Royal Tour - 11 April 2014: Nautical in New Zealand

In the morning of Friday 11 April William and Kate travelled to Whenuapai, near Auckland, to Air Force personnel and their families at the largest RNZAF base in New Zealand. 

For the occasion Kate opted for casual chic, wearing a navy double-breasted blazer from the current Zara collection ($ 139), a nautical striped top by British label ME + EM ( £48), J-brand 811 mid-rise dark blue skinny jeans ($ 219), and her trusted Stuart Weitzman 'Corkswoon'  wedges in navy suede ($398). 

As for jewellery, Kate wore her simple, yet elegant round 'Grace' studs by Kiki McDonough, made of white topaz and small diamonds, set in 18k white gold (£695). 

When looking at all the pictures, I also immediately ID'd another item. Not anything worn by Kate though, but of a wife of one of the Air Force base employees :-P It is the 'Electric Wonderland' dress in blue, by New Zealand designer Trelise Cooper (currently on sale for $250). 

I came across it when doing some research regarding New Zealand designers and possible items Kate might wear during the Royal Tour, and it was also featured as a 'Royal Tour' possibility by Susan from What Kate Wore. It reminds me a lot of the cornflower blue polkadot dress by Jenny Packham that Kate wore when leaving the hospital with Prince George, so if I would be talking to Kate while holding my baby, I would probably choose for this dress as well ;-)

After the visit to the Air Force base, the couple went to the Auckland Marine, where they raced each other twice in an 80ft America’s Cup sailing vessel. Obviously, Kate won both times, and couldn't resist reminding William of that a time or two. 

To be sporty-appropriate, Kate donned her head with a black 'New Zealand' baseball cap with fern embroidery ($18), and of course a ponytail. 

For the yacht race she also traded the navy blazer and the wedges for a bit more comfortable footwear: her beige and white Sebago Bala deck shoes ($94.95).

While the Duchess usually goes for the more 'feminine' style (a.k.a. big and black), We now saw her wear a new pair of more 'sportier' sunglasses: original 'Wayfarer Classic' from Ray-Ban in the colour Tortoise ($155). 

The Ballon Bleu watch by Cartier also made a reappearance. Bravest act of today! I would never dare bringing my $5,000.00 watch within a five mile radius of salt water! :-P 

And last but not least: Kate briefly sported the 'BR1 Channel' jacket by Musto (€279), a high quality jacket designed for coastal sailors. 

Although I absolutely LOVE looking at all of Kate's beautiful designer dresses and coats (really, they're like a work of art!), I am always so very glad when she wears something more casual, because that is often a lot more wearable for most of us (for me anyway), and easier to replikate! In the collage below only one item costs more than $69.99!

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