“Her Majesty, the Queen, is pleased to order that in future, upon St Patrick’s Day, all ranks of her Irish regiments shall wear, as a distinction, a sprig of shamrock in their head dress to commemorate the gallantry of her Irish soldiers during the recent battles in South Africa.”
That decree came in 1900, and this St. Patrick’s Day the Duchess of Cambridge was on hand to distribute shamrocks to 40 Irish Guard officers.
Anwar Hussein/Press Association
Kate chose a deep green Emilia Wickstead piece in what is becoming a familiar cut: fitted on top, a belted waist that flares into a full skirt.
The piece is from the a/w 2010 collection, it was an outstanding look on the Duchess.
We just wrote about Ms. Wickstead in February (in this post), here is more on the talented designer from Vogue Italy:
Born in New Zealand, her mother was a made-to-measure designer. “It’s quite funny. I grew up with my mother: as a designer, she was always working and I actually used to say to her: ‘Whatever you do, never leave me your business'”.
Fortunately Ms. Wickstead decided on a career in fashion after all, that strikes us as a very good thing. Below we share five looks from her sping/summer 2012 collection via London Fashion Week.
London Fashion Week
All five would work for Kate, although some would clearly require modification, primarily in the bodice, providing more appropriate coverage. Below styles from this fall’s collection, as shown in our previous post about the designer. It is easy to see why Kate is fond of Ms. Wickstead’s creations.
Vogue UK
Wonderful looks, many of them ‘very Kate’.
The Duchess seemed to revel in her new role, smiling and joking with the officers while also being respectful of the location and responsibilities attached to the occasion.
Below you can see her touching her bouquet of shamrocks, you’ll also note she once again wore her Tiffany Diamonds by the Yard bracelet, as well as the Kiki McDonough green amethyst earrings we first saw on Christmas morning.
Anwar Hussein/Lock & Company
Our thanks to Ashish Joshi of Sky News, he tweeted word about the dress and hat designers, the chapeau was another piece by James Lock & Company, the firm’s “Betty Boop” style. The hat is not a bespoke piece, it retails at £245, approximately $390 USD at today’s exchange rates.
The hat and shoes were both a rich brown, nicely offsetting the green in Kate’s coat. After much searching, the shoes were IDed on the WKW Facebook page by super-sleuths Leisa George-Meigh and Betty Bader.
Anwar Hussein/Press Association
They are by UK brand Emmy, creators of “beautifully designed and lovingly handmade collection of shoes and accessories”. It is a label Pippa Middleton has also been seen wearing. It is easy to see why the brand is favored by both sisters, more from the company’s website:
“Emmy Scarterfield is the innovative designer behind the brand. She has worked for many of the most influential fashion houses in Italy and the UK including Giorgio Armani, Bottega Veneta, Pringle and Mulberry.”
The designer also did a joint collection with Jenny Packham (now sold out), more proof as to why Kate would appreciate her work. You can follow Emmy on Twitter, visit the company’s Facebook page, or read the blog the company recently launched.
A special mention also to Kate Middleton Style blog, it was Carly’s close-up of the shoe’s sole that offered a good look at the logo, ultimately leading to the correct identification. The company confirmed to both KMSB and Betty Bader the shoes were theirs.
After presenting the shamrock sprigs Kate also joined Guardsmen in the mess hall for a toast and sip of Harvey’s Bristol Cream. We can expect to see Kate fulfilling this role many times in the future, more from the British Forces News:
It is the Duchess of Cambridge’s first solo military engagement and the start of a longstanding relationship with the Irish Guards.
Last year, she was appointed to the honorary rank of Colonel of the Irish Guard and on 25th June the Royal couple presented operational service medals in Windsor to the battalion for their Afghan deployment.
The gold shamrock on Kate’s lapel is the same she wore on Armed Forces Day in June, the brooch is actually owned by the regiment and loaned to those using it on occasions such as Saturday’s. Previously it was worn by the late Queen Mother, as well as Princess Anne. You can see it below, as well as the extra fabric used to hold the shamrock punch pinned to the Duchess’s coat. 
Some may recall that Prince William was made Colonel of the Guards last year, it was the unit’s deep red uniform he wore on his wedding day. And last June the couple paid a ceremonial visit to the regiment on Armed Forces Day. More on the ceremonial history may be found on the British Army’s Facebook page.
The Guards have had an Irish Wolfhound as mascot since 1902, and Conmael received his own shamrocks from Kate Saturday.
More on how the dogs are named from the Irish Guards’ website:
The Mascots are all named after High Kings and Legendary Chieftains of Ireland.
A note about the spelling of the Mascot’s name: several leading UK papers spell it Conmeal, but other sources, including the Herald in Ireland, use Conmael, thus our decision to use the latter. One other note, there has been a bit of chatter about a few of the Guards who appeared to faint before the actual ceremony, more on that from The Express:
Afterwards, Captain Ed Roffe-Silvester, 27, said it was not uncommon for soldiers wearing the 7lb hats to pass out. “The bearskin is fairly heavy,” he said. “If there’s a bit of a breeze like today then you have to put it on pretty firmly and that can restrict blood flow to the head.”
To watch The Telegraph’s video on Saturday’s event, click here.
Today’s ensemble was a classic look exuding grace and style while retaining an understated elegance. The accessories were spot-on, enhancing the ensemble without being overly fussy or detracting from the look.
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We move now to quick update on LK Bennett & the company’s plans to re-issue some of the pieces Kate has worn, we shared this on Twitter & Facebook last week but neglected to include the information in a post. (Apologies for the oversight, my brain is no longer a steel trap, more of a steel sieve, honestly.)
LK Bennett Facebook Page
The jacket will come in a new camel color, as well as the re-issued black and chocolate brown. For those not familiar with the Darwin, here is a look.
LK Bennett Press Archive
Kate has been seen on other occasions in the jacket, below we show her wearing the piece in February.
Photo used with kind permission of Niraj Tanna/IKON Pictures
It was the Davina dress and Jude jacket that Kate wore when visiting Leicester with HM and Prince Philip.
LK Bennett Press Archive
If interested in acquiring either piece, LK Bennett suggests emailing CustomerServices@LKBennett.com.
However, the retailer is not planning to release the navy Art court shoe, the Sliver Sandal in taupe. Our thanks to WKW Facebook friend Adrienne for letting us know they are thinking about other styles to be re-issued, asking Facebook fans for input on which they would most like to see.
So,So beautiful!!! I love everything about it -the hat,her gorgeous hair,the color and cut of the dress
and especially those adorable shoes! Just lovely…
Your information concerning Kate never seems up to date lately. It seems it takes days for you to catch up.
Great post, as always! I think she is looking really good but has gone quiet a bit lately? Perhaps gearing up for the queen’s jubilee and olympics.
I went and got my hair cut at the Richard Ward salon (slightly stalkerish?!).
Anyway, here is my review:
http://hisandherslondon.com/2012/03/31/lets-make-like-k-middy-and-head-to-richard-ward-duchess-of-cambridge/
I wish we knew better what makeup she used… anyone here have any guesses? She always looks so glowy!
Hi Allison! There have been multiple reports that she uses Bobbi Brown, if you do a search for her name & that brand you should find the tutorial and hypothetical colors used. 🙂
And it’s also been said that she uses Lancome.
The truth is that we cannot know for certain. My guess is that, like a lot of women, she uses products from different lines.
I simply love this. The pine colour is such a nice one!
I dont like this outfit. Once again she dresses like a 50 year old lady. This girl needs help with her fashion choices. She is only 30 years old. Dress like it!
She is sophisticated and classy, unlike make 30 year olds I know. I’m almost 30 and find her style refreshing in a sea on mini skirts and midriffs. At 30 you should be comfortable enough in your own skin not to show it all off.
I ADORE this outfit!!! She always looks so great. 🙂 On a side note, does anyone know if LK Bennett is going to restock the Sledge2 pumps that Kate is so fond of (I know the Sledge ones are still available but they are not the same)? The link I had bookmarked doesn’t work anymore and I noticed the shoes are gone from the site… Thought I’d ask before I bother the customer service people with one of their most frequently asked questions.
I love the coat in black, but on Kate, between the pine color and brown accessories, its not working for me. Its much to aging. I would have prefered if she wore a more vibrant green and different accessories.
I loved loved loved Kate’s look on St. Pats Day. Simply lovely!!!
Sigh. Someday I want Kate’s life ( and her waistline). Loved the green ensemble.
She is really elegant. I love pillbox hats, they are simple and fashionable at the same time.
Fantastic outfit — this is how a duchess should dress — I was worried we were heading for yet another effort in grey. But what a gorgeous coat — and such a wonderful flattering shape for her, being full on the hips, and such gorgeous fabric — how it drapes, how it hangs!
And even allowing for a preference for muted colours Kate has teamed up with such a smart little hat in brown which makes an edgy combination in such an appropriate way. Fabulous stuff.
I LOVE the whole look: imposing, disarming and soo Regal !! Kate really did her homework well… The outfit was perfect for the occasion (indoors/outdoors, serious/celebratory) and the colour was spot-on as it was St Patrick’s Day. The hat was lovely, discreet and same colour as the shoes (dark brown). It was better to wear green with brown rather than with black – it complemented better with and was more distinguishable from the red & black military uniforms. She proudly wore the Regiment’s shamrock brooch (which could be seen for miles), and set-off against a sea of red & black military uniforms, Kate looked Magnificent!! This was a very important event in the royal calendar that was essential for Kate to get it right, not just because William is Colonel of the Regiment and it is Kate’s first solo military event, but this is a century-old royal tradition only previously undertaken by very senior (experienced) royals – one of the Queen Mother’s favourites – signalling perhaps that Kate is stepping into seriously big shoes. William must be so proud of Kate, and the Queen appears delighted!
Please – could we have more details about the belt ..
I love the dress, great color and looks lovely on her. I’m not sold on the hat, there is just something that looks off to me. Maybe a different style or color?
There’s a great collection of photos of Kate at the St Patrick’s Day parade at the “Daily Mail’:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2116328/St-Patricks-Day-2012-parade-Duchess-Cambridge-Kate-Middleton-presents-shamrocks-guardsmen.html
I know this is picky – I wish the shoes didn’t curl up at the toes. She is beautiful!
The green dress is such a flattering and beautiful cut. I think it would compliment many different body types. That is what I love most about Kate’s style. She is as thin as a model, but doesn’t wear clothing that only looks good on models. Truly a style icon.
I wish there were some posts on her hair and make-up products. If anyone knows about her hair product choices, please post!
I read she uses kerastase hair products and Bobbi Brown make up
One of my favourite looks from her solo trips!
http://duchesscatherinestyleblog.blogspot.co.uk/
The dark green coat dress is a very flattering cut. I think it would flatter all figures. That is what I love most about Kate’s style. She is as thin as a model, but doesn’t wear outfits that only models could get away with. Maybe that’s why she is such a true style icon?
I wish there were some posts about her hair and make up products. Does anyone know what hair products she uses?
Over on “Get What Kate Wore,” the blogger actually visited the salon the Duchess frequents and apparently had her hair done in the same style. I think she found out what products the Duchess uses. These included Kerastase products but also one or two salon treatments available only at that salon.
Heroic of her, I suppose. The “sacrifices” bloggers will make for the sake of their readers!
You’ll have to scroll back on that site to find the information.
A beautiful coat dress, even given my oft-expressed dislike of full skirts. The lines of this dress were sleek and elegant, which is very much characteristic of Wickstead’s designs. Wickstead’s pieces tend to have a bit of a vintage feel to them, rather 1950’s in flavor, and the Duchess has now worn several outfits that have suggested the 40’s or 50’s. This may simply be because the rather formal mode of dress that she’s needed to adopt, accessorized with hats, will inevitably remind us of past fashion eras in comparison with modern wardrobes, but the Duchess has always been something of a traditionalist, so I wonder whether she’s simply drawn to retro style as a matter of personal taste.
I very much liked the subdued teal-green of this dress, which surprised me, since I wasn’t nutty about the teal-blue of the LK Bennett dress and jacket.
I loved the pillbox hat, and the warm chocolate-brown of the accessories worked very nicely.
Speaking of LK Bennett, I have to say that I am not wildly impressed by its offerings. The Davina dress looked great with the jacket and belt, but I don’t care for the design on its own; I find it rather boring. And, having tried on various items at LK Bennett’s Chicago store, I’m not thrilled by the quality. It could be better, considering the prices.
I have to confess to getting a bit confused by the “retro” thing — I’ve seen at least one magazine fashion spread where at least half-a-dozen different 20th century decades are being “retro-ed” to.
I think some of Kate’s outfits reflect a sort of vague merging of 30s, 40s and 50s all at once at times and in a way I find it a little lacking in focus. Presumably only a problem for those of us whose parents and grandparents lived through those times!.
I don’t think we’d want the look to be too “focussed,” since the effect would be unfortunately costume-like.
I think Wickstead’s designs very much reflect the general design sensibility of the fashions on the site below and often of Dior’s New Look. As for the 40’s, that LK Bennett blue dress and peplum jacket look, with the hat, looked right out of a film about the homefront in World War II: the sort of thing the heroine would wear to say hello or goodbye to the hero at the train station. It even had a vaguely military air.
Let’s leave the 30’s out of it. Not a good decade in fashion (except in eveningwear), and I haven’t seen the Duchess make any references to it in her clothing choices.
http://fashion.lilithezine.com/1950s-Fashion.html
If Kate had the Irish Creme I guess we’ve settled the fact that she’s not pregnant after all!
My thoughts exactly!!
BTW, I’ve just seen a close-up photo of her sipping sherry and the scar is clearly visible. In fact, all close-ups of her left side show the scar – proof that she has a scar, not hair extensions …!?
I loved the last outfits worn by Catherine especially for their cut and colours.
Great coat dress for the Duchess–like the bottle green and the cut. I noticed however that in some of the photos the hem appeared uneven–hanging longer at the front–hopefully that is just because Kate’s belt seemed also to ride up a bit in the middle front, and not because the hem is actually uneven. The hat was nice, but a bit boring. I like it better on the model perhaps because it was worn on a jauntier angle. The brown accesories with the green coat were nice if a bit subdued.
I was pleased to see Kate wearing a Commonwealth designer, well, at least one born in the Commonwealth. It’s commendable that the Royal family does its bit to promote British fashion but they are the Royal family for the entire Commonwealth and it would be nice to see Commonwealth designers being promoted as well, and not just on the occasional tour to that particular country. Now if we could get Kate into some Martin Grant…
I love that last Emilia Wickstead dress–gorgeous, and so much better than the sausagecasing that Lady Kitty Spencer wore to William and Kate’s wedding!
That is a VERY pretty dress that she wore over the weekend. I just wish it was a little bit more green – it looks like a teal on my monitor.
Brown is a nice, interesting choice for her hat and shoes, and I think I like it.
Yeah, the coat dress is so Kate. 🙂 Nothing wrong with it; it’s just so expected. 🙂 Personally I didn’t like the hat. I thought it was overwhelmingly big and heavy looking. The one she wore the other with the Queen might be a better size.
she looks stunning, hair, hat and outfit
I love the coat! And the belt seems a balanced width. I almost drooled over my keyboard at those shoes which go so nicely with the hat.
Gorgeous outfit. Can’t find and ‘although’ thing to say about it 🙂
Kate looks great in green. Love the Jude jacket and Davina dress too – and the Darwin jacket looks so warm. It’s all good.
I can’t gush enough about Kate’s outfit on St. Patrick’s Day – it is quite easily my favourite outfit on her! I love love love the hat and how the warm brown worked with the cool green of her coat dress! The fitted top, belted waist and full skirt is really flattering not only on Kate, but also on many other figures as well so thumbs up from me!!!