Here are some photos of Duchess Kate and Prince William visiting Parliament House in Canberra today in Australia. Kate went for a bright green look! The color is so bold, I was a bit taken aback, although she always looks good in jewel tones. This would have been a great opportunity to dust off some of the royal emeralds, but I guess no one thought that far ahead.
Kate’s coat dress is a bespoke piece by Catherine Walker – it’s actually a combination of two of Walker’s previous designs. Thoughts? First of all, I’m a little bit surprised by just how many pieces Kate had custom-made for this tour. I know many people complained about her reliance on off-the-rack High Street fashions, but surely there’s a happy medium between “cheap-looking off the rack pieces” and “having every coatdress specially made at exorbitant cost.” Now, that being said, this coatdress is lovely. I even like the wide belt and the zipper. It’s a surprisingly clean look from a woman who tends towards lots of buttons, lace and fuss. I would have loved to see this look with a ponytail or chignon, but Kate wore her hair down.
As you’ve probably heard, the Duchess of Cornwall’s brother Mark Shand died suddenly yesterday. Shand was in NYC for business, and he was out at a nightclub on Tuesday night. He stepped out for a smoke and he slipped and fell, hitting his head. The head injury was serious, and he passed away within hours. Will and Kate offered a statement of condolence to Camilla: “The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were saddened to learn this morning of the tragic death of Mark Shand. Their thoughts are with the Duchess of Cornwall and her family at this time.”
Will and Kate also had an event Thursday evening. Costume change! Kate did a Lela Rose cocktail dress look in white. Yay for a chignon! I don’t love the dress, but that’s just my personal taste – I don’t like those spider-webby kind of looks.
Photos courtesy of Getty, WENN.
I’m sure she’s a lovely person, but man does she just bore me to tears.
I miss fergie, there was a crazy royal
Totes. Boring. So so so so very boring.
those black shoes in the middle of the fourth picture are pretty classy XD
Even the yellow ones behind Kate’s are no joke!
omg those black shoes!! LOL!! those are hideous and beyond inappropriate.
You took the words out of my mouth. Cheap, trashy, tacky.
The navy mini is as a bad as the shoes.
Blue velvet mini looks like a streaker who was handed a coat in the nick of time. And why is the person behind her trying to pass over some cake mix?
@Birdix – OMG I’m laughing so loud I’m going to wake up the baby! You win the internets!!! And now I want cake…
+1, Birdix!
Not completely certain but the trashy black shoes belong to Bronwyn Bishop who is the Speaker of the Parliament. She’s pretty short hence the platforms and would be in her 60’s now easily.
She really outshines him. I can recall all her coats and all the dresses she wore on this tour but I can barely remember him in any of the pictures!
I love this coat. Love Kate in bold colors.
I agree but at the same time that’s pretty much the situation no matter where they go or what she wears. He’s really limited in terms of his fashion choices…suits and jackets and the occasional dress shirt / trouser combo. Hardly the most exciting options.
As for Kate’s outfit here, I think it’s ok. I’ve seen her in nicer coat-dresses; maybe a brooch would have jazzed this up a bit.
Paola – I hate to sound like a wet blanket, but “style over substance” came to mind when I read your comment. Sure the clothes are nice to look at and discuss, but I’d be more impressed if Kate gave interesting, well thought out speeches and had an engaging, charismatic presence.
Yes I agree.. but you see… I only have a chance to look at pictures of her and very rarely I hear her speak.
Plus this post is talking about her fashion choice.. I meant to say hse outshines him based on looks only. She is quite cute in that green coat and only the Queen in person could get my attention next to her right now.
I think for the well thought speeches we’ll have to wait a little longer. It seems like she is not yet accustomed to speak in front of an audience without getting nervous (or stop touching her hair)
Ehm, i do remember his arms when he rolled up his sleeves. Not the sleeves, but the arms 🙂
@Paola – I was just thinking the same thing. I realized I haven’t looked once at him, except when we is holding his child he isn’t interesting. I love this green ensemble. Kate looks good on green.
With ‘style vs substance’ in mind, i do applaud her safe, conservative way of dressing. She will outshine William whatever she or he wears, so while many call her style boring, i’d prefer to call it modest, or considerate.
I am waiting for her too to grow in the ‘substance’ department.
Men’s fashion just isn’t as interesting or varied as women’s fashion – at least not anymore. In the 17th and 18th centuries men wore just as much lace, silk, bling and high heels as women, and in pastel colours as well!
I do wonder how many instances there are when a woman doesn’t outshine her husband/boyfriend. Men wear suits to those events. A suit can get dressed up, but it will still be a suit.
The woman wears a dress! Dresses open the door to accessories! Factor in jewelry, hair styles, makeup, and shoes the woman will always outshine a man in a suit.
My husband and I have an event coming up reuiring formal wear. I have an appointment to try on dresses and get fitted. He has 2 suits not dedicated to work attire. 1 is for funerals and 1 for formal events. Without rambling, my point is Kate gets many variables to liven up her presence and appearance that William does not.
And I don’t understand Kate’s style as “boring”. inappropriate at times, but not boring.
AH, I wonder why men aren’t as ornate as they used to be.
Men’s fashion took a drastic change because of Napoleon’s influence. Short hair and boring clothing became their normal dress code.
True all. I’m trying to find a steampunk ball here in NYC just so I can see Mr. snark in Edwardian clothes.men’s attire can be so drab. He has tons of dull office wear but I do buy him dress shirts in colors like celery, cornflower and even baby pink just to mix it up a little. It could be me but I could swear that people respond to him more warmly when he has on a vibrant color. There are *some* things William could do if he had the imagination/desire.
But I suppose if your grandmother is the queen, your grandfather was an earl, your father is Prince of Wales and you are a Duke clothes are not necessary to lend presence,
But seriously, I don’t care in the least. I just want to see Will and Harry in polo clothes. That will do nicely.
But you all have to admit that there ARE men that can wear the hell out of a suit. (Ok… everyone who knows me from this site, is probably aware of whom I’m thinking lol.) Will might not outshine Kate in her dresses, but I guess he could chose something that’s a bit more daring than an average blue suit – or his very safe choices for casual wear. On the other hand I’m not sure exactly how “daring” an heir can and should be.
And yes, men’s fashion of the past was quite… spectacular. Imagine people nowadays wearing Elizabethan fashion for example! omg…
OK, Paola, I can actually help you out here: WIll wore a suit. A blue suit. For casual outings he wore daggy jeans. Blue jeans. On nippy days he wore a jacket with the jeans. A blue jacket.
ahah! Thank you 🙂
I always wonder why William didn’t start covering his bald spot with a little piece, when he first started losing his hair. He could have gradually got a bigger piece, and a bigger piece. Clearly, he could afford really good ones…I think Kate looks lovely in both pictures…
Kate the other day touching some alpaca’s fur told Will he should wear that to cover his bald spot! She also joked about the fur’s color being very similar to Will’s hair! 🙂
Perhaps he is quite comfortable with his hair loss. People handle this differently and there is no right or wrong but his ability to joke about his thinning hair may be an indication of his comfort level with it.
Eek, really? I think the balding is unfortunate but I think wiglets, a la Travolta, are even more so.
I love Kate in the green dress.
Esmom….I haven’t seen anything like what Travolta wears on his head since the 1960’s GI Joe dolls!!!! I don’t evern consider what he wear a wig…its like black spray paint!
MrsBPitt, I know. I had a Mod Hair Ken in the 70s with these velvet-y facial hair pieces, which Travolta always reminds me of!
MrsBPitt
I love you, but everyone doesn’t view baldness as a shameful thing to be hidden away by fake hair. (Full disclosure – my husband has a bald spot, so I am super sensitive about people acting like it’s something he’s doing on purpose or that it makes him ugly. He’s beautiful. And when we’re in a crowd, he’s really easy to find if his back is to me. Lol)
@Goodnames…I understand your veiwpoint! My beloved Dad was baldish and looks like my adult son may be heading (no pun intended) that way, too! And I think both of them were/are handsome, wonderful men. I guess, I was just questioning, if I were an extremely rich, man, who is always in the spotlight, if I would make the choice to hide my baldspot. Like, celebs who get botox, or boob jobs, etc. If William is fine with his thinning hair, I say, more power to him!
My hubs is bald, too. I like it – and I always think it’s one of those things men think is a big deal, but I don’t know many women who really care. Of all the things to care about this just doesn’t even make the list.
Maybe he didn’t feel like giving shallow people more ammo by wearing one.
Merritt
Agree.
MrsBPitt
Here’s a theory. William was attractive with hair. As he started to lose his hair he started to lose his Spencer looks for Windsor. I think many people wish he’d be seen with more hair up there because when he had hair he was much more handsome in his face. The balding is just a time marker in the minds of many where he stopped looking like Diana and started looking like Charles.
I wish he’d just shave his head already. He used to be really hot.
I think this sentiment that balding men should cover up is as inappropriate as telling women they must shave legs or pluck brows. He is not a model, his work is not his looks, so he should feel free to go bald in public or not to whiten his teeth.
I also wish that people would stop telling bald men to shave it all off. It is not a requirement for bald men to do so. The trend towards shaving all one’s hair off is a fairly new one and not everyone wants to do it (nor does every man look better with it off.)
I agree except for the teeth. It is not just that they are not movie star white but they are noticeably yellow. This looks unattractive and unhygienic, imo. In person I imagine it could even be quite off-putting. Clean, polished teeth are not a style choice but rather a basic grooming component. This is especially true if one smokes and is more than an occasional coffee/tea drinker, imo.
@ splinter
You are absolutely right… William is not a model and he isn’t expecting to look perfect. Kate isn’t a model either though, but we expect her to look perfect. I hate that there is a double standard! If kate showed up with the yellow teeth, people would tear her apart!
Lizzy1013
Should Kate offer more than just pretty appearance we would focus on her substance and less on appearance. Much like many royal women who are not beauties, but are hard workers with strong moral ground and using their platform to do good. Not just to raise the appearance quota.
That Kate has been noted as focusing too much on her apearance like daily shopping and 6 hour hair appointments while neglecting her charities shows us that she should look amazing.
I think people may have mentioned this on the thread yesterday- but I feel like all of her clothes are slightly too big. So either she’s lost weight recently or it was intentional.
And I really don’t like the white cocktail Lela rose dress with those black pumps. No. Didn’t work for me in white. But so so so glad about hair up!
Finally- how many Australian designers did she wear? I felt like it wasn’t many- but I wasn’t really keeping count. I felt like she honored NZ with the ferns a bunch- but did I miss some Aus love other than the yellow dress?
I agree. The clothes are wearing her, not vice versa. And, I really don’t get her range of colors and styles. The other day, it was a plunging neckline in pretty pink. Today, it’s a granny collar in a crazy green. Then, she’s mother of the bride in a white dress that looks too big. I don’t recall how many AUS NZ designers she wore (maybe 2?), but here’s a DM article on a few Australian designers giving their take on her travel wardrobe. Sounds like a lot of sucking up. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2611850/Australian-designers-verdict-Kates-Royal-tour-outfits.html
Cersei- yes the clothes are wearing her. I’ve actually loved almost everything she has worn- but they tailoring as just seemed off to me.
And oh yeah, they’re sucking up. Hope springs eternal that someday she will wear their clothes!
I was thinking the same when I saw her in that white dress. It looks too big, not tailored very well. That being said, maybe she has lost weight since she got fitted for everything.
I think the fit is also exaggerated by her posture. She hunches in way that sometimes looks like she’s trying to hide herself.
This is so very true.
@LS – I’m sure this is because she’s supposedly “terribly” shy. I use quotes because sometimes I see it and sometimes I don’t. It’s like she turns it on and off in an inconsistent way. I assume some that’s “terribly” shy would have a hard time controlling it.
I’ve never heard her described as terribly shy. That’s not to say she isn’t. I honestly don’t know.
@LS – She was described that way on a quite a few of the US documentaries which aired around the time of the wedding. Some particularly stick out in my mind because then they would transition into “how she caught William’s eye” and the story of her parading down the catwalk in the infamous see-through dress. One image didn’t jive with the other.
I agree with everyone else here–I was just thinking, where are the Australian designers? We heard so much in advance that she/her office had been in touch with this Aussie/NZ designer or that one, there was some jewelry designer mentioned, and yet–pretty much it’s been the same ol’, same ol’. Same shoes, same clutches, same jewelry (the Asprey necklace was new in actuality, but not in type of necklace), And where was that lovely wattle broach we were expecting to see? As for that white Lela Rose, it was just what I expected–she’d worn all black, all blue (2x), all green (2x), all red (2x), all pink , all khaki, all yellow–white was the only thing left, except for maybe purple. Maybe when they leave….
And on another note, I have never had occasion to wear this thing called the ‘coat-dress’, anybody else? Seems to me you’d either be not warm enough, if you were outside, or too warm, if you were inside. Makes no sense to me.
With her hair back she really resembles Princess Mary of Denmark. I think she looks lovely and classic-and yes, a smidge boring. But definitely appropriate.
I’m surprized by how much I like her styling in the photos with her hair back. So lovely. I even like the eyeliner! What is wrong with me?
The evening hairdo is so refreshing, she looks beautiful and elegant.. from the neck up.
You guys, I have to say, I’m not feeling the chignon. I was happy to see her wearing her hair half up a lot during this tour, but I think this hairstyle ages her terribly. I think she would look better with the top part pulled back rather than parted. I don’t know, she’s just giving me a Laura Bush vibe.
My God, I was going to post the exact same thing! I’m one who is always bitching that she should put her hair up, but the way they did her bangs (?) in the front just makes her look 15 years older!
And the black shoes with the cream dress are jarring.
+1 HappyMom. Love the chignon. love.it.
I wonder who suggested to go that bold on the coat? Can that same person talk to her about the eyeliner situation?
Haha! Yes!
I have this theory that her eyeliner doesn’t change because it’s tattooed on. I literally have never seen any photos of her without those eyes, even when dressed down, even when sick.
Kate’s eyeliner changes from being in her waterline to outside her waterline. Also changes thickness, color, and length. She wears it often, but it’s not inked in her skin.
That theory has been around for a long time, but it’s not the case.
I don’t think it is tattooed, she would never do such bold move in her position.
That person should have told her to have it made in a different color as it’s too close to that green coat she wore in New Zealand, in my opinion.
Plus the flowy skirt original one would have been so much more interesting than this one.
+1 about the other green coat.
I love the bottom of that green coat. The cut is fantastic.
She is so classy.
I think she’s classy too. In her position, she can’t walk around dressed like Katy Perry shooting whipped cream from her breasts. I like her hair and her makeup – it’s her look, and I bet William likes it too. She has loads of time to experiment with different styles. I’m not a big fan of that cream colored dress though – it makes her shoulders look rounded somehow. But her chignon looked wonderful.
ok I really have to admit that Williams tie knots are really hideous.
She is so BORING! Are people truly interested in what she wears cuz DAMN!
Yes, they really are. Being that she is the future queen and all. And she sells out pretty much everything she wears.
Coat dress is fine. That’s not my favorite green, but she can wear it. Her hair makes the whole look sort of heavy, but she looks nice.
I’m not crazy about the actual dress, but I think she looks lovely in the white. I adore her hair that way and think the earrings are pretty. Only negative is I think that watch is too sporty for the dress, but I really do think she looks very pretty overall. And those are new shoes! Oorah!
I just want to take her from good to wow.
Yes, I agree. So much potential. Imagine having her figure, money, jewels on loan and time to shop. Dahling, we would be fabulous!!
Yes! I love the coat dress. Love the cut, color, all of it. But is this woman allergic to accessories? Literally the best accessories IN THE WORLD at her disposal. And she’s like nah, not today.
I love anything green, so I’m biased and I like it, BUT, how great would that coat have looked with her hair up? That collar is so perfect for a high ponytail or bun.
Dead on re the watch, GoodNames. A vintage cocktail watch would have been lovely.
+1
Agreed on the watch. Love the hair, love love love it. So proud of her for being brave and doing the chignon, so proud, sniff.
Omg, that’s horrible about Camilla’s brother. The very definition of freak accident.
Love Kate in the green dress, it’s really pretty. That white dress? Not so much.
Why on earth do all her clothes on this tour emphasise her broad shoulders? Her lower body is already so much narrower than her upper body, why would she want to add shoulder pads and boxy structuring into the mix? Or maybe the whole point is to draw attention to how thin her legs are?
I don’t understand why her clothes aren’t tailored properly. The sleeves and bust are always off, often the waist and hip area too. Does she actually get fitted for these custom designs or does she just send measurements she’s taken herself/old measurements? If the former she’s getting ripped off as the designers are phoning it in big time, if the latter they really should refuse to create her anything without a fitting, as it’s not a good advertisement for their brand to have someone so famous wearing custom designs that aren’t properly tailored. I’ve made a point not to bother with certain designers because if they can’t properly tailor a custom piece for a Princess I can’t imagine how little care goes into their ready to wear ranges. I know high street/mid-range get a boost from Kate wearing them, but ime and from what I’ve seen others saying, it seems to have the opposite effect she wears higher end designers.
Something nice; she looks great with her hair up.
I quite agree.
All I see in that green outfit is ‘shoulders, shoulders, shoulders!’ which pretty much sums up her fashion for the tour.
All her choices have either had shoulder pads or she’s been wearing necklines that make her look *more* broad shouldered than she already is or both.
I think she also looks *more* broad shouldered because that’s pretty much what is left of her, while all the rest keeps on shrinking..
Some fans will tell you she’s pregnant. (Note I said “some fans” not “I”!!)
Bluhare
To answer a question from the last post. You asked me why I called you a Blue Rabbit. Isn’t that what your name means? Blu = Blue and Hare = Rabbit. Is that not correct?
That “THUNK!!” you just heard was me hitting my head against the wall, FLORC. DUH to me!!! You’re right.
Bluhare
I’m having a genuine laugh over this.
At least I wasn’t wrong! You had me so confused! I was loking into different kinds of Hare-like animals and different slang words for “blu”. Blu ecigarettes came up a lot.
Also, Kate is’t pregnant imo either. Although with all those no baby vacations I wouldn’t be shocked if an announcement that was planned this time comes out in the coming months. Before fall I think.
The blu denotes special powers, and she knows it. I personally think that she uses hare as a diversion.
I have powers and no one told me until now???
Love green but not liking that coat dress, too bright or something, washes her out. Still laughing at the picture where she is tugging her hair, wiglet on full display ha ha ha. Like the second look, hair looks fab in updo, eyeliner applied with a trowel though.
I was going through some photos of their tour on The Guardian and there is one that you can totally see her fall/Wiglet on the back of her head.
Oh I so miss the days when I couldn’t spot them.
*sigh*
Me too re: 2nd pic.
As soon as I opened the thread, her wiglet jumped out at me, but that pic is priceless.
Where is the wiglet? I don’t see it and i want to see it so badly!!!
But once you see it it cannot be unseen!
This article has great photos of the Wiglet seperating from her hair.
http://www.popsugar.com/Prince-William-Kate-Middleton-Sinagpore-Reception-24900400?slide=1
http://www.celebitchy.com/336893/duchess_kate_wears_temperley_in_london_for_sportsaid_benefit_cute_or_budget/
I’ll post the other article where GoodCapon asks LAK for photos. LAK is pretty much introducing us to the “Wiglet” in this thread. Also refering back to the asian tour wiglet. And thus the Wiglet Watch was born.
I forgot how much hair she had back then. The difference is still drastic on the eyes.
Enjoy.
http://www.celebitchy.com/264888/duchess_kate_has_straight_hair_repeats_a_red_lk_bennett_coat_in_wales_pretty/
I thought you could see it, Rosehip. Look at the crown of her head in the green coat photos. You can see that at the crown the hair goes back. There’s a difference in texture, also quite a difference in the hair part in one shot. Also, in the photo where she’s pulling her hair it looks more obvious to me. I think she has one put in to give her hair a little height in the back. Doesn’t show in most photos, yet gives a bit of oomph to the top of her head.
Rose,
Are you sure you want to see this? I can remember being where you were, wistfully looking at all the Wiglet Watchers drive away in the Wiglet Wagon and so wanted to join in their frivolity. However, it isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. You become horribly jaded and it tears at your soul in ways you cannot image. And, enough with all the philosophical nonsense, Florc is a *terrible* driver. You’ll seriously get carsick. Being on the Wiglet Wagon is not for those with a weak stomach.
Okay. You’ve been forewarned. Stop reading if you don’t won’t to know.
Go up to to that second pic with Kate playing with her hair. Her Wiglet looks messy but her normal hair is flat. See the separation? That’s what you look for. There’s usually a ‘fault’ line between her real hair and the fake hair.
Here’s a shot from the Guardian (should be photo #3 in the gallery. Kate is in the DVF wrap dress). Look for the subtle separation (around the area you’d wear a headband) of her real hair and the Wiglet. Her Wiglet hair is also falling forward over her real hair.
http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/gallery/2014/apr/21/sydney-gives-duke-and-duchess-the-royal-treatment-in-pictures?index=3
Hope that helps.
A lot of the times when she has her hair parted in the front, everything behind the part is a wiglet. That’s what helped me to be able to see it. It’s just like a click moment where all of a sudden it’s there and all you can see.
I haven’t able to definitively spot Kate’s faux hair either. But after seeing your links today I can now see what you’re saying about the separation. But couldn’t that also be caused by heavily teasing the back section of her hair?
Also do you think the wiglet is attached to her hair similar to extensions? Or is it easily removable?
I have been told I have a lead foot. And generally speaking, Wagons do not have great suspensions. That’s why Bluhare now has the keys and why we only drink our tea from Gaiwans to reduce Wiglet Wagon spills.
You have me laughing so hard LadySlippers!
MinnFinn,
True except for the fact the ‘fault lines’ and separation continue all the way to the ends of her hair. Normal hair, even when teased, ‘mingles’ with its fellow strands so there isn’t those lines. Fake hair is so much more aloof and hates mingling with them lesser strands. 😜
Florc,
It was such a relief to see you designate a sober driver, even though there are so few cars in the Queendom of CeleBitchy that it’s unlikely we’d crash into another car. But I’m clinging to my Ginger Tea just in case.
😜
(Hey you caught snark in print!!!)
MinnFinn
http://www.popsugar.com/photo-gallery/24900490/Kate-Middleton-signed-guest-book-Singapore
It’s one of the pics from the above link where Kate is looking down so we can see the top of her head. I put my brightness on high and pinch zoomed until resolution started to give.
I’m not a wiglet expert, but google other pictures of just wiglets and how people look before and after they are attached. Her hair texture is different in back and after she’s tugged at it enough the layers are no longer blending. If I had no idea what a wiglet was I would think she has one of those devices that you fold your hair over and it creates a volume, bump look.
FLORC
But i DID not see it, however bad i wanted to!
Blu
But i couldn’t! I was merely guessing!
LadySlippers
I cannot tell you how sure i am! And it is NOT just the frivolity of the Wagon; you see yesterday i confessed that i’m plain JELLUS of her big hair, and now i have to repeat my sinful mind all over the worldwide web! I do not care in the slightest that FLORC has a lead foot and the Watchers get carsick in the Wagon!
So i did some searching. I came back to a picture posted two years ago on this blog, and i ‘think’ i ‘might’ see it. I have to say at first i thought, like MinnFinn, that the bump and the messiness were caused by teasing. I can see the line on the top of her head. This is the picture that made me think i finally met the Wiglet:
http://www.celebitchy.com/215339/duchess_kate_wears_grey_orla_kiely_in_london_too_fussy_or_just_lovely/ (6th picture; the line in her hair)
I request to all passengers of the Wiglet Wagon to audit this series of pictures, and tell me if the Wiglet was on Duty that day.
Sincerely,
Rosehip
LadySlippers
Because I know your humor and have previously engaged in the running joke of the Wiglet Wagon. Also, I do have a lead foot. Or so says my husband.
Still, Baby Steps!
RoseHip
I can’t claim to have seen it clearly my 1st viewing either. There was doubt as to many extensions, wig, or wiglet.
If nothing else you do see there’s more going on with her hair aside from a blow out and volume increasing products, no?http://l.yimg.com/ea/img/-/110303/kmfeathersinherhair_16mtl5e-16mtl5j.jpg?x=300&q=80&n=1&sig=KrGhdU0Hr8fAEUd9If627A–
And I remember those pics. That was a wiglet moment. She just had so much hair!
I see it.
I think i do. it’s the fault lines going back all the way to the ends, LadySlippers, that made me see it. I think.
Plus the pics you ladies posted.
FLORC there is definitely more going on indeed. I always knew that. I just assumed that after the engagement she perhaps went to an indescribably talented hairdresser. But then again: Pips and Carole went to the same hairdresser (do correct me if i’m wrong) and they did not have that huge increase of volume Kate had.
It’s the T on top of her head, and her hair from behind the T falling over the hair in the front.
I finally see the Wiglet. I think. And i forgive myself for being jellus!
All right, Rosehip! I think we’ve got you trained. Look at the first photo. It’s actually pretty obvious there now I look at it. There’s even an uneven piece of hair on the right side (our right, not hers) and the shine pattern on the left (our left) differs also.
I can’t believe I just spent time doing that. Somebody stop me!
Rosehip: that line in picture 6 is a giveaway. That’s the beginning of that wiglet. I think the proper name for it is a fall.
Someone, I think it was AM, posted pics from her visit to centrepoint with William (brown sweater dress) where you can see she’s in full wig except for the front of her hair. The difference in texture between her own hair vs the wig was startling.
OMG Wiglet Watch IS exciting!!!
Rosehip
Welcome to Wiglet Watch!
As our newest member these are the rules…
-Keep all hands and feet in the Wiglet Wagon at all times, unless we are fully stopped.
-To ride in the Wiglet Wagon you have a tinfoil hat/helmet adorned with feathers and a set of pearls to clutch at a moments notice. The Wiglet Wagon has a full stock of smelling salts for faints when pearl clutching becomes too much.
-Wiglet Watch may always hault for afternoon tea and biscuits.
-If You have been found to be knowingly disruptive to the Watch or try to steal the Wiglet Wagon Keys from Baroness Bluhare you will be subjected to an undetermined amount of lashings from the Wet Wiglet.
And while not all know us as Wiglet Watchers you will
be called a Royaloonie and Jelli H8r. These are considered endearing names by us and we wave our banners proudly.
How lovely! I accept all the rules! Moreover, i’ll bring cucumber sandwitches!
– I would never everwant to get lashed by the Wet Wiglet! –
And the most important rule, Rosehip. Watch out for FLORC. She sits there all innocent looking and then starts hitting the ouzo. She claims it improves her eyesight for wiglet watching, but don’t believe it for a second. We’re a bit suspicious about that tea she’s been serving too. Last time LAK had some, she woke up three days later screaming for her mother. With a black eye. And a new tattoo.
Haha! Oh Rosehip! Bluhare is such a joker! She’s Joking! *grabs and hides wet wiglet behind back*. Come here dear Baroness and drink this Strawberry, Grapefruit infusion tea i’ve come across. It’s quite soothing, but refreshing.
I do not object to the Ouzo. It’s liquid candy. It really is. Although at times it’s Sambuca neat with a few coffee beans. Then you will see me breaking the rules, leaning out of a speeding Wiglet Wagon and trying to grab that damn wiglet.
And I maintain LAK could have had that tattoo removed in time, but she kept wiggling in her drunken state and the tattoo ended up scaring pretty badly. At least clothes cover it.
Holy mother of god. I saw it.
AC, that just cracked me up. 😀
FLORC, you’re kidding, right? I learnt my lesson with those “kale” and cucumber sandwiches you made me try. I’ve got leafy green vegetable PTSD thanks to you.
I had nothing to do with those sandwiches Bluhare. They did sit in the sun, but Miss Shailene Woodley has taught us anything it’s exposing things to the sun wards off infection and bacteria!.
Yay AC! Welcome to the Jaded few of the Wiglet Watch.
That coat would be ok if it weren’t for the giant buckle thing which was so in fashion around 2000 or 2001. Most of her recent clothes have seemed really boring.
The buckle is a horror!
I actually like the buckle lol! It adds a balance to the fullness of the coat and minimizes her longer torso.
My god THAT HAIR!!!
It makes it look like she has NO neck, and the twirling in official pictures… Ugh! Why bother at all having anything custom made to style it like that!
I request for a full Wiglet Watch audit of the second picture!
Rosehip: the wiglet is on duty!!! LOL.
Confirmed by a founding member of Wiglet Watch, so your initial assessment that it could be the world famous wiglet is confirmed, Rosehip! See what we mean by “can’t unsee it” now?
I’m going to cast my vote as Wiglet also. While not as blatant as past wiglets it is there from the hallmark signs we have come to know.
It might only be me, but I wonder if she tugs at her hair more often because how how the wiglet is attached? Like scratching an itch or relieving pressure?
Should we give it a name?
Alright!!! Pretty proud of myself and my initial assessment here!
Hmmm
If not a name, then at least a capital W if you ask me!
If we’re going to name it, there’s really only one, isn’t there? Willy!
I’m not a Camilla fan, but my heart goes out to her for the loss of her brother. What a tragic accident.
Losing a loved one is a sad event, but to lose them unexpectedly creates a sudden feel of grief that hits you twice as hard imo. You’re caught off guard expecting you’d likely see them again.
Heart goes out to Camilla.
Condolences to Camilla. What a freak tragedy. I have both a younger and older brother, and I’m not willing to part with either of them, ever.
So sad. She and her brother and sister are really close-so I can’t imagine how devastated she must be.
Adding my condolences.
Yes. If this isn’t a definition of “freak accident”, I don’t know what is. Poor guy is lighting a cigarette, and boom; lights out. Very sad.
I hate the coat just because of the huge shoulder pads. Also, does she not get hot? The women around her are all dressed in cooler dresses indicating that its warm out so Kates big coat seems like a bit much.
The Rose dress was fine and I love the hair but overall, her clothes have been very ‘meh’ on this tour. No real standouts. Kate has only worn 2 native designers on the entire tour and the rest have been either British or American. It seems odd since she has worn Australian designers quite frequently on the past (like Colette Dinnigan) but not on this tour when it would be totally appropriate.
The shoulder pads (and bra padding) give her a bit of much-needed bulk and isn’t the whole point of bespoke to customize to the individual? Kate has become so frail that it’s highly unlikely she could wear something off the rack. Most of us would like like line-backers with those shoulder pads, but it gives her the volume she needs..
yeah I was staring at those shoulder pads and I just cannot figure out how the sleeve is constructed. They look odd.
Lol I think the shoulder pads looks good with the coat because it doesn’t seem to add much bulk depending on her arm’s position.
@Sisi it looks like a two piece raglan sleeve. If not two piece then they added an outer seam to it in keeping with the panels of the dress.
Ok. I’m going to nitpick here… but why in god’s name is she wearing a watch to that evening reception? Is she so hurting for jewelry that she had to wear a casual watch to an event like this? It’s totally out of place – and I hate it, lol!
She gets some really beautiful clothing pieces that she could really wow in with the right styling (shoes, jewelry, hair, make-up) but nope. Just there. Like a mannequin. She never adds any personality to what she’s wearing. Which makes sense since I’m pretty sure she gave up whatever personality she had long ago in order to get the ring.
Maybe HM wouldn’t let her borrow any of the pretty jewels and William is allegedly stingy with buying jewelry himself so the watch is her version of bling. It’s somewhat casual but the watch is probably her $6,000.00+ Cartier watch. So it’s expensive and probably rivals the price tag of the jewelry some of the women at the event are wearing. Even if it doesn’t really suit the event or what she’s wearing.
I frequently wonder about her and jewelry. I can’t decide if I think she’s just not crazy about it or if she doesn’t have access to it. Both Diana and Camilla wore some family pieces, especially in the early years of their marriages, and I’ve wondered if it’s simply that Kate doesn’t have any of that heritage stuff to wear until she gets more access to the royal vault. But her taste seems to skew toward smaller, more delicate pieces, so maybe that’s just her preference.
AM
Kate inherited the bulk of Diana’s personal jewelry per her divorce settlement. I suppose she just isn’t into jewelry. Also, she may not see the need to pull out the good stuff until she is Princess of Wales/Duchess of Cornwall and is more senior/seasoned with true tiara events on her plate. Just a guess, nothing more.
Looks like a Cartier Ballon Bleu. Not absurdly expensive but not cheap either.
It is a Ballon Bleu and it is expensive. But I’m shocked that royal protocol allows a watch after 5pm. That’s an old, stuffy rule, but the monarchy seems so full of them I was really surprised to see a sports watch on Kate at an evening event. So out of place.
It is a Cartier Ballon Bleu, and it’s definitely a sporty watch, so indeed not very appropriate to wear on this occasion.
Vintage cocktail watch would have been better. I’ve got several and they can look like jewelry.
That would have been lovely with the dress. What a fun thing to collect! Do you buy them at antique stores, or inherited them?
Hi GoodNames, a combination actually. I have my grandmother’s gold watch (that doesn’t work but it looks nice) and a deco platinum/sapphire one (although not quite as spiffy as it sounds) and a nice classic 1950’s cocktail watch. I love them all. But I like watches.
They sound really pretty. Cool idea.
There were snippets of William’s speech in the DM and I notice that he always refers to her as Catherine and never Kate. Does anyone know why/when this started? Is she not called Kate anymore? Missed that one..
I believe it started with the royal engagement. Once it was announced she was to go by Catherine. I’m sure other people can be more specific!
I think after the wedding her title became Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Catherine became the official name.
They started trying to refer to her as Catherine around engagement time or shortly after. William has been caught saying both Kate and Catherine since the wedding. Speeches = Catherine.
I have a similar name. Formally it’s my full 1st name. Informally my shortened version.
The royals use their full names officially. So Harry is actually Prince Henry officially. I remember reading something about how Kate wants to be called Catherine as she thinks it sound more regal. And I also understand she went by Catherine until Marlborough or St. Andrews.
It was definitely around the engagement that she started being referred to as ‘Catherine’ and not ‘Kate’. I’ve heard mixed reports on whether the impetus to change her name in the public was Kate herself, William, or the courtiers. The idea was to give her some gravitas and separate her previous public image of ‘Waity Katie’ and all the negative press that went with it, into something more regal and grand. Unfortunately history doesn’t erase itself overnight.
In general, I have noticed that William varies her name according to venue, if it’s a formal event, it’s Catherine and Kate is used for informal events.
I saw the entirety of William’s speech (The Guardian has it) and while he’s loads better than Kate speaking in public, he’s still not fantastic. He DID make a joke and blushed — that was awesome though. Otherwise it was kinda ho-hum.
she looks pretty. love that color on her. that’s not an easy color to pull off.
Those coat dresses are her future queen uniforms. Expensive, one of a kind, heavy material that won’t fly up – the queen wears similar get-ups. Her hair is the final frontier in queening her up – it’s just too, too long.
The green coat dress is not a very nice shade, imo – it would have looked better with her hair up or with a collar. The white dress is dull and it got worse when I saw the matching lacy peplum – yuck. And those effin nude shoes……someone needs to show her there are other neutral shoes you can wear.
That is all.
Lace peplum….. i have no words!
I don’t recall her constantly wearing a watch prior to this trip. ???
Love the white dress but not the green.
The green looks good but I dislike the shoes.
And I just learned what a “bespoke piece” meant, had no clue.
I love it. If she’d worn her hair in a chignon, and with different shoes, it would have been perfect.
It’s a shame she’s not more fashionable… then maybe she could improve his looks. He needs to be styled by GQ or something. His suits are too corporate.
The Green is very bold and bright. I’m not a fan. I do like the white dress, but am on the fence over the modern circle sleeves.
Are watches a trend now? She’s worn them before, but more often now. We use to check our time on cell phones, but they’re too big to carry in pockets or clutches so are we reverting back to the watch?
The watch is the “one too many” accessory in this photo. She should ditch both the bracelet and the watch and wear one of the new iphone watches (smartwatches, I think?). Then she would really be a trendsetter.
Ehm yes she should. I’ll have the watch and bracelet.
And the earrings too please, because they go with the bracelet.
I’m totally fine with not being a trendsetter 🙂
FLORC
were watches ever out of fashion? I’ve always had a watch! Is it a US thing perhaps?
Was trying to be a little snarky with the smartwatch comment and failed. She isn’t a trendsetter, except for those awful plastic looking beige shoes that she wears so much. It’s funny that she wears a watch, when really, why would she need one? At least with the smartwatch she could send Instagram pics to Pippa and Skype with Carole in the ladies room.
Rosehip/Deedee
While i’m not much for trends watches have always been “in” somewhere in the world I guess. Right now where I live i’m told it’s the trend of the “boyfriend watch”. Meaning the “face” is the size of a man’s watch.
And does anyone remember Swatches? Is that what they were called with the stylish bands? Or the kind with the metal slap on bands? Or wearing a dozen watches at 1 time on 1 arm?
And I didn’t wear watches until I lived outside the US.
Also completely unaware of smart watches. That sounds awful though. Wearing a watch while washing my hands always makes my watch wet.
Deedee
You didn’t fail; i just went along with your snark. (I don’t know if this is proper English.)
I am almost never without my watch. I honestly feel naked without it. And it’s not an age thing, as i am about the same age. I truly wonder if it’s a US thing not to wear a watch..? I find it annoying to have to look at my phone to know the time.
Thanks for explaining FLORC
I’m not a fan of trend watches either. The boyfriend watch was a trend that has already passed, in the higher end watches at least.
Yes, Swatch is the brand you are referring to. They are still being produced. In fact the Swatch Group is the largest watch part manufacturer in the world. They even make the parts for very exclusive watch brands that have models where not all the parts of the movements are manufactured in the house, such as IWC.
A dozen watches on one arm, really?? I’ve never seen or heard of that!! It sounds pretty ‘pimp’ to me!! (Pardon my French; i don’t want to sound offensive, but it’s my English. Ah, i guess you get it FLORC)
Wicked flashback! Junior high school with acid washed jean jackets, three swatches on each arm and a dozen or more friendship bracelets woven from embroidery floss. Throw in a little Aerosmith, post-Wham George Michael and a Rob Lowe poster and there’s my eighth grade year in a nutshell.
Rosehip
The link won’t post, but it was an 80’s to early 90’s trend where people would have different colors and designs on their watches to coordinate with their outfits.
And I can’t believe Swatches became so big!
Also, I won’t take offense to that pimp comment. Everyone is usually pretty good about mistakes lately. I remember taking huge offense to Kate being called a “cow” here believing it to be an insult. Later I was informed Cow to the brits was endearing. We all have our moments of cultural differences.
Florc and Dame Snarkweek, thanks for explaining. I guess that was the time when i was still onder the cheese cover of my childhood days..
Florc i was referring to the fact that both you and i don’t have English as our first language. (Plus i tried to turn that into a joke, but that probably didn’t work.) 😉
Actually, i wanted to add that i enjoy reading in-depth comments here, also on other threads. The reason why i don’t actively participate in those discussions is because my English is lacking to express my opinions in a clear way, including the necessary nuances etc. Nevertheless thank you all for sharing your interesting insights!
Rosehip, I’d have never known English isn’t your first language. What is your native tongue? And please don’t let it stop you from participating. It doesn’t stop FLORC, and she’s been picked on for it too (by people who don’t know). We’ll defend you! Just say if you don’t think you’re saying it properly and we (or at least I) will try to “translate”.
Rosehip
Right now I just read from your post “nuances”. I had to look up the meaning. I had a guess to what it meant, but not the specific definition. I’ve been bsing my english here with educated guesses or quick google searches on word definitions.
If my posts reveal anything about my grasp on the english language it’s that i’m not strong with naunces and often misinterpreting others thoughts here. I rely heavily on tones and facial expressions. Otherwise sarcasm, jokes, anger are all very interchangable to me.
And you type very well. Once and a while a person posts that i’m not spelling words correctly and tease my sentences or punctuation, but the posters here are very kind to phrase my posts to them in an easier way to understand. They also understand where I am on certain issues too.
What is your native language?
Bluhare and Florc
thank you so, so much for your compliments. You cannot possibly imagine how much that means to me, really.
I’ve had an accident and my speech (as in word-finding) was/is severely hindered by that. I was unable to speak my own language (Dutch) for four months. (English is not even my second but my third language.) I have always loved languages and i’m hyper-aware of my difficulties to express myself. I spoke five languages before my accident, and now i still invent words. It helps English is from the same language family as my mother tongue, but still.. The two roman languages i spoke fluently are a true disaster. I’m working on it. I try not to stress too much, because it’s even worse then.
Your reactions are so kind, really. I’m on the verge of crying..
Ah! No tears!
If it ever helps, my German is good. So if you begin crossing over languages i’ll still understand what you possibly mean. And no one will tease you for how you phrase your comments without you being defended.
Wolfpup I think knows German as well or we at least did both live in the same town in Germany, but not at the same time. Aachen and Ansbach for me.
What were your other languages?
And know people make up words and use words incorrectly all the time here. Both with and without intending to do so. Just ask someone to clarify and they will without questioning why you’re asking.
And i’m pretty amazed you’re as fluent as you are. It took me years and years without any difficulties. And I still proof read my posts before submitting comment.
Florc
Thank you. You’re so kind. I do the crossing-over most from German to Dutch; i quite often literaly translate certain expressions without even realising that i am doing that, and believe me, i have said some extremely embarrassing things! I guess that happens because Dutch and German are probably closer than one imagines. German i found the most difficult to learn actually.
The roman languages were French and Italian (and i spoke them better than German). It’s as if i know i have the words in some cupboard, but i’m unable to open it – even in Dutch sometimes still.
I’m a language person. One of my adagiums used to be ‘die Grenzen meiner Sprache sind die Grenzen meiner Welt’. I love the finesses languages have, and it’s those that are difficult to express, but also to interpret or be interpreted. I am sensitive about it, and scared to get lost in translation. I really never want to offend anyone without knowing.
I proof read my posts too before submitting! And it helps that it’s written, which gives me more time to make proper sentences..
Wow, Rosehip; very sorry to hear about your accident. That must be so frustrating to have your language fluency ripped away like that. I can’t imagine.
Please don’t worry about how you sound. If you say something that doesn’t sound like you, I ( or someone else) will ask you if that’s what you meant. Then you can clarify if necessary. I can see why you were uncomfortable with being jumped on by people now but please don’t worry about that. We’ve got your back.
By the way, I loved my one day in The Netherlands. Beautiful country and lovely people. I drove in with a friend (her family’s in Essen) and we went to Amsterdam for the day. Gorgeous city and beautiful countryside. That was when I tried to learn German, when I went to Germany with her. You should have seen me; the poor people in shops would answer my tortured German question in English!
Bluhare
What was awful in Germany for me is when some locals were correcting my English and German. I was horrible embarrassed. The family housing me was too kind about it, but they were fluent in English very early on and I was still learning.
Countryside is breathtaking. Can’t wait to return someday.
Rosehip
I say embarrassing things all the time and again. I have nothing that has inhibited my speech. You’re fine. Had you not said anything I doubt anyone would have noticed.
And I hate that adagium. It’s self defeating. It’s like saying the sky is the limit. Why stop there?
Lethologica is what you have, yes? And you’ve recovered this much function? Your world seems limitless to me.
I’d go back to Germany in a half-heartbeat, FLORC. Really loved it. I wasn’t in the touristy areas, either, except for one stop along the Rhine. And if Leipzig is considered touristy. Didn’t seem like it to me. Anyway, I really loved Germany. I’d like to see more of Europe. I keep threatening to go back to Britain to live, but Mr. bluhare totally freaks out if I mention it, so that probably won’t happen.
I noticed she wears a watch very often now. Perhaps she wears it to look more businesslike, like she’s ‘working’. Or perhaps this watch that reeks of wealth, like the sapphire ring, was given to her by Wills?
I had a Swatch watch. Didn’t everyone? A friend’s teen daughter went on a tour of Europe last summer and brought home a Swatch. Said all the girls were getting one.
I wonder how many variations of the blue suit did Will pack for this tour.
I’m imagining his closet: blue suit, blue suit, blue suit, white shirt, white shirt, white shirt, boring tie, boring tie, boring tie. . . .
This made me laugh so hard!
I love her entire look in the white dress. Hair, dress, shoes, smile. I wish she’d stop playing with her hair like that though. I know she is probably just trying to untangle it from whatever, but it just makes it look as if she’s a teenage “Like, oh my God” girl and ditzy.
But she did great on this tour. She did exactly what was expected which was wear pretty dresses, smile, show off Prince George, pull down curtains from plaques and had a Marilyn moment. She nailed it. Lol.
I think her touching her hair is one of those “I don’t know what to do with my hands” situations haha! I think she will learn, or be taught, over time not to do it.
I, for one, never know what to do with my hands when talking to someone so I always end up crossing them, which I’ve read is standoffish and makes you unapproachable. Ugh!
I think it’s a nervous gesture too. One that isn’t helped by wearing her hair loose all the time (assuming she’s trying to minimize it!).
I know she isn’t allowed to accept freebies, but maybe designers are giving her bespoke pieces at reduced prices? It would make sense for them to give her a lowball quote when she comes knocking.
I like both outfits but seriously….zero shoe game.
Where are the tiaras?? I want to see some tiaras, dammit!
I just tried to make one but my spacing was all off!
At least the hem on the green coat is straight for a change.
Yes! Her tailoring is so puzzling.
I like both the coat and the dress! I hate that she’s growing on me now.
Lovely. Conservative? Yes. But lovely. Now about that darn hair! STOP PLAYING WITH IT.
I don’t get wearing two different green coat dresses on this tour. What happened to Kate the Thrifty? Why would anyone need two green coat dresses? (Ehm other than having a bigger variety to choose from for St. Patrick’s Day, that is of course..)
I really really dislike the wide belt.
The white dress is no winner either for me, but i love her hair like this.
Who’s the older lady she’s walking with? Because she looks awesome. I love that the sleeves are a different color than the rest of the dress.
That’s Margie Abbott, the Prime Minister’s wife.
I believe the lady with the awful awful black shoes in the fourth photo is Bronwyn Bishop, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and you’d think she’d know better.
A wee bit off topic, but to respond to some of the comments left for me the day before yesterday. It took me a minute to even read them, and although all deserve a response, it would be exhausting, so I will leave it to a few.
dears, my pen name, wolfpup, is meant to be a sort of red-flag euphemism, that I’m a bit wild, yet also a puppy. I don’t quite yet know my own voice on social media! But I’m also scrappy (most of the time), and I adore your great big, generous, women hearts! Blessings!
Lady Slippers, I lived in Dong de Chon, Korea, about 40K from the North Korean border. There were frequent night, all lights out in case of enemy planes. The base was only for non-accompanied tours for servicemen, and there was only one other American woman living on the economy, which was a very primitive Korean style, in 1981. We wanted adventures (and hubby sex!) I learned so much about being human there, because we all were. The plight of the abandoned Amer/Korean children living on the streets (mostly due to racism in Korea), was absolutely heart wrenching, and all I could provide were meals, baths, and clean clothing. To see one of them under a paper umbrella during monsoon…
If war weren’t so horrifying, and so horribly devastating, I don’t think it would be so difficult to talk about. There is nothing bittersweet, only bitter. One of you said something along the line that we all won, and we all lost, yet so much inexplicable suffering. The cost is too high, yet there is much to resist. I’m sorry for causing such consternation.
Sixer, I’m entering the 60th year of my life (not an excuse!), and so it is with a gentle touch that I want to share. Your words struck powerful memories… It helps me to think of the billions and billions, that have walked before us, delighting; then have laid down, wrapping this beauteous earth around them as a tomb, once again, one with the stars, and the green growing things still to come. Sixer, THIS IS YOUR TIME to live well and long. ***You are the magic!*** May you always find your resting places, and the kneeling places where you shimmer into light.
Peace.
The last paragraph was simply beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
That’s lovely wolfpup. You’ve got me teary.
Just lovely, wolfpup.
Nice to see you back, wolfpup.
So glad you came back, Wolfpup.
Wolfpup,
Grace and humility indeed.
*bows head*
I am so glad that you went back to read all the comments. I was hoping you did, at the very least.
I haven’t seen Sixer since that post and I’m sure she’d appreciate your kind words in her time of sorrow. They were/are very heartfelt and beautiful.
I’m going to change topics but I feel a bit odd so perhaps I won’t.
I’m going to go into a full court curtsey to the fact that you lived in an Asian country with virtually no support. WOW.
*drops into court curtsey and hold position for a few moments*
Very few people will understand the enormity of that unless you’ve lived there. And I had base support while living in Japan and it was tough. So WOW.
One of my very good friends from Japan (we both lived in Navy housing in Zushi after my kids and I lived for a short stint off base in Uraga) lived in S Korea (Chinhae) which was a super tiny Navy base. It was not easy for her family at all. Asia is just so radically different from the US it’s hard to describe or fathom.
During the time we were there, North Korea launched three test missiles at Japan and no one in the US had a clue. Not a clue. All the forward deployed forces in both S Korea and Japan were scrambling around to try and figure out if they’d evacuate all the bases of their non-military personnel. It was crazy. We were all being told to prep for a possible evacuation that would take place over a 72 hour period leaving most of our household goods behind. Being forward deployed meant, as usual, our spouses were mostly deployed. We had about a week of chaos until North Korea stopped posturing.
(To give civilians an idea of what forward deployed is like, my husband was home maybe 9-10 mos out of a 36 month tour. And that was only due to the fact the ship needed some major repairs, otherwise it’d be closer to 6-8 mos home out of the 36 months)
I learned so much in Korea. I learned to require little, that art is a necessity, and to give great attention to cleanliness. They are fine people, and I have many fond memories and funny stories. I learned gratitude. I will admit that sometimes I imagine it’s God coming thru the warm air of central heat. Packaged chicken is so much easier than a chicken taken from a cage, butchered in front of you, then handed to you by it’s legs, feathers and all. Gratitude for warm baths. 80% of the world lives on $2 a day. I think that we are more comfortable than the kings of yore. Gratitude is useful, and it has served me well.
I bet you have fond memories too.
Wait – where is Sixxer??
Her mum died.
😪
Oh no. I am sending her my best.
🙁
God bless her and her family.
Wolfpup
I am happy too that you are back. I actually thought of threadjacking this article to ask you to come back, after having read several comments of you on previous threads. This gossiping is really not worth for anyone to feel bad or sad..
Piece.
That means a lot to me, from you, Rosehip.
Wolfpup (and everyone else): thank you.
Oh honey. I so want to wrap my arms around you. Sending you lots of love and light.
{{HUGS}}
💔 😢 🌹
So sorry about your dear mother, Sixer.
Sixxer
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Mr. sixxer and your sweet Sixxlets.
*hugs*
Sixer!
Welcome back.
It gets easier. It’s hell to lose a parent, but it really does get easier. Sending you and your family all the best vibes and prayers.
Who is the woman in the orange dress? I’ve seen pictures of her before.
She’s the wife of the Prime Minister.
The original Catherine Walker design was great. She should have gone with that one. It was edgy, but appropriate. This is another green (sorta offensive at first glance) coat. Why in the world is she wearing another bespoke green, zipped to her chin coat? Why not have it made in another coat?
That white dolly dress isn’t bad, but those sleeves are horrendous. Her hair is too matronly for this dress.
I agree. I’m not sure how easy the original Catherine Walker would be to wear (it had a very swirly front placket), but it certainly looked better than this.
It looked easy. No belt. Just the button enclosure at the waist. We could have seen what she was wearing underneath it. Hopeful something in a different color or pattern to break up the monotony of the green.
But wouldn’t the swirly part gape? I’d really have liked to see it live!
If anyone else cares, if you scroll down the page (http://hrhduchesskate.blogspot.com/) there is a photo of the original design in the second article down.
Notice to all Wiglet Watchers
Go to the link Blu provided and there are *several* great pics that show her Wiglet. Look for the very subtle lines toward the back of her scalp (headband area), shifting parts, and different textures. Many times her real hair (closer to her face) is ironed out more and the faux hair is fluffier.
Caution: View with Care. As once you see it you can never regain your innocence
OMG that wiglet!!!!
Rosehip: if you look at this set of pictures, scroll down to the picture where she’s talking to someone and you can see the parting in her hair.
Follow the part from her hairline to the centre of her head. Somewhere at the centre, the part ‘jumps’ so it’s not in line with the front part. That second part is the wiglet.
Further, If you follow the line starting from that second part to the ends of her hair, you’ll see a line running from that point to the end which isn’t blended into her overall hair.
Finally, the hair of the wiglet is a different texture from the front hair.
LadySlippers and LAK
I see it!! I’m finally definitely positive that i see it!!! 🙂
Poor thing is not an innocent babe anymore.
*sniff sniff*
I am a tad proud though.
Welcome fellow Wiglet Watcher.
Rosehip
A list of Rules and dress code is provided for you as a true member of our Wiglet Watch!
And now that you have seen it, you will never unsee it.
Oh I seriously laughed, you guys. Because Rosehip saw it, and I’ve got no idea which one you’re looking at! LOL!
Never to be unseen again… I count that as no longer being fooled.
Yep, you’ve got it wolfpup. We have to sing “Won’t Get Fooled Again” while FLORC’s defying gravity in the wiglet wagon.
Bluhare
It makes for a bumpier ride, but the more the car is airborn the better milage we save on fuel.
And I love me some Brit rock
Both coat and dress are appallingly awful and awkward. I’m gobsmacked.
The model is working that coat on the website that bluhare referred us to for wiglet pics. On Kate, it has completely lost it’s pizzazz. As for the dress, there’s no improvement on the model. It’s just awful, period.
Yes, even a model couldn’t give it spark. Makes them look round shouldered as well.
Well, I pretty much liked all of her tour looks, but that green strait jacket thing is awful. OMG I hate it!!
She never takes that watch off anymore. Is she counting the minutes until she can go home? It looks very out of place with formal wear.
I think we need to give her a break….she really has stepped up to the plate on the entire trip. I’m not a huge fan but let’s give her her due. She looks like she’s actually enjoying herself, clothes are really rather nice after some of the get ups she’s worn previously and the hair – up, up and away, not covering her face! Dunno why the black shoes with the white dress (grey from the, dare I say it, Bennett bunch, would be good)…..and yes, the watch is a bit odd. But overall, she appears to either be learning or listening to someone who knows what they’re doing. A wee ‘bravo’!
I agree she has done a nice job on the tour. One can always find little things to change, but overall, I think she has looked lovely and behaved graciously.
I agree completely. She’s dressed and carried herself very well for this tour. While it hasn’t been perfection, it’s been a drastic improvement in almost every way. Speech, clothes, hair, and interactions. I can’t find anything to nit pick outside of personal preference on clothes and being a jelli h8r only searching for Jewelry pr0n, Kate has been lovely.
And William, Kate, and George look adorable together. Not staged. Just genuine.
Absolutely.
Oh, I see a definite improvement. Her clothes were consistent and royal (if not to everyone’s taste), and she did seem attentive and as if she was truly enjoying herself.
Plus, she and William worked as a team.
George did his part ; ).
It was a definite success.
I think the tour has been a success for them. They came across as approachable, relaxed and happy.
Kate seems more confident, she tried some different hairstyles, clothes were on the whole pretty great. There were a few there I didn’t like but that’s just my personal taste more than anything else.
I’d love to see her wearing some great jewellery and maybe retiring those Shiny beige shoes but I’m sure that will happen in time.
Love reading this site and all the different commentators, I’m starting to feel like I’m getting to know you all! 🙂
Please keep posting so we can get to know you, KB.
I agree with everyone. Including the clothes and jewelry porn disappointment.
Agree with all above. Have to say, the white dress and chignon are my fave look for her in a long long time. Even if it’s a bit doily like and the watch was wrong, I thought she looked so demure and beautiful.
About the watch (I have a bias, I have a thing for watches) although a diamond bracelet would have looked better, I’ve tried on that Cartier watch and let me tell you once you put that thing on you do NOT want to take it off. (yes….it’s that nice)
I’ve always wanted a Francaise tank.
Is that the rectangular faced one? The one Grace Kelly wore?
Yes. I want it in stainless.
Sweet! I sort of can’t do watches. Years ago I got a Gucci watch for Christmas and lost it somehow.
Never. Forgave. Myself.
Elegant and appropriate for a princess.
So so sorry to hear about Camilla’s brother. I wonder if the Cambridges got to know him very well.
And I’m really surprised by this condolence statement the Cambridges released as there was no mention of praying for grieving loved ones. “…Their thoughts are with the Duchess of Cornwall and her family at this time.”
Since Will is the future head of the COE I wonder if what he left unsaid means anything.
Well Charles is not very religious at all and I have never known Will to be. I wonder how Charles will gloss this over once he is monarch.
Interesting. I get the point about COE, but I don’t think you always need to say you’re praying for someone when they experience a loss. If you know they are religious and it would be a comfort, that’s great, but if they’re not, it might be best to just keep it general? You’re in our thoughts kind of thing?
Gnat
I agree, it’s okay to tell someone that your thoughts are with them if they are agnostic, non-religious or if you are not sure. And if those thoughts take the form of prayers then your mission is still accomplished without giving any offense.
The CoE plays a huge role if only for the sake of ceremony in the Monarchy. The BRF attends church. If they only pay lip service then they are simply attending out of duty/events imo. So, they must understand the importance of that institution in the eyes of the public.
To put out a public message of condolence to Camilla and Charles the religious aspect should have been included imo. Privately they can do and say as they like.
I’m not faulting William or Kate for this announcement. I only thought because it was a public announcement there would be the standard “thoughts and prayers are with you” included.
Snark,
Charles isn’t non-religious — he’s simply opposed to the idea of one religion for all. He’s pan-religious in my opinion. It’s rather nice and refreshing.
**ETA**
I hate super generic statements like the one the Cambridge’s put out. Change it up a bit. Please. Show some personalisation and humanity in your condolence statement.
I love the green coat dress, I love most everything Kate wears, she is the epitome of class/style, in my opinion. However, the lady next to her in the red/orange dress looks simply lovely as well. Her hair cut is beautiful, the color of the dress compliments her skin tone (her shoes are unfortunate), the fit of the dress looks amazing on her. It would be hard to compete knowing a princess is coming to town…I think she nailed it!
The green coat would have looked gorgeous with navy heels! And the white dress would have been good with either the sleeves or the peplum. But both is too much. Thank god someone convinced her to put her hair up in that white dress… You know that wasn’t her idea! I am proud of her for wearing black heels with that white dress. You know her first instinct with white is those nude heels!
“Kate, meanwhile, rued her missed opportunities for shopping.
“She’s so beautiful. I asked her about Australian fashion and she said she was really interested in the designers here,” said Network 10 anchor Angela Bishop. “Kate said she really wanted to go out shopping and had been driving through cities looking out the window peering into show windows. I think she was a little disappointed that she couldn’t shop here.””
http://www.people.com/people/package/article/0,,20395222_20809918,00.html
Saw that too. But she’d be doing her part to help the Australian economy, right?
I can’t believe that wasn’t a comedy sketch!
I, for one, applaud both of them for wearing anything other than pajamas at this point. I know this is what she signed up for when she married him, but she’s only human. I would be exhausted at the end of such a long trip, with endless appearances and hand-shaking and smile holding…
I agree. I know this tour has been said to be light and easy by RF tour standards (which I know little of), but I’ve found it hard to fault them for a the few days off they’ve taken. The travel, the inane smalltalk with strangers at event after event, being “on” all the time…to me, that’s work, and it would be tiring.
So where’s the $80,000 Ralph & Russo gown? This is the end of the tour, right?
Damn, I forgot about that! Kate always has beautiful gowns, I would have loved to see that one…then again, she didn’t wear any gowns, did she?
Not a one. We wuz had.
Many here seem to dislike the green color or the coat itself, but I think it looks amazing! I like the bright, bold green and the shape, it’s beautiful.
I also like the white dress, it’s not something I would have expected her to wear but it is nice.
I have a theory about why her clothes aren’t tailored better. I think maybe she did not intend to lose as much weight as she has or that she didn’t think she’d lose it all in her midsection (waist and thighs), her arms and legs do still look athletic, in my opinion, but her waist and thighs are smaller. I’m thinking maybe she’s trying to gain some weight back and doesn’t want to tailor clothes too small, because once it’s cut smaller you can’t make it bigger again.
I also think that maybe the stress of her position might have a bigger factor in her losing the weight she’s lost rather than her having eating issues, as some people think.
Don’t keel over with shock, but I don’t disagree with you about your theory.
It’s so easy to gain weight…geez!
Lol I don’t know if you’re serious, but it’s not always easy to gain weight. I think I’ve gained 6 pounds over 10 years, I don’t have an eating disorder, I just have a very small frame; I’m only 5’0.
Bwarf
Kate has lost a lot of weight recently. I’m wondering who’s asleep at what I imagine to be a large group of expert tailors that tend to the outfits being worn on high profile events by royals. For a dress or suit to look ill-fitted reflects poorly on them.
I’m fairly average, but get my clothes tailored for events I want to look my best for. My tailor recommends I go in 2 weeks before for a fitting. Then at my discretion 48 hours if I feel i’ve lost or gained. The last 24 is no looking back final product.
I’m speculating here, but i’d imagine Kate has far better tailors than I do.
What seems to be the issues I see in many of her dresses is she’s so thin. There doesn’t even seem to be bloat. Her clothes look very baggy. Maybe she’s going for comfort? The Jolie sack style? Maybe if her clothes were any tighter on her she would look sickly thin to us? And such a big deal is made of her work out routine and diet it seems like preemptive action to combat any ed stories.
I don’t dispute she’s feeling nervous or stress about these events though.
I know how fittings work I work in the industry, but not all her stuff looks baggy, maybe the roksanda? Though she has it in a different color that fits very well so I can see why she didn’t bring it more.
No doubt she’s lost weight, I personally don’t think she’s “too” skinny, her athletic build and broad shoulders emphasize the weight loss with some of her outfits, such as the roksanda dress. I actually think that one and the Lela rose were the 2 that I can think of that could have been tailored a bit more, But only in the waist. In reality though, if she does want to gain weight and possibly re-wear those, then I understand why she didn’t take them in.
I don’t blame her expert tailors or her for being asleep on her wardrobe, it’s just clothes and no matter what, she always represents well and looks good.
The McQueen itself fits her very well, the peplum just hits lower on her torso, but it’s not the worst thing in the world. Even with bespoke items in her wardrobe a majority of what she wears fits very well.
UPDATE:
It’s 9:40am here in Sydney on a cool Saturday.
The royal couple made a surprise attendance at an ANZAC Day Dawn Service. It was reported that later today, they will lay a wreath at the a Shrine of Remembrance at the War a Memorial in Canberra before flying out.
I saw vision of the formal event from last night. Kate looked absolutely beautiful in the white dress, in my opinion. Her hair was perfect for the dress and the occasion.
The first link on google search is to the Daily Mail and I have to say, I never knew about Anzac day, it does seem very sombre.
I’m amused by the pic where it looks like Kate and the Governor General have that ‘wtf, are you really taking our picture right now’ face lol!
I haven’t seen that, Bwarf. I just caught the tail-end – the Laying of the Wreaths. It was beautiful, even though I don’t go all-out for ANZAC Day. Yes, it’s a very somber occasion, celebrated throughout Australia and New Zealand. I think Kate looked really nice.
Clearly I am in the minority here but she is a young woman, why is she wearing all these long skirts with no skin showing anywhere? I think Princess Michael wears younger clothes than this woman does-Kate dresses like the Queen herself-a major No NO. As far as her hair I do think a ponytail would look darling and more age appropriate. Kate has plenty of time to become fuddy duddy-just not yet!
Yes, Leni, she is a young woman, but is also one of the front-line royals. As has been said earlier, she is not a pop or film star, so showing skin is not appropriate. Despite our modern times, the British Royal Family is still a conservative body. I think, at times, Kate does look older than her years, but believe she’ll “grow into her age”, just as the Australian, Princess Mary of Denmark, did. Mary used to look the same: a bit daggy and matronly at times, but she’s found her form and now looks fantastic.
Princess Michael has always been a bit of a glamour puss, and because she’s not one of the top-shelf royals, has had the freedom to dress to her personality and own taste. Kate is the wife and mother of future kings – if the Monarchy survives – and is expected to dress more modestly, particularly on official occasions. Even though I’m not a fan of royalty, I think she’s mostly done very well at all her Down Under engagements.
I like modesty. I’m so tired of seeing people nearly naked! Seriously. I would enjoy a more lady-like trend. It’s so much more dignified, and to me shows a woman who thinks highly of herself.
I’ve heard the longer length is at the Queen’s request, but who knows.
I do think the Duchess loves, loves, looooves her royal position, and has and will continue to obey. To take it all very seriously, and to heart. It’s what she was brought up to do, according to many. She obviously works very hard at playing her “part”, and I think the ultra thinness going on now has actually been ongoing since even prior to her pregnancy. She dresses well to hide it. I think her face seems bloated comparatively, I mean compared to her overtly thin body. Which makes me think of bad things like bulimia, or anorexia, but her legs look strong enough. I guess. Hard to tell with the lowered hemlines!
She just seems, imo, to be stressed out. A lot. That bitchface spoken of, seems much more frequent of late. When she holds George, it seems she must hand him off sooner rather than later. You know, if you’ve had a baby, they tend to ride around on your hip (yes, I realize that’s a no-no at these types of events), but she just seems extremely thin, tired, and more and more begins to remind me of the looks her famous MIL would be seen wearing toward the beginning of the Troubles … But again, who knows.
She sure seems to try very hard to please the royals. And that’s a lot of work.
I love the chignon, too. Gorgeous. Tired of her playing with her hair so frequently.
I start to feel sorry for her, and then I remember neither of them has a job. LOL I mean seriously; they are unemployed, for the most part, have housekeepers and nannies and assistants and groomers and chefs and gardener and oh yes, Grammy is the Queen. Then I don’t feel nearly as pitiful toward them. 😉
The color here is a good fit for her, even if the coat itself may not be. It does hide the skinny, though. I doubt we’ll see her in anything but this kind of fashions. She is much too serious about her “place”; her role, to get edgy. I think she feels she is proving herself to those around her who may look at her differently than they do one another.
I pull for her one day, then the next I’m over the ridiculous need to live her parents’ dreams of “becoming royalty”.
But regarding this trip, I def. think she made mostly the right moves, fashionably, toward what was/is expected of her. Doubt there will be much, if any, surprises from this one. Which isn’t a bad thing, in her position.
You obviously didn’t see the shots of George and Kate on their day off during the tour if all you feel is that she’s always looking for an opportunity to hand him off.
I like your breakdown.
I’m hit and miss on this breakdown. Some is on point, but most seems more opinion/critical than factual.
And that “Day off” is being largely called out as staged by other photographers.
Well said!
Pros: Love the chignon!
Cons: The chignon looks like she did her own hair on top.
And what’s with the f***in’ platforms? Who’s wearing those anymore? She pretty much always misses the boat in fashion. She always looks like she borrows clothes from the Queen.
She’s in her 30’s; she should dress like it!
What a waste …