I'm not sure on the size. The 8 fits nicely now, albeit a tiny bit loose. How much will they stretch over time? I'm torn about whether to exchange for a smaller size or keep these. If they stretch much, these will probably be too big.

Catherine

Thursday 4th of June 2015

I like some British perfume brands, and I received an email this week from Shop Londons that Yardley is discontinuing a few of their fragrances, including English Daisy, which was inspired by Kate in 2011. The plan is to reformulate some of their fragrances including English Daisy, English Lavender, Lily of the Valley, and April Violets, and English Rose. Just FYI if you are a fan.

Sarah

Wednesday 3rd of June 2015

I'm confused by all the references to the few times the public have seen Prince George in the UK ("this was only the third sighting of the future king on British soil"). What about the visit to the Butterfly Exhibit on his birthday? What about his baptism? Were those considered "private" events that were made public through photographs and news stories??

admin

Thursday 4th of June 2015

Yes, they were private events as you noted. Of course the baptism was a private event, and there was no one at the butterfly exhibit but the photographer (plus standard security personnel & Kate's assistant, Rebecca Deacon) chosen to take the pictures. :)

Nati

Sunday 31st of May 2015

Hi Everyone I just want to share with you, that a found wedges similar Kate used to wear in House of Fraser. I bought two hours ago: Karley closed toe espadrille wedge Dune £47. So take a look girls!!!

Nati

Tuesday 2nd of June 2015

:( On Sunday I bought these wedges: Dune Karley Closed Toe Espadrille Wedge on £47, but they are £59 right now! http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Dune+Karley+closed+toe+espadrille+wedge/216324529,default,pd.html But they are still there, in 3 colors: Bronze, Navy and Cream.

Melanie from California

Sunday 31st of May 2015

A Word of Warning: Look at the size chart before ordering the ASOS dress. Fortunately, I did. So I took the risk and ordered a size 8. (Usually, I am most definitely Not a size 8. I wish!) When I received my order confirmation, I looked at the itemized receipt and learned that the dress is a size 12 UK, size "8" US. This explains the size chart and the measurements that look slightly off.

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