Bridal and jewellery designers have been going crazy, coming up with the most exquisite and breath taking creations.  For those of you who have not been to see the film yet, its really worth a watch.  The Prada designed costumes and Tiffany jewellery have just captured the moment and are the pinnacle of elegance, we are just in love with it all.

Infact we are quietly excited and smug as we feel the Great Gatsby was just made for Wonderful Wraps, with an array of feather accessories, from boleros, shrugs and stoles – these make pretty gifts for your bridesmaids or wonderful keepsakes.”

From the Wonderful Wraps Great Gatsby collection here are a few head pieces that follow the inspiring sumptuous glamor of Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby and also by the TV shows Downton Abbey and Boardwalk Empire. Like these on-screen dramas, all the headpieces combine elegance with a slightly decadent edge that is perfect for brides who want to make a stylish statement on their wedding day.’

The versatile collection includes coordinating earrings and even sashes.  The elegant Deco-inspired diamante  sash with pearl is perfect for brides to mix and match designs to create their own individual look.

Please see the Wonderful Wraps website for these and more from the Great Gatsby collection……

**  Images courtesy of Great Gatsby movie, adorned.com and WW

Here’s a few gorgeous outfits which our favourite celebrities are wearing… we have the sexy and sassy Jennifer Lopez sporting a lime green dress from the Micheal Kors collection and Neon matching bright pink lush heals by Casadei. She takes risks and it pays off – one hot Mummy!!

The bright neon colours don’t stop at ‘Jenny From the Block’ we have the gorgeous Lea Michele sporting an stunning lace and sequin embellished dress from Elie Saab.

Continuing with our home grown Victoria Beckham; our Victoria isn’t going full on in her label’s; ensemble just a touch of bright blue. This outfit says I’m fashionable, stylish and cool Mum..   obviously is keeping David chomping at the bit (love him!!!).

If you are wanting just a snapshot of colour within our 2013 collection we have a stunning cashmere wrap edged with Neon Pink Feathers; just enough wow to have all your friends wanting to borrow it..

Until next time keep smiling with your shades on my WW followers xx

Images thanks to; US Magazine, Pop Sugar, La Model La Mafia

Welcome to the era of savvy brides (SBs) – and why not! I’m a savvy shopper too, so I raise my glass of champagne to you… well glass of Presecco. From savings on discounted 2012 lines for bridesmaid’s dresses to online/Facebook/Groupon deals for your hen or stag party – but let’s talk fashion…

SB’s know they look just as beautiful as their favourite celebrity or royalty goddess with stunning ranges from accessible high street stores, leaving extra cash to spend on beauty treatments; or even a cheeky weekend away before the wedding. With House of Fraser stocking a replica of Kate Middelton’s Alexander McQueen wedding dress to Top Shop’s second successful year of bridal wear there are plenty research.

With this in mind I checked out ‘what’s new’ in the high street and these are just a small selection of my high street favourites… Phase Eight have dresses from £250 with many contemporary designs, Biba’s high street range again starts from £250 (see below the slinky Icelandic dress – although suck-in pants may be essential!) and of course not forgetting Coast – brilliant for bridesmaids dresses and their elegant 2013 bridal collection also starts at a only £117!

Savvy Brides

This year we have also launched our very own high street label.  Here below is our very own High Street Faux Fur and Velvet Ivory Wedding Cape at £449.  We also have a wedding ivory fur stole from the same range on sale… basically the same stunning designs just at discounted prices; and for even further discounts check out our ‘offers page’ too.

That will leave a few more pennies for the honeymoon… until next time xx

After spending many indulgent hour flicking through the latest bridal magazines and websites I have come to the conclusion that the Spring bridal trend is all about elegant dresses with CHIC stylish accessories.  Designers have steered away from the oversized and over fused dresses (thank the Lord!) to a more refined bridal gown concentrating on flattering lines and beautiful fabrics.

Valentino released images of their stunning lace and chiffon bridal dresses accessorised with quirky sashes from bows to pretty roses. Oscar de la Rento unveiled his masterpiece, a stunning simple lace (slightly transparent, oo-la-la!) wedding dress with extravagant oversized pearl drop earrings. Not to forget Jesus Peiro’s absolutely adorable chiffon tiered Swan Lake dress and Alexandra McQueen’s classic silk bias cut dress.

My favourite accessory for this season is the collar; I’m a huge fan of the Wonderful Wraps marabou feather collar which was designed and created in 2012. Extremely popular then and with our 2013 customers – love it!

marabou collar

Spring smiles to all you gorgeous WW follower’s xx

Welcome to February. We romantic writers adore the world of love every second of every day, of every month – but this month in the calendar we truly dedicate to love. In celebration of that and Valentines Day we here at Wonderful Wraps would like to share what we LOVE..

To start, we have been devouring some of the most amazing white wedding dresses we have ever seen on the 2013 runways.. have a peek below;

Bright and virginal, many with one shoulder designs, fish tails and lots of cover ups, wraps and tulle..

I’d like to share a little about this past weekend and our trip to London where I was delighted to see the breathtaking Louis Vuitton window on Sloane Street.. they’ve moved away from Winter chic and embraced Spring’s new vibrant white trends..

Continuing our white theme.. the simple sheer fabrics gracing all the runways of London & Paris Fashion Week was definitely something to shout about and here at Wonderful Wraps we have been in love with these beautiful delicate pieces for quite sometime..

Just to remind you ladies, sadly sometimes we can take trends a little too far…..

For Valentine’s Day we’re also in love with all these special mouth-watering treats, from beautiful dusted biscuits to sickly sweet jellies..

So WW followers enjoy your own sweethearts this month and remember the joy of being in love, whether it be fashion, food or frolic’s..!

*Brides.com  * retaildesignblog.net http://retaildesignblog.net/2012/02/15/louis-vuitton-bond-street-windo>w-displays-london/   * www.fashionfreude.com<http://www.fashionfreude.com/2012/01/19/the-anti-royal-wedding-dress-the-kaviar-gauche-dress-youre-unlikely-to-wear-unless-youre-lady-gaga/>

Well December at Wonderful Wraps HQ has been pretty hectic with a ‘snow storm’ of Christmas party and wedding cover ups orders, we are up to eyes in feathers, fur and Winter Wonderland cloaks – so taking 5 minutes to write this blog is a welcome treat.

This month we have not only been inundated with orders but also had the huge privilege of working with the gorgeous Strictly Come Dancing’s Tess Daly! Her lovely stylist has been in constant communication requesting cloaks and marabou feathers for their Christmas Day Special –we are so excited!

Tess loved the collection so much she even bought a black marabou feather stole for future events and she isn’t alone.

It’s been a tremendous year for all of us at WW with countless celebrities such as red carpet beauty Elizabeth Hurley, dancing queen Kimberley Walsh and another Saturday favourite Nicole Scherzinger, all favouring the feather cover up.

Check out our feature in Tess’s column too: http://www.mirror.co.uk/opinion/lifestyle-opinion/tess-daly-tis-the-season-to-be-stylish-1490944

That’s all from me.. can’t keep our customers waiting, tissue paper in one hand and tape in the other – Merry Christmas to you all.

Laura x

This week has literally taken my breath away! I touched down from Boston and the Jubilee celebrations were upon us here in the UK. From the organization, to the amazing visual spectacles to the individual street parties and the Beacon lighting’s around the UK and The Commonwealth – I’m sure you will all agree – My goodness did it make me feel proud to be British! I like to think I’m a strong, emotionally strong woman – but the Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace turned me into a blubbering mess blowing into my Union Jack hankie!! I know that I’m not alone and I feel that if you are a fan of the Monarchy or not, this type of deep routed Patriotism was what this country so desperately needed. We are all fully aware of the economic crisis the UK and many other countries in the EU and around the world are in But this show of British grit and ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ attitude, alongside the magnitude and historical poignancy, made for a red hot poker to the British belief in themselves and what we stand for as a nation. I personally am incredibly proud of the Monarchy, the strength and resilience of Her Majesty, The Queen of England and the new generation of Royals. The speech by Prince Charles to his ‘Mummy’ at the end of the concert was so heartfelt, professional and downright moving! I actually stood up and saluted the TV with a roaring Bravo!

I was also particularly taken by all the fashion trends and statements made by the Royals over the Jubilee Celebrations and indeed, the lead up to it! Kate, as per usual, displayed outstanding taste and style choices ( which we have come to almost expect) but I was also highly impressed by The Duchess of Cornwall and Queen Elizabeth herself!

Kate Middleton in a Stunning Scarlet Dress by Alexander McQueen and Sylvia Fletcher hat.

Kate Middleton at The Queens Garden Party in a beautiful blush pleated dress.

*( Image credits and thanks to Getty Images )

Queen Elizabeth looked stylish, classic and beautifully put together for the entire Jubilee Celebrations. I particularly loved her gold outfit at The Buckingham Palace Concert (gold lame and lace Swarovski- crystal embellished Angela Kelly dress)  and her Beautiful cape that she wore to make her entrance into the Royal Box.

*( Image credits and source Bauer Griffin – to see more images go to zimbio.com )

The Queen Sporting a beautiful tailored Cape at The Buckingham Palace Concert.

*( Image Credits and thanks to Anthony Devlin/PA – Source bbc.co.uk )

In the lead up to the celebrations, Charlene of Monaco wowed in a beautiful,pale peach Dior dress with a chiffon overlay and a hairstyle that was a throw back to the 1920′s. This look would be great to replicate for any of our Brides-to-be – soft and VERY elegant!

Charlene of Monaco looking stunning in a Dior creation.

I also LOVED the cream coat and lace trimmed dress worn by Lord Frederick Windsor’s wife, Sophie Winkleman, when they arrived at St Pauls for The Queens Thanksgiving Service. And the shoes …. I want them!

Sophie Winkleman at The Queens Thanksgiving Service.

*( Image credit and thanks to OPTIC-EBDB – source dailymail.com )

The Duchess of Cornwall really outdid herself on the Fashion stakes – I was literally bowled over (pardon the dreadful pun!) She wore one of my favourite Bridal and Fashion designers’ ( Bruce Oldfield) Coat design to the Queens Thanksgiving Service and topped the look off with a Phillip Treacy statement hat design in blush. He is not only Camilla’s favourite Milliner but mine also – pure creative genius and quality.

Duchess of Cornwall wearing a Phillip Treacy hat and Bruce Oldfield designed Gold Coat.

*( Image credits and thanks DS: Source dailymail.com )

I also found delight in The Duchess of Cornwall’s fashion choice on Day 2 of the Jubilee celebrations – Boat Pageant on the Thames. She chose a cream Anna Valentine coat dress and think this a perfect look for any Mother-of-the-bride to replicate this Summer

The Duchess of Cornwall wearing an Anna Valentine cream Coat Dress and Philip Treacy hat.

*( image credits and source ibtimes.com )

My absolute favourite fashion choice from the entire Jubilee celebrations was made by The Duchess of Cambridge. She wore the most stunning lace Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton design in blush ( so on trend ) coupled with a fabulous Jane Taylor hat and nude LK Bennett platform court shoes. LK Bennett are my FAVOURITE store when I’m in the UK and have been a fan for over 10 years. Watch out US readers – they have already got stores and concessions on the East Coast and Atlanta and I keep pleading with my local store Manager to bring them to Newbury Street in Boston .. watch this space (fingers crossed x) I actually have the shoes Kate is wearing in 5 (yes 5) different colours!

Kate Middleton in Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.

*( image credit,source and thanks ibtimes.com )

I think that this design by Sarah Burton could be copied for some of our ‘alternative’ Brides – perfect to show of your curves and look elegant at the same time. I wore Valentino for my second wedding in this colour and I think the lace detail just gives that throw back vintage vibe – divine!

I could go on and on about the fashion, the fun, the pride and all the things that I loved about The Queens Diamond Jubilee Celebrations. But I think we must take a minute to feel very thankful to be alive for such a momentous occasion. I can’t remember who said this but there aren’t many people who are in the same job for 60 years, let alone having to do the job that is being The Queen of England!!!! So my final image is of a woman I am also so very, very grateful for – my Mum! She was once an opera singer and was part of the ‘English Opera Group’, based in Covent Garden. She attended the Guild Hall School of music and has her name in gold leaf at The Barbican as she won the Gold Medal in 1965 – such an achievement. I salute you Mum and I think it is fitting to show 2 women I admire so much – and hope to give inspiration to all our readers. Follow your dreams and always believe in yourself – God Save The Queen! (And my wonderful Mum x)

Verity Ann Bates presenting a bouquet to The Queen of England, St Cecilia's Day, The Royal Albert Hall.

‘Firstly I would like to point out I was never the girl who had childhood fantasies about walking down the aisle and recreating the fantasy with my Barbies or wrapping my mother’s net curtains round my head to fashion a makeshift veil. I was the girl who was always trying to get Ken’s knickers off to see what was underneath!

Now, I’m not saying I wasn’t interested in weddings as I am a bit of a girly girl when it comes to pretty dresses; who doesn’t love a bit of tulle!? But I was never ‘obsessed’. Having said that, when wedding season comes around I’m the first to volunteer my services to the bride-to-be as her matrimonial side kick. I don’t mind doing the dirty work, in fact I enjoy it! Trawling through lists of suppliers to find that all important particular shade of green vase or tracking down some  random whimsy that pops into the brides head are a pleasure, as the spoils at the end are worth every minute.
Getting to play with dresses made with layers of chiffon and lace, designed with perfection in mind, is my idea of heaven.

I also love seeing the whole day come together and the bride’s face when she sees the result of all the hard work. Styling venues is brilliant fun, you get the run of a mansion/castle/golf club(?) to yourself to create a platform for your ideas and finally set out all the bits you have been collecting throughout the engagement.

Why aren’t you a wedding planner, I hear you cry! Well, the simple truth is that I’m a bit of a crier and always have been. Remember that Cadburys Roses advert “thank you very much for feeding William, thank you, thank you, thank you very much!”? Yep, got me every time, so you can see what I’d be like at a wedding!

In my early 20s I tried my hand at being a wedding photography assistant for a while. At my first wedding job I did magic tricks for the guests so they would give me cigarettes. I also got quite tipsy and slurred to the bride how pretty she looked, before giving the groom a massive kiss at the end of the night! Not a glorious moment in a wedding career but it made me realise I should be attending them not working at them!

My breakthrough moment came after my own wedding when a female friend of my husbands asked me to help find her a vintage style outfit. Within 10 minutes of receiving her email I had compiled a list of suppliers and designers as long as my arm and off the top of my head with the promise of more to follow. Mr James glanced over and said “you do know you should be doing this for a career don’t you”.

My blog was born. It’s been live since January and has gathered momentum really quickly. In fact, I’ve just been invited to my first bridal catwalk show as press!

So far I have blogged about many amazing bridal suppliers, such as Wonderful Wraps, and have been lucky enough to meet a few in person, including Joanna Hehir, the wedding dress designer who I was a bit star struck over! It has been inspiring discovering all the lovely wedding folk who are all so passionate about what they do.

It is so inspiring in fact, that I have decided to open my own bridal boutique (a Wonderful Wraps exclusive) and have been sourcing gorgeous dresses mainly from the 1950s. I love this era and desperately wanted to be in Grease at the dance-offs!

Vintage lace is incredibly popular at the moment, it has a timeless quality about it that can be accessorised to bring it into the modern age, or you can go full throttle ‘antique’ style. A lot of my dresses have some lace included in the fabric as I love it so much but I am also on the look out for 30s/40s originals as this era is also enjoying a comeback right now.

So I’ll end this post by saying thank you to Wonderful Wraps for letting me hijack their blog space for a while. And I hope you will all come and visit me at oohmrsjames.com to enjoy my featured suppliers and keep up to date with the progress of my boutique. I will leave you with some inspiration for a vintage themed wedding;

The Roaring 20s!

The Tango 'Artist' Dress.

The Artist was a massive film this year & started a new craze for the 20′s style!

Black Tango Dress.

These amazing dresses were sourced from Leluxe Clothing [link www.leluxeclothing.com] and are surprisingly affordable!Here you can find dresses, underslips and a few head pieces.

Image from The Great Gatsby .

Leluxe Clothing will also be supplying outfits for the new movie The Great Gatsby. So get one before they all sell out!

Wonderful Wraps Marabou Stole from 2012 Photo Shoot.

*( image credits to Candy Floss and Bowties Photography)

Wonderful Wraps Ribbed Faux Fur Shrug from 2012 Photo shoot.

Of course the outfit is not complete without a Faux Fur Shrug or Marabou Stole from Wonderful Wraps!

1920's style cloche hat

For some lovely 1920s cloche style hats, check out Orizu on Etsy[link: http://www.etsy.com/listing/90515368/green-gables-green-1920s-cloche-hat-with?ref=sr_gallery_7&ga_search_query=1920s+hat&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_ref=auto1&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade1920s+hat]

Greens Restaurant and Oyster Bar.

Greens Restaurant & Oyster bar [link:http://www.weddingvenues.com/venue6328.html]

Fabulous Flapper Girl Fashion!

And finally Lipstick & curls [link:http://www.lipstickandcurls.net] for the flapper girl make over!’

‘Ooh!Mrs James’ you have out done yourself! What a wonderful taste of 1920′s vintage style you have given to us on a delicious plate. Thank you so much for joining us on The WW Blog – its been visually delightful and gives great inspiration for our ladies looking to style a 1920′s inspired wedding or event. If any of our community want to see more Vintage inspiration, pop over to ‘Ooh! Mrs James‘ website and blog – you won’t be disappointed!

Kate Middleton at The 2012 Olympic Gala.

*( image credit reuters – sourced from superstar magazine.com )

So here are my 7 top picks for the ‘Up do’ and ways to embellish even the most simple example of this style.

Charlize Theron at The Golden Globes 2012.

*( Image credit Getty – sourced from Bellasugar.com )

This style is one of my personal favs! Charlize really went for the vintage, ‘Old Hollywood Glamour’ look. She left the ‘do’ slightly undone and the side chignon adds an element of ‘Ethereal Goddess’ to the overall styling. And the jeweled hairband just highlights her subtle makeup and simple earrings. This look is perfect for a summer bride – subtle and yet so effective!

Jessica Alba 'Braided' Up do.

*( picture sourced from fashionbombdaily.com )

This style on full display by the beautiful Jessica Alba is very similar to that shown off by The Duchess of Cambridge at the Olympic Gala. This would certainly take more work but the braids ending up in a central chignon at the back add interest and a playful yet elegant quality to the classic ‘Up do’ look.

Classic 'Up do' .

*( Photo credits to Getty images – for more Hair inspiration go to mlejit.com )

This carefully quaffed Up do is perfect for those ladies who have a small facial shape – the hair style is away from the neck but volume left to frame the face. Maria Menounos rocked this Classic Up do on the 2012 Oscars Red Carpet. She embellished the look with sparkling, oversized earrings but this classic style could also ‘pop’ with a dazzling hair accessory to give it a real feature.

Jennifer Lopez at the 2012 Golden Globe Awards.

*( image credit and thanks to Getty Images – sourced from mlejit.com)

J Lo has got the perfect bone structure and facial shape to really pull this ( sometimes harsh) Up do off. I often wear may hair in this style and find that the right make up helps tone down the possible severeness of the ‘scraped up on top’ style. This is actually much easier to achieve than it looks. Start with a high pony tail and then carefully backcomb sections, twist under (like a flower) and pin. Do this section by section ( I do mine in 6 sections!) and use ALOT of hairspray. It is a simple yet effective look that is dramatic and bold. Just watch your make up choices – I think smokey eyes marries well with this hair creation.

Nina Dobrev at The Met Ball Gala 2012 in Donna Karen.

*( Image credits to Larry Bussaca/Getty images  - sourced from dailymail.co.uk)

Nina Dobrev chose this swept back hair style at the recent Met ball Gala Fashion Event in NYC. I like this style for its subtle and soft effect – and the way that the hair is careful pinned in a large, loose knot at the back. The hairstyle let the Gold and Black Donna Karen number do the talking and I think would be a good choice for any Brides with a full, dramatic Wedding dress.

Eva Longoria in Marchesa at The 2012 Cannes Film Festival.

*( image credits to Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images – sourced from newsfeed.time.com)

Eva Longoria was a vision of beauty at The 2012 Cannes Film Festival in the Blush Marchesa gown with tulle oversized train. But I also LOVE her choice of hairstyle. It allowed us to see her long neck and shoulders and was a throw back to the 1960′s beehive style ( all be it a toned down version!) This ‘Up Do’ would be perfect for a 1960′s Rock and Roll wedding or a formal evening event.

Kate Mara Vintage Style 'Up do' at The Oscars 2012.

*( Image credit Getty Images)

I ADORE this style. It screams vintage, 1920′s silver screen glamour and the hair accessory just completes the look. This really is THE look for any Brides trying to find a style that would go with a beautiful 1920′s inspired dress. Its not too ‘done’ and swept to the side – soft but styled and frames the face perfectly.

We have some beautiful Vintage inspired hair combs,tiaras,pins and other hair accessories with lots of sparkles to give you a finishing touch to your hair design choice.

Wonderful Wraps Precious Silver comb.

*( Precious Vintage Hair Comb )

Deco Crystal Hair Comb from Wonderful Wraps.

*( Deco Crystal Hair Comb )

Any one of my top 7 ‘Up dos’ would give our WW ladies an elegant, sophisticated style that would compliment your bridal or evening attire. Whether you opt for a classic style or one that is more edgy ( with braids for example) all offer an extra dimension to your dress choice. And if you decided to embellish – that just offers the magic touch!But remember – the more dramatic the dress, the more simple the hair do! I want you to have an ‘Up do’ not an ‘Up don’t’ – subtle elegance is the key (with a twist to add interest if you are feeling bold!)

* ( Images for Up do mood board:- Top Left – Diane Von Furstenberg Airy Up do : photo credit imaxtree.com, Top Middle – Vivienne Tam messy bun : photo credit imaxtree.com, Top Left – Embellished Up do Yves Saint Laurent : photo credit imaxtree.com, Bottom Left – Jason Woo Feather Embellishment : photo credit Getty Images, Bottom Middle – Pulled Half Way Pony, Missoni : photo credit imaxtree.com, Bottom Left – Ponytails A Plenty, Marc by Marc Jacobs : photo courtesy of Redkin. All pictures sourced from Harpers Bizarre ( pictures from the 2012 Spring New York Fashion Week).

We love the deco vibe about this venue and it complements perfectly our vintage bridal and wedding accessories.  The restaurant used to be the acutal print room of the local newspaper and it has been enhanced to showcase the natural deco features of the building.  The Wonderful Wraps shrugs and boleros match perfectly with this modern / deco fusion and look stunning in this environment.

From early morning, our models are being prepped to showcase all of our wonderful wraps, vintage wedding jewellery and accessories….and fab wedding shoes! Makeup by Tori and chic wedding up-do’s by Level Hair Salons of Wallisdown.

Toria expertly applying makeup to Wonderful Wraps Model, Peri

Wonderful Wraps Photoshoot - hair by Level Hair Salons

Soft curls are the perfect complement to a strapless wedding dress and we felt that they showcased the vintage headpieces, accessories and wonderful wraps the best.  So, after much styling and teasing, the models are finally ready.

Wearing beautiful designer wedding dresses, the models are adorned with fabulous marabou bridal stoles, faux fur wraps and  fabulous vintage accessories!   All of the wedding wraps made by Wonderful wraps are designed and handmade here in the UK and we are proud to showcase our British creativity!

Marabou Wedding Stole

This marabou feather wedding stole is the same as the one worn by the comedienne Debra Stephenson on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.  Super-soft with a good long length to drape or wrap, this is the perfect addition to any wedding:  contemporary or Gatsby style!