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