Brides

Vintage Year

'Vintage' really doesn't seem to have had its day as far as bridalwear is concerned. Instead of going out of fashion, vintage-inspired designs just seem to get better. Best of all you don't need to spend a fortune in order to achieve the look.
For wedding dresses, Charlotte Balbier's new 2010 collection is to die for! (From £900; www.charlottebalbier.com). Charlotte uses a clever mix of luxurious lace, silks, satins, organza and intricate beading throughout the collection in order to achieve a modern take on what is a very feminine, not to mention decadent, overall look. From simpler, classic designs of strapless silk A-line dresses with embroidered beading, to the more elaborate one-shoulder organza tiered dress, or big silk skirts in gorgeous shades of ivory and pale pink, there is something for everyone. My favourites are the super stylish/sexy/on-trend short numbers added to the collection. We featured the Faye silk taffeta puffball dress in our September/October issue, as well as the sweetheart-neck, pale pink, paper taffeta Carrie dress in a downtown New York shoot (pictured). I personally adore Ruby - a pale pink satin and lace dress with pearl encrusting (If only it had been designed for my wedding last year - it would have been the perfect going-away dress or even as my bridesmaid's dress!)
For vintage-inspired headpieces, visit Flo & Percy (from £17; www.floandpercy.com). They take vintage pieces and redesign them using mainly crystals and pearls in a huge array of tiaras, combs, headbands amd fascinators. Spanning three collections, The Looking Glass, The Gatsby and the latest Wonderland collection, one is totally spoilt for choice. There is a further original vintage collection should you want the real McCoy - with prices from £125.

For jewellery look no further than my current obsession Magpie Vintage (from £20 www.magpievintage.co.uk) I can't stop using their jewellery in my shoots and it's a brand that keeps designing and growing - I don't know where they find the time! From gorgeous earrings and bracelets right through to rings, necklaces, hairpieces and shoe clips - you think of it, they've designed it!