Will Reiss Re-Issue the Shola Dress? Also, Info on How to Rent Dress or Buy It on eBay & A Royal Giveaway

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. 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 into 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!

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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.