Posts Categorized: Aisle Style

Topshop Personal Shopping – Perfect Honeymoon Spree!

Posted by & filed under Aisle Style, Bridesmaid, Fashion + Style, Shopping.

I’m not going to lie, I’m a teeny weeny bit nervous about this post, mainly as it contains me which I’m slightly less keen on. However, I hope you enjoy it, although I can’t promise I’ll be making a regular habit of the whole ‘street style’ posing thing!

A week ago I was excited to be invited along to none other than Topshop HQ at Oxford Circus to experience the Topshop Personal Shopping service. I will admit that although I was aware of this service, for a number of reasons [such as budget, and well body confidence] I’d previously dismissed it thinking it was only for the socialites and the very gorgeous. Well, I’ll happily admit I was so very wrong!

Topshop Personal Shopping provides the ultimate luxury service on the high street. All their appointments are totally free of charge, with no minimum spend. The Personal Shoppers offer quick updates on the latest trends, access to the new Topshop collections and designer collaborations, or complete wardrobe overhauls. You can book an appointment at the end of the post and there’s an exclusive offer for London Bride readers too!

 

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Topshop Personal Shopping1 – Yellow Lemon Bandeau Bikini / 2 – Neon Rhinestone Bling Collar / 3 – Lip Paint in Low Down / 4 – Caged Mesh Underwire Bra / 5 – Yellow Dip Dye Trim Sundress 

The main reason I went along was to experience the ‘Honeymooner Appointment’ which Topshop outlines as “You’ve slaved away for months (years, even) planning the wedding of your dreams; all you need now is a whole new celebratory wardrobe, think hen weekend, bridesmaids dresses and the all important Honeymoon! Something new is part of the tradition after all. Thankfully, our expert Personal Shoppers will ensure you look stylish as you sail off into the sunset.”

The Honeymooner Appointment would be particularly welcome at a time when you are nearing the wedding I can only imagine what a welcome relief it is to have someone else do the thinking for once and have everything under one roof – one less thing to worry about!

As well as offering the  honeymoon service the experience would be equally useful if you are a guest at a wedding and are looking for an outfit to wow and it’s even perfect for brides and her girls who may be looking for contemporary high-street bridesmaid options, especially with their exclusive ranges meaning you’re unlikely to have a faux-pas situation where your bridesmaids are in the same dress as a guest!

I love the mix of bright pastels and metallic accessories for contemporary chic bridesmaids…

Topshop Personal Shopping

1 - Limited Edition Lace Maxi Dress / 2 - Premium Rhinestone Spike Earrings / 3 - Limited Edition Chiffon Bodice Skater Dress / 4 - Strappy Lace Prom Dress / 5 - GWENDA Pointed Courts / 6 - Broderie Dress by Unique

It’s always nice to have a fresh outfit for a wedding, especially if the group of friends are the same – mix it up with peaches and cream whether it’s a maxi dress or a sleek suit with statement jewellery and a cute clutch…

Topshop Personal Shopping1 – Premium Knitted Chain Collar / 2 - Limited Edition Chiffon Bodice Maxi Dress / 3 – Limited Edition Organza Embroidered Dress / 4 – Colour Block Clean Clutch

Well despite it being slightly unfortunate timing what with the fact I have zero holidays coming up my Topshop Personal Shopping appointment was still a lot of fun and I came away with a couple of stylish summer items! My personal shopper Michelle was lightening quick at sourcing items in my size or in requested colours and it was great to have her creative eye for teaming accessories and thinking outside the box a bit – something I just don’t have the ability to do. I’m always in a hurry when I’m shopping and have no time to think about what shoes go with what or how the hell to put a capsule wardrobe together – but both of these are something that the service really can help with. It’s great to have someone else’s opinion on what looks good as sometimes we get stuck in a rut [erm skinny jeans, breton top and blazer anyone?].

Well I couldn’t come away empty handed could I, so here are a few items that I picked up from my appointment courtesy of Topshop – please excuse the practically see-through skin tone – I’m very much in need of some vitamin D!

Topshop Personal ShoppingAlthough at first I was unsure about rocking a jumpsuit and one is such a bright pattern, this Leaf Print Jumpsuit is so comfy and nice and cool for when it decides to warm up [ahem] that I’m now convinced – hoping to where this at the first sign of summer after all it’s so cheerful!

Topshop Personal ShoppingMy wardrobe seems to be growing with luminosity these days and that’s thanks in part to more and more neon items. This super bright Pleat Dip Hem Dress with high-lo pleated skirt is bang on trend at the moment and there’s no shying away in a crowd in this one – great addition to a honeymoon wardrobe too, just add a tan! The GWENDA Pointed Courts are the most perfect shade of sky blue [perfect even for your 'something blue' perhaps!]. I couldn’t resist adding a touch of gold with the Metal Track Collar too.

Topshop Personal Shopping

Every girl should have a pair of patterned trousesrs in her wardrobe this summer and these Geo Print Joggers are the perfect fit. Flattering and fun and teamed with a classic Sheer Panel Vest in black it’s an easy go-to outfit.

So – to tempt you into a little shopping spree [oh come on, as if you needed an excuse!!] an exclusive offer to London Bride readers that book in a Topshop Personal Shopping appointment from 23rd May-23rd July quoting ‘London Bride’ will get a glass of Champagne and a free wedding make-up kit with 3 pieces of Topshop Make Up – as if shopping could get much more fun! You can click here to book in an appointment or call 0844 243 5544, and Eire 1 800 535570. 

Topshop Personal Shopping is available in the following stores:  London Oxford Circus | London Knightsbridge | London White City | Manchester Arndale | Manchester Trafford | Liverpool | Leeds | Glasgow | Edinburgh | Dublin.

So be kind about the outfits, and let me know if you plan to book an appointment or perhaps have been already – would love to hear your experiences!

*The gift will be given to you during the appointment. One make up gift per person.

Tobi Hannah – Modern Classic Wedding Dresses

Posted by & filed under Aisle Style, Bridal Fashion.

Tobi Hannah 50s Tea Length Dress

Hope you all had a lovely bank holiday weekend, whether that was relaxing in the sunshine (shock horror) or doing some wedmin things! Mine was spent on boring house DIY bits and pieces which let me tell you wasn’t exactly relaxing! Needs must though…

Anyway, when I spotted a previous London Bride wearing a cute short 60s inspired dress I thought how often I read or hear of brides not wanting something too fancy, or big or traditional. If that sounds like you, then you must check out bridal designer Tobi Hannah who is renowned for tea length and short wedding dress collections. Fusing classic inspiration but with a modern twist – these designs are flirty, fun and dare I say it practical! Great for the runaway bride or for someone just looking for something a little more fashion-led and fun for their big day. The dresses with traditional touches such as lace, brocade or boatneck necklines are fused with high hemlines, ruffles, floral elements and a little bit of cheekiness (especially those with the plunging necklines!). Perfect to inject a bit of individuality into your wedding and at a very affordable price with the range starting from £600!

Tobi Hannah Bratt Short Wedding DressBratt - £600-800

Sleeveless high neck scalloped hem lace short wedding dress with rose petal belt at natural waist

Tobi Hannah Dawson Blush and Ivory Lace Wedding DressDawson (Blush & Ivory) – £801-1000

Blush or Ivory Pink Tea Length lace v neck wedding dress with three quarter sleeves, full 1950s style skirt and satin underlay

Tobi Hannah Running Wedding DressRunning – £800-1000

Short to Long Wedding dress featuring a sweetheart neckline, ruched taffeta bodice, and all over satin rose applique on arched hem skirt

Tobi Hannah Illusion Boat Neck Wedding DressIllusion – £801-1000

Boat neck satin short wedding dress with contrast brocade skirt layer and band

Haruki Wedding Dress by Tobi HannahHaruki – £600-800

Deep V Neck blush pink and ivory ruched chiffon short wedding dress with black contrast chiffon band at waist

Tobi Hannah Julianna Wedding DressJulianna – £600-800

Deep V Neck ruched chiffon short wedding dress with lace modesty panel and arched tiers on skirt

Tobi Hannah 50s Tea Length DressTai – £801-1000

Boat neck tea length wedding dress with brocade bodice and satin full skirt

Tobi Hannah has a central London studio where you can make an appointment, or check here for stockists. I’d love to hear if you are a Tobi Hannah bride or if you are thinking about a short dress. Good for dancing and showing off the shoes, that’s for sure!

Jenny Packham – SS14 Exclusive – Belle Epoque Collection

Posted by & filed under Aisle Style, Bridal Fashion, Fashion + Style.

Jenny Packham Rose Spring Summer 14 Collection

Like most bridal bloggers [and in fact brides] I’m a huge fan of Jenny Packham’s designs, above is the ‘Rose’ from the new SS14 collection and you can just tell it’s a JP, no? There is no denying that when there is a wedding with a Jenny Packham bride you just know it’s going to be beautiful. The girls that choose this renowned designer [who is also favoured by the likes of Dita von Teese and Kate Middleton], are swept away by the epitome of the stylish modern bride that they represent – in the sea of bridal gowns, rather than something poufy [for want of a better word], showy or over the top these dresses radiate classic understated elegance, and that’s why they are just so popular.

Here’s an exclusive look at the new SS14 collection inspired by the Belle Époque era. The creamy shades of ivory, champagne and magnolia and the delicate beading on these dresses are designed for the more modern but chic bride and the slightly sheer fabrics and exposed backs make them just that little bit more va va va voom. I’ve selected a few of my favourite gowns from this new collection – I think the Belle Magnolia tops it for me, the beautiful sheer dusky fabric, and off the shoulder is just so wonderfully romantic.

Jenny Packham Florence and Carine SS14 Jenny Packham Belle Magnolia SS14Jenny Packham Molly and Utopia SS14Jenny Packham Kitty and Tilly SS14Jenny Packham Amour SS14

Jenny Packham Summer and Daphne SS14From Top Left: Florence / Carine / Rose / Belle Magnolia / Molly / Utopia / Amour / Kitty / Tilly / Summer / Daphne

Jenny Packham’s 2014 Bridal Collection is inspired by the Belle Époque era of the early 20th Century. A statement of romantically soft, feminine design, the collection encapsulates the spirit of Edwardian style and the Art Nouveau movement which defined it.

The Belle Epoque or ‘beautiful era’ transformed fashion, abandoning restrictive corsetry and creating the flowing silhouette ever since associated with the Age of Elegance. Intricate, light beading, delicate embellishment and clean, understated silhouettes play homage to an Edwardian inspiration, whilst romantically volumous ballerina skirts, graceful tulle sleeves and elegantly exposed backs bring to mind a very modern bride, evoking scenes of a chic European destination wedding.

Available in ivory, champagne and magnolia, luxurious silk mikado, sumptuous draped chiffons and exquisite French lace are adorned with delicate silk flowers and twinkling crystals in a spectrum of antique metallic silvers and champagnes.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the new collection, or if you are going to be a chic Jenny Packham bride!

Decade Of Style Collection by Charlotte Balbier

Posted by & filed under Aisle Style, Bridal Fashion, Fashion + Style.

charlottebalbier_decadeofstyle_0002

As she enters her 10th anniversary as a leading British designer, Charlotte Balbier has launched her latest collection ‘Decade of Style’. This new collection is a celebration of style and grace and is perfect for the bride looking for that Old Hollywood elegant style. Love the back of the ‘Beaullea’ above and oh so perfect teamed with the red lips!

I love the inclusion of metallic accents which provide subtle but a sophisticated edge, and the gowns are so full of texture and detail that they provide an indulgent elegance. I’ve seen many a Balbier bride in the past, and Charlotte really does do gowns that fit like a dream, whether it’s a slim fitting cap sleeved dress or a more romantic skirt with clouds of tulle, they are all rather beautiful and will no doubt make you feel amazing. I’ll hand over to the romantic notions behind each of the designs, written by Charlotte herself for you to indulge in some romance for five minutes…

charlottebalbier_decadeofstyle_0003Above: ‘Belle’

“A woman has got to love a bad man once or twice in her life, to be thankful for a good one.” 

With the elegance and bountiful beauty to that of a princess, with a presence so powerful she could sink a thousand ships; Belle has elegance and a style that captures the romance of the Renaissance era and an old fashioned love to compliment her grace. She fell for him like no-one had ever fallen before, captured by his essence and drawn to him right from her core. This was a soul found love that bound with a never ending story.

charlottebalbier_decadeofstyle_0004Above: ‘Beaullea’

“Adornment, what a science. Beauty, what a weapon. Modesty, what elegance!”

Embellished with a wealth of achingly deep affection, she is encased in an air of admiration from her love, radiating through her she shines a silver brighter than a star of clear night. Confident in her sweetheart, Beaullea is poised and self assured as she dreamt of a love like this, a profound love, and now in the midst of a fantasy like daze she is creating her own story, with a an ending more than perfect and with feelings no words can describe.

charlottebalbier_decadeofstyle_0005Above: ’Libby’

“Love is above all, the gift of oneself” 

In-between a halo of blush pink blossom they fell, deep into a summer of love like no other. An indulgent romance of an unconditional kind, just like the fairy-tale dreamt of many before her, Libby’s smile was voluminous and vibrant an obvious show of a woman in love. This tender love she holds is the kind to be wrapped up in an abundance of layers, layers of soft cloud like tulle to protect it from the forces of the world surrounding it.

charlottebalbier_decadeofstyle_0001Above: ‘Boudicia & Holly’

“If you love two people at the same time, choose the second one, because if you really loved the first one you wouldn’t have fallen for the second” 

A love so strong no-one can take it away, a willing and a bursting anxiety to please but who should she become? Which girl inside of her does he long for, the maze of games is a consuming tunnel and it’s only she who can decide. In a race to find herself; the fire mane adorned with siren lace? Boudicia is a lover so vivid she captures his imagination. Or the subtle mysterious beauty of Holly? So intriguing she holds a powerful energy over his dynamic ways. A decision of endless love is a painful one to make.

There is also a fantastic competition running to win 2 accessory pieces from the  ‘A Decade Of Style’ collection, with luxury jewellery brand Molly B. To be in with a chance of winning and capturing the femininity and delicate details of the bygone era with these art deco inspired pieces from Charlotte Balbier and Molly B worth over £600 simply add your details here on the site for the chance to win this exclusive prize!

To see more of Charlotte Balbier’s designs and to find stockists visit her website: www.charlottebalbier.com