“Fetching.” It’s that elusive, slightly archaic adjective that, once upon a time, was used to describe young ladies with an ineffable beauty and charm. These days, fetching seems to almost exclusively apply to Kate Middleton–or should we say Catherine–who has become a bit of an “it” girl since her engagement to Britain’s dreamy-despite-balding Prince William.
The happy couple posing for photographs following the announcement of their engagement on November 16th.
For the royal announcement Kate wore an understated silk jersey Issa dress the same color as her beautiful new engagement ring, and we’ve been swooning over this fetching number–and the switch to her proper name–ever since. The dress was said to have sold out internationally only 24 hours after the announcement, back in November, and only now are stores receiving new inventory. If you’ve gone Issa-mad too, here’s some info on where to find the dress, and, a few places where you can get the look for less!
Always reliable Net-A-Porter recently added The Dress to its clothing line-up, where you can buy it (before it sells out again) for $535:
The Kate Middleton Effect (a statistical term) means this dress can "fetch" a steep price: $535!
British brand Tesco has made a much less expensive knock-off they’re calling the Pepita Dress, for 99 pounds (about $150 US). This viscose version captures the look of Kate’s silk Issa by featuring a deep V-neck, draping, and a wrap waistband:
the Pepita knock-off
BCBG’s version is available on Neiman Marcus’ Last Call site, where it’s marked down from $148 to $89 (sale goes through January 26th):
BCBG's version
For a flirty version of Miss Catherine’s dress, check out this shorter sapphire blue silk jersey wrap dress, featuring asymmetric draping–it’s on sale at FoleyandCorinna.com for $238 (originally $340):
If you have royal fever, check out this edgier version of Kate's dress. Hot!
For something more ladylike, consider this Calvin Klein stretch knit sheath dress, in the same stunning sapphire blue as Kate’s. It’s on sale at Bluefly.com for $80.10 (originally $128). The ruffle at the waist and pleating at the neckline are two details that make the dress very fetching:
Another Bluefly.com frock that looks Kate-worthy is this Wyatt royal blue jersey dress with a great twisted knot detail. It’s on sale now for $79.20 (originally $125):
We love the flattering pleating of this twist knot design.
If you want the easy elegance of an Issa dress without looking like you’re completely obsessed with Kate Middleton, try this slate gray one, which features a similar length and draping style to Kate’s. It’s available at MyTheresa.com for $650.05:
Another dress that’s similar in silhouette and features flattering draping (but, differs in color) is this Sinclaire 10 Pleated Knit dress, on sale at Saks for $136.49 (originally $325):
This Sinclaire 10 knit dress has a gently pleated bodice and skirt that capture the elegance of Kate's look.
This Tibi dress is another Issa look-alike, in a deep jewel-tone purple, on sale at TheOutNet.com for $177.75 (originally $395):
We love the wrap effect of this Tibi dress.
It’s no wonder Kate’s style is spawning look-alikes left and right–what woman doesn’t want a dress that delivers her easy elegance. Miss Middleton, if being a fashion icon becomes one of your royal “duties”, we’re on board.
Silk Jersey Dresses in duchess blue are available here: http://www.JillBraun.com
They are in Switzerland, but ship worldwide.
The duchess blue is very similar to the blue Issa dress.