Mon 7th Jan, 2013

Gillian Million's vintage-inspired headpieces and jewellery

I first discovered Gillian's amazing bridal headpieces and jewellery at the Designer Wedding show at Battersea back in January 2008, whilst looking for something to wear for my own wedding.

I fell in love with her beautiful, hand-made collection of vintage-inspired headpieces, "We recycle antique pearls, vintage jewels and pieces of jewellery bringing something old into something new. We even hide a little blue swarovski crystal into the jewellery to tick the box of 'something blue'! Faux pearls, vintage glass beads and semi precious-stones are intricately wired together, creating the most beautiful and precious designs that somehow feel that you are holding onto a family heirloom, quite magical and completely unique and personal!"

Fashions are of course, forever evolving and Gillian Million's collection moves with the times whilst maintaining an air of inherited beauty. The collection includes exquisite fascinators, chic birdcage veil headdresses, jewelled headbands, replicated 1920's beaded caps, hair pins, cuffs, elegant veils, necklaces both subtle and magnificent, fur stoles, forehead jewellery and back jewellery and all the unimaginable brought to life in her breathtaking shop in Teddington which must be seen to be believed!

Says Gillian... "It is extremely rewarding to create hair accessories that are unique and individual to each bride; we always have such a lovely time together and I am so proud to be involved in such a special part of their wedding planning. I receive the most amazing and delightful comments from each bride; I even receive communication with further orders of jewellery for 1st year wedding anniversary presents, photos of new born babies and updates on house moves and travels abroad! So wonderful and special and that is why I simply can't just sell through retailers - you just have to come and visit me and make the choosing of your accessories a truly memorable and special part of your wedding planning"

All jewellery is created in London, by hand. Gillian has a loyal team of 12 people who have been working with her over the last 12 years. All jewellery is made with passion and excitement and overseen by Gillian personally. Gillian has made all pieces in her shop and creates and designs all the new collections which are forever evolving as each season comes and goes.

To get a better idea of Gillian's creations and the fabulous service she offers, pop over to her website or grab yourself a cuppa and watch this short video...

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Wed 31st Oct, 2012

A handbag-sized wedding planner for brides-to-be

Brought to you by one of London’s most luxurious wedding planners, Quintessentially Weddings, this new, handbag-sized book is filled with inspiring content, wedding planning tricks and a step-by-step guide that demystifies the planning process.

The Secret Quintessentially Weddings Guide blends beautiful coffee-table book visuals with elegant editorial. Peppered throughout are expert tips from the likes of Phillip Treacy on how to wear a hat with panache, Royal Wedding Florist Shane Connolly on choosing timeless flowers, Browns Bride on finding ‘the one’ and The Savoy on hosting a glittering vintage wedding soiree.

Image © The Manor, Somerset

Sophie McCorry Day of Quintessentially Weddings says: “The book gives guidance on everything a couple needs to plan their bespoke big day. We hope the guide will become a bride’s companion through the planning process, not only by giving her the confidence and tools to plan her wedding, but through sharing expert tips from some of the industry’s most exciting and trusted names.”

Launching on the 5th December it brings together expert advice from a handpicked selection of the best of the wedding industry including Vera Wang, Matthew Williamson, DeBeers, Jenny Packham, Vivienne Westwood, Bruce Oldfield, Absolute Flowers, Little Venice Cake Company, Valentino, Smythson, Blakes Hotel, Cutture, Paul Antonio, Philippa Lepley, Aneta Mak, The Dorchester, notonthehighstreet.com, Charlotte Olympia and many, many more.

Image © Vera Wang

Featuring a who’s who of wedding royalty, from wedding dress designers to calligraphers, venues and settings to cake designers, the book divulges real insider secrets and hidden gems. Designed with the bride and groom in mind, the guide is tipped to be an indispensable portable wedding planning aide.

Image © Quintessentially Weddings

Sophie adds: “The guide encapsulates Quintessentially Weddings’ stylish and personalised approach to weddings and includes a portfolio of nuptials organised by the team to inspire couples. It combines practical and easy-to-follow advice with some coveted behind-the-scenes tips from some of the industry’s biggest suppliers, as well as some real rising stars prised from our little white address books.”

Available for brides-to-be to pre-order now for £24.99 by clicking on the image below, this guide is an essential planning aid as well as a beautiful keepsake item.

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Mon 15th Oct, 2012

Sassi Holford unveils her 2013 collection

Wedding dress designer Sassi Holford recently unveiled her 2013 couture collection at Haberdashers’ Hall as part of It's The Agency's wedding event

Sassi Holford is a self-taught and self-made bridal designer from Taunton, and has been creating beautiful wedding dresses for 30 years. She shot to fame when she created the dress for the royal marriage of Autumn Kelly to Peter Phillips, son of the Princess Royal.

The event was supported by:

Purple Tiger Floral Design who dressed large Oriental water jars with twisted branches hung with iridescent, waxy blooms and glass droplets to complement Sassi’s stunning Collection. In addition they filled neo-classical urns with flowers that matched the priceless paintings in Haberdashers' Hall.

Hall of Cakes exhibited a beautiful eight tier classic vintage wedding cake to showcase their design skills, sugar craft artistry and attention to detail. To taste there was chocolate cake with cocoa buttercream, lemon sponge with a lemon zest cream filling and carrot cake layered with a tangy orange buttercream.

A tasting menu from the Haberdashers’ Hall culinary team led by Head Chef Pawel Dolzonek confirmed Chester Boyd’s status as preeminent wedding caterers. They wowed guests with innovations such as lobster hotdogs, tempura courgette flowers, and hibiscus flower cocktails.

Music came from Niche - The London String Quartet playing a selection of their highly varied repertoire including wedding favourites, classical music and chart hits.

Images © Sassi Holford

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Tue 28th Aug, 2012

The 2013 Jesus Peiro wedding dress collection

I'm delighted to be able to share Jesus Peiro's 2013 Soiree Collection on the blog today.

The Spanish bridal fashion house describe the collection as "Reflecting the light structure and exquisite artisanal details reminiscent of the early 20th Century. The collection balances femininity and romanticism with the sophistication that is synonymous with the brand."

Throughout the 2013 collection, designer Merche Segarra combines surprising textures with beautiful silhouettes. Fabrics adorned with glass, nacre and mother of pearl come into play with rich metallic threads and accessories.

Images © Jesus Peiro

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 2013 Soiree Collection will be available in the UK from October 2012. For further information or stockist details visit

www.jesuspeiro.com

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Wed 15th Aug, 2012

Feather headbands inspired by Alice in Wonderland

This morning I'd like to share Sheena Holland's new range of beautiful feather headbands with you. The range is called The Sheena Holland Alice in Wonderland Collection which has been created with inspiration from Lewis Carroll's masterpiece, with vintage jewels and unique colourful pieces. As with all Sheena Holland work, they are all one of a kind and we can also create bespoke pieces taking inspiration from the range.

All pieces are signed by Sheena and are exclusive to the collection.

Sheena says: "We invite you through the rabbit hole and in to a wonderful world of beauty and adventure. With mystical creatures, stunning jewels and flowers; the new Alice in Wonderland collection will inspire and amaze."

Black Fish in Wonderland

A beautiful black goose feather headband with antique diamante pieces, featuring jewellery that is glass and hand-painted with a goldfish and 1950’s pearls and various antique acquisitions.

Price: £225

Dragon in Wonderland

A beautiful antique feather headband with antique pieces featuring jewellery that is glass and hand-painted with a cameo and gold dragon fly and various antique acquisitions.

Price: £250

Fairy in Wonderland

A beautiful hand-dyed pale blue goose feather headband with antique pieces, featuring jewellery that is glass and hand-painted with a pretty fairy and gold bow and various antique acquisitions.

Price: £225

Green Alice in Wonderland

A beautiful green petal headband with antique pieces, featuring jewellery that is glass and hand-painted with a green deck of cards and a lady bird and various antique acquisitions.

Price: £225

Late in Wonderland

A beautiful grey feather headband with antique diamante pieces, featuring jewellery that is glass and hand-painted with an antique clock face and 1950’s fresh water pearls and a purse and various antique acquisitions.

Price: £250

Pot Kettle Blue

A beautiful spotted dark blue goose feather headband with antique diamante pieces, featuring jewellery that is glass and hand-painted with a pretty fairy and gold tea pot and various antique acquisitions.

Price: £225

Pretty Pink in Wonderland

A beautiful hand dyed pale pink goose feather headband with antique pieces, featuring jewellery that is glass and hand-painted with a pretty gold insect and gold bow and various antique acquisitions.

Price: £250

All items in the Sheena Holland Alice in Wonderland Collection are available from www.sheenaholland.com or from our shop in Derby, 31 Queen Street, Derby, DE1 3DS.

Bespoke items inspired by the range are also available to order, for more information please email: info@sheenaholland.com

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Thu 29th Mar, 2012

The launch of 'No3 Chiltern Street Bridal'

I've been really excited about this blog post for so long and today I'm finally able to share it with you, to coincide with the launch of new London bridal boutique No3 Chiltern Street.

Russell Blackburn owner of Blackburn Bridal Couture and Sophie Garratt from Elizabeth Todd are going into partnership to re-launch her business as 'No3 Chiltern Street Bridal'.

And why am I so excited about this? The shoot for Elizabeth Todd's new collection was photographed by Sarah Gawler and styled by Hannah Gooch. Hannah says "It couldn't have been done without the help of hair and make up artist Elbie van Eeden, beautiful florals from Bloomin'Gayles and of course the stunning surrey wedding venue Fetcham Park as a back drop."

Russell and Sophie's new venture is based around offering brides-to-be a true couture/bespoke service from a small selection of top British and American designers all offering their own unique style from this fabulous, exclusive London boutique.

At No3 you will find a collection of stunning dresses from three talented British and one American designer who are happy to extend their services to brides wishing to experience, if so desired, their own bespoke designed gown*. They are also available in-house and by appointment to do made-to-measure on any of their designs carried in the store.

Russell explains "The Designers we will be showcasing are Elizabeth Todd, Claire Mischevani, Sarah Treble and American Designer Rita Vinieris for 'Rivini'. No3 is the only central London location for these designers so exclusivity will hold a very special appeal to brides wanting to find a dress that is original and unique.

The store has undergone a complete refurbishment and Elizabeth Todd, as the shop was formerly known, will continue on as a Designer in store offering a fabulous selection of her own period-inspired corseted gowns.

The boutique can be found at: 3 Chiltern Street, London W1U 7PB
To book an appointment, telephone: 020 7224 2773 or email info@no3chilternst.co.uk

*Rita Vinieris is not available to do couture appointments as she is based in America but her gowns are still available on a made-to-measure service if required.

The Ebury Collection wedding blog. Photography copyright 2012 Sarah Gawler

Credits

Photographer: Sarah Gawler

Venue: Fetcham Park

Styling: Hannah Gooch

Hair and Make-up: Elbie van Eeden

Dresses: Elizabeth Todd

Statement necklace: Rosie Weisencrantz

Other jewellery available from No3 Chiltern Street

Flowers: Bloomin'Gayles

Shoes: Harriet Wilde

Models: Amber from MOT and Chelsea,

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Tue 20th Mar, 2012

Your invitation to Tulipmania | A festival of tulips

You're invited to join Neill Strain on Thursday, March 22nd to celebrate the beginning of spring with the largest and most diverse display of tulips ever seen in London. The festival will run until Easter at Neill's The Flower Lounge on West Halkin Street, London.

During “Tulipmania”, Neill and his team will be demonstrating design tips and sharing ideas. Brides will be inspired by Neill's floral arrangements for the home, which can be translated into stunning bridal bouquets and table arrangements.

The Ebury Collection wedding blog. Photography copyright 2012 Neill Strain

“For their elegance and versatility, tulips are one of our favourite flowers,” explains Neill. “While they are breathtakingly beautiful in a simple bouquet, they can be even more inspiring when worked into a design.” Joining Neill’s design team for the celebrations on March 22nd, will be one of Holland’s most reputed tulip growers, Loek van Eeden, with his extensive knowledge on the horticulture, history and traditions of the revered flower. He will offer educational talks throughout the day on how to grow tulips in the garden, how to care for the cut flowers and much more. With 27 million tulips sold in a single day in the Dutch auctions, there are close to 3,000 different varieties, many of which are never or rarely seen in the U.K. “I will personally be sourcing the tulips in Holland to introduce some unusual blooms for my clients,” promises Neill. “I can’t bring the famous Keukenhof Gardens to West Halkin Street, but I will enjoy recreating the colour and spirit of the Dutch bulb fields in the shop.”

“Everyone is welcome to join us at The Flower Lounge for the first day of spring, or on any other day during Tulipmania,’” says Neill. “We will have literally hundreds and hundreds of tulips, it will be a rare sight in London. There’s so much to learn about tulips, and we hope our designs and inspirations will entice clients to fill their homes with the glory of tulips,”

For further information, please contact Lucinda Addison on: 020 7235 6469 or email neill@neillstrain.com.

Neill Strain Floral Couture
11 West Halkin Street
London SW1X 8JL

www.neillstrain.com

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Mon 19th Mar, 2012

LovebySusie launches new bridal headwear and veil collection

Bridal wear and lingerie designer LovebySusie has launched an exquisite collection of vintage inspired bridal head wear, including silk tulle veils, Juliet cap styles and hand beaded lace hairbands.

They include silk tulle full length and waist length veils, beautifully finished with delicate seed beads and lace trims, Juliet cap styles in vintage design lace and truly lovely lace hairbands, hand beaded with pearls and Swarovski crystals.

Designer, Susie McKenzie said: "I’m very excited about the new LovebySusie veils and headwear. The collection offers a gorgeous variety of truly unique, vintage styles for brides”.

I believe wedding veils are a quintessential element of the wedding ensemble. There’s nothing quite like a whisper of silk tulle to evoke a breathtaking air of romance. Veils are also so on trend at the moment with inspiration from the likes of 2011 brides Kate Middleton, Lily Allen and Kate Moss who all chose to wear cathedral length silk tulle veils with exquisite lace embellishments but with entirely different end looks”.

The new collection of wedding veils and hair accessories is also a natural development for the LovebySusie brand which already includes bridal lingerie, corsetry, garters, loungewear and silk eye masks”.

They particularly appeal to the modern, fashion aware bride, with a passion for luxury fabrics, sophisticated vintage design and unabashed pretty femininity. Every aspect of a LovebySusie bride’s wedding day ensemble is a careful consideration from her wedding veil to the hidden garter under her gown.

The Ebury Collection wedding blog. Photography copyright 2012 LovebySusie

LovebySusie designs also fit perfectly into the style for all things vintage, a trend that shows no signs of abating especially when it comes to bridal wear.

Describing the fabrics she carefully sources, Susie said: “I use some beautiful vintage lace pieces for limited edition designs, but I have also taken traditional leavers lace still produced in Nottingham today, which uses designs and lace making techniques that go as far back as the 18th Century and have combined the lace with the highest quality silk tulles and delicate hand beading to produce timeless, elegant Wedding veils and hair accessories that are truly unique".

Etta Vintage Lace Silk Juliet Cap Wedding Veil (above)
Perfect for the luxurious, vintage loving bride-to-be, a very romantic and beautiful delicate floor length cream silk tulle wedding veil with delicate lace Juliet cap attached and Nottingham Lace trim around entire veil edge over both layers. Etta is a limited edition style due to the vintage nature of the lace used. £405

Helena Beaded Lace Hairband with optional Gwyneth silk veil (above)
A truly unique design with beaded lace ribbons in a cross at the back and a lace ribbon at the front, which can be worn across the forehead or on top of the hair. The hairband is made from soft Nottingham Lace and decorated with delicate freshwater pearls and glass beads. £90

Gwyneth Lace Trim Silk Tulle Veil
An exquisite vintage inspired wedding veil with blusher in super soft delicate Ivory silk tulle with either cream or pale ivory Nottingham Lace trimming This silk tulle is beautifully soft and delicate, floating to the ground perfectly and the veil is available floor and waist length. From £210

Isabella Chantilly Lace Hairband (above)
The Isabella Lace Wedding Hairband is created from ivory French Chantilly lace with beautiful, very delicate scalloped edges, and then embellished by hand with Swarovski Crystals and glass pearl seed beads, tying at back with silk ribbon ties. £130

Larissa Lace Floral Hairband with optional Flower veil
Created from beautiful vintage design pale ivory Nottingham Lace , the hairband is embellished with hand cut silk organza, silk tulle and Nottingham Lace flowers which are finished each with a scattering of tiny ivory glass seed beads. The hairband is then finished with silk ribbon ties which tie at the base of the neck. £95

Larissa Silk Tulle Flower Veil
Ever so pretty and feminine, double layer veil with blusher and a fine pencil edge. The veil has then been beautifully decorated on both layers with hand cut silk organza, silk tulle and Nottingham Lace flowers which are finished each with a scattering of tiny ivory glass seed beads. £315

Liliana Lace Juliet Cap with optional Thyrza or Dianthe silk veil
A truly lovely wedding head piece for a vintage inspired wedding . In palest ivory or vintage cream, the shaped lace Juliet Cap is created from floral vintage design Nottingham Cluny Lace with beautiful scalloped edges which is hand beaded with Swarovski crystals or freshwater pearls and then finished with hand cut lace flowers at sides, a pretty feminine touch. £85

Thyrza and Dianthe Silk Tulle Veil
Beautiful silk wedding veils with a simple delicate sewn pencil edge available in super soft silk tulle (Dianthe) or in a slightly more crisp silk tulle (Thyrza) for a more voluminous effect and available in floor or waist length. From £205

Larissa Silk Tulle Flower Veil
Ever so pretty and feminine, double layer veil with blusher and a fine pencil edge. The veil has then been beautifully decorated on both layers with hand cut silk organza, silk tulle and Nottingham Lace flowers which are finished each with a scattering of tiny ivory glass seed beads. £315

Rosalie Beaded Lace Hairband with optional Charlotte veil (above)
A whimsical hair accessory with its naturalistic, Grecian feel, with lace leaves and organza petals. In soft cream vintage design Nottingham Lace in an unusual leaf design, the hairband has then been carefully hand beaded with Swarovski Crystals and glass seed beads. £95

Charlotte Beaded Silk Tulle Veil
In diaphanous soft silk tulle this veil is finished at edges with a truly beautiful combination of delicate Nottingham Lace Trim with tiny pearl glass seed beads for a hint of sparkle. In cream or ivory, floor and waist length. From £295

The entire collection of LovebySusie Wedding Veils and Hair Accessories is available exclusively to purchase online at: www.lovebysusie.co.uk

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Thu 23rd Feb, 2012

Sassi Holford's 2012 collection

I recently spent the day at The Designer Wedding Show in London and was delighted to get to meet leading designer Sassi Holford, who was exhibiting her new collection at the show.

Sassi creates classic wedding gowns with a contemporary edge. Her collection is about exquisite lines and sumptuous fabrics, which echo the bride’s own style. Nothing is spared in the structure and the detail to provide the renowned Sassi Holford cut and fit and all the gowns are handmade by her first class team in her studios in Somerset.

Although she is constantly designing for her international collections and for her runway shows, Sassi still takes most of her inspiration from her clients, “I love enhancing the female shape. Brides want to walk up the aisle feeling their most beautiful, and the right wedding dress can achieve that. It has to have a little bit of theatre!”

Sassi is very much a ‘less is more’ designer letting the flattering lines of her gowns speak for themselves, “Above all else, designing and making wedding gowns has to be a passion, and you must never forget the unique importance of her dress to every bride.”

Sassi Holford's signature gowns are available from selected stockists nationwide. For details of UK and Eire stockists, pop over to the Sassi Holford website.

The Ebury Collection wedding blog. Photography copyright 2012 Sassi Holford

Gown: Zoe

I asked about Sassi's inspiration behind her 2012 collection...

Sassi draws her inspiration from all around her, from fashion, textiles and interior design but above all from her brides and her desire to create their dream dress. For this collection she has returned to the 1950s and sourced textured fabrics like poult taffeta that give the designs a real presence and a feeling of luxury.

The re-emergence of the statement fashion accessory, such as hair pieces and costume jewelry, has been translated by Sassi into accent detailing. She uses belts, bows and tails enhanced by diamanté appliqué and brooches to provide her clients with the versatility to create a unique wedding dress. All in all, you have a stunning collection of gowns that will captivate and inspire.

Sassi's key trends for 2012 are...

- Sweetheart is the key neckline with eye-catching straps and flattering, fitted bodices creating impact.

- Dramatic skirt shapes are very important: fit with a very full flare, fishtail and ballgown - all these silhouettes emphasise the beauty of the female figure.

- The return of old fashioned values and modesty will make sleeves an important design focus but with the ability to convert the gown into a glamorous dress for the evening party.

Gown (left): Ingrid, Gown (right): Mia

Gown (left): Bella, Gown (right): Zara

The following designs are available exclusively from Sassi Holford's Chelsea boutique. Sassi's boutique quietly showcases her Couture Collection of classic, English wedding gowns with a contemporary edge. To make an appointment, call 020 7584 1532 or email london@sassiholford.com

Gown: Grace

Gown: Paola with shrug

Gown: Priscilla

Gown: Thea

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Mon 13th Feb, 2012

Treat yourself to 15% off a beautiful Victoria Fergusson piece

Victoria Fergusson's beautiful accessory collections are stocked in some of the most beautiful wedding boutiques around, including The Jenny Packham Accessories Boudoir, Allison Rodger designs, Stephanie Allin London and Luella’s Boudoir among others.  The great news is that brides can now also order direct via Victoria's fabulous new online boutique - www.victoriafergusson.co.uk.

To celebrate the launch Victoria is offering readers of The Ebury Collection, a 15% discount on orders placed before the end of February. Simply enter EBURY discount code when you check out.

Victoria also has some great advice a little further down the blog, for brides who might need a little help when it comes to choosing the perfect headdress for their wedding.

“I’m a hopeless romantic with a passion for old movies, old music and the history of Costume, I like to think my accessories evoke the romance and glamour associated with these things as they are a constant source of inspiration to me.”

Fascinated by beads and loving all things creative from a young age, it was no surprise Victoria Fergusson chose to study Costume and Make-up for the Performing Arts at The London College of Fashion. Becoming increasingly drawn to detail, whether it be the gemstones decorating an 18thC wig or the bead embroidery on a period costume, Victoria concentrated her talents in this area. Recognising through the planning of her own wedding that bridal fashion offered unlimited potential to indulge this passion, Victoria set about creating a collection of bridal hair accessories, belts and jewellery and started her own business.

“With my background in wig and hair dressing I understand how important it is for hair accessories to fit well and create my designs not only with beauty in mind but comfort and function too. Brides often tell me how comfortable they were wearing their accessories and that they almost forgot they were wearing anything on their special day.”

The Ebury Collection wedding blog. Photography copyright 2012 Victoria Fergusson

I asked Victoria about her inspirations... “Very often it’s the beautiful materials I use that inspire my designs, I surround myself with an array of Swarovski beads and gemstones, freshwater pearls and other trinkets. It's hard not to see patterns and shapes forming as they tumble out onto my beading mat. I also take inspiration from the history of costume, films, stars on the red carpet and my collection of books on the history of the tiara. The trouble is finding the time to work on all the ideas that come to mind. Often I'll do a quick sketch and put it aside until I can sit and work through it.

Brides inspire me too with their ideas, they see all my designs with fresh eyes and come up with combinations I might not otherwise have considered. Consultations often result in new design ideas, which is always exciting.”

Victoria's advice for brides is...

- to have an idea how you'd like to wear your hair when discussing and trying on hair accessories. Some items are very versatile and work in most styles while others can be more limiting, so it’s important to know your accessory choice and hairstyle choice will work perfectly together.

- less is more - there really is truth in the saying. Choose one accessory piece to be the focal point and co-ordinate with smaller items.

- pick up on embellishment on your gown or perhaps a piece of heirloom jewellery you intend to wear and use this to guide you on further accessory choices. Don't get too hung up on everything 'matching' perfectly, co-ordination is what's key.

- stay true to your personal style.

 

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