Frugal Fashion: Kate Middleton, pretty as a princess
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Kate Middleton is the envy of every girl who has ever dreamed of being a real-life princess. She is asked to lunch with the Queen of England at Buckingham palace, has the design of her much anticipated wedding gown causing a media frenzy and could well be a future queen herself.
As if becoming part of the English royal family weren’t enough, she took a prince off the market. That handsome man at her side is none other than the swoon-worthy, dashing Prince William, second in line to the throne. After little deliberation, I have to revise my earlier statement: Middleton is the super envy of every girl everywhere!
As princess-bride-to-be, the 28-year-old is already preparing for her royal duties by accompanying her prince to their first official event since their engagement: the Thursford’s Christmas Spectacular show in England for the Teenage Cancer Trust where they spoke with young people battling cancer.
Middleton looked poised, elegant and every bit the modern-day princess in a black and white Alice Temperly dress, textured black blazer, plain black heels and her best accessory, her 18-carat sapphire and diamond engagement ring.
Even if it’s unlikely that any of us will become British princesses, it is possible to look like one -- and on a budget too. Feel like royalty in this London Times’ black and white banded dress from overstock.com for $45.99.
Any fitted black jacket or cardigan you already have in your closet will help keep you warm in this dress, but if you want Middleton’s complete look go for a black velvet blazer like the Apt. 9 velvet blazer for $72 from Kohl’s.
Step into some moderately high heels and stockings and you’re almost at princess status, but what would a princess be without her jewels? We don’t have any real sapphire and diamond rings in mind but what about some sparkly costume jewelry to give you a special touch of glamour without having to dip into a royal-sized bank account?
Slip one of these pretty faux rocks on your finger, or at these prices, all of them.
Forever 21 gems, from left: framed oval ring or the sophisticated faceted bead ring, $5.80 each; faux pearl rhinestone ring or faceted bead cocktail ring, $4.80 each; and the picture frame jewel ring, $3.80.
Happy shopping.
Have an outfit you’re dying to buy but need a frugal alternative? E-mail us a picture. We’re up for the challenge.
-- Jenn Harris
jenn.harris@latimes.com
Photo, top: Britain’s Prince William and his fiancée Kate Middleton arrive to view the Thursford Christmas Spectacular gala in Thursford, England, Dec. 18. Credit: Sang Tan / Associated Press.
Photo, right: London Times black and white dress from Overstock.com. Credit: Overstock.com.
Photo, left: Black velvet blazer from Kohl’s. Credit: Kohl’s.
Photo, bottom from left to right: Framed oval ring, sophisticated faceted bead ring, Faux pearl rhinestone ring, faceted cocktail bead ring and picture frame jewel ring all from Forever 21. Credit: Forever 21.
