Navy Wrap Dress

So after much waiting and searching i finally found a great version for the Issa engagement dress! The only down side was the price. But, now that I have a real job and am out of grad school--and need a proper wardrobe--I decided to get the Michael Kors navy wrap dress. I found my size at a slightly cheaper price (at Neiman Marcus's website of all places!) and ordered it for in store pickup. As it turned out, the dress runs rather long and I had to get it altered several inches, which is unusual for me. (I'm 5' 7".) Anyway, I just love the dress and got a lot of compliments on it! Now enough talk-- here is the dress:

The pictures don't do it justice really since they don't pick up the navy color, but at least you can get the idea. My coat for that day was the Via Spiga repliCate of the Odele coat that I just love. A great outfit for today!

New Finds!

So I recently got a couple new investment pieces. One I had been wanting for a while, the other one I never thought I’d find in a reasonable price range. I’m going to be part of a wedding this December that will have an Old Hollywood look/theme. My dress is a long navy gown with a very flattering drape-effect, side slit, and lace-effect top. I love it and can’t wait to wear it! But what about jewelry? Shoes?? Well, I’m still looking for shoes, but here are the earrings I finally got myself:

 

I’ve always loved the “originals” (worn with a silver Jenny Packham gown and also an ivory Roland Mouret gown) but obviously can’t afford them. When I came across these on etsy.com I was so excited, but still not sure about spending the money. Anyway, I figured the art-deco look would be perfect for the wedding and ordered them. They look quite beautiful in person, so I recommend them!

The only downside is that since I have small-ish ears, I need to wear different backs to compensate for their weight. They aren’t heavy, but on my ears I need those different backs. But that’s an easy thing to do! J

 

As for my second find, I came across it one day while browsing ebay. I’ve always loved the DVF wrap dress with both the Patrice and Batik prints. Well, when I saw it for less than half the original price and brand new, I thought about it for a few days just to be sure about it. After I ordered it, I received it a day sooner than expected and am super happy I got it. J

 

I really really wish I had the Corkswoon wedges in navy suede to go with it, but sadly they will remain outside of my budget. Oh well. I have other shoes that work quite well with it, too. There really is something nice about wearing quality clothing and having a couple investment pieces that you love and can wear always and be wardrobe staple.  

 

So those are my two recent fun-buys! Good luck with your own hunting!

 

"Casual Kate"

So you might have noticed that the Duchess has a pretty straight forward, casual look that doesn’t change much. That has its perks, so I started to keep a look out for items that would work for me but follow that style. Here are a few I’ve come across the last several months/days:

As you can tell, these are suited for fall weather (at least in Texas, when we get it). While I don’t wear skinny jeans that often, I do like the tops with my regular boot-cut jeans (that are the Curvy Boot version from Levi’s—highly recommended!) and I like the overall effect. It’s casual but easy to make a bit nicer with a blazer and change of shoes (if needed), or stay low-key in tennis shoes. Perhaps the best part is that I feel like I’m “grown-up casual” and not “college t-shirt casual” in this style! And since blue is my favorite color, this color pallet works for me!

As to what the pieces are, here you go:

L.L. Bean’s Sailor Top in navy/cream—very comfy! LL Bean French Sailor's Shirt
Lauren Ralph Lauren Navy boatneck top with shoulder buttons (very Kate!); bought yesterday at Macy's!
Banana Republic Silk/Cotton long sleeve, V-neck sweater—light and cozy
Lauren Ralph Lauren Black Cotton Cable sweater—on sale! Cable-Knit Crewneck Sweater
Banana Republic Navy blazer

I’ve found BR and LRL to be great options for repli-Kate’s and/or very similar to pieces she has worn. What about you?

Finding that "Perfect Jean"

Everyone needs a pair of jeans that fits just right, but finding that pair can be a total nightmare as many of us know. Almost every time I went jean shopping, I gave up and left frustrated. Bigger thighs and hips but a smaller waist means I have at least a 2 inch gap in back just so they cover me. As you curvy women know, this is very common when jean shopping (and pants in general). Until, that is, I discovered that Levi's makes jeans for curves! (Take a look at these: Levi's 529 Curvy Bootcut Jean) Seriously, they do! Now, I'm also 5'7" so I need the long length which isn't always as easy to find, but I have and I love them! :)

To give you an example, here are my skinny jeans (Levi's 535 Legging Jean ) that give me--finally--the look I've been wanting and are so comfy I actually lounge in them:

 

 I did here my own take on a pre-wedding outfit. Living in Texas means I don't wear sweaters much . . . or jackets either, but for the sake of the post I put this together. Previous pictures and posts will give you more ideas.

 

By now you are familiar with my low budget when it comes to clothing, even Kate-style. Jeans are an item that I flat-out refuse to pay more than $45 for, period. There is just no need to spend more on denim, regardless of designer. This is especially true when most designer brands, like Zara and J-Brand that the Duchess wears often in jeans, are designed with straighter-lined women. Well, my bottom half either a.) just doesn't fit into those things or b.) looks 10 lbs bigger. They are also over priced (in my own opinion). If they work for you great, just be aware that cheaper versions are out there and even better quality. :)

We all know how the Duchess loves her skinny jeans, but as a curvy woman there are certain exact looks that just don't look right on me. :) But that does not stop me from having fun with the style! Like any other piece of clothing, you find the looks that flatter. Kate has very slim hips and almost no waist so she has to emphasize those in order to create curves. We ladies that already have curves are trying to do the opposite (basically). This is why it is so important to find versions that fit you and not Kate (unless you're built like her, then go for it!). Her casual/jean style is simple and classic, which is what we all can achieve with clothes that fit us the way they should.

Do you have any looks you'd like to share?

Shoes--Pumps!

I recently realized that, as a blog about the DoC's style (albeit for curvy ladies), I cannot overlook her fabulous shoes! So, I thought that since she has quite the collection of various styles, I would start with her pumps (called "courts" in some countries). Her choices tend to be classic (of course!) and able to go with all sorts of outfits for all occasions. Since I do not have her budget, however, I have had fun finding similar options without breaking the bank. So here we go!

To begin, I thought it appropriate to show my version of the LK Bennett Sledge pump in taupe:

They go with just about everything! I actually have another pair by Nine West that are a lower heel, just in case (got them for a steal). In this picture I've paired them with a favorite "original," the Jaeger yellow dress from the 2012 tour.

The Duchess is also quite fond of suede pumps--she has many colors, even various styles within one color! My blue and gray ones are from DSW, and found on major sales!

 

These are actually a purple-blue color, depending on the light. :)

 

 

Navy suede and super-comfy!!

I know these may not look comfortable, but they really are!! I can also see why the Duchess has worn hers so often--they make an outfit look really nice without having to do too much. :)

Another pair of suede pumps that I have enjoyed from a Nine West sale:

Seen in one of my earlier posts, the Hobbs Albini pumps in cherry red are an absolute favorite of mine! Hobbs' 38 is a bit big on me, but slipping in some ball-of-foot cushions has helped with that.

And as for black pumps, you might remember that shopping trip I had a couple weeks ago when I had received a nice gift and was able to buy some nice shoes. Here they are:

I love these Coach pumps! Thank you, DSW, for providing them!

So there you go! It's no wonder the Duchess wears pumps so often--they're stylish, keep your toes dry, and when you invest and keep on the look out you can even find comfy ones!

 

A-Line Time!

Greetings! As I’ve thought about the Duchess’ fashion and the looks I’ve “copied,” I decided to do a post about those A-line skirts/dresses that so many are able to “repli-Kate.” As many of you may already know, a-line skirts and dresses flatter ALL figures for one simple reason: they flatter the waist then fall gently over the hips, creating a soft shape. So, here’s a look at the look at some of those skirts and dresses of my own. Some are “repli-Kates” and others are simply because I like them—although I could easily see the Duchess doing the same! J (Several are also looks that I’ve posted here before but for different reasons.)

Below are the dresses:

 

 See how the shape of the dresses is all the same? You’d never know that I’m two different sizes on top and bottom! And when you need something comfy after that “vacation weight” you’re all set!

As for skirts, the same idea applies. Pleated skirts are pretty much a safe bet, as we’ve seen on the Duchess several times. Below are some of my a-line skirt looks:    

 

 

By now you should see the common theme of why this style is so great. I’ve gotten to where I wear skirts and dresses a lot to work—partly because it’s hot right now in Texas, but also because of how comfortable they are. (Dresses also make outfit choices easy. J )

So the next time you’re out shopping for some Duchess-inspired looks, I highly recommend the a-line skirt/dress! Go out and have some fun!!

Pied a Terre "Natural" Imperia Espadrilles

Well, I finally was able to get those natural Pied a Terre Imperia wedges!!! I have always liked them and have been kicking myself for not buying them a couple years ago when they were on sale. Oh well. Though I do not like spending over $50 on shoes—and avoid that when I can—I have LOVED my black Imperias that I bought a couple years ago, so I knew I had to have the white ones. Plus, I’ve wished many a day that I had them for my outfits. Enough talk, let’s get to the pictures! J

I was so excited when they arrived! I ordered them on a Thursday and got them the following Monday! Talk about super-fast shipping!

 

For any of you wondering, I bought them from the Dune website, but they are still Pied a Terre, and it’s the “natural” color. It’s an off-white color, almost ivory but not quite. Here are some close-ups:

 Since the foot bed is kind of a burlap-like material and rough, I bought some no-slip pads for the balls of my feet. It took a lot of wear to get my black ones to the point they didn’t rub me raw, so I’m glad this time I went ahead and got those pads, too. J

And here they are on:

 

So there you go! If you’ve been on the fence about getting a pair, I highly recommend them! I’d say they run true to size. I’m a solid US 7 and that’s what both pairs of mine are. The adjustable strap allows to make sure the fit is what you want. They are well-made and will last a while, as well as being quite comfortable. I get lots of compliments on them! Enjoy!!

Story Time!

Story time! So I was recently out shopping for some basic black pumps. I’d recently received a very nice gift/thank you, and since I needed some pumps for work, I decided to invest in a nice pair that I otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford. Where does one go for new shoes, you ask? Why, to DSW, that’s where! J I met up with a friend for lunch, then we went of shoe shopping. And of course there wasn’t anything in the sale racks (the first place I check at DSW) so I started walking through the aisles. Finally, in the last aisle I saw some that I thought might be good for work. Two-inch heal, closed toe, and just a plain-ole’ basic black pump. The only downside here is that I have done my utmost to avoid buying designer anything (unless it’s second hand). But I had decided to invest, so for the first time in my life I tried on designer footwear . . . and didn’t want to take them off!! Let me tell you, Coach knows how to make a great basic pump! There were several other colors (white and silver come to mind) and were $100. Not nearly as much as the Duchess’ shoes, but still more than I like to spend on shoes. However, I am now a new convert to solid, reliable, wear-until-there-are-holes-in-them shoes—including heels! So I’m sure you’re wondering which ones they are in order that you can go buy some for yourself (which I highly recommend if you need a pair of basic pumps). Here they are!

And the story isn’t over! After snapping up these pumps (and a new pair of running shoes that I badly needed) we headed off to a store I hadn’t been to before: Versona. Another place that is full of Duchess-style possibilities, my friend and I both fell in love with a dress on a manikin. Once we found it, they only had my size available (sorry friend!) so I tried it on. Just like the pumps, I hated to take it off! Aside from liking the dress in general, it also has several aspects that match the Duchess’ style: a-line bottom, eyelet, solid color, and (vaguely) capped sleeves. Though we rarely see her in something quite this brightly colored, she does surprise us! Anyway, I love the dress and it’s been great for work and more casual events as well. So here it is:

 

And here’s a closer look at the fabric, so you can see the eyelet lace:

As to the color, the first picture is closer to the actual fuchsia. It also looks great with a skinny belt, jacket, pumps, you get the idea.

So that’s my story! You just never know what you’re going to find when you take a shopping day!

Polo Outfits--Dresses

Polo Outfits

The Duchess’ polo outfits—both pre-wedding and since—are pretty casual, sometimes a bit dressier, but are always looks that I love and can copy in some way. She mixes it up between jeans and dresses; I’m guessing the weather plays a great deal in what she chooses to wear. J But whatever she shows up in, she just looks comfy and chic. So, this post takes a look at some of her polo looks I’ve taken inspiration from.

First, here’s the Oasis brown and white halter dress. I fell in love with this dress before I ever even bought it because it’s A-line (which flatters us hip-y gals very well) and perfect for a Texas summer. Needless to say, when I found it in my size within my budget I just had to have it!

 

Now, when Kate wore it she left off the belt. I personally like it better with the belt, at least on me, so I wanted to show both options. Sadly, I do not yet have the cream/natural Pied a Terre (now made by Dune) Imperia wedges. Hopefully I will someday soon before fall comes! But back to the dress. Made of cotton, it is incredibly comfy and light—perfect for triple-digit heat. It does run a bit large, in case you’re wondering, so if you come across one on eBay (like I did) I would suggest getting the measurements just to be sure. As for the style, it is very flattering if you are a bit bigger in the hips. However, if you are more bust-y I would be more cautious, or wear a bandeau underneath for stability. ;)

 

Kate wore several halter dresses to polo matches pre-wedding. They are great options for a summery day. Though they are a bit for the less busty sometimes. What I really noticed out of her polo dresses is that they are nice, cute, summery dresses that reflect the fun occasion . . . and the day's weather. :)

My next dress is one I’ve posted before: the BCBG MaxMara dandelion/sunset dress. (Not knowing the actual name, this is how I’ve seen it listed elsewhere.) Now, I don’t know if this is the actual style Kate wore or if it’s a bit different. Same for the color way. The pictures I’ve seen aren’t too clear about either one. But in any case, for $30 I just couldn’t pass it up!

 

See what I mean? Mine is a soft green. Hers may be green or it may be blue—there is a style with the same print but in blue and has kimono-like sleeves. Mine does have that trim on the bottom that hers doesn’t, but otherwise it’s the same print. In any case, I love the dress! It’s very flattering since it has an empire waist, which is very nice for curvier ladies. J And, though Kate wore different wedges, I like my black Imperia ones with it, too!

            So far these are the only dress inspired/original-look polo outfits, mostly because they are fairly old and therefore hard to find. However, the styles are classic, which means I can easily replicate it!

 

About that Zimmerman Dress....

Like many of you, I love the Zimmerman dress the DoC has now worn twice. It's stylish but not over-the-top, so we can wear it (or that style) almost anytime, any where. However, that price is, well, not exactly very favorable. So, I was on the lookout after the tour earlier this year for a similar dress within my budget. :) And I found one!

On sale at Macy's at the time, I only spent $35 on it and have gotten many compliments when I've worn it. While not the eyelet lace that the "original" is, the style is much the same and there are a few things that are reminiscent of the Zimmerman. The biggest one is the bottom of each dress, where there are horizontal lines in the design. Overall this particular dress is VERY comfortable. However, I didn't see it on Macy's website anymore. On the plus side, this style is actually pretty popular in general. I've seen other similar styles in many stores, so you should have fun shopping for one!

What I love about this dress--and it's style--is how flattering it is to all body types. A-line skirts and dresses are every girl's friend for a reason. Yes, it makes the DoC look curvier, but on us already-curvy gals the style downplays those pesky hips (or whatever it is in your case) and emphasizes the waist in a very nice way.

And of course, no inspired outfit is complete without accessories: pearl earrings, check. Light beige wedges, check. Hair, well, not having dark brown or long hair, I make do. :)

Still working on getting all my inspired and original outfits planned out now that I've moved. I haven't set up internet at home yet, so things are moving kind of slow. But for now go out hunting for your inspired summer outfits and enjoy!

Shoes--Wedges!

I LOVE the wedges the Duchess wears!! I also just love wedges. :) Yes, even (especially?) the Stuart Weitzman "Corkswoon" in navy suede. Sadly, they are WAY outside of my budget, so I'm still on the lookout for a cheaper-but-still-viable option. Any suggestions/finds of your own will be greatly appreciated! :) But back to wedges. One reason I love them so much is that they are really comfortable, go with many outfits and occasions, and still give you that height of a heel but without the foot pain. It also doesn't matter what your body type is when it comes to shoes (or jewelry, or any of the Duchess' other accessories)! Any of us can wear the style! Below are some of my wedges that reminded me of some of the "originals":

 

Found at Marshalls, I was on the lookout for a cheaper "Minx" wedge and still think these are pretty darn close! They are surprisingly comfortable and make me quite tall. :)

I found these at DSW, one of my favorite stores ever! You never know what you're going to find, especially in the sale racks, which is where these came from! I thought the front view looked similar to the LK Bennett "Sliver" heels worn once. As a wedge, these are some of my favorites too! I wear them often.

The only pair of "original" wedges I have so far are the black Pied a Terre Imperia espadrilles. Found on eBay for less than their original retail, I'm glad I splurged a little on them because they are incredibly comfortable and I get a lot of compliments on them!

My only complaint with these is that the foot-bed is rough due to the material used. However, it has worn down now, but I have also heard that you can put a thin insert/no-slip thing in there to protect your foot. Hopefully after I get settled in my budget will allow me to bet the natural canvas. I've been wanting the lighter color for some time. I highly recommend these wedges!

If you are not a "heel" person, you might try some low-heeled wedges to help you get used to the height--if you are so inclined. They are a great way to wear height with no sacrifice of comfort. :) DSW is a great place to find all sorts of sandals and wedges, so go have some fun and good luck!!

Inspired Outfit with "Originals"

So the other day I was getting ready for work, and before I knew it I had on a cute, comfy outfit with a couple of "originals" that I got my hands on in the last year. Some of my favorite outfits of the Duchess' are her casual ones--partly because I can better afford the actual pieces, but also because there's an aspect to her style that I just like. While I wish she would mix up her jeans (although if I were that skinny I'd wear skinny jeans all the time, too), I think we curvy ladies can style copy her style but with options that are more us. :)

So, here is Tuesday's outfit:

Sorry for the weird white circle in the middle--had something on the lens but I like this picture the best. :) Anyway, recognize the originals? The crop pants are a recent buy from Bealle's and very comfortable. I needed some color that day, so I slipped on the green tank and topped it off with the white ruffled BCBG jacket. Slid on the Sebago Bala boat shoes and necklace and I was ready to go! (Also, I wore the Azuni London earrings first worn during the 2012 tour. Though you can't see them in the picture, they looked great with the outfit!)

Then yesterday I had a desire to wear the Zara necklace, so I went with my skinny jeans and a favorite color of the Duchess: red!

I love the necklace! I also have gotten a lot of compliments on it. :) I was quite tired yesterday which is why I kept things pretty simple and went with a pair of London Sole ballet flats that I got off eBay. The Duchess has been seen in their ballet flats a couple times and I can see why. The only downside is that there is no padding or support in them, so I don't recommend them if you're going to be on your feet for a while. But they are very cute and go with almost any outfit! Definitely a must-have, but only off eBay (at least, for me!). :)

Jewelry-2

I thought now would be a good time to share some more jewelry pieces that are "repli-Kate" or similar to hers (at least to me). And I'm going to start with her wedding earrings!

      

 

I believe I got these off eBay not too long after the wedding. (There were a lot of replicas to sift through!) They were about $15-$20 I think--I wouldn't have spent more than that, I know. I love them! They are so fun wear and really catch the eye. However, because they are so sparkly and unique I try to wear them only for nicer occasions/places.

 

Just as elegant--but more subtle--was the jewelry worn the day William and Kate's engagement was announced. Etsy.com is a great place to go for Kate-related/inspired jewelry, which is where I bought this necklace:

 

It is a very light piece that goes well with a lot of outfits for all occasions. I haven't gone for the matching earring yet--there are so many choices out there to choose from! This piece and many more can found at Tudor Shop on etsy.com.

Also from the same shop are these replicas of the citrine drop by Kiki McDonough:

 

Light and classy, I can see why the Duchess wears these so often!

 

For the Annoushka Pearl earrings, I did a bit of finagling. The pearl drops are from the replicas I got from Tudor Shop (on etsy) but the hoop part was not as big as I wanted. So I went looking for gold hoops and found these at Macy's. They don't have the diamonds (or the much cheaper CZ) on them, but I rather like them without that--they are now less fancy and easier to wear for all occasions. Anyway, I love the way they turned out! I also get a LOT of compliments on them. :)

 

 

These next earrings are much larger than any the Duchess has worn (or will likely ever wear). They reminded me a bit of her Temple of Heaven earrings, which I love. While I have seen replicas on etsy, they are still a bit more than I want to spend. These came from Wal-Mart. They are a bit heavy for my ears, so I don't wear them very often, but thought I would share them anyway!

 

 I just love coming across such finds unexpectedly! Etsy, Francesca's and Charming Charlie's are great pieces to find Kate-style jewelry--both necklaces and earrings. Which ones have you bought? Favorites?



Shirt Dresses-A Must for Every Wardrobe!

As I had promised earlier, in this post I will take a look at shirt dresses and how great they are for us curvier ladies. :)

While the Duchess has been seen in several shirt dresses, not all of them are equal. When looking at shirt dresses, you do need to have an idea of what sillouhete looks well on you to avoid frustration if it doesn't end up fitting. (I speak from experience here.) However, once you know what will work, shirt dresses become a go-to style. Always classy, they are a great combination of nice and casual for almost any occasion/work! For a first example, let's take a look (again) at the yellow Jaeger dress the Duchess wore for the 2012 tour:

As I've said before, full or A-line skirts do wonders for the bottom half! This dress I managed to find on a very nice sale via another blog. I managed to scoop it up without doing any damage to my budget! (Woohoo!) Though a bit of a splurge, I knew the dress would work on me and, therefore, definitely worth it. (I also wore it swing dancing with a vintage hat--loved it!)

Now here are a couple other shirt dresses from my closet:

 

Like the yellow dress, this one has a skirt of large pleats that creates a very nice sillouhete from all angles. This picture was from a night of swing dancing at a local hall. :)

 

A thrift store find, this brown polka-dot dress is super cute and quite comfortable, especially for summer!

 

 

This one has a fuller skirt that still gives that pencil-esk sillouhete. And for $9? Quite the bargain! :)

 

Also from the thrift store:

 

It may be hard to see but the ruffled collar is super-cute and I love the color!

 

Another great thing about shirt dresses is that the fabric is generally very comfortable and has a flattering drape on the body. Many of the ones I have seen in stores have matching belts to help define the waist (or you can change them out with others!). And if one is too tight or form fitting on you, just know that there are many other options that will be just right! Good luck and have fun!!