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Familiar Pieces at Commonwealth Games & What Kate Wore to a Wedding Saturday

Kate was in familiar styles today in Scotland.James Whatling/Splash News

The Duchess joined Princes Harry and William for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Their first stop today was at the gymnastics competition; the Daily Express has more.

They sat in the family section of the arena shortly before 3pm as gymnasts from across the Commonwealth competed in the men’s and women’s team finals.

Their arrival at the Hydro went almost unnoticed by the crowds until cameras showed them on the arena’s big screens.

After gymnastics, the trio went to the boxing venue, where they watched England’s Scott Fitzgerald take on Azumah Mohammed of Ghana.Andrew Parsons / i-Images / Polaris

Mr. Fitzgerald was triumphant over Mr. Mohammed, winning the welterweight match.Splash News

As the Duke, Duchess, and Prince departed the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre after the boxing match, Kate thanked volunteers. (Our thanks to John Cushing for allowing us to use his photograph.)

Photo: Kind Permission John Cushng Global Radio (@

Photo: Kind Permission John Cushing, Global Radio (@JohnCushing)

Thus far the Games have been enormously successful. More from the Daily Mail:

Since the Queen opened the event last week, the Commonwealth Games has proved popular with royal visitors, starting with Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, who kicked off a week of royal visits the day before the event got underway.

Other royals to be seen cheering on the athletes in Glasgow include the Queen, who joined the crowds at the hockey and the swimming on last Thursday, and the Earl and Countess of Wessex, who were seen over the weekend at the hockey and the rugby sevens.

The Glasgow games have already broken Scottish visitor records with more than 350,000 spectators watching events yesterday on so-called ‘Super Sunday’.

In these pictures via Michael Kurn, you see the royals arriving for field hockey competition.

Photos via Kind Courtesy Michael Kurn Twitter (@MichaelKurn)

Photos: Via Kind Courtesy Michael Kurn (@MichaelKurn)

 
Prince Edward, who is Vice Patron of the Commonwealth Games, joined the younger royals to watch the women’s field hockey.
Stephen Lock / i-Images / Polaris

Stephen Lock / i-Images / Polaris

Whether watching competition, traveling between events, or meeting athletes, Harry, William and Kate seemed to enjoy themselves immensely. Here we see Kate and William reacting to action in the hockey game.

Having this generation of royals supporting sports initiatives makes perfect sense. The Duke, Duchess & Prince Harry are all athletic, with a particular affinity for team sports. They have all volunteered time for other sporting endeavors, especially those benefiting charitable organizations. Kate is royal patron for SportsAid, an organization providing financial support to young athletes who ultimately want to compete at the Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games level. 

Readers won’t be surprised at what Kate wore at the Games today, many will recognize her clothing and accessories. The jacket is by Zara, we first saw the Duchess wearing it in Auckland, New Zealand, during the royal tour.

Zara / Rebecca English, The Daily Mail & Mail Online Twitter Feed (@RE_DailyMail)

Zara / Rebecca English, The Daily Mail & Mail Online Twitter Feed (@RE_DailyMail)

She also wore skinny jeans and a blouse we have yet to identify.

Andrew Parsons / i-Images / Polaris

Andrew Parsons / i-Images / Polaris

The button-front top is sleeveless and appears to be done in a tone-on-tone stripe. Below, a better look at the collar.

splash News / Polaris Images

Splash News / Polaris Images

It also has domed buttons and vertical tucks from the shoulder seam to the bustline.

Stephen Lock / i-Images / Polaris

If/when the blouse is identified we’ll update the post with that information.

UPDATE May 17 2018:  At last, an ID ! The answer came from Lady Coventry on Twitter when she shared a link to an eBay auction

The Alena top by Reiss was recently offered in an eBay auction, allowing us to read more about the piece and see better photos of the garment. It is a blend of 78% cotton/22% silk, with a stand collar, pin tuck pleats on the front and back, button front with contrasting buttons, and binding at the armholes.

It’s wonderful having this piece identified.

Kate was carrying her Stuart Weitzman for Russell and Bromley Muse clutch in navy suede (£255, about $430). For those not as familiar with the handbag, a snippet from the product description.

In blue suede, the chic minimal design and simple flap closure make this understated evening bag the last word in luxury.

With thanks to those questioning the handbag ID in this post (and on Facebook, Twitter, as well as via email), I raised the question with several closeup photos in Tuesday’s post on the Commonwealth Games. Kate is carrying an Emmy clutch, not the Stuart Weitzman Muse.

UPDATED FRIDAY AUGUST 1: Kate was actually carrying a bag by from a favored firm, LK Bennett: the retailer’s Frome Suede Clutch, described as “our wear-anywhere favourite clutch. Smart, sleek and the perfect size for any occasion, it’s crafted in soft suede.  It initially sold for £185 (about $300) but most recently it was discounted to £110, roughly $185.

LK Bennett 'Frome'

LK Bennett ‘Frome’

Cindy, Sara & Anna of My Small Obsessions have our thanks for their identification of the piece.

At times Kate could be seen holding a pair of sunglasses, but we haven’t yet seen photographs allowing a firm identification. And she was also wearing her trusty Corkswoon wedges by Stuart Weitzman.

Stuart Weitzman

We show them at Stuart Weitzman above, but they are also available at Zappos. Both retailers charge $398 for the shoes.

The Duchess accessorized with her Kiki McDonough Citrine Drop earrings, Cartier Ballon Bleu wristwatch and Asprey charms necklace featuring charms from the company’s Woodland Collection.

Kiki McDonoough/Cartier/Asprey

Kiki McDonough/Cartier/Asprey

Not everyone was thrilled with what Kate wore: a look at Twitter, the WKW Facebook page, other blogs, and some of the comments on this post is all one needs to verify that sentiment. Why? Because many feel Kate settles for a ‘uniform’ when she should be showing variety, at least a little bit, in her wardrobe. A look at the headline and montage from Dhani Mau’s post today in Fashionista:

Fashionista.com

Fashionista.com

From Dhani’s story:

“…fashion-wise, it was not very exciting. That’s because she was wearing an outfit that she’s worn literally a dozen times and seems to choose for every occasion that calls for something casual — i.e. not a dress.”

It’s a good point. Except I think Kate wants to be “boring”: she wants attention on the occasion/event/function she is attending, and the people involved with that event. She doesn’t want the focus on her and what she is wearing. I respect her feeling that way (if, in fact, it is how she feels, obviously it’s mere speculation on my part). Unfortunately, one need only look where all the cameras are pointed when Kate is present to realize the noblest of intentions can be overwhelmed by the reality of a wired world demanding its pictures. Now. They want them now, as in I wanted-them-yesterday-now.

Would there be even more buzz and tweeting and chatter if the Duchess wore something new? I don’t know, but my instinct is there would be; the old Tweet-o-Meter would be peaking in the red zone. While I am not a fan of everything Kate wears in this sort of ensemble, I respect what appears to be her determination to not feed the beast, if at all possible, and to stay in the pleasantly ‘uninspired’ category.

Kate and William watching swimming this evening.

Stephen Lock / i-Images / Polaris

And William fanning her with her credentials because it’s warm at the swimming venue.

Andrew Parsons / i-Images / Polaris

 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Also today, a very quick update on what the Duchess wore this Saturday when attending a wedding with Prince William. They were in Batcombe, a small village in Somerset, for the marriage of Alexander Vaulkhard and Sarah Nicholson. The Prince became friends with Mr. Vaulkhard when both were attending Eton. There are no photos available for licensing, although you can see a few images here. The Duchess was in a Jenny Packham frock we have seen before, worn to a polo match in California during the 2011 N. American tour.

Jenny Packham

Jenny Packham

We did not see the dress again for almost a year, when Kate wore the silver and marble grey hand-painted silk frock to the June 2012 wedding of Prince William’s cousin, Emily McCorquodale. 

Kate also appeared to be wearing the ‘Sliver’ sandal this weekend, the same shoe originally worn with the dress in 2011, it is by LK Bennett.

LK Bennett

LK Bennett

 
We will see you tomorrow when Kate is due back at the Commonwealth Games.

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Natasha

Wednesday 6th of August 2014

Are her jeans Top Shop Leigh Moto's? I love those jeans and have them in a few different washes and they look very similar to hers, they also have the ankle grazer option which looks to be what she's wearing. She was wearing Top Shop maternity jeans (tell tale sign is the slight roll at the ankle on the maternity jeans) so I wouldn't be surprised if she also likes the regular Leigh Motos

Rachel

Thursday 31st of July 2014

While I thoroughly enjoy your blog and your attention to detail, I must say Kate's wardrobe selections have become quite boring. I'm not sure if she enlists the help of a stylist, but if not, maybe she should. One can look classic and elegant without being boring or wearing the same outfit over and over again. Her sense of style seems to be lacking in comparison to some of her other royal colleagues such as Queen Letizia of Spain. Perhaps you should consider covering her wardrobe. Just a thought.

Thanks for the wonderful effort you put into this blog.

Tilla R.

Wednesday 30th of July 2014

Dear Susan, Let me start by saying that I have been following your blog since its inception, but I have never posted any comments until this minute. I truly appreciate your hard work and dedications to this blog and your timely fashion of posting everything. I am obsessed with your blog (not Kate Middleton) and I love love love the way you break down everything and go into details and add links to other sites. My day starts with a cup of earl grey tea and this blog, which is a dream come true. Thank you for your hard work and for sharing all these information with us mere mortals.

Now onto Kate's wardrobe du jour. I have to admit the posting by Dhani Mau made me laugh so hard that I spewed my tea all over my desk. I never really understood the ensemble of high wedges, a fitted jacket and skinny jeans that end 2 inches above her ankles as a casual go-to outfit/uniform. In fact, I never really understood her wedges as part of this uniform and they did not look good on her until she wore them with the DVF dress in New Zealand, which in my humble opinion was the perfect match (A++).

I totally agree with Dhani Mau that kate's casual uniform is bordering on bizarre now. It makes her look clueless, even though she is a beautiful young woman with a killer body. I think Kate has many simple, casual pieces that she can wear without drawing attention to her. Just look at her wardrobe before she married P.W. What has she done with them? did she donate them? Did she leave them at her parents house? did she give them to her sister?

with warmest regards Tilla R.

NOTE: Edited by admin

Maddalena

Wednesday 30th of July 2014

Uops, I forgot to tell you that I believe that at Saturday's wedding she was wearing the white fascinator that she was wearing at 2012 Order of the Garter ceremony... :D

mimi

Wednesday 30th of July 2014

i think there's also a huge thing the press, critics, style watchers etc. are forgetting when appraising kate's outfits-she's a mother now! we all know she has royal aids that pick her clothes based on symbolism etc. but to informal events-she's just getting dressed in her go to outfits she finds comfortable and works well at such functions. i know i have my go to outfits when i am uninspired to throw an ensemble together. she's a mother now. and from all accounts a very hands on devoted mother. that takes time! and she doesn't seem to be the type that would call her royal aid/stylist and say "what about that charity match? can you send me some outfit ideas?" no. she has a son (regardless of the heir to the throne) and that's what happens when you become a mother. and that's what makes her so likable. i do agree to a certain extent she doesnt want attention being drawn to her new top (which it always will be) but more so i think she's just a normal mom who is busy with an active infant and she has bigger fish to fry.

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