Kate Pays Secret Visit to Royal School of Needlework, Plans For Tomorrow + More

Hello to you all,
Just a quick post tonight with tidbits and information regarding tomorrow's visit. I received a lovely email from a British television producer called Kari who is currently in the process of producing a documentary about Duchess Kate. She is interested in talking to fans who follow Kate's life and style and those who have seen/met Kate. If this sounds like you and you would be interested please contact Kari at kari@plumpictures.co.uk

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Kate paid an unannounced visit to the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court Palace yesterday to thank the embroiderers who worked on her wedding dress. The iconic gown was stitched using Carrickmacross lace - making technique. Flowers were hand cut from lace onto ivory silk tulle to create the design which incorporated shamrock, daffodil, thistle and rose. The embroiderers had to wash their hands every thirty minutes to keep the threads in impeccable condition. I'm hoping a photo or two will emerge in the coming days!

The school's chief executive Susan Kay William said 'It was lovely to meet the Duchess of Cambridge and to show her what we do'. If you wish to support the Royal School of Needlework you can donate or purchase an item from the online gift shop.

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Cover girl Kate on the front of People. (With thanks to Veronica)

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See you all tomorrow morning for Kate's visit with The Queen and Camilla to Fortnum and Mason. They are expected to arrive at 10 a.m. :)

Source ( Robert Jobson Via Twitter, The Telegraph, People, What Kate Wore Facebook)

New Shoes For Kate, Plans For Leicester + More

Hello Kate fans,
Is it just me or does Kate's next appearance on Thursday seem like ages away? :) In the meantime plans for Kate's visit to Leicester have been revealed. The Duchess will accompany the Queen and Prince Philip on March 8th to De Montfort University. 

The Royal party will view the Diamond Jubilee carnival celebrations involving students. Her Majesty and Kate will then be escorted to a marquee to enjoy the De Montfort fashion and cultural fashion show. The Royals will be presented with gifts and Her Majesty will unveil a commemorative plaque to mark the momentous occasion. 

Students from the renowned footwear design course have a special treat in store for Kate. Six aspiring shoe designers have each sketched a pair of shoes for the Duchess. The winning design will be made for her. The students were shortlisted by lecturers at DMU from more than one hundred applications. 

21 year old Tabitha Duffield sketched a pair of pink and nude heels. She said 'I wanted something feminine and elegant to reflect Kate's personality. There will be laser cut flowers and fringing around the edges.'

Kay Yeng Cheng designed a pair of fairytale inspired heels. Perfect for a Duchess.

Interestingly Summer Spencer was inspired by William and Kate's coat of arms when sketching her design. Very creative.

27 year old Sam Sawkill designed a pair of peep toe heels emulating the English rose look.

Mei Chun Lai designed a pair inspired by the Chinese new year.

Becka Hunt was inspired by the lace on Kate's wedding gown and the colour of her engagement ring for her beautiful offering. These shoes are certainly different from Kate's nude heels. Which pair is your favourite? I'd love to hear your thoughts. You can follow DMU Via Twitter for updates.

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In other news Duchess Kate has been shopping in the Peter Jones department store in Chelsea in an effort to make William's wardrobe more fashionable. (He does love his navy suits) Kate is a style icon herself and naturally wants to spruce up William's look. 

Kate also graces the cover of Hello! Magazine. They really do love Kate at Hello!, not that I blame them :)

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Sources ( Daily Mail, The Telegraph, Hello, DMU Via Twitter)

Kate's Favourite Nail Polish Revealed, Kate's Keeper, Clutch ID + More

Good evening Kate fans,
There a number of stories in the press today I'd like to share with you. Beginning with a topic close to every girls heart......Nail polish :) Duchess Kate's favourite brand has been revealed as the Essie Allure Pale Pink Nail Polish. Kate chose the subtle shade for the royal wedding. It is available for $8 and described as

"A seductive sheer with a natural finish, perfect for a French manicure."

Other striking shades from the Essie collection include the fuchsia bachelorette bash, the rose eternal optimist and the mauve lady like.

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Stuart Weitzman revealed via Twitter that Kate's brown suede clutch is called the 'Muse'. (With thanks to What Kate Wore) The clutch must be from a previous collection. It is entirely possible they will reissue it.

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The press and the general public have become increasingly interested in the woman known as Kate's minder. Assistant private secretary Rebecca Deacon is reportedly one of the most important people in Kate's life right now. 29 year old Rebecca has become Kate's right hand woman after being personally selected to be part of her team. Rebecca has worked for William and Harry since 2007 when she played an important role in organising the Princess Diana concert. Rebecca lost her father at a young age and her mother has since been ordained as a vicar.

A source revealed

"William has never forgotten the way his mother was left to cope without any support from courtiers. He is determined that will never happen to Kate, even though it has brought him into conflict with officials from time to time. He wants Kate to feel totally secure so she can focus on the family. Nobody is suggesting Kate and Rebecca have girlie nights in, of course Pippa is still Kate's best friend but Kate has come to trust Rebecca's advice."

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Duchess Kate graces the cover of Hello! UK

and Hello! Canada this week.

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Source (Hello!, Twitter, What Kate Wore, The Mirror, Essie)

Kate Takes Lupo For A Stroll Around Kensington Gardens

Just two days ago Kate revealed her cocker spaniel pups name is 'Lupo' to a classroom of excited children at Rose Hill primary school. The little dog has clearly become a very special part of William and Kate's family. The Duchess was photographed taking a stroll with Lupo around the beautiful Kensington Gardens.

The photos were reportedly taken on February 20th, the day before Kate's visit to Oxford.

Kate was accompanied by a royal protection officer during her walk and the pair appeared to be enjoying a conversation.

Kensington Gardens is simply a beautiful place for a stroll. There are a number of attractions such as the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground and the Italian Statue.

A map of the gardens.

You can also visit the online shop and send an ecard with a beautiful photo from the gardens.

Kate watched Lupo closely and appeared to be talking to him. Perhaps training him and teaching him some tricks? It should be noted Lupo is one adorably cute dog :)

Close up from the wonderful Popsugar.

Lupo gets his very own close up too :)

Note Kate is wearing her engagement ring, We rarely see her wearing it whilst out casually.

Kate wrapped up in her L.K. Bennett Darwin Jacket, a tan sweater, light blue jeans and hat. I love her casual style and it's great to see her looking so relaxed and happy.

The Darwin jacket has been  staple in Kate's wardrobe over the past number of months, She was photographed wearing it Christmas eve and leaving Richard Ward's salon a few weeks ago.

The shearling jacket is still available in large on the L.K. Bennett site.

Kate also wore her Le Chameau Leather Lined Wellington Boots. This look appears to be Kate's 'go to' outfit while out and about.

Sources (Lehitkuva, Popsugar, Ikon Pictures Us Weekly, Kensington Gardens Website)

Kate Wears Orla Kiely For Oxford Visit

Duchess Kate spent today in Oxford visiting two schools in aid of one of her patronages The Art Room. Working with the charity involves art and working with children. An ideal choice for Kate. Whilst waiting for Kate's arrival the children sang 'She'll be coming in a big limo when she comes'.

The colourful Art Room at Rose Hill primary school.

The Art Room offers are therapy to children and young people between the ages of 5 and 16. Art therapy has been proven to raise self esteem and independence. The charity has demonstrated that in a caring and creative environment the most challenging children can learn and achieve through art. If you wish to donate please Click here. You can also purchase items from the online shop.

Julie Beatie who founded the charity ten years ago described her feelings about Kate's involvement.

"It is overwhelming. We are one of the smallest charities in the country and the difference she has already made is incalculable. She is a young, independent, intelligent woman who really wants to make a difference."

Kate was handed a cuddly dog toy and said she wanted to name it after her dog at home 'Lupo'. The name is Latin for wolf. A pupil also handed Kate treats for the cocker spaniel pup. Adorable. During the art class Kate donned an apron with 'Miss Catherine' written on it.

 You can watch The Telegraph Video Here.

Press Association

Kate joined eight children who are working on 'The Owl and the Pussycat' by Edward Lear. The Art Room regularly uses the poem to discuss travel, relationships and generally getting children to share their thoughts. Click Here to read the poem.

PA

The Duchess then visited the Oxford Spires Academy where Duchess Kate was invited to take part in a training session and round table discussion about what art therapy is. Kate was given a piece of art containing flowers by the students. It was reported via Twitter that Prince William takes his mind off missing Kate by going penguin watching in the Falklands. It's quite a long separation for them.

Kate wore the Birdie Wool Jacquard Shirt Dress by Irish designer Orla Kiely. I'm delighted to see Kate choosing a different designer. The dove print dress is currently on sale marked down from £325 to £162.50. As always the dress was snapped up immediately. It is described as

"Wool long sleeve shirt dress in Birdie jacquard fabric. Button through at centre front. Deep pleats in skirt and pockets in side seams. Button fastening at cuff. Available in walnut and slate."

Royal photographer Mark Stewart noted Orla Kiely is known as the 'Queen of Prints', an ideal choice for a visit to the art room. Kiely has also designed yoga mats in aid of Kate's patronage 
Action On Addiction.

Orla Kiely is a truly multi talented designer. Her collections include clothing, handbags, accessories, fragrances and stationary. To find out more take a look at the website.

Kate teamed her dress with brown tights and the aptly named Aquatalia Royal Bootie's. We first saw Kate wearing the boots during an engagement in Anglesey last year. The weatherproof boots are available in espresso nappa suede and black nappa suede for €321. They are described as

"Silvertone hardware details the side of a weatherproof suede bootie fashioned with an elastic inset at the side for an easier fit. The slip resistant rubber sole offers excellent wet weather traction while the soft microfiber lining keeps feet dry. Approx heel height 3 and a half "."

Kate kept it simple in the jewellery department choosing her Kiki McDonough Grace earrings.

Another wonderful solo engagement for Kate. Looking forward to seeing Kate with the Queen next week.

Kate's Uncle Inspires Charity Choice, New Milliner + London Fashion Week Styles

When I heard Kate had chosen Action On Addiction as one of her patronages I couldn't help but wonder if her troubled uncle Gary Goldsmith has influenced her choice. Three years ago Goldsmith was filmed taking cocaine and bragging about his royal connections. Since then the multi millionaire has sought help and has reportedly offered to give Kate advice for her work at the charity. Nick Barton, the chief executive of Action on Addiction said

"When I met the Duchess she didn't discuss her uncle, but this was clearly a cause close to her heart. We hadn't approached her to be a patron of the charity, and, while we are obviously delighted to have her as ours, it was she who picked us, rather than the other way around."

The Mirror

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With the Jubilee approaching Kate will need a number of hats and has *very* surprisingly commissioned erotic milliner Piers Atkinson to create a special hat for her. The designer has been quite outspoken about his dislike for the royal family. A look at one of his creations from the A/W collection.

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More wonderful fashion shows took place at London Fashion Week today. During the tour we saw Kate wear two lace dresses by Canadian designer Erdem. The A/W 2012 collection included combinations of colour, floral prints, tweed, silk and of course lace.

Critics have described the collection as pieces of art. The second dress is divine.

The Burberry models carried umbrellas as rain descended on the catwalk. 

Detailed dress and quilted jackets took centre stage. Notably 'Bow Belts' were 'the' accessory of the show. A favourite trend of Kate's.

Alexander's McQueen diffusion line McQ held their show tonight. The line is aimed at younger customers. The military theme was seen throughout the show and the bold use of colour looked extraordinary on the runway.

Full brocade skirts added a period feel. Fabulous collection.

The view during the show.

Parts of the collection were very reminiscent of Kate's iconic wedding gown. Note the sheer sleeves above. The show ended with an ivory gown.

See you all tomorrow morning for Kate's visit to The Art Room classrooms.


Sources (Daily Mail, Daylife.com, The Telegraph)