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Kate Returns to a Favorite Designer for Blue Mountains Visit

Kate and William visited Australia’s renowned Blue Mountains today, spending time with those impacted by last year’s devastating bushfires.

Emily Andrews, The Sun (@byEmilyAndrews)

Emily Andrews, The Sun (@byEmilyAndrews)

The pair spent time speaking with emergency services personnel, as well as residents who were impacted by last October’s catastrophic bushfires in the Blue Mountains.Stephen Lock / i-Images / Polaris

More from Rebecca English’s story in the Daily Mail:

Jennie Hall, who lost everything but the ‘daggy garden pants’ and old shirt she was wearing last October 17, said the royal couple’s visit was ‘very meaningful’ for the still-devastated community.

‘It’s an acknowledgement of what we went through to have William and Kate come to our part of the world and shine a light on what happened here,’ said Mrs Hall.

‘Over 200 houses went up in the space of 20 minutes.The temperatures were 1,600 degrees in the middle of it. I had molten aluminium left in my house. I lost everything – except I got my dogs out – so for the duke and duchess to come here and by doing that show to the world what we are still going through, that’s a big thing for us.’

After lunch William and Kate planted a tree at Winmalee Girl Guides Hall. Emily Andrews of The Sun reports it was a red eucalyptus, signifying all of the trees that burned in the fires.

Emily Andrews, The Sun

Emily Andrews, The Sun (@byEmilyAndrews)

They posed for pictures with the Girl Guides after the tree was in the ground.

The couple then headed to their next engagement at scenic Echo Point. More from Sam Adamas, writing in the Daily Mirror’s live blog.

The Royal couple’s next stop is Echo Point, a jaw dropping beauty spot in the Blue Mountains.

Perched on an escarpment – the point gives an incredible panoramic view of some of the world’s most incredible scenery.

James Whatling / Splash News

A wider view. 

Kate wore a new dress from Diane von Furstenberg, the label’s “Patrice” dress.  The dress is cotton with an Ikat Batik print in navy blue and black.

Diane von Furstenberg 'Patrice'

Diane von Furstenberg ‘Patrice’

It features 3/4-length sleeves, DVF’s classic cross-over wrap front with self-fastening waist tie, a hidden side zipper and pockets. The dress is not lined, and the product notes say it has no stretch. Surprisingly, it is still available as of this writing at Matches Fashion ($325) in almost all sizes, and it remains in stock in most sizes at the DVF online site.  In the time it took me to finish the post it sold out. There are other pieces in the same print, including the Avalon Printed Corset Top ($225) and the Amelia Flared Skirt ($298).

DVF Ikat Skirt & Corset

DVF Ikat Skirt & Corset

And for those able to pull off a more exuberant look, this is the DVF Amelia Silk Combo Flared Wrap Dress.

DVF 'Amelia'

Kate has long been fond of Diane von Furstenberg designs. Below we show her (left to right) in the brand’s Simyonette coat, Maje dress and a 2008 coat worn for Remembrance Sunday in both 2011 and 2012.  There are many other DVF pieces she has worn over the years.

Slash News/UK in America/Splash News

Slash News/UK in America/Splash News

We saw the return of Kate’s Stuart Weitzman Muse handbag and Corkswoon wedges ($398).

The Duchess wore her sapphire and diamond earrings.

In this photo, you can see Kate has on her Mappin & Webb Fortune Pendant.James Whatling/Splash News

This afternoon the Cambridges are either watching abseiling (rappelling) , or doing some themselves. Should the latter be true and Kate changes clothes we will update the post.  Today’s Tip of the Tiara goes to Ashley Marie, Hannah & Kate’s Closet, they were all quick to identify the dress.

FRIDAY’S ENGAGEMENTS: (Thursday night in the US)

  • Attend the Royal Easter Show, an enormous annual event held at Sydney’s Olympic Park celebrating rural art
  • The next event is in Manly, a suburb of Sydney. Kate and William will visit Bear Cottage, a children’s hospice
  • The schedule then calls for a visit to the world-famous Manly Beach, the attraction prompting Manly’s nickname of “Surf City”. William & Kate will watch a display of life-saving skills and honor life-saving volunteers

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JC

Sunday 20th of April 2014

this reminds me of one of my favorite travel dresses. i am constantly on planes for work, so always on the hunt for dresses that are chic and wrinkle-free...

this one probably receives more compliments than most of my dresses - beautiful blue, black, and white ikat pattern, and the fabric moves beautifully. it's also incredibly soft - like wearing a nightgown.

be aware though, the v is on the deep side and the dress is cut a bit short - which works for me because i am shorter (5'3") and not very, ahem, busty.

- http://www.tartcollections.com/marie-dress/ - http://www.zappos.com/tart-marie-dress

Beth

Friday 18th of April 2014

Possible Repli-Kate: Banana Republic's "Gemma Geo-Print Wrap Dress" looks pretty similar to me at a more affordable price than DVF. While you are there, they have a Flared Trench that looks a lot like the Burberry trench Kate wore when she was engaged.

robbie

Friday 18th of April 2014

Love the DVF Patrice Wrap dress she wore and cannot believe I found my size at www.avenuek.com. They still have sizing ladies!!!!

Emily

Thursday 17th of April 2014

Just wondering if anyone knows where to find the Zimmermann dress Kate is wearing today?

admin

Thursday 17th of April 2014

Hi Emily, it won't be in-store until June. :)

Fashiophile

Thursday 17th of April 2014

Sydney at this time of the year is very dry so everyone's hair sits properly since the climate is not so humid now. The same with Kate's hair - it is the weather and not her stylist that should be commended. Even the best stylist cannot prevent hair from going frizzy if the weather is humid. The weather in Sydney over the Easter weekend is absolutely gorgeous and the water is so pristine and blue. Kate and Will must be enjoying the harbour view from Admirality House.

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