This week we get to talk to the wonderful Abby Gadd founder of Cherished Vintage. 

Abby talks to us about her collections, how she started her business and what inspires her....

How did you start your business?

Cherished began gradually -  initially, it was simply an extension of my love of crafting combined with my passion for early twentieth fashion and jewellery. Then I remembered how difficult my search for bridal accessories to suit my gorgeous Jenny Packham 'Pandora' wedding dress had been. Some of my first designs for Cherished were a homage to this wonderful dress - a collection of accessories 'Pearly Queen' created from beautiful vintage buttons. Tiny vintage mother of pearl buttons still feature widely across the collection.

A good friend, and experienced bridal headwear designer, helped me take Cherished a step further and together we began creating and marketing the Cherished vintage range. My friend's pre-existing work commitments meant we needed to go our separate ways, and in early 2012, I launched Cherished as my own full-time business.

What inspires you?

My professional background is historical research - I am passionate about social and cultural history of the early and mid-twentieth century and love returning to visual and textural sources from the past when planning my collections and designs. One of my latest obsessions is the wedding adornments popular in early twentieth century northern European countries and Scandinavia - lots of soft, almost matte silverware, created into beautiful naturalistic forms. Elements of this can be seen in Cherished's new 2013 'Nature's Diadem' collection which draws inspiration from art nouveau and natural forms.

What are your favourite eras and why?

Ah! That's a difficult question for me to answer! I think the Edwardian and 1920s period deserves a mention. As a historian, this has long been my particular field of interest; and as a designer, I remain fascinated by the art nouveau movement and how it grew and influenced fashion and cultural expression. I also adore Art Deco design, and have been collecting art deco jewellery, and ceramics for over twenty years. With regard to fashion though, my personal taste is more akin to the late 1950s and early 1960s - the silhouettes suit me more.

What is your key piece from your collection?

Up to this point, Cherished designs have all been one-off designs - with shapes, textures and colours influenced by the individual vintage jewellery pieces themselves. However, we have created a very recognisable style - our pieces are renowned for their organic lines and sinuous shapes. I would chose this vintage piece as key to the Cherished look - as we say, 'delicate, whimsical and unashamedly pretty'.

Robert Lawler http://www.robertlawler.co.uk)

We are also known for using colour in our pieces - be it bold, like the wonderful red, white and blue piece specially created for the Oxfam Weddings auction last year...

(Eliza Claire, http://elizaclaire.com/)

Describe your individual style?

In my clothes, I look for a quality cut and finish,  and tend to choose softly tailored pieces, though often with quirky details. My wardrobe tends to be rather dominated by day dresses (which doesn't always fit with my current lifestyle - think Sussex countryside and school playground pick ups) French navy is my absolute weakness.

With thanks to Abby Gadd from Cherished Vintage

You can also find Cherished on FACEBOOK and TWITTER

This week we have the pleasure of having some styling tips from Vintage Styler. Vintage Styler is a successful online boutique for brides, maids of honour and family members to buy exquisite pieces from hair to jewellery at the click of a button. Already they have become known for their exceptional service and have been shortlisted as a regional finalist in the prestigious The Wedding Industry Awards.

In the words of Jessie J (almost) not all brides are all about the bling. If you’re an understated bride, it can be hard to reconcile your low-key chic style with the idea of getting dressed up on your wedding day. Some brides have the opposite problem and feel that they need to pile on the glitz to live up to people’s expectations of what it means to be a bride. However, if you’re not a fan of dramatic statement pieces or ornate jewellery, fear not: you have an unlikely savior in the form of a gorgeous but understated belt.

However, choosing the perfect belt can be a challenge, especially if you’re not sure how to work it with the rest of your outfit. Here are our top five tips on getting belt-beautiful for your big day.

Choose your dress first

Your wedding dress is one of the most important outfits you’ll ever have to choose, and your unique style and body shape are the key factors in making that decision. Don’t fall into the trap of choosing your accessories first and struggling to find a frock that works. Your dress should be the foundation of your big-day look and everything else should work to compliment it. Gowns with minimal detailing or full-lace dresses look beautiful enhanced with an embellished belt. A-line or 50s style dresses with a cinched in waist are particularly suited to a belt to help accentuate your shape and give a lovely vintage feel to your ensemble. It goes without saying that belts aren’t right for every dress. For example, if you’ve fallen in love with a highly detailed drop-waist gown, a belt won’t be for you.

Co-ordinate with your other accessories

We’re all for statement pieces, but no matter how eclectic your look, make sure that your belt is complimentary to your other accessories in some way. Choose your belt first and think of it as a part of your dress, as this will help you to keep the bigger picture in perspective. Any jewellery or hairpieces you then choose should work around this overall look. Going for a statement, embellished belt calls for more understated accessories and vice versa, to avoid looking over-accessorised.

Don’t be afraid to contrast

A white dress doesn’t have to mean a white belt to match. Going for a belt in a contrasting colour is a simple way to wear this year’s colour trend, marrying modern and vintage styles. It also gives your look a dramatic flair and draws attention to your waist, giving you more shape. You don’t have to go bold to rock this trend, if your colour scheme is more muted, go for a soft, pastel shade for a pretty ballet-inspired edge. For added attention to detail, match up your belt colour to the bridesmaids’ dresses or flowers.

Be inspired

Hit the celebrity and fashion magazines and blogs for brilliant belt inspiration. You’ll often find the celebs you love leading the way when it comes to belt ideas. For example, Kate Middleton’s simple sparkly belt from her evening wedding reception dress was a gorgeous touch, which dressed up an otherwise simple gown and sparked the trend. We love the idea of adding a belt to give you a whole new look halfway through the day and surprise your guests.

Get crafty

You don’t have to spend a fortune to get the look, especially if you’re looking to emulate a vintage style. Even art-phobic types don’t need a tutorial to work the tied ribbon trend. Try a bit of DIY with a simple piece of satin ribbon in any colour, tied in a bow to one side and accented with a vintage brooch for a touch of timeless glamour.  

To view the full range of Vintage Styler’s bridal belts and their full jewellery and accessories items please visit www.vintagestyler.co.uk.

Join in the discussion on Facebook and Twitter

This week we get to talk to the very talented Federica, designer and founder of Federica Bruno Bridal Wear. 

Federica's collection showcases luxury fabrics and elegant silhouettes. Her services include bridal couture, occasion wear and made to measure.  Personal and Wedding Styling is also a service and most recently a new l line of bespoke jewellery.

This week we discuss Federica's inspirations and favourite pieces in her collection....

How did you start your business?

My dream is always been to have my own Atelier and design my own creations. I worked as fashion designer in Italy for many years, and then in 2010 I decided to move to the UK to explore new opportunites. I had different work experience in London and in 2012 I started thinking to open my business, but I still needed that final kick. One day, I remember applying for the A Most Curious Party - Bridal Next contest, which promotes creative new talents and starting up businesses in the wedding industry.

With my great surprise I was not only selected at first but I was also awarded “Highly Commended”, it was such a great result, and gave me the push and energy to really start with my own brand. The 29^th of October Federica Bruno Couture was officially born.

What inspires you?

Inspiration comes from just about everything. Shapes I see around in the everyday life or colors that surrounds me. However, most of the time I love to find inspiration in historical costumes, old pattern making techniques, and paintings, I absolutely adore the costumes between the 16^th and the early 19^th centuries, they are my refuge if I’m stuck. Also playing with plain or solid geometric shapes helps me a lot whenever I’m stuck.

What are your favourite eras and why?

I absolutely adore the costumes between the 16^th and the 20^th centuries. It’s hard to appoint a winner! Each period has really different silhouettes, but of each one I admire the power of the cloths to actually change women’s body, and mold it into something that is incredibly beautiful in so many different ways.  If I must choose…I love the drama and opulence of the 17^th century, with big ruffle collars, sumptuous fabrics and amazing color combinations. And I absolutely adore the late 19^th centuries/early 20^th, with masters of fashion such as Work and Poiret; you can’t find anything more elegant and sensual than that!

What is your key piece from your collection

Describe your individual style?

My background in fashion has a great influence in my bridal style making my creations quite eclectic and certainly different. They have a sort of ancient drama to it sometimes, but I can be also incredibly light and playful. I always try to create a graceful balance of contrasting volumes and the surfaces are often transformed with various techniques like intricate beading or lace appliqué.

www.federicabruno.com

You can also find Federica on TWITTER & FACEBOOK.

WIN AN EXOTIC ESCAPE IN MARRAKECH

This month we have teamed up with Dar Jaguar  and The State Of Grace to bring you an exciting competition to win two nights stay at Lucia Silver's sumptuous riad, Dar Jaguar, in exotic Marrakech.

Simply answer the simple competition question below to have a chance to win this amazing prize.

Dar Jaguar is in the heart of the ancient district of Marrakech, bringing together an exquisite blend of traditional Moorish and Oriental architecture with an elegant European romanticism all designed and created by leading London couture and bridal designer, Lucia Silver of The State of Grace.

The ancient riad has been lovingly restored by Lucia into a breathtakingly beautiful private guesthouse highlighting a sumptuous Honeymoon Royal suite, called The State of Grace. It is an ideal venue for intimate weddings, hen weekends, honeymoons, pre wedding breaks, renewal of vows, bespoke escapes and all manner of celebrations.

The highly professional English managed and trained team can create an entirely bespoke itinerary for you to include every conceivable activity from relaxing massage and candlelit dinners to stylish sex in the city style shopping tours of the medina, belly dancing, yoga and cooking lessons and unforgettable nighttime entertainments…

Dar Jaguar is situated in the very heart of Marrakech’s old medina and a mere five minutes from the city centre, the exotic spice market and the world-renowned Jemaa el Fna Square.

For a chance to win this amazing prize and a lifetime experience, simply answer the following question and LIKE the Dar Jaguar Facebook page for a chance to win.

The riad has a stunning honeymoon suite with a lavish four poster bed, freestanding copper bath, juliette balcony and an open fireplace… What is this suite called?

Please send all answers including full name, mobile number and email address by email to competitions@zoelem.co.uk closing date for last entry 24^th May 2013. Terms and Conditionsbelow…

• Competition opens 24.04.2013 and closes 24.05.2013
• The winner(s) will be the first correct entry drawn after the closing date
• The prize of two nights is subject to availability
• Flights and transfers are not included
• The prize is non-transferrable and there is no cash alternative
•  All entrants must provide full name, correct email address and mobile number
•  Entrants may be contacted by Zoe Lem and The State Of Grace once the competition has closed

The State of Grace is London's only head to toe bespoke design and styling house creating absolutely everything especially for each client.

Last nights Met Gala showcased some stunning red carpet looks below our pick of some of the most sophisticated looks seen this year at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Left to right - Emmy Rossum putting a vintage twist on this beaded gown, Helen McCrory showing off her waist in this floor length gown, Diane Kruger wearing lace, Pixie Geldof looking stylish in head to toe black and Uma Thurman in a gorgeous green structured gown. 

Join in the discussion on TWITTER and FACEBOOK #MetGala