Kate's Day of Home Decor Shopping + Top Designers' Maternity Sketches

The Duchess was out and about home shopping in the upmarket area of Chelsea London yesterday. The photos are available to view at E! Online. Pop over and take a look and let us know what you think!

Kate shopped at the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour where she was spotted browsing for lighting. Perhaps pieces for Kensington Palace's Apartment 1A or Anmer Hall, the couple's new country home.

@GlossInterior Twitter Feed

The Design Centre Chelsea Harbour  is described as "the world's premier design centre" catering for all one's home décor needs. The dazzling space provides the perfect environment for 90 showrooms and over 500 international interior brands. It is the largest of its kind in Europe.

My Fashion Connect

One can also enjoy a look through specialist design titles in the bookshop or have a spot of lunch in one of the relaxing cafés. According to the E! story Kate had breakfast in the Dome Café.

Design Centre Chelsea Harbour

Kate left with a bag from fabric store Turnell and Gigon. The prestigious brand carries a royal warrant and distributes a collection named after royal residence Clarence House. You may recall Kate was photographed shopping there last July and reportedly left with a selection of samples and swatches. Turnell and Gigon carry beautiful fabrics. It's no surprise it's a favourite of the Duchess's.

Australia's New Idea Magazine/Princess Diana Frances Tumblr/Turnell and Gigon

The Duchess purchased a rug in a shop on Lots Road, known for stocking vintage and contemporary furniture. Max Casimir shared the sighting as well as his sense of humour. :)

@MaxCasimir Twitter Feed

The lovely ladies over at the What Kate Wore Facebook Page quickly identified Kate's tweet jacket as a Zara piece. The grey wool military blazer features gold buttons and is thought to be from the brand's 2011 collection, and is unfortunately sold out.

eBay

It is thought Kate's flat shoes are Mint Velvet Taupe Suede Plimsolls. The Duchess was seen shopping in Anglesey last week and onlookers noted she was wearing plimsolls. These could very well be the same pair. They are available in sizes 4-8 for £79.

Mint Velvet

Kate accessorised with her Aquacutum Club Check Scarf. The luxuriously soft scarf is currently available at John Lewis.

John Lewis

And injected a pop of colour into the look with the very pretty Gold Plated Azuni Earrings. The £22.50 cornflower blue earrings are available at John Lewis.

Azuni

Kate carried her grey Tod's D-Styling Tote.

Tod's

The Duchess also wore a white top, light blue jeans and wore her hair in a pretty updo. I quite liked the whole look; perfect for a relaxing day of shopping. What do you think?

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Our next segment is one the fashionistas among you will enjoy! Kate is currently in her third trimester and has thus far avoided maternity wear instead opting for non-maternity pieces with the occasional bespoke piece from one of her favourite designers. Naturally, the world's top designers would love to dress Kate's bump, but what would they design for the Duchess?

The talented folks over at Women's Wear Daily asked a selection of designers to sketch a design for Kate and share their creations. The Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel design is quite different to anything we've seen Kate wear. I couldn't imagine the Duchess opting for a low cut garment, but Karl said, "I think this design is very much in her taste." The salmon Chloé piece seems a much more likely choice for Kate.

Karl Lagerfeld & Chloé

Nanette Lepore and Nina Ricci's offerings.

Nanette Lepore and Nina Ricci

Donna Karan's blue creation is beautiful. The designer said, "This is a dress she could wear forever, at any age, at any stage, during and after pregnancy." While Andrew Gn's black and white egg shaped dress is definitely a possibility for the Duchess.

Donna Karen and Andrew Gn

One of Kate's favourite British designers, Amanda Wakeley, chose:

'a softly draped cocktail dress from our spring collection, but in an exclusive made-to-order mallard green... a shade I think would be amazing on her colouring... it is youthful yet demure with a beautiful embellished shoulder.'

We also look at Vera Wang's design, Huishan Zhang's floaty dress. Lela Rose's cream frock with black beading and Lorry Newhouse's ruffled creation.

Amanda Wakeley/Vera Wang/Huishan Zhang/Lela Rose/Lorry Newhouse

A true variation of garments in terms of design and colour. I would love to hear your favourites and which dress you think would suit Kate's style best.

Vix Beachwear Giveaway Winners, William and Kate's Oxfordshire Weekend, Latest News + More

Many thanks to everyone who entered our Vix Beachwear Giveaway in support of the Baby Cambridge Fundraiser. I am delighted to announce the winner of our First Prize is Ashley W.K. from the U.S.A. who will receive the Vix  Cayman Bia Tube Bikini, Pipa Kaftan  and Vix gold flip flops.

The winner of our Second Prize - the Vix Cayman Bia Tube Bikini and the Vix gold flip flops - is Bettina G. from Germany.

Please contact me with your shipping details and I will ensure your beachwear gets to you both as soon as possible. Congratulations to Ashley and Bettina, I hope you enjoy wearing your Vix pieces this summer and to all of you who shared your dream destinations, I hope you get to spend a week or two there to relax and soak up the sun. You've certainly helped me add some dream vacations spots to my list. :)

Here is a selection of my favourite entries:

'Would love to wear one of those stunning bikinis in Sunny South Africa or Mozambique - beach. Paradise!'

'Would love wear one of these on the beaches of Goa, India during my summer trip there.'

'Waikiki is the place for me.'

'I'm hoping that someday my hubby and I will get to go to a nice warm beach somewhere, just the two of us! and that's where I would wear the Vix bikini.'

'I would love to wear it celebrating my 2 year's remission from Hodgkin's Lymphoma - in my own backyard! My hubby just had a beautiful hot tub installed as a gift to me :) and it would be a nice treat for him.'

We have many more very exciting activities coming up which we're sure you will enjoy! In the meantime you can donate to the Baby Cambridge Fundraiser or share a Banner or Button on your website, Facebook Page or Twitter Feed. We are incredibly grateful for all the support we have received thus far!

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As you know, William and Kate attended the wedding of William Van Cutsem and Rosie Ruck-Keene in Oxfordshire over the weekend. Many of you have asked about the publication of professional photos; as of publishing this post photos have not been made available online yet, although I'm sure they will be in the coming days. Photos were published in yesterday's Daily Express, a look inside the paper can be viewed here.

Daily Express

According to fellow guests at the reception, it was an immensely enjoyable wedding with Prince William showing off his dance moves....

@ThomEKOfficial Twitter Feed

The following day the Duke and Duchess popped into The Mole and Chicken for a spot of lunch. The picturesque country pub and restaurant with five beautiful letting rooms set high on the border offers outstanding views across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

The Mole and Chicken

William enjoyed a Mushroom Risotto and Kate had fish and chips. Both dishes are available on the restaurant's A la Carte Menu for £13 and £12.50 respectively.

The Mole and Chicken

The royal visit was much to the surprise and delight of staff.

The Mole and Chicken

The Mole and Chicken is something of a hidden treasure known for its excellent service, delightful country atmosphere and great menu with one customer tweeting: "Great atmosphere and menu. Anyone who hasn't been, must get themselves to you. Highly recommend." Actor Richard E. Grant also popped in for a bite to eat last week. If you're in the area you can make a reservation via the website.

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Next, four interesting stories I'd like to share with you. The Mirror's Victoria Murphy reports William, Kate and Harry have donated £100,000 to help wounded soldiers trek through the South Pole. Prince Harry who is currently touring the US will join the injured soldiers as they trek in temperatures of -45C.

Chief Executive of the trio's Royal Foundation Nick Booth said:

'The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry are all dedicated to helping our wounded undertake truly great adventures and sporting achievements as part of their recovery.

The Walking With The Wounded South Pole Allied Challenge is a perfect demonstration of the tenacity and resolution of the inspirational men and women who serve both our nation and our allies.'

William and Kate's wedding website has been deactivated more than two years after the couple tied the knot at Westminster Abbey. The enormously popular website has been viewed by more than thirteen million people worldwide and received 15 million hits on the day of the wedding. The website also served as the vehicle for The Royal Wedding Charitable Gift Funds which raised a staggering £1 million. The proceeds were split between 26 charitable organisations chosen by the Duke and Duchess.

Kate enjoyed an Indian dish on the weekend of her second wedding anniversary in Berkshire, according to Hello! Magazine. The Duchess ordered a homemade vegetable dish by Indian couple Chan Shingadia and her husband Hash who own the local Spar shop in Bucklebury.

Hash Shingadia said:

'She likes my wife's cooking. We cook for her mum and family. My wife made her a curry a little while ago which she enjoyed. I think she came in one day and my wife was cooking upstairs.

She said it smelled lovely, so my wife gave her some to take away. We've really got to know Kate. She is really caring. She is like a human being, not a celebrity, and she is always a good customer. William is down to earth.'

Perhaps the story which has made the most headlines is that sources close to Kate have revealed the baby's due date is July 13th. The Duchess recently revealed she is due in mid-July and I think this is where the story stemmed from. It is highly unlikely any of Kate's friends would reveal such information to the press.

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Now that we're all caught up with the latest news, let's finish with a fashion tidbit! I know many of us particularly yours truly are huge fans of one of Kate's favourite British brands, Joseph. My Wardrobe is offering 30% off two of the label's dresses which would look magnificent on the Duchess post pregnancy.

The Maria Dress is very much a Kate piece featuring qualities we know the Duchess favours in garments. The interlocking wool dress has a round neck, capped sleeves and ruching to the sides of the waist. It is currently reduced from €325 to €227 and is available in Red, Teal and Black.

My Wardrobe

The Joseph Black Perry is another striking piece. The sleeveless dress is a stylish LBD featuring a cowl neck, gathered design from one shoulder, hook and eye fastening to opposite shoulder and draped design to skirt. It is reduced from €362 to €253.

My Wardrobe

A look at shots from the Joseph Spring/Summer 2013 Campaign.

Joseph

One can also find a selection of Joseph pieces significantly reduced at The Outnet.

I hope you're all having a lovely week! :)

Kate in Topshop Polka Dot Dress for South Oxfordshire Wedding

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended the wedding of close friends William van Cutsem and Rosie Ruck Keene in Ewelme, South Oxfordshire today.

Lily Sherston Twitter Feed

Much to the surprise of locals William and Kate popped into a local pub for lunch before departing in a Renault Clio for the wedding.

John Sawyer Twitter Feed

Prince William reportedly dated the bride, Rosie Ruck Keene, briefly during his 2007 split from Kate and has been close friends with the van Cutsems for years, especially the groom's brother Major Nicolas van Cutsem. The Major serves with the Household Cavalry and led the escort accompanying the Prince's royal wedding carriage. And who could forget William's goddaughter, Grace van Cutsem, who nearly stole the show at the wedding. The daughter of Lady Rose Astor and Hugh van Cutsem made an unforgettable impression on the big day. :)

The Duchess who is currently in her third trimester looked happy and healthy as she walked into the church with friends while Prince William took care of his usher's duties. The couple have been enjoying a quiet week at their Anglesey home where William works as a Search and Rescue pilot.

Tilly Pudwell Twitter Feed

Ewelme is a village and civil parish in the Chiltern Hills in South Oxfordshire. The picturesque church dates back to 1450. The present building has not changed greatly in over 600 years. Many people from all over the world come to see the tomb of Alice de la Pole, Geoffrey Chaucer's granddaughter, Duchess of Suffolk and founder of the trust 'God's House at Ewelme'. The founders' prayer is still used on special occasions:

'God have mercy on the Sowles of the noble Prince King Harry and of the sowles of my Lord William sum time Duke of Suffolk and my Lady Alice Duchess of Suffolk his wife our founders and of their fadyr and modyr sowls and all Cristen sowls'.

The church is a place of tranquility and peace.

Wikipedia

Many of you will recognise Kate's ensemble from the Warner Bros. Studio Opening last month.

Kate wore the Topshop Florence Maternity Style.

Topshop

As we mentioned before, the Florence is a popular Topshop style available in non maternity and various prints and colourways.. Below we look at another Polka Dot version, the Sampler Print, the Southwest Stripe and the Iris.

Topshop/Nordstrom

Kate teamed the dress with her black Ralph Lauren jacket, one of her favourite pieces since the royal wedding. 

Unfortunately the jacket is sold out but the always talented Tatiana's Delights spotted a very nice Repli-Kate piece at Mango. The Peplum Jacket retails for £60 and features a round neck, three quarter sleeves and concealed hook fastenings.  It is also available at John Lewis and House of Fraser.

Mango

The Duchess completed the look with a black and white Vivien Sherriff fascinator, her black suede clutch and her Episode 'Angel' shoes. I thought this look a pretty and comfortable choice when Kate wore it at the Warner Bros. Studio opening and it works equally well for a spring wedding. 

More photos will be published in Monday's Daily Express.

Daily Express