I have a kind of unofficial rule around here. There are certain celebrities who I will just automatically write about as soon as we get new photos in. It doesn’t matter what they’re doing, who they’re with, what they’re wearing. It’s just reflex – I’m so excited to see this celebrity, and I usually think you’ll enjoy them too. Some of these celebrities who get automatic posts, no matter what? Angelina Jolie. Nicole Kidman. And Cate Blanchett. New Cate photos are rare – when she was promoting her last movie, Hanna, I think she made maybe two public appearances in support of the film. She doesn’t get pap’d a lot. I don’t even know what her sons look like. And whenever I see her, her hair looks completely different!

So these are new candid photos of Cate, out and about in Washington, D.C., where she is performing in Uncle Vanya at the Kennedy Center. It looks like Cate is also doing some shopping while in the city – I hope she wasn’t too disturbed by yesterday’s earthquake! I’ll punch the earth in the nuts if the ‘quake upset my beloved Blanchett.

So, can we talk about Cate’s oufit? How awesome does she look? That’s a reflex too – I can rarely admit when Cate looks bad, but in my defense, she rarely looks like hell. After Jennifer Garner’s daily frump-fest in casual-wear, it’s so nice to see a celebrity who looks chic even when dressed down. Simple white slacks, a striped hoodie (I can’t believe Cate owns a hoodie!!!!), great metallic sandals, and an INCREDIBLE bag. I love the purse so much. Look at the way she’s accessorized too – a substantial watch and awesome sunglasses, and that’s it. She’s so elegant, even when she’s just walking down the street in a HOODIE. Sigh… I love her.

By the way, La Blanchett was recently on PBS’s News Hour. Go here to watch her interview.

Photos courtesy of Fame.