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Dresses That Dreams Are Made Of.

January 28th, 2012

*Nice things to win at the end of this post*

Dresses that dreams are made of – that’s what I thought about the 2011 Temperley Bridal collection…

And then I saw the 2012 “Ophelia” range. I swear, for the first ten minutes I couldn’t say a word (and that’s a long time for me – I can talk a lot). The gowns are breathtaking, and I don’t tend to throw that adjective around unless well… something literally takes my breath away.

Adam and I were invited to Temperley HQ yesterday, a beautiful mews in Notting Hill that is home to all of Alice Temperley’s delicious designs including the aforementioned bridal ready-to-wear and bespoke pieces. Think intricate detail, elongated body skimming silhouettes and voluminous tulle appliqué skirts. Think exquisitely draped silks, fine French laces and timeless, feminine, ethereal pretty…

Think…I die.

Having only previously been available from the London, Los Angeles and Dubai Boutiques Ophelia is going wholesale world-wide – meaning it will become a whole lot more convenient for you lovelies to enjoy the Temperley experience should one of the oh-so-elegant frocks take your fancy.

‘I really enjoyed creating this collection; there is something for every Temperley woman – from the original bare footed Bohemian to our New York City Hall contemporary bride to our romantic full skirted princess and our Art Deco vintage nostalgic – Our brides always wear the dress rather than being worn by it, and they can dance all night, look beautiful and also feel themselves which is something that should never be forgotten on their wedding day. ’ Alice Temperley, MBE

The Temperley Bridal line evolved after Alice’s own wedding in 2002 to Lars von Bennigsen when after designing her own W-day gown she received many requests from friends to create their big day dresses. Alice’s gown was very similar to the Honeysuckle design that remains a permanent fixture of the classic line along with one of my if-I-did-it-again-I-would-be-very-tempted numbers – the ever lovely layered Dragon dress.

And along with the Dragon there are a fair few frocks from this collection I will be adding to that “if” list, prepare yourselves for a serious Saturday swoon-fest folks…

From top: The Arianna and the Vida.

From Top: The Chloe and the Draped Scarlett.

From Top: The Dove and the Augustina.

From Top: The Crystal Imara and the Camille.

From Top: The Emmeline and the Kelly.

From Top: The Mirage and the Amoret.

From Top: The Aurelea and the Penelope.

Ophelia 2012 also introduces accessories, including decadent head pieces, embellished sashes for the waist and wrists and an expansion of shrug and veil categories. And when I say veil I mean VEIL – if you wear one of these you won’t want to take it off all day. Promise.

We were lucky enough to be given some very generous goody bags by Temperley with posh teas, gorgeous candles and whatnot inside and as I also managed to pinch Adam’s when he wasn’t looking we’re generous and all we’d like to give one away, just tell us which is your favourite gown from the collection by dropping us a comment. If it’s the same as mine then we’ll send a very fancy bag with Mr Posty your way (and if there is more than one that guesses right I’ll get out the RMW polka dot hat and we’ll do a wee draw).

Warning: The candle smells so insanely awesome you may be tempted to eat it.

You can see some Temperley RMW real wedding pretty here and here …

Big If You Ever Buy One Of These I Will Be As Jealous As Hell Love

Charlotte xxx

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What’s New For YOU.

January 27th, 2012

It’s Friday today… hooray! which means I need to arm you for the weekend with some serious pretty….right?

Well there have been a fair few things that have dropped into my inbox this week so I thought I’d share ‘em, apologies in advance for any desire you may have to batter the plastic as a result.

It’s As Much About The Styling As The Actual Stuff

At least that’s what I think when I see a new fashion campaign, particularly bridal. You can’t buy every dress on the planet but now and even when I was planning, I always take inspiration from the styling of the new collections too – the hair, the make-up , the accessories….

And I am currently loving the BHLDN new spring look book. The new season gowns are (as always) gorgeous but it is the soft up-do doo-dah and glossy pink lips that I am coveting.

The Avant-Garde Gown: Long strings of pearls + delicate floral headband = Dreamy

The Divine Downpour Gown: Shiny bits on your forehead + intricate statement bracelet + feminine petal earrings = Modern Princess

The Lively Chevron Gown: Statement Necklace + peachy bronze sling backs = Contemporary Chic

And yes BHLDN deliver to the UK and ALL of the accessories can be purchased via the website.

Here are some of my must-have jewellery items (no I can’t afford to buy them all but I would very much like too…)

Clockwise from top left:

The Mellifluous necklace – Just imagine those lovely long swingy bits all the way down your back… *sigh*

The XO Earrings – How ruddy cute are they?! A gorgeous (and generous) gift for your maids.

The Carolinigan Necklace – Actual crocheted lattice sprinkled with pearls. I’m not sure I have ever seen such a perfect piece in my whole entire life.

The Bachelor’s Button Earrings – Your something blue? I so would.

Continuum Cuffs: What are these?! some kind of look-at-me bracelets? an extra bit of sleeve?! I don’t know and I don’t really care, they’re ace and I want someone somewhere to rock a pair for W-day please.

Movers And Shakers In Make-up

I have a confession to make. I have been neglecting MAC of late… I know, as an avid follower/purchaser/lover for over fifteen years and I haven’t bought or even looked at a single thing for months…. I feel like some kind of traitor.

However, I’m definitely having me a butchers at the new Daphne Guinness collaboration (how awesome does she look?!) and have already heard rave reviews about the Blueblood and Endless Night nail polishes.

And if you are looking for a beauty treat but don’t want to break the bank then you need to check out the Lisa Eldridge for Boots No 7 Spring collection, not only is it all on 3 for 2 at the moment but you can also use your £5 off voucher thingy (I checked and they are valid until March..) AND the packaging is super cute.

My favourites from the range are the cream blush in Blooming Pink (I swear, one swipe and you look all healthy and glowy) and the Vital Enlightening Highlighter Powder which is actually prettier and more flattering than a couple of my high-end versions.

Cut Price Karl Lagerfield

Karl Lagerfeld’s new “Karl” collection was released on Net A Porter on Wednesday and I’ve got to admit I like it. A lot. And I have always been a little bit intrigued by this white ponytail sporting/shade wearing phenomenon.

I wouldn’t go as far as to say the range is cheap (far from it actually) but there are a few pieces that are more affordable and could jazz up your existing wardrobe.

I REALLY want a pair of the fingerless leather gloves but apparently they sold out within minutes. Boo.

And just generally I like the whole glamorous whilst edgy biker edge to the collection, all leather, zips and sequins.

I’m still not sure I am cool (or rich) enough to wear any of it though.

So then lovelies, let me know what’s new with you – I’m in London today and there may just be time for a wee trip to Oxford Street….

;-)

Big Shop ‘Til You Drop Love

Charlotte

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Size Matters.

January 27th, 2012

*Hello Charlotte here *waves*… you may remember some time ago on our Ask the Experts column a piece called Drowning In A Sea Of Dresses – the trials and tribulations of shopping for your gown. Well, the first comment we received on that post was from “Jenny” and how she had really not enjoyed her dress shopping experience thus far. I felt compelled to email her and recommend some of our favourite boutiques as it should be a special time for every bride… and to cut a long story short it turns out Jenny is not only witty and intelligent but as the Sub-Editor of RED magazine (one of my favourite lifestyle glossies) she knows a thing or two about writing great copy.

And so we asked her if she could write a more detailed piece about her experiences for RMW.

And she said YES….Hoorah.

So if you’ve had a similar experience/have anything you’d like to ask then please do drop a comment at the end of this post, we LOVE to hear what you gorgeous lot have got to say.

Over To Jenny…

Trouble finding The One?

I’m not talking about your perfect partner. After all, if you’re reading this blog, you’ve probably already found and are on your way to marrying the man of your dreams. I’m talking about The Other One. Your wedding dress.

I was imagining champagne in the showroom, trying on dress after dress. I imagined my mum crying and saying how beautiful I looked. What I didn’t imagine, was how hard it would be, as a size 16, to find my dress. In reality, I was confronted with squeezing into size 10 samples, not being able to try on my favourites, and boutique owners telling me, ‘Oh, that definitely won’t work for you’.

The first store I went in to, I was just looking for bridesmaid dresses. The owner told me that I was doing it the wrong way around, that I should have got my dress before I start looking for bridesmaids. Maybe this is the traditional way to do things, but I didn’t see how my choice of dress would affect my vision of BM dresses. Also, aren’t I allowed to do things ?

After much cajoling, she convinced me to try on some of the wedding dresses she stocked. But rather than letting me choose which ones I’d like (I told her I really wanted lace, no diamante or sparkle, and something light, suitable for my wedding in Ibiza), she picked out three for me. Three puffball, heavy, diamante-covered monstrosities. On the right person, I’m sure the dresses would have been lovely, but they just weren’t me. I felt and looked ridiculous – I could see it on my bridesmaids’ faces. (Even worse when she put a tiara on me – I am definitely not a tiara kind of girl). So my first dress-trying-on experience left something to be desired.

I was more excited about my next appointment. The dress shop came under good recommendation, and was decorated gorgeously, so I had high hopes. Again, I explained what I was after, and again, I was forced into three different diamante-detailed dresses that she picked for me. I must admit, they did look better on than I was expecting, but I’ve never met someone so bossy and pushy. I really felt like she was just trying to sell me something, and made me feel really awkward and embarrassed about not being a size 10. When I worked up the courage to point to a dress that I really liked (lace, floaty, empire line), she looked at me and said, ‘Darling, we only stock this in a size 8 for a reason.’ And then proceeded to try on the dress herself to tell me exactly why it wouldn’t suit my curvier figure. (People never believe me when I tell them that story!)

A few more dress disasters followed….A shop where I stood next to another bride in the mirror, while she tried dresses on as well, making me feel so not special. A boutique that wouldn’t even let me try on a few samples because ‘they definitely won’t work for you’, when I know they definitely would have fitted. (Ladies, the lace-up back dress is your friend when it comes to dress shopping).

So it was with exasperation that I commented on my troubles on the RMW article ‘Drowning in a sea of dresses’ about my dilemma. I was really getting worried that I wouldn’t find a dress I loved. I didn’t feel special, didn’t feel beautiful, didn’t feel like a bride.

It was then that Charlotte emailed me and recommended Mamfii Bridal, where coincidentally, one of my recently married friends, Kelly, had bought her dress. I was at my wits end, so thought it would be worth the two-hour drive. It was – and then some.

Samantha Neville, Mamfii’s director, agreed to open on a Sunday for me, and what I found was the most beautiful bridal store, in a gorgeous location, full of amazing (yet still reasonably priced) dresses. Sam completely understood what I wanted, and gave me free reign to pick out the dresses that I liked. She understood that yes, something might not suit me, but until I can try it on and see for myself, I’m never going to believe it. (I fell in love with the full-on lace dress from Justin Alexander’s new collection, but could see as soon as it was on that the material was just too heavy for me.)

I explained my worries about being a size 16 trying on sample 10s and 12s, but it was never an issue. I got into all of the dresses fine (again, with thanks to the lace-up, and some clever ivory panels that Sam tucked into the back, to give a better impression of what the back would look like). Sam is, quite frankly, a genius. An angel. A genius angel!

Needless to say, I finally found The One, and it’s perfect. (I don’t want to reveal what I went for – I wish I could, I’m so excited! – but I’ll let you in on my second choice: Essence D1220).

Overall, I didn’t really enjoy dress shopping (until I found Mamfii). My mum never cried (she said she was holding it in). And I never had champagne in store (until I bought my dress, and Sam cracked open some bubbles for me and my sister). What I learnt is not to have too many expectations; stick to your guns about what you really want from your dress (if you’re not a diamante girl, you’re never going to love a diamante-covered dress, no matter how pushy the boutique owner is); DO NOT WORRY about being a curvy lady, as you will easily fit into sample 10s and 12s if they’re lace up; and, finally, you will find The One, don’t worry about that, either. It’s like meeting your husband-to-be – when you know it’s The One, you just know.

My dress isn’t exactly what I originally envisaged, but pretty close. But more than that, I finally feel like a bride – and for that, I have Mamfii Bridal to thank.

Big ‘I hope you all find your dream dress too’ love,

Jenny Woods

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And Then There Was Light.

January 17th, 2012

There was. That perfect kind that seems to cast an almost undefinable glow upon everything and everyone within it.

And it fell into my inbox on a particularly grey and gloomy day… sunshine medicine if you will. Photographer Catherine Mead single handedly managed to switch on my inspiration light switch with the moments she captured whilst attending the Jose Villa Workshop in Mexico. And for that I will be eternally grateful.

The Claire Pettibone 2012 collection gowns are out-of-this-world , I want someone, anyone to wear a frock with just the faintest hint of a pale blue and then carry it through to their accessories and decor….just because….and I want someone to wear a veil hood because frankly, it’s the coolest thing I’ve seen since dresses with pockets.

And the bouquets?

Welcome to the new UBER rustic folks. 2011 saw the increasing popularity of hand-tied and hand-picked style and now we’re moving one step onwards – roadside chic. No I am not losing my mind, there is just something incredibly intriguing about a bunch of florals that look like they could have literally been swiped from the bank of a dual carriageway en route to the ceremony.

I want.

And I’m afraid these are not models but actual real couples that offered to participate in the workshop and yes, they really are that beautiful.

I die.

Catherine Mead: Photography is my greatest love, and it’s all I’ve ever been passionate about. After graduating from a degree in Photographic Arts when I was 21, I’ve worked as a photojournalist for the national broadsheets and magazines ever since.

My client list include The Times, The Telegraph, The Guardian, Grazia Magazine and many more publications, and I’ve been sent around the world photographing a variety of assignments ranging from the slums in Kolkata and refugee camps, to London Fashion Week, Bonnie Tyler’s living room and various top celebrities’ plush homes.

I photographed my first wedding a few years ago, and immediately fell in love with wedding photography too. I’ve photographed a wide variety of lovely weddings, from being flown out to photograph a 400-guest wedding in Cairo, to a wedding in The Cotswolds with just the couple, and myself and the venue coordinator as their witnesses.

I bring a creative approach to photographing weddings, blending a mixture of portraiture, gorgeous details and relaxed, happy moments throughout the day, bringing together a unique and stylish account of a wedding.

I’ve been lucky enough to have my clients’ weddings featured in Brides and You & Your Wedding Magazine, and it’s always such an honour and a privilege to be hired by my clients and be invited to share their most important day together. In short, I’m totally in love with my job!

You can see more of Catherine’s work at www.photographybycatherine.co.uk

You want more? Yes? Ok then as you asked so nicely…….

Bouquets With Bracken: This (image below) is what I was referring to for “Roadside Chic”, the warm tones of copper and golden yellow would work well for an Autumnal affair or anything outdoorsy (I’m thinking vows in an enchanted forest, that type of thing…)

Sharp Grooms: I don’t think a slim fit black suit has to be restricted to an “evening dress” theme or indeed the winter months, this looks unbelivably stylish any time any place…especially with a contemporary skinny tie. And is it me or does the man donning said suit bear a remarkable resemblance to Mark Ruffalo…?

Oversized Accessories: I mentioned the hood (seriously – I am contemplating an occasion I can justify wearing one to) but how about the other head wear? I have loved a giant single flower forever (and if you are definitely going avec veil for W-day there is no reason you can’t swap to one of these beauties for the dancing) and now I am worshipping at the floor of the silvery sky-hued version complete with feathery bits….. Any takers?

Hair & Make-up: Mar of Team Hair and Makeup

Flowers: Flower Wild Design

Styling: Jill LaFleur

Bridal Gowns: Claire Pettibone

Hair Accessories: Mignonne

Photography by Catherine Mead *All of the pictures taken during a Jose Villa Workshop*

With huge thanks to Catherine Mead for getting Rock My Weddings glow on.

And I want those that are opting for a Claire Pettibone, a groom in a sharp black suit or indeed a bouquet in the style of roadside chic* to leave a comment and let me know the exact details. Just so I can y’know, get all green eyed and girly.

Big I’m Keeping It Firmly Switched On Love

Charlotte xxx

*copyright Charlotte O’Shea 2012 ;-)

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You Probably Should.

January 11th, 2012

It’s been a wee while since we’ve featured some fashion on RMW and that folks is a travesty, especially when there is frockage as lovely as Sassi Holford’s 2012 collection to behold.

A fair few Sassi brides have graced these pages and each and every one has said how beautifully cut the gowns are, that they fit them like a glove, that it was definitely their “dream” dress…

Key inspiration for this collection was statement costume jewellery which has been translated into accent detailing, Sassi uses belts, bows and tails enhanced by diamanté appliqué and brooches to ensure every piece has the look-at-me glamour factor.

So if you are in a “I have nothing to wear” conundrum for W-day and you are yet to book your appointment with Madam Holford then you probably should, especially if you love a sleeve, lots of lace and are willing to do a bit of the ol’ sexy back-flash.

The Thea - This is probably my favourite, from the delicate cuff buttons to the low slung rear neckline. Suitable for every season of course but I can envisage this in some kind of sophisticated winter wonderland setting, all candlelight and glow – you know?

The Paola – A sprinkle of Audrey Hepburn and a whisper of Marylin Monroe, or at least that’s what I thought when I first laid eyes on this timeless number. I’m also a little bit obsessed with that headpiece – like a small pearl side-plate of greatness.

The Grace – ooooh this is a wee bit Middleton-esque isn’t it? and all the lovelier for it I say, if it’s good enough for a Princess….

The Zoe – I was never your typical “fairytale” bride but if I was I would probably wear something similar to the Zoe, all tulle and fancy bodice.

The Mia - Simple, elegant, perfect. I’m thinking dramatic drop earrings and some kind of skyscraper sparkly shoe – because with this dress you just could.

More From The Catwalk – Clockwise from top left: The Sienna (love a cap sleeve) the Tallulah, the Catherine and the Florence.

And Even More - Clockwise From Top left: – The Saffron (plenty of swish factor), the Helena, the Bella and the Marianne.

Now we know RMW Real Bride Celine has chosen a Sassi Holford design but how about the rest of you?

And just for banter (and because I’m nosey) which one is your favourite?

Oh and if you want to look at past Sassi Brides (or anything else for that matter) just put whatever it is in the search bar in the top left hand corner of the home page and hey presto, all the posts featuring your chosen words will magically appear!

Big If I Could I Would Love

Charlotte xxx

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Candy Kisses And Sugar-Coated Style.

November 28th, 2011

When I was “the one” hunting there were a few gowns that made me genuinely think “This could be it”. And one of those frocks was the ever-popular “Tabitha” by Charlotte Balbier.

Although it the end it wasn’t to be I still love seeing brides grace these blue polka dot pages in Charlotte’s original, feminine and super pretty designs. And I think Charlotte’s latest “Candy Kisses” collection may just be her best one yet with a delicious array of dresses in pure silks, soft satins, rich taffeta’s and of course Charlotte’s signature vintage-inspired french lace.

I am in particular a huge fan of the pin-flashing hemlines and the playsuit (yes there is an actual PLAYSUIT!) and think any of you gorgeous lot with an English-rose complexion would look ridiculously lovely in the gowns that are available in delicate gold and cream hues.

And then of course there’s the pink. Not merely a hint-of-a-tint pink but full on bubblegum pink. Maybe it’s the (secret) princess in me but I suddenly have an unprecedented desire to wear a huge tulle skirted number the colour of Barbie’s Cadillac.

I blame Charlotte Balbier.

From Top: Ava: French lace bodice with a satin sash and vintage diamante clasp with a long and flowing tulle skirt and train, perfect for the modern day princess.

Dolly: Ruffle waterfall skirt with a lace ecrusted bodice and corset lace up back.

Nancy: A timeless classic in a beaded lace with a sweetheart neckline in a rich taffeta. Strapless with a fishtail skirt.

Tutti Frutti: This dress is a sweet as it’s name, puffball buddle hem skirt with a classic boat neck collar. Paper tafetta fabric and completed with a flower corsage on the neckline.

Dora: Boho style gown made in the prettiest of lace, flower appliques hand sewn onto the skirt and bodice in pastel peach’s and Pinks. Empire line with a on trend one shoulder strap detail.

Victoria (in cream): Rich clotted cream luxuirious silk gown. Unusual and unique asymetric neckline and drop waist decorated with jewels and pearls. Lace up corset back and full volumionous skirt.

Harriet: Look and feel like your movie star in this Red Carpet style wedding gown. Soft Satin drapes over the body to give a hourglass figure and is simply stunning. One shoulder strap embellished with a flower.

Pearl: Charlotte’s signature style at it’s best, vintage inspired French lace gown. Soft stretch cotton lace that flatters and fits the female form beautifuly. Cap sleeves and V neckline edged with a soft satin and delicate beading. Long train with a zip fastening completed with pearl buttons.

Enchanted (Pink): Classical fairytale and romance with a modern twist make this soft tulle gown perfect for the princess style bride.

Penny: French lace gown with a soft lace halter neck strap detail. Fishtail skirt with a de-tachable train, perfect to dance the night away in!.

Liv: Italian lace combined with Organza, a stunning gown with classical elengance and charm. Strapless bodice with a ruched organza band that flatters the figure. Georgeous back detail with a flowing Organza train and lace up back.

Lollipop: Adorable and cute this playsuit is perfect for bride who dares to be different or for something fun to change into for th evening. Dance the night away in this plasuit, team it with fabulous heels and accessories.

Jennifer: Sweetheart neckline in a soft Organza fabric draped and pleated on the bodice with a fitted drop waist that flows into a full fishtail skirt. This gown has a beautiful satin sash with scattered crsytals.

Lana: The softest of silks gives Lana a luxuriously classic and feminine edge. A criss-cross pleated bodice, sweet heart neckline and full A-line skirt ensures this gown will be a perfect choice for every bride.

Harriet: Look and feel like your movie star in this Red Carpet style wedding gown. Soft Satin drapes over the body to give a hourglass figure and is simply stunning. One shoulder strap embellished with a flower and pearl corsage. The back detail has the wow factor with a sexy low back, bustle strain and flower/pearl corsage.

Trixie: Rock ‘n’ roll chic with a vintage twist will make any bride stand out from the crowd in this cool and funky wedding dress. French lace gown with a stylish one shoulder detail.

Candy Kisses; Pure silk gown with a pleated fan sweetheart neckline, bustle back long train.

Ellie: Soft cotton lace strapless gown, fishtail skirt with a small train and beautiful pearl buttons. This lace is vintage inspired with a Silver Pewter thread.

Loveheart: 1950′s full circle skirt with a strapless bodice and Satin bow corsage this gown is cute and adorable and perfect for the vintage style bride. French lace with a matching bolero jacket.

Martha (Gold): Feminine and sensual with a low cut V neckline and back detail make this French vintage lace gown the ultimate glamourous wedding dress.

And last but by no means least my (and as she told me on Friday) Charlotte’s favourite – The Clementine. I REALLY want to feature a W-day where someone has worn this beautiful gown please.

So then, which one is your favourite?

Any of you already selected your Balbier dress for the big day?

Do let us know in the comments box below.

Big Thinking Of Somewhere I Can Wear Huge Amounts Of Pink To Love

Charlotte xxx

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