Back at work, Duchess Kate shows off her new bangs

New locks, new frock – that was the Duchess of Cambridge on Thursday as she made her first public appearance since the christening of Princess Charlotte in early July.

Showing off her much-talked-about bangs – a "fringe" to the Brits – Duchess Kate, 33, visited the Anna Freud Centre (that's Brit-spell for Center) in north London.

According to the royal press office, "The visit reflects The Duchess's interest in child mental health issues and the importance of early intervention and working with the whole family to provide children with in-school mental health services."

The facility is named after the daughter of Sigmund Freud, who was also a psychologist and specialized in children's mental health. In the Fifties, she founded The Hampstead Clinic, a groundbreaking center for research, teaching and learning. It was renamed after her when she died.

OK, enough about the reason for the visit and more about what she was wearing. According to the expert royal watchers from the London media, Kate was sporting – shock! -- an American-designed outfit! And not a cheap one, either. Her checked shirtdress from Ralph Lauren – will it be "Arise, Sir Ralph" soon? – will cost you almost $2,000.

And do you think Kate paid retail? We think probably not.