Super Sponge
Hitting the shelves in August 09 is the newest technology is self-tanning, the ModelCo SunSponge Custon Self-Tan ($49). If self-tanning is something you find a little bit tricky (admit it, we've all had our tanning blunders!) then this will be perfect for you. SunSponge's unique ergonomic design ensures a controlled application for those hard-to-reach areas, whilst the sponge buffs and evens your tan to perfection for a truly swanky result. Enriched with Fructiplex™, to nourish, soothe & protect your skin with the moisturising benefits of Wild Rose Hip, Apricot & Palm Tree Extract, helping your tan last even longer. The fast-drying and non-greasy formula is also hinted with an exotic Cocoa Butter fragrance, leaving no tell-tale scent of fake tanning. Now there's no excuse for winter white skin! Visit www.modelco.com.au to find your nearest stockist.



Posted by Emilie Harrison

Cupcake Cute
Whilst getting my daily fix at Twig and Thistles blog I noticed some cute baby shower cupcake wrappers and toppers from Meri Meri. I had a look at their website and found these gorgeous bridal shower cupcake sets. They cost $11.95 USD and ship internationally.



Posted by Emma Henderson

The Land Down Under #2
Rosemont Australian Fashion Week Spring/Summer 09/10
Enjoy part 2 from RAFW. Wayne Cooper put on an amazingly colourful show (as usual!), while Nicola Finetti created sleek, sophisticated and highly sexy pieces. Note that bright orange is making a comeback for spring/summer. Sunny side up!


Wayne Cooper


Nicola Finetti


Michael Lo Sordo


Marnie Skillings


Manning Cartell


Konstantina Mittas


Arnsdorf


Kirrily Johnston


Zimmermann
Photos courtesy of Vogue.com.au

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Family Jewels
Last week I was alerted to the beautiful works of Barbara Rabito, a jewellery designer, who makes spectacular use of bits and pieces from all over the place. Barbara can customise neckpieces for brides, and will also work with family heirloom pieces to create something truly personal for your special occasion. Most recently Barbara created a standout necklace for a client using odd bits of pearl jewellery the client had from her grandmother. What an amazing idea! Her neckpieces are assemblages of vintage, antique and found pieces sourced from all over the world, with particular use of Art Noveau and Art Deco items. The new collection is inspired by her travels in the wonderful Argentina. To find out more about her pieces or to get something special made for your big day visit www.beckerminty.com.







Posted by Emilie Harrison

Oh What A Lovely Night
Metropolitan Museum of Art Institute Gala 2009
There is no denying that on the fashion calender the Met Ball is one of THE most prominent events. It garners more attention than any other ball on the planet and from the astonishing guestlist it comes as no surprise. With top seats selling for a whopping $250,000 each it's the event to be seen at. The 2009 ball, hosted by Kate Moss and Marc Jacobs, ran with the theme The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion. Giving a deep insight into the life of a designer and their muses was cause for much celebration amongst the fashion pack. If you're going to draw any inspiration for your wedding from an event it's going to be the Met Ball. Personally, I thought the standouts were Agyness Deyn, Jessica Biel, Kate Bosworth & Kate Beckinsale. I was most envious of Gisele Bundchen's legs and amazingly handsome husband. Lucky lady!


L-R - Kate Hudson, Stella McCartney, Liv Tyler and Kate Bosworth all in Stella McCartney


L-R - Elizabeth Hurley in Elie Saab & Cindy Crawford in Versace


L-R - Helena Christensen in Zac Posen & Lisa Cant in Monique Lhuillier


L-R - Marion Cotillard in Dior & Eva Mendes in Calvin Klein


L-R - Agyness Deyn in Burberry Prorsum & Gisele Bundchen in Versace


L-R - Emmy Rossum in Carolina Herrera & Claire Danes in Armani Prive

L-R - Eva Longoria in Diane Von Furstenburg & Claudia Schiffer in Versace

L-R - Katy Perry in Tommy Hilfiger & Jessica Biel in Versace Atelier

L-R - Heidi Klum in J Mendel & Kate Beckinsale in Marchesa

L-R - Anna Wintour in Chanel Couture with her daughter Bee Shaffer & Blake Lively in Versace

L-R - Renee Zellweger in Carolina Herrera & Rachel Weisz in Vera Wang

Photos courtesy of thechicspot.blogspot.com

Posted by Emilie Harrison

30th Birthday Celebrations
Well it was with a lot of hesitation and denial but I decided to embrace my 30th by having some girlfriends over for a champagne high tea at my place. I was inspired by the amazing high tea I had with my mum in London at The Lanesborough earlier this year. I thought it was the perfect opportunity to try and do something similar. I spent quite some time pouring over magazines and cookbooks trying to work out what to make. I realised that I definitely enjoy the 'planning' side of parties compared with the actual 'doing'. Luckily I had pretty much everything made and looking pretty with about 2 minutes to spare before the first guest arrived!


The spread! I used an offcut of Designers Guild wallpaper left over from a photo shoot as a table runner. I also polished up some of my silverware collected over the years and used my Grandmothers cake plates.


Me in pink with some old school friends


Strawberries & cream in little paper cups


Chicken, tarragon, almond and rocket sandwiches, and mini lemon meringue pies


Prawn, lime and watercress sandwiches (I orignially made these for our tea party shoot in Issue 1 of Wedding Style Guide)


Green olive and artichoke tarts (made using the recipe found in Issue 1 of Wedding Style Guide)


Mini cupcakes (I always use the Magnolia Bakery cupcake recipe - it's definitely the best recipe I have found!)


I picked up this silver stand from a church sale for $5!


My husband Matt had drink pouring duties for the afternoon!

I had such a wonderful time with all of my friends and am so thankful to everyone who came and made it a special day.

Posted by Emma Henderson

Gifts For The Girls
I came across these gorgeous engraved pendant necklaces whilst browsing through the Tiffany & Co website. I absolutely love them and thought they would make a great gift idea for your bridesmaids. They are priced at $250 AUD.







Posted by Emma Henderson

Honeymoon Heaven
The perfect wedding takes months to plan so, after the big day, why not experience a perfect honeymoon destination. The Great Escape Charter Company is an exclusive getaway which combines first class travel with adventure. With some of Australia’s most remote yet magnificent coastline and pristine reefs on the agenda, The Great Escape is one of the original Kimberley operators. Guests will shower under cascading waterfalls, snorkel amongst vibrant coral gardens, go bush walking and as part of a ‘hunt & gather’ activity, crew and guests work together to catch the dinner! With a skilled chef onboard, exotic and delicious meals are served each day. Lunch and dinner options include Chilli Mud Crabs, Crespelle with Kimberley King Prawns, Salt and Pepper Squid and freshly shucked Kimberley Rock Oysters, all which have been freshly caught. To find out more about this great honeymoon option visit www.greatescape.net.au.



Posted by Emilie Harrison

The Land Down Under
Rosemont Australian Fashion Week Spring/Summer 09/10
For another fabulous year Australian Fashion Week has come and gone. It arrives so fast and before you know it, in a puff of pretty smoke, it's gone. There were, in my opinion, a few standouts and one of those was Jayson Brunsdon. He is a master when it comes to ultra feminine yet sexy gowns. His collection consisted of short and long pieces that proved why he's one of Australia's favourite evening wear designers. Aurelio Costarella made exquisite evening gowns in the most vibrant orange, a colour that looks to be a hot choice when spring/summer rolls around. Juli Grbac and Liso Ho sent a swather of classically modern gowns down their respective catwalks in an assortment of truly delicious colours. I was intrigued by Dhini & Gail Sorronda's creative mini's. Feathers, lace and ruffles are such great combinations. I'll upload the remainding pics during the week so stay tuned!


Jayson Brunsdon


Lisa Ho


Juli Grbac


Aurelio Costarella


Ginger & Smart


Gary Bigeni


Dhini & Gail Sorronda


Camilla & Marc


Bec & Bridge
Pictures courtesy of Vogue.com.au

Posted by Emilie Harrison

It's Ezard for me
Last week I took a trip to Melbourne to have lunch at Ezard in Flinders Lane. The first highlight was seeing Bert and Patti Newton parked out the front in their swish Mercedes - Australian entertainment royalty I suppose!

The dining room is contemporary but not austere - lots of natural earthy colours interspersed with bright, clear greens. The restaurant is downstairs but high windows let in light so it doesn't feel too enclosed. We were seated at a table with a banquette - perfect for a leisurely (long) lunch. We started with a glass of French sparkling rosé - Gosset Grande Rosé, which was followed by a stunning array of French Champagnes throughout the day.

First course for me was the steamed blue swimmer crab wonton dumplings with coconut and lemongrass laksa ($24.50). There was something magical about this dish - the lemongrass broth was so refreshing and light. I chose the Wagyu beef with sake roasted mushrooms and shallot glaze for my main course ($65). Wow. It may be a big call, but I would seriously suggest this was the best beef dish I had ever had. The flavours were intoxicating and despite the fact I was quickly becoming very full, I just could not stop eating - it was amazing.

My three lunch partners and I shared all of the desserts (each around the $22 mark) because we just couldn't decide. My favourite was the honeycrunch icecream with toasted gingerbread - mmmmm. A lovely selection of cheeses ($26) saw us off for the day - four hours later and incredibly satisfied. The service was very attentive and the food, well, fantastic.

They seat up to 80 guests and regularly host weddings so do consider giving them a call or visiting their website when planning your reception. The central-city location makes it very convenient - the Westin Hotel is literally seconds away, along with many of the other big name hotels.





Images from their website to whet the appetite

All in all, a brilliant day.

Posted by Jane Cameron.