Oh So Sensible Stationery
What a fun idea - stationery pre-empting the wedding! Etiquette suggests a bride must not use her married name before the wedding so this is a neat way to get in the spirit without breaking the rules. And so pretty too!

These are from Mr Boddington in the US.



Posted by Jane Cameron

Congratulations
It's no easy task pulling off gorgeous food shots - it takes a team of truly talented people including chefs, stylists and photographers. It's something we take seriously at Wedding Style Guide as we know how important food can be at a wedding.

One of the teams we call upon is The Food Business who recently won Best Contemporary Restaurant at the SA Restaurant and Catering Awards so well done them.



A photograph from our Moody Hues story in Issue 7. Photograph by Chris Court.

Posted by Emilie Harrison

What a Week!
There truly are not enough hours in the day. Not only did we have Issue 8 in production at the printers this week, but we also had two big photo shoots.

It's at the end of a long week like this that my thoughts turn to all things pampering and luxurious. Enter Mor Cosmetics. Their exquisite packaging is enough for me, but the thought of a long hot soak with a bar of beautiful soap is almost too much to bear.

All selfishly-motivated thoughts behind, these soaps would make lovely bridesmaid's gifts or favours for guests - just present them well away from the dining room so their scents don't compete with the aromas of the meal!





Posted by Jane Cameron

A Sparkling Dream
Well it's hard to believe but the Festive Season is slowly creeping upon us. This became evident when I received a cute little package from Swarovski with pictures of their gorgeous Christmas ornaments and jewellery for 2008. Christams is a wonderful time in my household and with young children amongst the family making the tree look beautiful is something I take great pride in. I absolutely love the snow flake! Although we don't get snow over Christmas like many countries do nothing beats a gorgeous, shiny flake hanging from a full, green branch. Gorgeous ornaments also make great pressies. To pick out your fave ornaments for your Christmas list visit www.swarovski.com.


Snow flakes


Winter bird


Angel ornament

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Alex Perry & Mastercard - Priceless!
There was no doubt that when Mastercard joined forces with Alex Perry for a runway show at Rosemont Sydney Fashion Festival it was going to be a spectacular affair. The sold out show, raising funds for the McGrath Foundation, was the runway debut for the new Alex Perry Ready To Wear bridal collection. Celebrity Erin McNaught and model Annalise Seubert took to the runway in some of the most stunning gowns. Known for his attention to detail and superb craftsmanship the first ever Alex Perry R2W collection is going to be a massive hit. Visit www.alexperry.com.au to view the collection.


Annalise Seubert





Posted by Emilie Harrison

Pretty Paris
Ok, I love Paris - who doesn't??? So what a gorgeous way to combine this romantic city's most famous icon, with a proposal. These exquisitely detailed paper sculptures are from d sharp in Portland, Oregon. There are other inspiring pieces to see - take a little wander, but a warning - don't become too attached, they do not ship overseas.




Posted by Jane Cameron

Sleep Easy
As they say on their website, every girl needs a good cotton nighty, and I'm one of them - especially on hot summer nights. Wallace Cotton have some night-time treasures like these pretty cotton nighties - just the thing to pack for the honeymoon get-away.


Phoebe Nighty AUS$39.90


Betsy Nighty AUS$29.90


Rosalicious Nighty AUS$39.90

And don't miss these sweet little lavender sachets - pop them in your lingerie drawer and everything will smell fantastic.



Lavender Hearts AUS$7.00 each


Posted by Jane Cameron

Gorgeous Table Numbers
I was so excited when I found these stylish table numbers from etsy , gone are the days of using function centre's daggy versions! They are super cheap too, only $6.50 USD including postage to Australia for numbers 1 - 10.





Posted by Emma Henderson

Glow Watch
After watching a show on telly last night about the virtues of exfoliation, I was thrilled to find these lovely handknitted linen facewashers, $26.95 each, from Rose St Trading Co in Melbourne. We all know how important it is to have lovely skin before the wedding, so there's no excuse now.



Posted by Jane Cameron

Ride on Time
How totally gorgeous is this pendant–I am so ordering one today! Emma Franklin's solid silver/gold plated range would make a perfect gift for anyone who may be equine-inclined, like many of us in the office… Annabelle shows Australian Riding Ponies, Emilie has four horses at home and I have a Riding Pony of my own. There isn't too much horse-orientated that gets past us. Check out our Elegant Equine Experience story from Issue 3 for a country-inspired wedding setting.


Small Horse Chain with T-Bar UK£115


Horse Cufflinks (pair) UK£150

Posted by Jane Cameron

Take Note
Take a look at these handmade tags I found on Etsy from maxandbella. They're US$3.25 + postage for a set of 6. The perfect way to spruce up a dull notebook. I think I'll use them on glass jars to label the contents.




Posted by Jane Cameron

London Heats Up
I love chekcking out the latest trends coming out of the UK as you're never short of divine inspiration. To me London really is the home of chic and cool and London based net-a-porter.com always have the best selection of amazing designer pieces that you can buy online from anywhere in the world. With British designers such as Matthew Willimason, Julian Macdonald, Stella McCartney & Alexander McQueen available, along with big wigs Oscar De La Renta, Chloe, Roberto Cavalli and Fendi it's and guaranteed thing you'll find something to fall in love with. Visit net-a-porter.com for all the latest trends from all the hottest designers.


L-R - Oscar de la Renta saffron floral dress £2,794 & Marchesa layered ruffle dress £2,860


L-R - Roberto Cavalli cross front mini dress £1,898 & Isaac Mizrahi candy cocktail dress £2,250.


L-R - Aquascutum Pippa cocktail dress £995 & La Petite S***** Corsage cocktail dress £979.


L-R - Temperley London Leonella dress £765 & Roksanda Ilincic asymetric color-block dress £704.

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Zampatti the Queen of Australian Fashion
Congratulations to Australian design maestro Carla Zampatti. She's recently been awarded the 2008 Fashion Laureate, the highest honour in the Australian fashion industry. The Italian-born designer owns a retail chain of 30 Carla Zampatti boutiques Australia wide, and with a career spanning over 40 years is one of Australia's most recognised designers.
The Laureate was open to Australian fashion industry leaders who had made a significant contribution to the growth, development and/or promotion of the Australian fashion industry with nominees being put forward by industry peers.
Visit carlazampatti.com.au to view her spring/summer 08/09 collections.


Carla Zampatti


Spring/Summer 08


Spring/Summer 08

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Air-Kissed Colours
Keep your eyes peeled on 26 October for the launch of Clinique's new summer collection Air-Kissed Colours. Overflowing with lucious shades of pink the collection will feature limited edition Colour Surge eye shadow trio in Kiss of Pinks, the Style Guide favourite Superbalm Moisturising Gloss, Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 and Fresh Bloom allover colour in peony. Visit Clinique.com.au for all the info.



Posted by Emilie Harrison

Only Orla
Flavour of the year it seems is Orla Kiely, a UK based designer. Her line has grown to include everything from fashion to bags, homeware and stationery. These divine purses carry her signature print and would make smashing bridesmaid's gifts - why not get one for yourself while you're there - they do ship internationally.





Posted by Jane Cameron

In a While Crocodile
As a stationery enthusiast, I'm always looking for opportunities to design new pieces. On the weekend I designed some baby notecards for our London Calling correspondent, Elizabeth, who had a gorgeous baby boy a couple of weeks ago. Notecards can be used for so many different purposes - as thank you cards for gifts received, for Christening announcements or invitations to birthday parties so I'm sure they'll come in handy.

I found an illustration of a royal-looking alligator in one of my many clip art books and thought it looked regal enough to match his very English name. Elizabeth loves bright colours, so green it is. Matched with some coloured envelopes and tied with a pretty striped ribbon, they look so sweet.




Posted by Jane Cameron

Romantic Ruffles
The new Spring 08 Laura Ashley collection was launched today and one of the lovely details is this Romantic Pirate Shirt, AUD $159, due in the store end of August. Can't wait to see what other pieces arrive as the seasons change.



Posted by Jane Cameron

Changing Spots
I am loving leopard print at the moment - can't get enough of it - so was thrilled to see the new Kate Spade range includes lots of lovely spots. Of course, everyone knows, the trick to pulling off this look is restraint with a capital 'R'. Use leopard print sparingly - one piece at most - and it will finish any outfit. Take your pick...


Spring Island n/s lella


Sabi Sand Logan


Jillia


Lyla in Leopard Print

Posted by Jane Cameron

Lovely Liberty
Ever since I can remember I have adored these heavenly fabrics. It wasn't until I travelled to London and visited the Liberty store I truly appreciated its history. Established by Arthur Liberty in 1875, the first incarnation of the shop stocked decorative pieces, fabrics and objets d'art. It has since grown to accommodate furniture, fashion and beauty products. I can't help but adore Liberty fabrics and can think of a trillion ways to use them. Maybe it's my longing for spring, but these are a few of my favourites today...


Edenham in Green


Phoebe B


Thorpe J

Many of the fabrics can be purchased in Australia (google for suppliers) but they do ship internationally (except for furniture) if something else from their exquisite range of products catches your eye. I do hope they inspire you too.

Posted by Jane Cameron

St Ives to the Rescue
Following on from the huge success of St Ives Apricot Scrubs a new range of facial masks have been released. I was lucky enough to receive the range on my desk and as a willing guinea pig I happily took them home and gave them a whirl. I tried the Mineral Clay Firming Mask and was amazed that it actually did what it said it was going to do! My skin felt firmer and now feels so nice and soft.
The range consists of the Mineral Clay Firming Mask, the Apricot Exfoliating Mask - Invigorating, and the Peel Off Hydroxy Mask - Deep Cleansing. The range is avilable now from all major supermarkets and selected pharmacies www.stives.com.



Posted by Emilie Harrison

Sweet & Sensuous
Keep your eyes peeled from August 24 for the latest fragrance from cosmetic giant Estee Lauder called Sensuous. A warm, inviting, woody amber fragrance that captures the many facets that make today's women so complex and fascinating, Sensuous is the ideal fragrance for your wedding day or honeymoon.
The launch of Sensuous also marks another milestone for Estee Lauder. Shot by world-renowned photographer Craig McDean, the contemporary advertising campaign features all four Estee Lauder spokesmodels, Gwyneth Paltrow, Elizabeth Hurley, Hilary Rhoda and Carolyn Murphy. The breakthrough advertising marks the first time all four models have been photographed together for an Estee Lauder fragrance. The campaign was created by Doug Lloyd of Lloyd & Co. in collaboration with Aerin Lauder, Senior Vice President and Creative Director, Estee Lauder.
Sensuous will hit Estee Lauder counters nationwide on August 24 www.esteelauder.com.au.



Posted by Emilie Harrison