Choosing bridal jewellery always starts with the rings (obviously) but where do earrings come in your list of priorities?

Once you’ve decided on how you want your hair and whether to have a veil, a headpiece, flowers or a more traditional tiara, then you can pay more close attention to your ears.

Drop earrings are a stunningly simple yet very effective way of adding a bit of glitz and sparkle to your ensemble, especially if you choose to wear your hair up.

Here’s just some of my favourites from the new collections, I’d love to know which are yours and whether you would choose drops or something smaller…

Art Deco Earrings £90

St Tropez Headpiece, Art Deco Earrings

Nora Earrings £70

Charleston Band, Nora Earrings, Charleston Bracelet

Viva £160

Viva Worn

For brides-to-be looking for a vintage inspired wedding, the era most favoured this season is the 1920′s.

It was the birth of Hollywood, the rise of the glamorous movie starlets and the beginning of an incredibly influential fashion generation.

I love the 20′s for its pearls, ostrich feathers and t-bar shoes and you love it too.  Your favourite piece by far has to be the St Tropez headpiece by Stephanie Browne and I don’t blame you.

St Tropez Headpiece £399

St Tropez headpiece, Art Deco earrings

St Tropez Comb, Vivienne Bracelet, Imperial Bracelet, Peacock Earrings

There’s been so much going on behind the scenes of Queens and Bowl lately including some pretty gorgeous new photography of the spring/summer collection of vintage inspired wedding jewellery and accessories, which you can check out on the website and buy now!

The images come courtesy of the fabulously talented Kirstie McNulty who has truly captured the essence of Art Deco 1920s glamour,  the sophisticated chic of the 1950s and the delicate fragility of a bohemian lifestyle.

Paris Headpiece £450

Ambrosia

Cara

Art Deco

Beatrice

Cauldfield Band

Windsor

Would love to know what you think. Which is your favourite?

Kate x

Hopefully you enjoyed reading my 1920′s inspired wedding post recently, highlighting just a few ideas and suggestions if you are considering that particular era as a theme for your own bridal ensemble.

Next up is the 1930′s, a truly glamorous and sensuous time in the history of fashion. Think big bands, long satin gowns and a real influence by Hollywood starlets of the time like the incredibly stunning Joan Crawford.

Having a 1930′s wedding calls for some serious sophisticated glamour – brides can pull the look together with a sleek satin gown, sparkly heels (like Tess from Filippa Scott) and perhaps a contrasting Sasso feather shrug for full of Va Va Voom! For bridal jewellery focus on strong shapes and bold designs – the Art Deco movement was in full swing and was evident everywhere in the 1930′s including a brand new building in New York called the Empire State!  I LOVE this St Tropez Brooch from Stephanie Browne as a real statement piece.

Tess Shoes £100

Alaska Feather Bridal Jacket £250

Finally don’t forget to send me your wedding day photographs, especially if you have rocked a theme – you might see yourself on our real brides gallery!

Kate x

Hello, just little post today and again it’s one of my gorgous brides! This time it’s Katie, who wore the beautiful Minnelli marabou feather shrug by Sasso.

Katie chose the shrug as the final ‘missing piece’ of her wedding day look. I absolutely love Katie’s 1920s style wedding and think her beaded champagne satin shift dress and feather headpiece were unusual and therefore absolutely perfect for this classy, elegant and unique wedding celebration.

Katie in the fluffy Minnelli feather shrug by Sasso

Katie continued the nostalgic feel on her table settings too...

As these images by Annamarie Stepney show, with a little imagination and some great wedding accessories, you can really achieve a unique vintage look AND have the benefit of being able to wear the items again – especially when you incorporate totally flattering and wearable colours such as champagne!

The champagne colour of the shrug complemented Katie's beaded shift perfectly.

Shrugs are also perfect for keeping the chills off during outside photos and drinks receptions....

If you’re thinking of going for a similar look, why not take a leaf out of Katie’s book and add a pair of killer heels and a feather headpiece? Our beautiful wedding shoe range by Harriet Wilde is perfect as all of the shoes can be dyed to match any outfit and our little Tiffany feather headpiece is perfect for recreating a 1920s Art Deco feel.

Harriet Wilde wedding shoes can be dyed to match your outfit and feathers add a 1920s feel.

So if you dream of expressing your individuality on your wedding day and fancy wearing your wedding accessories again and again after the big day, consider alternatives to ivory and choose a pair of wedding shoes that can be dyed before or after your wedding. These photos are testament that you won’t regret it!

Express your individuality on your Big Day!

Thanks again to Annamarie Stepney for these amazingly beautiful images.

Kate. x

Morning! With wedding season well and truly up and running, you may be wondering what the key wedding accessory trends will be. One lady who keeps her eye on the ball is Louisa Shipstone, Assistant to British wedding dress designer Stuart Parvin - here’s her thoughts on the coming season:

“What a fantastically exciting year to be either planning a wedding or working in the industry – with not one but 2 royal weddings on the cards, and extra time off to enjoy them, the excitement of us wedding obsessives is reaching fever pitch!

So what accessory looks are going to be key for this oh-so-important year? Tiaras have long been the mainstay of bridal accessorising, but have been less popular of late, so will the royal wedding encourage a return to this classic bridal look? A more modern way to wear a tiara, which has proved enormously popular in recent years is to go for a side worn headpiece or headband, which sits slightly flatter on your head than a “classic” tiara. These work well with a variety of hair styles and gown designs. I love, love, love this look with a vintage inspired gown and in particular the Venus Tiara from Ivory and Co.

Side Tiaras are a new, modern alternative to traditional styles. L-R Cameo Side Tiara by Halo & Co, image by David Burke Photography, Louisa's choice, the Venus tiara by Ivory & Co

Birdcage veils are also going to be a key look for 2011 – flawless make up, a killer frock and a cute as hell cage veil give you a bridal but super-modern look. Much as I love the silhouette stretching capability of a full cathedral veil, there’s something irresistible about the way these gorgeous little things frame your face, and they look fantastic with retro inspired gowns in particular.  Go wild with a flower corsage or a filigree antique style motif..

Birdcage veils are super-flattering. L-R Pearl Bandeau Veil, image by David Burke Photography, Tea For Two veil by Madeline Isaac-James

A good way to thoroughly modernise your bridal look is to use statement jewellery. Cocktail rings, chunky bangles and inspiring statement necklaces pep up any outfit and bridal wear is no exception.

Wearing a fishtail gown? A statement necklace will balance out your silhouette brilliantly and bring the look bang up to date. A word of warning though – this is not the look to go for if your gown is huge or incredibly detailed, but can look utterly divine if styled with a gown that’s gorgeously simple, with pared down design detail and lovely clean lines.

Make a style statement with a really eyecatching piece of jewellery. L-R: Hayworth Madame Cuff by Stephanie Browne, Rosalie necklace by Madeline Isaac-James, Starlet Earrings by Justine M Couture.

One thing brides always worry about is that their photos will date if they slavishly follow a particular trend for their wedding. Whilst this can be true, if you want to go for the statement look, but keep it classic and timeless – there are some lovely bold pieces out there in pearls, diamante and with antique style filigree which give the wow factor, but still keep your look beautiful and bridal. The Astor Pearl necklace by Stephanie Browne is the perfect example.

The Astor Pearl Necklace is a classic and a statement in one!

Delicate and sparkly will always have its place in bridal fashion, but why not layer up lots of pretty bracelets for that statement impact? Different shapes, designs and materials can complement each other superbly as well as being beautiful pieces in their own right –  why chose just one ?!  Take your cue from the variety of gorgeous stacking rings around at the moment and do the same for your wrists… try combining the Hayworth and Madison bracelets from Stephanie Browne, or the Vivienne and Audrey for an art deco vibe.

I can’t leave this piece without mentioning the most beautiful bridal shoes – in gorgeously soft suede and with the cutest bow in the world perching on the toe the Marylin shoe from Rachel Simpson will not only give you ‘good foot’ on your wedding day, but are versatile enough to wear with a huge variety of “normal” clothes… the only trouble you might have is deciding between the teal and mink colourways… but you could always make like Helena Bonham Carter and wear one of each ….

The most beautiful wedding shoes EVER! The Marilyn shoes by Rachel Simpson

My thanks go again to Louisa Shipstone for giving me her thoughts and images from David Burke Photography. So why not take one of these trends and make it your own – you won’t regret it!

Kate. x

If you’re searching for a really unusual, vintage-inspired wedding headpiece, then one of Jo Barnes’ designs could be just what you’re looking for. Her bridal side tiaras and combs are hand-made by Jo herself in her home in the south of England and take influence from the 1920s and 1930s. Here Jo told me a bit more about her business and designs….

Jo Barnes - The lady herself!

1. First of all, could you briefly describe your business and ethos?

Jo Barnes Vintage is my wonderful vintage headdress and accessory business, which I set up after creating my very own bouquet and headdress for our wedding in 2009 with my Nana’s vintage jewellery. All items are hand crafted using the finest materials. It was my mission to create accessories for brides that they will be able to wear again and again and not just on their wedding day. You can choose from an original vintage “one off” piece if you are after something unique or a vintage inspired piece, which-ever you choose you will be sure to sparkle like a Hollywood starlet….

2. Can you describe a typical working day? What do you like / dislike the most?

No day is the same, that’s what I love about it. I get to meet and talk to lovely brides to be and I get to design and create pretty sparkly things, what more can a girl want!!!  I love what I do the only downside is the state of my fingers (nothing a good manicure can’t fix…)

3. Who would be your dream client and why? What do you think they’d choose to wear?

My dream client??? Ummm (I’m really not sure to be honest) It would be really fab to have a famous person wear one of my creations but all my brides are a dream to work with, I can honestly say I haven’t yet had to deal with one bridezilla….

4. What’s the most unusual request you’ve had from a bride-to-be?

No unusual requests so far, I do get brides asking me to copy other designers work, my reply to that “If you want to wear a creation by another designer then go and purchase it from them”

The beautiful Audrey side tiara and Rhea comb

5. What’s your greatest achievement of your career to date?

The greatest achievement for me is just how quickly my business has grown, it really has been incredible and I cannot thank my brides enough and also the lovely Annabel at Lovemydress who helped me get to where I am now…

6. What’s the most memorable thing you’ve seen at a wedding as a guest?

Our good friend married an Italian lady, they had a traditional Italian wedding and I can honestly say I have never seen so much food, it was unbelievable…. My husband and I had what we thought was the main meal and was totally full and that was just the starter, there were 4 more courses after that and then they had a BBQ!!! It was unreal but it was such a beautiful wedding it was like being on a movie set… and in the evening they had a huge pool party, just fabulous…

7. What are the overriding trends we’ll see in your next collection?

1920’s inspired headdresses, with lots of pearls…

Unusual designs in the form of Etta and Mirta Side Tiaras

8. What advice would you give to a bride-to-be starting her search for a headpiece?

I always tell my brides to “Choose your wedding gown first” this will avoid extra spending when you realise the headdress you bought doesn’t match your gown…  It’s also a good idea to have an idea of how you would like to wear your hair on the day, and this will help decide whether you have a comb or headband and if you have pearls or crystals in your gown try and incorporate these in your headdress as this will compliment the gown.

9. What career path would you have taken if you weren’t a designer?

I always wanted to open my own tea shop, I adore baking, which is what I do when I get a bit of spare time, I love to be in my kitchen with my music blaring out whilst making yummy cakes…I’d like to think that’s what I would have been doing now if I wasn’t a headdress designer…

10. What would you do if you won the Euro Millions?!

Create headdresses with real diamonds….

~~~

Ooh – real diamonds?! I’ll take one of those! If you do choose one of Jo’s gorgeous designs, make sure you check out Rachel Simpson‘s beautiful range of vintage wedding shoes – just perfect for Jo’s Art Deco designs!

Kate x

Good morning! I’ve been thinking of doing a Wallis Simpson style blog post for some time now, and with Colin Firth winning a much-deserved Golden Globe last night for his role as King George VI (who became king after his brother, Edward VIII abdicated to marry the divorcee Wallis) in The King’s Speech, I thought it was very appropriate.

Wallis Simpson on her wedding day in 1937. Image: Rex Features

The infamous Wallis Simpson, known for her chic and glamorous style during the 1930s and 1940s is inspiring a huge amount of brides at the moment. In fact, the uber-stylish and trend-setting David Fielden even named one of his glamorous satin wedding dresses after her (see image below) – and you can see why, as it definitely mimmicks her slim-fitted, nipped-waist dress with draped bust section.

Get Wallis' style for your wedding day with a statement brooch and pearls. Image: David Fielden

If you’re after a Wallis Simpson vintage wedding day look then focus on her signature accessories: in terms of wedding jewellery, Wallis was hardly ever seen without an eyecatching statement brooch, so a sparkly Swarovski or quartz crystal wedding brooch is vital. She was also a fan of stud or cluster earrings rather than dangle earrings, so go for pearls or a pearl / crystal combination. For wedding shoes choose an elegant peep-toe with a nod to 1930s Deco design.

Wallsi Simpson also loved to flaunt wealth with her stylish pearl necklaces, so choose a slick multi-row piece for maximum opulence and finish off the glamour with a 1930s Art Deco bridal comb set amongst your finger wave curls!

I recommend:

Venetia wedding shoes by Rachel Simpson

Waterlilly Pearl bridal earrings by Ivory & Co

St Tropez wedding brooch by Stephanie Browne

Rhea bridal comb by Jo Barnes

Tabitha wedding brooch by Stephanie Browne

Astor Swarovski Pearl Necklace by Stephanie Browne

A slick of red lipstick and you’re good to go!

Kate. xx

In amongst all the pre-Christmas rush, you may not have noticed that quite a few new wedding accessories designers have come on board at Queens & Bowl Wedding Accessories. One of these such brands was no-less than the amazingly talented Jo Barnes, with her Jo Barnes Vintage headdress collection.

I’m really excited to have Jo’s work as part of my collection after being a fan for quite some time after seeing her very own wedding on Love My Dress. Married at the Fairmont in Banff, Canada, Jo started on her accessory designing career by creating her very own vintage bridal bouquet from her grandmother’s antique jewellery, plus pearls and cufflinks from other relatives. Already a huge fan of the 1930s era, she started designing and creating bouquets and headpieces for other brides-to-be using genuine vintage pieces.

The gorgeous Audrey headpiece by Jo Barnes

As well as genuine one-off items, Jo has now branched out into designing vintage-inspired items, based on classic 1920s, 1930s, 1940s and 1950s designs. And the good news is that Jo’s bridal headpieces, side tiaras and wedding hair combs they are now available at Queens & Bowl. All of Jo’s are created with the following features:

• The finest materials, including Swarovski crystals and Swarovski crystal pearls
• Light, flexible bands for a comfortable fit and easy re-shaping around your chosen hairstyle
• Silver or gold-plated bases for extra twinkle!
• Some headbands are also covered with satin ribbon in either ivory (for blondes) or brown (for readheads / brunettes) to help the band become invisible against your hair, making the adornment even more of a statement.
• Finally, Jo’s designs come in GORGEOUS packaging

The seriously glam Etta and Mirta bridal headpieces.

I’m so glad to have Jo on board – please check out her range now for some gorgeous and inspiring pieces!

Kate. xx

As I hope you may know, Queens & Bowl have just launched a brand new range of accessories by Madeline Isaac-James. They’re the perfect match for her glamorous gowns, many of which have a distinct vintage feel.

The lady behind the stunning designs is Paula Marsh, owner and designer at The Vintage Sparkle Company, known for its gorgeous one-off original vintage pieces. Here I chat to Paula about her collaboration with Madeline Isaac-James and the brand-new vintage inspired range of wedding tiaras, headpieces and necklaces…..

Paula Marsh - Designer behind the brand new Madeline Isaac-James accessories range.

1. First of all, could you briefly describe your business and ethos?

I’m Paula Marsh and I run The Vintage Sparkle Company. I also design an exclusive collection of vintage inspired headpieces & jewellery for designer Madeline Isaac James. In my business I make headpieces from entirely vintage pieces but Natalie from MIJ asked me to design a vintage inspired range that could be made available to every bride. I still wanted to make each piece unique its in own way so I’ve included an original vintage pearl in every piece for a brides special something ‘old’ and also a small blue crystal for their something ‘blue’.

2. Can you describe a typical working day? What do you like / dislike the most?

First thing in the morning I update my job board, then I spend half an hour sorting emails and updating twitter. The rest of my day I am completing orders, photographing new pieces, updating the web site and talking to shops that stock the headpieces. I love designing new pieces so my favourite part of the day is working on new designs.

I can’t think of a part I dislike I’d just like a few more hours in the day please!!

3. Who would be your dream client and why? What do you think they’d choose to wear?

My dream client would be Florence Welch form Florence And The Machine.  Seeing one of my headpieces up on stage would be fantastic. I think that she would choose the Charleston Headband to sit at the front of her head and it looks fantastic under stage lights.

Would Florence Welch rock the Charleston headpiece? We think so!

4. What’s the most unusual request you’ve had from a bride-to-be?

To make a headpiece that included the Arsenal logo. A request that was slightly mad but  I did fulfil.

5. What’s your greatest achievement of your career to date?

My first front cover was a milestone for me, it was the Rosalie headband and she looked fantastic. I hope to achieve lots more of my milestones next year.

The Rosalie headpiece got Paula her first magazine cover!

6. What’s the most memorable thing you’ve seen at a wedding as a guest?

I went to a friend’s wedding, during the hymns the vicar was having sneaky sips from his hip flask, then he started slurring the service and during the final hymn he fell asleep, the groom had to nudge him to wake him up. Luckily he delivered a very memorable service and we all still laugh about it with our friends 9 years on!!

7. What are the overriding trends we’ll see in your next collection?

Obviously I am really inspired by vintage and antique jewellery so I think that this will be a continuing trend. For the next collection I will work closely with Natialie again to see which direction her dress collection is taking and I will adopt some of those themes through the accessory collection. I think big statement pieces will be a major trend in 2011.

8. What advice would you give to a bride-to-be starting her search for a headpiece?

Look, look and look some more, find a headpiece that like your fiancé you completely fall in love with. There are no rules on what you ‘have’ to wear, find something that you love and it’s bound to suit you and your personality.

9. What career path would you have taken if you weren’t a designer?

Before I was a designer I used to be an accountant, but thankfully I was able to give up the accountancy to do something I love. Other then that I would have loved to have gone into Law.

10. Finally, what would you do if you won the Euro Millions?!

Oh that would be fun, I would buy a beautiful collection of stunning diamonds set them in platinum and make a spectacular headpiece, which could then be auctioned off for my favourite charity.

Aww, what a sweetie? I absolutely love Paula’s new collection for Madeliane Isaac-James – let me know what you think!

Kate. x