kate and mcqueen

So apparently Kate Middleton has chosen McQueen as her much-speculated wedding dress designer! Who'd have thought that the British label with a rather controversial name would be designing for royalty? Wonder if she'll go for any of these..?!

royal wedding bells

So, a royal wedding is to be bestowed upon the UK next year sometime... Something that the country (or at least those who have a passing interest in the Royals beyond their role as a tourist attraction) has surely been waiting for ever since William and Kate got together? But what does this mean for us as a country?

The UK, and Britain, it has to be said are very much seen by the rest of the world as a kind of kitsch nation - one that still has a Queen, a bunch of (sometimes feuding) royals and a people that tend to get a bit delirious when one of said royals gets married. National pride is one thing but I wonder if the hysteria of past years will manifest at Wills and Kate's big day. We are in a recession so they will no doubt try to 'tone it down' a bit but maybe we need something like this to pull everyone together and have a day of celebrations... I for one hope that the day will be declared a national holiday, with old time street parties held across England and that Kate will wear a beautifully classic dress made by one of Britain's greatest designers.

The dress is obviously bound to spark a huge debate - I would love to see her in Vivienne Westwood personally, but perhaps she could do something a bit different and go for a vintage

dress, maybe Ossie Clark?

Zandra Rhodes?

In the end though I suspect she'll go for something simple, classic and a bit ordinary like Amanda Wakeley...

(minus the desert and camels obviously!)

Whatever the dress, I am imagining a day of national happiness - hopefully due to a day off for all, raucous-in-an-English-way street parties with plenty of British regalia and bunting lining the streets, Victoria sponges and tiny triangular sandwiches served with Pimms, and huge televised screens so that we can ooo/aaah or bitch at what she's wearing... Congratulations Will and Kate!

wedding belles

Apologies for my lack of entries of late, I have been away for quite a while due to the fact that I was getting married! Short summary - perfect day, perfect man (of course) and my most perfect dress. Any of you out there in the same boat as I was a while ago and searching for THE dress need to pop along to the lovely ladies at the Vintage Wedding Dress Company in London. A vast array of gorgeous frocks - vintage and newly vintage inspired - await you in their stunning studio, while their calming influence will melt away any dress stresses you've been having immediately. From 1940s peachy lace to Edwardian high collars, their vintage collection is all-encompassing and if you can't find anything there then their Decades range of made to measure gowns is sure to fit the bill. Anyway, here is mine - a 1970s stunner of a dress with added silk sash and lace butterfly sleeves...

Visit their website here for some wedding joy of your very own.

surprise surprise

About to be picked up by my lovely girls to whisk me away for my long hen weekend... which I know nothing about! All involved have been very good at being sneaky (should I be worried about this?!) and as a result I have no idea where we are going/what we are doing/what they are going to do to me - this could be dangerous. Excited about the FAB weather though, hooray! Will post the results on my return, eek!

None of this pleeeeeease...?!

more marriage

Creeping ever closer, and me still not any more sorted on the most important part of the day (after the actual getting married of course!) the outfits. EVEN the men are organised on this point, shame on me!

So in my desperation I have trawled the world-wide web for images and information on mismatching bridesmaids dresses, where to find unique wedding dresses, vintage dresses, headgear, etc, etc.

One thing I am certain on though - I will DEFINITELY be visiting this shop www.furcoatnoknickers.co.uk

These ladies certainly seem to know where it's at (oddly enough, I found out about them through my hairdresser, who had previously had a client whose SISTER bought her wedding dress from FCNO, good news travels fast!) and I am particulary excited about their customisation option, being not brave enough to customise a dress myself for fear of looking like something that has fallen out of the scrapstore!

So I am looking for something 40's style, flowing and elegant with embroidery and absolutely no strapless/stiff/mounds of tulle and diamante dresses... Shouldn't be too hard, should it? Help me FCNO pleeease!

See their wonderful blog here... helping women getting married to realise they can be individual and DON'T have to look like a Barbie toilet roll cover!

ban.do

Am pretty much in love with this label whiches provides stunning pieces to decorate your head with. With three lines - ban.do, black label and heart by ban.do - of varying price and occasion, there is truly something for everyone. LOVE the vintage-style feather, floral and bead creations, nothing like a great headband to make you feel ladylike (even if you're wearing your most unbecoming clothes!)

They even do a range of perfect bridal bands - hooray!

Go here to gush over these beauties and here to follow the lovely ladies' blog.

wedding belle

Since I am getting married next year obviously my thoughts have turned towards the dress. I think I know what I want (simple and understated but will have impact, vintage-looking with a modern twist) and because of this I want to get the dress made. I went on a trying-on spree which was fun and informative, not least as it showed me that I am far too fussy and indecisive to setlle on one dress when I liked lots of little things about most of those that I tried on! I can feel this is going to be a tough decision...

Don't ask me why, but when I think of wedding dresses my mind automatically comes back to this

I know it is a CARTOON about a mermaid but just love the thrown-together style that this makeshift dress conveys. The closest I can find is this by Monique L'Huillier.

Hmmm, we shall see...I'll keep you informed.