Just the other week I finally cleared my calendar to go and spend the morning with the darling Cecylia in her Armadale boutique. Cecylia and I met at the Nuffnang Christmas party last year, where we spent a very long time talking over the merits of vintage; both wearing and collecting. During the usual, “and what do you blog about?” conversation, I learnt that Cecylia was a bit of a dark horse really.  Not only did she pen a beautiful style blog, but she had recently opened her very own boutique, fulfilling a childhood dream. Mind you, this was no small achievement as she is also a vet and still working at that practice as well! So it was no surprise to me when entering the boutique to be greeted by her most charming sales assistant.

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And what a beautifully edited selection of garments can be found there; in fact in can be so hard to take it all in that Cecylia has just the space to help you relax.  In a gorgeously decorated salon environment, Ms Cecylia serves tea and cupcakes to her visitors, all whilst helping you navigate the marvellous pieces on offer.  Cecylia is not a vintage boutique, but what I like to call a “Future Vintage”™ boutique. That is, they focus on showcasing new work by both local and international designers that is both of exceptional quality and design pedigree.  These are the investment pieces that bring your look to a whole new level of chic; no detail left forgotten.

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For the next few hours we played a delightful session of dress ups. Pink silk palazzo pants, mongolian cashmere sweaters, sumptuous costume jewellery; the biggest dilemma was deciding what had to come home… and to see the beautiful silk, twin horse blouse I purchased by Sara, have a look at Cecylia’s blog post, complete with even more photos! (I cannot wait to style and shoot this one!)

Cecylia has though of everything the perfect boutique should have. Not only does she serve tea and cupcakes, but they are furnished with the most expansive and luxurious changing rooms, complete with great lighting. Bliss!

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You can find out more about the lovely Cecylia boutique and the stores stunning selection of garments on their blog, and see even more of the temptations thrown my way when I went to visit. Mind you, the only thing I really wanted that wasn’t for sale was Theodore, the Casanova Chihuahua! But shhhh…. don’t tell Cecylia!

Over the last week, I’ve received an avalanche of emails all wanting to know what to wear for the Royal Wedding celebrations. It seems that there are a host of events happening to mark the occasion, from High Teas and formal garden parties, to backyard BBQ shenanigans. And while it is highly likely that you’ll know the common dress code for the later (plastic tiara anyone?), it is the much more formal events that seem to be causing the most consternation.

If one was actually attending the nuptials in person, it is likely that you’d already be familiar with some of the more subtle do’s and don’t of such an occasion.  But given that most have had little exposure to truly formal events, I’ve put together this little guide to help you in your quest for an elegant and perfectly royal appearance.

Young, chic and sophisticated; this look pulls together all the rules without coming off fusty and old fashioned. Tone on tone camel with sharp black accents and tailoring, are given a little cheek with a 20′s style cloche and high heeled brogues.

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First, the rules.  Here we’ll apply the same rules that a guest of the Royal Wedding uses as their guide.

NO sleeveless , strapless or spaghetti strapped dresses on display. If you do choose to wear almost sleeveless, the arms must be at least partially covered by a shrug, jacket or some type of bolero.  Leave the pashmina at home though, this is no ordinary suburban wedding.

NO bare legs. Stockings or tights of some description are a must for a polished appearance.  But if your shoe is a peep toe, please make sure you buy the toeless style specifically designed for such an occasion. Reinforced toes on display are just ugly.

NO above the knee dresses or skirts. The correct length for a day dress at a formal wedding is either right on the middle of the knee or just below. Ankle length is for evening only.

Many of you will be watching the Royal Wedding at cocktail hour, the perfect time to really amp up the swank factor. This ensemble keeps with rich, jewel tones and a soft feathered hat; but anchors the look with the geometric lines of the Louboutin shoes and studded leather cuff.

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HATS are a must for a formal church wedding of this magnitude. If you choose to wear a hat for your event,  choose a hat that compliments your outfit and ensure you know how to wear it. Not every hat is designed to be just plonked straight on top of the head, in fact most aren’t! It’s all about balance, both in the lines of your outfit and the embellishments. No overdoing the look unless you want to come off like the mad hatter.

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A simple, but killer two tone option for your Royal Wedding look. A little change of accessories to take you from day to night, or perhaps just for different personalities. One great feature dress paired with a vintage hat and ultra modern matching accessories, show fashion savvy and ingenuity on such a formal day.

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GLOVES may be seen as a somewhat archaic tradition, but they offer the opportunity for even more accessory shopping, hence why I never say no. Gloves should only be pure white if you are doing your First Communion or Debutant ball.  In the case of the Royal Wedding, your gloves should match your other accessories and be the correct length.  That is, no long gloves for day wear. Instead choose wrist or bracelet length gloves.  If you have a High Tea event on April 29th, these would be the perfect lady-like addition to your outfit.

COLOURS are all important when attending formal weddings. Despite what fashion editors may tell you about what is acceptable at modern weddings (Melbourne is shocking for this), black is not only an inappropriate choice, it is also a cop out. Wearing black or white to the Royal Wedding would be a major social faux pax, so think a little harder and try something else.  Instead of black, look to slate greys or deep blues. Instead of white, look for a chic nude colour or a rich camel.

A formal evening option, this ensemble is pure class. A soft, draped jersey dress in an unexpected olive hue, set off with modern pieces of antiqued gold jewellery and sculptural McQueen heel.  A faux fur shrug, red lip and rouched satin gloves make this look positively regal.

It is all about taking those time tested rules and thinking outside the square.  What may at first appear to be an old fashioned set of guidelines, actually make a wonderful blueprint to work your stylish wonders within. And no, not all of us will have a budget befitting the Royal Couples guest list, you do have one up on them – your very own SKM Royal Wedding Style Guide!

It’s been a while since I featured some of my vintage hair and makeup work, but I’ve been having such a wonderful time working with vintage bridal hair and makeup recently.  Both the classically vintage and those that are more creative on their take.  I’m currently working on a few late 1920′s, early 30′s styled weddings; lots of Mad Men looks, and last year even worked on the most fantastic Halloween wedding production!

Here’s a look at some of my lovely ladies….

Late 1920's early 1930's hair and makeup look for a wedding client

Late 1920's early 30's vintage hair and makeup look for a Melbourne Wedding client

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1960's hair and makeup for a Mad Men party client

1960's Mad Men party client Rear View of Hair

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Hen's Party Pin Up Afternoon of 1940's vintage hair and makeup creations.

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The Halloween wedding bride

The Halloween wedding bride

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Dorothy hair and makeup for halloween wedding

Dorothy hair and makeup for halloween wedding

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If you couldn’t already tell, I absolutely LOVE my job!  Helping people showcase their most glamorous selves is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding things in my life.  If you, or someone you know, would like a helping hand with their vintage hair and makeup looks or are planning a glamorous vintage wedding; make sure to drop me a line!

** Please note: All images are the work of and copyright to Candice DeVille Pty Ltd 2011 **

I just right this minute discovered Hot Digital Dog and I’m squealing with so much excitement (as is Miss 6 beside me), that I had to show you these right now!

In one of those wonderful random moments of internet searches I came across the work of digital artist Cindy Jerrell. Hailing from the deep south of the USA, Cindy’s work is nothing short of fantastic in the truest sense of the word.  Using Photoshop to create her fine art, Cindy makes these wonderful ‘vintage’ animal portraits, not only from her own resources but as custom orders of your pets!  This may be the best gift I’ve ever come across for animals lovers, and even if you don’t have a pet of your own you want to immortalise, I’m already imagining filling a wall in my library with these beautiful prints.

Seriously, check out her work over at Hot Digital Dog and see if you can wipe the grin off your face!

Okay, I’ll start by saying that it isn’t often that I go out and purchase a new handbag.  Although I can’t count how many handbags I actually own (I’m currently cataloguing all my collections), The majority of them are vintage.  But for a long time now I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect day bag. Simple, chic, elegant and able to fit all the basic necessities as well as my camera.  Finding a piece that fits that bill and doesn’t have to be the size of ruckasack isn’t easy.  But the other week, I was shopping in David Jones (hunting for scarves in their sale), when this beauty literally stopped me in my tracks.

La Box Bag from Estilo Emporio – yes this is pure indulgent handbag heaven.

Midnight black suede and camel leather trim, with serious gold hardware. It is just the right size to hold my SLR, phone, wallet, key and makeup. It keeps its shape and hangs perfectly in the crook of your arm.  It isn’t so unwieldy that you knock things over in store, and it balances perfectly on the bench while you find your keys.  The only thing missing from this bag to make it 100% perfect, is feet. I wish more manufacturers would include them on their bags, especially the suede ones.  So I’m having the cobbler attached some for me, just to keep it lovely and fresh on the bottom as everywhere else.

The bags come in a variety of finishes, including a chocolate alligator box bag and there is even one with leopard print sides I’m told! They are currently available as part of the Autumn Winter range, and for me these fit beautifully into the category of Future Vintage. (More on this coming up soon….)

It’s a funny feeling finding a bag that is so super, it makes you feel very clever and pleased with yourself; as if it has never been done before in history and you’re a total genius for uncovering it. (I wonder how the designers feel when they makes these?) And while that is a bit silly, it is still rather nice.