The Duchess of Cambridge has been picking up stunning fashion accessories from the same antiques store used to kit out the cast of Downton Abbey! At the recent royal Garden Party, the 35-year-old accessorised her look with a clutch bag purchased from Alfies Antique Market in Marylebone, London. The royal picked out her purchase from Tin Tin Collectables, a dealer at Alfies who sell their beautiful vintage items to film and TV shows, including Downton Abbey, Suffragette and Cinderella. The pretty tan design was adorned in a multi-coloured pattern and contrasted beautifully with her outfit. It is no suprise that Kate chose to shop second hand either, nor that she is a fan of antiques markets. The down-to-earth royal regularly shops at high-street stores like Zara and L.K. Bennett, and often recycles her outfits and accessories at public events.
Kate accessorised her outfit with a patterned clutch from an antiques market in London
At the garden party, the Duchess looked fabulous in a Christopher Kane coatdress and a 'Sweet Delight' hat by Lock & Co. The striking turquoise design cinched in at the waist to enhance her slim figure and was teamed with a pair of leg-lengthening tan heels. We first saw the silk-satin dress – sans hat and with sparkling dangle hoop earrings for an evening look – in July 2012 at a Palace reception for the Olympics opening ceremony. Giving the piece another outing, the royal wore a near replica of her 2017 daytime styling, from hat to nude shoes, to an Order of the Garter ceremony at Windsor in 2014.
On Monday Kate made another sensational fashion statement when she attended the opening of Royal Ascot in a summer-ready white lace McQueen dress. The beautiful calf-length design - a bespoke number by the British fashion designer - features a high neckline and a ribbon-style waistband.
Kate looked stunning in white lace at the opening of Royal Ascot
And it appears that Kate’s style has influenced another member of the royal family – Autumn Phillips. The stepped out on the second day of the annual race event in a striking embroidery print dress by British brand Rumour London which featured a pretty two-tier pleated skirt in hues of royal blue and cream and scalloped edges.
And while Autumn certainly ensured that all eyes were on her, on close inspection, it was evident that the 39-year-old’s outfit bore a striking resemblance to the Duchess of Cambridge’s McQueen dress worn during the Royal Tour in Canada back in 2016. On the second day of the tour, Kate looked stunning in the custom-made design, which also featured a pleated two-tier skirt, white cuffs and an almost identical pattern – just this time in pink.
STORY: The Duchess of Cambridge wows in white lace McQueen at Royal Ascot