Kate and I lead very different lives. While we both have two small children, our day-to-day could likely not be more different. I highly doubt Kate runs around throwing snacks/sweaters/soothers/toys in bags haphazardly while simultaneously trying to wrangle the kids into the car to drop them off before continuing the mad rush dash to get to the office on time. I’m pretty confident to say I’ve never looked as put together ever in my entire life as Kate did stepping off the plane – with two small children – in Canada after a transatlantic flight. And while I know there are huge amounts of people behind the scenes who created this picture perfect moment, it’s still something that I try and draw inspiration from while managing my hectic, chaotic and rushed life.
This past weekend, I decided to stop the madness and take a step back to try and regroup. My husband has long wanted to take a trip on a sailboat, but my land-loving feet have always pushed for alternate options. I finally caved and this past weekend, I channelled my inner Kate and agreed to hop aboard a 50 foot sailboat and cruise around the Pacific NorthWest for a weekend.
When we first confirmed the trip, my thoughts immediately turned to the amazing nautical inspired outfits we would obviously have to have onboard. I mean, what’s the fun in sailing if it’s not in nautical attire? Since I knew nothing about sailing, I turned to Kate for inspiration in my wardrobe… Stripes would be a must-have.
But then I also had to factor in the fact that I live in the Pacific NorthWest, and there would be a chill as the breeze blew around. I would need something to keep me and my stripes warm as we sailed around. Deciding if I was going to be repliKating on this sailing trip, I’d do all-in, I knew exactly the repliKate I wanted to keep me warm. I wanted something along the line of the Sentaler wrap coat Kate wore in Canada.
Truth be told, I’ve been eyeing this coat forever, but I just couldn’t justify it. While I do live in Canada, I live in a part of Canada where it gets cold enough to wear this maybe 3-4 times a year. Then it dawned on me – why not find a repliKate of the coat that aligned with what I knew of Kate’s tastes and that was workable in my life? This is, after all, what I think repliKating is all about: seeking inspiration from a piece Kate wore and making it your own.
The piece I fell in love with came in from N.Peal in the form of their Felted Waterfall Cashmere Cardigan in Navy. The waterfall sweater has the same structural look as the Kate’s wrap coat but in a lighter fabric that is more practical for those that don’t require a winter coat (and want to wear it year round!) The heavy, cosy and luxurious cashmere is something we know Kate appreciates in a garment and that makes the piece something that is worthy of my own collection. William has worn the brand many times, and we are confident Kate has a few classic N. Peal London pieces in her wardrobe as well – so a royal-favourite brand in a repliKate inspired piece was definitely worth of my sailing adventure.
In case you’re not familiar, the N. Peal London brand was born in 1936 in London’s famed Burlington Arcade. Their flagship store has been there ever since, with other major retailers popping up in Knightsbridge, Sloane Street, and Piccadilly. I can imagine way-back when she was Kate Middleton that N. Peal London was on her regular rotation of shops to visit – LK Bennett for classic shoes, Zara for trendy pieces, N. Peal London for timeless cashmere. The felted waterfall sweater that N.Peal was kind enough to send to me absolutely fits the bill of a timeless classic Kate would love, and was perfect for my weekend at sea.
I would strongly recommend that a sweater like this make its way into everyone’s wardrobe. Even my dog loved snuggling up to fend off the cool air (Excuse his hair, he’s getting his “Summer haircut” this week from the groomer!)
All in all, it was a fun weekend. While I’m not sure I’ve caught the “sailing bug”, I can absolutely sense the freedom and peacefulness that being out on the water offers. I also love how versatile my new N.Peal sweater is going to be in my wardrobe for years to come. If you weren’t convinced already, look at their packaging. Swoon.
A new sweater… A weekend on a sailboat… And getting to repliKate in the process? All the things needed for a great weekend.
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