Once upon a time, commoners had no hope of dressing like royalty. Class lines were very well defined. Farmers and the merchants in town didn't wear velvet, purple or golden crowns. You could tell, just with a glance, who rode the royal steed, and who cleaned up after them.
Until Diana.
When 19 year old Diana Spencer burst onto the scene in the early 80's, you could tell that change was in the air. Sure, she wore her share of designer originals and priceless jewels, but she also picked gorgeous stuff right off the racks. Whatever fashion missteps she made as a new bride, she learned from and went on to become one of the premier icons of the 20th century.
The media couldn't get enough of her. Every outfit was fully documented in the press. Sure, she goofed every now and then, but more times than not, her wardrobe was breathtaking, and it came with a promise: you could dress like Diana, too.
When she died in August 1997, the world lost someone unlike anyone we'd ever known. She encompassed so many areas of life, and still today, there's a giant hole where Diana once ruled in our lives and hearts. Not just in fashion, but in compassion, in mothering, and in working the press.
I think Diana would be beyond thrilled with the choice her son William made in a wife. Dear Kate Middleton seems to embody the image Diana pioneered back when royalty was untouchable.
Beautiful, athletic, warm and possessing the common touch Diana had with the crowds that came to see her, Kate has taken her predessor's goals a bit further. She is more careful in her dealings with the press, and she hardly makes a mistake. The royal family has learned their lesson and is more protective of Kate than they were with Diana. An added bonus: William and Kate are truly in love. They dated for years and made sure marriage was the right next step. As far as I can tell, there's no Camilla waiting the wings :P
Aside from the gorgeous custom made gowns Kate has worn for lavish functions, her daily wardrobe is one we normal folks can emulate. Take a look at the pictures above: there's no reason these outfits couldn't be duplicated with budget friendly pieces. Even from a thrift store! Kate's whole persona says classy, yet accessible.
Another endearing Kate-trait: she re-wears clothes! It's not unheard of for a dress worn 5 years before to crop up again for another function, this time reworked with different jewelry, hat and accessories. She even swaps clothes with her equally gorgeous and fashionable mum and sis. She also mixes high-low, meaning those priceless earrings from Queen Elizabeth might be worn with a cute dress she bought online from a store like Zara and Topshop. Sounds like..........us?
I admit it, I have as big a girl crush on Kate that I did on Diana. There's something irresistable about a woman who strives to looks as polished as possible, yet also has interests outside herself and her clothes. Getting ready in the morning, checking it all out before you leave to make sure everything's perfect, and then forgetting yourself as you walk out that door so you can do your best and serve others.
That's my idea of a princess :)
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