Duchess Kate's best costumes, Are you a Repli - Kate this Halloween, New Photo, Upcoming events and Kate's make up...

Hello Kate fans,
There's plenty of news, events and a even new photo to keep you up to date with all things Kate. However, firstly I would like to wish you all a very Happy Halloween. Dressing up as Kate is proving very popular this Halloween, for a look at some costume ideas check out this post. I have received a couple of emails from readers of the blog who dressed up as Duchess Kate for Halloween. I will include them all in a post tonight if I have enough. So, Did you dress up as William or Kate for Halloween? If you would like a photo of you or one of your costume included, Please email the photo with information on how you would like to be credited to hrhcatherineblog@hotmail.com.


In keeping with the spirit of Halloween, Duchess Kate has had some memorable looks over the years at fancy dress parties. 

Kate making a pair of bunny ears look fashionable :)

Nurse Kate........

William and Kate share a tender moment as Pocahontas and Wild Bill.

Wonderful news for William and Kate, should their first born be a girl. Female members of the royal family are to be given equality with men in the rules of succession. If their first born is a girl she will take precedence over any younger brothers in the order of succession. Also laws banning royals from acceding to the throne if they are married to a Roman Catholic will be abolished. I'm delighted to hear this, It is an important move forward for the monarchy.


In other news, William and Kate's popularity is increasing each day. The couple have received over 60,000 letters and cards from the public wishing them well in married life. The Queen and Prince Philip were sent just 10,000 telegrams after their wedding in 1947. I expect the Cambridge's could prove to be the most loved royal couple yet. A St. James' Palace spokesperson said


"There has been a vast, vast amount of cards and letters. It was just lovely. They are all supportive messages. There's a team working on it and everyone who wrote in got a response".


The wonderful news comes just days after the couple celebrated their six month anniversary. (Has it been six months already?) I thoroughly enjoyed looking through these images compiled by popsugar celebrating the couples first six months of wedded bliss!


May I just add how much I adore this photo of them at a polo match in Santa Barbara.

We have seen more of Kate in terms of royal engagements this month than expected. For November there are three events coming up. On Wednesday, November 2 the couple will travel to Copenhagen to make a special visit to UNICEF's global supply centre.

On November 10, the couple will attend a special dinner at St. James' Palace for the National Memorial Arboretum appeal.

I also expect the Duchess will attend a service for Remembrance Sunday on November 13 which is the anniversary of the end of the hostilities during World War I. The national ceremony is held in London at the Cenotaph on Whitehall. Traditionally wreathes are laid by members of the royal family including, The Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Prince William. Other members of the royal family watch from the balcony of the foreign office. Kate will almost certainly wear black for this occasion. 


The Cenotaph, Whitehall, London.

The Duchess was spotted out and about last friday in Mayfair with a minder carrying a costa coffee. (Kate loves her coffee :)) The man who saw her said she was casually dressed and a natural beauty. It's good to hear she has a somewhat normal life outside of being the Duchess of Cambridge. Candid photos very rarely surface which shows a degree of respect from the press.

I received a request from a reader looking for some information on Kate's make up. (If any of you have any requests please let me know and I'll do my best to find what you're looking for). As you all know Kate did her own make up for the royal wedding. Kate reportedly wore the Get in Line eyeshadow and stencil kit. This smoky eyeshadow and stencil kit is a huge hit with celebrities and the websites number one selling product.
The kit comes in a silver, foiled pouch. It is currently selling for $36. It is described as


"A revolutionary beauty tool that creates perfect eyeliner, smoky eyes and cat eyes with ease. The only eyeliner stencil that fits any eye shape. The get in line kit is available in a light base shade for light to medium skin tones, and a darker base shade for medium to darker tones".

Kate is a huge fan of Bobbi Brown make up and reportedly wears the long wear gel eyeliner. It is available in an array of colours for $21. It is described as

"This award winning liner gives you the look of liquid liner with the ease and feel of a gel formula. Long wearing, water - resistant color glides on and let's you get it just right before it dries".

Duchess Kate also chooses Bobbi Brown for her foundation which always looks flawless. According to several reliable sources Kate likes the Moisture Rich Foundation with SPF 15.

It is $46 for a 30 ml bottle and comes in almost twenty shades. It is described as

"Bobbi's popular moisturizing formula provides SPF 15 sun protection while it hydrates skin and delivers a soft, beautiful finish. The formula is buildable, allowing medium to full coverage as desired".

To complete the look a bronze blush and pink lipstick is very Kate. I've noticed Kate always wears strong eye make up and keeps the lip make up light. This youtube tutorial is very informative in terms of application. As you all know the key to achieving flawless make up is often in the preparation. A good moisturiser really stands to you. Kate was spotted in her local Boots purchasing moisturisers by Nivea. I think Kate does her make up beautifully and knows exactly what suits her.

Whether you're trick or treating or staying in enjoying Halloween movies, Have a good one. Kensington Palace (Kate's London home) are also giving 'ghost tours' later today. I will report on any news for that and please send your photos in to be included in the fancy dress post. :)

Sources (britishroyals.info, Twitter, Daily Mail, Mirror.co.uk, just jared, marie claire, wikipedia, bobbi brown)

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,)

William and Kate to visit Copenhagen next week, The couple's official photograph and where Kate was spotted today

In yesterdays post, I was delighted to add the royal couple would be attending a concert in December. However we will be seeing the couple much sooner than that! William and Kate are due to visit UNICEFs emergency centre in Copenhagen next Wednesday, November 2 2011. They will tour the centre and help pack emergency supplies. This is very exciting news as they will be joined by The Crown Prince and Princess of Denmark, If you are not familiar with them, they are a very down to earth couple and serve their country wonderfully. Princess Mary of Denmark worked as a solicitor before marrying the Prince, Obviously she and Kate will have plenty in common.
Perhaps Kate will wear one of her Amanda Wakeley dresses?


Like William and Kate, Prince Frederik and Princess Mary make a lovely couple :)

"Their Royal highnesses will seek to raise awareness of the crisis in East Africa, and life saving supplies are getting through to children and families affected. So far, UNICEF has delivered more than ten thousand metric tonnes of supplies to the region treated 108,000 severely malnourished children in therapeutic feeding centres and vaccinated 1.2 million against measles".


I'm delighted to hear the Cambridge's are making this trip which will raise much needed awareness for UNICEF. For more information on their work or if you wish to make a donation Click Here.


You may have noticed the above photo of William and Kate is new. It is the couples official photograph, The photos were taken by Getty award winning photographer, Chris Getty. (With thanks to What Kate Wore) Chris shot the photos in Clarence house before the tour of Canada. Kate is wearing her beautiful navy Amanda Wakeley suit. 

Duchess Kate has been continuing visiting museums. Today she was spotted at the Victoria and Albert Museum. The museum is known as one of the greatest in terms of art and design. Kate studied Art History at University and I expect she is interested in culture and art. Grace Kelly was also deeply passionate about expanding the arts in Monaco too. (I always think there's a little of Grace in Kate :))

One of the ladies who saw Kate yesterday was kind enough to tweet me, She saw Kate in department store Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge yesterday. Kate was wearing a biege jumper, pencil skirt and suede boots. A big thank you to Sophie and TammyVia Twitter.

Looking forward to seeing the couple next Wednesday, I will post as soon as photos and news emerge.

Sources (UNICEF, Twitter, Chris Getty, What Kate Wore)

Duchess Kate spotted at Starbucks, The royal couple to attend Gary Barlow Concert and more

While Duchess Kate has been in the headlines there hasn't been a reported sighting of her since the gala fundraiser. Yesterday, two reports emerged via Twitter that Kate was spotted in Starbucks on the Kings road. Unfortunately there are no photos yet or reports of what she was wearing but I wouldn't be surprised if more information and possibly photographs come to light in the next day day or two. The press are very careful not to offend the royals by hassling them but we can generally expect candid photos of Kate every now and again. Kings road is definitely Kate's street for running errands, shopping etc. If you happen to be in the vicinity you may well catch a glimpse of her!

Kate has been a fan of Starbucks for years, Here she is photographed at her local Starbucks before her engagement to William ordering a coffee.........

In other news,William and Kate are expected to attend a Gary Barlow concert. Those of you in the U.K. know him as the lead singer in the band 'Take That' . He is currently replacing Simon Cowell as a judge on the U.K. X Factor. (If any of you watch, What do you think of him?) Gary will perform two solo shows at the Royal Albert Hall on December 5 and 6. The royal couple are expected to attend one of these. The shows will raise money for the foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry. Kate is a big fan of Take That, She was spotted singing along to their performance of 'Back For Good' at Diana's concert in 2007. Looking forward to seeing Kate at this event, Of course the question is, What will she wear? :)

If you read my last post on 'The Kate Effect' conquering Halloween costumes. The craziness has officially reached another level. Now, Kate wedding dress has been redesigned to fit a dog :) The costume complete with long sleeves and fake arms is expected to be a popular costume this Halloween. What do you all think? 

Speaking of animals, The Cambridge's might be afraid to venture out this Halloween but not because of ghosts! Resident in Anglesey have reported sightings of a large, panther lie cat on the loose close to their home. Anglesey resident John Hughes said

"I have seen the creature eight times and it has attacked one of my arms. It was biting its neck. I shouted and it ran off. I've seen it jump hedgerows with ease - no ordinary cat could do that"

I expect the couple will be enjoying more nights in then, Sounds better than venturing out for a walk........

Now onto some more pleasant news, A Norfolk based fan of William and Kate was delighted to receive a piece of the royal wedding cake with a personalised note from the Duchess of Cornwall. The cake arrived encased in its own specially made tin, However it will never be eaten and takes pride of place among the other items of royal wedding memorabilia Mary Relph owns. Mary was unable to make the trip to London for the wedding due to illness, She said

"I have no idea who told Camilla. I really don't know how they know. I was so upset that I couldn't go - we had the hotel room booked and everything".

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall wrote

"A little birdy told me you were unable to get to the wedding as you had injured your back. I hope this cake will help to alleviate this, with my best wishes, Camilla".

A truly delightful story and a very special moment for Mary Relph, That's all the updates for now Kate fans, I will update if anymore news or photos emerge from Kate's trip to starbucks.

Sources (Twitter, Daily Express, Huffington Post, Matthew Usher photographer)

Copy Kate's looks, Dress up the Duchess, 'The Kate effect' this halloween and the latest updates!

It's been a quiet weekend for the Duchess, with no sightings or photographs to report but as always there is an excellent selection of tidbits. I enjoy adding them together and finishing up with a post one could only describe as a mixed bag of Kate news. :)


I've been hearing people are dressing up as Kate for Halloween and was doing some research on costumes and I found a very interesting piece on In Style, 'Kate Middleton Wedding Dress Up'. The 'dress up' feature was added months ago but I have just seen it for the first time. It allows you to 'dress' Kate in various wedding dresses, shoes, jewllery and tiaras. I chose a beautiful Oscar De La Renta gown and Duchess Kate looks beautiful in it. I think this would be a stunning look for her when attending a formal dinner or function. Do give it a try yourselves, It's excellent fun and took me less than a minute. You can share your choices via facebook and twitter. Click here to dress up Kate!

With Halloween fast approaching, It seems dressing up as Kate will be one of the most popular choices this year. Are any of you going as Kate to a fancy dress ball? I think people could emulate Kate by wearing something similar to any of her pieces but the most popular one will undoubtedly be the wedding dress. This Royal Wedding Dress Adult Costume is available for just under $40. It is described as


"Every little girl dreams of being a princess........
And this one's dreams came true. The Royal Wedding Dress Adult Costume includes: A white wedding style dress featuring a lovely lace overlay and a tiara with an attached veil - based on the look worn by Britain's favorite new princess".

If you are looking for a simpler option, The Kate Middleton Face Mask is an excellent alternative. Available for only £3.19. (I can only imagine seeing a Kate mask beside ghosts and witches :)) The mask comes with eye holes and an elastic strap.

Why not get the whole family involved and dress up as the Windsor family, There are a nice selection of masks Here.

Naturally, you all remember the touching story of nine year old cancer patient Fabian Bate. He not only touched Duchess Kate's heart but everyone who read his story. There has been splendid news for Fabian. It has now been confirmed that both his sisters are are perfect bone marrow matches for their brother. Fabian was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2006. The Duchess admitted she "admires his strength of chatacter".  


Below Fabian is pictured with his two sisters, I am delighted to heard the good news and I'm sure Kate is too. Wishing Fabian a speedy recovery.

As you all know the Duchess has been busy privately visiting charities. It has been reported, Kate may not be able to support one very close to her heart. Sources say Kate was keen to work with the Blue Heart Campaign which raises awareness about human trafficking.  Kate wore a stunning red dress by Beulah to a recent gala fundraiser. Beulah has close links with the foundation. Sadly the charity is affiliated with the United Nations, a neutral organisation. Kate has been told it would not be appropriate for her to support this cause because of her close ties to the Queen - a head of state. 


"Natasha and Lavinia (Both owners of the label Beulah) spent two months working with human trafficking victims in India and when Kate heard their tales she was completely behind the project. But because of UN protocol it was not deemed appropriate for her to be too visible within the campaign".


Duchess Kate would be an invaluable asset to the Blue Heart Campaign and I admire her for showing interest in a charity about trafficking. It is a shame she cannot become involved with this one but whoever she chooses to support will be very lucky and I know she will make a difference.

Kate's fashion influence is being felt worldwide even at the Miss World competition. The recently crowned Miss World Ireland, Holly Carpenter admitted she will be emulating Kate when she flies to Earls Court, England for the competition. Holly said

"I am going for a Kate Middleton look during the day time. I've got dresses from boutiques like Fran and Jane, and I'll be in heels everyday. Kate is definitely my theme, With her outfits, her dresses are always knee length with a clutch bag and simple jewellery. I am representing Ireland and I want to look classy".


Wishing Holly the best of luck. It would be wonderful to have a Miss World who emulates Kate. The competition takes place on November 6.

I was having a look through high street shop website and discovered many Kate inspired pieces. As Kate's pieces sell out so rapidly, I thought I would share these with you. Beginning with this beautiful Mango draped detail dress. The short sleeves dress is very similar to the black Issa Kate wore while out in London before the wedding. It is selling for under £30 and available in sizes XS - XL.

Next we have this beautiful Dorothy Perkins Bodycon Layered Dress. While it's red the structure and shape are very reminiscent of the Reiss Shola Kate wore while meeting the Obama's. It is selling for £40.

When Kate visited Birmingham, She wore a stunning McQueen georgette blouse. This A Wear Cream Crochet Top is similar in terms of colour and design. It is also suitable for workwear or could be teamed with jeans and flats. It is selling for £30.

Designer Karen Millen is world famous for her stunning designs. This Classic Investment Coat reminded of both Kate's Burberry trench and her favourite white coat with black buttons. It's a stunning piece and at £399 an investment for anyone's winter wardrobe.

Back when the Duchess was just Kate Middleton she wore dozens of beautiful dresses, especially during her time working at Jigsaw. She was photographed wearing a red knee length dress and this Dorothy Perkins Red Floral Dress is the perfect replicate.  Selling for just £32.

There is a huge variation of lace dress available on the high street at the moment. I believe there is something for everyone, all ages and sizes. Lace is obviously one of Kate's favourite's right now and the trend is everywhere.

This French Connection Angela Lace Dress is beautiful. Available in red and navy it is fully lined with lace overlay and a concealed zip at back. Stunning piece and very Kate. At 156 euro the quality is excellent for the price.

Next we have this Jane Norman V Front Dress. For just £45 this long sleeved lace dress is similar to Kate's Erdem.This elegant dress features a scallop edged neckline and hem with 3/4 length sleeves. The beautiful floral detail emulates Kate's favourite Collette Dinnigan dress. Available in black and red.

This beautiful A Wear Embelished Lace Dress is available in cream, red and navy. For just £60, it is long sleeved with stunning lace detail. I think lace is going to be the one to watch for the Christmas season this year. Beautiful dresses......

While all of the above are beautiful, this dress is my favourite of the lace ones I have chosen. The Jane Norman lace slash 3/4 sleeve lace dress is just £45 and comes in five colours. (What more could a girl ask for :)) navy, black, cream, read and grey. The dress is fitted with a figure hugging underlayer and ruching detail at the bust.

Bits and Bobs on the Cambridge's this week

While there have been no new photos of Duchess Kate since the royal gala fundraiser, The couple have been making the headlines with a variety of stories I would like to share with you all. It has been nearly six months since William and Kate were proclaimed the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge but there has been no visit to the University city as of yet. Resident of Cambridge are not complaining though, they are delighted at the increase in tourists, even internet traffic for Cambridge is up twenty two per cent. Cambridge's head of tourism Emma Thornton said "We want it to be more than just a title for them, we want them to have a connection". Although nothing has been announced I expect the couple will make a visit to Cambridge sooner rather than later, In the meantime you can read up on the beautiful Cambridge here.

Next up is some delightful news for Prince William. It's been a wonderful year for the Prince, marrying Kate. Now the 29 year old has been named the most influential man of the year in a poll. William beat the likes of Prime Minister David Cameron and even Justin Bieber :) One of the key reasons William won was for making the royal family "accessible and cool". Since the tragic death of Diana, I don't think people realised how much we missed having a young royal couple representing the monarchy. Congratulations to William, a well deserved honour!

William has also taken to youtube this week urging people to help safeguard their local and public recreational spaces for future generations. Read more about the cause Here.

Take a look at the video below, (Wouldn't it be amazing if Kate posted a video on youtube :))

Duchess Kate famously wore a spritz of White Gardenia Petals by Illuminum on her wedding day. The second news broke about this the company was inundated with orders for the scent described as 


"As fragrant as a vase of white flowers, quivering in the breeze by an open window , this is a delicate and refined perfume".


Due to the amazing success of the £70 perfume, The man behind the brand Michael Boadi is taking his business to the next level, opening one of the world's largest perfumeries in London's Mayfair. The four room shop is in an elegant Georgian townhouse. Visitors to the perfume lounge will be encouraged to sample thirty two scents while enjoying tea or coffee. Prices range from £70 for Kate's scent to the very expensive £7,500 for a personalised service. I think this perfumery will be quite a success, Perhaps Kate will pop in?

With Kate's fashion influence extending each time she steps out in a new outfit, Designers are eager to have her wear their clothes. Calvin Klein's, Francisco Costa said "She's very Calvin, when you think about it. She's athletic looking, with great teeth and amazing hair - in many ways she's like an all american girl. So yes, I'm putting it out there, I'd love to dress her".
I was just looking through the Calvin Klein Spring/Summer 2012 collection and I think the choice of neutral colours are very Kate, not sure about the cut of the dresses though. You may get to dress the Duchess yet Francisco........:)

Finally there is a very special giveaway taking place at What Kate Wore. A favourite of Kate's, London Sole  are giving away a pair of Pirouette or Henrietta  ballet pumps. For information on how to enter take a look Here. Wishing all of you who enter the very best of look.


Kate photographed shopping at Waitrose wearing her London Sole Pirouette ballet flats.

Hope you all have a great weekend, Hopefully we will see a new sighting of Kate too! :)