ARK Gala and the First Royal Garden Party of 2011

In an effort to get caught up a little more quickly, we're combining some events.

Date:  June 2011
Place: Perks Field, London; and Buckingham Palace
Event:  ARK (Absolute Return for Kids) Gala; and Royal Garden Party

First up, what I believe is considered the first official appearance of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, at a gala dinner for the ARK charity.

Kate wore a "pearlescent rose sequin gown with Swarovski crystals" designed by Jenny Packham.  She accessorized with a matching clutch by Prada, four inch heels ("Agata") by L. K. Bennett, and earrings that we've seen a few times--"Effervescence Bubble Stiletto" earrings by Links of London.

We really dig this dress.  Kate looks fabulous in it.  As another commentator pointed out, she wore the dress--the dress did not wear her.  Hurrah!  (We're fans of Jenny Packham.  More of that please!)

Next up, we've got the first royal garden party of the summer!

Her Majesty wore a lavender coat and hat with coordinating floral dress.  We love the color palette.  The Countess of Wessex wore a cobalt blue dress, white belted coat, and the same fascinator that she wore a few days earlier to Royal Ascot.  We tracked the fascinator down as being from Jane Taylor.  Oh, and let's not forget that patriotic flag clutch and . . . are those nude L. K. Bennett Sledge platform pumps, much beloved by the Duchess of Cambridge?  We don't want to be alarmist, but we might just have a copy-Kate on our hands.

We're just including this photo because we like artsy shadow pictures.  Enjoy!

Thanks for reading Fashionably Royal!  Stay tuned.  We'll be looking back at William and Kate's North American tour soon and lots, lots more.