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Popular Products Restocking Updates & Topshop for Fall

We are back with some product updates and a look at fall styles on the less expensive end of Kate’s fashion spectrum. First, news about popular products, beginning with the Diane von Furstenberg Zarita gown.

Jeff Moore, Splash/Ben Stevens, i-Images/Ben Stevens, i-Images/

Jeff Moore, Splash/Ben Stevens, i-Images/Ben Stevens, i-Images/

The gown has been restocked in almost all sizes on the DVF site, where it is $898.

Kate's Diane von Furstenberg Zarita evening gown

Diane von Furstenberg

I know a number of readers liked the shorter version of the dress; that style is also well-stocked again. Below you see the longer version of the dress in two colors that were mentioned the most in messages/email I received: black (l) and navy (r). You also see a ‘midnight’ color in the center that is presumably a deeper navy, unfortunately I wasn’t able to distinguish between the two navys on my monitor; perhaps it is easier to see in person. This version of the dress sells for $368.

Diane von Furstenberg Zarita Lace Dress Knee Length version

Diane von Furstenberg

Some also liked the shortest version of the frock; we show it below in the black, midnight and navy colorways ($348), along with a new scoopneck style ($365).

Diane von Furstenberg Zarita lace dress short length

Diane von Furstenberg

Those seeking a more vibrant look might enjoy the sunny, summery colors now on sale: hot rose, lemon gold, spring green and hot coral are all half-off, priced at $174.

Diane von Furstenberg

Diane von Furstenberg

Also back in stock in all sizes, the ASOS Maternity Skater dress worn when the Duchess visited Brookhill Childrens Centre this past March.

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Ben Stevens, i-Images, POLARIS/Ben Stevens, i-Images/Splash News

The dress has been a favorite of many Kate fashion fans, it remains priced at $63, the same amount as when Kate first wore the frock.

ASOS

ASOS

And finally, ME + EM have Kate’s Breton Tip in white with blue stripes in XS and XXL.

i-Images.co/ME + EM

i-Images.co/ME + EM

The Cobalt with White Stripes remains a pre-purchase item, with shipping expected September 25th. We have had a number of comments about the nautical look tops, including this from Val: “I received my cobalt stripe Breton top the next day after it was shipped and I am very happy with the top. The color is very vivid. Customer service from ME & EM to the US is excellent.”

Kate Cobalt Breton with White Stripe ME EM top Polo Whatling Splash

ME + EM

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We move now to our look at fall styles from a brand Kate has worn several times, Topshop. A quick review of two memorable Topshop styles we have seen her wear includes the polka dot dress first noted at the Warner Brothers Studios tour in April of 2013.

All photos © James Whatling/SplashNews.com

All photos © James Whatling/SplashNews.com

There is also the Contrast Collar Dress worn when visiting the UK’s Child Bereavement Center with William in March of 2013.

Paul Edwards/The Sun/PA Wire

Paul Edwards/The Sun/PA Wire

Nor do we see much that looks Duchess-friendly when surveying product pictures; this is particularly true with some of the “Little House on the Prairie in the West Village” styles. However, because Topshop updates its merchandise mix at least twice weekly, that rapid turnover means we’re seeing only a tiny part of the fall/winter collection, as very little will have arrived at stores. Having skimmed through the current styles there are only a very few pieces I noticed that offered the remotest possibility for Kate’s walk-in; one is the Daisy Midi Dress in black ($95) is one.

Topshop

Topshop

Seeing this on the Duchess is still a stretch, at the least she would shorten the dress considerably.  For the more heavily textured and/or embellished styles of this type Kate has really migrated to Temperley London and other high-end designers.

Another possible piece, the Wrap Midi Dress ($80); it has similarities to the Reiss Shola, including the color and snug fit. Again however, Kate has tended to look elsewhere for tailored pieces, migrating to retailers like LK Bennett and Reiss.

Topshop

Topshop

The Notched Blazer ($95) has the clean lines Kate favor.

Topshop

Topshop

One fall product that may be jarring for some: Topshop’s Moto Mom Jeans.

Topshop

Topshop

From the product page:

…our MOTO Mom jeans come in an authentic rigid-look denim. Cut with a high-waist and a tapered leg, they come in an ultra wearable mid-blue wash with multiple pockets and classic trims. Wear them folded at the cuffs to keep them looking cool.

The higher waist and longer rise are obvious when looking at the images, a deep departure from the skinny jeans we have been seeing for years and years. Above we show them in the mid-blue rinse; they are also offered in a broad variety of other colors and rinses.

Topshop

Topshop

The jeans are £40/$70. Does anyone think the Duchess might don a pair?

One other Topshop denim note, the Moto Maternity blue skinny jeans Kate has worn are back in stock ($70).

Topshop

Topshop

In sum, there was almost nothing in Topshop’s fall styles that jumped off the page shrieking “Kate-friendly!” In fact, there was very little that even whispered that sentiment.

Next week we’ll focus on retailers offering pieces that look a little more Kate. With that we send out hopes that everyone enjoys a splendid weekend.

EDITOR’S NOTE: I removed the portion of the post regarding the Zarita on sale at Rue La La when the sale ended Saturday, August 22 at 3pm.

 

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Katie

Saturday 22nd of August 2015

I think the Duchess would look nice in a smartly tailored suit...like Queen Letizia of Spain sometimes wears. I can't think of a time she wore a suit...though my memory's far from perfect. The one in the middle of your first Topshop trio isn't horrible to me...obviously needs a blouse. :)

I miss the Duchess, speaking as if she's my friend. Ha! I hope she and her family are doing well and I hope we get to see them all soon!

Lili

Sunday 23rd of August 2015

Well, the Duchess has a black and white nailhead fabric (or maybe pindot fabric) tailored suit that she wore to the Order of the Garter procession before her marriage and later, after her marriage, in the context of signing some embassy's condolence book regarding some tragedy (I think). She needed to look solemn and subdued.

I also recall a brown tweed suit that she wore before her marriage -- the fashion press thought it inexpressibly bland and boring -- and she's worn a very nice navy suit -- Amanda Wakeley, perhaps? -- in which she posed for her official portrait before the Canada tour. Finally, there was her Rebecca Taylor blue tweed suit, which she's worn at least twice. One of my favorites.

I tend to think that Queen Letizia always looks less interesting in her tailored suits than in anything else she wears. When I've really admired one of her outfits, it's always been a dress or skirt and top ensemble. And I say that as someone who likes suits.

ElizaMo

Saturday 22nd of August 2015

These are lean times indeed for Kate-watchers, but we must be nearly at the end of the engagement-drought, surely?!

Hope I'm not the only one here who thinks that the stretch lace thing has been well and truly done. The Zarita gown is a great classic and Kate wore it well but I don't need to see much more of the same any time soon. The bright colours are fun in the shorter version though the price-cut shows how scared customers are of a bit of colour though there are plenty of occasions where it would work I'd have thought.

Agree with the thumbs-down on those Topshop offerings, I would be surprised if she went for a tailored style from them as their items usually take more of a supporting role with her, like the polka dress under a jacket.

Thanks so much for an extra post to take us over the weekend!

Lili

Friday 21st of August 2015

"Little House on the Prairie in the West Village"?

Ha! I nearly fell off my chair laughing at that one. Though frankly, I think the Ingalls women were probably better dressed, judging by Laura's descriptions of Ma's dressmaking skills, which I've never forgotten. I've never seen a damned thing at Topshop that I'd be caught dead in, on or off a prairie.

The Zarita dress is a pretty item in the full-length and nearly-knee-length versions, but it's just too much lace for me. I do like the 3/4 lace sleeve effect, though, so I ended up buying a black Carmen Marc Valvo with lace sleeves and insets at the waist but otherwise a plain bodice and pencil skirt. It makes a nod towards the Zarita look but without the allover lace effect.

Now, if I can just get my fine blonde hair to cooperate in the production of a nice chignon. Never a certainty, alas.

Melanie from California

Saturday 22nd of August 2015

Lili, Very well said! I was at a loss for words about Topshop's merchandise--"a tragic waste of dye and fabric" comes to mind. I agree with your remarks about the Zarita dress. I like the shorter version of the dress, but the long version is A Lot of lace. It doesn't translate as well in photographs as the Temperley "War Horse Premier" dress.

JR

Friday 21st of August 2015

Oh my, the commentary on Topshop's offerings was my giggle for the day! Good work Susan, and I agree completely - nothing here that looks remotely promising for the Cambridge closet. Or mine.

Brenda

Friday 21st of August 2015

The wrap midi dress in cream from the Top Shop group might work for Kate.

One caution on the Me & Em Breton top. Shipping to the States is 20 pounds, or $31.38. Sadly, I had to pass.

It would be lovely someday if Me & Em offered WKW readers a voucher for free shipping.

The Way We Were

Sunday 23rd of August 2015

I am in agreement with you Brenda. As for Me and Em tops, I honestly don't see the need to get them with such high shipping cost. In US we can easily find similar pieces from our retail shops, J.Crew, Ann Taylor, or some junior brands in Nordstrom. Bodenusa.com has a good selection of these Breton tops as well.

I have thought Kate as a "frequent" Topshop shopper anyway so I wasn't surprised nor disappointed when not seeing many "Kate" pieces.

On a slightly off subject, it's interesting to see 70s fashion making a comeback so quickly. I remember last round was barely a few years ago. Shifts, plaids, mini, bell bottom, platform boots... Personally I don't mind looking like a vss "Enterprise" crew if I can get my hands on some of those mini dresses. :)

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