NatB - "My focus will be the Royal Premiere, but with an Australian flavour. One of my favourite designers is Zimmermann. And - one of my favourite looks for Kate was the white sundress by Zimmermann that she wore on Manley beach (Sydney), then later to Wimbledon." NatB chose the Zimmermann Maples Temperance Dress in cream floral. To continue the Australian theme, it's the Oroton Estate Box Clutch. The look is completed with Kate's Prada scalloped sandals and vintage-themed earrings.
Katelyn from the South - Katelyn chose the black Alexander McQueen Draped Silk-Cady Halterneck Gown styled with Christian Louboutin Uptown pumps and the L.K. Bennett Nina Clutch. To complete the look, it's the Queen's Ruby Earrings and Diamond and Ruby bracelet.
Erika and Catherine - Erika and Catherine teamed up again for the premiere look. They both loved Kate's Alexander McQueen lavender Grecian gown from 2011, and they decided it needs to be seen again. For its second outing, the gown would be styled with Christian Louboutin disco glitter shoes, the silver 'So Kate' clutch, Diana's Amethyst Cluster Drop earrings and her double row amethyst bracelet.
K. Sophia - K. Sophia chose the Roland Mouret Addover Gown. Made from glossy claret satin, this strapless piece has an artfully draped peplum that flatters your waist and trails to the floor. The gown is teamed with Stuart Weitzman Nudist Sandals, the Petite Clutch, Queen Victoria's Ruby Earrings (so much love for these in a number of submissions) and the Queen's Diamond and Ruby bracelet.
Laura Claire - "For the film premiere, I want a full Princess moment." Laura selected a blue gown with a plunging necklace from the Ralph & Russo Spring 2017 Couture Collection styled with the Sophia Webster Coco Crystal Embellished pumps, Kate's Jenny Packham Casa clutch and the Queen's chandelier diamond earrings.
MAM in US - It's the Meadow Cropped Embroidered Tulle Top and Tule Maxi Skirt in dusty lavender by Needle and Thread. As seen on the model, it's styled with Stuart Weitzman sandals and a Jimmy Choo clutch. Kiki McDonough topaz and diamond earrings add a touch of sparkle to the ensemble.
German Girl - German Girl chose a halterneck gown from Marchesa's Spring 2018 Collection with green, pink and lavender floral overlay. The gown is teamed with Kate's Jimmy Choo Vamp Sandals and the dazzling emerald and diamond jewellery Kate wore in New York in 2014.
Shantel - "It has been a while since I've commented but I had to participate in this! I can't wait to see what everyone else comes up with. Your readers have STYLE, so this is going to be great!" For the Bond premiere, Shantel turned to Elizabeth Kennedy, choosing the Gold Embroidered Underskirt With Bi-Colored Over Dress (the front of the dress would be modified slightly for modesty). It's styled with Giuseppe Zanotti Harmony Metallic Leather Sandals, the Jimmy Choo Celeste Clutch, Sophie Bille Brahe Petite Elipse Nouveau 14-karat gold pearl earring and a Mizuki pearl gold cuff.
mandrew27 - It's the Black and Gold Beaded Short Sleeve-Tulle Gown by the one and only Jenny Packham styled with the Judith Leiber Couture Coffered Box Clutch, Kate's Prada wavy strap shoes, the Queen's Wedding Gift Bracelet and Her Majesty's Pear Drop earrings.
Meredith, Boston - "In jewel-like shades of green and blue, this shimmering Prada gown is cut from floral plissé-jacquard. It has a structured V-neck bodice framed by pleats at the shoulders and waist, and a floor-sweeping skirt that fans out beautifully as you walk." It's accessorised with Kate's Gianvito Rossi Crisscross Ankle-Wrap Sandals, the Jimmy Choo Vivien Clutch and Her Majesty's Brazilian Aquamarine earrings and bracelet.
Kerrie from Indiana - Kerrie chose the vibrant bright plum Jenny Packham Beaded Cutout Gown (the cutouts would be lined with a nude fabric). The Queen's Chandelier earrings and the Baguette and Brilliant bracelet add a sparkling finish to the look.
Rebecca From Across The Pond - It's the Temperley London Long Toledo Dress styled with Kate's Prada cut out pumps, black beaded Magid clutch, the Queen's Diamond Drop earrings and the statement Andamooka Opal Necklace. Kate's hair would be worn partially up with the Queen's wheat brooches holding it in place.
Patricia I - Patricia opted for the Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Every Long Loop-Neck Column Gown featuring a loop sculpted neckline and back. It would be worn with Kate's Oscar de la Renta Cabrina pumps, Kate's Jimmy Choo Vivien Clutch and Diana's Saudi Sapphire bracelet and earrings.
Mr D, United Kingdom - Mr D opted for a Peter Langner A-line gown with a motif on the front in mikado from the designer's Spring/Summer 2017 collection. The soft pink gown is styled with Jimmy Choo Platinum Ice Dusty Glitter Emily Sandals and the L.K. Bennett Natalie Raffia Clutch. The look is completed with jewels in the form of the Queen's South African Necklace and Bracelet and the Queen Mother's Diamond Flower Earrings.
Sonne - It's the Xscape Embroidered Mermaid Gown in wine and gold teamed with the bordeaux Oscar de la Renta Karlina pumps, the L.K. Bennett Champagne Cecilia clutch and the Queen's diamond chandelier earrings.
Julie from STL - Julie would love to see Kate wearing the Sachin & Babi Dharma evening gown in satin taffeta with floral-print. The gown features a plunging neckline and a full A line skirt.
Anne from Texas - "For the movie premiere, I'd like to see Kate repeat one of my favorite gowns - the black velvet strapless Alexander McQueen from the Sun Military Awards in December of 2011. I'd love to see her repeat her black Jimmy Choo cosmic shoes. I'd add a new clutch (the same I suggested for Ascot) - the Kate Spade Evening Belles Zurie with Flower Gem Clutch. Most importantly, I think it is time for Kate to let us all see Princess Diana's famous seven strand diamond and sapphire pearl choker - I'd love to see Kate wear this piece that has something of Princess Diana and the Queen Mother (though maybe it is being saved for Harry's future wife). I'd add some new jewelry as well - the Kiki McDonough Pearl and Diamond Drop Earrings."
Francis - Like Anne, Francis would love to see Kate's black velvet McQueen gown again (modified to remove the frill overlay). It's accessorised with the Queen's Pear Drop Diamond Earrings, Queen Mary's Diamond Bar Choker Bracelet and the Nizam of Hyderabad Necklace. Francis added she would complete the look with "the simplest of black bags she owns, the simplest of black shoes in her closet."
Hope from US - It's the fuchsia rose Halston Heritage Sleeveless Round Neck Flowy Gown with Sash with the royally stylish Sophia Webster Royalty Velvet Crown Embellished Sandals.
Rachel - Rachel chose the ornate Marchesa Embellished tulle-trimmed silk-satin gown from the Pre-Fall 2017 Collection inspired by Fabergé eggs. Intricately embellished with scores of tonal-pink crystals and beads, this silk-satin gown is trimmed with tulle to create the illusion of an off-the-shoulder neckline. It's teamed with the Stuart Weitzman Nudistsong Sandals and pink diamond earrings and bracelet.
Christine from NJ - Christine chose the same storm blue satin Marchesa gown as Rachel, teamed with Kate's much-loved Jimmy Choo Vamp Sandals, Kiki McDonough Lola Green Amethyst Hoops set in 18ct yellow gold and Kate's Wilbur and Gussie Gold Glitter Clutch.
Julia B - "Elegantly showcasing Jenny Packham's love affair with embellishment, this exquisite evening gown sees dusty blue lace adorned with shimmering sequins." The gown is accessorised with Jimmy Choo Emily pumps, the Queen's Diamond Chandelier Earrings and Queen Mary's Diamond Bar Choker Bracelet.
Elle - It's the popular Roland Mouret Addover Gown in claret satin. Elle added: "Of couse, I'm assuming this is a winter premiere – November perhaps? – and that Kate has been given Diana’s Ribbed Collar Necklace and Earrings – they are modern and would suit the dress well. Kate wears her Jimmy Choo Silver Vamp Sandals and carries a black clutch. I picked the un-ID’d one she carried at the Private Mayfair Club event (10/11/12). I wanted to add another texture – velvet – versus the Anya Hindmarch satin. Let’s face it – she needs another strapless gown and a premiere is a perfect event for her to look uber fabulous in many ways."
Emily from Illinois - "Antonio Berardi's forest-green gown is blended with stretch to beautifully hug and accentuate your curves. Lined in silk-blend, it's impeccably cut to fit close through the bodice before flaring out to a fluted skirt." It's accessorised with the Jimmy Choo Vamp Sandals, Kate's Jenny Packham Casa clutch and art deco jewellery.
Florida Girl - It's the very regal Slate blue silk flower embellished flared gown from Marchesa with Gianvito Rossi Lurex Portofino Sandals, a No 1 Jenny Packham clutch, Kate's art deco bracelet and Kate's dazzling pink diamond earrings.
Rhonda - Rhonda submitted her choices via email choosing the navy Armani Collezioni Low Back Tank Gown with Kate's Jimmy Choo Vamp Sandals, the Queen Mother's Sapphire Drop Earrings and Diana's Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Link Bracelet.
Franziska - Franziska chose the Prada Embellished Wool and Silk-Blend Gown in antique rose with an array of light-catching red beads that frame the neckline. It's styled with Kate's L.K. Bennett Agata Sandals, red Miu Miu clutch and Simone Rocha beaded earrings.
Paola Magi - Paola selected a sweeping strapless red Valentino gown, to be worn with red Gianvito Rossi shoes and a statement necklace with quite the history; it once belonged to Marie Antoinette. "An historically important natural pearl, diamond and ruby necklace, pearls circa 1780, necklace made in 1849. Provenance : Archduchess Maria Antonia of Austria, later Marie Antoinette, Queen of France and Navarre (1755-1793), Queen consort of King Louis XVI (1754-1793), daughter of Emperor Francis I and Empress Maria Theresa of Austria."
If you submitted a look and it isn't presented here, don't hesitate to let me know and I'll add it as soon as possible! Until next year, this 'Styling Kate' series has been enormous fun :)
************
In other news, the Duchess sent a message of support marking her patronage SportsAid's Week. In the message, the Duchess praised the ‘commitment and dedication’ shown by the country’s brightest sporting prospects.
“The most talented young athletes throughout the United Kingdom show great levels of commitment and dedication as they aim to bring sporting success to our country in future years. The early part of this journey is a challenging one. Many of the athletes are still in education and reliant on their family for all the support a young sportsperson needs to allow them to train and compete.
“SportsAid supports over 1,000 athletes every year from more than 60 different sports, and as Patron, I am very proud of the impact SportsAid has on these young people, helping to relieve the different pressures they each may face, while also giving them the self-belief and motivation to continue to pursue their ambitions.
“This year’s SportsAid Week will be an exciting few days and a great opportunity for everyone to show their support for our next generation of athletes.”
How is the Duchess at present? During a presentation ceremony and reception celebrating the Metropolitan and City Police Orphans Fund, which he supports as patron, Prince William met 98-year-old Doris Orrell who suffered with the same illness when she was expecting. William asked Mrs Orrell, "Did it get worse with each pregnancy?" and was told it did. The 98-year-old said her doctor advised her to try "dry biscuits" and the Duke replied that ginger was supposed to help with the condition. Prince William said: "Ginger biscuits - but there's not much ginger can do to stop that - we've done all that." Doris wished Kate well and William told her: "She is feeling better, thank you." We'll keep you updated on any news or updates regarding the Duchess and hope she is improving and hopefully over the worst of it.
I adore that black and floral Temperley dress. I could actually see Kate wearing that.
ReplyDeleteI've been so busy or the past month and a half I sadly didn't have time to participate. However, I had briefly browsed the Jenny Packham website and came close to choosing Kerrie from Indiana's pick, so I do like that very much.
ReplyDeleteAlso love Rebecca from Across the Pond's choice - the Temperley (on what side of the pond are you?)....I can easily Kate wearing that.
Hi Pam, thanks! I am on the US side of "the Pond"
DeleteRebecca
I should have realized that since you're posting on a UK based blog! But I wonder, do the Brits say "across the pond" to refer to the US, as we do to refer to the UK?
DeleteI actually gasped out loud when I clicked on this site and saw there was something new! Made my afternoon.
ReplyDeleteAs pretty as all the new dresses are I really think wearing something she already has would be ideal for this sort of event and I know she has many, many dresses that are too pretty to be worn only once.
I do love that Toledo dress though - as well as a few others, but even the wife of a prince can be mindful of costs.
with no hurricane. cute.
DeleteI completely agree. So many beautiful, amazing dresses , with exquisite details and workmanship, it really is a huge pity to wear them only once. I truly hope Kate can become a role model for the world in terms of less waist. We undoubtedly will eventually all pay the price for the consumerism and she would be the perfect fit for leading such a cause.
DeleteSo many beautiful looks! Rebecca-from-across-the-pond, I like your Temperley dress choice the best of this group. I love opals, so I would love to see that necklace sometime. It would go very well with German Girl's Marchesa gown too, and actually with several others. Hm. I might have to just make a list of gowns for that particular necklace, I like it so much.
ReplyDeleteI like seeing how busy William is, that he has embraced his full time role seriously. But poor Kate. Hope she is truly feeling better. I imagine William can't really say frankly how she actually is doing.
Marci in Utah, you are right! I didn't have that much time to choose accessoires and jewellery after the long search for my gown so I just picked items Kate already owns that would match; but as you said, this Opal necklace would go well with my Marchesa dress! I have to admit though that this here on the blog is the first time I've seen this Opal necklace. It is a real beauty!
DeleteGerman Girl
Also on First Dibs - German Girl - there is a pink diamond and white diamond earring/necklace set that would splendid with your dress in my eyes. Here's a link for the fun of looking. The opals would be wonderful too.
Deletehttps://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/earrings/lever-back-earrings/charles-krypell-diamond-pink-diamond-platinum-drop-earrings/id-j_3255843/#0
You can tell what I've been doing when I should be working on my project! But I am a little virtuous - just have the tiresome proofing today.
Wow, the earrings would indeed be perfect for the Marchesa dress!
DeleteAnd I think you are to excuse from neglecting your project a little bit - fashion is so much fun!
German Girl
Omg I love the black and gold Jenny Peckham dress mandrew27 picked. What a stunning dressing. I want any celebrity to wear that😊-although with altered sleeves.
ReplyDeleteAw thank you! It just screamed “James Bond” to me with the black and gold! What a fun activity. Thanks so much, Charlotte, for all of your hard work! I loved looking through all of the selections. There are so many fantastic options for new gowns, and it reminded me how many gowns I’d love to see Kate wear again!
DeleteAnother stunning group ladies. What simply marvelous ideas for Kate to mull over. I'll take one of each!
ReplyDeleteALL of the gowns are beautiful and would do Kate proud, the black and gold drama, and Mr. D's va va voom, all of the gowns are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBut it was love ❤️ at first sight for me with the Alexander McQueen Draped Silk-Cady Halterneck gown. I am really trying to talk myself out of it but not much hope of that? A considered investment for sure, but a classic. In the video it moves like a dream. Shall I, shall I not? lol And, the Meadow Cropped Embroidered Tulle Top and Tulle Skirt are calling my name also. I want those dresses, lol. Stay strong surfer girl, stay strong. Surfer girl to self, "You have dresses and such you haven't even worn yet. Where would you wear these? I don't know, something will come up I just know it. You have already been wanting more closet space. Yes, I know but.... I reeeally want those dresses", lol. (sooo mature). :)
Paola, that necklace is the perfect foil for that very exquisite red Valentino. And dont you just love these design pages? Talk about art. So much talent and Kate would have to feel the love. It's there. All of the contributions Kate would look gorgeous in.
"DKB Couture 💋", Thank you all SO much. It was SO much fun.
P.S. Oh, and the repeats of the black velvet McQueen and the LA lavender/lilac gown are great ideas. Another appearance of that blue Roland Mouret artfully blinged out would be fun also.
ReplyDeleteWhat she said!
DeleteI wish I had time to comment on each and every dress as some of you have done, but I am a teacher and I have papers to correct. Suffice it to say I think you are all amazing stylists and I would love to see Kate in any of your ensembles with a few modesty modifications! For any who made sweet comments about my picks, thank you very much. I think one of the things that has surprised me about Kate's fashion choices is that she has not chosen figure hugging ensembles very often. Since she has such a fabulous figure it I took it for granted she would show off all of her lovely assets often. I would say she thinks that those choices are not appropriate, but she does choose some figure hugging outfits, so I guess she just likes variety. I wish she would choose some of these streamlined outfits you readers have put together. I love a twirly skirt, but I would also love to see the velvet McQueen again and others like it. Another of my favorites is the blue cold shoulder gown. This has been great fun and I would love to see Kate choose one of our choices. That would be so much fun!
DeleteDarla. I also would be uber happy to see Kate in any of these outfits. I even tried to send an e-Mail with this link and a nice invitation to view the outfits to Party Pieces in hopes that the women in the office would enjoy them very much (of course) and per chance share that excitement with Carole who would, in turn, quickly share that excitement with Kate. lol
DeleteYears ago, I did successfully send them e-mails and they easily got through. These days though they have their website, including e-Mail for Party Pieces re-designed so people can't just arbitrarily send them e-mails. I was disappointed that I couldn't share DKB and your all's designs with them but I totally understand their re-vamping that. I would have done the same thing.
That does not mean that I am giving up on getting this blog and you all's designs into that office, if DKB isn't already there. They most likely already read it everyday. For real. But I am still pursuing my goal just to be sure. 👒
I really hope KP reads this blog, too. It would be good research for them to know what people that like the royals are thinking besides getting some awesome research on outfits for free!!!
Delete(for clarity, the e-mails I sent before, years ago, were not pertaining to DKB or DKB outfits, btw)
DeleteDarla. That's the goal. :)
DeleteThe black McQueen drape-style halter neck gown that Katelyn chose would look so gorgeous on Kate! I love the red accessories too 😍
ReplyDeleteI am stunned by Paola's outfit.. The red dress and the necklace are to die for.
ReplyDeleteWell done everyone! All so gorgeous! Here are the things that caught my eye:
ReplyDeleteNatB-this is beautiful, different, romantic, and very eye catching. Love the earrings, clutch, and shoes.
Katelyn from the South-this dress is gorgeous. I love how it drapes on one arm. Different and beautiful. Love the red pop of color with earrings and shoe. Love it!! I think this would be really pretty on Kate.
K Sophia-another gorgeous gown. Love those shoes! I could really see Kate in this.
Laura Claire-wow! Pretty gown, love the accessories.
MAM in US-this is pretty and I would think flows nicely when you walk. Love the accessories. Different and unique, I could see Kate in this too.
German Girl-this is really pretty as well! Gosh so many different looks that are gorgeous! Love the accessories and the simple waist bow. Pretty and fun.
Shantel-WOW! I love this gown! I love the accessories and I like how you modified the dress. Classy. This is beautiful.
mandrew27-another stunning gown! So pretty with all the sparkle!
Kerrie from Indiana-this gown has lots of color, and I like that it also is different. Very pretty and unique.
Patricia I-beautiful! Classy and sexy…nicely accessorized.
Mr D, United Kingdom-WOW! I LOVE this gown. It is a red carpet dress for sure! Love the accessories too. Nicely done. It would be fun to see Kate in this gown.
Sonne-Beautiful gown! I think this color would look great on Kate. LOVE the shoes! Very nicely matched. So pretty…you’ve pulled all the colors together nicely with shoes/purse. Beautiful earrings too.
Julia B-WOW! Elegant is the perfect word for this gown. I love it!! Love the shoes too.
Rhonda-very pretty gown. Love the back of the dress. Nice accessories. Kate always looks great in navy.
Paola Magi-WOW! Stunning gown! I love this gown, and I love the necklace.
Nice job everyone!! So many different and beautiful gowns! We have some true fashion stylists here!!!
Thanks for your nice words Joanne, it makes me happy you like my outfit! And the shoes are so cute, I agree (Unfortunately, Kate likes to keep her shoe game plain, but these would not be too adventurous so maybe worth a try? Hopefully)
DeleteAnd thank you, making everything match style- and colour-wise was my intention :)
Sonne
With every batch of gowns, I'm amazed at the creativity. There are truly beautiful ones here - including one of my absolute favourites and several beauties new to me.
ReplyDeleteNatB - I too love Zimmerman and think Kate does brilliantly with that length and could wear a handkerchief hem. This would be a great gown for a tour of Australia and the earrings are stunning.
Katelyn from the South - I always thing one of the most elegant gowns is a basic black one that relies on cut. The flash of red is a perfect highlight and a premiere or performance is the one place a black gown can be worn by a royal.
Erika and Catherine. This gown is my favourite of all the evening gowns Kate has worn and I would love to see it return. The shoes would add a fresh look and it looks wonderful with amethysts - it would be lovely to see Diana's put in use.
K. Sophia - This claret gown is popular for a reason - it is at once glamourous, in a colour that would be excellent on Kate yet looks very much in her comfort area. A great choice and after seeing all the submissions, I think the queen should loan those ruby earrings to Kate.
Laura Clarie - this gown is simply so beautiful - I love it and have to admit it's a favourite. The style is simple, the colour a favourite of Kate's and it's a touch daring yet so princess-like. Just diamond earrings would be perfect and I would love her to discover Ralph and Russo.
Mam in US- I've hoped Kate would wear Needle and Thread. This colour would be lovely on her - I really like the delicate lavender-blue and the shape reminds me of her tea gown in India that worked so well.
Shantel - Nice to see you back. I don't know Elizabeth Kennedy but this is the most striking gown with the blue, white and gold - it would be great on Kate.
Mandrew 27 - I also love Packham gowns and this black one would be lovely for a premiere and sparkle in the night - especially with the queen's diamonds to accent it.
Meredith Boston - this is another gown I've fallen in love with - the shade of blue is so lovely and the pleating makes it shimmer beautifully. I would love to see the queen's aquamarines worn by Kate. This dress seems made for them.
Will look forward to commenting more as the day goes on.
German Girl, somehow I missed your selection in my first group which is odd because I absolutely love it - it is the most glorious colour and the style is more sophisticated than some of Marchesa's gowns - it would be a fantastic choice for Kate.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Julia, I feel honoured that you like my pick!
DeleteI agree, the colour and cut would look great on Kate as she is so tall and thin (in a good way). I picked it because of the pretty embroidery and the cute bow belt on the waist.
And also, the top reminded me of the halter neck tops of mermaid costumes (does anyone know the show H20 just add water? It was my favourite as a little girl)!
German Girl
I love that gown - it is so beautiful. The colours are amazing.
DeleteFor the second group of these wonderful selections:
ReplyDeleteKerrie from Indiana - this is a very sophisticated Packham in a beautiful colour that would look fabulous on Kate - the raised waistline would suit her.
Rebecca from across the Pond - I'm always glad to see Temperley and this is a gorgeous gown - I love it with the flower trim - it would be a wonderful gown for the queen's never used opals - because the embroidery picks those colours up - and I always like the idea of brooches in Kate's hair - the wheat ones would be ideal.
Patricia L. - This would be a new designer for Kate I believe (and good for an Italian tour) but the style is pure Kate - relying on the drama of the neckline - a striking choice paired with Diana's sapphires.
Mr D. United Kingdom - This gown has a wonderful striking sweep and I love the subtle colour - I've always thought the queen's South African demi-parure would be a great loan for Kate (suitably lengthened) - the simplicity of style is both youthful and easy to wear and is no longer much used by the queen - love seeing something of the Queen Mum's too.
Somme - Wine colour is a popular choice for Kate - I don't know this designer but it's an elegant gown - and I love the shoes with it - the gown would show off Kate's shoulders.
Julie from STL - Although it's not - this gown reminds me of Erdam but without the excessive material. The print's colour would pick up Kate's eye and she's shown how well the plunging neckline works on her. This print would be a great choice for her.
Anne from Texas - I'm always interested to see what jewellery people pair with Kate's existing gowns and I do think this favourite gown with be an excellent platform for Diana's choker - which almost certainly will go to her - not Harry's wife unless a loan. I love the handbag too.
Francis - There are so few gowns that would suit the Nizam (hopefully lengthened) and this is the only one of Kate's I think would work - the ruffled sweetheart neckline would suit the shape of the necklace in a way the Packham didn't and set off the fiddly quality - I'm a bit surprised Kate didn't choose this gown for it since she wore a repeat. I'd love to see the pairing.
Hope from US - Surprisingly, there haven't been a lot of bright pink choices. I think the bold colour would work well on Kate and this gown with the dramatic back would be a good update for the Issa pink gown Kate wore to the charity boxing match - in fact Halston would be a good substitute for Issa.
Rachel - this Marchesa gown seems to be a winner - with good reason - the colour would be lovely on Kate - the pink diamond jewellery is stunning - I think the gown's nude lace would also suit those earrings Kate wore to Bafta brilliantly.
Will finish up in a few hours.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI think Charlotte said she doesn't want to vote on outfits because we did it once on the blog and some people who did not get many votes felt bad after it :(
DeleteAlso, and that is just my opinion: there are already so many wonderful comments on all the ensembles and one thing that is important to remember is - you can only vote for one look, but you can comment nicely on as many as you want!
Now the final third - I feel sad we're done with these great fashions and thanks to Charlotte for her huge amount of work - it's been a great diversion at an unexpectedly slow time - and the amount of submissions was amazing. One reason I appreciate this blog so much is the balance between serious royal issues and the delights of fashion.
ReplyDeleteChristine From NJ - I love how this gown has been paired with different jewellery - the green amethyst works brilliantly with it. (As I said with Rachel, I also think Kate's Bafta earrings would work well here.)
Julia B. I love the subtle blue shade of this Packham gown - I think that would be a beautiful colour on Kate. The earrings are the perfect choice with the diamante.
Elle - I've always been interested in that set of Diana's there's been a lot of speculation about it - and the queen also wore something similar that has never been seen again - this Mouret gown would work wonderfully with this set - it would be fascinating if it reappeared.
Emily from Illinois - Antonio Beradi - British born and educated - is a designer I've long thought should be discovered by Kate who wears that architectural simplicity so well - that green gown that would pick up her eyes is a great place to start.
Florida Girl - That beautiful Marchesa gown is in a favourite Kate colour and would go from the red carpet to a state banquet with ease. Love the jewellery choice and the sandals.
Rhonda - This would be a fabulous gown on Kate - simple but with that stunning back - since she's embraced Dolce, I don't see why not Armani. This would be sexy but not Hollywood over the top.
Franziska - I have a huge soft spot for this gown because I fell in love with it even before thinking about this project. I think it would be marvellous for Kate and with her sense for fun jewellery - those earrings would be amazing with it - the look is stunning.
Paola Magi - Wow! A fantastic conclusion - a glamourous yet classic gown with an historic necklace -yet one that looks very contemporary and I think would be brilliant on Kate. This is truly a dream princess look - and I hope Kate does someday look at some of the more interesting jewels the family does have that the queen has never used.
Well done everyone! The creativity has been incredible - I love the balance between sleek and simple gowns and princess fantasies - the discovery of new jewellery and the amazingly creative use of jewellery from the royal collections and Kate's own pieces. All the accessories have been brilliant and the care and respect everyone has given to Kate's tastes speaks so well of the participants.
Thank you so much again, Charlotte, for putting together all the pictures of our outfits over the last weeks! It has been so much fun picking all the elements of my own look as well as admiring the creativity of others here. This is something I always look forward to since doing it for the first time! Especially during this time with Kate absent due to morning sickness, this has been a wonderful and welcome distraction.
ReplyDeleteBut enough of that, let's focus on the remaining outfits now:
NatB: Your overall has a bit of a different feeling to it than Kate's other evening looks up until now which I quite like
Laura Claire: your gown is indeed very princess-y, I adore the colour and pattern
German Girl: the lace detailing on your gown is so delicate, and Kate (as tall and slim as she is) would look gorgeous in this shape of this dress
Shantel: wow, that is a regal gown! I love the blue and white in combination with the gold glitter and accessoires as well as the modesty alterations you suggested
Kerrie from Indiana: I am in love with you Jenny Packham gown, the colour and the cutouts make it stand out from all the rest
Patricia I: your gown reminds me of the blue Roland mouret gown Kate wore for a sports aid gala (with the "cold shoulders") and it looks like something Kate would likely wear
Sonne: I love your gown, bordeaux and gold go together so well (the shoes also match the colours of the dress perfectly!) And the silhouette would really flatter Kate's figure
Also, there is only one word for the beading and the back: fabulous
Rachel + Christine from NJ: I adore this gown, I had looked at it several times and was close to picking it for my own Bond look! If Kate showed up in it, all eyes would be on her
My favourites from this batch would have to be Sonne, Rachel and Shantel :)
"We've tried all that". This rings so true. I was very ill in the beginning of all three of my pregnancies, being hospitalized during two of them. It was pre- internet back then so no googling or Pinterest. Other women as well as my doctors offered many suggestions but eventuality you lose hope that anything can help.
ReplyDeleteWe lived away from family and were in a different city for each pregnancy so the friends were new. Husband's job required long hours. We could have used help in so many ways but were too proud to ask for it. I'm glad Kate has lots of assistance!!
I am so sorry you also suffered from HG during your pregnancies, but congratulations on your family and that all went well in the end :)
DeleteYes. A testimony that you went through it three times and are rewarded with a lovely family. :)
DeleteHaving had friends go through it, I know it is utter hell and nothing but medical intervention works at times. I like ginger myself when ill but this is so different.
DeleteYou are all genius, all and each and every one of you!!!
ReplyDeleteI love all choices, I truly do, so when I name one in particular, it´s not to say "better than", it´s just what I probably would dream of wearing and that is Laura Claire´s choice.. it´s truly a Princess moment, stunning and dreamlike!
But all the others are great, too!!
What I love MOST here is that so many "new names" have appeared, lovely people who obviously read the blog, but have not yet commented so far. It´s so lovely to see how many of you enjoy this and your input has been so valuable, together with our dear fellow commenters!! Great talent, all of you, I´m sure it took a LOT of time, but it was so totally worth it!! Thank you!
(Their "genius" is powered by love. :))
DeleteLove of fashion.
DeleteLove of creating.
Love of sharing.
Love of Kate.
:)
Yep, surfer girl, agree 100%! :-)))
DeleteThose are some of the best dresses I have ever seen! That Elizabeth Kennedy...wow, someone should wear that. Well done, people!
ReplyDeleteI love that William said "WE'VE done all that..." It's very indicative of their relationship, that it's the two of them in this HG battle together. It's their pregnancy, not just hers. It shows that their relationship is very much a team and they face challenges together.
ReplyDeleteSide note. Regarding William. Okay. Ya'll have heard me talk about William's past propensity for meandering before. (And it upset some of you.)
DeleteMy feelings about that did come up again on the previous page and I realized that even though I don't like meandering or even the remotest possibility of it,
I realized that I truly had hard feelings towards William because of that (even though I admire many other things about him). What I also realized is that I need to forgive him and let go. If you have aught against any, forgive, is wise counsel. I choose to forgive him. So, you won't be hearing that oft repeated rant from me again. (say yay :)) It's history.
Sorry to have burdened ya'll in the past with my "down on William" "stuff". :)
I feel better already. :)
I do think William is trying to be a more involved husband and father than his own father and most of that generation and class (my own dear dad excepted) - and some of his own generation who embrace the old ways. He doesn't always get it right - it's easy for princes to slip into selfishness - but is making an effort - and I did understand why he would go to Balmoral and doubt Kate was troubled - she may have been scheduled to go too once.
DeleteSki holidays and shooting parties with the lads in Spain - not so good.
Just to clarify. :)
DeleteI definitely had NO problem with William going to Balmoral to help the family. NONE. Except when I heard about the Ghillie ball. That raised a red flag for me. That was what I was talking about. None of the other stuff. Family help. Great. A ball without Kate, maybe not so good.
I agree with you Julia about the boy's weekends out, especially with his circle of friends.
Wow girls!!!! What an excellent selection of choices for the Duchess to choose from. She should definitely hire us!! LOL :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous selections. Love so many of them. The jewelry, purses and shoes are all so fun to see and many pieces of jewelry I have not seen before. I would love to see her in many of these but expect for a film premiere for her to go with a less regal/princess look. There are several dresses above that would be a bit less formal that I can see her wearing. A dress I do not expect to see her in but which is just stunning is that Marchesa gown. Other stunning pieces but ones I do not think she would ever wear, the Valentino, Ralph and Russo and Langner gowns. The Needle and Thread would work and I do think she would wear it if they made the top longer. Thank you all for all the wonderful looks.
ReplyDeleteMaybe a duplicate. I love both of the Marchesa gowns but I was referring to the halter style one but would put a different belt with it.
DeletePaola
ReplyDeleteIs that statement necklace, which I love with the dress, in the BRF collection? For an older piece it would look so fresh and modern paired with that dress and the shoes, assuming that in person it is not huge.
It belongs to the Sutherland family, the descendants of the British ambassador in France at the time of Revolution.
DeleteOooh thank you. You must be a fan of jewels:).
DeleteAgain, I’m enthralled by the fabulous creations presented by all. A feast for the eye and for the imagination … lovely … dream-inspiring … Thank you to each one of you who took the time to contribute their vision, and –of course- to Charlotte for presenting it so splendidly! It is hard to find the right words to express the joy each of the submissions evoked but I’ll try …
ReplyDeleteIf there ever were dresses that demand a re-wearing then Alexander McQueen's lavender Grecian gown from 2011 and the black velvet strapless Alexander McQueen from 2011 surely must be at the top of the list:
The combination of lavender with amethysts created by Erika and Catherine is stunning (and, ladies, those shoes … wow!).
The black velvet as backdrop for luscious pearls and sparkles imagined by Anne from Texas is mouth-watering, as is the combination of black velvet with glorious diamonds styled by Francis, awesome!
What to me is the category of soft princess-y elegance, was amazingly represented this time around by the styles proposed by
NatB (the combination of color and lines –with a little lace thrown in for good measure- is simply beautiful and suits the Duchess to a T),
Laura Claire (that dress, the color, and the intricate embroidery … lovely and so Kate!),
MAM in US (this lavender ensemble has a touch of playfulness that suits Kate so well, and the accessories are beautifully selected),
Meredith, Boston (the whole outfit spells ‘understated elegance’ - from the lines and colors of the dress of the shoes and purse, and to the breathtaking aquamarines),
Rebecca From Across The Pond (the dress and opal coordinate beautifully, and the additional hair ornaments: superb!)
Mr D, United Kingdom (Kate would look striking in that dress – and those diamonds - *dreamy sigh*),
Julie from STL (another dress showing the understated elegance Kate is so fond of in colors style and print …), and Florida Girl (simply gorgeous!).
Then there’s the sleek, modern Duchess so alluringly styled by
Katelyn from the South (a fantastic dress, and the red accents are the perfect complement),
K. Sophia and Elle (a powerful statement dress, and the accessories just add the right touch),
German Girl (that dress is a perfect amalgam of sleek rounded out with the playfulness of the floral overlay, lovely on its own and perfection with the emeralds),
Kerrie from Indiana (another dress where I can’t help but wonder whether it isn’t already waiting in Kate’s closet for the right moment to shine –),
Patricia I and Rhonda (all around beautiful – a perfect fit!),
Sonne (the colors and the embroidery of dress are exquisite and the shoes are a perfect fit, the earrings and clutch add just the right touch),
Hope from US (another powerful statement dress and –wow- those shoes!),
Rachel and Christine from NJ (I’m in love with the way the colors and lines play in this outfit – beautiful),
Emily from Illinois (Kate wears dark green so well – I’d love for her to do it more often, and the added touch of sparkle from the accessories is just right), and
Franziska (such an imaginative combination of colors and styles – and it works beautifully!).
Last, but certainly not least, the glamorous princess-y Duchess spectacularly envisioned by
Shantel (wow – that dress has it all: sleekness, drama, and sparkle – and the shoes and jewels fit especially well),
mandrew27 (if that dress isn’t yet in Kate’s closet it has to be added a.s.a.p., and HM’s diamonds add just the right extra sparkle befitting a princess),
Julia B (a stunning dress, perfected with those diamonds!), and
Paola Magi (a modern princess out to conquer the world – breathtaking)!
.. Again, thanks to each of you and to Charlotte for putting together this beautiful and sparkling fashion show!
Oh, what lovely styles! A wonderful finish to our project. Thank you, thank you, Charlotte, for all your brilliant work. I always look forward to seeing your version of my choices, and of all the others. Your visual presentation is so beautiful, and also lets me know how well everything goes together. We'll probably all suffer withdrawal for a while. But we can always browswe all seventy designs for Ascot and again for the premiere. I do hope Kate feels up to browsing, too, and that her staff takes careful note.j
ReplyDeleteWouldn't it be fun if Kate, while unable to leave bed, browsed the internet looking for distraction and found this site with all the beautiful looks suggested for her? ;)
DeleteDownton Abbey Fan
If I was in her position I would never read anything about myself on the internet, too much speculation about ones motives, actions and private live. I think to keep "you" one would not want to read speculation by strangers, either good or bad.
DeleteGorgeous gowns. The black off shoulder, Alexander McQueen, I would purchase today if I could, in the right price range😊. Fantastic job to all of you. Thank you, Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteI'm quite troubled by the fact my comments say reply delete where no one else's do - perhaps leaving readers the option of deleting my comments. I'm also disturbed by the remark made about my comment in the last post - what I feel was a willful misinterpretation based on the word 'urban' - used with no overtones in Urban Outfitters and many other sources which is how I intended it. So having praised these wonderful fashions based on an idea I originated, I will bow out.
ReplyDeleteHello Julia,
DeleteAbsolutely not at all - readers do not have the option of deleting your comments. You are seeing the option of deleting your own comments because you're logged in with an account.
I thought I looked at earlier comments and it didn't show delete - but I'm probably mistaken - logging in is new to me. I only did it to add the Pippin photo.
DeleteI was feeling quite sensitive because I felt I used perfectly appropriate language that was baldly misinterpreted - but my deleted comment was probably too harsh against Camilla and Sofia of Sweden, and did not make light of the challenges I believe that Meghan - or any bride of Harry - will face.
If I overreacted, I'm very much sorry. I often type late at night especially when I have work in the daytime - as my wretched mistakes no doubt show - and it's probably not the best time for sound judgement. I've loved this blog both for its graciousness and the hard work you put in, and for the opportunity for an honest forum in today's challenging world for royal families - a forum that is neither unrelenting critical nor afraid to face issues and unduly censorious. I never like to have remarks have to be deleted and should I continue, will be more careful in the future.
Julia, by "bow out" I hope and pray you do not mean permanently. I can only speak for myself but I'm confident I'm not alone in this. I have come to hold you dear and look forward to your wisdom and your humor and your opinions (that I don't always agree with at times but, hey). You have been here from the beginning of the blog or close to it as I recall. The blog would not be the same without you. So if you meant you were "bowing out" permanently please reconsider. I am very serious about this. You are irreplaceable.
DeleteRequest accompanied by a big hug.X❤️
Dear Julia,
DeleteTo me, the word urban is a generic definition relating to designating a city vs suburban, country. That is how I read your remarks, I don't know how they could have been interpreted otherwise. I love reading your comments, please don't fade into the background.
P.S. And you're not going to deprive us of our daily dose of Pippin are you? :)
DeleteJulia. We have all had our ups and downs on this blog as you know. You are not the only one. I just included an apology myself here today. (NOT that you have to apologize.) AND often when a message doesn't make it here it is simply at times because it is lost in that vast nebulous region called cyberspace that my brother has still failed to adequately describe to me. You know? (so please stay). :)
DeleteJulia we've all been jumpy on the blog lately. You will recall the furor with some of my remarks a few weeks ago - also resulting in deletion. FWIW I did not read your comment in that light either. But what do I know. Don't take it personally -we've all been there from time to time.
DeleteThank you Tedi, Surfer Girl and Rosman -and the others who commented on the preceding post who appeared to understand my comments as they were meant. I was stunned at the accusation - and even more by the suggestion others might also interpret it wrongly - since it was deleted I don't know if that was true or not but the comments I can see were fine.
DeleteI was not certain whether to be mortified at my ignorance of alternative meanings that I still don't know, or vexed that a long time poster would think that of me.
For a long time, I've never believed in the idea of quitting because someone didn't like what I said. I believe we're all entitled to our differing opinions and that it's productive to know how others feel - but I've never been accused of such an outrageous thing before - if I may say on the use of a common word. I hardly know what to think but will try to hang in there.
please do, Julia. We are here for you. Dont let the opposing counsel "badger" you into submission. Your within your legal rights to say what you said.
DeleteIt was very obviously misinterpreted. Those you know you and have known you for years enjoy and value your opinions. Stay with us. :)
Pleeeease. :) We also need Mr. Leo's fashion input. :)
I have never commented on this blog before (I have on MaM and on Twitter) but have been following along for many years. I feel compelled to comment because I do find this conversation upsetting. I apologise in advance for my lack of eloquence, it is an emotional subject for me and a complex issue.
DeleteRosman says she wants to be educated, so here goes. I am multiethnic, my mother was white and my father is black. Urban is a well known euphemism for someone of African heritage which carries very negative connotations. I have had many people refer to me as urban in my lifetime, and never once has it been used in a non-demeaning manner, and usually the person using it could barely desguise the fact that they had another word in mind all-together. Although it can be used in a non-racist manner when it is used to refer to a brown person it IS a racist word. It is hurtful and makes me feel small and less than human. Please do not use it to refer to a brown person unless it is your intent to be racist.
DeleteI now understand from Julia's later comments that she may have been oblivious to how offensive this word choice was, I will take this at face value as I would prefer to believe that she wasn't trying to be malicious although I am truly astonished that anyone from either the UK or the USA would be unaware of the connotations of this word. However I take issue with the suggestion that anyone who was upset by the manner in which it was used could only have been choosing to willfully misinterpret her comment. My experience with the word used in the manner Julia chose to use it (and virtually every other poc's experience with the word in Western society that I know) has only ever been derogatory I don't understand how else I would be expected to receive it other than as demeaning. I also must come to Bluhare's defense, I don't understand how anyone could be upset at her taking issue with a very well-known racist word being used.
DeleteFinn
DeleteNicely put!! Sorry for all your bad experiences!!! xoxo
Thank you Anett. You don't need to apologise for others. I genuinely believe most people are good-hearted and well intentioned. I think that most racism is the result of ignorance rather than malice. I am happy to say that for every negative experience I have had, I have had many more experiences of people being supportive and coming to my defense. We are all of us certainly undereducated about something, and I have no doubt that I have unintentionally offended people before myself. However when a member of a demographic or a person speaking in defense of said demographic points out that something could be very hurtful and marginalizing to them, it is important to listen to them. At this point I am actually more upset about the comments made afterwards than the original remark.
DeleteHonestly, Finn, I have never ever heard of the use of "urban" as a racist term. Could this be a generational thing? Perhaps people over forty might not be aware of the negative connotations. Also, perhaps it is a regional issue as well? I'm unaware of the term being used here in the the northeast ( USA) in a derogatory manner. I'll have to ask my kids. I think, especially on places like this that have such a broad base age wise as well as nationality, we should give everyone the benefit of doubt and assume they are coming from a good place.
DeleteHello Finn, I live on Canada’s east coast, and unfortunately, we have our share of racists too. Many people, like me, who have reached their seventies, have seen that the way racism is expressed through language can be dreadfully hurtful at the very least, and downright dangerous at times. I too have never heard of the word urban used in that way before, and I asked my granddaughter about it because she goes to a multiracial school. She hadn’t heard it either and she is going to ask her teacher if he is aware of this connotation. Thanks to you, we will be careful ourselves and will be on the lookout in case it crops up here. We may not be able to do much about it on a larger scale, but we certainly can do something about it in our own backyard!
DeleteFor what it’s worth, I have heard back from a friend of mine who is black and who lives in one of our cities, and she hasn’t heard this term used in that way either. So it seems as if it’s not universally known.
DeleteCharlotte if you don't want to publish this, I understand completely I just wanted to respond to Erika.
DeleteErika, if you read my prior messages you will see that I am giving Julia the benefit of the doubt that she was unaware of the racially charged nature of the word. I didn't decide to post because of her original comment but as a result of the comments that followed after it was pointed out that her choice of word was inappropriate.
Finn I am sorry that you have faced such discrimination. But you see many people were unaware of the connotations of the word. I had to search extensively before I found an article on gawker which explicitly stated that the word 'urban' has been used synonymously with the word 'ghetto'. Not all of us know everything. Especially those who are removed from pop culture. So you have to give people benefit of the doubt and educate people instead of getting angry about it. Not all of us can know everything.
DeleteTo answer your question about the word urban --it is a euphemism for a person of African heritage, the context in which it is usually used is to criticize or express dislike, disapproval of a black person for being black, without actually having the courage to say that the reason you dislike them is because of theirblackness. For example when I was a little girl my friend's mother asked my my mother why she didn't consider giving me a "less urban" hairstyle. My hair was shoulder length and on the day in question was in a standard ponytail. My friend often wore her hair in a ponytail and both she and her mom were born and raised in the city and resided in a large urban center. The woman in question was caucasion and so was the entirety of her family, the only difference between my hair and her daughter's was that I have characteristically black hair while my friend had characteristically white hair. She was obviously not suggesting to my mother that she style my hair in a manner less characteristic of city dwellers. To be clear, I am not accusing Julia or anyone else of disliking Meghan for being biracial. I am however telling you and anyone else who may be in doubt that it is inappropriate to criticize a black person or their manner of dress, hairstyle, vocabulary, demeanor or any other characteristic of a black person as being "too urban", or suggesting they try to be "less urban" or referring to a black person as being "an urban type" is inappropriate. It is not regional. My father is African American and my mother was from Northern Ireland. I was born in England and have lived in both the UK and the US. Every African American person from any state in the usa and every black British person that I know who is 20+ years old would be hurt by being referred to as being too urban. As far as it being generational , in my experience it is more commonly used by people older than me (I am in my 20s). I would hope most people my age are enlightened enough to avoid criticizing a black person for being too urban. If you or anyone else was unaware of this, or maybe even unwittingly used it in this manner--fine. But I am telling you that if going forward you choose to use it in this manner, do so with the knowledge that it will almost certainly be making the black person you are referring to feel lesser than, do so with the knowledge that they will almost certainly find it offensive. And most of all, when someone tells you (like I am doing now, and Bluhare did earlier) that a term is offensive to an entire demographic--please listen.
DeleteAs it happens, while reading this thread I have been sitting in a room with three people, one from New York, one from Washington, and one from San Francisco. None of them have ever heard 'urban' used in a derogatory or racist sense, nor have I. I can only say that we have all learned something. I am sorry, Finn, that you have encountered racial slurs and difficulty, and I think you have wisely made the readers of this thread more aware of a connotation of which we were unaware.
DeleteMy reaction to Julia's original remarks was that city and country are differently thought of in UK and US. The cultural class distinctions in Britain don't really carry over here. I have been away from dhome and have not had a chance to work out an explanation. Briefly, we are indeed sometimes separated by our common language.
I am so sorry that this wonderful fashion effort is ending this way, and that Charlotte has needed to deal with the misunderstandings. Because I have yet to form an opinion of Miss Markle, I have not commented about her. My only thought is that I liked her list of favorite women, published originally in Glamor and picked up by other magazines. She sounds in that context like a very thoughtful and creative person.
I agree, Erika. So sad that it couldn't have been talked through with compassion, instead of having walls immediately put up, in my opinion.
DeleteI am convinced that Julia meant no harm.
Posters seem to be misinterpreting why I am upset, and why I chose to post. I said that I was choosing to believe that Julia wasn't aware of why what she wrote was offensive. I acknowledged that we are all undereducated about certain topics, and that I was certain that I myself had surely unintentionally offended people before out of my own ignorance. I have stated that it is fine if people had unintentionally used this word without realizing that it was hurtful. The reason I am so upset is that when someone took the time to explain that this word choice could be hurtful to others, posters took offense and responded with hostility. For example in the USA I hear many people use the term Gypsy which many do not realize is a derogatory term for Romani people. When I explain that this word could be hurtful to some people, most people are surprised and remorseful that they may have unintentionally hurt someone by their poor choice of words. However some people respond as though by trying to inform them that this word choice could make someone feel badly they react as though I have committed some grave offense, as though I am somehow in the wrong. To me this is an inappropriate response, and it is genuinely heartbreaking to experience. Additionally as many people denied knowledge of the negative connotation of Julia's word choice and even implied that anyone who was upset was in the wrong. I wished to confirm to everyone that this is indeed a very offensive choice of words, and that if they chose to use it that they would be at risk of deeply hurting someone's feelings.
DeleteTo SurferGirl: I have made every effort to post with compassion and patience. I wish others would please respond in kind.
Delete💕 Finn. Thank you for explaining. I learnt about this meaning of words when I used the word gypsy once, totally oblivious to how someone of Romany descent would hear that. I was embarrassed. I didn't know and I don't say it.
DeleteNo word is, in and of itself, racist. Certain words have racist connotations, for sure, but it's possible for someone to use a word to mean its denotative meaning, too. We should try not to hurt people's feelings, but we also can't be responsible for others' hijacking a perfectly fine word.
DeleteJulia, I thought of you over the weekend. On my way into Starbucks, I spotted a license plate: "URBANGRL" (surely not a negative interpretation).
DeleteFor what it's worth, I live in the US and this conversation is the first time I've heard of this word having a racist connotation. I will pay more attention going forward...
:), Thank you for sharing that ROYALFAN.
DeleteA prime example of what we've been talking about. "Urban" to that license plate owner apparently means hip, contemporary, smart and sophisticated. THAT is what the word has always meant to me also.
The other day I passed a home furnishings store called Urban Country.
DeleteYou're welcome, SG. :-)
Deleteanother good example, Patricia I. If we all googled urban and then our city there would most likely be many companies with Urban in their names.
DeleteYou did not read at all. It is insulting when referring TO PEOPLE. What part of that did you not get? Of course we refer to urban landscape, urban renewal, urban legends etc. etc. And if someone wants to refer to THEMSELVES as an urbangirl or a business as Urban Country, their prerogative.
DeleteFlorida Girl, that Marchesa gown you selected is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you honey!!! I love the gown.... I was afraid it would be to regal for such an event.... but there is always the regal banquets we see during the autumn/winter calendar year! Perhaps many of these gowns should be altered for a now pregnant Duchess
DeleteAGAIN: SO MANY TALENTED BLOG READERS HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!! The dresses! The jewels! The shoes! I mean, really!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your hard work Charlotte beautiful as usual ! I heard that Kate is having lots of morning sickness on the news I'll pray for her that this pregnancy is not as hard as her previous ones thanks again for all you do
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteThe discussion on this post has become unpleasant to say the least. I'm going to respectfully ask we all move on. It's a highly emotive topic and further debate can only serve to continue to lend itself to the sense of discord.
I would like to make a couple of points. I have deleted comments over the past couple of posts. I can tell you, this is most certainly not something done without thought and consideration. On the vast majority of occasions, it is done due to complaints from readers. In this post, I deleted a comment because it was a veiled attacked on another reader. Posters can disagree, and have done so multiple times in the past, but to avoid unpleasantness it's best to move on and agree to disagree rather than dragging on grudges and discord.
Finally, Kate fans will not necessarily be Meghan fans and Meghan fans will not necessarily be Kate fans. This is a fact I've been mindful of for some months and one of the reasons I created a separate blog for Meghan. Whilst mentions and references will of course come up, I think it best if we leave discussion on Ms Markle for the other blog. It has caused nothing but issues here.
Hello Admin!
DeleteThanks for taking the time to sort us out:) Huge hugs for it!!!
Also I loved your last paragraph, how we all should separate our comments about the 2 blogs and the 2 women.
Thank you Charlotte but I have made the determination not to post any further. I have friends of all races, have worked for people of all races including for over five years a black boss who I adored, and have never in my life before been accused of racism, nor heard that usage of the word - by which I simply meant that Meghan comes from Los Angeles.
DeleteI turned to the Oxford dictionary to see if in fact I missed something and there is NO suggestion of any offensive use which is normally flagged. I checked Merriam Webster - the same is true there. I certainly am familiar with words that are offensive that I would never use, but that is not one of them - it was an honest mistake and I'm sorry bluhare and Finn have viewed in the wrong way and continue to do so by implication. I will say honestly I'm angry at being called ignorant when the dictionaries don't even flag it. There is even a company called Urban Outfitters.
I am neither a Kate fan nor a Meghan fan but have been a royalist for most of my life. I've enjoyed my time on the blog hugely and feel I've contributed but I can remain when these false insinuations against a well-meaning poster are being permitted. So I say thank you to Charlotte for your work, and thank you to other posters who perhaps know me better and have supported me. I apologised for this accidental usage and it seems this is not enough. You're free to delete this post - I would ask you also delete Finn's since I find it derogatory. I'm sorry for what she may have faced in life but I have a good reputation and false insinuations are an ugly thing.
I feel terrible that you were singled out for a comment that clearly did not come from a place of malice but that of ignorance. Many of us were ignorant of the connotations of the word - that much is clear.
DeleteI totally understand your decision to not post anymore, Julia. I will also take a break for a while.
There is a complete lack of logic in the moderation of the comments.
Julia. I don't know what say. This is beyond sad to me. I totally know you didn't mean that word that way. I have never in my born days heard of that word meaning a racial slur. Ever. You are such a special lady. I will miss you greatly. God bless you, Mr. Leo, and Pippin. I can't believe this is happening. 😔 Love you Julia ❤️
DeleteJulia, I won't forget you. :)
DeleteAnd you will be remembered when our design an outfit for Kate comes around every year. :)
I said the WORD could be interpreted as a racist term Julia. I also think Finn did a great job of explaining how it can be taken by a person of color which is why I called it out to start with. It had less t do with you and more to do with trying to avoid exact!y what happened.
Deleteand rather than try to explain why it isnt always racist maybe it would be better to let it go anddust yourself off and move on. It WS not my intent to create a firestorm although I swill tell you I actually gasped when I read your original comment. I figured you didn't realize it. Now you do.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7822883.stm
DeleteI believe comments have been deleted but this is worth pondering as stones are cast. I will add I was very upset by these incidents - but chose to move on.
In case my final comment was deleted - I apologise and wish all well.
I will end with one more comment: I thank Finn very much for her excellent explanation of how that term is used. I had no idea and will never use urban again.
ReplyDeleteRacism is abhorrent to me and if I had not heard that term, I've been angered to hear others. The moment there was a suggestion that my remarks were misinterpreted, I endeavoured to correct them but apparently not successfully enough. I was concerned about Finn's remarks to me because she seemed to doubt and call into question my sincerity which was hugely hurtful. Her wording was thus:
"I now understand from Julia's later comments that she may have been oblivious to how offensive this word choice was, I will take this at face value as I would prefer to believe that she wasn't trying to be malicious although I am truly astonished that anyone from either the UK or the USA would be unaware of the connotations of this word."
This seemed to go beyond explaining what the usage was to say no one could reasonably not know this meaning and that I was being deceitful. That's how I read that.
We none of know each other's circumstances. We come from a wide variety of nationalities, are of different ages, backgrounds and religions and none of know what others have faced in their lives. So perhaps understanding and forgiveness should be the order of the day. I ask for that now. I won't continue here because I don't want people accused trying to defend me but I hope those who remain will be tolerant and understanding of each other.
I will add for all to ponder we are talking about the girlfriend of a man who once wore a Nazi uniform to a fancy dress party. I was terribly upset by that at the time - it seemed to make light not just of unspeakable tragedies of the past but of critical and frightening problems that remain in Britain to this hour, but I chose to put it down as a mistake Harry made and moved on. I'm glad my last comment here can be to commend William for his visit to the Imperial War Museum and it's attempt to answer Holocaust deniers.
It would be nice if we could all be tolerant of others failings and mistakes as we all seem to have been of Harry's. I hope bluhare when considering ugliness will think of that and be as forgiving to others who err as she has apparently been to Harry.
As for me, I refuse to end now on anger, contempt and hate - a word I've always deplored when it's been thrown casually about here at times. I profusely apologise to all - especially to Charlotte who didn't deserve this. It's been a pleasure in the past commenting with all of you - I will miss it. Good morning to all.
Stop it Julia. Just read Paola's comment below and take her advice. Quit obsessing about posts being pulled, dust yourself off and move on. No one wants to see you leave over this. What we would like is for you to realize you have fallen into Paola's language trap, as I did once in public's as well. It happens. We aren't perfect. But we can learn and get past it.
DeleteNow if you're going to leave, leave. I suggest you stop with that, take a day and come back.
And for what its worth Camilla is not my friend. We are lovers.
Julia, I hope you read this but I would like to thank you for your comments. Invariably well written, informative and balanced. Yours is the name I always look for when reading the comments and you are the poster I respect the most. I realise now I have never thought of showing my gratitude to you. Thank you again.
DeleteNatascha- I couldn't agree more! Julia- I hope you will be back!. I read your comments not only to improve my English but to widen my knowledge about British culture and heritage. Without you the comments section will never be the same.
DeleteAnna
I have not posted in a long time (for complicated reasons) but have been able to check in on and off. I feel prompted to post now in order to say, first, Charlotte thank you so much for your amazing work, and for moderating our conversations. And second, to Julia, please don't stop commenting. You add so much to the discussion, I always know your thoughts will be well reasoned, insightful, and balanced, and that I will learn from them. I would miss your thoughts. I respect you very much.
DeleteA word coming from a Latin name, Urbs, i.e. city, town; in Italian "urbano" means "kind, polite". It was so unexpected to see how different meanings a word can bear. When I write some comment I am always worried about being unwillingly using some word with a double meaning I don't know. Those are the traps of the language, each of us can fall once in our life! And we are very lucky if it's only once. Julia, please stop complaining and go on. We learned something new thanks to your "language trap"", I am grateful because I now know that saying a black person that I find his behavior very "urban" I will not say that he is polite! As it would look to my Italian ear.
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly why most blogs rules do not allow for a person who is commenting to call out by name or address directly to another poster. it causes to much grief and misunderstanding to much room for someone to be singled out and verbally abused. this has been a problem on this blog from day one. implying someone is a racist is very hurtful or calling them ignorant. many nationalities and cultures are represented here and there is room for someone to be horribly hurt and misunderstood. why pile on Julia?? im shocked charlotte allowed this and i hope she dosnt censor my remarks
ReplyDeleteIf you can't own what you say you shouldn't post your opinion on the internet.
DeleteThis all just goes to show that women cannot get along for extended periods of time. lol. The immense “butt hurt” and doffing of the hat to political correctness is ridiculous. We can no more know the connotation of every word in every region of the world than we can know the daily temperature reading.
ReplyDeleteAssume benign intent, ladies. It will save you tons of grief.
And then, get over yourselves. Other people’s opinions of you do not matter, especially when discussing the fashion of someone no one here actually knows.
And this was written by a woman???
DeleteI'm not publishing any more comments on this topic. May I respectfully ask we all take a step back and move on.
ReplyDeleteSorry! I went from the top down this time!! I hope Mr Charlotte is going to bring you a nice glass of your favorite wine after this!
DeleteThank you for your infinite patience Charlotte. Thank you to those who took the time to read through my comments and to try to understand my perspective. Thank you to those that posted supportive messages. I am grateful to you all.
DeleteLaura Claire, I took another look at your gown. I had overlooked it at first because of the modesty issue in the front. I very much like the beautiful gown you chose. (Although only with some modesty modification in the front.) To modify it perfectly to accommodate the Hyberadad necklace, to me, would be ideal. Can't you picture it? lol The necklace needs a "showcase", classic, contemporary gown and this is it, in my opinion. :). It is a beautiful and classic gown (and I also love the pockets.) With that modification I would buy this gown for sure if I was building a gown wardrobe. (A goal I am still in the process of trying to rationalize since I LOVE gowns so much.) :)
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, thanks for all of your hard work on these "style Kate" blogs, and indeed all of your posts. It must be extremely time consuming, and challenging at times, and although I don't have much time for participating I do enjoy them very much and your entire blog. I'm very much a Kate fan and come here on a daily basis to get my "Kate" fix. I'm a fan because of her I believe her to be a very grounded, positive, happy and caring person and she inspires me to be the same. I could find information about Kate online from other sources but I enjoy your coverage of her because it focuses on the same attributes and is entirely positive and supportive of her and her family. So again, thank you!
ReplyDeleteMrD United Kingdom's choice is very interesting, this gown is so sculptural.
ReplyDeleteShantel's is so wonderful, I like the original, simple and strong mix of textures and colors.
The choices of German Girl and Patricia I are "very Kate".
I made a comment on this post over the weekend in response to one Julia made. My intent was to let her know that a word she used could be interpreted badly by some people, and I said so. Only I didn't say it quite like that. I used a word as inncendiary to her as the other may have been to someone else.
ReplyDeleteI'm not going to repeat everything now. However, my goal wasn't to tar and feather. It actually was the opposite. I didn't want someone seeing that word who *would* interpret it in a way Julia didn't intend. As we all know that did not happen, Julia's very upset and has declared her intent to leave the blog.
So please let me say that I made a mistake. In my attempt to acknowledge an issue with her post I used another word as incendiary as the one on which I was commenting. See how easy it is, Julia? I did it too. Am I sorry I said something? No, I am not. And I think Finn did a beautiful job of showing just how hurtful that word can be. But I did not think it through and let my anger at Julia's post color my response.
I am leaving this here, as this is where the subject belongs. I'm not perfect, and I do feel badly about how my comment was phrased and received.
I think it was very nice of you to say that bluhare!!xoxo
DeleteI must say I totally agree with Paola's comment too, using another language can be funny.
I hope this will be a lesson for us all to reconsider what we write even if one dislikes Camilla or Meghan.
We need to move on and take into consideration another factors not just ourselves.
P.S. I would like to read your comments Julia in the future too, even if we disagree on things quite a bit. But of course, it is up to you.
Thank you, bluhare, for your sincerity. It is not easy to say we have made a mistake, even if no harm had been intended. Yet, we all make mistakes, we are human, it happens every day, despite the fact that most of us do not walk this world trying to hurt others with every step. I have seen in the past that you often spoke in defence of someone and were very sensitive. So although it's not really my business (I didn't take any sort of offence, nor was hurt), I feel a lot of us readers were a bit sad or upset about the whole thing. I personally appreciate your words and I am going to take a lesson (not just a linguistic one :) ) from this whole misunderstanding.
DeleteEverybody on this blog knows Julia of Leominster. Even the "lurkers" like me know her well written, thoughtful and informative posts.We also know she has strong opinions we may or not always agree with, but is always very mindful of other posters in voicing them. She is invariably courteous. As exemplified by her very kind comments above on the fashion projects. To be "given the benefit of the doubt" of using an inappropriate word, after all those years of commenting was IMO insulting, and must have been very hurtful to her. I, an almost passive reader, could have sworn to her benign intent. No doubt in my mind.
DeleteI'd add that IMO her absence will make this comment section less interesting, less kind and less informed.
I love you both and I hope that we will all be dialoguing and sharing lovingly (and unilaterally) more somehow astutely from now on. Julia, I so hope to hear from you again. And I must say I would never have thought to question that word or the possibility of offense from it, and even checking to see about any sensitivity pertaining to it would have been astronomical in probability in my estimation. I would have had no clue. We don't want to become paranoid about expression and our words. Thoughtful yes, and circumspect, but fearful, no, thinking that some word we've innocently chosen is going to ambush us or be In our attempt of sharing, our downfall or anyone else's. I sincerely believe that everyone here on DKB is a loving and caring person, with unique and special perspectives that can create a great and diverse community but one built on the common thread and foundation of love and caring. We have had a challenge, but we can, through our love and caring overcome it. Julia, please reconsider. :)
DeleteI agree, Natacha. Julia, to me, is many, many nice things, and to me. she is also quintessentially "British", (big smile). (No offense intended at all in any way to anyone anywhere.) Should she not reconsider rejoining us, (big frown), this blog will be left with an empty space that only she can fill. (And, I already miss Pippin too.)
DeleteIs "Julia" the same person as Julia from Leominster?
ReplyDeleteSorry, my previous post should have followed the thread, Barbara U.S.3 October 2017 at 01:51 or bluhare3 October 2017 at 01:33
DeleteBarbara-yes it is Julia from Leominister.
Regarding fashion...more gorgeous ideas!
ReplyDeleteErika & Catherine, the jewelry you selected would be stunning with the gown. :-)
Patricia I, how I love the simple elegance of your gown. Beautiful!
Francis, I'd love to see that gown again! Preferable, with an updo. ;-)
Thank you, royalfan!
DeleteYou're welcome, Patricia i. :-)
DeleteCharlotte,
ReplyDeletePlease accept my apology. I am aware you want to close this topic; however, some lingering comments have continued to be posted by the involved. Although I am on break from the blog for time pressed projects, at this point, I will not let this go, and I need to comment.
Thank you for considering.
---
Re: bluhare and Julia
A few months ago, regarding communication between the two of you, I said, it is tough love to be honest, and so matured to agree while disagreeing. This might be a similar situation, but got out of hand unfortunately. It is obviously a complex, and at times sensitive issue in a capsule reflecting certain countries conditioning and biases.
To be honest, once again, it was a matter of tough love, or realistic contribution from bluhare. If bluehare who typically says things as is, with no pretense, did not enlighten some of us, Julia’s comment would have continued to be misinterpreted by readers and others. As someone who had been informed as well as enjoyed posts from both of you, and at times disagreed, it is not easy to see a misunderstood clash, and miss one of you.
I am grateful for Finn’s informed and well-articulated “interpretation” of what the word means, and for sharing her experience. I never knew, “urban” has a derogatory meaning. I happen to have lived in a highly cosmopolitan area with every sample of USA’s melting pot including a reasonable proportion of both races, biracial of US natives, and a cross mix of US and international offspring. As recently as this month, I have read an article which message meant the city, as opposed to rural. At times, I live in four states, and never knew the word had derogatory meaning.
Julia,
I hope you will take time to think it over, and may be even put on your lawyerly hat, analyze and reach a conclusion, that it was not necessarily meant to attack you, rather to inform and alert. I hope you will even reach a certain understanding, which, may be all this happened for a reason. (In a way, it protected you, not to look like the one which you interpreted it to have been accused of).
I respect your decision not to comment on Ma M blog until after the engagement. If you happen to change your mind, I think it is better to comment on MaM blog whatever there is to discuss on M&H. That is also Admin’s decision, and it makes a lot of sense.
You are above refraining from posting because of this one incident. I have also found you to be a mix of tender heart while astute, who is honest in standing for what you believe in. I believe you have the flexibility to reconsider and return when you think it is the right time for you. At present, I respect your decision, and look forward like other commenters, to read your post in the near future.
Stay well and take care.
My vote and hope on the styles is for "Our Stylists' Final 'Royal Flush' Premiere Submissions! (Part 3)" to be posted again as is, in the near future, and be able to discuss that( other future occasions will use these styles so well too/ may be re-post close to various other occasions). There are quite enough outstandingly amazing styles presented by DKB stylists part 3. It happens to have been all mixed up with other topics at present unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteThis really has brought the process of sharing our individual fashion sense to a different level for me. I have to say, being an occasional poster - i.e.: sharing my personal opinions - I've found this challenging at times. It's also taught me some things.
ReplyDeleteI have posted a comment and someone replied with, "don't you even know what happened? How can you feel that way?" - along those lines (not those words). I just completely ignored it. This person didn't know that my aunt had just passed away. My comment was based on where my "head" and "emotions" were at.
My tears are mine. If I chose to post a comment based on how I'm feeling at the time, I'm going to do it. It's a shame that someone felt the need to correct my comment based on how "they" felt. I would never think of contradicting someone's opinion or statement. To each his own. Not sure if anyone is right and anyone is wrong.
So thankful that the audience in Las Vegas was able to come together in a horrible situation. Nothing mattered to them but staying alive. Common ground.
Hoping that Kate comes back to work soon and perhaps the conversation will turn back to "fashion" and "style" - that's why I read this blog. Maybe everyone knows each other but I don't "know" anyone on this blog.j
And when it strays from fashion, I scan through the posts and ignore that conversation.
Welcome, Elle. Your words are sweet. :)
DeleteOh i love the more stylish hmm i not round down i bit sleepy we are all stylish
ReplyDelete****Note: Comments on this post are now closed. Thank you*****
ReplyDelete