Kate-Inspired by... Lace Gowns

Full credit for this post goes to the eagle eyed commenter who alerted me to this look-a-like, thanks again!  Remember you can always leave a comment to submit your repliKates!

For reference here is the teal lace Jenny Packham gown from the last post.

This lace and chiffon gown from Tadashi Shoji is a dead ringer for Kate's original, save for the pale french blue shade of course.  I'll admit that the color was enough of a distraction that I can't say I would have picked up on the similar design myself, so thanks again to you commenter!  

Same pleated bodice and gathered skirt, strikingly similar lace raised neckline and sleeves, and an exact imitation of the jeweled waist and gathered skirt.

Credit: Tadashi Shoji, crinkle chiffon and lace gown in blue stone.

It also comes with a sheer back panel to boot.

This gown retails for approximately $488 USD.

Tadashi Shoji's website is filled with amazingly lovely gowns so of course I had a look around and one gown in particular struck a familiar chord.

This chantilly lace gown features a lovely contrasting lace illusion neckline, long sleeves, and a godet skirt and comes in a stunning "blue lagoon" color.

It retails for approximately $548 USD.

Credit: Tadashi Shoji, chantilly lace long sleeve gown in blue lagoon.

It is definitely "in the style of" Kate's navy lace Erdem shift dress but in a gown version.  It has similar sheer lace sleeves, a similar bateau neckline, and even a similar shift silhouette, with the addition of godets to add fullness and shape to the floor length skirt.
She most famously wore her lace dress on the Cambridge's 2011 (?) tour of Canada and at least one other time since.

Teal Jenny Packham Evening Gown

Here's one I thought I'd never have a repliKate for - Kate's teal Jenny Packham evening gown.  She debuted this gown exactly one year ago at the Olympic concert at Royal Albert Hall in May of 2012.

Credit - StyleBistro.

There are so many notable features to this gown but what seems to stand out is the neckline.  The Queen Anne style, which is how this neckline is called, features an open front with a high, raised collar at the back of the neck.  This was also the style of neckline on Kate's Alexander McQueen wedding gown.  In this case it is a low plunging neckline accented with sheer lace and a pleated bodice.  The skirt is also pleated and is finished in a jeweled belt detail.

The back of this gown is sheer lace with delicate crystal accents, as are the short sleeves, and it is finished in a button line closure and a bow detail at the waist.

Credits: StyleBistro.

Now the color of this gown just bowls me over.  I like Kate in a strong jewel tone and I think the gown is lovely - for a Hollywood starlet.  This plunge is little low-cut and daring (not in a good way) and paired with that sheer back it is just too filmy and bare up top for her position.  I would have preferred to have seen the neckline raised just a bit more so the emphasis would be more on her face, not the daringly low cut chest.

Credits: StyleBistro.

A version of this 2012 gown was featured in both the Jenny Packham Bridal collection in white with the style name "Aspen" and the Ready-to-Wear Spring collection in color as look number 8.  Customization to Kate's gown was most notable in the color of course, a pleated bodice and skirt as opposed to gathered in the original versions, and a slight raising of the neckline up from the waist a few inches.
Jenny Packham gowns range in price from the hundreds to the thousands.

Credits: left, Jenny Packham Bridal 2012 collection, style name "Aspen";

right, Jenny Packham Ready-to-Wear Spring 2012 collection, look 8.

The duplicate I have found is by none other that Allen Schwartz, the replica king famous for his accessible copies of the unforgettable red carpet gown.  Just check out his dupe of a famous Stella McCartney gown.

This is a very spot on look-a-like with few noticeable adjustments.  However the bold impact of the gown remains true to the original inspiration.

This gown retails for approximately $562 USD, on sale for approximately $268.

Credits: A.B.S. by Allen Schwartz via BlueFly, teal silk chiffon and lace embellished gown.

An identical short version of the gown is also available in black.

This gown retails for approximately $395 USD, on sale for approximately $239.

Credits: A.B.S. by Allen Schwartz via BlueFly, black silk chiffon and lace dress.

Colors by the Yard Engagement Necklace

On the morning of November 16, 2010 William and Kate ended months of speculation by finally, officially announcing their engagement.

Kate wore a stunning blue Issa long sleeved wrap dress to go with the new-to-her blue sapphire and diamond heirloom engagement ring.  She also wore a blue gemstone and diamond earring and necklace set.  This is most of the world's first image of Kate, and what an iconic image it was.

I personally think she hit it out of the ball park.  She's never looked better, her hair was fantastic and never looked better, and everything about the outfit was just great.  

Image via StyleBistro.

I am particularly admired here of her choice in jewelry.  It is so dainty and subtle that at first glance I didn't even really notice the necklace, much less the matching earring set (I blame the way she likes to wear her hair, which tends to overshadow her neckline.)  But upon closer inspection I find it definitely has a wow factor.
It was understated enough so as not to take attention away from "the ring" - as if that was possible! - and stay on color theme but also subtly adding a bit of extra sparkle and just hint at the low neckline.  The stone lands squarely in the hollow of her clavicle and the dress is low cut, but she still managed to come across as classy and elegant.
And I find it interesting that this was not the "debut" of the necklace and earrings set, both jewelry and dress were items she owned for years prior so you gotta love that the girl can bust out some oldies from her closet and rock it the same as she would a new outfit.

Image via StyleBistro.

The necklace is part of the Elsa Peretti "Color by the Yard" collection from Tiffany & Co. jewelry.  It consists of a solitaire cabochon lapis lazuli gemstone flanked by two brilliant cut diamonds in 18K gold 18" link.  Cabochon refers to a type of stone that is not cut into facets but rather smoothed into a rounded dome.  While Kate's necklace photographs as looking more oblong or oval, this is just due to the placement of the round stone against her neckline.

Some Kate websites have ID'd the center stone of her necklace as being a sapphire, while the Tiffany listing describes a lapis gemstone.  I'm going to have to go with the Tiffany description and say that Kate's version is the original lapis gemstone as well since it is clearly the same item.  A sapphire is a more precious gemstone than lapis and would be faceted to bring out the brilliance of the stone.  So Kate mixed gemstones but it worked out for the best.

Kate also wears the matching earring set consisting of diamond studs with a cabochon lapis lazuli drop, both of which match the stones and cuts on the necklace. However the only matching earrings available on the Tiffany website are lapis studs.

This necklace retails for approximately $1,150 USD.

Tiffany & Co. - Elsa Peretti "Color by the Yard" necklace

18K gold with lapis lazuli cabochon and two brilliant cut diamonds.

What I was looking for in repliKates was something equally dainty in a similar color theme and similar stone/link placement.  And of course it would not be an affordable replica if it didn't sub in imitation stones for the real deal!

This first one is by Stella & Dot, a solitaire bezeled lapis lazuli ("bezeled" means the gemstone has facets cut into it to catch the light) on a gold tone link.  It lacks the extra diamonds but it is a very affordable and on theme look-a-like.

Stella & Dot - stone solitaire pendant necklace in navy.
Hand-cut bezel lapis, plated gold.

Here is a side angle of the same necklace and you can see it has just about the same placement as Kate's.  It is 16" in length with a 2" extender.
While it is missing a bit of the extra sparkle of Kate's original, I think it's a perfectly spot on look-a-like.
This piece retails for approximately $39 USD.

This necklace from Emitations is another good contender, with a single faceted false sapphire on a silver tone adjustable link from 16" to 18" in length.
I think this look-a-like mimics the daintiness and subtly of Kate's version.  This necklace retails for approximately $35 USD.
If you are further interested, Emitatons has a line cheekily called "CZs by the Yard" which features  necklaces with a solitaire center stone and two side stones (all falsies of course).

Emitations - Jessica's faux sapphire necklace.
Sterling silver and cubic zirconia bezel sapphire.

This version by Swarovski features their high quality crystal solitaire made to resemble the laps lazuli gemstone in a smoothed cabochon style.  This stone is framed in a colored crystal pavé setting and flanked by two crystal pavé teardrops.  The link is 14 7/8" in length.

I think this is look-a-like is the one that is most in the style of Kate's with just a little variation.

This necklace retails for approximately $80 USD.

Swarovski - "Thessa" necklace.
Lapis lazuli colored acrylic glass, crystal, and rhodium plated.

Another Swarovski version features a faceted solitaire crystal made to look like sapphire in a frame of pavé crystals.  It measures 15 5/8" in length.
I think the use of blue and clear stones mimics Kate's color theme, even if the overall look is a bit removed.
This necklace retails for approximately $85 USD.

Swarovski - "Angelic" sapphire pendant.
Sapphire crystal solitaire, clear crystal pave, and rhodium plated.\

Matthew Williamson grey embellished peplum

This one is an oldie but a goodie.

Back in April of 2012 Kate attended the premier of Disney's "African Cats" in a grey Matthew Williamson dress.  The dress has 3/4 length sleeves, a peplum detail, and turquoise embellished trim at the neckline and sleeve cuffs.

I thought this was a good look for her.  The length is nice and I think she looks great in peplums as they give her straight frame a bit of shape.  The dress photographed beautifully and surprisingly bright even though the weather was dreary and it is a pale grey color.  I also really love the contrasting pop of the bright turquoise on the trim and it definitely brightens up her face a bit.  From certain angles it looked a bit big on her from the shoulders but it is nicely balanced by the peplum and you can't tell too much since she wore her hair down.

Image via StyleBistro.

The dress is from Matthew Williamson pre-fall 2012 collection and retailed for approximately £995, or about $1,500 USD.  You can see that some customization was done for Kate's version as the original doesn't have the added embellishment at the neckline.

Via the Mirror.

This look-a-like is right on the money with its pale hue and bright trim.  There are modifications such as  no trim on the sleeves and a different style of peplum but over all its a pretty good repliKate.

This dress retails for approximately $179 USD, currently on sale for $89.50.

Eliza J via Macy's - beaded peplum sheath.

RepliKate Jewels

While I was doing a bit of research on Kate's jewelry I came across this company called Cristalina Jewelry.  They specialize in "fine costume jewelry" using Swarovski crystals.

Interestingly enough they also feature a "Kate" collection inspired by the Duchess herself and composed of look-a-likes that are in the style of a few of her more trademark pieces.

For more info visit the Cristalina Jewelry website.

The "Kate" collection from Cristalina Jewelry.

What do you think of this repliKate jewelry collection?

Yellow Eyelet

Back in September of 2012 the Cambridges' Asia tour was in full swing.  During a stop on Guadalcanal Island Kate wore a fresh yellow eyelet dress.  She seemed to favor the fresh fabric on this trip as this was her third such dress on this tour alone.
The dress was made by an "independent maker" (I take that to mean Kate's personal dressmaker.)  It features a bateau neckline with wide sleeves and is fully lined throughout the bodice and skirt.  The skirt is pleated and is finished in some sort of narrow waistband which defines Kate's slim waist.
While I can appreciate the fresh look - bright yellow eyelet - but I am just not digging those big loopy sleeves.  They look bulky and just a bit stiff, not to mention big wide sleeves on cotton dresses are a bit dated.
I love that she put her hair up and away from her face and neck since it shows off her matching citrus colored earrings and that lovely bateau neckline.  And I really think Kate's narrow figure benefits so much from a fuller skirted silhouette I wish it was just a tad longer.  You have to be careful with those fuller skirts since depending on the shortness you veer into juniors "skater dress" territory.

Via StyleBistro.

Amazingly enough I managed to find a pretty decent look-a-like of this dress from The Limited for approximately $89 USD.

It is technically a shirtdress style although the buttons and placket only come down halfway on the bodice.  Just like Kate's this one is fully lined in the bodice and skirt with unlined sleeves and even a similar shade of primrose yellow!

The Limited - eyelet shirt dress.

In the style of... RepliKate Accessories Updates

I've been meaning to do this accessories update for a while and only now managed to find time.  And its great timing now that the Duchess has actually been working more often recently.

This patent cork wedge from C. Wonder is not an exact dupe.  However it is very much in the style of both Kate's L.K. Bennett patent espadrilles and the Stuart Weitzman cork wedges she debuted at the Olympics.  Its a mix of both actually and she has not worn either recently so those old posts will do for now.

C. Wonder - patent leather cork wedge pump in black.

Now a nude pump is a nude pump is a nude pump.  But Kate recently busted out her trusty signature L.K. Bennet nude pumps for a couple of her visits -- to Naomi House Children's Hospice (below left) and the Windsor Castle Scouts ceremony (below right).  She wore the neutral pumps with bright colors so many Kate followers heralded the outing of these shoes as her official debut to spring.
While I'm not feeling the minty green number, the peach is a nice color on her.
And I have to say I am not a fan of her recent thigh high hemline with stiletto heel pairings from a stability standpoint.  It would be embarrassing, not to mention hazardous, to have a repeat of the St. Patrick's day snafu in one of those recent short numbers as she is this far along and the Sledge heels are particularly high with an added platform.

Credits: Left, Right - Zimbio.

Anyway recent repliKates of the Sledge include these patent leather platform pumps in nude from C. Wonder.  Another spot-on dupe if you ask me!

C. Wonder - patent leather platform pump in nude.

This next item is an oldie but its a first for this blog because it features jewelry!

Kate has frequently (but not lately) been pictured wearing a pavé diamond "Button" pendant from Asprey.  Below is the best angle I could find from the 2011 Canada/USA tour but for better close-ups visit Diana's Jewels.

Via IBTimes.com.

It is a silver tone round pendant with pavé set diamonds and a center amethyst.  This pendant design has also been identified as resembling a variation of an "evil eye" pendant.  While simple in design, the necklace clocks in at $3,750 USD.

Asprey - 167 Button pendant.

So for the following keep in mind that these aren't exact dupes but rather they fall under the category of in the style of repliKates but all are well under $3,000.  They also all have pavé settings like Kate's and in this case the pattern is concentric circles around the center set stone.  Pavé means the stones are closely set, and the literal translation means "paved".

First up is this black and white diamond pendant from Kohl's.  It has a bit of extra colored stones on the outer rim however.  If Kate's pendant is a variation on the evil eye, this one would be an evil eye with a pop of eyeliner!

Kohl's - sterling silver black diamond accent round pendant.

This next pendant necklace from Target would be a pretty decent approximation since Kate's Asprey pendant also comes in gold, all save for the lack of a colored center stone.  I should note that while only the gold is available online,  I did see a silver tone version in store.

Target - gold over silver cubic zirconia circle necklace.

This colored pendant from Zales with purple tanzanite and diamonds is slightly the opposite of Kate's pendant with more color and less white diamond.  But is sure is a beauty.

Zales - tanzanite and diamond round frame pendant in sterling silver.

Finally this pendant also from Zales is the bling-iest of the bunch but it is the one that most matches the color ratio on Kate's pendant, with much more white in the surround and the bit of color in the center.

Zales - enhanced blue and white diamond circle frame pendant in sterling silver.