I’ve been very busy picking and choosing new wedding shoes and accessories from our select designers recently and I’m pleased to announce that they’re now available on the site.

I’ll take you through a selection of items, designer by designer, so you know what’s new in at Queens and Bowl this month.

Stephanie Browne

Stephanie Browne is one of my favourite designers. Her vintage wedding jewellery is beautiful and I have quite a few pieces from her, including some stunning headpieces. All come in branded packaging, making them the perfect gift or keepsake.

Sorrento Art Deco Headpiece

The Sorrento 1920s bridal headpiece features sparkling Swarovski crystals set in rhodium, part of the platinum family, in a curling design that is sure to catch the eye and is an ideal piece for a 1920s Great Gatsby theme. It is made to order and sits securely thanks to two hair combs and can be worn down the side or further back on the bride’s head.

Viva Bridal Earrings

Featuring Swarovski crystals in a marquise design, these elegant Viva bridal earrings bring class to any vintage wedding, whether worn by the bride or her bridesmaids. Made to order, you will be confident in the knowledge that these earrings will be uniquely you.

Harlow Art Deco Headpiece

Another rhodium plated, Swarovski crystal item, the Harlow Art Deco bridal headpiece makes a real statement. Ideal for an Art Deco theme or a simple ‘black tie’ type event, the black enamel edging shows off the sparkle of those crystals to great effect.

Caulfield Crystal Stud Earrings

By now you’ll now Stephanie Browne is a fan of Swarovski crystal, so it’ll come as no surprise that these earrings feature them heavily. However, unlike most of Stephanie’s jewellery, these Caulfield Crystal Stud Earrings are very understated, very classy and would suit bride, bridesmaids and guests alike. They are also remarkably well priced!

Winter Garden Wedding Comb

I want to finish highlighting Stephanie Browne’s items with this glorious comb. As we head into winter, it is ideal for brides having their big day in the next three or four months. Reminiscent of frosted flowers, the Winter Garden Comb is stunning and features Swarovski Aurora Borealis crystals encrusted onto a flowing pave style flower design. Pearl and silver sprigs combine to give depth and vibrancy to this vintage inspired comb. Wear it as as a traditional wedding comb or on the top of the head.

Ivory & Co

Lana Feather Hair Clip

Our extensive range from Ivory & Co has been enhanced with the addition of this beautiful Lana feather bridal hair clip. Worn as a hair decoration or clipped to the srap of the bride’s wedding dress, the Swarovski crystals are surrounded by ivory feathers, offering a true chic 1920s look.

Sasso

Sasso are famous for their wedding stoles and shrugs using the finest ostrich, marabou and coque feathers and we’ve extended our range from this wonderful designer.

Minnelli Feather Bridal Shrug

Previously available in Antique Cream or Ivory only, this stunning, not to mention ideal for a winter wedding, Minnelli marabou feather shrug is now available in three additional colours that will suit the theme and colour scheme of any wedding. You now have a choice of Steel Grey, Silver Grey and Antique Rose in addition to the ivory and cream options. Perfect!

Paris Ostrich Feather Vest

Again, a new colourway for this hugely popular Paris ostrich feather vest, this time silver joins champagne in our line up. Fashioned from long ostrich feathers with a scattering of coque feathers, it can also be swapped from a shrug to a wrap effect with ease. Versatility and beauty, in one package. Got to love Sasso.

Urban Angels

A new(ish) designer to our ranks is Urban Angels and while not strictly ‘new’ items, their range of tiaras deserves to be highlighted as they’ve not been with us that long.

Floral Side Tiara

Dainty and understated, this Floral side tiara features Swarovski crystals encrusted onto a lovely floral design that sits nicely to the side and brings a real statement to a vintage wedding.

Farah Side Tiara

Bold yet delicate, romantic yet attention demanding, this Farah side tiara combines faux pearls and crystals to great effect in an elegant floral design that any vintage theme would benefit from.

Pearl Side Tiara

Pearls are perfect for a vintage wedding and this Pearl Flower Side Tiara is right on trend, charming and romantic. Ideal to be worn with a lace wedding dress, it combines high quality faux pearls with delicately placed glass beads.

I really hope you find something you like from our new (or existing!) items on Queens and Bowl and wish you a very wonderful wedding day for when your big day comes.

Kate x

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

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

Hi.  If you’re still looking for those last minute stunning wedding accessories to compliment your dream wedding dress, why not check out our new exciting wedding jewellery range by Justine M Couture.

They make some of the most amazing bridal accessories, from earrings and cuffs, to combs and fascinators, all at affordable prices. They’re perfect for the bride on a budget without having to sacrifice style and glamour! We love the beautiful attention to detail on each piece including pearl accents, beading, feathers and intricately placed crystals.

Born in England, Justine Murray started her career in 2000 after moving to the U.S. and established the Justine M Couture collection in San Diego in 2002.  The beautiful collection offers an alternative to traditional styling, using a range of materials and components to produce stylish, contemporary yet feminine pieces.

“Each piece is its own unique work of art that hails back to a time when elegance in fashion was more important than a passing trend” says Justine. She describes the line as “reflecting her English heritage – both vintage contemporary, with a timeless classic underlying element that is the key to its success.”

We love the great selection of bridal jewellery including these amazing  'Dancer' earrings adorned with sparkling Swarovski rhinestones - great for a 1950s vintage look on your Big Day.

Shannon Wedding Cuff by Justine M Couture

Another favourite is the Shannon bridal cuff, great for a glamorous boho look. The fabric bracelet is encrusted with Swarovski prong set rhinestones and crystal, with sterling silver extension chain. A beautiful value for money piece which can be worn again after your big day.

At just £50 these beautiful Raffles crystal pearl and cubic zirconia earrings are a stylish yet economical choice and will compliment most hair styles.  A classic vintage inspired look.

Each Justine M. Couture design is meticulously created by her team of artisans in San Diego, ensuring an excellent product and a flawless finish.

I hope you love them as much as we do, please let us know!

Kate. x

I’m sorry to say that I’ve kind of neglected my blog a little of late. It’s not because I’ve had writers’ block; or nothing to say – quite the opposite really! It’s because there’ve been SO MANY new products arriving at Queens & Bowl HQ. We’ve had amazing 1920s-style headpieces from Stephanie Browne, exclusive to-die-for wedding jewellery from Justine M Couture – not to mention new bridal cuffs and feather combs…

But first, I just wanted to tell you about our new range of great value birdcage veils! These gorgeous little things are hand-made by a friend of mine who lives near Chicago – in fact, she made my own birdcage veil for my wedding. Crafted from the finest French netting, they are perfect for any bride looking for a birdcage veil with which to add the finishing touches to a 1950s or early 1960s themed wedding.

The bandeau birdcage veil with tiny pearls

At the moment there is a choice of 3 different styles, depending on the look you want to create. If you’re looking for a demure, Grace Kelly feel, then the bandeau birdcage veil (pictured above) is ideal. Designed to wrap around your entire face and fastened with secure metal grips on each end, it’s available with either flat round pearl accents or sparkling Swarovski crystal accents.

The Blusher birdcage veil is a classic style

If you’d like just a classic, birdcage veil, then go for the traditional Blusher birdcage veil, pictured above. This one comes with its own metal comb and is very flexible – it can be worn with the comb at the crown of your head and pulled forward over your eyes. Alternatively it can be worn at an angle to either side for more of a ‘fascinator’ effect.

The Petite birdcage veil adds a little touch of 1950s va-va-voom!

Finally, if your style suits the ‘less is more’ approach, then the Petite birdcage veil is for you (shown here, above). This little number comes without any comb attachment and is designed to add a little bit of 1950s flair without making too much of a statement. It looks great perched jauntily to one side of your down-do or also as a snood veil to cover a bun or small up-do.

All of our veils are available in ivory as standard, but can be made in white upon request. They also come with either ivory pearl accents (or white if a white veil is requested) or Swarovski crystal accents. Starting at just £35, they’re a stylish yet economical choice for any bride after a vintage feel.

I hope you like!

Kate. x

In the build-up to a huge delivery of Halo & Co tiaras and headpieces at Queens & Bowl wedding accessories, here’s the second part of our interview with Halo & Co MD, Nicola Ball. Here she discusses Spring/Summer trends, plus advice for brides when shopping for your headpiece…

Just one of the new pieces heading to Queens & Bowl very soon

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

We created a hat with a large cream feather encrusted with crystals which was for the mother of the bride, she looked amazing and totally Sex and The City!

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

We are trend setters. So we are always a head of what’s happening now. The trend right now is side pieces but we are creating a movement towards large bands that are extremely decorative. This is something to watch out for in 2011.

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

Buy what you love. Yes, take advice from hairdressers etc but at the end of the day you are wearing it and to be honest most things can be worked in together. You should get something out of the box and be in truly in love with it and excited to wear it.

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

I would have been an actress. I love the drama!! That’s why I make tiaras!

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

Have a weekend off once in a while!!!

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Thanks again to Nicola for sparing the time to answer my questions – look out for a brand-new batch of Halo & Co tiaras and wedding headpieces at Queens & Bowl over the next few weeks.

Kate. x