style stalker: kate middleton

Don’t worry, we’re not turning into a celeb trend site, nor are we morphing into a Catherine Middleton fan HQ. But I did sort of love her outfits on her tour de North America, and I think there are some lessons to be learned about how possible it is to look chic with just a closet full of staple items. Since I took the time to sleuth out where she found some of my favorite pieces, I thought I’d share.

Image via Racked…thanks, guys.

See what I mean? There’s nothing really exciting about this outfit – in fact, I’m guessing you have it in your closet righ now. But she’s picked pieces with a bit of detail that make them feel special, and take them to the next sartorial level.

Really, it’s the belt that grabbed me – it’s the one unique touch here. It gives a perfect pop of style and a bit of youth to her look, without standing out too terribly much. The design is by Linda Camm and (for now at least) is quite reasonable at $72. That’s practically a steal to own something a princess owns, don’t you think?

And then there’s that navy Smythe jacket, which is easy to love – I’ve fallen for more than my share of Smythe. This particular version just has a bit more style than some classic navy blazers – that little gold button at the side, and the cutaway vent in back – and does genius things to emphasize her (already very narrow) waist. Shockingly, it’s now sold out at Saks, Shopbop and Neiman Marcus, but I did manage to find a few at Singer 22.

Of course, if you nabbed the Canvas by Lands’ End version we talked about this spring, and spent a few dollars at the tailor for a button swap and you’d have a very similar version for about one-third the price. Just sayin’.

And then those infamous little espadrille wedges from Pied a Terre. I do love them – and god bless her for showing off a moderate heel without shame – though honestly, I might be a bit more partial to these from the same line:

What are you thinking about all this Kate-mania? I know it’s a bit much at times…but I admit, I kind of love all the princess crazy.  Her style is just so much closer to what I’d actually wear than, say, Michelle Obama (not to be unpatriotic…).  Plus, she still wears pieces we can (for the most part) afford. Who knows how long that will last, but I intend to get in on the action while I can.

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8 comments on “style stalker: kate middleton

  1. DL

    this is impressive sleuthing! 🙂 thanks for the tips. kate’s style is so attractive since it’s classic/clean and still manages to be chic without being boring. and since that lovely Smythe jacket is out of reach for me, i am taking a second look at that canvas lands end jacket now… 🙂

  2. Sue

    Frankly, am getting a little sick of her. Though she is a pretty girl, she has accomplished nothing other than …being a pretty girl. She does dress well, but the gushing from the media is getting to be a bit much.

    Part of my annoyance likely stems from the fact that I live in LA and they completely screwed up traffic for a weekend. Not fun to have road closures etc for foreign non-heads of state.

  3. Sue

    Yeah – I just may still be a bit cranky 🙂 – they cut through my neighborhood TWICE! Ugh.

    Oh well. She does dress well though.

  4. kristina

    I think the entire concept of royalty is idiotic. I really don’t get what all the mania is about. Yes, she has great style. So do a million other women.

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