When I think of fashion designers, I tend to imagine slightly frosty, uber-fashionably dressed, look-you-up-and-down divas who can shrivel your brain back into infancy with a stare.  So I’ve always been of two minds about whether I wanted fashion designers as web design customers – the sleepless nights and weeks of counselling didn’t really seem worth it.  BUT WAS I WRONG OR WHAT.  I’ve since dealt with two bridal fashion designers, one of whom was Natalie, and both experiences have been so pleasant, they’ve set the bar as Clients-Who-You-Normally-Only-Dream-Of.  The second designer is a bit under wraps at the moment, but I’ll talk about them in a few weeks once their new site is launched.

Natalie told me a story about one of her MIJ brides that sums up how beautiful her gowns are.  This particular bride, (due to be getting married within the month) was driving past the Madeline Isaac James Farnborough boutique when she spotted one of Natalie’s designs in the shop window.  Screeching to a stop, she ran into the shop and breathlessly insisted on trying on the sample in the window, which she fell instantly in love with.  She’d already bought her wedding dress, but ended up buying the MIJ dress to wear instead…!

Below are a few of my favourite MIJ designs. View Madeline Isaac James website for more.  Natalie’s also on Twitter – you can follow her here.

1. Charlotte Olympia Margot Platform Shoes 2. Dessy Bridesmaid Gown 3.  Amanda Wakeley Odyssey Ring 4. Personalised Wedding Magnet Favour 5. John Lewis Geranium Pail 6. Eddie Borgo Pave Cone Stud Earrings 7. Mr & Mrs Weathered Sign

…wear this bracelet from Katzi, create shoe envy with these heels by Rupert Sanderson @ Browns Bride…

Here’s something for your Tuesday to make you smile… via Wedinator

I absolutely love this elegant gown (‘Nicola’) by Ana Cristache.  It caught my eye whilst checking out the website for Emma Payne’s new Knightsbridge bridal boutique, and on closer inspection its definitely my favourite dress from the new collection.  It’s beautifully understated and to my mind the simple silhouette evokes forties hollywood glamour.  The unusual square neckline presents a couple of issues when thinking about accessories and as someone who designs jewellery, I wanted to share a few of my thoughts.

The neckline on this gown is quite high and as it’s a definite feature I would avoid wearing a large neckpiece which will only detract from it.  A ‘Y’ shaped necklace or one with a large central ‘drop’ will only fight with the bodice edge.  If you absolutely must have a necklace with a square neckline I’d go for either a single strand of smallish pearls worn at the collarbone or a dainty pearl choker worn higher around the throat.

My own preference would be for alternative finishing touches such as a substantial bracelet, glamorous earrings or a sparkling hair comb or clip.  (I’d probably wear all three being a bit of a magpie!).  Choose earrings that are on the dainty side and keep the true ‘shoulder-dusters’ for a strapless gown.  I’d avoid spoiling the polished look with a tall spiky tiara and would instead suggest pinning your hair up softly or catching back one side above the ear and adding a sparkling hair jewel.  Finally, a heavy cuff bracelet will add a touch of decadence for those who feel that ‘sparkly headgear’ is just not their bag.