Renovation Update!

For those of you following our progress, renovations to our barn are still underway.

These things never go to plan, and despite our best efforts we are now behind schedule for one reason and another, however, I will be spending this weekend painting the interior, so the end is in sight, and I can at least start planning our launch party which will be held at the end of June, although I hope to be operating from the barn within the next couple of weeks.

All our nice shiny rails, mirrors, curtains, chanderliers and shabby chic style vintage French furniture has been ordered, so it should all come together quite quickly.

Once the walls are painted, we can lay carpet and then fit all the other interior trimmings and decorations. My friend Larch Gauld who is a fellow members of Andover Women in Business Group is going to come and assist me with the finishes touches from her online shop Country Styled Homes www.natures-harvest.org.uk

Check back soon for photos of the renovations!

LuLu x

Audrey Hepburn's Timeless LBD

Almost 50 years on and it is still deemed as the most stylish female screen outfit of all time!

The simple black dress worn by Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' beat off competition in the LoveFilm.com survey from other classics like Marylin Monroes White Dress in 'Seven Year Itch' and more recent favourites, such as the much-copied emerald green gown worn by Keira Knightley in 'Atonement', and Kate Hudson's Gold silk evening gown in 'How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days'.

Designed by Givenchy, and accessorised with a string of pearls and long black gloves, Miss Hepburn's little black dress starred in the opening scenes of the 1961 film.

Since then, frocks just like it have become the byword for elegance. One of three original versions of the dress sold for £410,000 in 2006.

Miss Knightley's gown, designed by Jacqueline Durran, came in second place and Marilyn Monroe's cheeky white dress from the Seven Year Itch was voted third.

Helen Cowley, editor of DVD rental group Lovefilm, which performed the survey, said: 'Audrey Hepburn has truly made that little black dress a fashion staple which has stood the test of time despite competition from some of the most stylish females around.'

For your perfect Little Black Dress - Come to The Dress Boutique!!!

Need a hat?!

With Ascot looming and other such events in the calendar requiring a hat - The Dress Boutique recommends Glorious Hats!


Never be seen in the same hat twice!!!

Glorious Hats is a Hat Hire Service based in Thruxton, Nr Andover, Hampshire, offering a hat hire service - ideal if you would like to wear a different hat to a wedding, the Races, or other social occasions.

Stella has a splendid collection of premier quality Hats and Fascinators available to hire at a fraction of the normal purchase cost. Hire costs start from £15.00 to £35.00 (depending on the size and grandeur of the hat in question).

She also has a few very spectacular hats which are hired out at £40.00 from Bespoke or Couture Milliners. The Milliners they use include Nigel Rayment, Vivian Sherif, Peter Bettley, Whiteley, Ilda De Vico, Failsworth, Condici, and Beth Morgan.

The Glorious Hats showroom is a lovely comfortable environment in a quiet rural location, open by appointment only so you are guaranteed to have her full attention. Stella Advises advises customers to take their full outfit with them so they can try with several hats and see which one works best, and she promises that they won't be rushed and may take as much time as they like to choose the perfect hat!

You can view a selection of the Glorious Hats collection on their website: www.glorioushats.co.uk

Met Costume Institute Gala 2010

I'm loving all the glamour around at the moment, what with Cannes Film Festival and the Met Costume Institute Gala 2010 the glossies are full of gorgeous frocks, perfect inspiration for summer balls and proms alike!

At the annual Costume Institute Gala (held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York) guests always wow on the red carpet with the latest trends in dress, hair and make-up and this year was no different. It's a chance for celebrities to go wild in the fashion stakes with looks that perhaps they wouldn't get away with during Oscar season.

On Monday night, there were a variety of different colours and styles sampled on the red carpet, most of which were fabulous, but there were a few disasters too as some stars chose lurid colours and dresses that quite simply looked unfinished - not very flattering!

For me old school glamour is always a winner, so I was thrilled to see plenty of classic shapes and lots of sparkle...

Jennifer Lopez wore a heavily beaded gown by Zuhair Murad in a golden tone that suited her perfectly, and likewise Anne Hathaway chose a gold coloured dress by Valentino fit for a princess - its shaped neckline, nipped in waist a full chiffon skirt trimmed with golden sequins was divine. Mariod Cottilard shone in a Dior gown covered with sparkles - the shape was simple and elegant but the effect was just stunning!



In contrast to the many white, silver and gold hues on the red carpet, there were three ladies who took a chance wearing pink and red hues....

Naomi Watts wore a fuschia pink silk asymmetrical dress by Stella McCartney. The skirt was an elegant column shape while the bodice swept up onto on shoulder to make an interesting ruffle. She topped of the look with matching lipstick. Next up was Camille Belle in a delicate red chiffon gown with one shoulder. The dress by Jason Wu featured a crossover detail on the bodice, while the skirt was full flowing one. Camille kept her make-up simple showing off her porcelein skin, just highlighting her eyes with a sweep of black eyeliner for a vintage look. Finally, Rachel Weisz looked fabulous in hot pink! Her silk faille strapless gown by Oscar de la Renta had a vintage theme to it with a sweetheart neckline and a lovely little belt detail on the waist with a frill on the hip leading down to the fishtail skirt. Beautiful.

LuLu Loves... Clair Muir

With the impending 30th birthday of my best friend Juliet, I wondered what to buy the girl who has everything... that is until Clair Muir presented Andover Women in Business Club with her fascinating story!

After three years at Bishop Otter College, Chichester, Claire received a First Class Honours degree in Art and Related Arts, giving her the opportunity for a further year’s Postgraduate study in the Textiles Department of Glasgow School of Art.

Subsequent employment as a designer of headdresses and accessories for Stageworks Worldwide Productions enabled her to experiment with and to evaluate the potential of a wide range of techniques and materials. The experience and knowledge she amassed during this period she has since developed further as displayed in her current creations.

Claire regularly exhibits her work and demonstrates her skills at exhibitions countrywide. She is also happy to talk about her work and ideas to Guilds and other societies and has also organised practical workshops for interested parties.

After seeing some of the pieces Clair makes, I decided to commission a Gerbera Brooch for Juliet, in black hand embroidered lace with a sparkly black and cream beaded centre. I collected it a week later and was so pleased with it, an unusual personal gift for my friend - she loved it by the way!

Initial enquiries are welcomed by phone or email and can be followed up with meetings with Claire at her studio.

For more information about Clair visit her website: www.clairemuir.co.uk

Ladies Who Love... A Little Bit of Luxury (or a lot!)

Enjoy the latest Ladies Who Love... event on Thursday 8th July at Antrobus House in Amesbury.

Ladies who Love . . . is Salisbury’s only Events Management Company, specialising in organising a variety of fabulous events tailored to Ladies’ many interests and indulgences.

Established in October 2008, they bring something refreshingly different to all Ladies living in Salisbury and the surrounding area. Our events vary from wonderful themed dinners and lunches, to buzzing exhibitions and unforgettable fun days out for females – there really is something for every Lady!

Whether you are a Lady who Loves . . . Wine, Chocolate, Flowers, Champagne, Cocktails, Jewellery, Fashion or Shoes (and the list goes on . . .), they have simply gorgeous events lined up for Ladies everywhere, just around the corner.

The event in Amesbury takes place at the historic Antrobus House from 6pm to 10pm

Take the night off, get the girls together and enjoy A Little Bit of Luxury (or a Lot!). Treats on offer include complimentary taster treatments (manicures, reflexology, massages, reiki, makeovers & hair consultations), as well as the prettiest shoes, handbags, jewellery and accessories, the most delicious chocolate fountain, the most beautiful home furnishings, gifts, smellies and candles, the most delightful kitchenwares, stunning stationery and so much more!

Tickets are £8 per person - and must be bought in advance.

See the Ladies Who Love Website for details on how to book
www.ladieswholove.co.uk

Chic & Cheeky Charity Ball!

One of my clients, Caroline Ford, is organising a charity ball in aid of The Prostate Cancer Charity on Friday 4th June at The Apollo Hotel, Basingstoke.

Tickets are £40 to include Champagne Reception, Dinner, Disco and a Live Band, with all proceeds going to the charity.

For more information about the event please call Elle on 07769 503282

Cannes Red Carpet Dresses