Clutch bags make a frequent appearance at Society Weddings and, more recently, public engagements, where their small size allows hands to be freed up to shake hands and receive bouquets of flowers.

Top: the Aspinal Eaton clutch bag (immortalised in gold and worn by the Princess Catherine Doll)

Bottom: Mulberry cosmetic pouch

A trusty pashmina – or cashmere scarf – is a key feature of the Catherine ‘Kate’ Middleton style, used on one hand as a handy way to ward against the unpredictable British weather  but also, arguably, as a form of safety blanket against the world.

Photo Copyright: Matrix / Getty / Rex / Big Picture

One of the most prevailing aspects of Catherine ‘Kate’ Middleton’s style is her penchant for fascinators and fancy hats.

A term largely unknown outside the UK, a ‘fascinator’ is a delicate concoction of frothy material and feathers forming a headpiece, mostly worn on the side of the head, as opposed to being placed squarely on the head (as a normal hat is worn).

Catherine ‘Kate’ Middleton is known to have worn such delightful feathery fascinators by milliners (hat designers) such as Amy Money, Jane Corbett, Viven Sheriff Millinery and Whiteley Fischer and stylish hats including the black wide brimmed hat and jaunty beret by Philip Treacy.

Black suede boots are regarded as something of a staple of the Catherine ‘Kate’ Middleton wardrobe.

They are worn teamed with both opaque tights and short, preppy style skirts as well as jeans and a fitted jacket.

Brands worn include LK Bennett and more recently Aquatalia by Marvin K.

Photo Copyright: Matrix / Roger Bentley / Getty

Classic, understated silver jewellery – particularly long pendant style necklaces and dangly drop earrings  – is something of a key element of the Catherine ‘Kate’ Middleton style.

Silver jewellery by the likes of designers such as Patrick Mavros, Vinnie Day, Links of London, Claudia Bradby is well documented, as are silver rings, mostly worn on the centre fingers of each hand.

Kate Middleton is known to be a fan of Vinnie Day jewellery and has several pieces including

• charm bangles
• snowdrop charms
• several pieces from the twisted leaf goddess collection

Given what we now know about the engagement having taken place in Kenya, it’s quite fitting and serendipitous that there’s an existing ‘Kenyan’ connection in place, by way of the designer of some of her favourite jewellery having been brought up in Kenya.

Vinnie Day was born in Dublin and brought up on a ranch in Laikipia, northern Kenya, near Mount Kenya.
Vinnie is inspired by the colours, shapes and sounds of the jewellery traditionally made by the Samburu and Turkana tribes of Kenya.  She develops these African concepts in India and London, resulting in this unique collection which combines the very different and vibrant cultures of these two continents.
The acacia leaf, worn by the Samburu tribe as it resembles the top of a spear, is a recurrent theme in Vinne Day jewellery, as are shells, moons, stars, starfish and love-hearts.

Find out more at www.vinnieday.com

Grazia magazine reports that Kate has been spotted shopping in the Joseph sale shop in the Kings Rd in Chelsea where she bought a Stella McCartney ruby coral silk satin dress with bow neckline from the Spring 09 collection.

The dress has previously been worn by Madonna at the 2008 amFAR gala in Cannes.

Demure, ladylike and a comparative steal at £305 (down from £1425) it’s a pretty, feminine dress – we are looking forward to seeing it out on show.

Date: March 2011

Photo Copyright: Getty Images

Prior to getting engaged and wearing THAT ring, Kate had was habitually photographed wearing dress rings and cocktail rings on her middle finger. This seems to be  something of a habit or at least a signature style and dates back to her University years – at least.

Photo Copyright: Rex / Getty / Peter Kelly / Alan Davidson

A habitual wearer of Tod’s handbags, the style perfectly compliments Kate’s own refined and conservative look.

D-Styling Bauletto Medio

September 2009:  Photo Copyright – Provence Sacca Media

November 2009: G Bag

Date: 2009/2010 Photo Copyright: Big Pictures

Kate is known to be a fan of Austique, a boutique in Chelsea, London, and has bought cashmere and Goldsign jeans there.

The Austique website states:

Austique.co.uk is the destination for online fashion connoisseurs looking to find unique designer fashion labels from around the world. Since opening our store on London’s Kings Road, in 2004, Austique has established an impressive reputation for our exclusive fashion, unique accessories and covetable gifts.