Shape Up

Ever since shapewear was introduced there have been sighs of relief from women everywhere. Shapewear has made it possible for women of almost every shape and size to wear those more figure hugging and sexy pieces. Body Wrap, a collection of seamless and sophisticated pieces, offers adjustable cup sizes and immediate results, creating the illusion of a slimmer, firmer figure. There's a great selection of pieces in the collection and are so comfortable you'll forget you're wearing them! Visit www.bodywrap-shapewear.com to find out how you can feel even better on your big day!







Posted by Emilie Harrison

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DIY Heart Invitations

These DIY origami invitations that Amy from the blog Eat Drink Chic sent out for her engagement party are amazing - the amount of time she must have spent on these certainly show her dedication to having the most perfect and unique invitations. Amy said that the most time consuming part of the process was hand stitching the translucent paper pockets. Well done Amy for thinking outside the square and creating something very personal - we can't wait to see your wedding invitations!







Check out Amy's blog to download a template to make these origami hearts.

Posted by Emma Henderson

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Especially for Me

I am very spoiled - people send me the most beautiful things. This little parcel arrived earlier in the week from Viola at Chewing the Cud. She must know me well as brown paper packages tied up with string are easily my favourite things! I can't go past kraft paper for a down-to-earth utilitarianism - it matches everything - and red & white striped twine adds a really special touch.



The little notebook has a quote on the front cover from Confucious - 'Wherever you go, go with all your heart'. What a lovely sentiment - this would make a great favour for guests at a wedding.

For more beautiful stationery inspiration do check their website as there are many more products to admire.

Thank you Viola.

Posted by Jane Cameron

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The Talented Ms Brown

I'm in love with talented Australian designer Lisa Brown's latest Winter 2010 collection. Launching this month, the collection captures a dreamy, feminine allure with her signature hand-washable silks, delicate embellishments and hand tied plait and rope details. This winter Lisa was inspired by a return to romance using decadent jewel colours, vintage inspired floral prints and indulgent hand knitted dresses. “I have always been inspired by the notion that fabric is the romance in a garment. Fluid texture, generous proportions, and attention to even the smallest detail are important in all my designs”, Lisa says. Winter 2010 is Lisa’s fourth major collection and includes new rich colours for her ever popular “poppy v frill dress” but also some strong, sculptural new looks featuring delicate gold embellishments in feature neck and back lines. The collection will be available to purchase in store from mid-February 2010 so visit www.lisabrown.com.au for stockist details.









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Right on the Money

I know that sometimes (actually all the time!) my adoration of shoes seems a bit excessive and expensive but I have to admit I do love it when I come across a beautiful shoe at a great price. These Tony Bianco peep toes would make perfect wedding shoes. They're also available in black suede, which means there is a matching bridesmaid option. The best bit? They're priced at $159.95. Halleluiah! Visit www.tonybianco.com.au to view all their latest delights.


Gazelle in bone pearl. Also available in black suede $159.95

Posted by Emilie Harrison

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Fields of Glory

I am so happy to have found these stunning necklaces from American designerElva Fields via the Shelter Interior Design blog. I absolutely adore them! Owner/designer Emily scours flea markets and auctions for unusual vintage and antique pieces and reconfigures them into beautiful jewellery. They would make such a statement with a simple, strapless wedding dress.






Elva Field necklaces would look gorgeous with a dress like this Lisa Ho number


Long Feather dress in nougat $12,999

Posted by Emma Henderson

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Brides Online

When brand creator Shereen Nimbalker started the search for the ultimate dress for her autumn wedding, she quickly discovered that though the gowns were plentiful, uniqueness was hard to find. It was this that inspired her idea to launch www.manikinnbrides.com. Paving a new way in the Australian bridal market by creating bespoke wedding dresses available online, each dress is custom made in colour and size to match every brides dream. Manikinnbride is about taking fashion and on-trend elements and translating this to bridal wear. Elements of romance, drama and an underlying theme of Parisian elegance shape the collection. The collection will suit any bride that wants to create her own unique style for her wedding. Manikinnbride will launch this month and bridesmaids dress styles are also available. Gowns range from $240 to $2,000 with 15 new styles to be released every quarter. Visit www.manikinnbrides.com to view the collection.







Posted by Emilie Harrison

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New York Fashion Week A/W 2010/11 Ready to Wear #2 - Carolina Herrera & Marchesa

It was nice to see some colour on the runways at New York's ready to wear parades. Of course black was back (again!) but this time vibrant reds, soft blues and colourful patterns offered some respite from the cold New York weather. Carolina Herrera, the queen of the classic and stylish ballgown and the designer favoured by Renee Zellweger, chose billowing ruffles, simple necklines and slightly shorter hems. If splurging on a pair of knockout heels for your big day it might be worth looking into a shorter hem. Afterall, where's the fun in wearing amazing shoes if no one can see them??! Marchesa opted for soft, flowy gowns with intricate bust and waist detailing. Soft blue's, pinks and silvers were the ultimate reason to opt out of white for your wedding. In such soft shades they were oh-so romantic and oozed femininity. Marchesa's trademark full, pleated and rouched gown was shotened to create a more fun a flirty piece, while mimi's with long, sheer skirts added sexiness. Definitely two of my favourite shows! Visit vogue.com.au to view the shows in their entirety.


Carolina Herrera




Marchesa




Photos courtesy of Vogue.com.au

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Magical Minna

Minna Keum sent me an email last week announcing the new Minna Designs website. I get to see a lot of stationery sites so I was expecting it to be similar to ones I had already seen - I was wrong. The delightful, innovative animation and delicate typography make this site so appealing - I found myself wandering through every page just to see what surprise I would find.





My favourite page is 'Praise' where a stack of letters unveil glowing reports from previous clients.



Congratulations Minna - your site is wonderful, just like your beautiful stationery.

Posted by Jane Cameron

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When the Stars Align

If you're new to the idea of wedding genealogie charts here's some info that may help you. Genealogie charts are customised charts, similar to a family tree, that detail the relationship of the bride and groom to all of their wedding guests. Great for a cocktail hour or reception, these charts fill guests in on who’s a friend from childhood, a neighbor, a family member, and more. Couples can customise the chart best suited to the style and environment of their wedding and keep the diagram afterwards as a unique piece of memorabilia. I especially love the new wedding genealogie charts from Melangerie Inc. If you're into horoscopes and stars I think you'll love the new wedding constellation charts. Inspired by vintage constellation maps, guests are organised in a list format by their relationship to the bride and groom. Guest’s astrological signs are included as an extra level of detail, and relationship “constellations” are mapped out on the corresponding milky way graphic. All information and colors are customisable. Such a neat and fun idea! Visit www.melangerienyc.com for all the details or visit their Etsy store at www.melangerienyc.etsy.com.









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Online Dreaming

Our avid blog readers will be well aware I have a little obsession with an online store called Net-A-Porter. It's not just some little obsession, it's a full blown love affair. I can't get enough of it! The most desireable and beautiful designer pieces are available at the click of a button, which makes life easy if you happen to live in Australia as some of stocked labels are a no-go zone for us, unfortunately. I was even more in love when I realised they have now opened their Wedding Boutique, an online store where you can get everything for the bride, bridesmaids, Mother of the Bride and even the wedding guests! They offer complete styling tips and I can personally guarantee you will fall in love with at least 5 pieces. Short and long dresses, dresses with silk and lace, suits, skirt and tops; everything is here. I could go on about this for hours but I won't. Visit www.net-a-porter.com to browse the complete Wedding Boutique but I must worn you, you will fall in love and you won't want to leave. Also, keep your credit card well away if you're not keen on spending. It would be easy to rack up an astronomical bill!

You can choose from a simply hip range of designers from Lanvin, Marchesa, One Vintage and Yves Saint Laurent to Temperly London, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, Fendi, Halston abd the list goes on!


Temperley London embellished crepe-silk gown £2,754 and Lanvin washed silk-satin jeweled gown £5,434


Yves Saint Laurent satin-trimmed tuxedo suit £2,355 and One Vintage Lucy dress £10,406

There is a super pretty selection of veils and heapieces available, ranging from classic and uber feminine to modern and sharp. I adore the Lanvin Ostrich feather-trimmed veil. Too pretty for words!


Lanvin Ostrich feather-trimmed veil £409 and Maison Michel Uffie miniature top hat with veil £362

How could I ignore the amazing selection of shoes! Louboutin's, Choo's, McQueen's, Fendi's, Valentino's... heaven! You'll also find every accessory you'll ever need including jewellery, headpieces, bags, coverups and pieces of gorgeous lingerie. Oh my!


Giuseppe Zanotti embellished leather sandal £758 and Christian Louboutin Studio 120 peep-toe pumps £1,267

Posted by Emilie Harrison

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Funny Face

I watched the delightful movie Funny Face on the weekend with Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire. Such a classic movie with gorgeous fashions. I especially loved the Givenchy designed wedding dress she wore with her lily of the valley bouquet - simply stunning!



Posted by Emma Henderson

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New York Fashion Week A/W 2010/11 Ready to Wear - Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier has long been the choice for many celebrities getting married. Most recently Nicole Richie was seen leaving her boutique in LA prompting people to believe she may wear one of her gowns when she weds her long-time partner Joel Madden later this year. Lhuillier's New York show was everything you'd expect from such a celebrated designer. Although not heavily bridal orientated in terms of colour, her designs were classic and beautiful. Bright red, bronze and aubergine were her chosen colours, along with the ever popular black. Tulle added a traditional touch to her more edgy gowns, while silks and organza's kept the pieces fresh and flowy. Visit www.moniquelhuillier.com for all the details of Lhuillier's work or visit www.helenrodrigues.com.au for Australian gown details.








Photos courtesy of Vogue.com.au

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