ROYAL WATCH: Kate Middleton—Style “Fit For A Queen”

(The striking brunette dubbed by British tabloids as “Princess Waitey” and her prince prepare for the big announcement Tuesday)

I’ll admit it… like many girls in my generation, I had a little crush on Prince William, as a teenager. Charming, attractive, and classy, I think my admiration for Britain’s heir to the throne paralleled my mom and her friends’ admiration for JFK Jr. From the time I was thirteen up until I started college, I was probably one among millions of young women who actually believed, I had a shot at becoming a princess… and when a pretty, doe eyed coed from St. Andrews University stole his heart, mine was crushed… a little… okay, a lot! Like many girls, I thought, “who is this Kate Middleton?"

Being a college romance, I’m sure there are many girls who were right there with me, holding their breath to see if his royal highness would leave one commoner for another… but after a while, as my crush crashed, burned, and the teenage dream faded away, I grew quite fond of Miss Middleton. As her romance with Prince William blossomed, so did her style…

(Kate looks radiant in a sapphire blue Issa London wrap dress to match her new 18-carat sapphire and diamond engagement ring that once belonged to the late-Princess Diana)

Through the eight-year courtship, Middleton has become a style icon, but looking good never came easy. In her early years dating Wills, royal watchers were critical of her appearance. Although naturally pretty, Middleton was often labeled by critics as “too common” for a prince.

(Sporting a summery version of her signature wrap dress at a polo match)

Needless to say, she enlisted some help for a makeover. Under the guidance of British style-maven Leesa Whisker, Middleton, the belle of St. Andrews University, developed a clean, conservative style fit for royalty, and captured worldwide attention. She has made several international best-dressed lists, including “Vanity Fair” in 2008, and “People Magazine’s Top 10 Best Dressed” in 2010.

(Kate is often known to wear creations from British designers, like Issa, featured on the left, but dazzled the crowd in a simple plunging turquoise gown by American label, BCBG Max Azria)

Standing at 5’10” with sparkling hazel eyes, chestnut hair, and reported measurements of 30-23-33 according to one style source, Middleton’s eight-year courtship with the future king isn’t the only cause for envy among women. The English Rose is just about any stylist's dream come true.

Over the years “Team Kate,” has developed several signature looks that put a new millennium twist on royal tradition. So as the royal couple prepares for what may perhaps be the wedding of the 21st Century, let’s take a look back at some of my favorite looks in Middleton’s “style file”…

1) Evening Elegance

From clean coed to royal bombshell in a gunmetal silk Issa London gown. A black clutch and pumps complete the outfit.

2) A Royal Affair

One of her first public appearances with the royal family at the 2006 Sovereign’s Parade. I’m a firm believer that every woman should have one bright coat in her closet. Kate caps off British tradition in a custom made hat and smart leather gloves. She keeps the conservative look young and modern with her signature black suede boots, opaque tights, and clutch.

3) All That Glitters

Kate sparkles in a daring, black sequined mini-dress with her signature black suede boots showing off her long legs and svelte frame.

4) Smart and Chic

A contemporary twist to the jackets and dresses you would see at many wedding ceremonies for English Aristocrats. Kate pairs an electric blue silk cocktail dress with a fitted single button blazer and custom designed hat.

5) Iconic “White-Hot” Coat

Perhaps the most sought after item from Kate’s closet. A simple white, double-breasted wool coat, perfectly fitted with a swing cut, A-line bottom that allows the garment to hang like a dress.

With a look that’s prim, proper, but still young and contemporary, Middleton paints the portrait of a modern princess. The world may be watching as she prepares for her wedding, but there’s no doubt that the 28-year old icon is ready to assume her responsibilities in public life, and do it all—in style.

Middleton, like most girls, was not born of royal or aristocratic blood, but I think her story resonates with every girl who wants to believe in fairy tales. Some girls would be lucky to meet someone that treats her like a princess, but Middleton found a real prince, and shows all the single girls who lost hope in love that there can be a "happily ever after."

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Priscilla Luong thinks once Kate marries into Britain’s royal family and has unlimited access to all the royal couturiers, she will need to clean out her single girl’s closet. If her highness decides on a public auction for the single, common girls who could use some of her shoes, wardrobe, and pure fabulosity… Priscilla will be first in line. If you plan to outbid Priscilla, or happen to find that gorgeous Issa wrap dress, drop a courtesy note at pluong@ktab.tv, she’s looking for one to wear on-air…

Texas Style: "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'"

Many of "y'all" know, I'm not from Texas but got here as soon as I could... and over the last two years, the Lonestar State has become home. With many gals in the KTAB newsroom coming from out of state, one of the first things we wanted when we arrived in the Big Country... was a pair of REAL cowboy boots.

I still remember the first time I stepped into a boot shop. A Texan friend knowing my lifelong affinity toward boots told me I had to stop by the cowboy boot mecca, Allen's Boots on South Congress.

I was amazed at the number of styles, colors, textures, and detailing that came with each pair of cowboy boots... it was like I bumped into Carrie Bradshaw's Texan cousin! Needless to say, I was overwhelmed and didn't know where to begin, so I did what my mother taught me... start with the pair you like best, and then check the price tag...

"WOW!!!! $1600!!!!!! REALLY?!"

Looking at the quality, and handcrafted leather, I knew the boots were certainly an investment, but the price tag was comparable to Christian Louboutins and Manolo Blahniks that I only plan to buy after I win the Megamillions Jackpot.

"Boy... I guess Carrie Bradshaw DOES have a cousin on this side of the Mason-Dixon line..."

After a few hours searching for a happy medium between "fabulous" and "frugal," I finally settled on a pair I loved and could afford, but you don't need a tank of gas and a pilgrimage to Austin if you're on the prowl for the perfect pair of cowboy boots...




Farm and Ranch Western Wear will have it's 2nd Annual "Deal or No Deal" Boot Extravaganza this weekend. All you have to do is choose any boot in the store's inventory, make an offer, and it will be either a "Deal" or "No Deal." And it's not just for the ladies... Men's and Children's boots are up for sale too. The sale begins Saturday, October 2nd, and ends Sunday, October 3rd.

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Priscilla Luong knew she would love Abilene as soon as she stepped off the plane, hopped in her car, turned on the radio and heard Nancy Sinatra's "These Boots Are Made for "Walkin'." She thinks every woman in America could take a lesson from a Southern Belle... share what's in your Southern Belle Primer! You can e-mail Priscilla at pluong@ktab.tv

Vintage Priscilla: The "Coolest Cat" in School

As I browsed through Target last Friday afternoon, I saw many Big Country families shopping for school supplies, hoping to beat the rush before the Tax-Holiday. Watching these families made me think of my own when my brother and I was still in school, but as I walked through the endless aisles of school supplies… one thing was certain…

Despite the absence of “Yikes” pencils and “Lisa Frank” Stationery… kids today have a MUCH cuter (and cooler) selection to choose from than Bryan and I did when we were in school! Being a nerdy kid growing up… I think I liked shopping for notebooks and highlighters more than I liked shopping for clothes. Okay… sometimes I still do… As I marveled at the vast selection of “designer” pencil cases and lunch boxes, something triggered immediate flashbacks to my first day of kindergarten…

I couldn’t help but smile when I saw the vast selection of HELLO KITTY. It made me think back to the days when Mom and I would make our special trip to the Sanrio store in San Francisco to get ready for the first day of school. Sanrio never came cheap back then, so we would always have to save up for it… but even 20 years after rocking the pink Hello Kitty backpack, I still remember how happy I was as I clutched my matching notebook and lunchbox on the first day of school.

When I checked the price tag on the Hello Kitty items at Target, it was considerably less than what it was at Sanrio, and still has the same adorable cat that’s brought smiles to little girls’ faces for generations. I’ve always been a big fan of Target and all the folks recruited to design special lines for them, like Anna Sui and Todd Oldham… and I think it’s awesome to have an icon, like Hello Kitty, on the style team for the little ones.

Well… make that for the young, and young at heart… My mother visiting from Vietnam still hasn’t forgotten about her daughter’s love for Hello Kitty! Thanks Mom :).

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Priscilla Luong was serious about her last tweet on Twitter… hugs and pink thumbprint cookies from McKays to all the little girls in Abilene rocking the Hello Kitty backpack this year. Show off your Hello Kitty gear! Send her pictures at pluong@ktab.tv.