Chelsea From Beyond

Now that I'm a new parent here is a list of 10 things I recommend that actually work and do what they say they are going to do!

1. Get a Doula  - someone who provides non-medical support to help you out during or after childbirth – mine is Lucy Symons http://lucysymons.squarespace.com/

2. Mothercare EVERYTHING – my best buys are their bodysuits 

3. I love this merinal wool heart cardigan by The White Company

4.  This Nantucket cot has been great – also by The White Company

5. The Medela breast pump 

6. Little dippers baby swimming classes 

7. Phil & Teds strollers

8. Maternity clothing by Pretty Pregnant

9. Kids furniture from Aspace

10. Baby clothing from Boots 

Doesn't it feel as though the world has gone a bit stripy?

Here are my ten favourite stripes of the moment – but please don't use these all together or you may turn into one!

1. Look out for Ian Mankin's gorgeous collection of striped fabrics 

2. De Le Cuona cushions – combining stripes on beautiful linens

3. As the proud owner of a very adorable and boisterous boxer puppy I fully appreciate any designs that enhance our new relationship and love this striped dog bed from Linen Works.

4. A Linen Works table cloth

5. Ralph Lauren always does stripes well  - this ottoman being a perfect example 

6. This navy and white stripe armchair by Ralph Lauren is a classic 

7. I love the alternative approach with this Farrow and Ball cross hung wall paper. 

8. Heals take away coffee cup 

9. Wishful thinking maybe but this striped parasol from B and Q has really brightened up any grey days in my garden. 

10. and finally, a beautifully dressed Ralph Lauren bed

I recently attended a fabulous Valentine's party  hosted by wedding planner Mark Niemierko and Caroline Burstein of Browns Bride. Victoria Strefford from the Wedding Vine was there and reported on the event, including some brilliant photos taken by David Willems and she has kindly let me reproduce her report for you on Chelsea from Beyond. 

Valentine's party report courtesy of Victoria from The Wedding Vine:

Mark Niemierko and Caroline Burstein were such gracious hosts at their joint Valentine’s Party held at Brown’s Bride, and I can’t thank them enough for their wonderful hospitality. 

Mark Niemierko and Caroline Burstein

Caroline Burstein and The Wedding Vine's Victoria Strefford 

Rob Van Helden and Mark Niemierko 

As promised from my sneak peak, I have shared a few images of the fantastic event below from David Willems Photography, but in a ‘homage’ to both Mark’s and Caroline’s (mine too!) love of Oscar de la Renta bridal gowns, I couldn’t resist putting together an ‘Oscar’ inspiration board featuring the incredible design talent of certain members of the guest list including Andrew Prince, Peggy Porschen and Rob Van Helden, I hope you like it!

Clockwise from top left:

Tiara and Earrings – Andrew Prince at Brown's Bride

Shoes – Oscar de la Renta

Wedding Gown -  Oscar de la Renta

Mini Wedding Cakes – Peggy Porschen

Flowers – Rob Van Helden

It was a delight to discuss luxury bridal fashion with Caroline and as such a fan of their wonderful gowns, it was every girls dream to see the magnificent creations!

Caroline is the esteemed creative director behind Browns Bride which opened in 2004 to bring the Bridal collections of some of the leading names in fashion under one roof.  Browns exclusively represents some of the biggest names in Luxury designer Bridal Wear in the UK, including Oscar de la Renta, Monique Lhullier, Peter Langner, Marchesa and now Vera Wang.  Caroline and the Brown’s Bride team will shortly be opening the doors to their exclusive Vera Wang Boutique on Brook Street, perfectly located opposite Claridge's. Niemierko’s  top tip – “Buy your Vera Wang wedding dress then celebrate with a Bellini at Claridge's Bar.”

At the exclusive Valentines Party, Mark effortlessly managed to look so dapper in his evening attire. Niemierko is one of London’s most well respected wedding planners and has planned weddings for Russian oligarchs, premier footballers and society couples.  He has enjoyed a long and enjoyable association with Browns Bride and commented“Browns Bride aside from housing some of my favourite designers such as Oscar de la Renta and Peter Langner, offer a first class service with style and class.  From the moment my Brides step through the door they are spoilt and welcomed into a Bridal heaven!”

It was a pleasure to meet with old friends from the wedding industry including esteemed photographers Julia Boggio, Keith Appleby and Catherine Mead, couture cake designer Peggy Porschen, talented jewellery designer Andrew Prince, wedding stylist and creator of specialist interior design wedding gift list’s, Chelsea Bidwill and wedding bloggers extraordinare Kat aka Rock n Roll Bride and Annabell from Love my Dress.

Julia Boggio

Keith Appleby

Catherine Mead

Peggy Porschen

Andrew Prince

Chelsea Bidwill

Kat – Rock n Roll Bride

It was also a pleasure to become acquainted with many more of Mark and Caroline’s esteemed guests and I have included many more wonderful images from the illustrious Valentines party:

With special thanks to Hosts Mark Niemierko, & Caroline Burstein of Browns Bride

Photography Credit: David Willems

Video Credit: Allora Visuals? Video

Stationary: Cat Hammond of Paper Cloud Creative

Catering: Oliver Peyton of Peyton Events

Cakes: Peggy Porschen?

Flowers: Rob Van Helden ?

Calligrapher: Paul Antonio ?

Entertainment: DJ Matt Maurice & Igor Outkine of Mazaika Music