Royal Fashion

A New York Guide To Kate Middleton’s Style

By Julie Parise, CBSNewYork.com

We’re just a week away from the marriage of Prince William to longtime on-again, off-again girlfriend Kate Middleton – and our royal envy here in the States is in full force.

Something else we’re envious of? The future princess’ wardrobe. Middleton gained her position as an international fashion icon long before she claimed the title of fiancée to Prince William – she’s appeared on various “best dressed” lists since 2006. Here in New York City, becoming a princess is a fairy tale most of us can only dream of – but a royal wardrobe can easily become a reality. CBSNewYork staked out NYC to find you the pieces you’ll need to dress like Kate Middleton.

The Engagement Dress

Hours after Prince William and bride-to-be Kate Middleton announced their royal engagement on Nov. 16, the shimmery, navy blue Issa dress Kate wore to the occasion had sold out both online and in stores – and the Internet has been buzzing about the frock ever since.

“Since the announcement of the royal engagement we have been inundated with requests regarding Issa,” British retailer Harvey Nichols’ buying director Averyl Oates told Vogue UK.

Retailers can’t seem to make enough knock-offs of the number, which matched Middleton’s sapphire engagement ring. For a short time, Target even offered a $26 version of the dress, but they sold out quickly and are no longer available.

So what are the princesses of New York City to do? Saks Fifth Avenue carries the Issa line, but not this particular piece (yet). It is reported that online retailer Net-A-Porter.com will receive more stock of the dress later this month – check it out here. To grab a look-a-like dress for less, try Macy’s. They carry a strikingly similar piece by Evan Picone – for $89!

www.net-a-porter.com/product/109781
www.macys.com

Simplicity In Alice Temperley

When dressing for a Christmas gala to support the Teenage Cancer Trust in Fakenham, England, Kate donned a dress from British designer Alice Temperley’s 2009 collection (yes — the future princess wore something from last season – and she looked stunning). The current Temperley line features looks similar to Kate’s black and white silk chiffon Titan dress, though Kate’s nearly $1400 frock is no longer available. A clerk at the now-closed Temperley SoHo storefront wouldn’t dish on whether Kate’s ensemble had any impact on their sales. While the Broome Street Temperley London boutique is no longer open, the British designer will be setting up shop in a new NYC location later this year. In the meantime, shop online to steal the look.

www.temperleylondon.com

The Official Engagement Photos

For her official engagement photo, Kate once again reached into her own wardrobe, donning a Riess dress from the England-based designer’s 2009 line. Due to high demand, Reiss re-released the previously discontinued Nanette dress as a part of their Spring 2011 collection. Check out the SoHo storefront, where you can snag the frock for just under $400, or try on the Kara dress, a slightly simpler version, for $107 — also available online.

www.riessonline.com

Two Wardrobe Staples

Kate has made the suede black high-heeled boots she’s wearing here, at England’s Royal Military Academy, a staple of her wardrobe – and if we only take one piece of fashion advice from this future princess, it would be to do the same. Knee-high boots can make even the simplest jeans-and-t-shirt combination look sophisticated. Better yet, the look won’t ever go out of style, making boots a smart investment for the Big Apple fashonista. Luckily for us New York City girls, it won’t be too difficult to snag a boot that fits your princess-inspired style perfectly. Check out the Jess boot from Bandolino (For New York locations, click here) or the Steve Madden ‘Fabulus’ Over The Knee Boot available at Steve Madden (multiple NYC locations) or Nordstrom.

Kate’s outerwear is another example of a piece worth investing in – you can’t go wrong when you have a long, tailored coat in your closet. For one similar to Kate’s, check out New York & Company’s Red Label Wool Coat in red or Michael Kor’s double-breasted peacoat in the same color, currently in stock at the line’s NYC storefront. You can also check out this Michael Kors double-breasted collared coat from Macy’s for a version of the coat that’s a tad bit longer.

The Jewelry

Looking for the earrings Kate wore in her official engagement photos? You better act fast. The Hope Egg Earrings are made by Links of London, and between the two locations here in NYC, there’s only one pair left. The Park Avenue location has been sold out of the baubles, which will set you back close to $500, since the engagement photos were made public. And while a representative from the store told CBSNewYork that they’re expecting more of the dangly diamond duds, they’re not sure when they’ll be coming in.

A representative at the Madison Avenue storefront said Kate’s jewelry choice has had a significant effect on sales. “[The earrings] weren’t flying off the shelves before,” the clerk told us. The closest store to have them in stock is actually in Massachusetts, but you can have them shipped to the Big Apple directly.

www.linksoflondon.com

Oh, was it the engagement ring she’s rocking that you were looking to replicate? Well, if you don’t have a prince in your life to offer you an oversized sapphire, you can buy the CZ version here for about $50...

www.jewelrypayless.com/Kate-Middleton-Princess-Diana-CZ-Diamond-Sapphire-Engagement-Ring-P106899.html

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