The White House

What a time I had last week. I was lucky enough to stay at The White House in Daylesford, Victoria. Owned and decorated by one of my style heroes, Lyn Gardener from Empire Vintage fame, this gorgeous little house is nestled amongst some of the most beautiful countryside I have seen. It was cold and raining for most of the time we were there, the perfect excuse to spend long spells in front of the open fire, grazing on delicious local produce and catching up on favourite magazines.

This house is such an inspiration to me as a designer and stylist. Every corner has an interesting display or collection to admire. It was a direct reflection of Lyn herself - warm, inviting, generous and relaxed - everything a home should be.









We were so fortunate to have Lyn feature in our Gift Registry story this issue. She shared her tips and tricks on how to make a house feel like a home. Her insights give anyone about to embark on the fabulous task of registering for gifts a heads up on making choices that will last a lifetime.





Thank you Lyn for the most fabulous time.

Posted by Jane Cameron

The Right Stripes

I made a fleeting visit to Melbourne last week and happened to drive past one of my favourite shops, Specklefarm, located in Albert Park. I popped in to say hello and to have a look at their divine range of ribbons and stationery. The selection is overwhelming which makes it very difficult to choose a favourite.

If you're quick, you've still got time to enter our Think Pink competition with one of the prizes being a roll of stunning Black & White Pencil Stripe grosgrain ribbon from Specklefarm. But do be quick, entries close on the 8th of June so you won't want to miss out. (Open to Australian residents only.)







Posted by Jane Cameron

New Heritage

If, like me, you've been pouring over the stills and snippets from Sex and the City 2 you'll have noticed both Sarah Jessica Parker and her alter-ego Carrie Bradshaw sporting many pieces from the label Halston Heritage. Announced in January, SJP has taken the reigns as designer/creative director. Halston Heritage is the secondary label to Halston, currently designed by Marios Schwab. If, like me (again!), you've fallen in love with some of the pieces, don't fret! It's easier (and cheaper) than you think to dress like the famed Miss CB. Many of the HH pieces are available online at Net-A-Porter, my favourite online designer hub. It's a fact that these pieces are on the top of many a girls wish list, which means they're hard to get your hands on, but online shopping makes it that much easier regardles of where in the world you are. So hop onto the Halston Heritage online shop at Net-A-Porter and get the Carrie look!




Tiered pleated silk-chiffon dress £379 and stretch-jersey V-neck dress £191


SJP wore a simply gorgeous nude Halston Herritage dress to the 2010 Met Ball

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Big Shoes to Fill

For those who have large feet I can imagine it's a rather challenging task trying to find shoes that actually fit. Since 2007 Lauren Whiting, owner of Adelaide's At Last Shoes, has been importing Italian shoes made specifically for larger feet. Boots, flats and heels are all on the menu, ranging in sizes from 41-46 (roughly 10-14.5). Lauren's also recently created Bless My Soul, a label of killer heels and classic flats catering for sizes 10-13. These ranges all include bridal shoes and can be purchased online. Ladies, let out sigh of relief!!! Visit www.atlastshoes.com.au and snap to it!







Posted by Emilie Harrison

J is for Jayson

There's no denying I'm a huge fan of Australian designer Jayson Brunsdon. His spring/summer collection shown at Rosemont Australian Fashion Week a couple of weeks back was no doubt 50's inspired. The collection is ridiculously wearable and would be oh so suitable for a garden or beach themed wedding. Tulip skirts, knot details and the cutest little dresses all made for a super pretty, feminine and overall amazing collection. Visit www.jaysonbrusndon.com for collection and stockist details.










Photos courtesy of vogue.com.au

Posted by Emilie Harrison

A Silky Dream

To me these Pedro Garcia delights look like a pretty cute wedding shoe. Nice size heel, platform to save the balls of your feet, silky white satin all with a cute frayed edge. I was also delighted to see they're at a pretty reasonable price, roughly AUD$312. Shopping online has never been easier so take this as the perfect chance to give it a crack if you haven't yet dared. You won't be disappointed! Visit www.net-a-porter.com to view the huge range of brands available all with a click of your mouse.





Posted by Emilie Harrison

Martha Stewart Weddings, Editor's Letter

We're delighted that our Wedding Party was featured in the Martha Stewart Weddings Editor's Letter! Shown here are our bridesmaids models wearing Wedding Library Badgley Mischka dresses and accessories. James Mischka and Mark Badgley are with Darcy Miller and our own Kristen Carnie poses as the beautiful bride.

Check out the Summer (current) issue of Martha Stewart Weddings!

Pick Your Own

Whilst looking at the gorgeous Rifle blog I noticed the link to these DIY Wedding Escort Cards they made for oncewed. Not sure how I haven't seen them by now but they are so cute - perfect for a produce themed wedding!





For DIY details and more images click here.

Posted by Emma Henderson

Chalk it Up

I received an email from Sibella Court at The Society Inc announcing the new chalkboard paints from Murobond. I am L.O.V.I.N.G. the white - how fantastic is it! The possibilities are endless.





Posted by Jane Cameron

It's Here!

If you're one of our avid blog readers you'll know that Jane and Emma have a slight obsession with J Crew. Jane loves the "classic and understated styles, sophisticated colour palette mixed with a contemporary edge", while Emma adores "their simple embellishments that take a plain cardi from nice to gorgeous". Everyone, amongst the hustle and bustle of moving offices, is super excited that J Crew is now available online at Net-A-Porter. You'll sleep easy knowing those pretty pieces will no longer be out of reach if you happen to reside in the lovely country that is Australia. To view the range available online visit www.net-a-porter.com. Happy shopping!


Tiered silk-chiffon gown £1,859


Phyllis silk-chiffon maxi dress £234


Cloud silk-organza dress £687

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Anne Watkins Watercolors

I am often challenged to help form lasting memories for the families and couples for whom we design weddings. My most memorable events always include great photography and video, charming speeches and unexpected whimsy. Anne Watkins offers another, subtle keepsake. Working at your ceremony and reception, Anne captures moments in watercolor, images and impressions that are true treasures. Wouldn't you agree?

Lady & Behr

You've got to pretty chuffed when one of fashion and music's most talked about ladies sports one of your pieces. Jennifer Behr has to be happy the amazing Lady Ga Ga wore her Standing Lace tiara while performing at the Rainforest Gala in New York on May 12th. This tiara could be easily be reinterpreted for a wedding and would, I think, look simply gorgeous teamed with a full, long veil. Visit www.jenniferbehr.com to find out more about her intricate and beautiful pieces.


The Standing Lace tiara is from the Spring 2010 Jennifer Behr collection

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Winter Wonderland

Taking its inspiration from from the newly reworked classic Alice in Wonderland, Spencerlacy's Winter Wonderland 2010 collection features gorgeous colours of shimmering silver, purple ash and charcoal grey. This luxurious loungewear is perfect for relaxing at home or in the great outdoors with the range including basics such as cardi's, chemises and leggings in fine knits, soft cashmeres and lustrous silks. Spencerlacy definitely makes leisure time much more chic. Visit www.spencerlacy.com to view the collection and shop online.


Floret print twisted satin dress $69.95 and long cable knit cardigan in luxe $189.95


Silk satin gown in Winter Bloom print $219.95 and knit dress with silk contrast in Shimmer $89.95

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Champion of Champions

I love these ceramic trophies from Yellow Owl Workshop. Measuring an impressive 30cm high, they'd make a statement on any wedding table, brimming with blooms, AUS$99 + shipping from Notemaker.



I wish, they had been around when we shot our Elegant Equine Experience story from Issue 3. We had a really great day on this shoot, which was held at the historic Oakbank Racecourse, home to the largest picnic race meeting in Australia. This is an event many South Australians would be familiar with as it doesn't feel like Easter if you don't go to Oakbank. The old grandstand has so many beautiful features including the cast iron horse heads that grace the fence posts.

The horse in the pic is Annabelle's gorgeous riding pony Charm. She sure did turn on the charm for this pic - she was most interested in all the activity.







Photographs by Amanda McLauchlan.

A wedding styling idea just right for the country dweller, or country-lover at heart.

Posted by Jane Cameron