There are some beautiful trends coming through for brides-to-be planning their wedding in 2012.

One that caught my eye recently is the gorgeous ballerina hemline that is making an appearance in wedding dresses this season. Bridal gown designer and owner of Madeline Isaac James, Natalie Gladman has kindly given permission for me to showcase some of her brand new season designs, these beauties are also available in full length.

Kat by Madeline Isaac James

‘Kat’ – silk satin gown with silk organza sleeves, and covered silk satin buttons all the way down back from the top of the bodice to the hem.

Jasmine by Madeline Isaac James

‘Jasmine’ – silk organza gown with detachable beaded halter-neck straps, featuring silk organza roses on bodice and at hem (each individual rose has Swarovski crystals in centre)

Chantal by Madeline Isaac James

‘Chantal’ – tulle strapless gown with sweetheart neckline.  Vertical lines made up of thousands of Swarovski crystals on the gown, and available with a matching tulle jacket with ¾ length sleeves and Swarovski crystal detail.

To rock the ballerina hemline, shoes most definitely need to be sky-high. They finish the look perfectly and accentuate a fabulous pair of legs.  I’ve put together just a few of the most divine wedding shoes from Rachel Simpson and Harriet Wilde for you to get all giddy about.

Marina Peep Toe Lace £199.99 - Harriet Wilde

Marilyn Red £160 - Rachel Simpson

Gardenia Wedding Shoes £374.99 - Harriet Wilde

Talullah Ivory £170 - Rachel Simpson

I love nothing more than to hear back from a Queens and Bowl bride after her wedding day.  To see a photograph of your chosen piece of bridal jewellery or vintage inspired accessories, fills me with pride and joy!

Anna and Kevin

The beautiful Anna and her handsome new hubbie Kevin, were kind enough to send me these images captured on their day. Anna tied the knot  back in March in London’s Chelsea registry office followed by a glitzy party at the Ritz Hotel!

Anna chose the Minnelli shrug to complete her vintage bridal look and was absolutely thrilled with her purchase.

Here are some more photographs from the happy couple for you to enjoy…

Anna wears Minnelli Feather Shrug

Anna and Kevin

Anna wears the Minnelli Feather Shrug

Anna and Kevin

There are just two more sleeps until Father Christmas arrives and we all take a well-earned festive break with friends and family.

Things are going to be even more joyous than usual in the Queens and Bowl household with the arrival of our new baby daughter, who joined our happy family this month, so with that in mind we raise a glass to you and wish you a Very Very Merry Christmas, a Successful and Happy New Year and All the Very Best of Luck if you are getting married over the Christmas holiday.

Join me back on the blog after Christmas for more vintage-inspired treats.

Kate x

Every so often on the blog I will be highlighting one of the designers that features in the Queens and Bowl boutique, showcasing just some of the gorgeous wedding accessories available and telling you a little bit more about them.

First in my Designer Showcase is Madeline Isaac James.

Katharina - The Madeline Isaac James 2012 Collection

Natalie, who named her company after her three children, designs exquisite and elegant bridal gowns, using fabrics such as lace, silk chiffons, taffeta, organza, satin and Swarovski crystals. She has also created a collection of wedding tiaras, necklaces and veils to accompany her wedding dresses, here is a few of my favourites but don’t forget, if you see a Madeline Isaac James piece that is not on the website, let us know and we’ll source it for you.

Annabelle Side Tiara £135

Charleston Wedding Headpiece £175

Daisy Bridal Tiara £135

Rosalie Pearl Side Tiara £170

Rosalie Wedding Necklace £140

Star Dust Side Tiara £135

Tea for Two Veil £125

When deciding on your wedding day ‘look’, don’t make the mistake often made by brides-to-be – becoming someone you’re not!

What I’m trying to say is…don’t opt for a strapless gown if you know your body type suits something with sleeves; don’t spend a year growing your hair and then have it scraped back off your face in a serious beehive; don’t go overboard on your make-up if you are a natural beauty.

The same applies for wedding shoes. It might seem obvious but I’ve met plenty of brides who crave a pair of killer heels for their big day, only to make it as far as the trip back down the aisle and then dump them for bare feet.  There’s nothing wrong with wearing a pair of five inch platform divas if that’s what you normally do, but if you are usually a low heel girl, then stick with what you do best and enjoy your whole day complete with beautiful wedding shoes.

Want some vintage-inspired, low-heel wedding shoe inspiration?

Marcie Shoes £179.99

Anya Ivory pair £155

Queenie Shoes £95

Isabella pair £160

Thinking of a ’40s wedding? Then think full-on femme fatale glamour, with deep V-necks, rounded shoulders and nipped-in waists. Think fitted bodices with full skirts and pearl bridal accessories.

Tilly Ivory pair £145

Eva pair £150

Shoes can be peep-toe with perhaps a jewel embellishment like Tilly or Eva from Rachel Simpson Shoes and teamed with a fabulous feather stole by Sasso.

Streisand Feather Bridal Stole £95

Pick one piece of wedding jewellery to make the ultimate statement – I love this amazing crystal choker by Halo & Co.

Crystal Choker £175

Being able to wear your wedding jewellery again and again after the big day is such a joy and is sure to bring back fabulous memories from your big day.

But wearing your tiara to work or an heirloom to the supermarket is probably not the easiest thing to do!

A delicate, vintage brooch on the other hand, is the perfect accessory for any outfit long after your gown has been cleaned and put back in its cover. A simple but gorgeous finishing touch to your winter coat, scarf or even hat and the perfect accessory to a work suit, an evening dress or even an embellishment to brighten up a favourite, old handbag.

Here’s a few of my favourites for any budget…

Victoriana Brooch £20

Tabitha Brooch £175

Pearl Flower Brooch - £20

Crystal Brooch £20

Kate x

“Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, how I wonder what you are.”

If you’re looking for the perfect gift this Christmas and need some twinkly inspiration, then look no further than the simply beautiful vintage inspired jewellery from our friends Ivory & Co.

Ivory & Co pieces feature the finest Austrian crystals, freshwater and cultured pearls on rhodium or silver covered bases to produce a range of designs from understated chic to dramatic glamour and I’ve gathered together just a few sparkling stocking fillers for you to choose from, but there are many more tiaras, necklaces, bracelets, brooches and earrings on the website.

Imperial Bracelet £60

Imperial Earrings £40

Lotus Comb £90

Crystal Brooch £20

Waterlilly Pearl Necklace £60

Enjoy!

Kate x

What’s that sound I hear? The combined tearing open of the first day on your advent calendar? Well yes of course. But that other sound, the gasping one, the ooh-ing and aah-ing. It must mean one thing…even more beautiful new vintage-inspired wedding accessories for you to look at on the website!

Fancy a sneaky peek at them?

Halo & Co - Chloe Tiara £160

Justine M Couture - Nora Earrings £70

Justine M Couture - Victoria Necklace £180

Jo Barnes - Gracie Side Tiara £230

Sasso - Alaska Feather Bridal Jacket £250

Sasso - Streisand Feather Bridal Stole £95