What Would Kate Wear

I've been thinking a lot lately about my own style. I've made the mistake of looking back at pictures of myself 5-10 years ago, and I find myself saying "what was I thinking?"

I'm pretty sure that Kate Middleton will not be saying that to herself 5-10 years from now. Her style is classic and timeless, not to mention flawless. 

Her style on their recent tour down under was...well, flawless. And the hair....gorgeous! 

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If I were to try and emulate anyone's style, hers would be "safe" yet stylish. I'm going to try and keep Kate on my mind next time I make a purchase. 

Speaking of a purchase, here is your chance (and mine) to copy the Duchess on one of her most frequently worn pair of shoes, the Stuart Weitzman Corkswoon. 

Kate shows you that these shoes are functional and versatile...dress them up or down! 

Here is the best part, Until May 27th you can customize your own pair by choosing the color, the wedge material, the size and width! 

While they are a bit of an investment, $398, I'm pretty sure they will stand the test of time, just like Kate.

Bump Watch

As you know, C&C has followed Kate Middleton since the early days of the blog! In fact, the first time I ever blogged about her was June 2nd, 2009 (here)...nearly 4 years ago. Since it's been a while since our last Kate post, I thought I would do a quick summary of her bump fashion. As in her pre-pregnancy fashion, Kate's style is always flawless.

I can't wait for the arrival of her little Royal.

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Feature Friday - MartaFacts

It's Feature Friday and today, in all of its bloody hotness (it's supposed to be 115 with the heat index), we're featuring fellow D.C. Fashion and Beauty Blogger, Marta of MartaFacts. It's way too hot to waste time opining about how great Marta and her blog are. Because if they weren't, would they be on Feature Friday. I think not. So, pick up a fruity beverage (appropriate to the time of day, of course) and get to reading.

Hi! Happy Friday, and thanks to Cardigans & Couture for having me guest post. I'm Marta from MartaFacts - where I blog about lots of different things, but mostly stuff I want to buy (even though I'm on temporary shopping hiatus). Like Katie, I'm engaged and in the throes of wedding planning. So far it's been 50% fun, 50% stressful logistics! I'm just ready to be married. My favorite part about wedding planning (so far) is taking the traditions and putting my own spin on them. For instance, I'm going to abide by the standard "Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue" adage with some "Marta-only" twists.


1. Something Old
This can be as easy or as hard as you want to make it. If you're donning your mother's wedding gown - done! But other people satisfy this part of the wedding mantra with antique jewelry, vintage handkerchiefs, or other accessories. I'm thinking my "something old" will be jewelry related, but my other "something old" will definitely be makeup. I don't want to recreate the wheel here - I want to look like myself, but flawless! So I'll be keeping my makeup true to myself - clean and classic. Another thing I'll be keeping the same? My scent! I love Vera Wang (and how perfect for a wedding day).



One of my favorite scents by one of my favorite bridal designers - Vera Wang


2. Something New
For many people, the dress is the easiest something new! And hopefully for others, their hubby-to-be will treat them to a little something special on the day of! But don't disregard your boudoir! New lingerie is a MUST for the wedding night. Hubba hubba.

Unleash your inner sex kitten with a structured corset from Agent Provocateur. Or wear some simple, sweet, and communicative (and comfortable!) Hanky Pankys. Or go romantic in this wrap teddy from Kiki de Montparnasse. You really can't go wrong if you get all three (and tell your bridesmaids!)

3. Something Borrowed
Honestly, this is the hardest category for me. Let's be serious - If I could buy everything new for my wedding, I would! Tradition goes, to increase your luck, borrow something from someone with a happy marriage. I'm planning on borrowing a pair of my mom's biggest diamond earrings (if she lets me).

Unless, of course, my fiance would like to purchase some for me... (Warning: Don't buy diamonds online!)


4. Something Blue
Now it's time to have some fun. My wedding will be classic and elegant in many respects, but I want to have some splashes of color where I can. I plan on wearing blue shoes for sure! Staid, traditional white/ivory bridal shoes just aren't doing it for me. 

Blue shoe options range from Carrie Bradshaw's iconic Manolos, feminine Kate Spades, or glitzy Guccis.

My other idea is to slip on some fun, blue jewelry for the reception. I love these Ippolita earrings for just that reason! But you can add blue to your jewelry trousseau in many different ways - whether it's a classic blue pearl bracelet or royal, Kate Middleton-inspired clip-on earrings.

Duchess diamonds from Kenneth Jay Lane, classic blue pearls from Blue Nile, and notice-me Ippolita danglers.

How will you be personalizing your wedding? 

Do as the Duchess

If you follow the Royal news then you know that the Royal family visited Canada last week. As you know, I have a mild obsession with Kate Middleton and closely follow and highly admire her wardrobe and style. If you want a full fashion recap of their Canadian tour, Huffington Post did it nicely (here).

Instead of a summary post, I've decided to focus in on one outfit, specially one coat, the Sentaler Wrap Coat...now being called "the Kate".

Isn't it gorgeous?!?!?!?

This Canadian retailer is jumping for joy as the coat sold out within hours of these photos being released. They are now taking pre-orders for February 2017 deliveries. If my husband is reading....this coat would look so beautiful on me! wink, wink. 

It also comes in black, navy and a rose color. 

I think the black or grey would be my first choice, but really..any of them would do.

A Royal Collaboration

It's no secret that one of Kate Middleton's favorite dress designers is Issa London. I mean...if I looked this good in those dresses, it would be my favorite too!

Issa dresses start in price around $300 and go upwards to $800 or $900, so they are certainly priced for a duchess and not your average Kate. 

Cry not my fashionista friends, on August 13th Banana Republic and Issa London, in collaboration, release a 40-piece collection that focuses on the U.S. brand’s “safari heritage” and “spirit of exotic journey.” There is also talk of animal-print pieces, kimono tops, and oversize accessories.

There haven't been any photos released of the actual collection, so these sketches will have to suffice until August 13th.

The Fairy Tale

Kate Middleton seems to have it all, beauty, style, class, intelligence, a sense of humor....and of course the love of a future King. Talk about a fairy tale. Here are a few photos from Kate and William attending a Naming Ceremony and Service of Dedication for the Royal National Lifeboat.

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Potential Princess

If you ever watched or read The Little Princess, you know that all girls are princesses. But what if you could be a REAL princess? Prince William has been back on with his on and off again girlfriend Kate Middleton for a while now, and should they marry, she will be the next Princess of England. Stylistically, she has a tough act to follow. Princess Diana was a fashion icon during her reign and comparisons are being made between the two. Rightfully so, as Kate has already mastered the look of Royalty, hats and all.

What to Wear

A friend contacted me earlier this week with a fashion conundrum. She is going to her high school reunion and is wondering what to wear. She has multiple events, but as far as I'm concerned, the official reunion party is the most important. She is helping to plan the event and, of course, wants to look extra fabulous. My go-to is always Rent The Runway.

Here are some dresses that I think would be perfect for the trendy, but somewhat casual restaurant where the event is being held. In my opinion, over dressed is better than under dressed in these situations.

My friend has beautiful dark hair, so this green Issa Royal Wrap dress would be perfect for her, a la Kate Middleton. 

 This Missoni Triangle dress is a bit business in the front...

And party in the back! Maybe not the best since she has a baby under the age of one, but again the color would be fabulous on her.

I think this BCBG is my favorite for her. The colors would be fantastic with her complexion, and this dress looks easy and comfortable.  And, it's called the "Class President" dress. Could that be any more fitting? (the rental is only $60)

You can never go wrong with Milly. This Sail Away dress would be very figure flattering and she could wear a normal bra (always a plus). I would pair it with gold shoes.

This Milly Flutter Away dress would also be fantastic: perfect color and shape!

Splurge vs. Save

Kate Middleton has become a style icon, and rightfully so. Now all of us commoners, including me, want to dress just like the duchess. She is frequently seen wearing the L.K. Bennett Maddox Wedge, which are pretty fabulous, like everything she wears, but for 175 pounds, they are not priced for the commoners. 

  

Here's an affordable option that looks nearly exactly the same, and they only cost $35. I don't know where the closest JCP is (that's JC Penny's new name...if you haven't heard), but I might just have to find it and get my hands on this wedge!

Worthington Emma Wedge $35

Engaging News

Britain's Prince William is set to announce his engagement within the next few months, according to well-informed sources. The future king made his first public appearance with girlfriend Kate Middleton in five months at a polo match over the weekend.

Can you imagine what the wedding will be like?

Splurge vs. Save

It's summer, and that means it's sandal season. Kate Middleton put L.K. Bennett on the map, and I don't doubt that the Duchess would wear these on a yacht somewhere. 

L.K. Bennett 'Bondi' Sandal

But, if you aren't up for the $195 price tag, the Rampage Women's Rangler Sandal, which comes in four colors, are a definite summer success! Ranging in price from $30 to $21, these will go with shorts, skirts, capris, and maxi dresses. You really can't go wrong.