Inspired by Kate and Princess Charlotte's Christmas 2016 look. budget_duchess / mediadrumworld.com

By Rebecca Drew

MEET the royal family obsessed mum of one who spends her spare time finding ‘repli-Kates’ of the Duchess of Cambridge’s most photographed looks at a fraction of the price and shares them with her 11.2K Instagram followers.

Operations manager, Stephanie (27), also known as the Budget Duchess, from Vancouver, Canada is half English and grew up learning all about the British royal family and found herself in awe of the elegance and glamour its members exude.

Channeling the Duchess of Cambridge’s L.K. Bennett Lasa Poppy Print Dress worn on a visit to Keech Hospice in Luton in 2016. budget_duchess / mediadrumworld.com

 

Incredible pictures of Stephanie show the uncanny outfits that emulate some of the Duchess of Cambridge’s most notable looks from the famous Diane Von Furstenberg dress worn on the 2014 tour of Australia, to the ALICE by Temperley dress she wore to the Team GB reception at Buckingham Palace in 2012, and the breath-taking Preen red dress worn on the royal tour of Canada in 2016. Other images show how Stephanie has achieved Kate’s casual looks such as those that featured in the 2016 Vogue photoshoot and she’s even managed to replicate Meghan Markle’s stunning engagement announcement ensemble.

‘Repli-kating’ the ALICE by Temperley dress Kate Middleton wore to the Team GB reception at Buckingham Palace in 2012. budget_duchess / mediadrumworld.com

 

Stephanie has followed Prince William and Kate Middleton’s fairy tale love story from day one and instantly fell in love with the Duchess’ classic style and began finding her own ‘copy-Kate’ looks on the high street. A year ago, Stephanie took to social media to share her recreations – which average out at just £56 per outfit.

“My dad’s side of the family is from the UK, so I grew up knowing all about the royal family and always thought they were so elegant and glamorous. I have loved following Will and Kate’s love story over the years and watching it evolve along with her fashion,” said Stephanie.

Replicating Kate’s Erdem ‘Cecile’ navy blue lace dress that she wore on the first day of her Royal Tour to Canada in June 2011. budget_duchess / mediadrumworld.com

“I have always loved Kate’s classic and elegant style and always found myself drawn to pieces that reminded me of something she would wear.

“I decided to start sharing my finds with others about a year ago and I have been loving it.

Stephanie managed to find the perfect ‘repli-Kate’ of the stunning red Preen dress Kate wore to an evening reception in Canada in 2016. budget_duchess / mediadrumworld.com

“I also like to get creative with it. For example, if there is a formal gown Kate wore that I love I will try to find something with the same feel but in a style I could wear to work to make sure it still works with my lifestyle as I don’t typically need ball gowns in my daily life – unfortunately.

“I love how down to earth and relatable she is. I love that we get to see her casual style and how great she is as a mom, but also get to see her all glammed up and gorgeous.”

Emulating a Jaeger dress that Kate wore in 2014. budget_duchess / mediadrumworld.com

Since following the Duchess of Cambridge’s fashion choices, Stephanie has replicated over 200 outfits and says that anyone can do the same at any price point with a little patience. Stephanie shops at Banana Republic, Zara, H&M and has even turned to eBay for similar outfits which is where she picked up her Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress inspired threads.

“Some outfits are harder to find than others. I have mostly been lucky and just come across pieces that remind me of something she wore at some point so I snatch it up,” she added.

Stephanie’s ‘repli-Kate’ of the Diane Von Furstenberg dress that the Duchess of Cambridge wore on tour to Australia in 2014. budget_duchess / mediadrumworld.com

“If I am piecing an outfit together from scratch I can usually find everything I need within an hour or two. If I’m watching tv in the evenings I’m also simultaneously scrolling through my favourite shopping sites for ‘repli-Kates’.

“You can ‘repli-Kate’ the duchess’ style at any price point with a little creativity and patience. I think it’s important to make sure you are replicating looks that work for your lifestyle and that you will actually wear.

A royal blue alternative to Kate’s burgandy Dolce & Gabbana coat worn in Oslo in 2018. budget_duchess / mediadrumworld.com

“So, if that means taking inspiration from a formal gown she wore and looking for a top with similar features that you can pair with jeans or trousers to work then you will likely get lots of wear out of it.

“My favourite of Kate’s looks is the blush lace Alexander McQueen knee length dress that she wore to the Queen’s jubilee national service of thanksgiving in June 2012. I haven’t found a ‘repli-Kate’ I like for this one yet.”

For more information see www.instagram.com/budget_duchess