Popular Products Restocking Updates & Topshop for Fall

We are back with some product updates and a look at fall styles on the less expensive end of Kate’s fashion spectrum. First, news about popular products, beginning with the Diane von Furstenberg Zarita gown.

The gown has been restocked in almost all sizes on the DVF site, where it is $898.

I know a number of readers liked the shorter version of the dress; that style is also well-stocked again. Below you see the longer version of the dress in two colors that were mentioned the most in messages/email I received: black (l) and navy (r). You also see a ‘midnight’ color in the center that is presumably a deeper navy, unfortunately I wasn’t able to distinguish between the two navys on my monitor; perhaps it is easier to see in person. This version of the dress sells for $368.

Some also liked the shortest version of the frock; we show it below in the black, midnight and navy colorways ($348), along with a new scoopneck style ($365).

Those seeking a more vibrant look might enjoy the sunny, summery colors now on sale: hot rose, lemon gold, spring green and hot coral are all half-off, priced at $174.

Also back in stock in all sizes, the ASOS Maternity Skater dress worn when the Duchess visited Brookhill Childrens Centre this past March.

The dress has been a favorite of many Kate fashion fans, it remains priced at $63, the same amount as when Kate first wore the frock.

And finally, ME + EM have Kate’s Breton Tip in white with blue stripes in XS and XXL.

The Cobalt with White Stripes remains a pre-purchase item, with shipping expected September 25th. We have had a number of comments about the nautical look tops, including this from Val: “I received my cobalt stripe Breton top the next day after it was shipped and I am very happy with the top. The color is very vivid. Customer service from ME & EM to the US is excellent.”

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We move now to our look at fall styles from a brand Kate has worn several times, Topshop. A quick review of two memorable Topshop styles we have seen her wear includes the polka dot dress first noted at the Warner Brothers Studios tour in April of 2013.

There is also the Contrast Collar Dress worn when visiting the UK’s Child Bereavement Center with William in March of 2013.

Nor do we see much that looks Duchess-friendly when surveying product pictures; this is particularly true with some of the “Little House on the Prairie in the West Village” styles. However, because Topshop updates its merchandise mix at least twice weekly, that rapid turnover means we’re seeing only a tiny part of the fall/winter collection, as very little will have arrived at stores. Having skimmed through the current styles there are only a very few pieces I noticed that offered the remotest possibility for Kate’s walk-in; one is the Daisy Midi Dress in black ($95) is one.

Seeing this on the Duchess is still a stretch, at the least she would shorten the dress considerably.  For the more heavily textured and/or embellished styles of this type Kate has really migrated to Temperley London and other high-end designers.

Another possible piece, the Wrap Midi Dress ($80); it has similarities to the Reiss Shola, including the color and snug fit. Again however, Kate has tended to look elsewhere for tailored pieces, migrating to retailers like LK Bennett and Reiss.

The Notched Blazer ($95) has the clean lines Kate favor.

One fall product that may be jarring for some: Topshop’s Moto Mom Jeans.

From the product page:

…our MOTO Mom jeans come in an authentic rigid-look denim. Cut with a high-waist and a tapered leg, they come in an ultra wearable mid-blue wash with multiple pockets and classic trims. Wear them folded at the cuffs to keep them looking cool.

The higher waist and longer rise are obvious when looking at the images, a deep departure from the skinny jeans we have been seeing for years and years. Above we show them in the mid-blue rinse; they are also offered in a broad variety of other colors and rinses.

The jeans are £40/$70. Does anyone think the Duchess might don a pair?

One other Topshop denim note, the Moto Maternity blue skinny jeans Kate has worn are back in stock ($70).

In sum, there was almost nothing in Topshop’s fall styles that jumped off the page shrieking “Kate-friendly!” In fact, there was very little that even whispered that sentiment.

Next week we’ll focus on retailers offering pieces that look a little more Kate. With that we send out hopes that everyone enjoys a splendid weekend.

EDITOR’S NOTE: I removed the portion of the post regarding the Zarita on sale at Rue La La when the sale ended Saturday, August 22 at 3pm.