Tuesday 24 June 2014

Three Brides, and a Groom - photo shoot diary.

One of the things I love about my job is that I get to work with some fabulous and talented folk. This Sunday was one of those times.

After the success of Norwich Fashion Week photo shoot at a fantastic venue - The Maids Head hotel right in the centre of the city. I was asked by the new owners to get a team together to provide some images to update their promotional material.

So bright and early on Sunday morning - Missy Vintage, Joe Black and his wife Milda arrived at the hotel to work our magic,
 http://www.missyvintage.co.uk/, http://www.joeblackphotography.com/

Weddings were staged - brides and grooms outfits looked amazing - a couple of guests walking through the hotel offered their congratulations to the happy couple!!

After a short break for lunch - the lovely staff at the hotel treated us to yummy sandwiches and salad - we had already had fizz before noon to get us all into a party mood!!

Back to work for the afternoon this time to shoot afternoon tea - and trust me it wasn't your gentile style??  Cocktails and dinner were next up for the day - along with some heckles from customers in the bar but we are professional we can cope!!!

Then there was the final shot of the day - the selfie of all the team!!!




It was a very long day but all worth it with some fabulous images - I can't wait to see the final results but in the meantime here are a few behind the scenes shots from Missy Vintage.



 
 
Well done to the models - Amy, Beckie, Nina and Jake. To the hotel staff that were fabulous and roped into some of the shots. And the shops that lent us some amazing outfits.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Tuesday 17 June 2014

Summer inspiration and ideas.

The sun has finally come out to play, sitting at my desk I can see feel the heat through the window and see the flowers gently move in the breeze.

I would love to be out there soaking up some rays but needs must and I have to crack on with work - a photo shoot to plan, a fashion show to organise and press packs to send out to companies - not rest for the wicked or fabulous!!!

Summer makes me feel better and more alive - my thoughts turn to lazy day picnics, bright coloured vintage swimsuits and floral dresses, sitting in the sunshine with a glass of bubbly.

So just a quick post to share some of my favourite summer images and inspiration. Not much of a theme just pictures I love and make me feel good!!












 
 
Just a few of lovely summer images to brighten up you day - what are your favourite images that make you think of sunny days???

Thursday 12 June 2014

Deco decedance - part 2

Waking up on the Saturday morning with the sun streaming into our window was a fabulous start to our weekend of Deco indulgence.

One thing about "posh" hotels is the wonderful bathrooms and robes that they provide you with and Claridges is no exception.

Bath time bliss!!

Bathrobes.

The lovely bath products.
 
Refreshed and ready for the day we headed down to breakfast and what a setting have it in!!
 
 
Silver salt and pepper pots, and individual jams and even the tomato ketchup came in one of these little jars!!
 
 
Stepping out into a lovely warm day we headed to the V&A to see the Glamour of Italian Fashion exhibition and then onto Harvey Nicks 5th floor restaurant for a cocktail or two and lunch.
 
 
 

 
I forgot to take any pictures of my food as it looked so good that I ate it all before I remembered to take pictures - but it was yummy!!!
 
 
I was really excited about the evening as we had tickets to see Angela Lansbury in Blithe Spirit so we jumped in a cab and headed to the theatre.
 
One thing that does always upset me is how people don't dress up for the theatre anymore but never mind the play was amazing and Angela and the whole cast were fabulous.
 
 
Just had to share a couple of outfits for the weekend -
70's does 40's jacket from a charity shop, skirt from a 40's suit, 40's blouse from Shazam vintage and hat vintage 30's from Paris.

Vintage jacket from Retreat Vintage, 40's skirt and blouse from Shazam vintage.



A few pictures of Deco style around the hotel.
 
 
It was such a fabulous stay if not rather indulgent but hey you are only here once, the experience will stay with me forever and we now have a "Claridges Fund" so we can go back again!!
 
 
For now I will leave you with a quote from Spencer Tracy - " When I die I don't want to go to heaven I want to go to Claridges!!"
 
 
 
 
 

 


Tuesday 3 June 2014

A weekend of Deco Indulgence - Part one - The arrival!!

Last weekend my lovely Hubby and I stayed once again in one of the most fabulous places to celebrate my 50th birthday - I know it isn't official until later in the year but you only hit that age once so I am allowed to have more than one treat.

 
 
Claridges is the most wonderful place - this was our 2nd stay and the staff welcomed us back as if we were honoured guests.  From the moment you step through the revolving doors into the grand entrance hall you are transported back to a bygone era of Art Deco splendour.
 
 
After checking in we were shown up to our room - which never disappoints - with original wardrobes and walnut writing desk, while we unpacking the door bell rang - yes you have a doorbell and a bottle of champagne and cake arrive with compliments of the hotel.
 
 
The way in!!
 

The room and marble bathroom!!
Plenty of room for all the clothes.
 
Claridges know how to treat a birthday gal!!
 
 Once we unpacked we headed just around the corner to a great restaurant called Hush that I had been wanting to try for while - tucked away in a corner of Mayfair we sat outside in the courtyard - relaxing over a delicious lunch and bottle of wine.
 
 
 
Salmon and saffron fishcakes, sorrel sauce, hand cut chips and green beans.
 
 
 
On arriving back to the hotel we changed for cocktails - in keeping with the tradition of the era of course, then downstairs to the hotel bar to have a drink or two.
 
 
Love the pic of Liz behind us!!
 
 
 
Worn out after a long day we retired to bed - the maid had turned down the sheets, laid out our PJ's, drawn the curtains - sweet dreams until tomorrow.