We do have news on Kate's next engagement! Kensington Palace confirmed Kate will carry out her first solo engagement since the pregnancy announcement on Tuesday, 31 October. In her role as Patron, she will visit the Lawn Tennis Association. The announcement indicates Kate is very much on the mend. Upon arrival, The Duchess will receive a briefing from key representatives of the LTA on its latest grass roots activities and high-performance objectives. The Duchess will have the chance to take part in the Tennis for Kids session. This is an LTA-run programme which introduces and teaches young children aged five to eight years old how to play and enjoy tennis. Her Royal Highness will also watch a wheelchair tennis demonstration. The Duchess will then have the opportunity to meet some of the UK’s top junior talents. Finally, The Duchess will meet some of the Coach Core apprentices who will be leading a tennis training session.
 |
| Kensington Palace |
William has no less than three galas pencilled into his diary for the next ten days. On Monday 30 October, he will attend the Pride of Britain Awards, a glittering event honouring Britain's unsung heroes; on 2 November, as patron of Tusk, William will attend the conservation charity's gala dinner; and on 6 November, it's the Skillforce UK gala, jointly hosted by the Children's Trust. Perhaps Kate will make a surprise appearance at one of the three?
************
When it comes to fashion, without a doubt the autumn-winter season is my favourite time of year. Chunky knits, warm scarves, boots for casual wear and it's the pivotal time of year to don your finery, be it at a Christmas event with family and friends or a seasonal trip to the ballet. For royal watchers, it's undeniably a season full of galas, premieres and other red carpet events. We don't know how many engagements Kate will have in November, but certainly I believe we'll see a couple of glamorous nights on the calendar. With fashion firmly in mind, we're chatting about all things sartorial tonight.
Pieces worn by Kate tend to usually sell out rather quickly, which is why it makes perfect sense for brands to re-release and update those items. This is exactly what L.K. Bennett have done for their new Black Tie Collection. In the photo above, we see Kate at the Widlife Photographer of the Year Awards in 2014. I loved the mix of the blue Jenny Packham gown, Monica Vinader Riva jewels and Kate's gorgeous pink L.K. Bennett Agata Sandals. As part of the collection, the Agata Sandals have been given a new lease of life in Gold Satin and Purple Satin. Either hue would work perfectly with a little black dress.
 |
| L.K. Bennett |
Kate's Nina Clutch in Gold Leather and the iconic Sledge Pumps in black suede.
 |
| L.K. Bennett |
Dresses from the collection which fit in very well with Kate's style include the Elouise Lace Dress crafted in semi-sheer damask lace, the off-the-shoulder Magalie Velvet Dress, the red ottoman satin Delent Wrap Dress, and the Che Midnight Velvet Dress.
 |
| L.K. Bennett |
************
We mentioned the talented Jenny Packham above (if you've been reading for a while you'll know your scribe needs no excuse to discuss her beautiful designs). The current collection offers another fabulous selection of evening gowns. I love the simplicity of the Printed Crepe Gown.
 |
| Jenny Packham |
From the Autumn 2017 Collection, spotted on the runway, this gown is cut from liquid silver satin-crepe. The plush velvet ties add a touch of luxurious texture. It also comes in red.
 |
| Jenny Packham |
The Embellished Tulle Gown is cut from sheer tulle and beautifully detailed with black panels embellished with tonal-gold beads, sequins and crystals that appear as though they are floating on the body. The internal lining provides full coverage. We also see the 'classic Packham' Tulle-Paneled Embellished Gown.
 |
| Jenny Packham |
And the Sequined Half-Sleeve Boat-Neck Gown certainly looks familiar.
************
When the Cambridges visited Canada last year, the Duchess opted for the Ribbed Sleeve Wrapped Coat, later renamed 'The Kate Coat', by Canadian brand Sentaler. One year later, the brand has been stocked at leading US online retailers Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.
The Kate Coat is described: "This double-faced superfine alpaca wrap coat has the Sentaler signature ribbed detail on sleeves. It is the perfect statement piece." The coat features a belted waist, shawl collar, two slit pockets at front and the Sentaler signature ribbed detail on full sleeves. The gull grey hue Kate wore is available at Saks Fifth Avenue for $995.
 |
| Sentaler |
At Neiman Marcus, the coat is available in true blue and dark ruby.
 |
| Neiman Marcus |
And a look at the piece in 'Rose Dust' and black.
 |
| Sentaler |
With chillier days ahead, it's the perfect time of year for Kate to give her Sentaler coat another outing.
************
We also have updates on the restocking/availability of several pieces worn by the Duchess. Kate's popular Oscar de la Renta Pearl Sun Star Button Earrings are available on the designer's website.
 |
| Oscar de la Renta |
Kate's Temperley London Eclipse Lace Dress remains available in limited sizing at Net-A-Porter and Temperley London.
The Temperley Cypre Pointelle Frill Top Kate wore last year is back in stock in all sizes at Net-A-Porter.
Kate's Prada Printed Silk Dress is available in sizes 10-14 at My Theresa.
The GOAT Binky Blouse the Duchess wore for the Heads Together launch is available at FarFetch.
And for those fond of Kate's Superga Cotu Sneakers...
...they are available in a fantastic array of colours at Nordstrom.
 |
| Nordstorm |
That wraps up our fashion chat for tonight. Are there any specific designers/brands/repeats you would like to see the Duchess wear before the close of the year?
