Welcome! Here's What I'm Thinking . . .

Hello there Kate fans! I'm a huge fan of the Duchess' style--simple, elegant, no-fuss, and classic. Unfortunately, I do not have the same body type as she does! I haven't been quite that slim since high school....some years ago now. Needless to say, certain outfits that she looks great in just don't have the same look on a curvy gal. (Let's face it, many of us are curves, not straight-ish lines!) That being said, her style is what I like to emulate when possible--and yes, the actual pieces when they work (and are affordable!). After doing some thinking, I decided I wanted to create a space for us hour-glasses and pears (or whatever we're called these days) to share both "Kate outfits" that work for us, "Repli-Kates," and--most importantly--those precious finds that are "very Kate" yet made for, well, curves!

Another aspect that I hope will come out here is how to get this style on a budget and for a more....normal....life. What do I mean by a budget? Think "graduate student eating lots of ramen" kind of budget. As you might have guessed, I was in grad school for a couple years (graduated this year in fact), which was not very fun during all these royal tours! ;) Anyway, I discovered lots of great "Kate-like" items that, when I saw them, I was reminded of something from her wardrobe/style but well within my means. The second part is that much of her wardrobe is simply too fancy for my every-day life and work. But that doesn't stop me from taking style cues!


A few things before I get into the fun stuff:
1. I am not very tech-y person, so this blog is going to be pretty simple to navigate and what-not.
2. I want this to be a place for all body-types to benefit from. I wear women's sizes and my weight fluctuates, much like many other women. I know I would have loved to find a similar blog to help me see other possibilities, which has lead me to create this one for all of us to share!
3. Let's all follow the good general rule with each other: "if you can't say something nice" go find another blog ;)

So, to get things started, here are a few examples (for now) of my Kate-inspired purchases for a less "formal" look:

 

 

I bought this jacket from Kohl's several years ago on sale. I was initially attracted to the ruffled front, which made me think of the now-famous Reiss Nanette dress. I also remembered Kate's outfit at one of William's military shin-digs earlier in their relationship. As it turned out, I already had black tights/hose, boots, dress, and a black hat! I've made a few changes over the last couple years to it--suede boots were a later investment (still under $100!) for example.

 

 

 

This outfit is a bit closer to one Kate wore pre-engagement. (In case you haven't noticed, I'm not going to be particular about dates and places unless I believe them pertinent.) The blouse is the actual Great Plains top she wore, but in the opposite color way. Again, tight budget means I do a lot of ebay-ing, which lead me to this find! I had already found a pair of skinny jeans I liked (under $40) and had knee-high boots and belt. I discovered that even though I am on the pear side of an hour-glass shape, this look works for me. Yay!

 

The final look I want to share for this beginning post is one from Kate's "married days."

 

The Duchess wore a similar (and pricier) version before the London Olympics while visiting one of the teams. I found these cropped coral jeans at Kohl's (wonderful place for such finds!), had the jacket from White House Black Market (an earlier splurge because I fell in love. Sigh.) and basic white top. Though I loved the look of her navy heels with it, I was not in a work-place in which that would be appropriate. My alternative was pair of black patent wedges close to her LK Bennett Greta ones! Comfy, stylish, yet casual!

So, as I wrap up this first post, I look forward to sharing with you other finds of mine and style tips that have a hint of "royal" to them!