Tue 13th Mar, 2012

Twobirds bridesmaid Rosette gown

twobirds bridesmaids is the go-to dress design company for stylish bridesmaids. Launched in 2007, twobirds has fast become one of the leading names in bridesmaids dresses both in the UK and around the world.

The twobirds concept means it sets itself apart from the typical dress, in that it offers a collection of completely convertible, luxurious and timeless gowns that flatter every figure, making shopping for bridesmaids dresses and effortless shopping experience.

The design is inspired by a 1970's Norma Kamali 'Infinity' dress, and allows each dress in the collection to be worn in 15 different ways, providing complete versatility and sophisticated style. Made from a luxurious jersey blend fabric, the feature bodice straps that can be twisted, tied, knotted and folded to create a range of flattering neckline and sleeve options. A great way to create a cohesive look for the bridesmaids, whilst enabling each one to style the dress in their own way. They're perfect for pregnant bridesmaids too!

The dresses are manufactured in just two sizes (4-18 and 20-26), which means for a hassle-free shopping experience with no fittings or alterations. It couldn't be easier...

The Ebury Collection wedding blog. Photography copyright 2012 twobirds

There are three collections, the Classic, Two-Toned which come in 4 different lengths and 19 colours. The Rosette has the added glamour of chiffon roses, hand-sewn on to the gowns. This style is available in 6 colours and three lengths, which you can see below.

Prices start from £215. To view the full collection, visit the twobirds website - www.twobirdsbridesmaid.co.uk For stockists, click here

Mon 21st Nov, 2011

A luxury hen weekend with some of the industry's best

Today I'd like to introduce you to Cranberry Blue Weddings & Events. This boutique wedding planning consultancy was founded by former fashion buyer Melanie Helen and is based in Islington, London.

It offers couples a unique, personalised service for every step of the way towards their big day. Melanie says "We cater for weddings and events in and around the capital and across the UK, and can organise every aspect of the event depending entirely on the client's individual requirements.

One of the aspects that I believe makes us different to the competition is our styling and trend advice. My background is originally in fashion and I have worked for the renowned French designer Roland Mouret to the cream of the high street chains such as Oasis and Arcadia. With my knowledge of the fashion and buying world, I keep a close eye on the latest trends and understand how they can be adapted to suit individuals."

Cranberry Blue Weddings & Events has recently launched ‘The Fashion Indulgence’. They have teamed up with some of the industry’s most reputable brands to offer a unique, luxury service with a fashion twist. Melanie explains... "You and your girlfriends can indulge yourselves for a whole weekend with a personal shopping experience, champagne afternoon tea, professional hair and make-up styling and a photo shoot with some of the top names in the industry."

Including:

• The Hepburn Collection
• Mariam Jensen
• Jemma Kidd make-up
• Eye Imagine Photography

The experience begins with a personal shopping trip at either Selfridges or Harvey Nichols, followed by:

- A sumptuous champagne afternoon tea

- An overnight stay in a boutique hotel

- Hair styling by leading bridal hair company The Hepburn Collection

- State of the art airbrush make-up, by celebrity makeup artist Mariam Jensen or by the renowned Jemma Kidd Professional Team

- A location photo shoot with leading photographers Eye Imagine

- A private car to the hotel and the photo shoot location

- A selection of mounted prints

The Ebury Collection wedding blog. Wedding photography copyright 2011 Eye Imagine

Melanie would work with you beforehand to discuss different looks and possibilities for the photo shoot, before creating a design concept that includes everything from clothing, accessories, locations and hair and make-up ideas. It could be for a 1950s theme for example or based around the current fashion trends.

This is perfect for a sophisticated hen party, a gift to the groom or an original take on engagement photos; alternatively it would be a fabulous birthday treat.

Prices are based on a minimum of 4 people and are from £675 each for the whole weekend.

For further information:
visit www.cranberryblueweddings.co.uk
email fashion@cranberryblueweddings.co.uk
or call 07974 157885

*This is a sponsored post*

Sat 12th Feb, 2011

This week's Etsy find | Rosy Posy Designs

I'm planning on making Saturdays my 'Etsy find' day. As you'll probably have guessed by now, I'm a big Etsy fan.

Etsy is an online marketplace for those who love anything handmade, crafty or vintage. Full of creativity and individuality, you can find anything from jewellery, fashion, toys and of course lots of fabulous things for your wedding.

This week, I'd like to introduce you to Kristin from Rosy Posy Designs.

Rosy Posy Designs makes one-of-a-kind floral necklaces, brooches, corsages, hair accessories and boutonnieres.

Kristen loves to use, and is inspired by texture and prints, vintage crocheted lace, warm colours, vintage jewels and buttons.

The Ebury Collection wedding blog. Photography copyright 2011 Rosy Posy Designs

“I look to the unexpected and eclectic urban style of my favourite city, San Francisco and to the funky, bohemian fashion I see everyday in the artsy beach community I live in now. I love how the varied materials, textiles, vintage buttons and jewellery surprise me in their transformations as I work with them.

I absolutely love collaborating with couples on their visions for their wedding day. They are so creative and have wonderful stories and “out of the box” ideas. One bride asked if I could incorporate a beautiful small brooch that had been her grandmother’s, to be the centrepiece bloom in a floral statement style necklace. I have designed Rosy Posy necklaces, floral sash pins, corsage pins and boutonnieres for bridal parties.”

Featured here is a selection of Kristin’s handmade accessories, including her beautiful English country garden inspired corsage and ribbon, which can be pinned onto a sash or the front of your gown.

Also a delicate necklace featuring layers of hand cut and sewn fabrics. Patterns of fabric, soft textures of silk chiffon, shimmery iridescent ribbon, and antique delicate lace along with vintage beads and buttons.

Kristin is based in San Francisco, but can post over to the UK.

Pop over and take a look at Kristin's Etsy shop - www.etsy.com/shop/rosyposydesigns

Sun 6th Feb, 2011

Want a statement head piece for your wedding?

Ban Do's couture Black Label is a collection of very special hand-made pieces. Ban Do describe them as 'totally vintage and outright splendid'.

I can't think of another way to describe them. They speak for themselves, absolutely beautiful. Ideal for a bride who's looking for a real statement headpiece for her wedding.

Take a look at their website for shoe clips, more hair accessories, corsages and their bridal collection of headpieces.

The Ebury Collection wedding blog. Photography copyright 2011 Ban Do

Wed 1st Dec, 2010

The bridesmaids dress with an iphone app!

One dress; two sizes; four lengths; eighteen colours; over 15 ways to wrap and no alterations. With all that, you'll have some very happy bridesmaids!

I've known about the infinitely stylish Two Birds Bridesmaids for a while and they are also featured in our Vendor Directory. I finally met Michelle and the rest of the girls at The Designer Wedding at Battersea, and how super lovely they all are!

They were each modelling a different version of their beautiful dresses, superbly well I hasten to add!

These dresses are perfect for any bridesmaid, no matter what their shape or size. Why not choose dresses in the same colour but different lengths and each tied differently, or a complimentary pallet of colours, all tied in the same way? There are so many combinations that you're sure to please each and every one of your bridesmaids.

The Ebury Collection wedding blog. Photography copyright 2010 Two Birds Bridesmaids

Inspired by a 1970’s Norma Kamali ‘Infinity’ dress, the innovative twobirds dress is the ultimate fashion statement. Made from a luxurious jersey blend the dress is infinitely versatile and suits all shapes (yes, it is all the SAME dress). The design is classically stylish, timeless and can be worn differently over and over again well after the wedding, effectively killing two birds with one dress!

The brilliance of this design lies within the ingenious bodice straps that can be tied, twisted, knotted and folded to create a range of necklines from v-neck or strapless to capped sleeve. Bridesmaids can wrap it in any of the 15 ways, flattering their own figures and individual tastes while enabling brides to have the consistency they seek for the bridal party... Plus, their stretchy bandeaus are perfect for bridesmaids who’d like a little more coverage and bust support, making the styling process that much easier.

The dresses come in a range of nineteen colours, from the muted pastel shades of Coral, Jasmine and Putty, vintage tones of Rosewater and Dusky Pink to more saturated hues like Windsor Navy and Cabernet Red.

Dresses are available in four different lengths and start at £200 for the classic collection. Check out their beautiful rosette collection too for a little extra something.

The technical bit

‘But who will tie them on the day’ is a common cry heard at the twobirds London studio. Fear not, the dress is incredibly simple once you start playing with it.  The lovely ladies at the Notting Hill store are happy to provide tying lessons for the bridal party and to make it even easier, twobirds has designed an iPhone app with short video tutorials to help you on your way (http://itunes.apple.com/za/app/twobirds-bridesmaid/id388971892?mt=8). So when the time comes, there'll be no hiccups with your bridesmaids' dresses and you can focus on what's really important: enjoying your big day. The videos can also be found on their website www.twobirdsbridesmaid.co.uk

Where to buy

Following on from twobirds massive success in the U.S. and Sydney, the brand launched in the UK in January 2010 with their Notting Hill Studio where they welcome brides and their bridesmaids by appointment from Monday to Saturday

Look out for new stockists throughout the UK and Ireland in the new year.

We also eagerly await the  upcoming relaunch of their website with exciting new features including the mix and match styling model and a new information area with current twobirds news, blogs and style tips.

Further information can be found at www.twobirdsbridesmaid.co.uk, where you can also request swatch samples.

Mon 29th Nov, 2010

Looking for an alternative wedding dress?

I was contacted last week by Kate from Belle and Bunty to tell us about their stunning Magnificent 7 Collection. Described as elegant, sophisticated and timeless, Belle & Bunty have created a glamour-drenched bridal collection, which really showcases their signature flair for floaty and feminine dresses.

Their collection also includes two styles designed and worn by Alice Shreeve (Belle) and Hannah Coniam (Bunty) to their own weddings.

If you're looking for an alternative to a traditional wedding gown, or considering a second dress for your reception, you may just find it in this collection. How about The Belle or The Primrose? They're so beautiful, I just couldn't choose between them!

The Willow Maxi Dress is the seminal force behind the collection. Following the Willowʼs repeated sell-out success, Alice and Hannah have made dresses for a stream of brides looking for an alternative to the traditional wedding dress. Handcrafted by the designers with their skilled team in light and luxurious silks, craftsmanship lies at the heart of the collection. Belle & Buntyʼs characteristic muted shades of silver, buttermilk, fawn and dusty peach mingle with decadent jewel tones of emerald, claret, iris and teal. Delicate handmade silk roses, bows and lace trims finish these pieces with a feminine flourish.

The collection has been carefully constructed with a shape to suit every figure and all styles are available in bridal colours. Aliceʼs wedding dress, the Belle, exudes 1940s glamour with its open back, draped cape font, fitted at the waist and over the hips with handmade silk corsage and finished with a full flowing skirt.

The Ebury Collection Wedding Blog. Photography copyright 2010 Belle & Bunty

The Belle, below.

The minimal elegance of the Bay is perfect for a more boy-ish figure with a keyhole back and crystal button detail adding a subtle feminine touch.

The Bay, below.

The Primrose celebrates curves, low cut at the front with flattering sheer flutter sleeve and beaded shoulder detailing, the style is fitted over the waist and hips flowing to a flared skirt.

The Primrose, below.

 

The Willow, the Belle & Bunty classic, is fitted over the bust, waist and hips with godet inserts in the skirt for stunning long lines, finished with a keyhole back, a silk sash and either hand-stitched lace trim or silk corsage at the shoulder.

The Willow, below.

Hannahʼs wedding dress, the Bunty, is the real romantic with wide silk straps crossing over at the back, fitted waistband with silk corsages and a full skirt creating a train to the back.

The Bunty, below.

The strapless Wisteria has a line of covered buttons at the bust, a sheer bow at the back and a tiered skirt, gradually becoming sheer towards the floor as the layers fall away.

The Wisteria, below.

Finally, the Estella has handmade silk roses running along the elegant asymmetric neckline and a layered waterfall skirt.

The Estella, below.

The Magnificent 7 exhibits Hannah and Aliceʼs expertise at its finest, distilling their meticulous attention to detail and refined eye for colour, creating a collection of pieces to be treasured and enjoyed well beyond the wedding day.

The collection is available to order throughout the year at the Belle & Bunty Boutique in London.

Mon 22nd Nov, 2010

Your fairy Godmother has arrived!

Looking for an amazing pair of designer shoes for your wedding but not sure your budget will stretch to the perfect pair of Louboutins or Jimmy Choos? Cinderella Me, your shoe fairy-godmother has come to your rescue! They have a huge collection of some of the most beautiful designer shoes in the world, available for you to hire.

There are a growing number of people who are choosing to hire, rather than buy a fabulous pair of shoes and you can have your perfect pair of wedding shoes for a fraction of their retail price.

Cinderella Me is the UK’s first and only designer shoe hire website that enables fashion focused females to wear shoes by the likes of Alexander Mcqueen, Jimmy Choo and Dior. It is perfect if you're looking for an alternative to ivory or white bridal shoes. Add a pop of colour to your look with a pair of designer shoes that match your bouquet!

Cinderella Me is the perfect fit not only the bride but for mothers of the bride and groom, the bridesmaids and guests attending your special day.

The Ebury Collection Wedding Blog. Photography copyright 2010 Cinderella Me

Mon 15th Nov, 2010

Gillian Million Wedding Accessories

All Gillian’s jewellery is created in London, by hand, by her twelve-strong team. Her gorgeous pieces incorporate recycled antique pearls, freshwater pearls, vintage jewels and semi-precious stones and (a really cute touch!) a little blue Swarovski crystal is hidden into each of her pieces, meaning brides have their “something blue” covered.

Gillian’s unique wedding jewellery and headdresses have, up until now, only been available to buy online or by appointment. However she has a new Teddington shop which opened on the 1st November which is an Aladdin’s cave of "everything that's not a hat", jewelled headbands, hair pins, earrings, cuffs and necklaces all made in her signature elegant vintage style.  Also the most beautiful silk veils that must be seen!

The Ebury Collection Wedding Blog. Photography copyright 2010 Gillian Million

Gillian’s shop showcases her contemporary and traditional wedding accessories alongside exquisite new bespoke luxury and gift lines such as personalised silver and gold jewellery for both brides, grooms and bridesmaids, bespoke perfume and personalised stationery from Emily and Jo.

For any of our readers who are budding new designers, Gillian is looking for new designers to showcase their work within her store. She is inviting designers to submit ideas for an area in the boutique entitled ‘Everything that's not a Hat’.  More information can be found on her website www.gillianmillion.com.

If all this wasn’t enough, Gillian will also be launching bespoke wedding planning and tailor-made honeymoons services with experts working under the Gillian Million brand.

And finally, if you looking for ways to have a more sustainable wedding, Gillian also offers a post wedding day service, where she can transform your headdress or jewellery into something more suited to day-to-day dressing up. So your headdress could become a necklace or brooch to be worn again and again after your big day.

Do you have any pearls of wisdom for brides and grooms who are planning their wedding? or any advice for the big day itself?

• Don't take too much time to plan a wedding; the best ideas are your initial thoughts and ideas which can become distorted with so much choice available.  When it comes to the bride's headdress, please don't compromise on how your hair will look on the day.  70% of all photographs that are taken will have the bride's head in the photo.  Your jewellery will be seen on your mantelpiece for years to come so don't compromise but take advice and keep your jewellery timeless.

What trends/fashions do you see as important for this season and the year to come?

• Vintage elegance is definitely in vogue but the boho chic is all the rage as well.  Brides are looking for the relaxed flower and cascading veiling ideal for the beach wedding or country garden style wedding.  Hair up at the side of the head in a 50's style is a favourite with a vintage comb tucked in at the side.

Any style advice for autumn/winter brides?

• Don't get cold and think about a silk veil to wrap around the shoulders to keep warm and look fabulous or a faux or real fur stole which is so gorgeous for a winter wedding.

Do you have any favourite items in your range?

• I will always love the Labrinth range which I created 10 years ago for both short and long hair.  Time and time again I get thank you letters from my lovely brides so loving the labrinth headdress they wore at their wedding which we create in 40 different styles.  A real hit whilst creating understated and timeless elegance.

What are you working on now?

• We are working on the new range of vintage necklaces, creating necklaces out of our bride's own sentimental brooches, earrings often handed down to them by relatives.  We recycle them into headdresses or other jewellery creating something sentimental for our brides to wear on their wedding day.  We are also working with our inhouse perfumier on our bespoke perfume service where brides can have their own fragrance in their own personalised bottle which can then be made into a range of scented candles, body lotions and room scents.  So exciting!!

Visit Gillian's shop at 34 Teddington High Street, Teddington, Richmond upon Thames.

For an exclusive offer for Ebury Collection blog readers, visit Ebury Treats.

Wed 3rd Nov, 2010

Little Bevan's Pimlico Boutique

Are you looking for beautiful and unique outfits for your bridesmaids, flowergirls and pageboys but just can’t find what you’re after? Then we’ve found the perfect boutique for you. Little Bevan is an award winning boutique in Pimlico, London, where beautiful childrenswear can either be exclusively designed and individually made for your little ones or selected from their ready-to-wear collection.

In 2004, after her years at Amanda Wakeley couture and bridal, Sarah Colfer launched her brand Little Bevan - 'mini luxe' for children. Sarah's natural eye for style and her creative ability were encouraged by her talented mother, who made her own Dior-look gown for a romantic 1950's wedding abroad, and after whom Little Bevan is named.

The Ebury Collection Wedding Blog. Photography copyright Little Bevan 2010 www.littlebevan.co.uk

They have a bubbly, creative team, experienced in art, fashion design and children! With a traditional base in English design, they love the fresh appeal of 'proper' clothes for children but with a cheeky twist. The clothes are inspired by the luxury and swagger of the fashions of the 18th century but brought up to date with a light touch and made suitable for children in fabric and finish.

At the boutique they have a range of couture samples to inspire you. The design can echo the style and quality of the bride's own dress or match the adult bridesmaids. They can also base the idea on one of their popular styles from their main collection, but made precisely to the child's measurements.

What expert advice do you have for brides when it comes to choosing outfits for their bridesmaids and pageboys?

• Have an idea of the style of your own dress and the general mood and colours of the wedding so that the children can match. Keep it simple and make sure the children are comfortable and happy in the clothes.  If they come a little un-tucked or walk up the aisle backwards don’t worry everyone will still think they are cute!

What trends are you seeing coming through for the next 12 months?

• A timeless classic vintage look with fresh colours for example sage or olive green and blush pink.

What are you working on at the moment?

• We are expanding the range for babies and working on a new collection for teenagers to launch 2011.

What’s the best thing about your job?

• Happy kids!

Huge thanks to all the team at Little Bevan for contributing to this blog.

xx

Thu 21st Oct, 2010

Contemporary chic meets bygone elegance

Jo Thorne is one of the most exciting and innovative jewellery designers in wedding fashion. Her reputation to those in the know is legendary – a true pioneer of what we now term “hair jewellery”.

Jo creates stunning hair accessories and tiaras in sterling silver – completely original pieces created in her own workshop, and about as far from mass-market as you can imagine. Her work is neither repro nor reclaimed vintage, but designed and made from scratch to the highest standards of jewellery craftsmanship. They are beautifully judged designs, effortlessly combining bygone elegance and contemporary chic.

What’s more, they’re also quintessential examples of sustainable luxury – the level of craftsmanship and design means they’ll be treasured long after your wedding day. Even if you purchase a wear-once item like a tiara, Jo can transform it into a new, more wearable piece after your big day.

Jo previously retailed exclusively from her own website, but Caroline Burstein, Creative Director of Browns Fashion, spotted Jo’s unique talent at the Designer Wedding Show. Now a capsule collection is available at Browns’ prestigious bridal boutique on Hinde Street W1 – designs are also available at Dragonfly Contemporary Designs in Cheltenham and Philippa Lepley in Chelsea, with more exclusive outlets to appear in the coming months.

This has to be the most inspiring interview yet to appear on Ebury. Jo’s answers may be outspoken and provocative but they are right up our street, as what Jo stands for is elegance, exquisite craftsmanship and individuality. Her passion for beautifully crafted, sustainable luxury is right on trend and just what many brides are so desperate to track down but find it so difficult to discover.

Do you have any pearls of wisdom for brides and grooms who are planning their wedding, or any advice for the big day itself?

• Don’t do it, you still have time. I’m sure that expensive bespoke stationery company does refunds.

What advice on jewellery would you offer to brides?

• Think jewellery, not wedding.

What are your key influences and where do you get your inspiration from?

• Back when I started, I’d seen hundreds of tiaras and I thought all of them were horrible, even the respected well-known brands. So as a jewellery designer I thought it would be easy to create something better. I was wrong; it was a long and difficult process.

• I took influences from early 20th century masters - René Lalique, Cartier and so on - but I also wanted something that was less ornate and more modern, so I looked at contemporary jewellers too. This was back in the early 2000s when there was no such thing as hair jewellery in wedding fashion, and certainly no hair adornment in the modern designer jewellery world. So the idea of “hair jewellery” began to spark my imagination and eventually my own motifs and design methods emerged.

What trends/fashions do you see as important for this season and the year to come?

• The people to watch are the real couturiers. Look at new collections from Peter Langner for example, and the British designer Bruce Oldfield.

• There’s also a growing fashion trend away from throwaway culture, and this can be reflected in your choice of outfit. Rather than save money buying a cheap off-the-shelf wedding dress, why not look for a spectacular piece of couture eveningwear you can wear again? You’ll probably never get another chance like this! I was inspired recently by one of my brides who chose the most beautiful dove grey Alberta Ferreti dress, something she could just as happily wear at a chic party or dinner date.

• The same tip goes for accessories – and hair jewellery, which is now a big thing. Choose carefully, and go for properly crafted ethical luxury if you can, not easy to find but worth searching a little harder for.

• I also think vintage has been done to death now, definitely descending the fashion barometer. To qualify that, if you’re talking about an authentic piece of classic vintage design, that’s a different thing altogether – very rare, and you’ll pay a premium that matches its classic status. But most of what gets labeled “vintage” in wedding fashion is little more than reclaimed jumble sale junk or cheap costume jewellery manufactured in the Far East. Let’s give this back to the teenagers, which is where it looks best. It’s all about tailored, grown-up fashion for grown-up women this season.

Any style advice for autumn/winter brides?

• Legwarmers.

• Or… not. See my previous answer, and add lots of sparkle in your outfit and/or accessories. Sterling silver is perfect for picking up the beautiful reflections from all those candles and fairly lights at this time of year, and that goes for gemstones too, but make sure you choose quality sparkle. Rather than cheap lead crystal, look for high quality cubic zirconia, which is virtually indistinguishable from diamond – only a trained eye can tell the difference.

Do you have any favourite items in your range?

• I think my Large Passionflower Hairpin is the one I’d choose, but if it was a tiara, the Pearl.

What are you working on now?

• A completely new range, look out for it in 2011.

What makes your pieces and the way you work unique/special?

• There is absolutely nothing mass-market about what I do. We run a fully functioning design studio, and everything is done in-house using a combination of old and new technologies to create and produce each piece – everything from pen and paper to the latest CAD design methods, as well as traditional silversmithing techniques of course, which are at the core of everything I do.

• Put simply, I make real sterling silver jewellery you'll treasure and wear again after your wedding. I’m a great believer in producing (and buying) sustainable luxury, something with an authentic heritage of bespoke craftsmanship.

• Ultimately I’d like to see less and less distinction between wedding fashion and designer culture – I think we're already witnessing this in the cross-fertilisation of red carpet and bridal. As a brand, this is very much where we place ourselves in the equation, and future collections will have even more of a crossover focus.

The Ebury Collection Wedding Blog. Photography courtesy of Jo Thorne www.jothorne.co.uk

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