It’s what Marilyn Monroe sang in that breathy girlish voice whilst swathed in crimson taffeta for the 1949 film “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”. I’m sure gentlemen don’t (prefer blondes that is) but I’d bet my collection of statement lobe-candy on the fact the vast majority of ladies fall into the same camp as Madam Monroe i.e there’s nothing quite like a diamond to make your heart skip a beat and feel a million dollars.

And that is exactly what W-day accessory designer Hermione Harbutt thinks, not only is she introducing a completely new-to-the-industry concept known as “The Diamond Service”, she is also giving away a pair of 18K gold 2mm diamond earrings worth £350 to one lucky RMW reader in return for some feedback on her latest venture.

I know.

How generous is she?

Hermione will be launching exclusively at The Designer Wedding Show on Friday and if you are paying a visit you should definitely go take a peek at stand 56, there is much pretty to admire people.

You can win these diamond earrings worth £350!!

Hermione Harbutt: As a bridal accessories designer I consider myself very lucky to work with brides and I find it such an enjoyable experience. I am passionate about creating beautiful bespoke accessories tailored to suit the personality, style and budget of each of my lovely brides, providing them with unique pieces that will be treasured as heirlooms of the future. For those brides seeking the pinnacle of luxury for their wedding day, I am delighted to announce the launch of The Diamond Service, offering exquisite headdresses handcrafted from pure 18K gold and high quality set diamonds. Following the wedding day, the diamonds will be converted into stunning jewellery of the bride’s choice to wear throughout her married life, and the headdress treasured as a family heirloom. To celebrate the launch at The Designer Wedding Show, two divine showcase pieces have been created. The first headdress presents five diamonds; three stunning half carat diamonds and two 2mm diamonds set into pearl flowers and surrounded by pearl tendrils sweeping from the crown of the head, around the side of the hair to the back in a truly elegant design. The second headdress has detail on both sides of the head and incorporates four 2mm diamonds set into pearl flowers and surrounded by delicate branches of pearls and moonstone.

Two of Hermione Harbutt’s Exquisite Diamond Service Designs

How fancy is that? a beautiful headpiece for W-day and then some delectable jewels you can wear every day FOREVER….. I die. And for anyone that’s wondering, the diamonds that are made into your very own stylish baubles are replaced with Swarovski crystals so your headdress will always appear perfectly glitzy.

The Hermione Harbutt Diamond Service starts from £2000, Hermione will be show-casing several design options at the Designer Wedding Show from Friday the 10th February.

To be in with a chance to win a pair of these delicious diamond earrings we would like you to do the following:

Pay a visit to Hermione’s website, check out her selection of headpieces and tell us in the comments box if you had the opportunity, which one would be your favourite choice to have a selection of real diamonds set in….?

We would also like you to tell us why diamonds are in fact a girls best friend.

Can’t wait to see your responses lovelies.

Big Shiny Rock Love

Charlotte xxx

P.S Did I say you could win some actual diamond earrings?!

Just to let you know, I don’t go on about items to invest in on RMW unless I have used them myself (for a good month or so) and the results are impressive, and although I certainly can’t account for all the different skin types out there or make any miracle-in-a-bottle promises, I will only recommend stuff that I think actually works, and is therefore worthy of the O’Shea bathroom cabinet.

Fortunately these last four weeks or so I have discovered some real winners, unfortunately they all fall into the Lady Luxe category in terms of price. Sorry about that folks. Brownie’s honour I will do my best to find you some covetable bargains soon.

And as always I would love to hear if any of you gorgeous lot use any of the lovely listed below or if there are any fairly recent discoveries you would like to share with the RMW community, just drop us a wee note in the comments section. And of course feel free to ask me any questions (I could talk about cosmetics forever…)

Poreless Flawless

The rubbish thing about having de-hydrated skin (apart from making you look five years older) is that the constant build up of dead skin cells makes for congested pores. Yuck. And apart from frequent exfoliation (which often leaves my prone-to-redness mug looking like a giant tomato) the only way I seem to be able to combat the problem is careful and thorough cleansing both morning and night. I have tried all the usual big named raves, Eve Lom (allergic), Liz Earle cleanse and polish (um…allergic), Clinique 3-step (face practically fell off…although I do like their ultra mild soap bar for when I have an attack of the greasies), Some new fancy one from Chanel (it made my pores worse if anything, and as a result was promptly returned to the very nice ladies at John Lewis)….. you get the picture. I don’t have much luck.

Then I read about Rodial Glamtox Cleanser in The Anti-ageing Beauty Bible (which if you are a self-confessed beauty whore like me will provide hours of entertainment) and due to the positive reviews thought I’d give it a whirl. It gets rid of every scrap of make-up and when used with a warm flannel seems to remove the vast majority of unwanted flakes, it also turns from a pleasant balm to a milky-like consistency on contact with water which I like and includes anti-inflammatories as well as a whole host of moisturising ingredients. My skin is substantially clearer as a result of using it – that’s all I can tell you.

Rodial Glamtox Cleanser retails at a staggering £50 (I know – told you it was Luxe) and is 100% paraben free, you can buy it from Space NK. Rodial also do “Boob Job In A jar” which might be the weirdest and most random thing I’ve ever heard of. However, if you’ve used it and it does the trick then of course let me know…

Softly Softly

As well as a good cleanser I love a really good moisturiser. And although I want it to essentially um….moisturise I also want the perfect base for make-up – i.e nothing super oily. After receiving some rather generous samples from Elemis I fell head over heels for their Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream (you may have heard of their ever popular Marine cream which is in the same range). It goes on like silk. And sinks in like a dream. And yes it’s called a night cream but I have been using it in the day too, it also doesn’t contain any silicones which seem to block my pores and cosmetics manufacturers insist on putting ‘em in practically EVERYTHING these days.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream retails at an eye watering £90 for 50ml but does contain some especially lovely lubricants such as Shea Butter, Avocado and Rosa Damascena oil. If you are feeling the need to self-gift you can buy yourself a tub from John Lewis.

Drink Up

Aptly named “Intense Hydrating Booster” this little bottle of magic by facialist-to-fancy-famous-types Sarah Chapman does exactly that – adds an extra bit of hydration to thirsty weather-ravaged skin. It is basically a serum comprising of Hyaluronic acid, universally praised for its water binding properties and the ability to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and crepiness.

I put in on clean slightly damp skin under my moisturiser and it makes my epidermis all dewy and radiant. Apparently you can also add it to your favourite foundation to make it more sheer – bonus.

Sarah Chapman Intense Hydrating Booster is available from Victoria Health (I have mentioned this on-line mecca before but if you missed it you are missing out people). It retails at £57 per 30ml…. and I have officially given up apologising for the price of everything.

Lit From Within

To add an extra extra glow for the recent party season I was very much taken with the Elemis Visible Brilliance brightener, a silky liquid that makes you look lit from within and just like you have had a good nights sleep (even if you haven’t). I like it so much I think it might even replace my current go-to primer.

This was another freebie sample but I will be going out to treat myself to the full size version once my plastic has recovered from Christmas. I sincerely hope this is sooner rather than later.

Elemis Visible Brilliance is available from John Lewis as before but also Debenhams if you don’t happen to have a JL near you, both stores seem to be quite generous in terms of try-before-you-buy. It retails at about £40 and you only need to use a pea-sized amount, yes even if you are inflicted blessed with a giant moon head like moi.

A Veil Of Loveliness

After all of that prepping it would be a travesty to cover yourself in a thick make-up base and tons of powder – let your natural (and sparkling) skin shine through I say.

Although I am not a fan of the cleanser I am a fan of Liz Earle Skin Tint - it is both rich and surprisingly blemish-hiding considering its translucent finish. I also like the fact it has yellowish undertones and as a result hides blue-hued under eye circles.

Liz Earle Skin Tint in available at the on-line Liz Earle store. It retails at £21 but a little does go a long way – honest.

My Body Is A Temple

Actually it isn’t (especially after all that seasonal sugar) but Skin Nourishing Hand an Body Lotion by Elemis sure makes me feel like it could be a shrine to all things smooth and touchable. And before you ask no, I do not work on commission for this brand. And yes this was a freebie but a FULL SIZE freebie that came in the very sexy goody bag Team RMW received from the Matthew Williamson trunk show that we attended last month.

It feels luxurious. It smells luxurious. It isn’t in the slightest bit sticky and the fragrance doesn’t assault your perfume like some whiffy limb-specific creams can.

Elemis Skin Nourishing Hand and Body Lotion is about £20 (and that is practically a bargain compared to everything else I have shown right?), you can go grab yourself a tube (or two) from John Lewis or Debenhams.

And just to show that men really are from Mars….

(Vix has just slathered herself in the above product)

Malc (Vix’s fiancé): You smell nice, is that new?

Vix: Yes it is a very posh body lotion, I love it..

Malc: Hmmm yes it smells like..it smells like….Shake and Vac?

Shake and Vac?(!)

Do they still make that stuff?!

I think he meant fresh and kind of powdery. Or at least I hope he did. Because if he didn’t both Vix and I are spending 2012 with an aroma reminisent of my Nan’s carpet.

Big Tell Us What You’ve Got In YOUR Bathroom Cabinet Love

Charlotte xxx

P.S – a nice lady on the RMW Facebook page has just let us know there are generous discounts (20% +) on Elemis products available on Hqhair.com …..maybe I can bag that brightener after all?

We do love a bit of Luxury at Rock My Wedding but not Luxe just for Luxe sake (that sounds a bit dodgy but you know what I mean).

So, it was going to be interesting to experience what was billed as a collection of the industries top ‘experts’ (no mere ‘exhibitors’ here, no sir!)

Photography by Rock My Wedding.

The show didn’t disappoint – indeed there were some of the most iconic and influential bods working in the industry today, all under one very fancy roof. The catwalk was always going to be a massive draw for The Luxury Wedding Show London with names like Vera Wang, David Fielden and Vivienne Westwood.

What struck me was the sheer variety on display, varying hemlines, some interesting colours creeping into the line-up and what really stood out and made me remember that these were collections from the world’s top Bridalwear designers were the details. Lots of intricate needlework, lots of textures and huge amounts of layering. 2012 looks like it’s going to be a year of lace too (but then who couldn’t see that one coming!)

Photography by Rock My Wedding.

So, Charlotte and I laid claim to Champagne and nestled into the Phillip Starck seating. The room dimmed, music surged and lights danced. We soaked up the opulence. And here is just a small taster of what we saw:

Temperley London.

Temperley London have been around for over a decade now and we have had more than our fair share of Temperley brides on RMW. The Temperley London Bridal Collection consists of exquisite dresses, intricately embellished and finished to the highest standards, The 2012 range stays very true to the classic Temperley style of dress but with a growing emphasis on embroidery and lace. Temperley are so iconic that they were the first label I was able to identify in our wedding submissions – much to the amusement of Charlotte.

Gowns by Temperley London. Photography by Rock My Wedding.

Candy Anthony.

Another very iconic designer, you can’t mistake a ‘Candy’ and in this collection the accessories are playing a vital roll in completing the look. With the 50′s and 60′s set to remain huge in 2012 the label is also placing floral flourishes centre stage. Is it just me or is there an RMW influenced colour scheme and even polka dots incorporated in this latest collection From Candy Anthony… Hey guys, no need to thank us

Gowns by Candy Anthony. Photography by Rock My Wedding.

Kula Tsurdiu.

Some of my faves were in the Kula Tsurdiu collection. I know what you are thinking… and it’s not just because they happened to be some of the shortest frocks in the show… they just hit that balance of quirky, non traditional yet still undeniably ‘wedding’ if you get what I mean. Maybe you disagree and let’s face it, that’s what keeps life interesting but I loved every one of these dresses. Maybe the pencil skirt look is a bit too businessy for W-day but check out the combination of the ruffled layers and the accent cuff. And both of the strapless offerings are equally as ace.

Gowns by Kula Tsurdiu. Photography by Rock My Wedding.

Vivienne Westwood.

Charlotte couldn’t sit still when the Vivienne Westwood section started, and she was right to be excited. One of the most influential and recognised designers in the world today (Vivienne not Charlotte), I was intrigued to see how the trademark neck lines were going to be incorporated in the 2012 range.

I’m personally not sure about the red dress, It seemed very popular on the day. There were a lot of jaws on the floor anyway. As quirky as ever, the Vivienne Westwood range will certainly appeal to the bride who wants to stand apart from the crowd (and has a bit of cash to spend). So very striking, yet undeniably feminine too.

Gowns by Vivienne Westwood. Photography by Rock My Wedding.

Do You Love Luxe?

So, a little visual treat for a Tuesday afternoon, but what does it mean to you?

Did any of you pop along to the show? I know the Rock My Wedding readership crosses the spectrum of budgets from back garden D.I.Y right up to big big budget brides so It would be interesting to know what you make of an all out Luxury show.

Would you go along perhaps if you were looking for one signature extravagance? The dress perhaps, or the photographer? Or is all that Luxe in one place too much of a budget breaking temptation? We’d love to know what you think.

Oh, and of course please share your catwalk faves too!

Adam.

I’ve got to admit though, when the new collection fresh off the Milan runway landed in my inbox, it did take me a while to adjust to not only to the styling (skull caps, sci fi……are they walking through rubbish?) but also the fact that some of the shapes and fabrics are quite unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.

Then I took another look. Then another. Then another one. And then I realised that actually it was really ruddy clever. Not only does the froth and femininity stand out a country mile from the urban-esque landscape but doesn’t this epitomise what we stand for? doing it exactly your way?

And of course in amongst the perhaps “less traditional” numbers you’ve got some unbelievably beautiful and completely wearable dresses for W-day.

I can feel this collection is going to cause some interesting discussion today lovelies.

On your marks. Get set. GO!

Slim Line and Slinky: Top left – I love the texture, like an uber cool carpet . And top right is so fluid. The silkiest of silks.

Popstar Princess: Top left – I defy anyone not to fall head over heels for these full length pleats and cap sleeves. Bottom right – the butterfly effect. Only better.

Sexy Silhouette: Plunging neckline? Check. Maximum pin-flashing? Check. Total sex-bomb appeal? check checkity check.

Charlotte’s Favourites: Clockwise from top right: Ahem. A bridal jumpsuit? what’s not to love?! And the pockets, the transparent pockets. Imagine what fun you could have putting pretty things in those. Since watching Black Swan I have always wanted to wear a tutu, this one is simply delicious.

And last but not least…

This one I would shimmy down the ailse in a heartbeat. It’s just so sophisticated and elegant.

So then folks, what’s the verdict?

Any David Fielden brides amongst you?

Oh and just for the record. I’m not suggesting you all don a skull cap and sweeping blue eyeshadow to make your big day unique, just that you can…

If you want to.

Big Futuristic Love

Charlotte xxx

Whenever we visit a show it’s the label that makes me go all a bit ga ga. The label that I would even risk being a bit naughty for and maybe pretend I wasn’t married…. just so I could go try one on.

The fabrics and the cut are truly beautiful, the designs are contemporary whilst maintaining a timeless elegance and they cater for everyone’s style from the bohemian princess to the catwalk queen…..

See?

I so would.

And they have recently added some new numbers to their delicious repertoire, meaning there’s even more reason to go and have a peeky for yourselves.

The Dahlia: If you have seen the campaign then this is the frock you would have spied first. The attention to detail in terms of applique and embroidery is out-of-this-world. Oh and if someone wants to lend me a sample I will hang out in a big window all day a la the model just because…. well, you just would wouldn’t you?

The Goddess: Appropriately named indeed. I’m thinking Angelina Jolie in the film Alexander, gorgeous, glamorous and gladiator-esque. Whatever it reminds you of it sure is sexy as hell.

The Chamelia: A touch of whimsy and a whole bunch of bohemia, I can imagine this layered lovely being swished down the aisle in an outrageously pretty outdoor ceremony.

The Chloe: Understated chic and feminine drapery, this modern number would be complete perfection at both a city soiree and a back-yard BBQ. Wear as per the campaign with an elegant up-do to make the most of the folds and fancy.

The Lillian: This might be my favourite. It’s the combination of a high neckline that is almost completely transparent and the uber flattering shape. Both demure and a wee bit daring at the same time.

The Fashion Icons: If it’s Madam Middleton or Madam Kelly that you admire in terms of W-day style then the Jessamine (left) or the aptly named Grace are worth a butchers. And right now I can’t resist a ruddy lace sleeve….. Love.

The Temperley Classics: I desperately want to feature a big day where the bride is wearing the delectable dragon gown (left), it’s the ideal combo of fairytale meets red carpet. And the Honeysuckle. I worship at the puddle train of the Honeysuckle.

So then lovelies, which one would you like to run around in the sunshine in?

And do we have any Temperley brides amongst you gorgeous lot already?

Do tell.

Big I Am So Tempted By Temperley Love

Charlotte xxx

*Image credits: Invitation Design, Paper Cloud Creative; Photography, Nikole Ramsay.

Invited guests were able to view dresses by the likes of Oscar de la Renta,Monique Luillier, Peter Langner, Valentino, Marchesa and Vera Wang. Oh. My.

And you know what else? Mark chose 5 dresses to ‘show’ at the event, personally selected with his exceptional eye for style and has arranged for us to exclusively share them with you, with a unique account of why he chose them.

Feast your eyes fashionista Brides…

Oscar de la Renta.

These two Oscar dresses were showcased at my Valentine’s event. Whilst appealing to two very different Brides, both dresses have a real sense of class, elegance, but most importantly remain dateless. They are timeless dresses. The larger dress covered in flowers and with a green sash would appeal to a romantic Bride with a real sense of glamour; Whilst the more evening gown is perfectly suited to a more subtle Bride, confident enough in her own personality.

This one shoulder and beaded belt really screams elegance. You could easily see it worn on the red carpet.

Peter Langner

Peter Langner, aside from being one of the nicest and most hard working men you could meet, is a true craftsman. Having worked at Dior, you can still see the exquisite cut and detail that has gone into this dress. The fit and structure of a Peter dress is like no other. Wearing a dress like this a Bride would instantly feel special but most importantly secure. You can’t help but keep good posture whilst wearing a Peter Langner Gown.

Monique L’huillier

Monique L’huiller is the Queen of Romance, yet here she’s mixed a lot of fun into the dress. The Bride that would wear this gown has personality, colorful character and knows what she wants. Glamour is also key for her wedding day.

*Monique L’Huillier left, Vera Wang, Right.

Vera Wang

Vera Wang is a leader at what she does and clearly with this gown, simple is best. Horizontal lines make for a clean and fresh look for any bride.

Sigh.

Thats some serious eye candy is it not?

*Image Credits: Top right David Willems, top left and bottom Allora Visuals.

Browns Bride is certainly a must-stop on the luxe or perhaps even just discerning brides dress shopping search, for the most exquisite designer gowns. In fact I think this gives just the tiniest glimpse of how special a Style Day with Mark himself would be, a service offered in London, Paris and New York…

*Mark Niemierko and Caroline Burstein, co-host of the party and creative director of Browns Fashion. Image Credit David Willems.

Niemierko’s Dress Fitting Service is a complete luxury experience through and through. Mark Niemierko takes the Bride to carefully chosen bridal boutiques in a chauffer driven car, offering styling advice or just a simple introduction to the designer or fitter. Also included in the day is a private fragrance consultation at Miller Harris, along with a privileged appointment at Jimmy Choo or Christian Louboutin to pick that perfect heel. The day concludes over a glass of champagne.

Seriously, that fantasy wedding splurge? I’m using it on this next time!

Thank you to Mark for sharing both the images and his expertise with us today, and if you’d like to see more of the behind the scenes images, including some ‘celebrity’ wedding insiders, head on over to the Niemierko Facebook page later on today to check them out.

Yours Truly,

Rebecca
xoxo

Luxe isn’t something we cover very much on Rock My Wedding, we definitely appreciate that Luxe isn’t an option the majority of people have, but if you should win the lottery during you planning then Niemerko’s your man! Mark is well established as the leading high end wedding planner in the UK, works in New York and Paris too and his Facebook page is completely jaw dropping – it’s well worth heading over for some style inspiration.

But for now, have a little read through here, enjoy the images, and make sure you comment below, we have a little question for you all to discuss this afternoon!

So Mark, which classic trends will we see resurfacing in 2011 and how will they be brought up to date?
I think we are going to see a lot more tradition coming back, with the Royal Wedding coming up. Royals are typically traditional.

Ceremonies will be grander and I predict church services will also be more popular.

What’s the one Luxe aspect of a wedding couple should consider splashing out on in 2011?
Guests. Spoil your guests as much as you can. Put them up in 5 star accommodation for the whole wedding weekend. Arrange for a chauffer driven car to get them there.

Keeping your guests happy ensures they will enjoy themselves, creating a great atmosphere, which ensures a memorable wedding day.

Which are the three trends you are getting asked to include all the time right now?
My couples don’t want their wedding to be like any other. The time when you use to have 3 separate parts to your day (typically ceremony, drinks reception followed by dinner and dancing) are over.

Couples are requesting I break their day up… perhaps serving dessert in another room, have a “nightclub” after party separate to the dinner.

…even after-party games rooms!

Have you got any fashion predictions for us for 2011 Luxe brides?

For 2011, my top fashion prediction is the fitted lace dress. We are also seeing lots of embellishments from bows to beads.

Not forgetting colour, designers from the likes of Oscar de la Renta to Vera Wang have had hints of blues, greens and pinks in their dresses this season.

Mind Blowing eh?

All images courtesy of the Niemierko Facebook Page except for the last three – from the Vera Wang Spring/Summer 2011 collection. If you want to HOWL laughing, head over to the Niemierko blog… we particularly love Marks acerbic wit in his Love it/Hate it features.

Ok, so we have 2 questions for you on this last Sunday in January….

If you could (or indeed have) blown the budget on one aspect of your wedding, or have one fantasy wild card spend… what would it be on?

And do tell us what your favourite aspect of planning weeks has been – if you have spied something you want to use or loved. I can’t wait to see the results of all this inspiration as you guys send your weddings in throughout the year!

Yours Truly,

Rebecca
xoxo

For my big dress, big church wedding I had initially though flowers only… nobody is searching for a Jordan-esque tiara monstrosity after all are they?! Flowers are modern, pretty and low key… but my head was turned one day by a tiara and I surprised myself with the admission that my dress and my face for that matter, suited it immensely. I had to put aside my preconceptions on style, what was modern or I didn’t want (ahem, that had previously been anything ‘tiara-esque’) and go looking for something perfectly me.

If a real heirloom headpiece is what you are after, there are sadly not many options. I bought my ‘Bandeau’ from Andrew Prince, jeweller to the Royal Family and famous for the quality for his costume jewellery. I had not seen anything similarly beautiful until I heard about Louis Mariette.

Louis Mariette, milliner/designer extraordinaire (and ex-Britain’s Next Top Model judge) has an amazing collection of headpieces that fashion-forward brides will just totally love. Lady Gaga, Lily Cole and Kate Moss are just a few of the names that have worn his designs… His Bejeweled collection will be available at Liberty in Love from the end of November.

His pieces are oh-so fashion, but the Bejeweled collection is really accessible too! Prices start from £55 for Cecilia to several hundred pounds

*Louis Mariette Amour headpiece and featuring in ‘Something Blue Something Beautiful‘, photography by Binky Nixon. Top right, Paisley.

Speaking of fashion forward… Fancy emulating SJP a la SATC? How about this stunning Bird of Paradise piece…

And for those of you looking to emulate a Deco vibe, how about Moyra? Shown below with a very special Sneak Peek at a wedding we’ll be featuring in the not too distant future.

*Image Credit: Especially Amy

Louis Mariette Headpieces are available at Liberty In Love from this January and the lovely Siu Coll would be delighted to help you choose the perfect accessory for your gown, head over and view the rest of the Louis Mariette Collection and the other accessory delights Liberty In Love have to offer.

Yours Truly,

Rebecca
xoxo

Image Credits throughout: Still Life product shots, Liberty in Love. Model shots: Philip Volkers

Liberty in Love is a Rock My Wedding Sponsor, but this is not a sponsored post.

I will not be held responsible for the assault this selection of fancy may have on your overdraft.

You see we have a “Lady Luxe” section and generally we don’t use it ……much.

But whilst I was busy researching my last two high street pack-it-now ‘Moon articles I may have accidently had a little peaky over at Net A Porter

I know I know I am a naughty blogger…..but it is jam packed with such beautiful clothes!

On a serious note though we took heed of what you gorgeous lot asked for and we hope we can furnish you with not only a few key pieces for your holidays but also some ideas for “guest at a friend’s wedding”.

And sometimes one pricey item if you truly LOVE it is better value than a few “I’ll wear it once then probably go off it” throw aways.

Happy Shopping Lovelies.

The Summer Sun Dress

Purple is having a moment in weddings right now and you can’t get much prettier than this broderie anglaise number from Vanessa Bruno £255

Cute Cute Cute. Rebecca loves a bow so I picked this one with her in mind £350 at Marc Jacobs

Oh.My.God See By Chloe get all of my favourite hues and make a dress with them. Genius. £225

Classic Investment Pieces

Buy an elegant, never-date frock and it will be well worth the investment. Wear to weddings, parties, anywhere you feel like and change the whole “look” with a few clever additions of unique jewellery or shoes.

From left, lace trimmed luxury at Alberta Ferretti £257, statement shoulder jersey at Helmut Lang £260 and polka dot perfection courtesy of Paul and Joe £335.

The Luxe Bikini

I really want this bikini. I am hoping if I ask REALLY nicely I might have half a chance of getting it? Heidi Klein does neutral so well! £175

Oh Um actually I also want this one, it’s the pebble embellished tribal-ness that I love. £135 at Melissa Odabash.

Can’t beat a bit of floral fancy when the sun is shining either, avoid strap lines with this frilly “Chelsea” two piece from Zimmerman. £135.

Late Night Lovely

And for your evening outings? well we have a stunning and indeed varied trio to chose from folks.

Hot to trot coral ruffles at McQueen £325, beaded jersey boho courtesy of T-Bags £199 or satin sexy sleeve green goddess at Diane Von Furstenberg £330.

All available at Net A Porter

Oh and we have lots more ladies LOTS and LOTS more.

Big Luxe Love

Charlotte xxx

Before I hear collective intake of breath from the RMW readership, let me explain why. I’m fussy. I love perfume on other people, but on me, it either makes me sneeze (the better of the 2 options,) or gives me a cracking headache. I am eternally envious of those people who get to wear a new fragrance every season and smell all grown up and newly sophisticated. I however have been wearing the same perfume for about a million years, (at least 10,) Ghost. And in a fit of desperation I branched out into Ghost Deep Night for evenings and winter. Check me out

So come wedding planning time and all the hype that surrounds the need to smell like forever on your wedding day I was more than a little panic stricken. Determined I didn’t want to smell like the last 10 years on W-day, I was going to get me something new. So where did I turn? Jo Malone.

Packaged perfection

Now although I might not be a fan of wearing perfume I am a fan of generally beautiful smells, particularly of the scented candle variety, which is how I found Jo Malone. And who hasn’t stumbled across, wandered past, or (in my case) stalked a Jo Malone counter in their time?

Who wouldn’t want to open one of these little boxes of gift wrapped perfection? With lemony cream their signature colour and edged in sophisticated black with matching ribbon this is one treat to self everyone should experience.

Fragrances for forever

So I took myself down to Jo Malone, also the undisputed Queen of Bridal fragrance, and started testing everything on their little fragrance sticks. The ones I liked (still few and far between given my fussiness,) I transferred to my skin. I must have gone back a million times to try it again. I was terrified of giving myself a headache on W-day.

And my chosen fragrance in the end? Orange Blossom. A Bridal Favourite, it was light and fresh, feminine, floral and summery. It smelt like heaven, my idea of a good forever smell.

And the absolute best thing about Jo Malone? You don’t have to wear just one! The Art of Fragrance Combining™ is a concept exclusive to Jo Malone and involves layering your fragrances to create a scent that is totally unique to you. It’s like a luxurious pick’n'mix of the most delicate and elegant fragrances known to woman kind!

I wanted to lighten up my choice of Orange Blossom, which comes from the ‘Florals’ group of fragrances, so I chose White Jasmine and Mint Body Creme to smother myself in, after I took a bath with the Orange Blossom Bath Oil and I used the Orange Blossom Shower Gel too. White Jasmine and Mint is a member of the light florals group and others include citrus, fruity, spicy and woody.

And those of you out there might be wondering how exactly I afforded such a mountain of goodies? Well, fortunately, my birthday was 5 weeks before W-day and so from Pete I asked for the body creme and the 30ml Fragrance. One of my lovely Bridesmaids bought me the shower gel also for my birthday and I treated myself to a miniature Bath Oil (for only £12.00) that lasts forever. It was the same Mini that I gifted to my maids the night before the wedding and I have also seen them used as favours for the ladies at weddings. Jo Malone in fact offers this as service with complimentary gift wrapping for any Bigger Budget Brides. I’d sure like to be invited to a wedding like that!

And my love affair with Jo Malone goes on and on. I recently bought myself a new summer fragrance Nectarine Blossom and Honey just because Spring is in the air…. With bi-annual limited edition fragrances on offer there is always something new to tempt me. It’s becoming a problem on the scale of Charlotte and Chanel.

Are any of you lovely readers planning on wearing Jo Malone for W-day? Do share…

Yours Truly and smelling sweet,

Rebecca
xoxo

PS, If you would like to read more about wedding day perfumes, check out Charlottes perfume article from a few months back.