Friday 28 September 2012

Paradise Found - A Love of the Victorian Era.

Hello,

Did anyone watch the new costume drama series on BBC1 - The Paradise?  Well I did and I think I am going to be hooked.  I am already a sucker for a good costume drama but I only get to watch them when H (a.k.a. Chris my husband) is out.  To be honest, I don't watch much telly, but I do look forward to my weekly instalment of Downton Abbey.  Not just to immerse myself in the many intertwining plots that are taking place, but also to covet the beautiful clothing and accessories that are on display.

So, the arrival of The Paradise which is based in an upmarket department store in Victorian Britain, has me kicking back on the sofa glass of wine in hand, chocolate at the ready and just revelling in not only the stories that are emerging but also the beautiful dresses, hats, and jewellery and the way the sets have been intricately dressed, down to the very last detail, definitely reflecting the current ongoing trend with vintage.

I love the whole corset and ruffle look of the Victorian era, along with the buttoned up gloves and hopelessly romantic jewellery.  If you are a bride with a love of Victoriana, then I've put together a few inspirational images for you to devour.
xxx

Photo: Chemistry Photography
Topsy Turvy Design
V Maiden Japan
Romantic Threads
www.frenchgardenhouse.com

I.Ingmur.com
Steam Punk Nation
Sweet Angel 1 @tumblr.com
Topsy Turvy Designs


Tuesday 18 September 2012

Time for a fiddle? Mentalembellisher's gorgeous and creative jewellery.

Hello my friends.

Today I want to introduce you to something a little bit different on the blog.  The designer I am going to rave about has nothing to do with weddings - but has everything to do with creativity, fun, beautiful work and just something plain different. Well, I say "nothing to do with weddings" however, maybe nothing to do with "mainstream" weddings.  If you are a bride/groom who is up for a bit of originality, perhaps into the Steam Punk vibe, then this would be very, very relevant to you.  My blog is primarily about designers in the wedding industry but it is also about small independent, makers, artists and creatives who produce something extraordinary.  




Mentalembellisher is a jewellery designer who creates stunning pieces of jewellery from vintage finds and adds a fun, original twist.  Mentalembellisher explains: "we make unique jewellry using rare vintage typewriter keys and found objects. Many are Victorian Industrial and French Napoleonic inspired, using elements sourced in Europe. We sell one of a kind wearable art, rings earrings cufflinks handmade men's accessories. We specialize in custom type tags made from antique typewriter keys, using your choice of word. Everything is handmade in France and we are happy to personalize gifts".



I love the insect pieces, particularly the bees but to be honest, I could buy all of it!  


The other thing I love about Mentalembellisher is the way they portray the pieces in photography and social media such as FB.  Everything about this designer screams originality and passion.  



Mentalembellisher explains the design process "All pieces are handmade in the studio which overlooks an acre of lush gardens here on the beautiful west coast of France. Typewriter key jewelry is our focus, making something extraordinary to bring a smile to people's faces. Mentalembellisher finds inspiration in the unlikeliest of places, there is always something new and surprising to be found. Colour, humor and creativity are the three little words that spring to mind when browsing Mentalembellisher's shop". 








Aren't these pieces just stunning and so original?  I leave you with the gorgeous owl pendant.  



Gail
xxx

Monday 10 September 2012

The Glass Oyster Sample Sale is Now On!

Looking for a stylish piece of jewellery or hair accessory to complete your outfit but don't want to break the bank? Well the Glass Oyster sample sale is now on and many of the items are less than half price. All the items are sample pieces which have been used for photo shoots, press samples or exhibition pieces but rest assured they are still in mint condition - or we wouldn't sell them. Take a look at the items and descriptions below. If you want to snap up a bargain, then email gail@glassoyster.com or call 07715 173 169 to place your order.

This is the last chance to buy these items - so when they are gone - they are gone! Happy shopping!
x


Blossom Necklace - Silver and Pearls
Was: £135.00
Sale Price : £35.00



Anemone Bracelet - Faux pearls with mother of pearl flower
Was: £70.00
Sale Price: £15.00

Secret Garden Earrings - Jade and Amethyst
Was: £65.00
Sale Price: £20.00 
Smoky Quartz Earrings - Fresh water pearls and smoky quartz
Was: £40.00
Sale Price: £18.00

Celadine Necklace - Fresh water pearls and silver
Was: £90.00
Sale Price: £30.00

Rock Crystal Earrings - quartz crystal and fresh water pearls
Was: £75.00
Sale Price: £35.00

Leaf and Bud necklace - silver and fresh water pearls
Was: £60.00
Sale Price: £20.00





Selene Bracelet - Fresh water pearls and crystals
Was: £100.00
Sale Price: £35.00
Selene Necklace
Was: £110.00
Sale Price: £40.00



Black Velvet Earrings - Black onyx and silver
Was: £50.00
Sale price: £20.00
Snow Crystal Bracelet - Fresh water pearls and crystals
Was: £75.00
Sale Price: £30.00
Snow Crystal Necklace - Fresh water pearls and crystals
Was: £100.00
Sale Price: £45.00
Laurel Bracelet - Fresh water pearls and crystals
Was: £110.00
Sale Price: £40.00
Laurel Necklace - Fresh water pearls and crystals
Was: £120.00
Sale Price: £45.00

Claudine Bracelet - silver and fresh water pearls
Was: £130.00
Sale Price: £35.00



Enchanted Wood Necklace - jade and smoky quartz
Was: £90.00
Sale Price: £40.00
Claudine Necklace - silver and fresh water pearls with quartz crystal drop
Was: £150.00
Sale Price: £45.00
Midnight Bracelet - amethyst, silver, pearls, black onyx
Was: £100.00
Sale Price: £35.00

Midnight Necklace - silver, black onyx, amethyst, pearls
Was: £125.00
Sale Price: £40.00


Blossom Bracelet - Silver and Pearls
Was: £115.00
Sale Price: £25.00

Starflower Hair Comb - Mother of Pearl and Silver
Was: £120.00
Sale Price: £35.00




































Wednesday 5 September 2012

A Vintage Summer Wedding Shoot

Hello friends,

Today I wanted to tell you about a lovely and talented lady that I met earlier this year. I first met Beki Young from Beki Young Photography at a vintage wedding fayre although I had seen her work before.  Beki learned her trade for years working with another local photographer.  She then decided to go on her own and has built up a well respected and successful photography business.  

The images that she shoots are so beautiful - the colours always look so jewel like and the images have a dreaminess to them.  If I were getting married again I would definitely be booking Beki to shoot it.

Beki recently shot a styled shoot at Boundary Oak School which will be becoming a new wedding venue in the south very soon.  The theme was a summer vintage wedding - think tea at the cricket pavilion on a beautiful summers afternoon............

Below are some of the gorgeous images from the shoot. (You may even spot one of my headdresses in there somewhere.......)
















Thank you to Beki for letting me share these images which I think you will agree are just beautiful.
xxxxxx


Photography:      www.bekiyoung.co.uk
Styling:                www.lovelyandvintage.co.uk
Venue:                 www.boundaryoak.co.uk
Hair & Makeup: www.elegancebridalcoiffure.co.uk
Bouquets:            www.facebook.com/thetiaraboutique
Headdresses:      www.glassoyster.com