Style Diary: Kate Middleton

I never thought I had all that much in common with Kate Middleton’s style – her regal wedding theme perhaps, but not her personal style.  I’d like to think that my style varies a bit more.  I can be girly, with bows and ruffles one day, and then rock leather and spikes on another day.  I crave preppiness one day and go trendy another day.  Thanks to many bloggers who dedicate themselves to tracking Kate’s style, we see Kate’s every style choice and therefore can compare her every choice to our own.  If you check any of these sites out, you’ll see that she doesn’t take fashion risks.  She stays true to her classic conservative style and is always, well…safe.

I was delighted to see that Kate’s BAFTA outfit looked so similar to my own outfit, worn recently at a friend’s wedding this past May.

While Kate’s Alexander McQueen dress costed thousands, My Calvin Klein dress was bought for about $40 at TJMaxx, a true steal of a deal, I know!


As you can see, both dresses are flowy, pleated, have cap sleeves and a sparkly belt.  I’ve paired my dress with a silver Prada purse, artful heels and a vintage stretch belt.  I’ve never worn this dress or these pieces together until this past Memorial Day weekend, pictured here.  And the stretchy shiny belt just seemed to add the right amount of sparkle and glam for the beach-side wedding.  I thought the blue color and airiness of the dress was also perfect for the venue.  What do you think?

 

 

 

Salute to Fall’s Military Trend

If you’re wondering how to apply Fall’s military trend without looking like G.I. Jane, read on.

photo from refinery29

The runways were awash in olive greens, neutrals, army prints, lace-up boots, epaulets and utilitarian accessories.  The above collection of runway photos is just a sampling of designers who obsessed and went a little (okay a lot) overboard with the military look (from left to right: Burberry Prorsum, Wayne, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Rag & Bone, Burburry Prorsum, Marc by Marc Jacobs, ).  I’m a fashion lover but I admit, these models look like they’re headed to Afghanistan’s Korangel Valley, not a place where you want to be.

Even if you’re clueless to the runway features and somehow missed the months of fashion magazines who all exalted this trend, one step into any department store will make you stand on alert wondering how you’re supposed get in line with this military trend.   To investigate how real people plan to and actually try out this military trend, I looked to a couple of my favorite resources.

The below Polyvore set features a glam downtown take that incorporates bronze buttoned shorts, chain detailing on the shoes, jacket and purse, and a military-inspired jacket.  Some might see this jacket and recall akward memories of band camp but to fashionistas, this jacket is so on trend.

Eve Tank
$46 – idontlikemondays.us
Cheap Monday tops »

Chain Fringing Drummer Jacket
31 600 SEK – mrsh.se
Cropped jacket »

Pyramid Stud Belt
7 GBP – oasis-stores.com
Wide belt »

The below outfit is a bit more subdued due to its color range.  It also incorporates this season’s shorts emphasis.  When wearing short shorts, you’ll want to balance out baring all that skin with something longer and possibly looser on top.  This set also does a great job adding a touch of glam with the necklace and standout Chanel brooch.

Marc Jacobs Chiffon bow blouse
$595 – net-a-porter.com
Camisole tops »

Lowe Jacket
195 GBP – allsaints.com
Military style jacket »

Wool cargo shorts
$105 – theoutnet.com
Military shorts »

Azzedine Ala?a Lace front shoe boots
965 GBP – brownsfashion.com
Platform heels »

FENDI – 120MM SHINY NUBUCK ANKLE BOOTS
590 EUR – luisaviaroma.com
Nubuck boots »



For another more subdued take on the military trend, take a look at the below chic outfit.  I’m loving the idea of wearing the little leather booties with a glam shirred skirt.

Military Green & Strong Chic - Trends for S/S

Linen-blend shirt
$180 – net-a-porter.com
Long sleeve tops »

Military Style Coat
$160 – topshop.com
Military style coat »

Naja Cutout Boots
$114 – ssense.com
Juicy couture boots »

TOM FORD Sunglasses
325 EUR – colette.fr
Tom ford sunglasses »

Fendi
gotdeal.com
Fendi bag »

For inspiration from real people, I look to Chictopia.com.  Here are some of the best looks -maybe some of these will inspire you!  What do you think?


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