Honeymoon Loungewear

I have a real soft spot for a bit of Liberty print, so when I saw the new Le Short lounge wear collection I thought what fabulous honeymoon lounge wear it would make.

Designed by Caroline Lichine, originally from Cap Ferret in the South of France but is now living in Kensington, created Le Short shorts and play suits using fabulous liberty prints combined with Japanese lace. Unique, fun and sexy I think they would be such a fabulous addition to your honeymoon suitcase.

 Shorts are priced at £36 each and are available from Le Short.

Nudwear - The Perfect Bridal Underwear For No Visible Lines

As I am sure many of you will have found so many times in the past, finding underwear to suit dresses that require strapless and backless underwear is just impossible.  And for your Big Day this is especially important!  Which is why I am sharing Nudwear with you all.

Created by best friends Astrid Montalta and Sammy Ivanko who, when Sammy got engaged, in their search for the perfect wedding dress they too discovered that what you wear underneath your perfect dress on your big day was just as important.  With no luck in their search, these two business savvy ladies decided to take on the High Street and Nüdwear was born.

Nudwear promise 'no straps, no lines, just curves' and I have to say... it works! So well that we ordered Nudwear for all of the bridesmaids for Fleur's Wedding!

Now, they are not the most attractive garments to wear but they really do what they promise, and they are well worth buying for the no worry factor of straps and lines visible on your big day.

Nudwear are offering Bride De Force readers 10% off all purchases, just use the code: 'bdforce' at the checkout.

The World of Lucile

For those of you looking for inspiration in finding lingerie either for your Wedding day or honeymoon you must have a peek at Lucile and Co.  A truly British luxury brand who offer a unique style that I just adore.

With an interesting heritage, Lucile and Co are inspired by Lady Duff Gordon (whose designs are still available to view in the fashion collections at the V&A museum) and her revolutionary and stunning lingerie designs of the early 20^th Century.

Their prices however do make their garments a real one off purchase... and definitely something for a very special occasion.

For those of you who really want to treat yourselves Lucile also offer a private bespoke service.

Wedding Morning Dressing Gowns - It's all in the detail!

As we are in the midst of planning the fast approaching Wedding of Fleur De Force I thought I would share with you all the most recent addition to the accessories we are stock piling for her Big Day.  There is actually a reason for this addition... in the photographs that I have getting ready for my Wedding Day we all look a little bit scruffy, all wearing mis-matching hoodies and PJs. As it is a great time to get some fantastic photographs of you and your closest friends together in your last moments of being a single lady, why not make the most of it.  So, Fleur and I decided that fluffy dressing gowns would be perfect for those hours spent doing hair, make-up, eating cupcakes and drinking Champagne we have ordered personalised gowns from Towelsoft.

We opted for fairly simple personalisation on each of the gowns, choosing 'Bride' for Fleur's and each of the bridesmaid's names on theirs... watch out for an appearance in Fleur's Wedding Photographs that we hope to share with you all.  Towelsoft can pretty much do anything you like...  be it a motif, embroidered initials or even a family crest. 

They also have a also a fantastic selection of colours to choose from, so you can even work it into your Wedding colour scheme!

Available from Towelsoft, priced from £40 each.

Every Bride's Shopping Paradise - BHLDN

Now, who spends as much time internet shopping (well browsing and dreaming!) as I do? Mmmm, perhaps Fleur De Force?! When I discovered BHLDN, Anthropologie's sister wedding brand, I was so excited... a one-stop-shop for utterly gorgeous Wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, accessories,  shoes, decor and gifts!  And in each of those categories they stock such fantastic pieces. Here are just a few of my favourites...

Omelia Gown $2,200 and Buoyant Blooms Veil $475

Luna Bracelet $170 and Candela Earings $120

 

High-Voltage Clutch $230 and Glitterati Sash $200

Broccato d'Orsays $370 and Tethered Tiara Garter $92

Midsummer Cake Topper $198 and Petit Four Plates (x8) $78

Go on... take a peek at www.bhldn.com, it is bound to cheer up your day!

Victoria's Secret - New store in London!

It was a day that both Fleur and I had been waiting for... the opening of the Victoria's Secret store in London!  So you can imagine our excitement when we finally crossed the threshold into the absolutely amazing establishment. And we were not disappointed!

Set over four floors Victoria's Secret is a den of delight!  An absolute must see shop, even if you are not in need of new undies - it is a real treat for the senses! Split into themed rooms everything is displayed in the fantastic VS way, making it so easy to find exactly what you are looking for.  Adding to the unbelievable shopping experience, housed inside is the most fascinating collection of iconic costumes worn during the 2011 Victoria's Secret Fashion show, making it almost like a lingerie museum. Covering the walls are beautiful photographs of past collections, and even the staircase showcases a two-storey video screen playing a montage of VS footage - from catwalk shows to behind the scenes exerts. Everywhere you look you are surrounded by images of their stunning models. If you take your other half in there I am not sure if you will be able to get them out! 

The only disappointment was the prices, when you compare the price in dollars to pounds us Brits really do get the raw deal.  I do however think it is worth every penny, they blow all of their UK competitors out of the water in terms of style, selection and service.  The fitting rooms are just amazing, located on each floor each is individually themed and fitted to perfection. And in true US style there are so many assistants to help you, in a very friendly fashion too.

So, if you are looking for honeymoon lingerie, new perfume for your trip or just a fantastic new shopping experience...  I would definitely recommend a visit to Bond Street!

Glorious Garters

For many garters are a bit of an after thought... something that you think you should have, as one does! However, after looking into these wonderful undergarments a little further I have decided that an 'after thought' they should most definately not be.  There are some absolutely beautiful creations out there.  Gone are the days of a bit of cheap lace with a baby blue ribbon running through it... just take a look at these little beauties.

 

I think this vintage style 'Aphrodite wedding garter' by Florrie Mitton is such a beautiful creation. It is handmade using silver sequins, beads and metallic embroidered thread. Available at Liberty in Love.

This nude silk tulle 'Glitterati' garter is also by Florrie Mitton, Liberty in Love. The detail of the hand-beaded trim on this garter is so delicate and pretty.  I think it would look amazing paired with some fabulous nude shoes.

This 'Parisa Chantilly Lace Garter' from Love by Suzie is more delicate and traditional. Made from French ivory chantilly lace, vintage embroidered hearts ribbon, cream silk organdie and finished with pearls.

This 'Brigitte blue wedding garter' is an eclectic mix of vintage lace, cream picot satin ribbon and blue ribbon candy stripes under a delicate silk bow.  I don't find it anyway near as classically beautiful as the others, but love it for its simplicity. Available from Love by Suzie, also in pink.

If you are a bridesmaid, what a perfect gift for an unsuspecting bride. Or if you are the bride, go ahead and treat yourself.  These garters are all packaged in beautiful boxes making a fantastic keep-sake of your Wedding Day.

Honeymoon underwear... hot, hot, hot!

Myla is one of my true favourite underwear brands... their quirky style is sexy and seductive yet exudes quality and femininity.  With an absolute no budget policy I would purchase an entire line of Myla underwear for my honeymoon, but in reality just one or two pieces would really set the trip alight!

My favourites for Autumn / Winter 2012 include:

The Luna Collection

 

The Isabella Collection

 

The Velvet Collection

The Chrissie Champagne Collection

 

The Elsa Collection

 

Available from Myla

Perfect Wedding Underwear.

For wedding underwear look no further than Rigby and Peller. They offer the perfect, personalised, lingerie solution to complete your bridal look.  Providing you with a corsetiere masterpiece to make you feel absolutely beautiful on your big day. I absolutely love this made-to-measure bridal basque.

 

Rigby and Peller's traditional heritage and exceptional quality is supported by an A-List following and Royal Warrant. They pride themselves in being the official corsetiere to HM Queen Elizabeth II!

Rigby & Peller’s Creative Director, Nicky Claytoncomments: “Bridal underwear is as important as the gown itself, ensuring you feel exquisite yet sexy, but most importantly, comfortable and well supported. Strapless and low back designs are increasingly popular, and at Rigby & Peller we stock a vast range of solutions no matter the dress.”

  

 Rigby and Peller offer bespoke fitting appointments, toasted with a glass of champagne on arrival,  visit www.rigbyandpeller.com for further details.