So it’s nearly your wedding day.

You’ve more than likely sorted your frock, your barnet and your sexy shoe candy.

But what about your nails?

French manicure by any chance?

Don’t get me wrong folks I happen to think a classic french looks polished and chic….

But….what about if you just fancy something a little bit different?

Hmmmm?

The one thing I got the most emails about after writing my original “You Rock My World” blog was surprisingly my bright coral pink nail polish ( which in true Charlotte style I only decided on the day before W-day as my lovely manicurist Julie was applying….( Yup you guessed it)….. the pink base white tip effect)

So what alternatives are on offer exactly?

Well I would highly recommend Bio-Sculpture gel which is a totally non-chip polish alternative that has no nasty chemicals and is available in a myriad of knock-your-socks-off colours ( I had shade 75 Tutti Frutti)

Bio-sculpture also offer the “eternal pedicure” which is perfect if you are planning on donning a pair of toe bearing strappy sky-scraper heels.

Quite new to the scene but fast becoming incredibly popular is “Minx Nails” a revolutionary adhesive film which is applied to the nail using a heat activator. Minx promise to “bring fashion to your fingertips” and offer a whole range of patterns and dark vampy shades that can last up to two weeks ( would LOVE to see a winter bride rock a deep purple)

Already hugely popular with a whole host of A-listers including Rhianna and Beyonce – maybe it’s time we all got minxed

And if a paler hue tickles your fancy then how about a gold metallic or a hot pink with silver bling effect?

From left Beyonce wearing Minx nails in Gold Lightening and a bold but supremely feminine magenta – perfect for wrapping around your bouquet ( or your man for that matter )

So what we want to know is – what will grace your bridal fingertips come the Big Day?

Yours Hot Coral and Fancy

Charlotte xxx

Every bride strives to look her best for the big day and for many the preparations extend beyond the dress, hair and make-up to a full body over haul. I know I buffed myself to within an inch of my life desperate for luminous skin and for the bride on a quest for perfection, facials, hair masks, gym subscriptions and healthy diets have become very much the norm.

And once we have achieved polished perfection? Now that ladies, is where the Boudoir shoot comes in.

Boudoir shoots have become the fastest expanding branch of wedding photography. Often done in secret, (I’m sure more than a few brides have felt the guilt as they crept out with bags full of saucy underwear, stockings and high heels!) the resulting albums have become a hot, and I mean this quite literally, gift for husbands to be.

Various companies specialise in Boudoir photography but more and more wedding photographers are offering the service as a part of the wedding package, in a similar way to the other export from America gaining popularity, the Engagement shoot.

Aside from giving your husband to be a sensational glimpse of what he has to look forward to, the shoot can give a massive confidence boost to the Bride who suddenly doubts her gorgeousness in the midst of pre-wedding stresses. And what better way to preserve the memory of all your hard work and preparations than a collection of images celebrating all that is sensual about the female form?

Nicola Grimshaw-Mitchell of NGM Photographic is an award winning wedding photographer who branched out into Boudoir sessions some time ago. I was lucky enough to have the lady herself photograph me 4 weeks before my own big day. Suffering a massive crisis of confidence and knowing I would never be as slim again I booked in during a fit of self doubt, desperate to make myself feel better.

With confidence restored, I can report the woman is a Genius! I’ll admit we did have one less hurdle as I’m not particularly shy, but I defy anyone to spend an afternoon in Nicola’s company and not feel completely at ease. If an afternoon of pampering, bubbles to ease the nerves and feeling like an absolute supermodel isn’t something you fancy, then maybe the boudoir isn’t for you. But if you want to celebrate your hard work, and last days as a single lady, then this is a very stylish way to do it.

There’s a huge variety of styles within Boudoir photography ranging from the down right provocative to something a little bit too safe maybe, but in my humble opinion, Nicola strikes the balance beautifully between delivering sexy images that will get your groom hot under the collar and directing you into poses tailored to flatter every shape and size, leaving you wowed at how good you look.

I know I was more than a little nervous waiting for the results of my session but couldn’t stop myself from looking at them once I got hold of them! I’ll leave you ladies with one last thought… I doubt any of you would have to stretch your imaginations too far to imagine the reaction you might get from the recipient of such a collection of images!

Yours Truly,
Contra
xoxo

All images courtesy of Nicola at NGM and you can see more examples of her fabulous work at www.myboudoir.co.uk

I love a soft pretty up-do, there is something so feminine and sexy about flashing a bit of neck, not to mention the potential to don a huge pair of bobby dazzler lobe candy and be able to show them off to maximum effect.

So me being me went on a little wander around the interweb to see what was on offer in terms of inspiration …..then in dawned on me, where would I find unique up-to-the-minute hair fabulousness?

The red carpet of course!

These celebrity hairdressers sure know a thing or too about making your barnet positively Oscar worthy and I am going to share with you my favourites that would look simply stunning for your Big Day…..

Eva Longoria-Parker doing THE softly softly approach – loving the volume. Scarlett Johansson with a similar bouffant look (oh how I love a bouff!) but with a pretty face framing “undone” feel.

Diane Kruger how I love thee…my ultimate girl crush does grecian goddess perfection. Sienna Miller working the big braid, a weeny bit Little House on the Prarie but y’know……am loving the girly boho vibe.

Becki Newton does a chic simple version, a million miles away from her friend Ugly Betty…..and Emily Rossum honing a sleek princess inspired wavy low ponytail, thinking just how gorgeous this would look with a floral headband….

If you want to share your amazing hair trials/big day up do’s drop us an email at RMW – would love to admire your style tips and tricks.

Al images courtesy of Instyle

Charlotte xxx

I am very excited to tell all you lovely brides to be that I am working at the National Wedding show’s this October. I cannot wait to have the chance to look at all the stunning dresses and admire all the beautiful things in the hope that one day I might meet my prince charming ( I do not think there is anything wrong with dreaming about your big day well in advance, after all it is the most important day of you life!).

The National Wedding show kicks off in Earls Court London from Friday the 2nd October – Sunday 4th October then from the 9th – 11th October at the Birmingham NEC. I am working along side makeup artist Ariane Poole, in the” Look Good Clinic” at the Ariane Poole stand where I will be doing mini makeovers and offering tips and tricks to help you look your picture perfect best on your big day.

I am also working backstage throughout the 3 days making up the models who will be gracing the catwalk in all the gorgeous wedding gowns.

Please come and see me if you want any advice or even just to put a face to the name (!)

I really look forward to meeting you all and being able to drool over everything fabulous while I dream about my own big day….

Melissa xx