Wedding Update... Veil Shopping!

With my dress sorted and final fitting at Jenny Packham booked in for next week, I have been searching for the perfect veil. In comparison to finding THE dress, the veil is a much easier and less daunting task... however it is also one of the most defining aspects of your appearance.

There are so many different styles to choose from and my advice would be first to consider the style you would like that best suits your dress, what length you are going for, what type of decoration (simple lace or intricate), the width, the number of tiers you'd like as well as choosing something to compliment your face shape and hair style.

For me, less is always more and I went for Sassi Holford's classic vintage lace tulle in ivory! As my dress is ivory I am hoping that they will match up fine and as it's so sheer, I am sure that it will work well. From placing the order, the veil will be ready for collection in 4 weeks. 

Check out some other styles... from traditional chic to boho.

Best Buy of the week...

It's been awhile... combination of busy work schedule and lots of wedmin... however the one thing I am trying to keep up is my beauty regime to try and ensure my skin is in the best possible condition for my wedding day.

I have treated myself to an Aveda facial every six weeks and in-between facials have been using this... the Aveda deep cleansing herbal clay masque. It's undoubtedly my buy of the week.

At £28.50, the masque draws impurities from the skin and removes excess oils... it smells delicious and leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated. Whilst it may seem excessive, it's certainly half the price of paying for a facial and equally effective! Buy it here. 

I have also tried using home made face masques from natural ingredients... I mixed a spoon of natural yoghurt with half a lemon and a teaspoon of turmeric... the bright orange paste left my skin slightly stained however the benefits from the combination are meant to reduce blemishes and help maintain a more even complexion as well as encourage skin rejuvenation... whilst the results may be well documented, it was far too much effort for me to use this as a regular remedy! 

THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY, ENTERTAINMENT AND PATHÉ, POST BAFTA PARTY HOSTED BY GREY GOOSE AT ROSEWOOD LONDON

It's taken me literally a week to recover from BAFTA madness... but what a fun couple of days! It started out on Friday with Harvey Weinstein's BAFTA nominees dinner in partnership with Burberry and Grey Goose at Little House, Mayfair, where a glittering guestlist featuring the likes of models du jour Cara and Poppy Delevingne, Suki Waterhouse and actresses Keira Knightley and Uma Thurman, kicked off the British Film Award celebrations in style. 

 

Post the BAFTA ceremony, the parties continued and in partnership with Grey Goose, The Weinstein Company, Entertainment Film Distributors and Pathé hosted a party at Rosewood London. If you haven't been to the newly refurbished Rosewood London, you are missing out - it's absolutely stunning and beautifully decorated. 

Guests including Harvey Weinstein, Bradley Cooper, Leonardo Di Caprio, Amy Adams, Lily Allen, Naomi Campbell, Gillian Anderson, Christopher Waltz, Oprah Winfrey, Cate Blanchett, Rita Ora, Philomena Lee, Eddie Redmayne and Douglas Booth were all enjoying the delicious Grey Goose cocktails (the brand had specially created a collection of cocktails for the Awards Season including Martini De La Mer, L'Amour Moderne and Lower East). To accompany the cocktails, a selection of delicious canapés including steak tartare, shrimp burgers, gourmet fish and chips and chili pork belly were served. 

 

The music certainly got everyone dancing and at one point in the evening, Rita Ora, Karen Elson and Lisa Fischer took to the stage to sing an impromptu version of Take Another Little Piece of My Heart.

Finalement - and my favourite part of the night... the Holborn Delicatessen... I felt like I was in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - a whole room, floor to ceiling with the most delightful selection of deserts and sweet treats on offer - chocolate fountains, soured marshmallows (in apple and raspberry flavour), strawberry cheesecake popcorn and toffees galore!

A fun party that ended with a sparkling Grey Goose Le Fizz toast - the ultimate celebratory cocktail. 

Luxury Wedding Invitations

As any bride to be will know, it's all about meticulous planning and attention to detail! For me, every detail is hugely important and guests' impressions mean a lot to me. So when it came to finding our wedding invitations, I spent a lot of time working out the style of invites I wanted and visiting printers to check out paper weights, fonts, colour etc.

For me, it's all about 'less is more'... I wanted something very traditional,  simple and elegant. However I didn't realise just how expensive this would be, and for awhile, I thought I would have to change my design... until I was introduced to The Letter Press of Cirencester.

Quality wedding stationers, The Letter Press of Cirencester, have been printing wedding invites for almost 30 years and offer a huge variety of invites in both classic as well as innovative, creative styles using raised print, letterpress print and foil blocking. (Check out the range here for inspiration).

I was hugely impressed with their offering and also at how informative their website is. There are colourplan swatches, paper swatches (who knew there was such a difference between smooth, laid and impression paper), information on inks, ribbons, bindi jewels, font illustrations etc. And if this isn't enough to guide you, their team is absolutely lovely and very helpful... I called several times asking for all sorts of advice!

In the end, I selected The Letter Press of Cirencester's classic style invite which was exactly what I set out to find. I went for classic style, 600 gsm, marina font, 8x6, fly sheet in high white wove heavy. As I haven't posted them yet - I am afraid I am not going to upload any pictures of my invites just yet, but see below for an example of the kind of style.

The whole process was really straightforward and totally stress free. I submitted my copy through the website and was quickly provided with a mock up for approval. Once signed off, my invitations arrived a few days later with handmade matching envelopes.

The invitations arrived in very smartly packaged boxes - they looked very luxe indeed and I have to say, they are absolutely PERFECT! I have seen so many invites working in luxury PR, but these are by far the best (and not just because they are my very own wedding invites)... my only regret... that I didn't buy more for keepsake!

http://www.letterpress.co.uk/Contact.aspx

Latest find - Africa Batik

Let's face it... being stuck in the middle of a long dull winter is pretty depressing and after spending Christmas back home in the sunshine, I have come back newly inspired to try and brighten up my wardrobe ready for spring/summer.  Coming from Kenya, I always love to find local designers that are championed in the UK and am always looking for stockists and boutiques that I can visit in London. 

One of my all time favourite brands is Lalesso. Their collections always succeed in showcasing the beauty of the East African 'khanga', also known as 'lesso' to create vibrant and care free summer fashion. What's more impressive is the fact that the company do this whilst supporting the local community and providing employment (check out their charity SOKO for more information). If you are not familiar with Lalesso check them out, they offer a wide selection of affordable beach wear and casual, chic summer clothing that is totally unique and won't disappoint!

Whilst checking out Lalesso, I discovered one of their stockists in UK is an online site called Africa Batik. The site is a shopping destination that celebrates the vibrant African spirit through fashion and provides a unique mix of contemporary African inspired designs from the continents most talented designers... my perfect shop!

Africa Batik also offers upcoming talented designers the opportunity to gain recognition on an international level and it's great to see that there are such supportive ethical platforms operating that help promote the quality craftsman and artisans that are widely found in Africa and who rarely get the recognition that they deserve.

I bought two pieces from the site which were nicely packaged and delivered the following day. I did email the boutique for sizing advice and received almost instant feedback... so all in all, an absolute find... all I need now is the sun to shine so I can actually wear them!

Grey Goose opens Boulangerie François in Soho

Calling all vodka and foodie lovers... From Thursday 28 November until Saturday 30 November Grey Goose  is to open Boulangerie François, a special artisan bakery situated at 136 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1.

In recognition of the brand founder and Mâitre de Chai François Thibault’s historical decision to create ‘a luxury vodka with taste’ in the Cognac region using Picardie wheat and spring water naturally filtered through Champagne limestone, Boulangerie François will celebrate the finest French ingredients that Grey Goose is crafted from.

Visitors to the Boulangerie will be able to try the freshly baked ‘Grey Goose Pain’ made from soft winter wheat used to create Grey Goose vodka as well as delicious confitures. The confitures are made from the brand's flavoured vodkas, Pear Confiture (a mellow-sweet pear jam made using Grey Goose La Poire), Orange Confiture (a bright zesty orange jam made using Grey Goose L’Orange) and Lemon Confiture (a soft bittersweet lemon marmalade made using Grey Goose Le Citron).  

It's a pop up not to be missed - the interior design of the Boulangerie will feature an eclectic mix of intriguing, artistic impressions, striking items of décor and curated artefacts which reflect Grey Goose's take on the traditional boulangerie experience.

Specially commissioned pieces will be on show, such as the ceiling illustration shown here, which will highlight parts of the story.

And what's great about this is that the bread is all free of charge, visitors are asked to make a donation to benefit Elton John AIDS Foundation the long-term charity partner of Grey Goose.

greygoose.com

New label of love... Undercover Glamour

After years of trying on countless bras and attending boring traditional fitting sessions, I find the idea of bra shopping an unexciting hassle. So when I chose my wedding dress, which is strapless and backless, you can imagine one of my biggest concerns was firstly, how could I possibly wear a bra and secondly, where on earth would I be able to get it from!

However, everything changed when I discovered Undercover Glamour, literally my new label of love and the ultimate shopping destination for any girl looking to solve an underwear wardrobe dilemma. I can honestly say, as soon as I saw the brand's online selection of stick on bras, I immediately felt completely reassured and am delighted that I can now wear my wedding dress with confidence.  

Undercover Glamour offer several different styles of stick on bras of which I tried The Silicone Party Bra and The Party Bra. My verdict...  impressed doesn't even cover it! They both provided a very natural shape, felt supportive (despite being very lightweight) and most importantly felt 100% secure (you don't want to have to worry about your bra falling off)! 

The Silicone Party Bra is Undercover Glamour's silicone strapless and backless bra. The bra cups simply stick on to your chest and mould around your shape. I have to say, this one was definitely my favourite of the two - with subtle extra silicone padding on the bra cups, I felt like I had a natural enhancement and what's brilliant, the cups move with your existing shape completely naturally (and they feel real too). You also don't have to worry about lines... I tried on several different tops and as the bra cups seamless, no-one would be able to tell I was even wearing anything. 

The Party Bra is Undercover Glamour's fabric strapless and backless bra which creates a desired rounded look to your bust. It too was easy to stick on and was very comfortable to wear. It will be the perfect bra to wear with all my strapless tops and dresses on my honeymoon or an ideal choice for my bridesmaids.

The one thing I would point out is that when selecting sizes, they do come up small and as there is no back, I would recommend going up a size. (For example, a 32C is the same cup size as a 34B and a 36A). 

So, for all those girls out there who have struggled to wear backless dresses and strapless tops, or have worried about their shape, I honestly think these bras will change your wardrobe and give you the freedom and confidence you need! And, if it couldn't get any better, they are washable and the adhesive simply regenerates itself! What's not to love...

Buy yours here: The Silicone Party Bra - available in an A to E cup in Nude and Transparent £10.99

The Party Bra - available in A to D cup in Nude, White and Black £12.99

Happy shopping and do check out the brand on Facebook here!

Hollywood Director Nicolas Winding Refn directs Grey Goose Fly Beyond Film

So if you, like me, are a film and a vodka fan, you will be interested in Grey Goose's latest campaign - FLY BEYOND. Set to launch on the 28th October, Fly Beyond will tell the remarkable story of how the brand's creator François Thibault defied expectations in France and throughout the spirits world to create a super premium vodka with taste. 

At the intimate event held last night at The Hospital Club, Grey Goose launched the campaign with a screening of its cinematic advertorial film directed by award winning Hollywood director, Nicolas Winding Refn (who directed Drive & Only God Forgives to name but a few).

Refn has worked with Grey Goose to bring to life the epic story of the making of Grey Goose and the extraordinary journey of its creator François Thibault, trained as a Cognac Maître de Chai (cellar master). Through stunning imagery and storytelling, the film showcased the field-to-bottle provenance of Grey Goose and the challenges faced by François in his quest to create The World’s Best Tasting Vodka. It brings to life the compelling and remarkably TRUE story of one man's vision and how he succeeded against all the odds to create the extraordinary. Indeed it was the very nature of the story which appealed to Refn who from the start saw it as the "story of Francois, the man with a dream, who fought against all odds and in the end won."

The screening was preceded with an interview hosted by actress Lucy Russell, (renowned for her starring role in Eric Rohmer's L'Anglaise et le duc) in which Francois candidly spoke of his vision to create a super premium vodka with taste in the heart of Cognac, using soft wheat from Picardie and the extraordinary opposition he faced in bringing his vision to reality:

“In the beginning, I was considered a maverick, even an eccentric, for trying to make vodka in historic Cognac, France, from wheat no less. There were many naysayers and sceptics, and all were waiting for me to fail, but I knew I could prove them wrong and create a product that tasted unlike anything available,” said François Thibault. “I’ve worked hard to create a spirit of outstanding quality and character. It is the world’s best because it is made like no other and feels exceptionally smooth in a dry martini or in other cocktails.”

The cinematic advertorial clip will be shown in 96 art house cinemas across the UK from Monday 28 October, but you can have a preview here. 

greygoose.com 

My Favourite Bridal Boutiques

Wedding dress shopping is probably the most fun but also stressful part of the wedding for the bride! I have so far been to Jenny Packham, Philippa Lepley and Sassi Holford to try on dresses and it's fair to say, have fallen in love with one dress at each of them!!

For me, it was trying on the dress that made the whole experience seem so real, stepping into a wedding dress for the first time is an amazing feeling. I think seeing my Mum in tears and having my sister and bridesmaid there also added to the emotion. I suddenly felt so grown up!!!!!

Choosing the dress style is the first step...  I was lucky in the fact that I have always known the shape that best suits my body... Of course nothing stopped me from trying on the meringue dresses, but I have always wanted a classic, elegant and simple style dress. Yet where I am stuck is with the detailing and the question of lace... lace or no lace... here lies my dilemma!

The experience in all the bridal couture boutiques was unrivalled... I booked in for a bespoke appointment where I had a one on one private consultation and I have to say, it was a really special  way to enjoy the occasion. Whether you do have a couture dress made or buy a ready to wear, I would recommend any bride to be book in for this experience. 

Toronto International Film Festival - The Best Parties with Grey Goose & Soho House

If you are into films, then Toronto International Film Festival is THE place to be! Every year thousands of film-lovers flock to the Festival to wittiness the latest flux of Oscar-claibre films! But in-between the screenings and compelling dramas, it's one hell of a place to party!

For the fifth consecutive year, Grey Goose have hosted the most spectacular parties, mainly in partnership with Soho House Toronto, to celebrate the best in film and the achievements of some of the most talented filmmakers.

Over the week, Grey Goose hosted parties for the premieres of Parkland, Michael Sugar, Horns, You Are Here, Can A Song Save Your Life, The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby, The Invisible Woman and Don Jon to name but a few!

As always, the parties were attended by an array of high profile guests whom enjoyed a selection of bespoke award season cocktails that were specially curated by Joe McCanta, Grey Goose's Global Brand Ambassador. 

As it's Friday... you don't need any excuses... start your weekend in style with the Torontini cocktail...

TORONTINI 

A sophisticated cocktail with Grey Goose at its heart complemented by rich, honeyed fruit and notes of liquorice.

Ingredients:

50ml Grey Goose

50ml fresh apricot juice

20ml freshly squeezed lemon juice

15ml maple syrup

5ml apricot brandy

Dash of absinth 

Method: 

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Shake and double strain into a martini glass. Garnish with orange zest. 

greygoosetaste.com

Maje - the go to destination for stylish originality

I love the French label Maje... with a Parisian style sensibility, the collections are effortlessly chic and wearable.

Founded by Judith Milgrom, a Moroccan-born designer and self proclaimed 'lover of bohemian, feminine fashion', Judith is a fashion child who has applied the knowledge she gained from her mother and grandmother, to produce a striking brand that is synonymous with cool-girl chic.  

I love the combinations of fabrics and textures used as well as the attention to detail. My favourite pieces in the collections though are always the leathers! From the leather trousers, skirts and jackets to the winter coats with leather panels, the quality is always exceptional and deliciously soft!!!!! Season after season, Maje manage to get it just right.

 

Whilst the brand is by no means cheap, it's definitely a place to shop in for investment pieces where you can be confident that you are buying something original and stylish.

www.maje.com