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Kate Brings Back Orla Kiely for Mentoring Program Engagement

Kate opted to bring back an Orla Kiely dress for today’s engagement with a children’s mentoring program in Islington, London.Stephen lock/i-Images/POLARIS

The function was with Chance UK, an early intervention mentoring program for children ages 5 to 11.

Kate being escorted by Lord Lieutenant Mr Kenneth Olisa OBE.

The Duchess was on hand to learn more about the Chance program.

Chance UK

Chance UK

Among other therapies Chance uses art activities in the classroom to help children experiencing challenges with behavior and emotional well-being. Here you see Kate looking at pictures children painted about their emotions. More from The Telegraph:

The organisation – which was set up by a policeman working in Islington in 1995 – now helps more than 200 children across six of London’s borough’s every year.

The Duchess spent time with six children from the programme – one from each borough it works in – with their parents and mentors, to learn about how it has personally benefited them.

It is clearly something that dovetails nicely with her existing patronages and charitable endeavors. The mentoring program also works to introduce more stability and safety into children’s lives while channeling energy to projects that will provide a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.

More on today’s events from Victoria Murphy of the Mirror: “Kate heard a very moving speech from Kessington Ladipo today who was helped by Chance UK as a child. He now helps other young people.”

Victoria Murphy Twitter (@QueenVicMirror)

Victoria Murphy Twitter (@QueenVicMirror)

Kessington sharing a joke with the Duchess, his tutoring started when he was age 10. You could see poppies on a number of people, Remembrance Sunday is not far off, November 8th. Chance UK uses intensive individual mentoring to help children struggling with psychological and behavioral issues. The Duchess met students, program administrators, and others at Islington Town Hall. 

Now to what Kate wore for this afternoon’s engagement. The Duchess brought back an Orla Kiely dress from the designer’s a/w 2011 collection.Stephen Lock/i-Images/POLARIS

Many recognized the dress from back in March 2012 when Kate wore it for a joint engagement with Prince Charles at the Dulwich Picture Gallery. The event was on behalf of Children and the Arts, one of Prince Charles’s patronages.

Another look at Kate arriving at Islington Town Hall.

Orla Kiely/Kensington Palace

Orla Kiely/Kensington Palace

The dress features a floral motif at the front neck and back neckline, a full pleated skirt, three-quarter sleeves and a self-belt. This gives us a good side-by-side comparison. On the left you see Kate as she arrives for an Art Room engagement in March of 2012, and on the right you see the Duchess today.

Splash News/i-Images

Splash News/i-Images

This offers perspective on how the dress looks from the back, how the fabric falls.

Stephen Lock / i-Images

Kate accessorized with her ‘Power’ pumps by Stuart Weitzman. The shoe remains available in Kate’s black suede at Russell and Bromley.

i-Images/Stuart Weitzman

i-Images/Stuart Weitzman

It is still offered in black patent and adobe at Nordstrom and black patent at Amazon. There is also a deep forest green at Jildor in very limited sizing.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Kate carried her trusty black suede Bayswater clutch by Mulberry; the bag remains available in black leather and many other colors.

Stephen Lock i-Images/Mulberry

Stephen Lock i-Images/Mulberry

For jewelry we saw the pearl drops from Annoushka worn on Kate’s Kiki McDonough Yellow Gold/Diamond Hoops.

Annoushka/Kiki McDonough/i-Images

Annoushka/Kiki McDonough/i-Images

Kate also wore her Cartier Ballon Bleu watch.

i-Images/Cartier

i-Images/Cartier

The watch is offered at Amazon and at Saks in a smaller (28mm) size.

A quick video of Kate’s arrival via Islington Council’s Twitter feed.

Islington Council Twitter (@IslingtonBC)

Islington Council Twitter (@IslingtonBC)

A story ten days ago in the Irish Examiner notes that Kate has been good for Orla Kiely’s business.

Last year, the Irish-designer’s business received a boost from the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton after she wore one of Kiely’s designer dress coats.

Other celebrity fans of the brand include Girls creator, author and actor Lena Dunham and actors Keira Knightley, Kirsten Dunst and Zooey Deschanel.

You can view this fall’s Orla Kiely dress collection here.  The designer’s collection of household items and fashion accessories for Target may be seen here.

And here is a look at Kate’s ponytail, always a good look on the Duchess.BOTH: Stephen Lock/i-Images

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Also today, word about the visit Kate and Prince George made to the Natural History Museum. There have been posts about it on the WKW Facebook wall, more from The Mirror’s Victoria Murphy:

Victoria Murphy The Mirror (@QueenVicMirror)

Victoria Murphy The Mirror (@QueenVicMirror)

It sounds like the duo had a good time. Kate wore Zara’s Floral Print Trousers ($39.90) seen at the Wales vs England rugby match and a pair of ballet flats we’ve not seen previously. Thanks to My Small Obsessions to the story link. Hello! Canada has a story about the Museum visit here.

We will see you in a few hours for the annual 100 Women in Hedge funds dinner at the Victoria & Albert Museum.

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Valerie

Friday 30th of October 2015

Regarding the StyleRocks jewelry giveaway, if I win, I would share the gift with my good friend who is going through a very hard time now. Her father recently had emergency surgery and is in the ICU. She needs a lift and I think this would be great. I would feel good about sharing this with her too.

On another note, I was invited to attend a trunk show today of Annoushka jewelry at Saks Fifth Avenue. The pieces were gorgeous, including Kate's pearl drop earrings, and the sales rep was so nice and knowledgeable. It was fun, so check out Annoushka jewelry online and at Saks for some interesting and exquisite pieces. The sales people in England are great too and ship very quickly with lovely packaging.

Margo, Thrift at Home

Thursday 29th of October 2015

Love this dress - tailored, yet with a bit of unusual lace at the neckline. She pulls it off nicely, I think. The ponytail helps.

Emily

Wednesday 28th of October 2015

I'm not sure what is meant by the "fabric is pulling" but I'm thinking the dress doesn't fit her well - the Duchess has lost weight.

I have been wanting to see Kate with her hair in a ponytail! I wish that she would do it more often.

Tasneem Shaik

Wednesday 28th of October 2015

As many of you are telling that the fabric is now starting to pull, i am with you. the black flower lace adds to the "cheap" look, and the ponytail too! (the duchess looks great with open hair slightly curls, and she usually appears with the same hairstyle.)

NOTE: Quick edit by admin

Penelope

Wednesday 28th of October 2015

Even though I really liked the dress the fisrt time around, after its second appearance somehow I'm left feeling this dress is a bit child like on her now. It looked very appropriate on her the first time around but she looks more grown up since then, she has matured (in only a good way of course; she seems to fitting in her role and becoming the woman she was meant to be); hence I feel her latest dress choices from the fold and tabitha webb are more appropriate on her: they are less girly and more grown up elegant. Having said that she looked great as always.

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