Kate's Second Hand Dress, Paris Fashion Week, Plans For Leicester + More

Duchess Kate surprised us all last month wearing a grey coat dress by defunct label Jesire for her first official solo engagement at the National Portrait Gallery. Fashionistas were eager to get their hands on the dress and curious to find out where the Duchess had purchased the dress. The talented people at Grazia have found the answer! 

Kate sourced the dress from a second hand dress agency close to her home in Berkshire called The Stock Exchange. The store sells nearly new designer clothing. Staff at the store revealed it was purchased for Kate by an assistant

"She bought the Jesire dress form here. We remember having it in and were really excited when we saw Kate on tv wearing it. None of the Middletons have ever come into the store though, so Kate must have a secret shopper."

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Last night McQueen showcased their Autumn/Winter RTW collection at Paris Fashion Week. The show was hugely anticipated by Kate fans hoping to get a glimpse into Kate's possible wardrobe choices for next season.

Looking at the collection I could not see Kate wearing any of these pieces without serious alteration.....

Sarah Burton described the collection as 'a beautiful future, positivity, optimism'. What do you think? You can watch the video on The Alexander McQueen site.

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We haven't seen Kate wear many Stella McCartney pieces thus far, but I expect we could see this change in 2012. McCartney unveiled her A/W collection at PFW this week. It is being hailed as her finest work yet. It's been an amazing year for the designer who landed the plum job of designing the British Olympic team's uniforms. As you all know, Kate is an ambassador for London 2012, therefore Kate wearing a Stella piece would seem quite fitting.

Striking blues and high necks were a prominent feature of the collection. Both favourite's of Kate's.

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Yet another magazine cover for Kate this week. OK magazine features a photo of Kate from the day before the royal wedding. I doubt Kate ever expected simply holding her hand over her stomach would lead to the photo being used for endless pregnancy speculation stories.

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The schedule for tomorrow's royal visit to Leicester has been released via the BBC (With thanks to the incredibly kind WhatKateWore)

It's going to be a busy day tomorrow for the royals. Preparations have been under way in Leicester all week. A look at the finished Queens table at St Martins House where the trio will enjoy a private lunch. 

A big screen TV is already set up outside St Martins giving crowds a chance to view the visit with ease.

De Montfert University holding their rehearsals today.

BBC's Anne Davies testing one of the Royal chairs :)

A map showing the locations Kate will visit tomorrow.

There is obviously an incredible buzz in Leicester at the moment. The visit looks like an exciting one. It's wonderful to see Kate playing an important part in the beginning of the UK Diamond Jubilee tour. Follow Jubilee Tour Via Twitter for all the latest updates.

Please feel free to comment and discuss the upcoming event on the blog or on the Duchess Kate Facebook Page. See you all tomorrow :)

Sources ( @Jubilee Tour Via Twitter, Yahoo, Grazia, What Kate Wore, Style.com)

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Cambridge bits and pieces

Birkhall

It does appear we have come to another dry spell in relation to Duchess Kate news. (Every time I write that new photos emerge so perhaps we wont be waiting for long :)) However the couple have been in the news quite frequently this week.
The Cambridges spent the Bank holiday weekend cosying up with both sets of in laws as guest of Prince Charles at his Scottish estate, Balmoral. Kate's parents Michael and Carole Middleton were reportedly delighted to join the Queen at Birkhall house in Aberdeenshire situated on the edge of Balmoral. A source said 'The Prince of Wales has made a huge effort with Kate's parents. Birkhall is his favourite retreat and the fact they have been invited shows there is a genuine friendship there. It's wonderful to hear the Royal family are including the Middletons and hopefully they feel relaxed knowing their daughter is a credit to the Royal family.

With Halloween fast approaching it seems officials at Kensington Palace are keen to welcome a select number of visitors to see if rumours about the Palace being haunted are true. A source said 'There are many unusual and strange stories that have been logged by the warders over the years like bumps in the night, screams and ghostly sightings.  It's not for the faint hearted but fascinating'. The 'ghost tours' will take place over four nights from October 28-31. It does sound incredibly exciting (If not a tad scary), Perhaps they will meet the Cambridges in Halloween fancy dress too? :)

I was delighted to read the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on their wedding day has been voted the UK's favourite TV moment. It was revealed after their nuptials Prince William asked Duchess Kate if it was ok to kiss her on the balcony. He certainly is Prince Charming! The couple initially shared a very brief kiss. After which William asked 'Another kiss? One more. Let's give them another one. I love you. Go on, Come here'. The second kiss lasted 1.25 seconds before Kate pulled away with a huge smile on her face. A wonderful choice for most romantic moment! Click on the video above to see the magical moment, One can never see it too many times.


In a quick style update. Some of Kate's favourites appear to be back in stock. John Lewis currently have the LK Bennett Maddox Wedge Patent Court Shoes

The beautiful Libelula Dulwich coat is currently on sale for £217. It is sold out in many colours but available in a gorgeous shade of purple.

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