William and Kate say farewell to California

It has been an amazing first tour for William and Kate as a married couple. I noted recently the tour had no lows whatsoever. From their arrival in Ottawa to the Canada celebrations finishing off with the BAFTA reception last night where they were the toast of tinseltown everything went better than anyone could have hoped for. For Duchess Kate on her debut tour getting it right in terms of style and greeting the right people was no easy task. However, everyone who met had nothing but good things to say about the beautiful Duchess. Whether she was meeting actress Nicole Kidman or a child at the inner city academy she treated everyone equally and gave them her full attention. One could tell she knew how much it meant to them to meet her. Today she told a reported she had 'really enjoyed the tour'. As for William he was a delight throughout the tour and reminded me of Diana in many ways.
The couple have just left California at LAX airport on a British Airways scheduled flight. I have been blogging about Kate since the Royal wedding and thoroughly enjoyed covering each and every event. I shall write a post on the 'most memorable moments of the tour' If there is anything you would like to see featured please feel free to comment. I look forward to covering the coming stories about Duchess Kate, I would like to sincerely thank you all who read my blog throughout the tour! Hopefully we will see another one in the not too distant future.

As you know I've been favouring posting quite a lot of the photo's from today, I will finish the post with two of my favourites. One of Kate wiping dust from William's jacket and secondly of her reaching down to talk to a little girl :)

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Duchess Kate steals the show at BAFTA reception

The annual BAFTA reception is known to be a stylish Hollywood event, However when Prince William arrived with his wife Kate they set a tone of elegance that had even the Hollywood elite in awe of them. Duchess Kate looked stunning in a lavender pleated Alexander McQueen gown, Jimmy Choos (Which are still available in some sizes HERE) and chandelier earrings loaned to her by the Queen. There was certainly no mistaking that the A listers knew they were in the company of a very special couple!

Hollywood royalty from, Tom Hanks to Nicole Kidman were in attendance at the Belasco theater for the $25,000 a table gala. In Prince William's speech he mentioned 'The King's Speech' the academy award winning movie about his great grandfather 'I would like to thank Colin Firth for the perfect opening line, I have a voice'. He continued to stress the importance of British and American talent coming together in film. With Kate by his side William was at ease and as always the Duchess was cool and collected. She looked amazing and is favouring lavender since her arrival in L.A. (I look forward to seeing more of the couple today as the Royal tour is coming to an end)

You can watch a video HERE 

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William and Kate's California itinerary revealed!

The itinerary for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's royal visit to California has finally been revealed! The jam packed schedule was detailed this morning at St James' Palace. After arriving in California fresh from their Canadian tour, the couple might be hoping for some rest, but there'll be no time for that. First they will meet up and coming entrepreneurs at a UKTI reception at the Beverly Hilton. This will be followed by a quick meeting with senior politicians and other high profile figures at the Consular General's residence in Los Angeles. 

On July 9, William and Kate will head to Santa Barbara for a polo match, where Prince William will play and Kate will present prizes. The game is in aid of American Friends of the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry. Next it's time for some Hollywood glamour! The Duke and Duchess will walk the red carpet for a BAFTA reception at the Belasco Theater. As President of BAFTA, William will make a speech. July 10th, the pair will visit Inner-City Arts, an L.A. program which helps disadvantaged and homeless children through the arts.

That night they will attend a war veterans event at Sony studios called 'Nation, Mission, Serve'. The tour will be a double act but the couple may do separate walkabouts. The Duchess won't be giving any speeches this time. According to royal sources: 'There'll be a time and a place for that'. The couple are keen to keep their entourage to a minimum with only seven staff on board. However, Kate will look stunning especially if she brings hairdresser James Pryce. Overall I think the itinerary is excellently planned. The couple will be promoting charitable causes, and adding a little glamour along the way.

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Duchess Kate arrives at charity polo event in stunning floral dress

Duchess Kate  arrived at the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club charity event wearing a stunning Jenny Packham floral dress, with taupe sandals. (She also appears to be bare legged) Photographed with her hair blowing in the wind she looks every inch the elegant princess! The event was in aid of Prince William's charity 'American Friends of the the foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry'. William played wonderfully in the match and Kate secretly wished him luck beforehand.

After the match Kate presented  medals to the winners of the event including William. (It was touching to see her and William share a kiss)  This evening the couple will attend the BAFTA reception at the Belasco theater in Los Angeles (I am very excited to see Kate in another gown) Photographers caught snaps of a long pink gown in her luggage, Perhaps this is what she will choose?

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Vogue: 'Kate's the rare creature whose look appeals to men, women and the fashion industry alike'.

Duchess Kate's Royal tour has been the topic of discussion in every magazine around the world. Kate has been unfairly and harshly criticized for choosing conservative pieces and wearing hose. (She is not an actress and doesn't have the same freedom with fashion choices) In my opinion each and every piece in her wardrobe was classic, timeless and elegant. One could tell careful thought and consideration had been given. Whether it was respecting Canadian fashion by choosing Erdem or staying true to old favourites, Reiss, Issa and LK Bennett she pulled it off effortlessly. Simple clean cut lines and neutral colours part of Kate's signature look. She represented fashion, the Monarchy and herself excellently. I was always a fan of her style going back a number of years ago when she shopped at Topshop. She never needed to expose too much skin or felt compelled to wear 'trends' and one has to admire her for that. An article about the Duchess of Cambridge's style has been released. The verdict is very good! (Did you all hear Anna Wintour wants her for the cover?) The article describes Kate's style as 'feminine' and 'accessible'. It also mention how she woke up before William each morning to have her hair done by James Pryce. I was very pleased with it and I think they understand her style perfectly!

The Duchess of Cambridge came, she saw, and she conquered North America on a nine-day tour of Canada and California, but whether rowing crew, visiting a hospital, meeting and greeting, or attending the black-tie BAFTAs, the former Miss Middleton was perfectly outfitted for each and every occasion. In an effort to keep the entourage small (leaving plenty of room for those reported 40 dresses that she packed in her luggage), the duchess traveled sans stylist. She did, however, bring along her go-to hair guru, James Pryce, from the Richard Ward salon in London’s Chelsea, and woke up before Prince William each day to have her hair done before heading out for their official engagements—clearly, Catherine knows the power of a good blowout. That smooth and effortless-looking hair translates to the duchess’s overall approach to dressing: classic and easy, yet polished. 

In a time when most public figures are trying to push the envelope and shock and awe with their outrageousness when it comes to fashion, the Duchess of Cambridge is bringing an understated elegance (not sexy) back, while still managing to dress in a way that men clearly appreciate. She never wears pieces that befuddle the boys, like gladiator sandals, rompers, or platforms. Instead, she’s the rare creature whose look appeals to men, women, and the fashion industry alike. She shops where regular girls shop—Topshop, Reiss, Whistles, and L.K. Bennett—and wears looks that regular girls wear—wrap dresses, shifts, and skinny jeans. She’s pretty—but not intimidating; she looks like someone we could be friends with. Of course, she also wears Alexander McQueen and Erdem, but even when it’s “designer” it looks like “her”—the shape, the length, the neckline, the sleeves (she’s a one-woman endorsement for the comeback of sleeves!). Even at the BAFTA awards, her McQueen dress wasn’t a recognizable runway look—it was streamlined and modified by her. She repeats looks, too, which is both endearing and, in the midst of a difficult financial landscape, respectable. And she supports her hometown houses, boosting morale by working tirelessly yet tactfully to promote British labels while traveling. 

Above all, she understands that flirty, feminine frocks are always pretty and never fail. She keeps her accessories simple and pulls off a look that’s straightforward yet somewhat normal. Not normal in a banal way, but normal in a way that it’s empirically attractive and universally appealing. Sure it’s safe, but stylishly refined: exactly the right way for her to dress. She’s not alienating anyone—and no one is going to misunderstand her look. Her approach sends a powerful message that is stylish, thought-out, and position-appropriate—suggesting the best about British public life and decorum.There’s no subtext or hidden agenda when it comes to the Duchess of Cambridge’s style, and it’s refreshing that an aesthetic like this is finally having a well-deserved moment in the limelight.

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Duchess Kate looks stunning as she carries out her first solo engagement

Duchess Kate looked breathtakingly beautiful as she stood in her for her father in law at a charity dinner for InKind Direct last night, performing her first solo engagement Kate exuded class and appeared completely at ease. The Duchess met with thirty guests after Prince Charles was called way on a trip to Riyadh to present condolences to the Saudi Royal family following the death of their crown prince. St James's Palace said 

"The Duchess of Cambridge was delighted to be able to step in for her father in law, The Prince of Wales, who has shown her so much support over the years".


Kate appeared to be carrying a glass of water instead of champagne. This will fuel the pregnancy rumours but I assume she wanted to represent the royal family with a completely clear head.

Daily Mail

I cannot tell you how much I adore Kate's look here, She looks absolutely stunning. Wearing a vintage Amanda Wakeley fall/winter 2006 (With thanks to What Kate Wore Facebook) floor length dove grey gown, Kate looks glamorous, sophisticated and could easily pass for a supermodel. I simply adore the detailing on the criss cross straps.

Kate is only 29 and I'm thrilled to see her dressing for a young woman. The Duchess generally covers up her arms and for me this is a big fashion moment for her.....Beautiful!

PA

Kate wore her beautiful Jimmy Choos Ubai shoe which matched embellishment on her dress perfectly. Kate previously wore these shoes to the BAFTA reception.

Kate's shoes and dress sparkled last night and her jewellery played an important part in completing the look. Kate wore a beautiful diamond flower cluster art deco bracelet she wore to the BAFTA reception and stunning diamond cluster drop earrings (With thanks to Jenny from WKW) she wore to Zara Philips wedding. It is reported these pieces were given to Kate around the time of the wedding. Possibly a gift from William or family pieces given to Kate for royal engagements?

More information on Kate's jewellery Here.

Duchess Kate's hair was worn in a demi chignon last night, She favours this look having wore it many times before. It shows off her bone structure while still giving her the length at the back. The Daily Mail reported Kate was wearing hair extensions. Vicky Demetriou from salon Daniel Hersheson said

 "Kate Middleton's hair looks really natural and to achieve this look most people would need to use temporary, virtually invisible, strip hair extensions".


This is completely false, The Palace confirmed it was a scar from surgery Kate had as a child. I'm not surprised to hear the story is false as Kate has always had beautiful, long hair.

InKind direct was founded by Prince Charles to encourage companies to donate surplus goods to charities, either for use by them or for their charitable work. The charity's chief executive Robin Boles was delighted with Kate and couldn't praise her enough. And if we didn't love Kate enough already she called her mom Carole, to ask her to donate any surplus products to the charity.


"You would never know it was her first solo engagement. It was as if she had been trained by the Prince of Wales. She was completely natural, professional and charmed everyone. She spoke to every single guest and was genuinely interested, and interested in continuing to help. She said she had already called her mum to tell her about us in case Party Pieces had surplus products".

The Duchess of Cambridge clearly did herself and the royal family proud appearing completing at ease with the guests. This is exactly what I wanted to see for Kate, She is coming into her own. I had thought it would be a tad longer before we would see her complete her first solo engagement. Kate is definitely the perfect royal. Kate also stepped into the role with very little notice proving how reliable and adaptable she is. Her style is evolving and without a doubt this is one of her most beautiful looks.


Sources (Daily Mail, Mirror, What Kate Wore Facebook,)

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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at Calgary Stampede as Canadian tour comes to an end

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have arrived at Bow Valley College for the Calgary stampede. Sadly today is the final day of the Canadian tour. It has been magnificent in my opinion. (I will do a post on the finest moments of the tour when they depart) After the stampede the couple will attend a reception hosted by the Alberta government before their official departure ceremony. Is anyone else excited to see them attend the glitzy BAFTA party? 

Kate is again wearing her stetson, with a Temperly rodeo white blouse and jeans. I love her blouse. You can purchase it HERE They couple are favouring the cowboy look for the second day in a row. Duchess Kate's hair looks amazing as always.  William is wearing the same shirt as yesterday, Who would have ever thought we would see the future Kind and Queen of England wearing cowboy outfits two days in a row? :) The couple watched in amazement as a cowboy rode a 1700lb bull down the street, Not quite what they are used too.........I'm thinking we may see an outfit change for the next event!

I will update with better photos and news a.s.a.p.!

Temperly Rodeo shirt

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