Kate Middleton Zara Tulip dress Amy Childs steals Duchess Cambridges style

Essex style queen Amy Childs steps out in the Duchess of Cambridge's £69 Zara dress
By J J Anisiobi

She always said she felt like a princess and now she is dressing like one.

The queen of Essex arrived in America on Saturday in the most regal way that she could.

Amy Childs may not be a real princess but that didn't stop her from taking some styling tips from one of the most popular members of the royal family.

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Copy cat: Amy Childs wears the same dress that the Duchess of Cambridge
made famous last week

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Role model: The reality star has tried to distance herself from her former style icon Katie Price... and now it seems she's keen to emulate the Duchess's style

The reality TV star made her Hollywood debut last weekend in a dress from high street fashion store Zara.

Last week the Duchess of Cambridge stepped out in the same dress and within hours, the frock had sold out online, in every size.

Zara's £69.99 black and nude lace dress, which Catherine wore to a charity concert on Tuesday evening, is the latest to have disappeared off the shelves.

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On the hunt: Amy looks through a clothing rail for some new garments in a discount shopping mall

The tulip-shaped mini-dress was considered a controversial choice for the 29-year-old because it is so much shorter than the skirts she usually wears.

There was no fear of it being too short for Amy though, as she wore the dress without tights.

One reason for Amy's change in couture might be her sudden aversion to being compared with Katie Price.

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New look: Amy and a friend walk down Rodeo Drive with manager Claire Powell in all black

Even though Amy has the same manager as Katie and is in L.A at the same time as the mother-of-three, she insists that they are completely different.

She told omg!: 'People say Kate and I are quite alike but we're going in totally different directions. She's into horse riding I'm into table tennis. D'ya know what I mean?'

Childs added: 'When I said I was going to be managed by Claire people said you're going to be the next Katie Price, but I'm not going be.'

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Close encounters: The reality TV star gives her nose a good scratch while out shopping

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Shopaholic: Amy gets a closer look at some belts with a clear message

It appears the red-head model is making a huge effort to change her wardrobe as she has been doing a lot of shopping in the States.

Amy was spotted shopping at Camarillo Premium Outlets where she picked up designer labels at a discount.

After trying on a couple different hats she headed out with her entourage to film some more scenes for her TV show, It's All About Amy.

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Hats off to you: Amy tries out some different headgear as she looks for a new style

However, the Essex girl and her team reportedly did not have the right permit to film and were stopped by local police today.

The 21-year-old was walking along Rodeo Drive when the Beverley Hills cops pulled up alongside her.

L.A's finest then questioned the crew and it was revealed that the British TV show had not obtained the right permit for filming.

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California dreaming: Amy has her sights on cracking America but has gotten off to a bad start

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Shut up: Amy didn't seem too upset about the fiasco and carried on shopping

Amy took it all in her stride and seemed happy just to be in the fashion mecca.

Accompanied by a friend, she looked like any other all American girl with blue bootcut jeans and a white cowl-neck top.

She had tweeted yesterday saying: 'Working out in LA ,, but having few days to shop till I drop xxx (sic).'

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Always looking good: Amy touches up her make up at the table

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Digging around: Amy has a quick scratch of her nose while sitting having lunch at The Ivy

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Touching up: Miss Childs made sure she looked good at all times with her little compact

The whole team were also spotted in the Ivy restaurant having a spot of lunch.

The former star of The Only Way Is Essex was seen displaying some questionable table manners.

Childs was seen picking her nose as she ate with friends and co workers at the exclusive restaurant.
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Shock horror: The reality star was clearly surprised to hear something at lunch although her face remained wrinkle free

Amy is hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow Essex girls Adele and Jessie J by cracking America and she is already mixing with some of the stars.

She tweeted her former Celebrity Big Brother housemate Tara Reid and said: 'hi babe I'm on way to LA xxxx.'
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Getting used to the LA lifestyle: Amy was spotted out jogging in Beverly Hills yesterday

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New accessory: Amy was accompanied by a burly-looking trainer