Anyone who knows me will tell you that I am a sucker for a bag! From a new cloth shopping bag right through to coveted Louis Vuitton travel trunks, it's very easy to distract me with a look at the Smythson or Mulberry website. I'm of the opinion that a handbag is for life and can therefore be classed as an investment and I also subscribe to the idea that 'fat days' just don't exist when it comes to bags!

If you are thinking about including some luggage on your wedding list, the choice is endless. Quality really is key here, especially for hand luggage (I'm not sure I'd be wanting to leave a very expensive suitcase at check-in!) and there are many bags that can be used almost daily, thus making the all-important 'cost per use' mere pennies in the long-run!

Bill Amberg is well-known for producing some of the most fantastic luggage and his website is a treasure-trove of beautifully made, once in a lifetime, pieces.

At the moment I'm drawn to this gorgeous pair of red leather heart-shaped keyrings - they might not be of any use when it comes to holiday packing but they're alot more wallet-friendly and I'll keep saving my pennies until a leather trunk can be mine!

They'd also make a wonderful gift for bridesmaids - now, who needs a bridesmaid?

Until next time,

Labels: fashion, style, supplier, tips

It would be rude not to include at least one bridesmaid dress in this little series of blogs and here it is, Dessy's After Six Bridesmaid Style 6585.

I just love the Dessy website for ease of navigation and the way in which you can change the colours of the dress on the model, as well as see other dresses in the same colour, at the click of your mouse.

This beautiful colour - 'Sunflower' - immediately evokes images of marquees, sunshine and fruity cocktails, and so quickly banishes the reality of February's weather!

Perfect for a wedding where the focus is less on formality and more on a relaxed, country-garden celebration, this dress is bound to bring a smile to your face and, just as importantly, to that of your bridesmaids!

Until next time,

Labels: fashion, style, supplier

I just had to include a dress from Pronovias in my look at some of this season's most stunning gowns.

Every one of their dresses I have ever seen is just beautiful and, since they launched in the UK a few years ago, they really have added a touch of Spanish sophistication to the market. This season's collection is no exception and I'm hard-pressed to pick a favourite. Renowned for their simple lines and fantastic use of beautiful lace, a Pronovias dress is almost instantly recognisable to the trained eye.

'Maria' is no exception (image courtesy of Pronovias) and with it's cute little cap sleeves, gorgeous lace at the neckline and beautiful back detail (check out the picture of the back on their website), this is one style that will not only look 'of the moment' but will age gracefully in your wedding photos.

We can but hope and pray that we do the same!

Until tomorrow,

Labels: fashion, style, supplier, trends

The snow might be falling again, or threatening to, so I'm cheering myself up with a look at some of this year's stunning bridal gowns and bridesmaids dresses...

You may already know that, whilst I love seeing what's in fashion every season, I'm a much bigger believer in brides finding the dress that's perfect for them, not just for the season. Remembering that you'll be looking at that framed photo on your mantelpiece for years may just steer you safely away from high-fashion and towards a stylish classic.

Over the next few days, I'm going to post some images that will hopefully inspire you and, if you haven't yet found your dress - or something for your bridesmaid(s) - fire your imagination to start your search.

I'm going to start with Stewart Parvin's 'An Officer & A Gentleman' dress (the label that I chose for my own wedding dress and the store where, thanks to Jean, I enjoyed some of the very best customer service I've ever experienced).

I can guarantee that the fabric used will be absolutely fabulous and will seem almost luminous in your wedding photos. The simplicity of this style coupled with exquisite detailing makes it a real head-turner for all the right reasons.

Bridal trends for this season talk of cover-ups and, with this gorgeous style, you're bang on trend as well as utterly classic. A simple, casual up-do with neutral make-up and a stunning pair of earrings and you'll be good to go!

Until tomorrow,

Labels: fashion, style, supplier, tips, trends

Oh there is just nothing like a little bit of bling to lift an otherwise dark and dreary January day. And believe me when I say that the gorgeous tiaras and jewellery you will find in Andrew Prince's store near Bond Street, London, and on his fantastic website, is so much more than a little bit of bling!

Simply the most stunning costume jewellery we have every come across, it's no wonder that Andrew Prince's work is often mistaken for the real thing. The pieces on the website are just gorgeous, I'm still trying desperately hard to think of a reason why I might have the floating seven star tiara, and a visit to the store should definitely be seen as a treat (make sure you call first to check they're open).

I've just remembered a friend of mine who confessed to wearing her wedding tiara every week when she hoovered the house - now if that's not a reason to place an order for that floating seven star tiara I don't know what is...

Until next time, happy planning

Labels: beauty, fashion, jewellery, style, supplier

TIP 4

If you're having a civil ceremony and reception in the same place don't let the fact that it's winter restrict your choice of outfit. You won't have to worry about cold shoulders in a strapless dress if you're near a roaring log fire.

Until tomorrow's tip,

Labels: fashion, style, tips, venue

Whilst I absolutely love to see what appears on the bridal catwalk I am a firm believer in 'style over fashion' every time. Remembering that you will, hopefully, be seeing your wedding photos on the mantelpiece for many years to come, should provide you with the reality check you need to steer clear of overtly fashionable gowns!

Finding a dress that you love, that suits you and makes you feel like a million dollars, is what is most important. All reasons why we suggest at least one trip to try on dresses on your own...

Occasionally a trend emerges that we think perfectly combines style with practicality and these are the trends that are easy to embrace. For 2010 jackets and boleros are on trend and can be used to fabulous effect by the bride looking for a simple way to transform her outfit between ceremony and reception, without the expense of a complete change of outfit.

Check out Martha Stewart's catwalk video to see a good selection of the styles on offer and don't be afraid to step away from the bridal market in order to find your ideal cover-up. I promise you that your budget will thank you for this!

High Street stores that specialise in party wear are a good place to look - think Coast and Monsoon for your first stops and hunt out smaller boutiques that stock unusual brands. If you can find something that you know you will definitely wear again, even better!

Until next time,

Labels: budget, fashion, style