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Kate in Eponine London for Best Beginnings Speech

Kate brought back her Eponine London skirt suit for today’s Heads Together engagement.©Pete Maclaine / i-Images

Above, Best Beginnings Founder and CEO Alison Baum welcomes Kate to the Royal College Of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in London where today’s function was held. The event was the launch of the Out of the Blue’ film series created by Best Beginnings, one of eight Heads Together partner charities.

The films are designed to “raise awareness of maternal mental health challenges.” ©Pete Maclaine / i-Images / Polaris

More about the film series from Rebecca English’s Daily Mail column:

The film series was created by Best Beginnings to explore the range of mental health issues that can affect mothers such as anxiety and low moods, as well as the more severe forms of depression

The films are also aimed to help fathers and other family members understand what new mothers go through and how they can be supported more effectively.

Kate was scheduled to address the group; she started her remarks with a reference to yesterday’s terrorist attack before she focused on the new film series.

“Before I begin, I know you would all want to join me in sending our thoughts and prayers to all those sadly affected by yesterday’s terrible attack in Westminster. We will be thinking of all the families, as we discuss the important issues we’re here to talk about.”

The educational films address the many changes and challenges that occur with pregnancy and parenting. Kate spoke candidly about some of the emotions she experienced as a new mother.

Personally, becoming a mother has been such a rewarding and wonderful experience.  However, at times it has also been a huge challenge- even for me who has support at home that most mothers do not. 

And yet there is no rule book, no right or wrong – you just have to make it up and do the very best you can to care for your family.  For many mothers, myself included, this can, at times lead to lack of confidence and feelings of ignorance.

Response to Kate’s speech was positive. Below you see reaction from Richard Palmer of The Daily Express.

Richard Palmer Twitter (@RoyalReporter)

Richard Palmer Twitter (@RoyalReporter)

And from another royal correspondent, Rebecca English of The Daily Mail.

Rebecca English Twitter @RE_DailyMail

Rebecca English Twitter @RE_DailyMail

After the formal presentation, Kate took part in a support group session with new mothers and fathers.

© Heathcliff O'Malley/NMA Rota/Nunn Syndication/Polaris

Today’s engagement is timed to coincide with Mother’s Day in the UK this weekend (aka Mothering Sunday).©Heathcliff O'Malley/NMA Rota/Nunn Syndication/Polaris

Now for our look at what Kate wore for today’s engagement.©James Whatling

The Duchess was in a familiar skirt suit by Eponine London.©James Whatling

The suit was first worn to a teen mentoring engagement last March. The top features a boat neck with belt detailing at the front, while the skirt has box pleats and side tabs. The garments are constructed of a cotton/viscose blend in a pattern designed to evoke a mod 1960s look. Below, photos from last year’s post better show the suit’s details.©Splash News

Eponine specializes in made-to-measure designs inspired by mid-century styles. Below, three looks from the a/w 2016 collection.

Eponine London

Eponine London

Today we saw Kate in a familiar pair of heels, her Gianvito Rossi Gianvito 105 Suede Pumps ($675) in the ‘praline’ colorway. The style is still available in limited sizes at multi-brand retailer My Theresa.  (If interested in the shoes, today is the last day My Theresa is offering free shipping on all orders.)©James Whatling/

Kate carried her Nina handbag by LK Bennett. The hard-sided clutch is still offered on the UK website (£195, about $245), but no longer available on the US/CAN site.©LK Bennett/James Whatling

Kate wore her Kiki McDonough Pink Morganite Drops.Kiki McDonough/James Whatling

 In 2016 the Duchess accessorized with her black suede Gianvito 105 pumps and ‘Muse’ clutch by Stuart Weitzman from Russell and Bromley.©Nunn Syndication, Polaris / PA Images

This is the second Eponine style we have seen the Duchess wear. In January Kate wore Eponine for her first engagements of 2017.©Polaris / i-Images

If interested in the label, there is a nifty interview with Eponine founder and CEO Jet Shenkman on the Amsterdam Fashion Week website. (I used Google translate to read the piece.) 

There was some concern today’s engagement might be canceled in the wake of yesterday’s events. Not because of safety concerns, but because so many public safety personnel are dealing with the ongoing investigation. Fortunately, things were able to proceed as planned.

Heads Together Twitter @Heads_Twitter

Heads Together Twitter @Heads_Twitter

You can watch it here.

An item of note for those in the New York City area.

Many readers are familiar with the Thought/Quote of the Day signs at London tube stations. I thought I’d sign off with three from today as shared on Twitter by Oval Station.

Via Oval Station (@Oval_Station)

Via Oval Station (@Oval_Station)

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The Way We Were

Tuesday 28th of March 2017

I still wish this were a one piece. I really love the color and pattern but the cropped top appears a bit ill fitted on the Duchess.

Anne

Monday 27th of March 2017

Wow... I am very late to the issue. However, if you are still taking comments, admin., I will submit mine. I so appreciate the purpose of this blog, which is to discuss Duchess Catherine's style in a civil way. Anything outside of those boundaries belongs elsewhere. Keep up the good work!

Lynn from California

Saturday 25th of March 2017

110% agree. The number one reason I visit this web site every day is the civility and polite tone of the comments. It's a haven from the nastiness that bombards us on a daily basis. Thank you admin for all your time and efforts to keep this site a pleasure!

Deanne LM

Saturday 25th of March 2017

I am a little obsessed with this blog and check it regularly. It's almost a guilty pleasure; thank you for all the hard work and research.

I have to say Kate's hair is looking so much better; the comparison photo only confirms that. A better colour with more volume. Does she have a new hairdresser?

Katie

Friday 24th of March 2017

I love the retro cut and want to see this style more often. I like gingham except in red because it's too much like a tablecloth for a picnic table or pizza shop. I prefer the black suede heels & matching clutch because they bring out the black buttons in the top. I love the pink earrings but not with this ensemble. Jewelry & accessories that match the 3 colors - red, white, black - in the suit dress would have given her look more polish.

Donna

Friday 24th of March 2017

Is it red and white? It looks to me to be pink and orangish red. I love pink and orange and pink and red together!

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