Wedding Style Guide: October 2008

Chocolate Heaven on Earth
As any self-respecting chocolate addict will tell you, Belgian chocolate is the best. Now lucky Sydneysiders can experience sweet deliciousness, Belgian-style, for themselves with the opening of the first two Guylian Belgian Chocolate Cafés. A Grand Opening was held at its flagship store, East Circular Quay, which overlooks the Sydney Harbour Bridge and opening soon in the historic precinct, The Rocks – is the new, fully licensed Guylian Belgian Chocolate Café.
Serving up Guylian’s world famous chocolate seashells with a selection of fine champagne together with wide assortment of exquisite chocolate dishes, savory salads and gourmet sandwiches on Belgian Baguettes is sure to please. Selections such as milk chocolate & golden hazelnut torte, white chocolate crème brulee, and dark chocolate raspberry cheesecake can be paired with champagne, Belgian beers, Guylian Liqueur cocktails, fine Australian wines, or the exclusive Belgian mineral water, Bru. Promising to become Sydney’s hottest new dining destinations, the Guylian Belgian Chocolate Cafés are sure to be the perfect place to meet with friends, colleagues, and family. Visit www.guyliancafe.com.au to find out more.

Guylian Belgian Chocolate Café on East Circular Quay

Water’s edge at the Guylian Belgian Chocolate Café – Sydney

One of the many decadent desserts on offer

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Gorgeous Groomsmen's Gifts
It's always a nice gesture to personally thank those people who have made your special day that much more special and your groomsmen are no exception. Royal Selangor has just released the Octane range of mens gifts that includes eight desktop designs. The range includes the indispensable card holder, memo pad tray, pin tray, letter opener, ruler and box along with a 4R photo frame and ashtray. The Octane collection is styled to be sexy and sporty but at the same time fun and quirky. I think it's always nice to give a gift that can be engraved and these pieces would be perfect for that extra special, personalised gift. The Otcane collection starts at $49.95 and is available at all Royal Selangor stores, authorised dealers or online at www.royalselangor.com.

Box

Letter Opener

Posted by Emilie Harrison

G&T Gods
Looking for the quintessential summer cocktail to get the party started? Look no further than my new favourite - a Hendrick's Gin and tonic. I went to dinner last night and was offered Hendrick's Gin among many others... I hadn't tried it before but the waitress convinced us to give it a go and I'm so glad she did. Ours came in a large tumbler, lots of ice and delicate slices of cucumber which I found out later was to complement the unique infusions that make this gin so special. It was incredibly delicious and really fresh and light - somehow different from other G&Ts I have enjoyed.

I knew it was my new favourite thing when I got to see the bottle - the shape of the bottle is gorgeous and the design of the label sublime. And, it's made in Scotland - how can a Cameron NOT love it!

Their website is an experience within itself with lots of drink recipes and interesting tidbits. I am sure to be enjoying many more Hendrick's in the future.

Posted by Jane Cameron

You Little Minx
Launched in Australia and New Zealand in September 08 Little Minx lingerie is the way lingerie should be; fun, chic and sexy. Constructed for women who are looking to show off all the right assets, and most importantly feel comfortable in what lies beneath, Little Minx caters for bra sizes 10A to 14DD with all bras contoured to provide just the right support.
Head Designer Ursula Dunne has been in the lingerie industry for 10 years having previously designed for Oroton and Morrissey lingerie. If cleavage is your thing there is also a range of bras and bustiers with special padding for just the right boost. You'll feel like you've just stepped out of the Moulin Rouge in these 1940’s inspired pieces incl. bras, bustiers, g-strings, little briefs and French knickers, along with high-fashion pieces like the high-waist suspender belt and waste nipper. So if sexy is your thing visit www.littleminxlingerie.com.au for the complete collection.

Kitty in antique ivory

Isabella in black

Stella in watermelon

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Forever Fashionable
We received a press release today announcing the opening of the Forever New flagship store in Bourke St Mall, Melbourne on 20 November. It sounds like it's going to be something special with a 'style salon' where you can get your make-up and hair done. A one-stop fashion stop.

Posted by Jane Cameron

The Magic of Makeup Store
For all you hip Sydneysiders needing a whizz bang makeup artist for your big day look no further than Makeup Store. The wedding package on offer includes a one hour make up trial plus bridal make up on your big day meticulously done by one of their uber professional make up artists. You'll also receive complimentary goodies to the value of the package at $180. Why not book in your bridesmaids? For $95 they'll be treated like princesses but the service can redeemed with product purchased to the value of the service. To find your nearest Makeup Store visit www.makeupstore.com.au.

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Napoleon Perdis Makes A Difference
In Greek mythology Hera was the queen of heaven, an all-powerful goddess who blessed and protected women’s lives. Nowadays, we need a little more tangible help, which is why organisations like Ovarian Cancer Australia qualify as modern-day godsends. Ovarian Cancer Australia’s mission is to raise the profile, education and community awareness of ovarian cancer, and to support ovarian cancer patients through their journey. Every year in Australia around 1500 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and more than 850 will die of the disease.
From October 20, 2008, Napoleon Perdis is teaming up with Ovarian Cancer Australia, donating the net proceeds of every DeVine Goddess Lipstick in Hera (RRP $30) to the charity. So each time you purchase the shimmering pink shade, you’re contributing to an extremely worthy cause. Ovarian Cancer has always been considered a silent killer: About 75% of women diagnosed will be at an advanced stage, where the cancer has spread and is very difficult to treat successfully. When ovarian cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, the outlook is exceedingly good, with as many as 90% of patients being cured. Unfortunately, only about 25% of diagnosis is at an early stage. So make it your new year's resolution to do your bit to help ovarian cancer and make your lips look luscious at the same time!

DeVine Goddess Lipstick in Hera RRP $30

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Wrapped Up
I love these paper covered boxes - the 1930's sepia toned papers have a real nostaglic feel. US$9.00 + postage for a set of three from Paperred Shoes at Etsy. They could inspire a whole theme, or make lovely favours for guests - each one filled with something special.

Posted by Jane Cameron

Ravishing Ralph Lauren
When you mix a Polo Ralph Lauren store opening with Paris what do you get? One of the most beautiful, luxe store openings imaginable! Paris played host to the opening of the largest Ralph Lauren women's store in the world. Situated on Avenue Montaigne, Paris' luxurious and prestigious shopping area, the nearly 600sqm store is home to France's premier assortment of Ralph Lauren collections for women.
The building, formerly a hôtel particulier, was built during the 18th century French Rococo period, and its architectural details evoke the classic ornate style of the time. The boutique has been fitted with lavish interiors which create a quintessential feminine and Parisian setting. Quite Ralph Lauren don't you think?
This boutique features all of Ralph Lauren’s signature women’s lines, including Collection, Black Label and Blue Label, spread over the store’s three levels.
So, when in Paris! Visit the store at 52 Avenue Montaigne, Paris.

Entrance

Foyer

Dinner Lounge

Carine Roitfeld, David Lauren, Laetitia Casta & Lenny Kravitz

Angela Lindvall & Mila Jovovich

Posted by Emilie Harrison & Emma Henderson

Beautiful Ball-balls
At the AGDA Awards on Saturday night, I caught up with a wonderful designer and friend, Kellie Campbell, who was wearing the most incredible necklace and matching earrings - each ball made from the finest glass. She bought them on a trip to Italy and somehow managed to get them home without shattering them – although she did reveal she purchased a spare 3rd earring if ever the unspoken should happen. I'm not sure if this is exactly the same, but it is similar, from Murano - a real statement piece - ethereal and unimposing.

Posted by Jane Cameron

Numbers Up
Here's a nice idea for table numbers. They're only US$7.00 + postage for a set of 12 from Every Jot and Tittle in the US. They have lots of lovely stationery items.

Posted by Jane Cameron

Head Dress
Kookai have a range of lovely headwear - aimed at Spring Racing Carnival, but equally at home as wedding wear for guests or brides. Priced from $39, they're sure to fit into most budgets.

Posted by Jane Cameron

Rewarding Awards
Earlier in the year I was very honoured to be asked to judge the Australian Graphic Design Association biennial awards - an amazing array of work from designers all around the country. It was an arduous task with more than 2000 pieces entered, each one of them of an excellent standard. I was sworn to secrecy, and wasn't allowed to tell anyone I was a judge until now - it was quite a challenge to keep quiet as the whole judging process was so interesting.

On Saturday night the awards were given at a presentation dinner where 450 designers from all over the country attended in anticipation of winning a coveted Pinnacle - the highest achievement. It was a fantastic night and a chance to catch up with designers from all disciplines.

As part of my role as a judge, I was asked to choose a piece to be given a Judge's Choice award. I chose this brochure from Voice Design for their client, photographer Toby Richardson who catalogued a variety of old mattresses. I so admire the concept of finding a story, and beauty, in something that others have discarded. I thought Voice did a great job at expressing that in their design and I especially loved the woven label that was attached to the front - an innovative and entirely appropriate use of materials.

Posted by Jane Cameron

Australia - A Love Story
There's nothing more we love here in the Style Guide office than an amazing love story and who better to tell it than director extrodinaire Baz Lhurmann. We cannot wait for the epic adventure Australia to hit our screens on Nov 26. Responsible for hits such as Moulin Rouge (2001), Romeo & Juliet (1996) and Strictly Ballroom (1992), Australia will prove, I think, to be his biggest smash yet.
Lhurmann's Oscar winning wife, Catherine Martin, has gone to extrodinary lengths to create the most amazing costumes and set and with Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman playing the lead roles there is no doubt it is going to be truly amazing. Be sure to hit your nearest cinemas for what is sure to be the greatest love story of 2009.

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Mini Marvels
I just love mini food and have found this boutique bakery, Egg Unlimited in Melbourne that bakes mini bread and mini canapes. The lunch boxes that have mini sandwiches and sweets are perfect for a bridal shower or even as a snack box in between all of those pictures on the big day.