Article by Johanna Osborne

Today is the 29th of February, and you know what that means – gentlemen look out! Your ladies might just pounce when you least expect it. For the 29th of February not only rolls around just once every 4 years, it’s also the day where women are “allowed” to propose to the man they love!

It is believed this tradition was started in 5th century Ireland when St. Bridget complained to St. Patrick about women having to wait for so long for a man to propose. According to folklore, St. Patrick allowed the longing females to propose on this one day in February during the leap year. And so history was made.

In some cultures Leap Day is known as “Bachelors’ Day” for the same reason. A man was expected to pay a penalty, such as a gown or money, if he refused a marriage proposal from a woman on Leap Day. In many European countries, especially in the upper classes of society, tradition dictates that any man who refuses a woman’s proposal on February 29 has to buy her 12 pairs of gloves. The intention is that the woman can wear the gloves to hide the embarrassment of not having an engagement ring.

Considering ladies have 4 entire years to decide to bite the bullet and make the proposal, I do hope those men lucky enough to receive one, will graciously accept and reward their lady’s bravery and courage. And we better not see any glove-wearing heartbroken ladies walking around!

Happy Leap Day to all our friends. Xoxo

Article by Johanna Osborne

The Oscars – our picks of 2012

Nothing gets our pulses soaring more than a gorgeous gown. Whether it’s a wedding dress, a bridesmaid’s outfit or a red carpet look – we love them all! We’ve contracted Oscar’s fever here at the Wellington Wedding Show and Mr and Mrs Magazine, and in our flushed state we have compiled a frenzied list of our biggest faves this year. Not an easy task with so much glitz and glam drenching the red carpet.

1. Ravishing in red – Michelle William’s deep coral tinted Louis Vuitton dress screams glamour, and makes us even more excited to see her take to the big screen in ‘My Week with Marilyn’. We think she was a perfect choice for the role. Always the lady.

2. This is a girl to watch – Jessica Chastain seems to have taken to her new it-girl status like a duck to water. She looks amazing in Alexander McQueen.

3. Our favourite vamp served up a slice of heavenly leg, along with a million dollar smile. Atelier Versace were the lucky ones to dress our Angelina this time around. In the short time since Angelina has donned this gown, websites all over the world have exploded with comments on her sexy look, with a fan even starting a new Twitter account dedicated solely to her right leg.

4. Maria Menounos looks deliciously refreshing in her pistachio-sorbet coloured gown. Maria Lucia Hohen is the talented designer responsible for this Grecian goodness. Love!

5. Gorgeous Gucci gown, gold beading, cascading ruffles, $1m diamond necklace. All in a day’s work if you are Cameron Diaz. Loving the dress, the hair – not so much.

6. The Queen of Va-va-Voom delivers yet again. Jennifer Lopez looks simply sparkling in her plunging Zuhair Murad creation. Casper Smart is one lucky man!

7. Claire Danes is the wild card of the night in her candy floss Valentino design that radiates all that is pretty and feminine. Looks like the Last Emperor has pulled another win out of the hat!

8. Last but not least – Milla Jovovich. Oozing old school Hollywood glam in her beaded Elie Saab creation, Milla reminds us that there is plenty of red carpet mileage left in the 36 year old starlet yet.

9. Kate Bosworth may be a mere slip of a girl, but her dress is anything but. Twinkling in all the right places, this slim starlet radiates major glamour. Ravishing in Prabal Gurung.

10. Julie Bowen proves that bold colour is definitely ‘le mode du jour’. She’s a tangerine dream in Halston, one of our favourite designers.

Article by Johanna Osborne
 

Shopping for bling – my favourite thing!

I have spent quite a bit of time in Hanne’s gorgeous Grey Street store recently. I believe I have met almost the entire team of staff and I’m impressed by how friendly each and every one of them is. They are all so helpful and easy to deal with. Most recently it was the delightful Derek that assisted me and boy oh boy, he sparkles even more than the major ice he is sporting on his fingers!

Hanne Anderson herself is an amazing woman. She has incredible taste and style, and a true passion for what she does. Hanne’s European background has clearly influenced her design choices and it’s so pleasing to see something truly unique on display here.

I know I can be high maintenance when I shop.  Yes, sometimes (often) I buy things in 10 seconds flat, but other times –  like these –  when the decision is a little more important and it’s a piece I’ll have a lifetime, I like to be sure and a million questions cross my mind. Never during this process have I been made to feel that I am taking up time, dilly-dallying or being difficult. Instead I am welcomed with a warm smile and made to feel that my visit has genuinely pleased everyone.

The fine balance of customer service is one I could go on and on about. And I’m happy to report that along with great products I have discovered it here.  Sometimes it’s not only good, but also a bit of a thrill, to go a little off the beaten track and find an exceptional gem that isn’t mass produced and “fits” you in every sense of the word.  And I think I just may have found that for myself. I’m a happy girl!

Article by Johanna Osborne

We were thrilled to have such a positive response to our first edition of Mr and Mrs magazine. Those of you that have flicked through the gorgeous pages will have noticed the immaculate layout, tasteful design and beautiful images. Much like a make-up artist produces a flawless face, Graphic Solutions are the people that make our print and web work pleasing to the eye and provide that all important striking visual aesthetic. Often it’s the little elves behind the scenes do the most important work, and Graphic Solutions are no exception. These guys are creative geniuses, and very little is too much trouble for them. Specialising in a host of services including brand identity, websites, print and lots more, you can find Craig and his talented (and totally fun!) team of designers working hard in their very cool office in upper Willis Street, nestled amongst the famed Moulin Bakery and Piccolo Pizzeria . For a techno-phobe like me it’s wonderful to have a team of knowledgeable and down-to-earth people to work with who make my ideas comes alive and look pretty!

Article by Johanna Osborne
 

Here at The Wellington Wedding Show (and Mr and Mrs magazine) we love to keep our finger on the pulse of fashions worldwide –particularly when it’s about bridal trends. We are excited to share some of our favourites with you.
 

1. Lace sleeves – The royal wedding inspired designers the world over, and for a great majority this meant lace sleeves. Taking the old-school style and working it into sleeker and more contemporary designs has been a god-send for brides looking for something different, and just a little regal.
 

 

2. Blush coloured gowns – Whilst the departure from shades of white has been considered a bold one until recently, more and more brides are opting for a softer and more unique option. And what’s more sweet and romantic than a pale pink coloured gown? Done right with appropriate flowers, this is beyond chic! Reese Witherspoon led the style revolution and many brides followed suit.
 

 
3. Ditching the veil – We are big fans of the romantic and love a pretty veil, but there is something to be said for the current trend of sparkly headpieces, twinkling clips and glittering tiaras. These accessories can be real show-stoppers, and have the potential to create a true movie star look. In order to avoid being led astray and accidentally crossing over from glam to gaudy, it’s wise to steer in the direction of vintage inspired pieces that accentuate the hair, and add a touch of old school glamour. Brooches can also be used and attached to hair, bouquet handles or the wedding gown waist for a striking effect.
 

 

4. Colour me happy – The most popular colour for bridesmaid’s dresses is black, can you believe it? And whilst black is always chic, a bit of colour on your happy day will never go astray. Some gorgeous colour trends at present are, of course, shades of nudes and blush, watermelon, violet, lemon and tangerine … all perfect colours to bring out a rosy summer glow and best of all, these hues flatter most skin tones. For winter weddings nude, bronze and deeper, bolder shades are very much in vogue right now.
 

 
5. Make up faves – Pink lips! We just love a pink lip on a bride, and nothing says “kiss the bride” better than cotton-candy, rose or fuchsia coloured smackers. Tones of pink are easy to wear and you will feel girly and feminine. Alternatively a bold red lip screams vintage glamour- totally to die for! And of course there’s the smoky eye. It still rules supreme in 2012, but our advice is to go subtle. Finish off the look with some great mascara and add in some fake lashes on the outer corners of your eyes for really dramatic look!

 
Stay tuned, plenty more to come!