We love hearing how Kate influences our readers to incorporate elements of Kate’s style into their lives, and to see some of their favourite pieces. It was no exception with Lailah – whose maternity closet inspired by Kate has even led her to look beyond her soon-to-arrive new bundle of joy. Here is Lailah’s story and a glimpse into her Royal Closet.
My interest in Kate began the day that her engagement to Prince William was announced. Like many Americans, I instantly had Royal Wedding Fever. While watching the Wedding of the Century, I heard a rumor that Prince William and Kate’s first official Royal Tour would be a few months later to Canada and then California. My love of all-things-Kate was reinforced when I was fortunate enough to go to California and catch a glimpse of the Duke and Duchess in person at the BAFTA Event in Los Angeles, California (See picture, below!). This is when my interest in replikating really started, but I found that for my budget the easiest way to add some of Kate’s style to my wardrobe was with replikate jewelry. Later on I transitioned from just accessories into maternity and separates.
In the fall of 2012, I found out that my husband and I were going to be first time parents. I was delighted to later find out that Will and Kate were expecting their first child as well. My friends even threw me a Will and Kate Royal themed baby shower to feed into my obsession! For the special occasion, I wore my replikate engagement ring and crystal stud earrings to accent my cobalt blue dress. Will and Kate even made an appearance (in cardboard form)!
During the time of my first pregnancy I couldn’t justify spending the money on replikate maternity wear, but that changed by the time I found out I was expecting my second child a few years later. I purchased the very affordable ASOS Kate Wrap Skater Dress in Polka Dot that Kate wore for her visit to Home-Start’s Brookhill Children’s Centre while pregnant with Charlotte.
Since I am re-wearing many maternity clothes from my first pregnancy, I decided the best way to keep up with Kate’s style, while staying in budget, was to continue adding to my replikate jewelry collection. A few of the jewelry pieces I’ve added are the citrine teardrop earrings, gold leaf pave heart earrings and both the sapphire necklace and matching earrings Kate wore during her engagement announcement to William.
Thankfully, due to a few well timed sales, I was able to acquire several pieces from Kate’s recent India Tour and Head’s Together PSA. Even though I’m still pregnant, I found these deals too good to pass up. That’s when the idea hit me to use these purchases as motivation when it’s time to get back to my pre-pregnancy size. I purchased both the Zara Mid-Rise Biker Trousers and J. Crew Tippi Sweater on sale and bought replikates of the Naeem Khan White/Blue Embroidered Dress and Temperley London Jade Green Desdemona Lace Dress, both of which Kate wore on the India Tour. Now I have something exciting to look forward to wearing after my second child makes their debut.
While I love Kate’s style, for me replikating is about having fun while staying on budget and staying realistic with clothing options for a busy mom who’s expecting her second. I found her wardrobe something that anyone can relate to and customize for where they are in life. For me, replikating Kate’s wardrobe started with jewelry and a few pre-maternity pieces, then it moved into maternity wear and now is poised to move beyond.
Is your closet inspired by the Duchess of Cambridge? Do you have special repliKate pieces you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you and feature you in an upcoming My Royal Closet feature!
Great article Lailah!! I love your jewelry collection so much! And how fun, a royal themed baby shower!
Thanks again for choosing my submission!! It’s awesome to be featured on a website that is so supportive of fellow Kate fans!
It was our pleasure, Lailah! Thanks for sharing!