Tuesday, 10 January, 2012
There’s no denying 2011 was an exciting year for weddings; the stunning Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Moss and Lily Allen all provided some fabulous style inspiration for brides-to-be and we’re excited about what 2012 may bring to the bridal scene with the likes of Britney, Peaches Geldof and Liz Hurley all set to tie the knot.
While finding the perfect dress is crucial, so are the smaller details, your bridal hair being one of them. With this in mind, Barrie Stephen, an award-winning hair stylist who has salons in Leicester, Narborough, Antsey and Ashby, offers his advice on achieving a picture perfect look.
Start early If you have an image in your mind of the style you’d like, ensure you leave plenty of time to achieve it. Discuss the requirements with your salon stylist and together you can work to improve the condition, length and colour of your hair.
Consider the bigger picture Everything from the shape of your gown to the choice of your veil will shape your final hairstyle. The neckline of your gown is particularly important, so share every detail with your hair stylist so they can help you make the right choice. You may even want to have a trial that includes your choice of veil and hair accessories so you can make sure everything will look perfect on the big day.
Be inspired There was so much inspiration on the catwalks this season; Burberry showed off fresh, natural styles with centre partings and gentle waves that would suit a relaxed country-chic do, while Alice Temperley drew inspiration from Grace Kelly’s classic clean-cut style with the perfect ponytail. Also for spring/summer 2012, Holly Fulton’s ladies adopted 1970s-inspired waves, Danielle Scutt worked classic French braids and Margaret Howell rocked the vintage trend with 1920s-influenced knots.
Going DIY?
If you’re blessed with long locks, how about opting for some pre-Raphaelite waves? Spritz damp hair with a styling spray and roll 3cm sections of hair on large heated rollers, winding away from the face. Leave for 30 minutes and gently unwind, brushing through or teasing out with your fingers. Add a little hairspray to set the style.
If you have short hair, work through with some mousse and go with its natural texture. A sleek beehive is perfect for the classic bride, with a slight nod to the ’60s.
Style me pretty
Don’t forget, the magic is in the detail, so don’t be afraid to experiment with accessories.
Choose silk flowers for low chignons and ponytails…
We suggest… this gorgeous Christina peony hair clip, £35.99, Olivier Laudus
…simply sweep tousled locks into a decorative hair clip at the back of the head…
We suggest… the Aelicia mini hair comb, £29.99, Olivier Laudus, can be worn in a number of ways
For shorter styles, accessorise with vintage-inspired diamante clips or a headband…
We suggest… an antique-style headband like this Clarissa design, £79.99, Olivier Laudus
For more information about Barrie Stephen salons, visit www.barriestephenhair.co.uk
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Friday, 21 October, 2011
Autumn is always brimming with wedding shows and one that’s always on my list is the National Wedding Show. It was great to pop along to both the London and Birmingham shows this month to chat with suppliers and soon-to-be newlyweds to find out what’s new on the wedding radar.
The National Wedding Show is always one of the best places to sneak a peek at the new collections, and this October a whole host of designers and boutiques were showcasing the biggest trends for next season. So, with this in mind, I thought I’d bring you a run-down of some of my favourites set to be big next spring.
Lovely in lace
Benjamin Roberts
Blue by Enzoani
Ian Stuart
Cool capes and jackets
Enzoani
Theia at House of Fraser
Working the high-low hemline
Ian Stuart
Illusion necklines
Benjamin Roberts
Biba at House of Fraser
Princess perfect
Angela Vickers
Berketex
David Fielden
Jonathan James
Justin Alexander
For more information about the National Wedding Show, visit www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk
Enjoy!
Danielle x
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Wednesday, 29 June, 2011
A real treat for you now if you’re still on the lookout for the perfect dress: the brand new 2011/2012 Nostalgia collection from Suzanne Neville.
I absolutely adore this range. Suzanne has always known how to dress the female form – her cuts are classic and her trademark corsetry and delicate fabrics are beautifully flattering over curves. This collection is no exception. It was unveiled to buyers and press last month at HM Tower of London, at an intimate show in the Fusilier’s Building inside the historic tower.
Inspired by the golden ages of glamour, Suzanne has successfully taken the best parts of 1930s and ’40s fashion and mixed them with chic contemporary details that’s perfect for the modern-day bride. Here are some of my favourites from the collection below…
The Nostalgia collection includes lots of elegant draping and luxurious satin fabrics. I just love the dress above. Its perfect cut, amazing neckline and sleeve details are somewhat reminiscent of old silver screen goddesses Great Garbo and Sophia Loren.
The collection also features lots of full layered skirts, French lace jackets that are great for eveningwear, and hand embroidery. I love the beading on this dress.
Suzanne has managed to combine classic cuts and fabrics, such as French lace and silk chiffon, with interesting sleeve and neckline details to give each one a contemporary edge. As the Duchess of Cambridge and Lily Allen have both recently shown; sleeves are back, and brides are moving away from the once-popular strapless dresses.
Enjoy!
Danielle x
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Tuesday, 7 June, 2011
Tobi Hannah's ladies at White Gallery, London
White Gallery London was an event I’d had penned in my diary for quite a while, and one I was looking forward to attending. High-end bridal designers were showcasing their new 2012 collections for the very first time in the UK, and I for one was keen to see who was exhibiting at the event. I arrived at the show on day two, and despite a busy day before, there was still a buzz of anticipation in the air. I was lucky enough to meet lots of people at the show, all eager to talk about their new collections. But to mention everyone I met that day would be impossible (this post will already be long enough, I’m sure!) so I thought I would highlight some of the companies that stood out for me.
Alan Hannah rocked the '70s look with a bridal-inspired jumpsuit at White Gallery London
It’s showtime
My first stop was the Stephanie Allin catwalk event, which was a great show to start the day with. Glass of champagne in hand, I comfortably took my seat on the front row. Stephanie is a designer I have always admired and this new show didn’t disappoint.
Stephanie Allin at White Gallery London
Stephanie Allin at White Gallery London
The collection was inspired by the jazz era and featured lots of feminine details including beads, feathers and lashings and lashings of lace. In typical Stephanie Allin style, there was a strong vintage vibe with wide waistbands and sheer capped sleeves – a nod to classic 1950s style.
Stephanie Allin at White Gallery London
Stephanie Allin at White Gallery London
Each of the catwalks were beautifully styled. The second show I attended was Ian Stuart’s Killer Queen, whose signature full skirts, fish tail dresses and larger-than-life embellishments didn’t disappoint.
Ian Stuart at White Gallery London
However, the real stars of the day for me were those that showcased at the New Talents Preview. It was an amazing platform for up and coming designers to showcase their bridal lines and show them off to both retailers and the media.
I spoke to the lovely Tobi Hannah who was up first, and she admitted to me that she was more than a little nervous about doing a catwalk of this scale. She needn’t have worried about a thing though as her intricately detailed tea-length dresses oozed glamour and wowed the crowd, no problem. Featuring heavy ruffles and tiered skirts, her collection was youthful, free-spirited and fun.
Tobi Hannah's designs simply oozed glamour at White Gallery London
Tobi Hannah at White Gallery London
Another of my favourites was Elizabeth Stuart, whose elegant collection of gowns were full of timeless slinky fabrics that moved gracefully across the catwalk – all in contrasting colours of light antique gold and ivory.
Elizabeth Stuart at White Gallery London
Another awesome company who showed at the New Talents Preview was The Vintage Wedding Dress Company. Based in London, but keen to accumulate stockists elsewhere in the UK and abroad, the team talked me through the new 2012 Decades Collection. With layers and layers of Edwardian lace, delicate beading and low-waisted designs, this collection exuded 1920s style.
The Vintage Wedding Dress Company at White Gallery London
The Vintage Wedding Dress Company at White Gallery London
The Vintage Wedding Dress Co at White Gallery London
And last, but certainly not least, Claire Pettibone. I fall in love with Claire Pettibone dresses the more I see them, so I certainly took my time as I perused through the stand at the show, as Russell Blackburn, the UK agent for the brand, happily talked me through the simply stunning collection of vintage-inspired lace designs.
Claire Pettibone
Claire Pettibone
Claire Pettibone
For more information about White Gallery, visit www.whitegallery.com
Enjoy!
Danielle x
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Wednesday, 1 June, 2011
Last week some of the leading bridalwear designers graced the catwalks at White Gallery in Battersea, London and I happily went along to see what all the fuss was about. As well as enjoying collections from the likes of Ian Stuart, Claire Pettibone (below) and Stephanie Allin, I was lucky enough to meet some of the rising stars in bridalwear, including the very lovely Tobi Hannah, ethical designer Sanyukta Shrestha and the team at the Vintage Wedding Dress Co. Keep your eye out for more this week…
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Wednesday, 1 June, 2011
Shoe addicts look away now!
Actually, don’t. This is far too good to miss. Just be prepared to swoon a lot. I’ve been excited about blogging this post ever since I met up with the charming Rachel Simpson at bridal trade show, White Gallery, last week. With her sister’s baby in arms, Rachel greeted me with a huge smile and let me sneak a peek at her new 2012 collection which, I have to say, is by far her best yet.
Tilly in coral satin, £145
Lola in ivory leather, £150
The collection comprises fabulously feminine shapes (some that have been such a hit this year, they’ve been carried over into the new season with pretty updates), elegant designs with a hint of sassy vintage style and brilliant bursts of colour.
Marilyn in red suede and satin, £160. This shoe was a big hit last year so I'm delighted to see it launch again in this bold pillar-box red shade
Olivia in ivory leather, £150
Hettie in navy suede, £160
One of my favourite things about Rachel’s new collection? The perfect heel heights. Tall enough to make you feel glam, but not so sky-high that you could end up toppling down the aisle. These carefully selected heels and super-soft materials combine comfort and style that will perfectly complement both vintage and contemporary gowns. Just the combination we’ve been looking for. For more info and to see more of the current collection, visit www.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk
Lily in ivory lace, £150
Dolly in floral fabric, £145. These are my favourites from the collection, I just adore the vintage-inspired print
Will you be wearing a pair of Rachel Simpson’s shoes on your big day? If so, I’d love to see snaps!
Enjoy!
Danielle x
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Wednesday, 11 May, 2011
I’d hand it to bridalwear designer Sassi Holford for her vision of what Kate Middleton would wear on her big day. It’s no surprise though that Sassi’s choice of gown was uncannily similar, she does have royal credentials after all, since designing Princess Anne’s daughter-in-law Autumn Phillips’ wedding dress as well as her outfit for the recent wedding.
At the beginning of the year, Sassi designed a new collection of gowns which debuted back in February at the Designer Wedding Show, London. This Grace design represented the style of gown Sassi thought the new Duchess of Cambridge would wear and it has since been displayed in the window of her Chelsea boutique, where it has attracted an enormous amount of attention from brides-to-be because of its striking similarities.
I’d agree that it is a beautiful gown. Its long lace sleeves and full skirt exude elegance and epitomise both Sassi’s signature style and Kate’s gorgeous bridal look perfectly. See more of Sassi’s collection by visiting www.sassiholford.com
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The White Diaries
Start early If you have an image in your mind of the style you’d like, ensure you leave plenty of time to achieve it. Discuss the requirements with your salon stylist and together you can work to improve the condition, length and colour of your hair.