Would Kate Buy Designer... If she didn't have a Princess Budget?

After we published our tally of Kate’s clothing purchases for January – March 2017, we immediately saw not only media picking up the story and running with it, but dozens of angry commenters commenting on the cost of Kate’s wardrobe. It’s too much! She doesn’t need to wear designer clothes! Who even cares what she wears? While we didn’t publish the story to give those without an appreciation for the Duchess’ fashion choices a platform to criticize her, we do appreciate that we didn’t include one important variable into the article – Kate’s love of a deal.

Embed from Getty Images

While we haven’t had the opportunity to see Kate at the outlet malls lately (she loves Bicester Village, for example, where she picked up an M. by Missoni coat she wore with The Queen and the Duchess of Cornwall at an engagement in 2012 there), we know that she is still a fan of the deal, with her selection of more recent articles of clothing from online “outlet” site The Outnet. While Kate’s wardrobe budget is definitely higher than the average person, we know that she is conscious of costs. Even if she didn’t have a Princess budget, we think she, like us, would still turn to the elegant cuts, luxurious fabrics, intricate details and tailored finishes of designer clothing.

Embed from Getty Images

But, I hear you saying, how can you afford designer clothing? A few weeks ago, we shared one of our favourite ways to get designer clothing for less with a high-end consignment site called The Upside. Several months ago, we also shared how sites like Rent the Runway make designer clothing realistic options for those unwilling to pay a fortune for one piece. Kate also takes advantage of secret sample sales and private shopping events for those on the VIP lists at certain stores – something many will allow you to do if you give them your personal details. Today, we thought we’d share the answer to this article’s titular question, would Kate wear designer clothes if she didn’t have a royal budget, with another of our favourite tricks. It’s a fabulous luxury consignment site called The RealReal.

What kind of items are available at sites like the RealReal?

Items like Kate’s favourite Penelope Chilvers boots, for $180 (regular retail $500+). Items like divine Dolce & Gabbana collared silk tops for $245 instead of $900. Items like Oscar de la Renta stunning gem necklaces for $380 instead of $1195. A 138 piece formal china dinner service for $2200 instead of $4000. Hunter Boots for $80. Sure, these are still more expensive than buying a set of dishes from Target, or picking up a top at a fast-retail chain – but there are so many reasons why buying quality is a great option. Think only of the quality of the last fast-fashion blouse you bought. While some are made with sturdy materials, none of them would be made with silk and with the quality of a designer blouse. The fast-fashion blouse will be relegated to the donation pile very quickly whereas a classic designer piece will be on regular rotation for years to come.

Embed from Getty Images

Here are even more of the pieces we have our eyes on this Spring and Summer at The RealReal. Kate, if you’re looking for some deals on clothing we think you’d love… We’ve done your shopping for you!