Hello blog readers – just a little blog post this time. I just wanted to say how happy it makes me when my brides send in photos of them wearing their Queens & Bowl wedding accessories on their big day. Whether it’s a statement headpiece, just-right vintage wedding shoes or the perfect finishing touch bridal earrings, it really makes me smile when I get those emails!

So imagine how smug I felt when I received an email today from Oonagh, a bride that I helped out with a gorgeous pearl comb headpiece by Halo & Co. Oonagh had sent me the most gorgeous photos from her wedding – how amazing does she look!

Oonagh wearing the beautiful Rosemary bridal comb by Halo & Co. Images: www.abacaphotography.com

Oonagh wanted a sleek,  not overtly ‘bridal’ look and I think she pulled it off amazingly. The balance between old school vintage glamour and contemporary chic is perfect and the Rosemary comb looks just as stunning as any traditional veil. Her David Fielden ‘Wallis Simpson’ dress was the perfect choice for the sleek but glam look and the finishing touches of red lips and and a vintage coiff were inspired!

The Rosemary Comb by Halo & Co

I’ll be proudly adding a photo or two from Oonagh to my ‘Happy Brides’, which is currently under construction!

Kate. x

All wedding imagery courtesy of Ciaran Duignan at www.abacaphotography.com

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

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

Are you counting down to a winter wedding this year? Or maybe the early snow this year has inspired you to plan a wedding for next winter? Whatever the case, if you stick to a few simple rules, you’ll be guaranteed to look like a  snow queen rather than be mistaken for a Christmas tree…

1. If you’re going for a twinkly dress with lots of embellishment, resist the urge to turn yourself into a human snowflake with sparkles elsewhere. A couple of hair pins or a dainty bracelet will be just right and prevent your guests from needing sunglasses or mistaking you for a glitter ball.We have some great hair pins by Rachel Simpson and some beautiful Swarovski crystal wedding bracelets by Stephanie Browne.

2. On the otherhand, if you want to make a real style statement with a knock-out headpiece, make sure your dress complements (rather than fights with) your accessories. Raw silk and plain taffeta are perfect as they ooze luxury and quality. This leaves you free to run wild with a big, head-turning number. We have some amazing frosty-inspired headpieces from Jo Barnes Vintage and Madeline Isaac-James.

L-R from top: Valenica stole, Astor brooch, Sparkle shoe clips, Astor earrings, Balboa side tiara, Prague cape, Monique shoe boots, Fleur shoes, Westwood bracelet, Star Dust side tiara

3. Wrap up warm against the biting cold with cosy but chic feather shrug, cape or stole. These are also ideal for bridesmaids who often have to spend an hour or so out in the cold, shivering, having photos without the benefit of the adrenalin rush that tends to keep brides warm! Our range by Sasso offers a great choice of styles and are available in many colours – just ask if you have something in particular in mind.

4. The unpredictability of the british weather means that come your wedding day, we could be basking in winter sunshine, avoiding the puddles or crunching along the snow…so closed-toe shoes are the order of the day. We have some beautifully feminine court shoes by Rachel Simpson, or if you really want to stand out, how about some of her oh-so-stylish Monique bridal shoe boots?

5. Finally, try not to go totally crystal-crazy. If you love the twinkle of Swarovski, then why not go with the pearl option for your bridesmaids, or vice-verca? The pearls really do help to add some warmth to the sharp coolness of crystals. There are some beautiful, wintry white and ivory pearl pieces in our range that really complement the snow queen look. The Balboa side tiara by Madeline Isaac-James is the perfect example.

If you are having a winter wedding I wish you a perfect dusting of pure white snow – no more, no less!

Kate. x

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

When it comes to making your wedding photographs look dated, apart from the dress, the hair ‘do’ is generally the chief culprit. How many of us have looked at wedding photos from the 1970s, 80s and 90s and thought ‘O.M.G! – The hair!’ – and not in a good way. The odds are, in 10 years time we’ll be looking back on today’s hairstyles – and that’s something to make you stop and think…

The thing that I love about vintage style is that, ironically, it never EVER dates. Key styles from the 1930s, 40s and 50s in particular are totally timeless and guaranteed to help you avoid the ‘OMG-Factor’ in years to come. Here are my top 3 wedding hairstyles to last the test of time – and vintage wedding accessory suggestions from Queens & Bowl to finish each look perfectly:

1. The Side Wave

The Side Wave - sexy & glam. L-R: Veronica Lake, Kate Bosworth, Boucheron Earrings, Hayworth Double Drop Earrings

A 1930s / 1940s hair classic – sleek, sexy and alluring.

• Made famous by: Veronica Lake
• Seen recently on: Kate Bosworth, Sienna Miller, Sandra Bullock
• Hair requirements: Must be smooth and sleek – frizz is a big no-no!
• Dress pick: Asymetric
• Perfect hair accessory: Statement earrings like the Boucheron by Stephanie Browne or Hayworth Double Drop Earrings by Stephanie Browne
  

2. The Roll

The Roll - elegant but fun. L-R: Betty Grable, Dita Von Teese, BonBon Comb, Anouska Comb. Credits: Martha Stewart Wedding, Cosmopolitan.co.uk

This is a classic from the 1940s and is unmistakably vintage. Manages to mix elegance and fun!

• Made famous by: Betty Grable
• Seen recently on: Dita Von Teese, Tyra Banks
• Hair requrements: Needs length in the fringe and works better with thicker hair
• Dress pick: Spaghetti strap
  
• Perfect hair accessory: A big sparkly comb like the BonBon by Stephanie Browne or Anouska by Halo & Halo
  

3. The Slick-Back Coif

The slick-back coif - feminine and bold. L-R: Grace Kelly, Kate Winslet, Hettie Hairpins

This 1950s look is instantly familiar as Grace Kelly’s signature style. Sophisticated and feminine, but a little bold too.

• Made famous by: Grace Kelly
• Seen recently on: Kate Winslet, January Jones
• Hair requrements: Looks best on blondes and redheads
• Dress pick: V-neck
  
• Perfect hair accessory: Hettie hair pins by Rachel Simpson

So what do you think? Tell me your suggestions or upload them to the Queens & Bowl Facebook page!

Kate. x

Here’s a question: have you ever thought about coloured wedding shoes? Carrie Bradshaw certainly thought that her royal blue Manolo Blahniks were the height of wedding day style and who would we be to argue with a fashion goddess such as she? And of course the blue contributed towards her ‘something blue’ – very efficient, Carrie.

Carrie Bradshaw went for coloured wedding shoes. Images: Warner Bros, Manolo Blahnik

Coloured wedding shoes are BIG news for 2011 and we’ve had quite a few brides asking for coloured styles over recent months. As far as I can see there are some clear advantages of wearing coloured shoes on your big day:

1. Having coloured wedding shoes is a great way of continuing a colour theme into your bridal outfit without going ‘OTT’.

2. If you’re a wild spirit at heart but have chosen a dress style to last the test of time, a splash of colour underneath your dress lets you show off that ‘wild side’!

3. I hate to be Mrs Practical (don’t worry, it won’t last..), but wedding shoes often get splashed with drinks or dirt – these show up a LOT less on coloured wedding shoes than white or ivory.

4. Coloured shoes make for some fantastically striking and fun wedding photos.

5. Finally, the best bit is that you’re so much more likely to wear them again and again after the big day – yay! That’s what we like to hear in these tough times.

Coloured wedding shoes let you continue a strong colour theme. Image: Emin Kuliyev

At Queens & Bowl we’ve got some great coloured styles from Rachel Simpson that are perfect for Winter weddings in particular. The every popular Marilyn style (£155) is not only available in Ivory, but Mink and Teal. The closed toe and satin trim make them just right for a decadent Midwinter celebration. Or why not go monochrome with the luscious Lilly, which are available in black as well as ivory?

Rachel Simpson coloured wedding shoes. L-R: Marilyn Mink, Marilyn Teal, Lilly Black

Finally, did you know that all of Filippa Scott‘s range can be dyed to any colour you choose? What more could you ask for!

The only thing left to do now I suppose is decide which colour….hmm……

Kate. xx

If you’re currently on the search for stylish, low-heeled wedding shoes, you may have noticed that they’re few and far between. If you’re husband-to-be’s a little on the short side, you’re a little on the tall side – or if you’re just not comfortable in high heels, finding the perfect pair of low heels can be hard work. But just because you fancy something a little lower, it doesn’t mean your only option should be frumpy styles that would make Nora Batty drool!

I suspect Sophie Dahl may have worn flat wedding shoes? Image: Marieclaire.co.uk

So if you haven’t already had a look at the gorgeous Pearl Range by Rachel Simpson Shoes, you’re in for a low-heel treat…

The Violet style stands at just 5cm and are crafted from luscious pearlised leather with leather and faux pearl trim.

Violet low-heel wedding shoes by Rachel Simpson

They’re a great option to peep out from under a long, flowing 1930s style gown or alternatively show them off with a fun, flirty 1950s prom dress? Continue the Art Deco theme with the Tuscany headpiece by Halo & Co or complement the 50s look with the cute Peacock Double Bow Comb by Stephanie Browne.

The Voilets work brilliantly for a 1950s or Art Deco look. From top: Vivienne Dress by Madeline Isaac-James, Tuscany Headpiece by Halo & Co, Peacock Bow Comb by Stephanie Browne

Looking the carry on a lace theme? Then the Isabella wedding shoes are perfect.

Isabella low heel wedding shoes by Rachel Simpson

Again, with just a 5cm heel they’re SO comfortable, but they definitely have the elegance-factor, with elegant heel shape, lace uppers and bow detail. They’re great for complementing a lace dress or adding a vintage feel to a sleek, simple cut. They look fantastic with the Saskia lace side tiara by Halo & Co or the delicate Juliet statement headpiece by Ivory & Co.

Complement a lace dress with lace shoes and delicate accessories. From Top: Zara wedding dress by Madeline Isaac-James, Juilet headpiece by Ivory & Co, Saskia headpiece by Halo & Co

How about a perfect pair of peep-toes? The Flo style, with a slightly higher heel of 8.5cm is still a fab lower/medium heel option for brides who don’t want to tower over guests.

Flo low heel wedding shoes by Rachel Simpson

The pearlised leather with champagne binding work with so many dress styles and can be dressed-up with shoe clips or kept pure and simple. How about keeping the dress simple and going for a knock-out headpiece like the Paloma headpiece by Halo & Co?

The Flo wedding shoes work so well with sleek or statement dresses. From top: Harlow wedding dress by Madeline Isaac-James, Paloma headpiece by Halo & Co

I really hope this has helped any brides-to-be looking for lower heeled options – and maybe converted a few killer-heel addicts?….

Thanks to Natalie at Madeline Isaac-James for allowing me to use her amazing dresses to illustrate these gorgeous looks, and of course to Rachel for designing such fabulous low heels!

Kate x

Excuse the slightly obvious headline, I got a bit carried away, but I’m totally in love with the big trend for side tiaras, side-detail headbands and side headpieces at the moment. Seen on bridal catwalks both in Europe and across the States, it’s a bold, modern take on the more traditional ‘tiara’ and complements the asymmetric shoulder gown designs. Our first batch of Spring 2011 lines have just arrived and the side tiara makes a big feature.

Leading the pack are intricately detailed pieces, featuring lots of lace and mesh, encrusted with crystals and semi-precious stones, as seen at the Jenny Packham Spring 2011 shows.

Side tiaras, as seen on the 2011 Jenny Packham runways. Image: Jenny Packham

As well as being a contemporary move on from what we’ve been used to over the last few years, side tiaras and headpieces are also super-versatile. By being mounted on bands and combs, it makes them great for all hair lengths and styles – even super-short crops. The combs in particular are extra adaptable, as they can be positioned around the head – so they’re great if you decide to change your style at the last minute or fancy a style change between the main reception and the evening reception. They can also be teamed with a veil for a more traditional look at the ceremony.

On-trend actress, Diane Kruger sporting a side headpiece. Image: Coolspotter.com

And the good news is that ‘contemporary’ doesn’t have to mean super-modern. There are lots of aged and antique options to add a little twist to a vintage theme.

Here’s my pick of the perfect side tiaras and headpieces from or new range….

Cameo Side Tiara by Halo & Co

The Cameo by Halo & Co is a lovely piece and works for any hair colour or style and any member of the bridal party. The clear, white Swarovski crystals set off dark or red hair brilliantly, whilst the little smoky flower details complement blondes too. It’s not too bold to overpower a veil, so teaming the two together would be a great look. It can also be mounted onto a comb for extra versatility.

Saskia Side Tiara by Halo & Co

The Saskia by Halo & Co is absolutely stunning and harmonises perfectly with this season’s (and the coming season’s) trend for lace wedding dresses. Crafted from a large base layer of intricate lace, it is then heavily adorned with sparkling white and twinkling smoky grey Swarovski crystals. This is a perfect bridal side headband and thanks to the lace detail itwill never go out of style.

Paloma Side Tiara by Halo & Co

Oh my – Paloma, Paloma, Paloma!!I LOVE this headpiece. A piece designed only ever with the bride in mind, this is an amazing side tiara perfect for the bride who wants to turn heads (even more than the average bride!) Featuring swirls and twirls of Swarovski crystals in a flower and foliage design, this is perfect to complement a slinky satin number or slim-fitting lace creation. Don’t let your dress fight with this piece – it probably won’t win!

These are my current favourites, but we’ve got loads more side tiaras where these came from, simply visit the main shop at QueensandBowl.com and browse our tiaras and headpieces range….

Kate xx