It would seem the Hobbs dress worn by Pippa Middleton at Wimbledon earlier this week has joined the long list of frocks {and shirts and shoes and skirts} worn by one or other of the Middleton sisters to be instantly transformed into an overnight sell-out.

I’m sure you’ll agree that, prior to her engagement to Prince William, Kate Middleton’s sartorial choices were of little interest to the British public, or the press for that matter. The same can be said of her sister. I mean, let’s be honest, until Pippa shuffled down the aisle of Westminster Abbey in that white frock most of us didn’t even know what she looked like.

But something changed once Kate acquired a certain sapphire and diamond engagement ring, and the British high street soon had it’s first real taste of the ‘Middleton Effect’.

Imitations of the blue Issa dress worn by Kate during the announcement of her engagement to the future King flooded the high street, as did cheap plastic versions of the ring. The 2-seasons-old Whistles blouse that featured in the more informal portraits of the couple was speedily relaunched and re-named ‘Kate’ {see what they did there?!}, only to instantly sell out.
The same can be said for the Reiss dress Kate wore to meet the Obamas, and countless other items from her wardrobe. As I type, members of the press and the public wait with baited breath to see just what the Duchess of Cambridge will wear during her first official royal tour of Canada with her new husband.

Which brings me to the point of this somewhat rambly post…

While I applaud what the girls are doing for the British high street {let us lament the fact the duo were never enticed into Jane Norman} I have to admit I’m a touch baffled by the reaction of British women.

Don’t misunderstand me, I’m not questioning the Middleton sister’s status as fashion icons. I appreciate their style won’t be every girl’s cup of tea but there is something quite refreshing about the way they dress. Barely black tights and questionable tweed ensembles aside, I like how polished their outfits are and Kate’s simple elegance really appeals. The sisters are champions of the high street, they recycle items from previous seasons and clearly their style is incredibly attainable.

But perhaps too much so?

Surely it’s one thing to emulate the style of the women you admire, but something completely different to seek out the exact item of clothing in order to add it to your wardrobe. Where’s the ‘style’ in that?

And of course there’s the small issue of the other few hundred women who will be doing the exact same thing.

Has dressing like a clone become de riguer? Am I alone in taking pleasure from looking just a little different from the rest of the world?

I don’t know, maybe I’m just lucky that the majority of my style icons are, sadly, no longer with us. Can I honestly say that if I saw Audrey Hepburn, alive and well, walk out of her apartment in a frock from Reiss/Hobbs/LK Bennett, I wouldn’t run like a woman possessed to my local branch and buy, buy, buy.

Perhaps not.

Where do you stand on the Middleton Effect? Are you a dedicated follower of their fashion or do you somehow make it your own?

Loveaudrey xxx

P.S If you really need to know ‘What Kate Wore’, go here. I can neither confirm or deny whether I’m a regular reader of this blog. No Sire-eee 😉