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Style - Get the Look

Announced just days before her 30th birthday, Kate Middleton, The Duchess of Cambridge, has revealed the British charities that she will support in the coming year. It comes really as no surprise that Kate is putting her support behind charities that focus on the arts (she has a degree in Art History, hello) and children.

Kate will act as patron for the following British charities in 2012:

• The Art Room: A charity based in Oxford, The Art Room uses art as therapy to increase self-esteem, self-confidence, and independence in children.
• The National Portrait Gallery: Founded in 1856, The National Portrait Gallery features more than 160,00 portraits of famed Britons from the 16th Century to today.
• Action on Addiction: Action on Addiction is a charity that helps combat addiction through research, treatment, professional education, and support for those affected.
• East Anglia's Children's Hospices: EACH cares for children and young adults with life-threatening conditions, and provides support for their families.
• Scouts Association: A former Brownie herself, The Duchess will be helping with local cub packs and beaver colonies.

Style - Get the Look

I've preached endlessly on the importance of a classic white shirt; no closet is complete without at least one — or two, or three — in attendance. The white blouse was number two on my Every Woman Top 10 Essentials list last year, and it's timelessness is something that won't ever change. From Audrey Hepburn to the late Princess Di, the classic white shirt is one for the ages.

You can imagine how thrilled I was to come across the perfect white shirt during a recent visit to The Bay. While in the past I've recommended J.Crew's version of the white shirt, methinks I've got a new favourite. Part of The Bay's Hudson Room® collection, this classic white shirt is composed of crisp 100 percent cotton. It's developed with non-iron technology (more on that momentarily), for a consistently crisp appearance and feel. There is seam tape on all the stress points which helps to eliminate puckering in the fabric, and this shirt has high-quality "unbreakable" buttons. Basically, this is one high-quality shirt.

[For those of you wondering about non-iron technology: Garments can be chemically treated in a finish that sticks to the fibres. Most often, it's baked on, and with washing and normal wear over time, this treatment wears off. It's almost like the finish on a teflon pan, which lasts a while but eventually wears away.]

The fit of a Hudson Room® classic shirt is just that: Classic. Hudson Room® shirts are available in both fitted and relaxed (my preference is relaxed), and they come with regular buttons cuffs or french cuffs. The relaxed fit shirt has a back box pleat which gives it that extra "borrowed from the boys" appeal. Overall, a fantastic find. And for less than 50 dollars, you can't beat it, really. Some styles are even on sale right now for less than 20 dollars!

Not Canadian? Not a problem. You can shop online at thebay.com.

_{Hudson Room® Classic Fit White Shirt, regular $44.99, The Bay}

Style - Get the Look

A woman just as famous for her tumultuous relationships as she was for her seductive style, Elizabeth Taylor was undeniably one of the most influential artists of her time.

Someone who was dedicated to many worthwhile causes, Elizabeth Taylor was one of those rare women who was not only beautiful externally, but on the inside as well.

She will be missed.

Style - Get the Look

As long as my memory can recall, I've always had a love for Etro. The Italian fashion house has always been the epitome of classic 1970s style. (Think Victoria Principal as Pam on Dallas.) But don't for a second let that make you think the label's designs are outdated. In fact, it's quite the contrary.

Kean Etro, who heads Etro's menswear collections, and Veronica Etro, who directs the Italian brand's womenswear, have always stayed true to their roots. Founded in 1968, Etro has been a long-standing example of 70s style. And the ironic thing is, even though each collection is charged with a serious vintage vibe, Etro designs are timeless. And the Spring/Summer 2011 collection is no exception.

Overflowing with centre parts, heavily lined eyes, vibrant colours, platform wedge sandals, and lots of heavy accessories, the Spring 2011 Etro collection is a dream for any woman wanting to get her glam on. While there were no sequins or flashes of gold, Etro's ready to wear offerings merged the label's famous prints with a tribal twist and some serious geometrics for a collection that is both bold and beautiful.

Check out the full collection on Style.com.

_{Images courtesy Style.com}