Showing posts with label Kate Loves. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kate Loves. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Kate Loves: Concerts

Hello Duchess Kate readers,
I hope you're all having a fabulous weekend. The Jubilee concert is fast approaching and reportedly no one is more excited about it than Duchess Kate. Her favourite singers Gary Barlow and Robbie Williams from popular UK band Take That will be performing. Of course, we are all eager to see what Kate chooses to wear. Kate has attended memorable concerts over the years and her sartorial choices have been lovely. Continuing on with our Kate Loves series, Let's look back on those concerts :)


2007 was a tumultuous year for William and Kate. The couple decided to take a break,  Kate would later admit she wasn't happy about the decision. In July 2007 Kate showed her support for William by attending the Diana Concert at Wembley stadium.




Kate sat two rows from William, she kept a low profile as this was a day to celebrate Diana's life. When Take That performed she was seen singing along to their song Back For Good.

AP

The concert was hosted by William and Harry on what would have been Princess Diana's 46th birthday. It was broadcast in 140 countries with an estimated audience of 500 million. At the end of the performances a video montage of Diana as a child was presented accompanied by Queen's These are the Day of out Lives.

Reuters
Kate looked lovely in a white lace Issa dress, white trench coat and knee high boots. Loved this look. 

Daily Mail
The couple rekindled their romance after the concert :)

In June 2008 Kate joined thousands of people at Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday concert in Hyde Park. The then 26 year old attended the gig without Prince William who was away pursuing his military career. 


Contact Music
Kate watched acts including the late Amy Winehouse, Queen and Razorlight at the party which was introduced by actor Will Smith. The Men in Black star told the crowd 'If the world could only have one father, the man that we would choose to be our father would be Nelson Mandela'. A look at Hyde Park, one of London's eight Royal Parks.


BBC

Kate looked lovely in a long printed top teamed with a black belt, dark blue jeans and brown knee high boots. 

Contact Music


After the Canada Day celebrations William and Kate had a chance to relax at Parliament Hill, where they attended a concert celebrating Canadian music. Kate looked elegant in a purple Issa dress and the maple leaf brooch, loaned to her by the Queen. We also saw Kate wear her hair in a chic updo.


The couple enjoyed a firework display after the concert. There was very much a 'date night' feel to the event. William and Kate exchanged glances and whispers throughout the event. 


Last December William and Kate joined Charles and Camilla to attend a Gary Barlow concert at the Royal Albert Hall. The concert was in aid of the Prince's Foundation. Mr Barlow began by saying 'I hope you enjoy tonight, I hope it's not too loud'. William replied 'The louder the better' :) Kate wore a tulip Zara dress.

Friday, June 1, 2012

Kate Loves: Beauty Products

Duchess Kate always looks impeccable, her choice of beauty products and skincare routine is clearly serving her well. If you have ever wanted to emulate Kate's make up or just wondered what products she carries in her clutch, this is a post for you :)




Moisturiser: Each and every one of you can attest to the fact a good moisturiser is a vital item in your beauty bag. I know from personal experience (and much experimentation) the most expensive does not necessarily mean the best for your skin type. Kate has obviously discovered this too. Kate has been spotted stocking up on Nivea Visage Pure and Natural at her local Boots store. The £5.10 moisturising day cream contains effective, organically grown natural ingredients. 


Nivea

Cleanser: According to Karin Herzog's UK managing director, Kate uses a number of the brands products. The Switzerland based brand is described as 'the original and the best, true oxygen based therapy, proven to deliver back to the skin oxygen, water and essential vitamins'. Kate uses the £33 Professional Cleansing Cream. The cleanser works to dislodge blockages in the skin, and when removed literally sucks out the dirt.

Karin Herzog

Face Cream: Kate uses the Karin Herzog Oxygen Face Cream. The product should be applied morning and night, to the face and neck without massaging into the skin. The cream is described as very well suited to younger users. It's non-oily texture means there is no oily residue left on the surface of the skin. It is £36 for 50ml.

Karin Herzog

Spot Zapper: To banish spots, cold sores, boils and blisters Kate uses the Karin Herzog Vita A Kombi 3. The acne cream is described as 'extremely effective'. It is £21.50 for the handy 15ml tube, which will easily fit into your purse.

Karin Herzog

Foundation: Kate chose to do her own make up for the royal wedding and reportedly uses Bobbi Brown Moisture Rich Foundation. The popular foundation provides SPF 15 sun protection while it hydrates skin. It is available in various shades for $46.

Bobbi Brown

Concealer Pen: The YSL Touche Éclat Concealer Pen has been described as a 'miracle pen'. The $40 gold pen brightens around the eyes managing to erase fatigue.

YSL

Mascara: Kate is rarely photographed without her trademark black mascara and eyeliner on. To create the illusion of longer lashes Kate uses Lancome Custom Wear Volume Mascara. With its 1,000 sensor bristles, the brush delivers made to measure lash volume that you control with each sweep. It is available for £21.

Lancome

Eyeliner: Kate uses the £16 Lancome Crayon Khol eyeliner to define the colour of her eyes.

Lancome

Eyeshadow: To create the perfect smokey eye, Kate uses the Get In Line Smokey Eyeshadow and Stencil Kit. It is available for $36.

Bettes Boutique

Blush: Kate uses the pale pink Bobbi Brown Blush to add a little colour to her cheeks. The formula glides on smoothly and offers a matter finish. It is $24.

Bobbi Brown

Bronzer: To give her cheekbones a shimmer Kate applies the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact. The brush on powder is $39.

Bobbi Brown

Lips: Kate favours darker eye make up and balances the look out with a neutral lip. The Duchess wears the $23 Bobbi Brown Sandwashed Pink Lipstick with a layer of pale pink lip gloss.

Bobbi Brown

Nail Polish: Kate wears Essie nail polish, mostly opting for pale pinks. However recently Kate has been experimenting with darker colours. Essie comes in all colours for $8 per bottle.

Essie

Perfume: Kate wore White Gardenia Petals by UK brand Illuminum for the royal wedding. It is described as 'As fragrant as a vase of white flowers, this is a delicate and refined perfume. The top not of Lily evokes a tropical seaside location, Amber wood underscores the light and capricious bouquet'. You can purchase the perfume for $140.

Illuminum

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Kate Loves: Gowns Part 1

Duchess Kate has worn some stunning gowns over the past decade. From her university days to red carpet events, Kate's timeless elegance has shone through in her evening gown choices. Let's look back over the past decade beginning with a black halter neck dress Kate wore during her time as a student in St Andrews University.


Middleton Love

Kate attended the 2006 Boodles Boxing Ball wearing a striking blue BCBG dress. It was the first time we had seen Kate at a black tie event and the dress was a perfect choice, both youthful and elegant.


Harper's Bazaar


Sponsored by Boodles and held in the Royal Lancaster Hotel in aid of Sparks Sports Aiding Medical Research For Kids.


Hotels London

Kate accompanied Prince William to the Boodles Boxing Ball in 2008 wearing a beautiful £1,000 pink Issa gown. In my opinion this is one of Kate's best looks. The colour worked perfectly with her dark hair and her chandelier earrings added a touch of glamour. 


Alan Davidson

Issa designer Daniella Helayel added a very similar dress to her Spring/Summer 2012 collection. The Brazilian designer said she loves to recreate her best pieces.


Alan Davidson/Issa

Kate's many expressions while watching the match :)

The Telegraph

Another sartorial triumph for Kate in 2009 in another Issa gown. This time Kate chose a gunmetal grey dress with a naval cut neckline. You can see similarities in the dresses thus far, Kate obviously favoured a certain style pre-engagement which worked very well for her.


Alan Davidson

Kate hosted a table at the Saatchi Gallery to raise money for the Starlight Children's Foundation. Prince William and The Middleton family were also there to support the foundation. 


Rex Features

A look at the Saatchi Gallery.


Wikipedia

Which of Kate's pre engagement gowns are your favourite? (I do love the pink Issa myself) See you all tomorrow for Part 2 where we will look back on Kate's gowns since the wedding.

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Kate Loves: Sports + William Joins Kate in Mustique

When Duchess Kate jetted off to Mustique the press had a field day with headlines from 'Divorce Lawyers Being Lined Up' to 'Kate leaves William behind'. Rest assured there was nothing to worry about :) Prince William reportedly flew from Gatwick on Saturday to join Kate and the Middleton family. Just a couple of days after Kate left. A source said Kate has been seen in a blue and white bikini. 


The couple enjoying a previous holiday in Mustique in 2008. (With thanks to Kate Middleton info)



************

Next up in our 'Kate loves' series is sports. Kate has always been athletic and has participated in a number of sports since her school days. Aged nine Kate was the highest scorer for her rounders team.


Kate excelled on the school hockey team.




Kate's tall frame made her first choice as goal defence for the netball team.




As Kate approached her twenties rowing became a great love of hers. She was often photographed training with her team early after nights out. No doubt her dedication to rowing has helped her acquire her fabulous figure.


In 2007 Kate's team rowed on the Thames.




The Duchess regularly enjoys a game of tennis with William, the two enjoy the sport and are reportedly competitive in a very light hearted sense.




Kate is also a huge fan of professional tennis and has attended matches at Wimbledon numerous times. Love this photo.




Proving keeping fit does not mean spending time in expensive gyms, Kate enjoyed cycling to work at Party Pieces in 2008.




Last September William and Kate were photographed leaving London's Harbour Club Gym. And yes Kate even looks good after a workout :)




The Harbour Club is generally acknowledged as the finest gym in London, ranking amongst the best in the world. Facilities include a waterfall swimming pool, pilates studio, spinning studio and the fitness room which comprises of the most modern equipment available. There is also a bar and restaurant available.






Sources (Daily Mail, London's Harbour Club, Zimbio, Tumblr)

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Kate Loves: St Andrews

The University of St Andrews, more commonly referred to as "St Andrews" was founded between 1410 and 1413 and is the oldest university in Scotland. St Andrews is judged as world-class for teaching and research; it is currently ranked the sixth best university in the UK.  Coined 'Britain's top match-making university', it is said that one in ten students marry a fellow student from St Andrews.


The Guardian

In 2001, After completing his gap year in Belize and Chile, Prince William enrolled at the University of St Andrews, under the name William Wales. News of this caused a temporary increase in the number of applications to the university, primarily from young women :)

Meanwhile, Kate was also preparing for student life in Scotland after returning from her gap year where she visited Italy and worked in Chile, as fate would have it, she ended up at a project Prince William had visited just a month before.



In September 2001, Kate settled into university by enjoying the 'freshers week' celebrations (as seen below) .


Exclusive Pix

By the end of freshers week Kate was crowned the prettiest girl at Sally's, the nickname for St Salvator's Hall, her hall of residence. When William arrived he also moved St Salvator's Hall where he was eager to be treated like any other student and, without press intrusion, his four years in St Andrews would become the most private of his life.


Wikipedia

Regarded as one of the university's most prestigious residences, Sally's is often described as a 'rambling gothic dormitory'. In total it houses 180 students. At the west wing of the building there is a small library and a study room. A computer room with pigeon holes for residents' post is also situated on the ground floor. Each room comes with a desk, a wardrobe and a bookcase.


St Andrews

Kate as a first year in St Salavator's.


Laura Warshauer
Enjoying dinner with friends.

Laura Warshauer

Kate spoke about meeting William for the first time during the royal engagement interview.


'Well I actually think I went bright red when I met you and sort of scuttled off, feeling very shy about meeting you. It take a bit of time for us to get to know each other but we became very close friends'.

Not only did William and Kate share the same hall of residence, they were also both studying History of Art and inevitably spent a lot of time together. William liked the fact Kate was quiet and reserved and enjoyed country life as he did. They shared laughs and stories about their time in Chile. Kate took notes for William in lectures when he couldn't be there and a strong friendship was forged. Romance was not yet on the cards for the young students as William was dating Carley Massey-Birch, an English Language and creative-writing student. Carley was also a country girl and during their brief relationship William enjoyed visits to her home in Devon where they spent time playing board games and visiting the local pubs.


ABC/Peter Kelly


William initially struggled to settle in to university life and described it as 'daunting'. Following discussions with Prince Charles, Prince Philip and his friends (including Kate) he decided to switch his major to Geography and taking his father's advice, stayed for another term and never looked back.


PA

It was March 27, 2002 at the annual Don't Walk Charity Show when the sparks first ignited between the two. Andrews Sands selected Kate to model for the show because of her popularity



'She didn't dress in a sort of Euro-trash revealing way, it was always very homely. So people were desperate to see her in slightly more scanty attire'.

Kate was asked to model a see through dress. Kate hadn't told William exactly what she would be wearing and the Prince was stunned as the brunette shimmied down the runway. William just turned to his friend Fergus and said 'Wow. Kate's Hot'. At the after show party William did not waste any time making his feelings clear and leaned in to kiss her. Kate was reportedly flattered but pulled away because she was dating fourth year student Rupert Finch. Kate and Rupert quickly parted ways and the royal romance began shortly after.



Solo Syndication

William and Kate's university year photo 2002.



At the start of second year, September 2002, William and Kate moved off campus to 13A Hope Street, in the centre of town with friends Fergus Boyd and Olivia Bleasdale. They each paid £100 a week in rent for the two storey apartment and shared cleaning duties. Security measures included bulletproof windows and a bombproof front door.



HMJ Properties

In the small kitchen in their Hope Street apartment William cooked Kate romantic dinners.


'When I was trying to impress Kate I was trying to cook these amazing fancy dinners and what would happen was I would burn something, something would overspill, something would catch fire'.

The couple were often spotted walking around the small town of St Andrews, Fife which has a population of just 16,000. With its breathtaking views the pair enjoyed romantic walks and were regularly seen shopping in their local Tesco, take-away and sweet shop. It was a level of normalcy no previous future King had experienced and William loved it.


St Andrews Panorama

By the time the couple started their third year their romance was no longer a secret at St Andrews and they were desperate for privacy. They moved out to Balgove House, a private estate outside of town. The couple entertained frequently in the four bedroom cottage. Kate dressed the the kitchen windows with red and white gingham curtains. They often packed a blanket and a picnic basket and spent hours walking and chatting while taking in the stunning views. These were described by royal writers as 'very happy days for William and Kate'.



Stephen Gibson
Below we see William and Kate having a wonderful time on the dancefloor at a St Andrews gala dinner in October 2004. Kate looked lovely in a little black dress and the couple's body language was undeniable.


Rex Features/Daily Mail

Kate graduated from St Andrews in June 2005 with a 2:1 Undergraduate MA in the History of Art. William also achieved a 2:1 in his Arts degree, the best degree of any heir to the throne in Britain and the Commonwealth realms.


Middleton Family Flickr

In February 2011, the couple returned to St Andrews on one of their first joint engagements where Prince William unveiled a plaque to commemorate the university's 600th anniversary. During his speech William said 


'This is a very special moment for Catherine and me. It feels like coming home'.

St Andrews obviously holds a very special place in the couple's hearts and it was simply wonderful they visited the university just a couple of months before their wedding. No doubt many memories came flooding back that day.