Get Kate Middleton’s Fairytale Wedding Gown for Less

Kate Middleton–excuse me–Her Royal Highness Catherine, Duchess of Wales, exceeded every expectation this morning as she wed her Prince Charming, William. Designers around the world are scrambling to debut knock-offs and spin-off and “inspired-by” gowns aimed at replicating the genius of Alexander McQueen designer Sarah Burton. While they work at a breathless pace, we wanted to feature a few gowns already available that offer the same Fairy Tale look as Kate’s.

This Oscar de la Renta gown, from the designer’s Spring 2011 collection, echos the classic style of Princess Grace that Kate emulated:

Sources say that Catherine, who worked closely with Sarah Burton in formulating the design of her dress, wanted to combine Princess Grace’s traditional, classic style with the modernity and artistic flair that Alexander McQueen is known for.  You can easily see the influence of Grace’s gown in Kate’s and the regal Oscar de la Renta dress:

This Vera Wang gown from her White Collection for David’s Bridal also takes a nod to Princess Grace’s dress with it’s classic lace overlay and three-quarter length sleeves:

Wang brings her own signature style to the timeless design with an airy ebony bow that emphasizes the bride’s narrow waist and adds a touch of whimsey and romance. The best part about this gown–it’s only $1,300!

For a similar look with a bit more modern sex appeal, consider this “Arugia” gown from Elie Saab’s 2011 Pronovias collection:

Saab’s creation plays homeage to Grace’s gown with it’s embroidered lace, but, like Kate’s dress, captures a more modern allure with it’s v-neckline.

These are only a few of the Kate Middleton look-alike gowns available at the moment. And stay tuned–over the next 24 hours expect to find direct knock-offs flooding the market! In the meantime, want a better look at Kate’s gown? Check out Fashionista’s suite of pictures–they’ve got photos of the Royal Bride and her dress from every angle.

Get Kate Middleton’s Issa Engagement Dress for Less

“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.

Good Deal, Great Deal: Dramatic Blue Party Dresses from Phillip Lim and Poleci

Put either of these two dramatic blue dresses to work during the upcoming holiday season this winter, then pull it out again next summer for weddings or parties. Flattering draping, a classic silhouette and vivid blue hue make both very versatile and perfect for special occasions. Best of all, they’re both on sale–one for $272 and one for $149. Enjoy!

Good Deal: This Phillip Lim dress, originally $680, is now on sale for $272 on Outnet.com. The balance of the intense turquoise silk-satin dress  with the delicate, sheer silk-chiffon panel at top gives this dress a lot of allure.  The ruffled bodice and draping through the skirt ensures a flattering fit. Best of all, there are slit pockets hidden at the side of the skirt.

Here's the front...

...and the back.

Great Deal: Poleci offers a more economical version that’s just as glamorous. Right now it’s on sale for $149 (originally $162) on Ruelala.com (Join Ruelala for free by clicking here). The draped, pleated skirt and sweetheart neckline gives the dress a real sense of romance, while the semi-sheer mesh neckline adds some edge. We love the deep sapphire color–and the way they’ve styled the model with black tights–together it’s a great look for winter holiday party.