160 thoughts on “Kate Middleton’s Kiki McDonough Earring Collection”

1. Thank you for this. I’m stunned. Whilst I do like these earrings I cannot imagine why she needs so many such similar pairs. Then she adds more to her collection while others lie unused. Surely there are other Bitish designers she could champion?
   My favourite are the blue topaz hoops. It would be interesting to see what other commenters prefer.

   1. I should have done a poll! I didn’t even think of that.

      My favorite are the first citrine drops. I actually wish they weren’t so expensive (even though they are the least expensive if the group) because I would totally buy them.

      1. My vote is for the green amethyst and diamond drops. The green looks so much like a peridot and that is my birthstone. I like the pave leaf earrings for everyday wear, but never for anything formal. I would wear both of those pairs happily!

   2. Hi Birdy, do you think it’s like her wedges, so skinny jeans, or striped tops? Like going to the grocery store and always picking up ketchup; at some point, someone goes into the pantry and is stunned by the 27 bottles that have stacked up.

      1. Absolutely! I’d rather have too many Kikis than too many bottles of ketchup though ?

   3. I vote for the tourmaline/green amethyst drops. But they are all pretty.

   4. the worst party, is the earrings are hardly seen, when that mop of hair is always on the loose!!!

2. She really is the Duchess of Dull isn’t she? I’m certain Kiki McDonnagh gifts some of these for the exposure she’s gives the brand but there is something very OCD about Kate’s approach to her shoes, jewellery and even some clothes (blue dresses and lace dresses spring to mind). A couple of pairs would be pretty but from a distance some of these are unremarkable and undistinguishable…..not unlike Kate really. Why not some pretty bracelets like a tennis bracelet style but made up with a different stones instead, or a chain with the stone acting as a pendant? Mind you I’m pretty dull when it comes to jewellery…..I just do diamonds. ?

   1. I wish Kate would do more brooches. I think brooches are a great way to add bling to even an everyday outfit. The times she has worn a brooch I’ve liked them on her.

      1. I don’t think she really knows how to work a brooch but that’s one of the reasons why she concentrates on earrings……she just can’t accessorise with jewellery or scarves or anything really. Hopeless. Thanks for the review though….it must have taken you many, many hours to research. Xx

         1. I like the style of these but I have short hair ( think Charlene although unfortunately I’m not as beautiful!) so this size shows up well. With Kate and all her wiglets you hardly notice these small ones.
            If I could afford it I would just do sapphires!

      2. Especially on her boring coat dresses. A good rock really gives a lift. If in doubt look at HM who can sure rock a brooch.

         1. I can’t remember a time when HM didn’t have a brooch on…..except when she’s in a cardigan at Winsor Horse Show / Balmoral. They are as intrinsic to her as the corgis and she sure does rock the rocks.

         2. One of the Queen’s brooches is just what all her blah coat dresses need! She could also get if fashioned into a hair clip type of accessory.
            Anyone can pull of a brooch! Even if smaller earring size is your preference no one will care because you have a beautiful brooch. The queen usually wears her standard diamond and pearl earrings but changes up the bling aspect with whatever brooch she’s wearing!

      3. I love brooches, too, especially vintage brooches. To me, wearing an attractive brooch projects a sense of confidence.

         1. I am a sucker for a beautiful or even playful brooch. They can truly enhance an outfit.

            1. But one has to have panache or at least a sense or irony to pull some of the more intricate ones off. Rather like the big hats Camilla favors. She’s a perfect brooch girl.
               Kate’s hair would get tangled in them and she’s be fiddling around with it distracting everyone…

      4. I thought she couldn’t accept gifts?

   2. Well, they are a girl’s best friend, aren’t they, Mrs. BBV?! And, diamonds are also forever!

      1. What else could a girl possibly want? Xx

   3. yep, the european royal ladies are overall better dressed than kate and much more interesting, kate has the same coat dresses in different colours, same hairstyle since university, pump and nude shoes, what a dull dresser and shes only 32 yrs gosh~!!!!!

      1. She’s 34 actually. And I agree with your comment. She’s dull and also an airhead.

3. KMR, you work so hard. I can’t believe all the research you did — finding outfits where she wore each pair of earrings. I’ve got to say that for the most part, they look better in the photos of them solo, than on Kate. Trying to figure out why. Some are so little and with her hair down, you tend to focus on the hair, I guess.

   The ones I disliked the most on paper — the little hearts, looked good on her, I thought.
   Eden Diamond and Flowers at the Garden party looked good on her, too — although, not my own personal fave. Kiki Peridot and Bue are my faves. I thought they looked nice with the dress she wore to the Cats Premiere. I love the color of those and thought they stood out nicely, even competing favorably with the busy neckline of the dress, which I loved, too.

   I agree that Kate is very toned down in her approach to accessories, but that’s her style. I am not in awe of her, but I have to tell you, there’s something about a cool pair of earrings that make my day!
   Thanks for this post.

   1. Just looked at the photos again and I don’t like the way the earrings looked with the neckline of the Cats dress. First time around, I did.

      Also, when looking at the earrings, I was surprised that in the individual photos, the colors often look so vibrant, but when next to Kate’s skin tone, they look lighter and not so rich. Maybe, because of lighting when she is being photographed? I am not expert at that sort of thing.
      I’ve got to say, she spends a ton of money on earrings, doesn’t she?

      I like the citrine drops, too. They are so beautiful. Again, I love this post, KMR.

      1. The citrine are my favorite. I agree that we can’t see the full beauty of the earrings. In my opinion, a special earring is meant to show off. I wear my diamond studs day to day, but when I pull out my blue topaz or emeralds, hair goes up!

         1. Rhiannon, have I got a job for you! Personal fashion advisor to the Duchess. You could shape her up and come in contact with Harry, too! Just a thought. I wish I could see the emeralds!

            Are you doing better? I hope so. Thinking of you. Hugs.

            1. I would love to dress Kate! I am literally dizzy at the thought have having access to the best designers. Also, the research involved with each event would be exciting. That is exactly what she needs. And I would make sure that I threw Harry a tie or accessory here or there 🙂

               I am doing good. I was able to walk today for 10 minutes with out my cane or getting “jelly legs”. Today was truly a good day.

            2. Good for you! I know this must be a hard road for you, but you are doing such a wonderful job of moving forward. Continued success. And, I love the idea of your throwing Harry a tie, or two. Anything to get his attention!

               You are just what Kate needs. Doing research is half the job. The other half is getting her into a slip and making sure those dresses don’t blow up! Hem weights, anyone? She is such a disgrace.

      2. I noticed that too. The color of the green amethyst stones were especially muted. Several of the gemstones in the photos just looked clear. Good to know that before anyone buys them.

4. I’m shocked, nay stunned at the total price of her earing collection.That’s an obscene amount of money. So much for ” We are normal “

   1. My gosh, yes, Matty. A lot of money! Especially for “normal” folk.

      KMR, this is an amazing post and obviously took a good deal of work. Thanks so much! It’s fun to peruse the photos.

      Kate’s taste in earrings does not overwhelm me. She is rather bland even when picking a bit of bling. I am not sure if I cared for the way many of the earrings looked on her. I will agree that the photo of her wearing the little hearts really suited her taste very well. Those were not my favorite earrings, though.

      If I had to choose, I think I would say I liked the citrine drops and the ones she wore at the Cat’s Premiere best.

      Sometimes, the colors seemed washed out against her pale skin . Like Jenny said, maybe the way she was photographed?

      The cost of so many earrings is very extravagant. I guess when you have the bucks, you spend it. Especially, when you haven’t really worked so hard to “earn” the money yourself!

      1. Such an extravagent cost for so little variety and so little impact when wearing them. Like her shoes. And her clothes. And her purses. And her life, really. I would rather have two or three pairs of bold, statement earring over these little bits.

5. These all remind me of something one could find at a Swarovski store. Pretty, yes, but not something that I would ever consider becoming a family heirloom. For the prices she pays she could pick something more impressive, in my opinion. Kate likes what she likes in shoes, jewelry, and colors of dresses…that’s fine but the media needs to stop considering her a fashion icon.

   1. Pretty Swarovskis is the perfect description of this collection. These Kiki’s are pretty but her designs are so banal.

      I’d use Charles’ money to get much more bang for the buck by purchasing fewer items that are fantastic designs from Christie’s and other auction houses.

      1. I wanted the Oppenheimer Blue from the magnificent jewels auction they just had!! so many pretties

      2. They are banal trinkets; totally uninteresting. I’d do the same as you: buy some a few beautiful antique pieces as well as some chic contemporary pieces.

      3. +1

         Wow! Instead of a look back at this lazy entitlement, making a difference for humanity – charities, the needy sick , this is what we have – a waste of POW Duchy and taxpayers funds.

         KMR thank you for the post.

   2. Totally agree, Anne.
      They are very very blah and most of all over priced. Instead of buying so many similar earrings looking rather cheap why didn’ t she buy one pair of “wow earrings”?
      A couple, three of them would have been enough.
      Then the other 7/ 8 she has could buy a pair of precious eaqrring worth a duchess

6. Thanks KMR!!! I love jewelry so these types of posts are my favorite!!

   Wow, it’s amazing how similar, yet expensive, so many of them are! A shame really as I find that if one isn’t adventurous with their clothing choices, then being adventurous with jewels is a great way to let one’s personality shine through. While I could never wear the large necklaces and earrings that Maxima does, she is an excellent example of using jewelry to add whimsy and funk to an outfit.

   My favorites are the White Topaz studs from 2011/2012. Imo, they are a great pair to wear either casually or dressy, the perfect all around pair of earrings. My second favorite are the Lavender Amethyst Pear and Oval pair that she wore in Bhutan. I really like the color and shape of the stones and the setting shows them off nicely.

7. Meh, I just don’t like the design that goes behind a pair of Kikis. Having said that: KMR, thank you so much for this post!

8. Wow, must have been a lot of work to put together all the earrings with information on names and price and even more to find out when she wore all of these! You really do an amazing job with this blog, KMR!

   I have to say there isn’t one pair I really love and actually would like to own. Generally not a huge fan of gold and yellow colours so that excludes a lot from beginning but also the others, pretty but not something which stays in mind imo. But maybe not bad as I would never be able to afford those anyway…. crazy how much she spent and that’s just earrings!

9. Man, that is a lot of boring earrings.

10. At least she’s starting to buy bigger stones.

    OK, that said, they all look pretty much the same.

11. I prefer the earring from Letizia.

    1. Oh, I so agree Clem!!

    2. I prefer Letizia. I’m a huge fan. And Lauri from CA will agree with me simply on posture!!

       1. I’m also a Letizia fan! She wears gorgeous earrings – some from Zara etc, others more pricey, always interesting. Her posture is excellent. She seems to do a duty event every day.

       2. Lol, well I do consider Letiza my posture guru but her fashion sense, including earrings, is pretty awesome too!

12. I don’t know why she’s only worn the Peridot and Blue Topaz earrings only once; they’re beautiful. It helps that she wore them with one of my favorite outfits that she ever wore. Even when her hair is blowing around (almost always) they can still be seen and add a little something extra. She needs the help to up her game. The others are mehh to boring.

13. They all look the same. If I was forced to buy a pair, I’d go with the the blue topaz or amythest ones.
    She needs to venture over to Graffs!! They have wonderful sparkly pieces and I believe they’re an UK based store.
    Why don’t they still use Garrads as the go to jeweler?

    1. Hi Sarah, I believe that Garrads is still the official jeweler for the BRF but as you know the Cambridges like to do their own thing.

    2. I agree so many of these look so similar and I never would have guessed she had this many if KMR hadn’t laid them out like this. As others have mentioned she really does the same things with her shoes and it’s why so many times her outfits seem boring because she seems to lack creativity when it comes to dressing. If I had to pick I’d go with the Flower & Diamond drop earrings. Also, I think someone from Charles’ staff should approve all Kiki purchases moving forward-:)

14. First of all, thank you KMR for all of the details on this post. I always love to look at jewels!

    My favorites are the citrine drop earrings, green amethyst cushion drops, and the lavender amethyst pear and oval drop earrings (just because I love purple). The first one is so beautiful to me because it was right after the engagement. Kate was positively glowing. This is one of my favorite looks on her ever. She looked so beautiful.

    The rest are okay. I am a simple woman myself in regards to jewels. My normal is diamond studs, a blue topaz bracelet and my fitness watch or Bulova. Only when I dress up or go to the office is where I wear statement pieces. That’s when I go for fun or, as my work husband would say, corporate realness. Kate’s just seem to be worn because of price. Not so much for looks. These are okay, but I would not spend that much for them. They are usually hidden on her due to the wiglets. I still think there’s hope for Kate, but she needs to find her sense of style first.

    1. Oh god does Harry know about your work husband??? He won’t be happy.

       How are you, is all the physio etc going well?

       1. We won’t tell Harry, lol! Plus, my work husband knows as soon as Harry gets on the scene, he’s gone!

          Thank you for asking. I’m doing good. I’ve moved from a walker to a cane. My handwriting and fine motor skills are getting better. I am doing hydrotherapy and it makes a huge difference. I’m proud of how far I’ve come. My goal is to walk a 5k next month. Fingers crossed.

          1. Wow that’s fantastic news from a few weeks ago. You must be working so hard . Well done Mrs Harry

             1. Thank you! I have different “assignments” and exercises that I do daily. One was to write a letter each week. This helps me track my handwriting. This allows me to track how well I’m doing.

          2. That’s amazing progress, Rhiannon. Congratulations on such a stunning improvement.

             1. + 1,000,000,000!!

          3. That’s great news rhiannon!!

          4. My fingers are crossed for you too!

             1. Rhiannon, good for you! Keep on keeping on, mon amie. You are inspiring us all.

    2. She needs to find herself before she can find her sense of style.=)

       1. +1

       2. +1

          I think Kate is so controlled by Carole’s agenda and by her ambition for William that she doesn’t actually know who is Kate Middleton.

          1. +1

       3. Amen!

          Nothing special with all the constant spending of POW and taxpayers £s it all looks very bland (lack royalty presence). Compared to Qu Leticia out for family dinner, with more class/regal than wmiddleton at formal events.

          1. Hi Dolittle, didn’t Leti look lovely? I loved the look between her and Felipe, over the heads of their entourage.

15. This is a ridiculous amount of money spent on earrings that pretty much all look the same. These are not my idea of heirloom quality earrings. Add to that, you can’t really see them due to Kate’s mop.

    One thing I have wondered about has to do with the hoop portion that you can hang the drops from. Do you suppose she has one of each and actually changes the drops or did she buy a complete set every time she bought a new drop. Personally, I wouldn’t be surprised to find that each earring is a complete set. After all, she is special and shouldn’t have to go to all the work of actually changing the drop. Sorry to be so grumpy – didn’t sleep much last night and have a headache.

    1. Hi Sue, when I looked at the website it appears that the hoop and drop are separate pieces so perhaps she is only buying multiple drops to fit on 1 or 2 hoops.

       1. #3 and #7 are the only hoops that appear identical. The other hoops are different and the remaining earrings are not dangling from hoops.

       2. Hi Lauri,
          I know that the hoop and drop are sold as separate pieces. That is the whole idea – you buy a pair of hoops and then you can change the earrings by buying different drops and changing them. #3, 6 and 7 above are the yellow gold hoop with diamonds and then the different drops. My sort of tongue in cheek question was does she have the one pair of yellow gold and diamond hoops that she uses for the various drops or does she have 3 pairs of hoops and 3 pairs of drops. Given the way she spends money buying multiple lace dresses, suede shoes and coat dresses, I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that she has the 3 sets of hoops for each of the drops. Now, #8 is a separate hoop because it is the white gold with diamonds and then the morganite drop.

          1. Ohhh, silly me 🙂 sometimes I don’t read “tongue in cheek” so well. My guess is that she has 3 hoops and 3 drops, as one simply can not use 1 hoop for several drops, it’s just not done. 🙂

16. Thank you for this, KMR, always an interesting blog. I think Kate looks lovely in that top picture.

17. I find the shaped ones — the leafs, which always look like hearts to me, and the flower ones — just unbelievably twee and cutesy.

    The drops are drops — the beauty is in the stone. They’re basic.

    I also like the peridot studs the best. They also stand out the most because they compliment her outfit and can actually be seen.

    1. Yay! We make two 🙂
       KMR, poll? Glad you did this post. It’s fun to look at. Maybe you could add a blank box at the end where we could all recommend an a new jeweler or jewelry line, or a royal piece other than tiaras. I personally would like Kate wearing the Prince Albert broach sapphire.

       1. Yes, or if the Queen is being stingy, then turn one of Diana’s chokers into it.

          Hell, god forbid she find an actually up and coming artisan that could craft her something for well under the higher end of these Kiki McDonoughs.

          1. Agreed! There are so many talented people out there that Kate could enjoy picking some pieces and wearing that are low-key, interesting and fun. At least if we all share, we get as close to interesting as possible. I could see the York girls trying some. In fact, I wish they would. Love your idea of the choker. I can’t see Kate being that daring but some wrist pieces would be nice and maybe more her speed.

18. Oh my goodness, what a great post KMR. You really worked hard on this! Love it. I like all the earrings, they are basic and go with anything. I would totally wear the gold leaf/heart ones. I also like the green amethyst pairs. Pretty sparkly expensive things that would be fun to play with!

19. They remind me of costume jewelry I’d have ogled over at 16. They’re pretty, in a cute kind of way, a childish way, which is reflective of Kate I’d imagine. Simple and twee, as someone else put it (I love that term!).

    Some of Kiki’s things on the website are pretty, but they’re all generally the same boring, clunky styles that are size over substance. A lot of money for little gain, you know? I’d rather go swoon at things at Garrard’s or Graff or the entire jewelry department at Harrod’s!

    1. Not trying to be stupid, but what does “twee” mean?

       I would love to spend an afternoon trying on baubles from Garrad’s. I would start from the highest cut and clarity and work my way down.

       1. Synonyms for twee would be kawaii, quaint, cutesy. There is also an aspect of youth involved, like little girl-ness. Basically twee means excessively young and cutesy/kawaii.

          1. Thanks, KMR! This definition is quite appropriate.

          2. That is Kate. I laughed the first time someone called her Duchess Dolly Curls because it was very apropos.

       2. Not stupid at all, it isn’t a common word and I overuse it. Another definition is: excessively or affectedly quaint, pretty, or sentimental.

          I think of it every time I see this WOMAN’S sausage curls and Peter Pan collars. To put it in perspective, she is 2 years younger than Diana was when she died. It’s nuts. She dresses like a 20 year old girl who is being forced into an adult conservative role, like a parent becoming a minister or something. She isn’t wearing a Peter Pan collar to be chic and up end the expectations associated with it (private school conservationism), she’s actually propagating the message.

          1. I’ve observed that Kate tries to channel a demure, early twenties vibe which comes across as twee, as well as kind of delusional on her part. Kate was never that ‘demure, innocent gel from the conservative upper classes’, aka Diana, at least from what we saw and heard prior to her inevitable whitewashing. Both she and William do exhibit strong signs of arrested development. Maybe they are trying to re-capture the times when they were popular, which was in their early twenties, before their true characters became known? Kate’s wardrobe veers from the frumpy mumsy look to the gynecologically explicit. The latter is pure Kate (vain, sexualised) and the former is because someone has pulled her into age-inappropriate attire better suited to a woman in her 60’s. Neither works. Unfortunately Kate also listens too much to her mother rather than having the sense and humility to seek out a really good stylist.

             1. Remember when she wore that Banana Republic skirt with the cream top? That seemed age appropriate and fun to me. I am 36 and I would wear that outfit to work and feel good and trendy in it.

                But I wouldn’t do the coat dresses at all!

             2. I rather fancied that skirt too, though felt Kate was swimming in it; her frame is just too petite to rock it. I recall her adjusting/ hitching it up at the time. The blouse was also too large and distracted from the vibrant skirt pattern. If the skirt had the same pattern but in a smaller scale, and was a pencil skirt with less flouncy blouse or more fitted, and with more adventurous accessories she would have owned it. Trouble is with Kate it’s a hit or miss affair, mostly miss when it really doesn’t have to be.

                Beatrice employed a stylist a while ago; not sure for how long, but my goodness, did she blossom! Everything clicked, bringing out her best features. A few of these outfits were kindly posted in the recent Bea post by commenters.

                It takes an experienced and subtle design eye to be able to it pull together. It’s crazy or arrogant or silly for Kate not to avail herself of such professional advice when representing the UK, the Royal Family and various charities.

             3. Hi Jen: “Both she and William do exhibit strong signs of arrested development.”

                I totally agree with you – right on the nail head. Having dabbled in basic psychology, I think Kate is stuck in the middle of the 18-35 year group, of young adulthood. She has less than a year to accomplish moving on to the second part of adulthood, 35-64. Maybe, numbers wise she’ll make it, but not actually in her thought-processes. She has a penchant for the young, care-free stage, which is shown by her behavior and dressing. Will she ever get to the second stage of her life — the second stage of adulthood? Only time will tell …..

             4. omg, Jen. You are amazing. “Kate’s wardrobe veers from the frumpy mumsy look to the gynecologically explicit,” That sums it up better than anything I have ever read! KMR, can we vote for Comment of the Month? This could be the first one! Of course, August is still young. If this becomes a contest, things could get very crazy around here!

             5. Jen, you are so insightful. Funny, too. I loved the comparison from frumpy to gynecologically explicit. Also agree that she is stuck in her younger years. I think a lot of that has to do with Carole making her feel so dependent on others. Especially, on Carole, herself, and constantly seeking W’s approval.

                Yes, the idea for comment of the month is fun! I would cast my vote for you ,Jen, if the voting started today.

             6. Jenny and Mary Elizabeth, you are very kind!Don’t know why that particular phrase came to me… those pants at the sail-fest did my eyes in.

       3. I had so much fun at Harrods in the jewelry section trying on things. My husband was not pleased when I begged him for some very expensive items! He did get me earrings (pearl drops from Tiffany & Co as an early Christmas present), so I can forgive him. Maybe. 😉

          If we are ever in London together Rhiannon, let’s hit up Garrards, shall we? reminds me of being in college checking out Harry Winston at a ritzy mall nearish my campus. Oh God, it was fun.

          ‘Twee’ is more of a British term, as well. KMR explained it! 🙂 According to Google: ‘excessively or affectedly quaint, pretty, or sentimental’. Most important part is it’s so affected and fake.

          1. Lol, I get so excited when I see that Tiffany blue box entering my home! I kept my first Tiffany box for years before my daughter used it for a school project :(:(

             I always thought “tween” referred to an older woman acting/dressing like a teenager, you know the 30 year olds that carry My Little Kitty bags. It’s so nice to learn something new!

             1. Tween is anyone between the ages of 8-14.

20. Thank you for this post, KMR. I am a gemstone addict! While I love reading about them, looking at them, and talking about them, I own few and wear none. I’m very impressed at the work you did to put this together. Maybe you should work for Kate and inventory her clothes the way that man does for Sophie!

21. Thank you so much for this really interesting and blingy post KMR!
    My favourites are the morganite and diamond cushion drop earrings.
    When I was looking at the list of earrings in which one after another looked quite like the other, it seemed somehow really familiar. And I could easily see myself also buying (if I had the money) similar jewellery and in every colour just because they were so cute, because I would need items matching all my different outfits and occations and because I wouldn’t be able to choose which ones to buy. But then, I do have OCD.. It makes you wonder.

    1. I can totally get the appeal of buying one design in all the colors. I would totally do something like that.

       1. You did an excellent job of compiling the data on the Kiki earrings re cost, occasions used and descriptions. I respect the hard work you put in to make and keep this blogsite enjoyable to read and comment. I’m so happy to have found you.Bravo!!!!

          1. I second that. The level of work to keep this blog constantly updated and relevant is enormous. KMR, I hope you get some time to do nice things for yourself.

       2. I do that with t-shirts but never jewelry! being a jewelry hoarder I always want a unique and interesting piece not more of the same.

    2. Summer from Finland, I feel the same way. I liked all of the earrings, especially the double oval studs. If I find something I like (shoes, tops, earrings, etc.) I buy every color.

22. I have to be honest and say that looking at all of them at once left me underwhelmed. They are pretty, but really not that special. Thinking historically, when people look back on her clothes, jewels, etc. I think it’s going to be a tad disappointing.

    That being said if someone told me I had to pick a pair it would be the same ones a lot of us like, first Citrine Drops. I think Kate as given Kiki McDonough enough of PC’s money. Time to find someone new. But then again, she doesn’t do bold well, so I guess Kiki will be getting an OBE or some kind of order at some point.

    Really good post, thanks for the research!

    1. I think a lot of us favor the citrine drops. I’d wear them!

       It’s just shocking to me how expensive they are for what they are.

23. Money can’t buy style or class. I can’t believe she keeps buying essentially the same piece over and over. But the thing that drives me crazy is she is a senior royal, she needs to up her jewellery game. She can’t keep dressing like a 20-something who’s picking up her outfit for Saturday night on the High Street.

    1. she either dresses juvenile or too old she has no style of her own, and her casual wear, I still cant believe a future queen can look soo trashy in casual wear!!!

24. My only comment is to echo others who have said that this post took a lot of work and research. I’m not ‘into’ jewelry so really haven’t much to contribute but for sure that is a whole lot of expensive stuff that to me looks like something that could be purchased on a sidewalk in Vegas. I just read the meaning of twee, so thanks for that as well KMR. Rather fitting word to describe Kate, in my opinion.

25. Awesome post KMR! That must have been time consuming, thank you!

    I like the citrine pear drop earrings most. A lot of the others were fine, but I have a few pairs of Kate Spade earrings that look just like that and I spent $25 on them at Nordstrom Rack. So, not too special in my opinion.

    I really liked this post! Thanks!

    1. I think I have the same $25 dollar pair haha. I love Kate Spade earrings.

26. As I’ve mentioned before, sounds like I’m beating a drum, Kate is not a fashionista and does not possess the savoir-faire/flair/savvy to accentuate the positive and de-emphasize the negative aspects of her face and/or entire body. Also, Kate did not possess a huge wardrobe of good quality clothes and jewelry, because she was probably on a budget, enforced by her mother, who was Kate’s bank. In essence, Kate wore clothes from the rack costing below 100 pounds. It’s the reason she was dubbed as “thrifty Kate” — she did not have expensive clothes and jewelry.

    Fast forward to her marriage to William, which brought with it *money*, in the form of a generous clothing allowance from Charles, and we now see a transformation taking place before our eyes. Gone are the cheap dresses and accessories. Kate, for the first time in her life, has tons of money at her disposal, and can buy whatever she wants, without asking anyone’s permission. Presently, Kate is like a child with a new toy. She can now compete with the best of millionaires, and she is wantonly spending, vis-a-vis, several dresses that cost thousands of pounds, albeit they are of the same hue, many, many pairs of nude shoes, and now, jewelry, that are so similar, and look cheap, as we have seen from KMR’s article. She’s definitely building a jewelry chest, all at Prince Charles’ expense. Kate’s thinking, See, mommy, how well I’ve done? You’ve been my best teacher!

    For Kate, this is a new adventure, to boldly go, where many have not gone before, and the experience is heady. She’s just basking in all of this new-found wealth and does not have to worry about her next meal ticket. Can life be any rosier — nouveaux riches? Kate’s now, in her mind, one of the elitist A-listers.

    However, there is a little situation of which Kate is perhaps cognizant — the matter of not being born of an *aristocratic* family. Hence, regardless of the many thousands of pounds dresses clothes, homes, expensive trips, and sundry doo-dads, she, nor her entire *normal* family will ever be looked upon or rated as such. It must be very sad for Kate, that regardless of how very hard she and her social climbing clan tries, they will *never* be able to erase the fact that they are *not* aristocrats, and attain that unreachable goal and/or pinacle of success.

    1. its because, shes lazy, bad/dull dresser, and ull of drama, the princess who married in from foreign countries are doing quite well, and were more common than kate, crown princess mary, princess charlene, have proved themselves, they have good work eithics, dressing well, and good manners, kate is just an epic fail on all levels!!!!

       1. Don’t forget Maxima and Letizia. Plus they are all far from home and having to learn a new language ( well not Leti). I am in awe of these ladies even if they are not perfect.

    2. Her family was known for buying expensive things brand new and showing them off. That is why they were mocked by some aristos, because they showed up with the most trendy, expensive tennis gear basically with tags still on.

       They did things like take freebies and rent hats, but the Middletons did spend a lot of money on expensive, brand news clothes that were worn by “the set”. She was also known for making expensive purchases in “aristo” things like $500 french boots (purchased long before the engagement) and her $3000 Ralph Lauren blazer (purchased years before the engagement).

       1. Thing is, we all know the aristocrats have money. BUT, they don’t flaunt it. With the Middletons, which is also very stereotypical of other social climbers, they feel the need to flaunt it. Almost like saying “look, I can be just as good as you.” And that’s a total turn off.

          1. Agree, except that I think the Buckleberry Hillbillies consider themselves to be **better than** rather than just as good as the aristocrats. It’s pathetic really, how as someone else said they’re climbing a greased rope and no matter how hard they try to fit in, it’s not going to happen. Aristocrats can see a wannabe coming from miles away and it’s my understanding that they tend to be low key people who don’t court the media and spotlight. I, however, could be very wrong since I’m far from being an aristo, and the only new money I get is the paycheck from work every two weeks.

27. Related to the duck racing discussion from the Sophie thread. Wasn’t sure anyone would see the late post I made over there.

    http://sirartwork.tumblr.com/post/147785958798/reblog-for-noises

    1. OMG, thank you for that!!! I needed a pick-me-up (rough morning of parenting a toddler) and it’s just too cute!!

       1. Hope you’re ok LizB having two little ones is tough. I had three under 4 so I know all about it. Hopefully for every bad day there are two good days. I do hope you are all staying safe in France. We are all waiting for the UK to be targeted. Awful world we live in at the moment. Hope you’re enjoying the pink washing!

          1. Birdy and LizB, I hate to think of anyone worrying about a possible terror attack. It’s just terrible! Wishing everyone safety. What a world!
             LizB, hang in there. I hope you have help with the children. My two, are driving me crazy this AM. Thankfully, my cousin stopped by and has them outside playing in their doll house. I’m supposed to be working, but am taking a break by visiting my fave blog.

             Wishing you the best with the two little ones! Not easy, I know. But, surely, also very special! If at all possible, find a little special time for yourself each day! Like visiting us!

             1. Merci for your comment, mary elizabeth!! This morning was hell and this afternoon was one of the best ever. Being a stay at home mom during my maternity leave is just a roller coaster ride lol
                Next week, my son will spend his summer vacation with his mimi and papy, so I will have a break to be able to focus on the baby.

                I keep on telling myself that this hard patch will pass and when they’re older I might even miss it!!

          2. We are safe so far, Birdy. I live in a smallish town that is only targeted by Dutch and German tourists 🙂

             I have to admit, I am really enjoying the cute girl clothes. We buy baby clothes second hand, and last week we got 3 big boxes for Anne 3 to 12 months! I was just dying over the little dresses and leggings!!

             1. LizB, I was a stay at home mom for many years and there were days when I thought I would totally lose my mind. But I didn’t. And now that my kids are all grown up, I do indeed miss those days of little ones laughing and messing about. The upside is that I don’t miss it for long, and the grandchildren and awesome other people that my grown up kids have brought into my life makes it all worth it. Just hang in there and know that there is nothing more important than to be a good parent. Working, stay at home, no matter, kids know when they’re loved and cherished. And with all that’s going on in this crazy world they are what it’s all about, at least for me. I live in the US, and have had to really work at not staying home in a closet to be safe. Terrorists are everywhere, not even going to a movie is safe, grocery shopping can be dangerous so I just try to think that life is to be lived and there’s a Person who is in charge despite what the nutcases think. Prayers for all those who are potential targets and God Bless all of you posters who truly care about each other. That’s the best defense against hate and violence. I think.

28. What amazes me is the cost – I am not a jewelry expert – but you can get similar from another jeweller for less than half the price – these are semi precious stones on the whole – and as for the diamond hoops – again Kikki is overpriced on them. I know Kate doesn’t have to worry about money – but paying over the odds for so many “samey” earrings just shows a lack of “smarts”on her part – par for the course of course. If you want to have every pair of Kikki clones at least wear your hair off your face.

29. I just cant believe all the money spent on this woman, and the time/resources wasted on her, its a sad sad tale!!!! shes just not fit for her role, never was never will period!!!!

    1. Agree 100%!

30. Thank your KMR, for you time and effort into this post. Not only have you done each pair of earrings but the events and outfits as well.
    I like the white grace stud earrings that can be used for casual or evening wear. I also like the green amethyst, the lavender amethyst and the citrine pear drop earrings. I can’t believe though how Kate can buy so many pairs of expensive earrings in an age of austerity.

    I find that Kate likes to stay in the twenties. It seems they were happier times. Kate will never be aristocracy and that irks her I suspect. Guys like a girl with class or so I have read. It doesn’t mean money, but education, manners and accomplishments.

31. I’m not into earrings, and actually don’t even have my ears pierced! But. Kudos to you, KMR, for all the research!! They are pretty, but I just can’t believe she bought so many that all look the same – plus she constantly hides them with her hair!

    1. That is strange because I don’t have mine pierced but think I ought too. Do all girls have them pierced? I don’t think I would want to wear expensive jewelry like that. The responsibility looking after them would be huge. How is Anne LizB, may I ask.

       1. Laura, I had my ears pierced when I was 16, but I have an allergy to nickel even the non-knuckle variety of earings. I bought a couple pairs of 24 carat gold post earings but lost them over the years. My piercings have since closed. So I don’t wear earings. For me they were expensive and a hassle to keep up. I miss wearing earrings, but not enough to get new piercings.

          1. Indiana Joanna I have the very same problem. I can’t even wear costume jewelry because I’ll break out in a rash. When I did get my ears pierced my mom removed the studs and put in gold hoops so there was air getting to them and they could heal. I had to roll the hoop through the piercing a few times a day just to keep it open while healing. Wore them for years (but only gold or silver, nothing else would work) At some point they came out, my holes closed.

             I had them pierced again a few years ago and after they were healed I took them out to change to another pair and I couldn’t get the new pair in. So I left it alone. Obviously my ears don’t want pretty jewelry hanging from them and I hate clip-ons with a passion. My mom always said I was too expensive as a child…lol

             1. I sympathize!

       2. Anne is fine. She’s my little Miss fussbudget 🙂

          In the USA, it seems all girls have pierced ears and it’s becoming more common to do it to them as babies! My mom had the rule that we were allowed to do it when we were 12 and capable of taking care of them ourselves, but when my turn rolled around, I decided not to, just to be contrary to my older sister. When I got older, tattoos became my thing, but never got my ears pierced…

          1. I didn’t get my ears pierced until I was about 19 or 20 or so (can’t remember exactly but it was before I got my tattoo and I got that when I was 20). I waited until I wanted to get them done.

             Personally I think something like getting your ears pierced should be a personal decision, so if you don’t want to ever get them done then don’t. There is no rule that says you have to (even if everyone else has them done).

             Also, I really dislike the idea of piercing babies’ ears. I dislike it on the principle that they didn’t consent to it. I know it’s a small thing, but still. I don’t think there should be any rule about age in terms of when someone can pierce their ears other than they should be the one to make that decision. But that’s just me. That’s the rule I’d have if I had daughters. Or sons who wanted their ears pierced.

             1. I agree. It’s one of those things that mark feeling older and some personal choices. My sister-in-law and I took opposite routes; she got my niece’s pierced at four days old. My daughter was twelve and chose to. My niece always said she wished it could have been an “experience” for herself. Having said that, her baby pictures with stud earrings were very cute.

             2. Thank you all. I am just wondering whether to try again and go back to the same place or Claires accessories?
                LizB I am pleased that Anne is well and hope that you are getting some sleep. What a lovely time for you and Anne in the best sense.

             3. Laura I had mine repierced at Claire’s a month ago. ( UK Claire’s) excellent and I’m just about to dig out and clean all my old earrings ready to start wearing them.
                I’d forgotten how much I like earrings. Just do it!! ❤️

             4. I’m late to this question, but many non North European Ancestry and ethnicity cultures piece ears from babyhood. It’s their normal. They find it just as wierd not to pierce your ears.

32. Interesting post KMR. I do feel these are overpriced for what is mostly semiprecious stones. For the same amount you could probably find some lovely better pieces by going to jewellery auctions. Kate probably this ks they are pretty, the select mak me think of pieces I bought myself in my late teens, early 20s. But the pieces I bought were priced appropriately for whatthey were and these inflated pprices. Which leads to a question, did Kate pay full price, a discount or are they gifts for promoting Kiki’s jewellery?

    1. Please excuse the typos above, I’m writing these comments on my phone and it wouldn’t let me correct them!

33. Thank you for your detailed research. All I can say is these earrings are soooo boring and certainly not worth the amount of money overspent on them. No originality whatsoever in both Kate and her tastes.

34. I swear, I would’ve never noticed these pieces if you hadn’t made this post, including close-ups of Kate wearing these *and* of the earrings. Thank you KMR!

    They’re nice but ho-hum to me and they get lost in her hair/hair pieces (I’m sorry but I don’t believe her hair is that thick/full/etc.). If Kate really wants to wear these earrings (or any, for that matter) she needs to do more with her hair: a French twist/braid, ponytail, bun (she did it at that recent memorial and I kind of liked it) or anything other than the usual hanging-there hair(which she constantly plays with) or sausage curls (which are worse, IMO).

35. Outstanding blog post, KMR. Thanks for all of your hard work.

36. Wow Katemiddletonreview!!!
    it must have been such a hard work writing this piece!!!
    Good job!! Bravo!!!!
    As many of you said Kate’ s earrings are rather similar and quite cheap looking as well.
    I agree with you all , a couple of them would have been enough then she should have saved for a pair or “regal” earrings”.
    Since her earrings are almost identical each other it doesn’ t look kate has so many.

    And they look very childish too for a 34 year old woman.
    I wonder why Kate doesn’ t like pearls, I find them very suitable for her postion, she’ s a duchess after all.
    Also she doesn’ t wear necklaces but they would definitely complete her outfits.

    Honestly these earrings aren’ t so bad, I would buy one ( if discounted, they are overpriced) but I’ m a commoner, with a normal job and I’ m younger than Kate. Yet one pair would be enough!

    As you said, Kate’ s earring colection’ s very bland as well as Kate herself. What a hue disappointment she is! After 5 years of marriage she learnt nothing at all, she’ s still commoner like she was

    1. You make a good point about not being “regal” earrings. They all seem rather casual and unfit for professional appearances.

       1. I agree. It’s an excellent point. I would put these earrings somewhere between Kate Spade and David Yurman in the States. Status symbol grands to a certain well-heeled conservative group of women. (that I sometimes adore, don’t get me wrong.) It’s all this forced casualness that costs a pretty penny to maintain.

          She is a still a Sloane, through and through.

          The thing is that they think that that makes them normal. It isn’t normal. That is still a rarefied group of people with a rarefied income level. It is the same about the way they dress the children. I read an article that remarked that George isn’t dressed normal in his birthday pictures, he’s dressed in an upper class uniform.

          Just wear a damn precious stone brooch already. Especially at something like Trooping the Color. You’re standing next to a lady covered in diamonds.

          1. “I read an article that remarked that George isn’t dressed normal in his birthday pictures, he’s dressed in an upper class uniform.”

             I read that the pictures W&K released for George’s birthday were taken days before the actual date of his birthday. IMO, they should keep their pictures.

             1. KP said the photos were taken in mid-July. They released the photos on George’s birthday on the 22nd. So a week to pick out the photos and do touch ups seems normal.

          2. A Sloane wears either pearl studs or diamond studs,I’ve not noticed Kate wear either.

             1. May I ask what a Sloane is Cathy?

                I think Kate co-ordinates her wardrobe to coincide to what she is feeling and what she wants. Which makes me want to go ewww. sorry.

             2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sloane_Ranger

       2. I can’t see anything even remotely regal in Kate Middleton. Just my opinion but with some people you can just see pure class and she just plain doesn’t have what it takes. She’s so childish and twee (learned that word here), and not at all even seemingly aware of how ridiculous she comes across as. (bad grammar). Good Lord, set the ear rings aside and look at what she wore to flirt with Ben Anslie (sp?). No decent woman would consider that outfit appropriate for any sort of meeting, and in fact I’m not so sure that any decent woman would consider it appropriate for any reason. Kate is totally and absolutely unprofessional in my humble American opinion.

37. I love the Eden ones with citrine and just in general anything with Citrine. It’s my daughter’s birthstone and it’s hard to find a set with the stone that I like. Does anyone know why she likes citrine so much?

38. I think maybe she uses earrings more like tools than beautifying elements. If it goes well with the outfit, color-wise, then it’s good enough for her. She may not be into jewellery and is ok with it being boring. Sort of like a pen: if it writes and does not look horrible, you can take it with you to a meeting. It may not make a statement, but will let you keep notes.

    1. For all the comments that Kate buys so many clothes, I really don’t think she’s into fashion in general. Her shoes are all super boring and similar, as are her bags. Her jewelry is dinky and overly expensive and boring. Her clothes are expensive but she does not know how to style anything properly. I think Kate just loves buying stuff, but isn’t actually into fashion.

       1. I’ve wondered for quite some time if Kate isn’t a
          ‘shopaholic’, looking to fill a void in her life with ‘stuff’. I’m no psychologist but there is something really ‘off’ about her. I agree with others who say that she has no idea who she really is, and that is reflected in her clothing choices. I hope that she ‘finds herself’ before she gets much older.

          1. I’ve thought for a while that Kate uses shopping to fill some sort of void in her life since she doesn’t seem all that interested in fashion. She really just loves to shop: for clothes, for house stuff, for baby stuff. Anything really.

             1. Agree: it fills a void, something to do, an activity that uses up time, fills up space. She doesn’t seem interested in anything much, apart from watching sport. That’s all we know after 15 years.

             2. Shopping is therapeutic for Kate. It gives her a sense of empowerment. She does not have her own identity, except that of being “William’s wife”. Take that away and she is lost. She sees everything through William’s eyes.He is her world, and the core of her very existence.

                I often wonder if William has even a smidgen’s worth of love for Kate, considering she was the only one available to him. Additionally, William does not present as a man who has respect for his wife. His actions and demeanour exudes disrespect and loathing. Society has evolved, and nowadays, men seem to find appeal in women who are independent and are high achievers. The more the woman achieves, the more her appeal deepens, and the man’s desire for her intensifies. Unfortunately, for Kate, she has failed miserably in that department. Her only redeeming asset was/is her body, which has deteriorated severely. And, she is now a mere shadow of what she used to be. Albeit, she tries to put forward a happy, united front, it’s just a facade. I would even venture to state that her’s is a tortured mind. I actually feel genuine sadness for her.

             3. She loves to shop with other people’s money. Let her earn her own money and go shopping for hideous Kiki earrings and whatever else that she likes to buy. I bet she would t be using shopping to fill a void in her life, when it would be her own money b

             4. If she had to make her own money I don’t think she would have the same void in her life.

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