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Rowena Penaranda de Obieta from Virginia in the US grew up with a fascination for the royals.
Although Rowena has always admired Queen Elizabeth, she admits that the royal family’s fashion choices are tough to match.
But as a mom herself, Rowena says Duchess Kate’s wardrobe resonates with her, the outfits being practical for everyday life.
In her 40s now, Rowena says she’s not a natural fashionista but that she started to follow Kate’s style after her engagement to Prince William was announced in 2010.
In 2012 she received her first “repli-Kate” item – the duchess’ engagement ring, bought for her by her husband.
Since then she’s managed to get her hands on 25 identical clothing items worn by the duchess and 50 “repli-Kate” items, inspired by the royal mom-of-three’s practical wardrobe.
READ MORE: Meet the women behind duchesses Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton's signature styles
“It’s like having a personal stylist on a royal level. Kate Middleton presents as incredibly natural and genuine,” Rowena explained.
“There’s nothing over the top or overly done about her – even when she's royally dressed.”
Remarkable images shared by Rowena on Instagram show her channelling her inner Kate in an array of outfits, including the dress the duchess wore to the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show in May 2019, the Zara summer dress from polo in June 2018, and the famous blue Issa dress worn to announce her and Prince William’s engagement in November 2010.
To sustain her exquisite fashion taste, Rowena learnt how to trade stocks and shares online.
“I learnt to trade stocks these last couple of years – and [have] done well. While my husband is incredibly supportive, I fund my own hobby through my earnings from day trading.
“I regularly browse eBay, Poshmark and Amazon for fashion pieces. I spend an average of $500-600 a month on items. My usual shopping places are Zara, Banana Republic, Gap and J Crew,” she explained.
READ MORE: Meet the woman obsessed with dressing like Kate and Meghan
Rowena
shares her repli-Kate hobby on Instagram under the handle, @ladyrowenaofivanhoe.
Source: Magazine Features, Instagram
