Fans of the duchess have not had much to go off of style-wise this summer, as she has kept a very low profile since Charlotte was born. Aside from Charlotte's christening and a polo match here and there, it's been a pretty Middleton-less few months.
However, now that it's September, the new mom of two is getting back to work and looking as fabulous as ever. She's even sporting a new hairdo — long, side-swept bangs, parted effortlessly on the side. It appears the quiet summer with her family has done her well, as many commented that she looked relaxed, tanned and "in good spirits."
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She also hasn't lost her keen fashion sense. Middleton appeared at the Anna Freud Centre wearing a black and white houndstooth shirt dress by Ralph Lauren, which reportedly goes for a mere $1,935. She accented the blousy dress with a black patent leather belt, which worked to cinch her now-tiny waist. So perhaps she wasn't relaxing the entire summer away.
Middleton is very impassioned about the work the mental health center is doing for children. According to the Daily Mail, she greeted the chairman of trustees, Michael Samuel, with a kiss on both cheeks, which, while unusual for most royal officials, is in line with Middleton's down-to-earth nature.
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Middleton's support is inspiring to a lot of young mothers, one in particular who suffered from postnatal depression five years ago and turned to the center for help. Andrea Noguera, also a mother of two, said of the duchess, "It's wonderful that she has come here, because that shows me that she's interested in families and children and the problems that people can have. I imagine it's because she's a mum herself, she has compassion for families and kids who are suffering in difficult situations."
This is only the beginning of a slew of planned Kate Middleton appearances. She's slated to appear tomorrow with her husband, Prince William, and brother-in-law, Prince Harry, at the opening of the Rugby World Cup. For those who look to her for style advice, especially during this tricky transitional period of summer to fall, you should be in for lots of inspiration in the weeks to come.
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