Here are some photos of Duchess Kate doing some royal work last night in London. This event – for Place2Be – was actually held at Kensington Palace, so Kate could probably walk to the room where this was being held. Place2Be is one of Kate’s patronages and the event was a celebration of the Child Champion Award – go here to read more. Kate is being identified as “four months pregnant” at the moment. She’s barely showing. It was like before though, wasn’t it? When she was pregnant with George, it wasn’t until month five or six that she really “popped.”
As for her fashion… this ensemble is awful. I’m sorry, but it is! It’s like she got dressed in the dark. She paired a black polka-dotted peplum top by Hobbs with a blue satin skirt by Jenny Packham. The two pieces simply don’t go together – this isn’t “power clashing” or whatever. This is just a woman with no “eye” for putting together a cocktail-dress-code outfit. Something nice: her hair looks pretty. We always have to praise her when she pulls it back!
I wonder how many events Kate is going to do between now and the NYC trip? It will be her first-ever trip to New York, you know. I wonder if she’ll be able to fit in a spot of shopping.
Photos courtesy of Getty, Clarence House’s Twitter.
Sometimes when I have to get up really early, I dress in the semi-darkness and later in the day I go into the ladies room and think “oops. This outfit stinks.” Happens to everyone, I guess.
It used to happen to me too, but now I pick out my clothes the night before. Less stress in the morning and I (generally) look alright, lol.
Lol GoodNames, have you been wearing onesies again?
Don’t shade onesies, mimif!! I just got a pug onesie (paws for the feet) which I plan on wearing this weekend while I drink all day long and yell at the cats and the TV about genius otters and Netflix being made to pay for my TV rehab costs. Yes, a pug onesie, that has pugs ON it.
I’m not shocked a pug onsie is a real thing (costume). So ty for clarifying.
Kri
If you’re going to drink all day while yelling at your cats I applaud you for going all the way in a onsie with pugs if not a pug onesie.
+1
The outfit is fine.
+2 I think it looks good.
•GoodNames•
I like the top, I LOVE the skirt, but I agree, the combo gives the impression she got dressed in low light. It’s not a terrible outfit but once again, she just misses the mark of having a knockout of an ensemble. Another amateur mistake.
Hair, make-up, and accessories do look good — gotta give her props when it’s due.
@ladyslippers
Ditto-Love the top, the hair, and the makeup-but that skirt does not work. I do think she got dressed in low light, and the flashes and the light at the event clearly show that it’s navy.
I’ve done that myself plenty of times, but I would hope she would have someone that would point it out to her.
•L•
To be fair, it appears as if Jenny Packham paired a sparkly black top with her blue skirt. So I *think* Kate was trying to put her own spin on it (the sparkly top is dressier and more festive than the one she picked out which does explain why one black top works while another one doesn’t) and didn’t quite make it.
BTW– Thanks to •Abbott• and •Vava• because their comments prompted me to find the JP Fall/Winter 2013 line that the skirt was showcased in.
About her makeup: delighted to see she took my advice (ha) and is extending the sweep of her eyebrows now. I hated that sudden cut-off effect they had before.
•Chris2•
Now if she wouldn’t listen to a few more suggestions! 😉
OT: The long Guardian article about Charles was divine; much better and interesting than the shorter versions. Thanks a bunch for the suggestion to read it. I agree with •LAK• on his probable approach to the monarchy once he is Charles III.
LadySlippers
My pleasure m’dear! x
(Yep, I agree too with LAK and you, re Charles III. Rather exciting prospect!)
Thing is, I don’t think she gets dressed in darkness or low light and by herself, completely alone and without a mirror. I think she’s surrounded by people who are hairdressers, makeup artists (maybe) and stylists, singular or plural. She also has personal staff, including assistants, secretaries, and whomever else who see her after she’s dressed. I don’t believe everybody I’ve mentioned is color blind to black and blue and even ‘texture-blind.’
I think she approved of this combo. I sincerely doubt she has no final approval on what she wears.
•annie__00•
“You can lead a horse to water but that you can’t make it drink the water.”
I think she has a hair stylist and her PA — that’s it. It’s been reported several times that she does her own make-up and that is by her choice. Rebecca Deacon (her PA) might be a lovely person but style guru she ain’t.
Kate usually coordinates better outfits in her private time than she does during her public engagements. Besides, Kate might have a throng of people around her but no one will actually voice an actual opinion. Something most celebs struggle with, often to their detriment.
Ha, I just looked at my mismatched socks when I got to work and I’m NOT pregnant so what is my excuse?
I once discovered in the ladies’ room that I had my underwear on ‘sideways’, as in–one leg through a leg opening & one through the waist opening. Another time, my undies were inside out! But for Kate, hmmm, it was an evening affair & I don’t think she got dressed in the dark. I think she liked her look (I don’t, but whatever).
Wish she stuck with the original runway look with the Packham skirt. Sigh.
Yes, that would have been better, for sure. I do like the color of the skirt. The top is not good with it and the belt is too casual.
•Abbott•
Pics please?
Oh I disagree. That original packham top was awful.
https://www.facebook.com/TheJennyPackham/photos/a.601088123253756.1073741825.118839524811954/601089333253635/?type=3&theater
Now I personally wish she had gone with the original Hobbs skirt instead.
http://www.hobbs.com/en/product/display?productid=0213-6346-3821L00&productvarid=0213-6346-3821L00-BLACK-10&EL_COUNTRY=US&EL_CURR=USD&EL_LANG=EN
•L•
I think Kate was trying to replicate the look in Style #29 not Style #31. However, I adore Style #31 — so we’ll have to agree to disagree!! 😊 And that’s huge for me as I don’t care for many JP creations.
http://www.style.com/fashion-shows/fall-2013-ready-to-wear/jenny-packham/collection
But the Hobbs outfit appears not to be dressy enough for a cocktail party, this is wear either JP’s ensembles (#29 or #30) win out over the Hobb one.
Again, Kate keeps making amateur dressing mistakes that a stylist wouldn’t do.
The shoes the showcased would have been nice as well. Like a nice T-strap.
Thanks, L! I’ve been digging for the last 30 minutes for the right collection.
Ladyslippers, #31 is spectacular.
•bluhare•
The T-strap is a very nice departure from her usual shoe fare. I like them too.
•Abbott•
I squealed when I saw #31 and fell in love at first sight. I could and would totally wear that outfit! *drools* 😊 And surprisingly enough, there were a few other outfits I’d wear too…
•L•
I stand corrected, it appears as if many other guests were in business attire rather than cocktail, so the Hobb’s outfit would have been fine.
Sorry about that! 😊 (I need to look closer sometimes!!)
I agree that the top is too casual for the skirt, and either of the JP combinations would have worked — or the Hobbs-with-pencil-skirt. Truth be told, I think the Hobbs top would look fabulous with slacks, but that’s not the Duchess’s style…
I’m no fashionista, but her skirt and top look mismatched to me!
•wolfpup•
I honestly chuckled at your comment. 😃
I want someone to try and convince me she has a stylist ‘cuz I just ain’t seeing it.
On the Kate-scale it’s ok, but Kate tends to like mismatching materials which to me ,don’t look good together….., nothing special about the outfit. Not sure about the shiny skirt part,none of the outfit appears to go together well, but it’s an appropriate length.
Her posture is AWFUL.
Hair off her face though at least.
Kate’s face makes me chuckle when she is playing the interested-listener at royal outings. 🙂
When she looks like she is trying to not doze off. She looks like ok the how to be a princess book said lean in, cock your head, and nod at the correct time.
Hahaha Yes it looks so pre-thought out, posed, unatural sometimes.
I was wondering if anyone was going to mention her awful posture. It is almost like she is trying to make her pregnant belly look more obvious.
You’re right, the ensemble is awful. The belt and that posture are the worst part of it all.
I can see why she wears dresses most the time. Those don’t take much imagination, just put it on with your boring court shoes, dainty jewelry and go out the door to your limo and chauffeur.
@Vava – Kate really does have trouble if she’s wearing something that wasn’t made together. She definitely needs to stick with coat dresses or dresses. Another example:
http://www.persun.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/princess-kates-hat-9.jpg
None of those pieces were made to work together, and they surely don’t. Haha. The fascinator and the coat were made for separate outfits. I don’t know why she thought it looked good. Same with the above.
I actually like that outfit. There are many shades of neutral browns so it works. IMO a better example was the latest St. Pats day. She matched a green coat with a green hat. The 2 greens were not a match or complimentary. They were just both green. Rookie mistake. She needs a stylist that will tell her why she needs a stylist.
@FLORC – That picture was a little farther away, but close up, it doesn’t work at all, IMO. I think it was covered here. I’ll try to find the previous post.
FLORC,
I remember the green outfit. She does have a tendency to colour-match an entire outfit from head to toes. I maintain she doesn’t really know how to accessorize. I can be very tricky with hats though and I’m told it is a big no-no to wear something red (or burgundy) with green on St. Patrick’s Day. Personally, I would have loved to see her wear the green coat with burgundy shoes and the lovely burgundy hat she wore years ago at church. It is the only hat of her that I really like. Burgundy and bottle green are on opposite sides of the colour spectrum and therefore they compliment each other nicely, making the colours pop. That’s why artists like Delacroix would use red colours for painting shadows in green areas, fx grass.
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/472807660854450224/
As usual ladies you are correct. A close up view of the outfit wasn’t good. Far away the details faded and I think I filled in the blanks to a more acceptable image.
ArtHistorian
I love jewel tones and deep, rich colors on brunettes. Most can pull it off very well. Kate is in that group when done up correctly. And she can’t accessorize at all. If it’s done right it’s stated McQueen or another put her together.
When I started dressing for grad school I had to dress my age, but more serious at times to be taken seriously. Presentations especially. I didn’t know what I was doing, but bought an app with a color wheel of any tones you choose and it would tell you what works and what doesn’t. I think Kate needs that app if she’s to continue having what stylists she has.
FLORC,
That’s a very useful tool. It is basic colour theory and I’m just surprised that Kate doesn’t seem aware of it since she is an art history graduate. That’s just my bias though. Sometimes it can be difficult to apply academic knowledge in real life. I have certainly come to appreciate colour theory greatly since I started doing creative work to get out of my head a bit.
ArtHistorian
This will sound bad, but it’s not my intent.
I think Kate went for Art History because it was simple enough. It’s not dealing heavily in math or science like some other degrees. Her homework wouldn’t include formulas like that. Having colors, time [periods, styles, and shapes helps detract from only numbers. Makes it easier for some to understand.
So, for her to show numerous times she hasn’t retained much knowledge from her studies makes sense. There wasn’t a huge passion for it. Only getting by.
A color wheel is also something Kate has seen and been spoken to about very recently. For her renovations she’s said to be brushing up on her color theory and have the best color wheel software at her fingertips. So, this just makes no sense. There’s no excuse.
I didn’t like that beige outfit at all, the coat was so dated and weird and I can only hope she’s sent it on to a new home. As far as the St. Patrick’s Day ensembles, the only time I thought she looked good was the first year after her marriage. I liked the teal and spring green together. Didn’t she wear a brown hat that first time with that coat? I don’t think I’d bring any red tones into the mix, it would remind me too much of Christmas. I know they are complimentary colors, but I don’t like them with each other – except at Christmas. And at Christmas, I actually prefer a chartreuse green with red! Or a turquoise with red, something a bit different.
Oh my. Yes top and skirt don´t belong…. it´s not only the colour… the materials are to different. That looks bad together. It´s not terrible IMO, just a bad choice.
Her hair isn´t in curls. I like it 🙂
Dreadful. Poor thing. Reminds me of the day I got out into the sunlight and discovered I was wearing a navy top with a black skirt. In my case, nobody gave a shit, but I’m not a duchess.
There is something wrong with navy/black compination?
yes
Ive worn navy and black and lived to tell the tale! Lol What’s wrong with navy and black? I mean it’s not my go to of course but I’ve seen it work , I’ve made it work lol
This outfit however does not. Yuck.
If it’s that really dark, nearly-black navy, omg YES, there is everything wrong with it. But a dark rich blue is great with black – love that combo. Just not a true navy. I’m trying to lobby the President to make one of his upcoming executive orders a law forbidding the wearing of navy with black.
I want her earrings.
And you can have them for a mere $1750 USD. They are 9K gold and the design is called the Temple of Heaven by their creator Cassandra Goad. She has had them since before her marriage as she was spotted wearing them to a wedding several years ago.
They are ok but certainly not at that price and that low carat weight. You can find much nicer in many local jewelry stores without the ridiculous mark up.
9K? 14K is the usual weight here in the States and 10K is the lowest carat weight allowed.
•Punky•
9k is very common in English jewelry.
@LadySlippers – so Waity wears something common? I’m aghast.
•Punky•
IMHO — her fashion is *very* common, so yes. This is one of the few times she’s actually picked earrings that complimented her outfit. Usually her hair drowns them out so they are barely noticeable.
Just to agree 9k is the standard for gold jewellery here. 18k for upmarket items. And 22k for Indian jewellery.
I’m getting all hinky at the use of the word “common” here. I assume you guys are meaning it in the popularity sense, right?
•bluhare•
Yes. Although im having fun with the play on words. 😊
•Sixer•
14k is our standard although you can find 10k or 18k if you want either one. I’ve never seen 22k here in the States (not saying we don’t have it) although my ex would get it for me when he went into the Gulf on deployments. Gold is cheap, cheap, cheap in the Middle East.
@ LS – You’d have 18k for an engagement ring, wedding ring, etc here, but otherwise 9k for most stuff. Although my wedding ring is platinum and opals! 9k is the legal minimum. I think it’s even 8k in some of continental Europe. Indian jewellery is lovely (if fragile – 22k is SOFT) and those communities like it as both status symbol and also, along with property, as an investment type.
Oooh Sixer, please tell me how the opals on your wedding ring have held up. I want an opal wedding ring, but it’s such a soft stone I’m terrified I’ll scratch and ruin it. Do you take it off often to do chores and stuff?
Held up well, ScrewStew. But I do take it off for chores, or wear rubber gloves.
LS: I don’t believe that gold is cheaper in the Middle East – gold prices are standard. What could be the difference in price, is the manufacturing costs associated with making the product. One example of this is silver jewelry inlaid with turquoise from the area around Tibet, that can be purchased for a dime; however, the same kind of jewelry manufactured in the US is rather costly. The manufacturing costs are very different in poorer countries, where people work for far less. Not fair, but real.
•wolfpup•
I honestly don’t know why but my ex spent less than $100 on 18k and 22k gold pieces that would have cost close to, if not go over, $1000 here in the States. One example was an 18k, 18″ heavy and thick herring-bone necklace that he bought for maybe $50-$60 bucks? In the Navy, certain ports* are known for specific items and the Gulf is known, not only for tax-free and danger-pay zone, but it’s ridiculously cheap gold. And it’s everywhere too.
*Trieste, Italy (another example) is known for its stunning wooden jewelry boxes. Israel is known for cheap diamonds that are cut just miles from where they were mined. Korea is the hot spot for knock-offs galore. Singapore/Hong Kong too, plus bootlegs of anything and everything. 😊
Being a Navy wife has a lot of downsides but luckily there are distinct perks too!
LS – Did hubby buy your jewelry in a previous decade? In the 1990’s IIRC that the price of gold was about half what it is today.
Was that the original price, or after she was spotted wearing them? $1k for earrings as a commoner?! She was never like “us”
For what it’s worth my best gold pieces were much cheaper when bought abroad than in the states. Although, inflation was likely a factor as my money may have gone further.
And I hate 24k/22k, etc… gold. So soft it dents and wears. Rings would thin out and fall off. I’ll go a low carat or gold plated silver.
The dress is really confusing. Skirt to belt to top to dots to fabric change to length all over. It’s all a very odd looking outfit.
Kate’s posture must keep her neck and spine in constant strain. That will only get worse as she ages and cause otherwise avoidable issues. Those heels are not helping things.
And she looks 4 months. She’s showing enough and has a very healthy amount of weight on her. I don’t understand how people expect ladies in their 2nd trimester to look larger.
On a good note. She’s working! She’s there with her charity. It doesn’t look like a fun party for her so I’ll count it as work. And I won’t even pick on if they purposely made it in KP so she couldn’t avoid it. She’s there talking and mingling with a worthy charity she patrons. Good!
•Florc•
As with George, they are starting to photoshop Kate’s bump to make it appear larger. *eye roll* So it’s just one more thing that perpetuates the myth that women need to look a certain way at a particular time in their pregnancy… (Not to mention that it really highlights her poor posture)
LadySlippers
I have been assuming they photoshop her bump like last time. Her torso/tophalf is about as long as her lowerhalf. There’s loads of room for the baby and at 4 months i’ve seen many expecting mom’s show far less.
I think the reasons they enlarge Kate’s bump is more to remind people she’s pregnant. Without a more noticable bump people will be less sympathetic. This is true in day to day life.
it seems, especially in these photos, that Kate’s posture at these public events are in part due to her attempts to get eye level with the people she’s meeting. She’s quite tall in the heels she’s fond of wearing, but then contorts herself to get eye-to-eye with kids & other, shorter, people. Squatting down to chat with kids on their level is fine, but I think she’s going for an awkward middle ground.
A lower heel could avoid so much. She doesn’t need to tower over these shorter, older women who are wearing kitten heels.
And to LS (other response didn’t take)
In another shot Kate (who is very thin) looked to have a small stomach and she was standing the same as in the last photo above. She is very much barely showing. If it wasn’t for that belt we’d see even less imo.
Still, it’s normal at her stage.
ANd is there a final count of events coming or a large vacation? They have been seen a lot lately! It’s so out of character.
It’s the end of the year this is when William and Kate work to fill in their books, so they’ll have some numbers when the totals are added up for each working Royal.
These two seem to do the same thing every year, just about, several royal duties in the last two or three months, to add some numbers next to their names.
My cynical mind says this flurry of work justifies their NY vacation.
ITA.
She seems so fake.
Why, because she has to meet 150 people at each of these events and pretend that each is the most fascinating person she’s ever met?
Maybe because you can meet someone and not act like they’re the most fascinating person, but rather it’s nice to meet them and you can chat about a mutual cause/charity/smalltalk. Kate is all or nothing regarding energy at time. Intently looking like she’s listening very hard or overly excited to meet them. It does not appear genuine.
This is all what she should have learned in “princess training” or when she was said to be talking about her future role with Camilla, Zara, etc… And there’s a very known and practiced science here. How to react, how to stand. All that makes the royals appear genuine without being so and natural when uncomfortable.
There’s not really an excuse for Kate to not be practicing those skills here.
I actually think she looks quite genuine when she’s listening to people. I think perhaps the heavy eyeliner makes her face a bit cartoony at times, but I think she looks at her most natural and honest when she’s interacting with people face to face.
How many black eyeliner pencils do you think she goes through in a month?
Lol! She definitely needs to stop with the thick eyeliner, at least underneath. It took me years to let go of this habit and switch to a softer eyeliner on top of my lids but now I’ll never go back.
I don’t think it’s a pencil. A pencil would be more subtle. I bet she’s liquid all the way. I made the switch once and it’s awful. It’s always thick and once it goes on it doesn’t come off without a fight and removing nearly all of your eye makeup.
Eh, that’s always a tricky time to dress when you’re pregnant. You’re not really bump-y, but still thick. However, she should have London’s stylists and designers at her fingertips, so ugh.
However, her hair is back, and she’s working. I know these are constant complaints on this site, so let’s acknowledge those points!
We have…
Hair back off face…
She’s working…
On the Kate scale that’s very good…
The bar is set very low.
Are there any other Royals for whom we have to acknowledge them with praise because they don’t have their hair all over their face and chest and because they dragged themselves away from their busy life of doing nothing?
Since the bar is set so low for Kate, I wonder how good she is at doing the limbo rock:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoj1YhGkkV4
Dreadful. Ugh, I’m sorry, those are just two pieces of clothing that do not look good together. Atleast it seemed to be a low lighting event?
Not a fan of the outfit all together but the top is cute, not sure what would look better with it though. Her belly looks fine, especially considering how sick she’s been until recently, George was a big baby and perfectly healthy so don’t think we should worry about her weight.
All of that throw up and she is looking so delightfully well.
This is why her charities will never drop her… It won’t matter if she is never personally interested or heavily involved, as long as they have the prestige of holding events at royal palaces or putting the HRH abbreviation on their documents, they will be just fine.
Yikes. All that money and she still can’t get it right. And it’s not even the pieces, it’s that god awful belt and her posture. WTF? Stand up straight.
Yes, that’s a horrible belt. It looks old and worn. It doesn’t even match the colors of her blouse and skirt. It’s its own 3rd color. It looks like something one would have worn with an old pair of jeans, then taken off and put on a party blouse. Go figure. And why would she wear a belt at that position? It doesn’t make any sense.
Apparently that’s a very expensive McQueen belt. Go figure.
Wait a second. Wasn’t she labeled a “fashion icon” just last week or so?
Oh Ok. This is what “fashion icons” wear nowadays, is it? Can’t wait to see all the gullible waity-fans go out and buy this mismatched combo.
Well, I see Lenny, er Kate, has her hair out of her face.
Also, she’s attended another charity event, even though this is yet another party. If you want her to be your patroness, make sure you have parties. Check.
Will someone will please tell me why she always presses her clutch against her crotch?
•Louise•
A few body language experts have hypothesised that it’s because she doesn’t know what else to do with her hands. Others think it’s a defensive pose. There’s probably other theories too — so who knows?
~ETA~
This site claims its a comforting gesture when one feels uncertain.
http://www.iwaha.com/ebook/index.php?p=9
Here’s another theory:
http://www.study-body-language.com/Defensive-body-language.html
There’s another theory given her body proportions and posture. She’s often hunched over and her shoulders give extra length to her arms to rest her hands near her pelvis.
Having a clutch or clasping hands is fine. It holds a pose and keeps her from fiddling with her hair. She’s been caught being a big hand talker and that also doesn’t make for a great photo.
I’m leaning away from defensive and more towards simply uncomfortable/bored/unsure. Not defensive in a guarded/protective way from an aggressor.
Great articles LS. Agree, Florc.
It looks hard to pretend to care. She always seems to be most aware of the photographers. I suppose in time those photographs will be used to cull an image that we are not familiar with, which is so, so lame.
•Florc•
•wolfpup•
I’m not sure the reason myself as every site I went to had a slightly different take. Most though said it was defensive or self-comforting.
I also think her body language might explain why some people aren’t connecting with her. If your ‘closed off’ people tend to respond in kind. Same with William. Contrast that with Diana whose body language was open and inviting (interestingly enough, Harry isn’t as closed off as William or Kate, but he isn’t as open as his mother either).
Body language clearly matters.
*you’re close off
Sorry!
LadySlippers
This has been discussed at length here so I won’t dip in too far.
Kate has had difficulty showing interest in others for years. Her cousin tried to explain this in a defending Kate way. If someone asks you how you are you answer and return the gesture. It’s been noted Kate often does not. That right there can insult someone without meaning to. It can be all down hill after that.
She doesn’t seem to have great social skills either. If she’s out it’s with her immediate family, William or body guards often described as friends or designers. When you surround yourself with that the subtle kind gestures fall away.
At the start I would agree. She was new to her marriage and this world (from a new post/platform) and was unsure how to act. To be protective and unsure would make sense. Especially how William was a terrible teacher in this.
Her mother also has this particular bit of body language. If you check the photos from her & MIchael’s press conference at the news of the engagement, you’ll see Carole walking toward the cameras this way, with her hands clasped in front. It’s either unconscious modeling on Kate (& Pippa’s part), or it’s some sort of deportment specifically taught to the girls, by their mother or their school, e.g., how to properly pose, meet & greet folks, etc. You’ll see Kate & PIppa standing like this in several of their childhood photos.
No, no, no. This was part of her princess training. Sans clutch there are photos of Kate pressing curved hands against the front of her body. William also clasps his hands over his belly constantly. And I think there are a few photos of Diana doing the same early on.
Also, imo BRF’s princess trainer failed to notice where Kate’s clasped hands cross her body. FYI, anyone who has been trained in drawing the human body knows an average proportioned female’s hands hit mid thigh when their arms relaxed at the sides of the body. Kate’s very very long torso causes her hands to hit higher up the leg i.e. crotch level.
MinnFinn
Can’t find it, but DM? or another did an article about this. Showed many other royals standing, reacting, engaging, and how they walked while carrying items. It was an interesting read. All confirming ina way this was what Kate was learning in princess training.
On a personal note I was always taught to not bring my hands to my front unless I was aware of my shoulders not scrunching forward. Instead I opted for hands behind until my posture while standing was stronger. Her slouching looks painful and unpolished. These older ladies are looking better off.
The crotch clutching began with the alleged “Princess Training”. It must be their way of having her keep her fingers out of her hair, but really both habits are just rather gross, revolting, and undignified.
Vava – I figured the clasped hands prevented general fidgeting for RF newbies that are nervous. Plus it forces a more regal (more or less) walk as it slows one’s walking speed and prevents swinging arms.
This outfit is beyond horrible. Talk about phoning it in! I think she has given up even trying to be stylish.
I agree. And she doesn’t even try to wear decent outfits. I mean, really. It is a matte black dotted top with a shiny-silky blue-green skirt.
Not going to argue with that!
I HATE the belt. All the media speaks of is how she’s trying to hide her “bump.” But she always has a belt squashing her waist. If she was trying to hide the pregnancy, wearing a belt like that would be the last thing she’d do. I think she’s proud of it and trying to draw attention to it, like a badge of honor. She’s well aware that everyone is trying to catch a glimpse of it to see how big it is…a media hound again.
I really, really wish she would straighten up her posture. Angelina needs to give her some pointers, the next time she’s in London. And they can give give each other tips on dressing – Angie can show her how to dress appropriately (that grey dress she wore in Sydney was perfect) for her age and position, and Duchess can advise how fabulous wearing colors can be. 🙂
That being said, yay for all this work that Duchess Kate has been doing lately! She’s probably exhausted, and will need a long vacation after the quick trip to NYC.
Nope, doesn’t work.
Kate’s clothing aside, a washington blog has posted an article saying BP sent a directive to Washington about dress code for journalists covering WK’s visit!
Now, we (us Brits) always point out protocol and or appropriate attire for royals to a chorus of disapproval or prigs (hi Maggie!), but I think it’s a hoot that BP sent(allegedly) dress code instructions to Washington just to meet WK.
http://www.politico.com/blogs/media/2014/11/royals-hill-to-dc-press-clean-up-199063.html
Jaysus what a bloody liberty!
And what a deft way to (fail to) win minds and hearts in America. (I’m already stunned that NYC has to pay any part of the costs incurred by their visit. It’s not like they are heads of state)
Oh this is a good laugh. Thanks LAK!
I wonder if anyone would support a reporter choosing to wear what they pleased and without knickers risking flash? I would enjoy seeing that debate.
That gave me a genuine laugh. Which will likely be gone during tonights Scandal whe Fitz tries to be seductive. *shudders*
Well, that’s certainly the pot calling the kettle black. Dress code for Duchess Fly-Up? I really would like to see how the U.S. press will react to that one.
I wonder how the British press would react if they were sent a dress code like this from Obama’s family before a visit. I’m sure that the press will comply in order to add to the mystique of their visit in NYC (and therefore the bottom line for many). Is this the dress code for everyone else “viewing” the royals?
Should America send the young royals a dress code for the NFL game, or do we believe that they will manage to be appropriate? Does the British press follow this dress code, or is it particularly needful for Americans?
This appears arrogant for visiting royals from any country in the world. I know there’s a dress code to see the pope, but that is when you are on his soil!
I hope you guys give them an entire shedload of mockery for that!
I remember we Brits doing a mahousive amount of snidey sniggering at Obama’s big willy car mishaps (see http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7976128.stm and http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-13507338). It’s kind of a similar thing, isn’t it?
Enjoy sniggering at our uptight, wanky Royals, guys!
The daily beast has picked up the story, and saying that some witty NYC journalist responded to BP requesting that Kate wear underwear and be mindful of NYC’s laws regarding public exposure!!!!!
Sixer: I so enjoyed the sniggering at Obama’s ridiculous car. I enjoy the piss take every time an American president visits our shores due to the excessive security.
Do you remember when Hilary’s car was ticketed and some officious person tried to stop traffic warden from ticketing on account of it being Hilary’s car??!!!
I hope the Americans enjoy this golden opportunity to take the piss.
@LAK,
“The daily beast has picked up the story, and saying that some witty NYC journalist responded to BP requesting that Kate wear underwear and be mindful of NYC’s laws regarding public exposure!!!!!”
This is all that needs to be said! LOL. So great!
That is amazing!
Only the best attire in honor of the Duchess! No jeans or sneakers (trainers) according to the New York Daily News:
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/prince-willia-kate-midleton-visit-requires-dress-code-article-1.2018478
@Vava: great comment from the journalist. Perhaps Kate should be issued her own dress code about wearing her skin-tight jeggings and Wedges of Doom in order not to offend the sensitivities of the reporters.
It’s really not the sneakers and jeans thing – it is that the Queen of England is not the Queen of America! Obama doesn’t have a dress code for the press corp; professional people seem to be able to wear professional attire. There will be miffed reporters. Although they may dress as requested to get in the door, the royals will find that the press corp will not write the kind of stories that the royals want – this is not the UK and America is vigilant about free speech: this memo to reporters will be seen as haughtiness and condemnation of our sensibilities. This is mocking the American people, and there will be reporters who feel the same way. It’s okay to laugh at the “beast” but also at the way we dress? Perhaps I am permanently offended. Who does the Queen think she is? Do other Queens demand this of the countries they are *guests* of? Respect is earned in America, not demanded in a memo.
@wolfpup – so absolutely true. This doesn’t look like it’s going down well already and the royals haven’t even stepped onto American soil yet. They may not get the reception from the press corps that they are most likely expecting. Many will feel that no one can come here and tell us what to do or how to dress; Americans aren’t wired that way. I’m sure a lot of other countries may feel that way as well.
Wolfpup: anyone who meets the Queen is sent a list a instructions and or directed to the website for general pointers. This protocol is in place for ALL royal houses.
What seems to have happened here is that the USA reporters received a directive specifically for WILLIAM and Kate’s visit which is ridiculous considering they aren’t as high UP as the Queen or Charles PLUS their itinerary is all fun and games.
I also suspect the reason this is receiving such traction is the conversation we had a few threads ago which points to an agenda where William is being exposed publicly.
I’m sure that dress codes are in place for all royals, but it does begs the question over what you pointed out, LAK. Why so specific a directive to the press over these royals? Something smells a bit fishy that’s stirring up the press corps. They might not present the couple favorably in the media as payback. But maybe that’s the reception that I’m getting from my tin foil hat.
These kids have just graduated from college, and already they are being taught that pomposity is a virtue (like William hasn’t had enough training in that regard). What a ego-boost for all royal celebrities to make citizens from other countries their subjects.
I think this whole dress code directive has an inside story. Perhaps someone in BP set this announcement up as an inside dig, because we all know The Duchess is often dressed inappropriately (wrong shoes for an event, flashing her rear end, painted on jeans, etc.).
I’m loving it. We haven’t heard the last of this either.
My theory is the skirt was a last minute replacement for a black one she planned to wear that was too tight. This skirt has a sharp crease ironed into the front which is evidence to me of a panicky ironing job.
Her hair is perfect but everything else looks disheveled and it reminds me of the pink coat with the glaringly obvious last minute relocated button she wore while pregnant with George.
Pre-marriage Kate was sloppy on a somewhat regular basis as evidenced by dirty feet whilst wearing sandals and plenty of pap shots of wrinkled tops. It’s also telling that in most of her pre-marriage pap photos her hair looks really great. Post marriage, she still makes good hair priority #1.
IDK
She’s stepped out in many outfits that had poor tailoring or ironing. They were all planned for those specific events and all looked last minute. Even on parts that wouldn’t need last nute alterations. Dress hemlines. Coat hemlines. All that should have been perfect given they were tailored to her and well aware of her needs or growing midsection. Any tailor worth their salt would know what to do. Who is she having tailor her clothes? That’s the big mystery here.
+1. I’ve often wondered the same. Who’s the cockeyed mystery tailor? I could do a better job of hemming her coats and sewing on the odd button (but then I’m the type who goes around straightening slightly tilted picture frames)…
Well the “tailor” certainly isn’t very good or professional in their work. I can see why they wouldn’t want to step up to the plate and reveal their identity!! LOL.
At this point, I am pretty convinced that Natasha is doing certain dresser tasks including pressing, sewing buttons and yes even raising/lowering hems. Other than Wickstead, I just can’t believe any designers or for alterations on her High Street stuff, any professional tailor or alterations shop would allow such shoddy work.
Recent evidence to support my Natasha theory is the very uneven hem on Kate’s blue Matthew Williams coat. The hem also looked like it had been fixed with stitch witchery instead of sewn. Stitch witchery is the mark of a non-seamstress or a seamstress in a hurry for a temporary fix. It is basically an iron on tape that fuses two pieces of fabric together that can replace needle and thread (and sewing skills).
All the tailoring errors make me wonder if fittings are put off until the last possible minute.
MinnFinn
Thank you for explaining that term. I was going to ask.
I’m still not sure though. That McQueen sack dress had poor tailoring and it was all from them. Unless “Tash” grabbed it for her signature fray look.
On occasion I will hem myself and it’s frustrating. Pins, irons, hanging. It’s all frustrating to me.
Deedee – ITA last minute. FX while pregnant with George she wore that pink coat with the relocated button. My hunch is while getting dressed at KP for that appearance she discovered none of her coats fit any more. So someone hastily moved the button on her old pink coat maybe even as last minute as during the drive to the appointment. So if the fixes are that last minute and if it’s true that Kate has no lady’s maid or dresser then the fixer in that scenario must have been Archer, Deacon or Kate.
FLORC – Which one was the McQueen sack dress?
Not a fan of this outfit. But I think she still looks pretty, and that’s all that matters, right?! Lol.
I think I’d like this outfit more if she ditched the belt. I think the look would be more pulled together without it. I also think the top would be fine if it didn’t have the peplum design.
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