Steal Her Look For Less: Kate Middleton in Temperley London

Kate Middleton shined at the War Horse London Premiere

How does that saying go - "If it ain't broke don't fix it"? It sure seems like Kate Middleton is taking that phrase to heart. From her gorgeous colorful Issa dresses to her long sleeved wedding gown, she's really made quite the "lacey" fashion statement. Some might consider this fabric to be old fashioned and beyond it's time. Yet she's proven how extremely modern and somewhat sexy it can be. Perhaps it helps that she's got that mega-watt smile and the shiniest hair known to man. Either way, no one was surprised how gorgeously stunning she looked at the London War Horse premiere on Sunday night. Wearing a sweeping black lace gown from Temperley London, the Duchess showed why she's every bit a piece of regal royalty.

The nude underlay offers the look of a skin-bearing sheath keeping the look fresh, fun and current. And while her floor length dress is perfect for a red carpet appearance, I want to translate this elegant style for the everyday woman. And of course, stay on budget! After all, we might all think we're princesses (present company included) but not all of us actually are....

I think the key to wearing this ladylike design is to not over-do it. You want the lace to be the center of attention. Kate was smart by choosing a simple black velvet clutch, that beautiful engagement ring and a sparkling bracelet for a hint of glitz. (The girl can't go around wearing the crown jewels everywhere!) But if you like to keep things a little on the wild side, a peek-a-book cut-out adds a hint of edgy to this classic look. I hope these picks make you feel like the Queen-in-training you all are! xoxo

1st & 2nd image via Yahoo OMG; 2nd image via Zimbio

Poll: Who Wore It Better - Kate Middleton or Cat Deeley

Princess Catherine & Cat Deeley

It's a battle of the Catherines! Both British beauties have been spotted in this gorgeous Beulah London red long sleeve gown with billowing sleeves and a plunging neckline. Yet they each added their own style and personality into the looks.

Princess Catherine (a.k.a. Kate Middleton) was spotted wearing hers at St. James Palace for a charity gala (where over $1 million dollars was raised!) Her signature brown locks were flowing and she accessorized {of course} with that gorgeous sapphire diamond ring. Cat wore hers back in early spring for the BBC special "Royally Mad." She swept that gorgeous blond mane back in an updo with jet black eyeliner. The SYTYCD host's mega-watt smile was the only add-on needed. So now I'm asking you lovelies...

Who Wore It Better?

1st image via Twitter, 2nd image DailyMail UK

Kate Middleton's Travel Style Secrets

Kate Middleton (aka Catherine Duchess of Cambridge) and Prince William (Duke of Cambridge) arrive at the BAFTAs

Kate Middleton stunned the world with her fashion choices during their 11 day North American tour a few weeks ago. She wore fabulous designers (of course) and always looked impeccably styled even on their most casual day at a lake. And while I was in awe of her beauty just like every one else, I noticed that the princess is quite a smart packer! She knows that one of the keys to traveling is rotating accessories and picking pieces that can work for all your ensembles. Let's take a peak shall we?

Steal Her Look For Less: Kate Middleton in Jenny Packham

The Duke & Dutchess of Cambridge

Oh. My. Goodness. I am not sure if it's the purple carpet, the dress or that smile but Catherine Duchess of Cambridge (aka Kate Middleton) looked absolutely smashing last night. She and the Duke attended the 10th annual Absolute Return for Kids [ARK] Gala in London for their first official appearance as a married couple. And she really has outdone herself here. Catherine (or Kate... I'm not really sure what to call her now!) wore a gorgeous rose colored Jenny Packham gown (on sale now for $3,515 but I am sure not for long!) with sequin, crystal and beaded detail. You might think it looks familiar as Leighton Meester wore it in Gossip Girl a few weeks ago. She paired it with L.K. Bennett bow sandals, a rose colored clutch and simple earrings. Stunning.

So beautiful!

I haven't featured Kate on here too often but I just knew I had to find some "Steal Her Look" options for my lovely readers! This is a style that you can emulate for a night out with gals (shorter versions) or for your next charity function (longer gowns) Just keep everything in a similar color tone and whatever you choose make sure you accessorize with a mega-watt smile! Plus there's no better way to start a Friday off than dressing like a princess? Happy Weekend!

More Townsend...

images via Getty Images

Guest Blogger: The Fashions of Princess Diana & Kate Middleton

While I am gone on my trip I'll have several guest bloggers writing for Bedazzles After Dark. I love reading their blogs and I wanted to introduce them to my readers! First up is Katie. She's a quirky, smart, vegetarian who is hilarious. She's also a gal who writes about whatever her heart desires on her blog Anything Lovely. Recently she's been gaga over The Wedding (as in The Royal Wedding) So what better way to celebrate this occasion than checking out the stylings of one princess and one soon to be princess.....

Thanks to Nikki for letting me guest post on her blog!
I am certifiably nuts over obsessed with the Royal Wedding (happening tomorrow!). I've literally been on several shopping trips to World Market in search of watching-party supplies, and may or may not have stalked Etsy for hours in search of overpriced, unnecessary paraphernalia with which to commemorate this blessed event (yes, they do make William & Kate-shaped tea bags). I WILL be watching at 2 a.m. PST with scone and tea in-hand because I can't stand the thought of not watching it live. Like I said, I'm obsessed.

Certainly I'm not the only one who's been struck with royal fever (I mean, there's someone out there seeing Kate's likeness on JELLY BEANS, for goodness sake). And no offense, Wills, but can we all just agree that our obsession stems from our complete infatuation with Kate Middleton? I'm not afraid to admit it, I want to TRADE BODIES with her. She is completely gorg. And she's going to be a freaking princess! And the ring, OMG! I think our royal wedding craze also stems from the amazing legacy that Princess Diana left behind. She did so much in the way of humanitarian work, and she did it all while looking AMAZE. So, in honor of one of our ultimate style heroes, Diana, and our new infatuation with Kate--here are my favorite style highlights of this duo:

Rocking the LBD. Can you say, "legs?"

Riding boots and all-around casual chic. (Diana's boots? AMAZE! Someone needs to make those!)

Elegant wrap dresses.

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The incredible ability to make you feel like you know them, while looking singularly regal

I hope you enjoy the Royal Wedding! If you're like me and don't have cable, you can watch it on YouTube here.

You can view more of Katie's musings on her blog Anything Lovely or Tweet her here [@thingsshesaid]


1st image via Real Simple; 2nd image Style Binge; 3rd image via AOL Stylist; 4th image via ProInvestATI; 5th image via Luxist; 6th image via Gossip Rocks; 7th image via Amy Wong; 8th image via Zimbio