Style I Love: Dressing like a Duchess

Like everyone else on the internets, I adore The Duchess of Cambridge's personal style.  I love that she dresses like a normal person, and never seems overdressed for the occasion or lets the outfit wear her.  2011 has obviously been a huge year for Duchess Catherine, and she has debuted some great looks:

Sleek coat and scarf

Source: prettystuff.tumblr.com via Krysta on Pinterest

Amazeballs Jenny Packham gown

Source: tumblr.com via Raylene on Pinterest

A slew of sheath dresses

Source: google.com via Caroline on Pinterest

Regular girl jeans and cardigans (like me!)

Source: blogsfashion.info via Megan on Pinterest

Jackets with dresses and belts (Also like me!  We'd totally be friends.)

Source: people.com via Katie on Pinterest

Kelly green DVF dress

Source: brunchatsaks.blogspot.com via Hannah on Pinterest

And since we all seem to be in agreement that her style is worth imitating, I decided to put together a little collection of Kate-inspired pieces that she might choose if she were on a sightly more common budget:

Kate's Closet by cardiganjunkie featuring bridal dresses

I'm loving that blazer, and have a similar pair of earrings that I love wearing with classic outfits.  What would you wear if you toured the world with your handsome husband while everyone speculated about your potential pregnancy?

Soapbox Time:  Please note that I did not refer to The Duchess as Kate Middleton because that is not her name.  She got a new name when she got married, and as a recently married person myself, I know it's annoying when people don't use it.  Let's try to be correct for my future BFF.

Holiday Hair Do's!

I love any excuse to dress up and do my hair, including a meeting or dinner with my husband.  However, what I really love is doing something different for parties.  I'm sad to not be attending any this year, but that hasn't stopped me from scoping out possibilities that I can try to mimic on a slightly more than ordinary day.

Here are some of my favorites:

The low, messy braid

Source: reasonstobreathe.tumblr.com via Paige on Pinterest

The Gibson twist

Source: thatswhatcindysaid.blogspot.com via Felicity on Pinterest

The Wee-hive (this one is too perfect looking, but you get the idea)

Source: google.ca via Felicity on Pinterest

The obligatory Lauren Conrad photo

Source: tumblr.com via Mateya on Pinterest

For those with short hair: The Classy Lady Bieber

Source: celebrityphotos.instyle.com via Martha on Pinterest

The messy braid-bun

Source: tumblr.com via Mateya on Pinterest

The perfect piecey, long layers

Source: google.com via Haley on Pinterest

What's your favorite fancy time hairdo?  Do you like to mix it up or play it safe with the chignon?  My hair weighs a ton and has a way of escaping from pins of all kinds, but I still can't wait to try some of these out in my bathroom on a Saturday morning.  (Yeah, that's how I roll)

Two pieces two ways

Happy Monday!  I hope everyone had a nice weekend.  N and I attended a beautiful (but chilly) wedding at a hill country venue outside of Austin, TX and then rushed home on Sunday so I could go see Trans Siberian Orchestra and not waste the pair of tickets I won at work.  (I did not realize that they're kind of a big deal, it was quite the spectacle... with lasers and 90's rock star hair.)

Since party season is now in full swing, I wanted to share a couple of pieces that I came across in my internet shopping and think would be a really good investment since they can be dressed up and down.

blue pants two ways by cardiganjunkie featuring platform heels

jacket two ways by cardiganjunkie featuring wedge heels

I am in LOVE with those blue pants from LOFT, and will be making them mine in the coming weeks.  However, I'm officially not shopping until next year unless I get gift cards.  That resolution is made even harder since I just discovered the wonderful store that is Aritzia.  The Debbie jacket is perfect and I would love to own it, but this option from Asos is similar and cheaper.

Which piece is your favorite? 

Yes, you can wear the giant necklace a lot.

Happy Friday!  I hope everyone had a great week.  Mine was busy, as usual, but I think I've turned a corner at work and next week will bring time for internets and blogs now that I'm basically done Christmas shopping (*crosses fingers).  I'm excited for N to return from a business trip today, and this weekend we're going to a wedding in Austin so I should get to relax a bit.

Today I wanted to share a quick example of how versatile a giant necklace can be, especially if it's a classic material like tortoise.  A lot of people think they can't pull off statement jewelry, but if there was only one fashion tip I could give it, it would be to learn how to pair basic pieces with memorable jewelry and you'll always look dressed up.

Here's an example using a necklace I recently gifted (with my friend) to someone:

tortoise necklace by cardiganjunkie featuring silk tops

Now I want one for myself!  Are you a fan of statement jewelry, or do you stick to the basics?

I hope everyone has a good weekend!