Glamorous Formal Style

I recently found a couple of  formal outfits I really love.  They are gorgeous and glamorous with a definite vintage vibe.  Take a look!
  

 

Jenny Packham



Ports 1961

 

Ports 1961

  Happy New Year!!!

Spotlight on McCaffertys Cards

McCafferty's Cards based in Blantyre, Lanarkshire.


We specialise in handmade personalised wedding stationery and favours for all occassions. We have over 15 different wedding stationery ranges with matching favours. Our favours come in three different ranges unique, candle and traditional we even have favours to match our wedding stationery ranges. We also provide unique favours for christening, communion, anniversary, sweet sixteen etc.



Musical Note Bottle Stopper £3.50



Rose mirror compact £2.25



Wedding Cake Candle £2.00





Wedding Gingerbread Bride & Groom £2.25



Website www.mccaffertyscards.co.uk

Email mccaffertyscards@hotmail.co.uk


Telephone 07832918015

Chic Pear Designs Save the Date Competition

I am delighted to have been chatting with the wonderfully creative Chic Pear Designs.
What's more we have team up with them to offer you a fab competition.

Chic Pear Designs is an illustrative design company that specializes in fashion and lifestyle illustrations. We work with many different clients including small businesses and individuals such as brides-to-be. For our brides-to-be, we create bespoke couple illustrations that can be incorporated in save-the-date invitations, favor tags, cupcake toppers, menus and much more. .. all with your special day in mind!
Contact them today at info@chicpeardesigns.com  if you are interested in a custom illustration and/or some paper-goods.



We are currently running contest for our brides/grooms to be. The contest will run from, Saturday January 1, 2011 to Friday, January 8, 2010.
One lucky winner will be randomly selected to win a digital save-the-date invitation such as the one featured here.

The save-the-date invitation will be provided in a pdf or jpg format that you may email to your guests. You will be able to choose whether you’d like a custom illustration of you and your spouse-to-be included in the save-the-date invitation or not. If so, you can choose from four different styles: Modern & Stylized, Sleek Chic, Painterly/Sketchy or Silhouette, see examples of those styles below.

In order to enter the contest, you will need to visit our blog at www.chicpeardesigns.com/Blog  and enter a comment in our Contest post (include your email address) about what your favorite illustration is on our site either in our shop at www.chicpeardesigns.com/Shop  or in our portfolio at http://www.chicpeardesigns.com/Albums/Portfolio  (if you prefer, you may send us an email instead at info@chicpeardesigns.com)

The winner will be announced on the blog on Saturday, January 9 and will be notified via email so that we can schedule the project based on your wedding date and our availability. Good luck!! :)

Plans and Presents in the final for Wedding Ideas Mag Awards 2011

I am utterly bursting with excitement to find a good friend has made it to the finals of the Wedding Ideas Magazine Awards 2011. Not only has she been shortlisted as one of 5 top wedding planners in the UK, she is the only one based in Scotland.

Alison works extremely hard on her wedding and event planning business http://www.plansandpresent.co.uk/ and has a reputation for knowing everything in the wedding industry.
Not only do I know Alison on a personal front, but she has also co-ordinated a corporate event for me in Oct 2010. Her efficiency is second to none.
So as she heads off to the awards in London on the 14th Jan 2011, decked out with her vintage headband from http://www.weddingandbaby.co.uk/ ( of course) - we wish her all the luck in the world. 

Fashion Photographer

Enjoy a few of my favorite photos from fashion photographer, Melissa Rodwell.

Retro dress

Light and Dark



Desert Beauty



Mixed Prints



Bejeweled

 

 

Bella Swan's Home In Christmas!

How cute is this...

Eclipse director Bill Condon tweeted the above pic of Bella Swan's home decorated with Christmas decorations for all the fans out there!

Such a nice gesture..!

Separated At Birth

South African sport stars...sexy!

South African Cricket captain, Graeme Smith (above)

VS. Swimming sensation, Cameron van den Burgh (below)



Abba One More Time...?

Could we see the legendary group, Abba back on stage for one last time....

During an interview over the weekend, Abba's blonde bombshell Agnetha Faltskog made it obvious that a “tiny” reunion might just happen in the near future. Though we should also add that the star also mentioned that it was something not yet discussed with the other members of the ex-group Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid “Frida” Lyngstad…

The group finally parted in 1983 – four years after Agnetha’s divorce to Bjorn Ulvaeus.

And The Worst Music Video Of 2010 Is...

According to Yahoo Music Christina Aguilera's "Not Myself Tonight" has been voted as the worst music video of the year....honestly, it's bad - but what is a girl to do when she is desperate to compete with Lady Gaga?

BTW...Miley Cyrus managed to secure the sixth spot with ..Can't Be Tamed.

Lady Gaga's Fame Monster Best Selling Album Of 2010 (duh!)

It's insane, this girl is like a money making machine!



Lady Gaga has topped the album sales of 2010 with a wopping 5.8 million followed by Eminem with 5.7 million and the oh so fab, Justin Bieber in third.

Herewith the complete list...



1. Lady Gaga – The Fame (Monster) – 5.8 million copies
2. Eminem – Recovery – 5.7 million copies
3. Justin Bieber – My Worlds – 5.6 million copies
4. Lady Antebellum – Need You Now – 3.6 million copies
5. Taylor Swift – Speak Now – 3.5 million copies
6. Susan Boyle – The Gift – 3.0 million copies
7. Black Eyed Peas – The E.N.D. – 3.0 million copies
8. Michael Bublé – Crazy Love – 3.0 million copies
9. Sadé – Soldier Of Love – 2.3 million copies
10. Alicia Keys – The Element Of Freedom – 2.3 million copies
11. Katy Perry – Teenage Dream – 2.2 million copies
12. Take That – Progress – 2.2 million copies
13. Susan Boyle – I Dreamed A Dream – 2.1 million copies
14. Ke$ha – Animal – 2.1 million copies
15. Rihanna – Loud – 2.0 million copies
16. Mumford & Sons – Sigh No More – 1.8 million copies
17. Kings Of Leon – Come Around Sundown – 1.7 million copies
18. Bon Jovi – Greatest Hits – 1.7 million copies
19. Usher – Raymond V Raymond – 1.7 million copies
20. Linkin Park – A Thousand Suns – 1.7 million copies

Congrats Gaga, yet again!

Natalie Portman has Wedding and Baby News ...www.weddingandbaby.co.uk

Making a doubly surprising announcement earlier today, Natalie Portman is said to be "indescribably happy" over her engagement/baby news. INF Daily

We are delighted for Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied of which 2011 is going to be a big year for them.

Now we think Natalie should officially be visting us at www.weddingandbaby.co.uk!!

Kate Middleton Dress Details

There are rumours circulating the internet concerning the designer of Kate Middleton’s wedding dress… We have seen the designs by all major fashion houses and let’s be honest – we can’t see Kate in any of them.

Speculation has it that the “favourite” at this point in time is British designer, Bruce Oldfield who designed dressed for A-listers such as Kate Winslet, Diana Ross, Sienna Miller, Queen Rania just to name a few.

Poor Kate…must be a lot of pressure with the world waiting to scrutinizing every single pearl and diamond. However, if that’s what it takes to become a princess – then do it!

Here are one of our favourite designs for Kate Middleton by british fashion designers, Ralph and Russo – to die!

Gorgeous! Even we would wear this....



Fur Furious

Queen Elizabeth II is under fire after wearing a Russian-styled fur hat on Christmas day. According to reports is seems that the hat was made out of different kinds of foxes – however we should also add that according to numerous online reports, the Queens spokesperson could not confirm whether is was real or fake.

Further online also reported, a PETA spokesperson said “We hope that the queen will choose to wear something more humane in future, that better reflects the values of the British people”

Wearing fur is fugly…but maybe the Queen was really cold and it was just a judgement mistake?

Who would know – she is the Queen after all.

Hugh Hefner and Crystal Harris engaged!

What a lovely time of year to get engaged. I wonder if they are planning a wedding for 2011 like many famous couples.

Courtesy of yahoo news

With a 60 year age gap wouldn't it be lovely if they decided to be on trend and go for a vintage themed wedding. Of course http://www.weddingandbaby.co.uk/ would be delighted to create hair accessories and jewellery for Crystal.

So what do you think about the engagement? What is the age gap between you and your partner?

Natalie Portman Engaged And Pregnant!

Wow, girl has double the luck!

Better quit the fag daddy...smoking is NOT good!

Black Swan actress, Natalie Portman is pregnant with ballet choreographer/ soon-to-husband Benjamin Millepied. According to reports the 29-year old actress met Millepied during the filming of her major movie, Black Swan last year... and now the couple is also engaged.

Congrats hun!

Hugh Hefner Engaged!

Holly Madison is probably sooooo pissed!

Beauty and the...Hef!



Hugh Hefner, 84-year old Playboy mogul announced his engagament to 24-year old playmate Crystal Harris earlier this week on Twitter. Hefner posted “When I gave Crystal the ring, she burst into tears. This is the happiest Christmas weekend in memory” ...so cute!

Congrats Hef and Crystal...

PS: This will be Hef's third marriage since 1989 to former playmate Kimberley Conrad.

Merry Christmas!

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."  Luke 2:11
Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas Day! 

Ozzy Osbourne "Sick" Of Lady Gaga

Ozzy Osbourne recently chatted to US Magazine and suggested that Lady Gaga should take a break from this bizarre little crazy world.



He said "I do think Lady Gaga should take a break for a little while. She's getting to be too much, and she doesn't watch the exposure of her clothes. She's just too overexposed. She could be the next Madonna if she played her cards right"

The 62-year old rocker added that he's kinda getting sick of her and that she's overexposed.

...What do you think?

Merry Christmas Peeps!

One hour to go until Christmas in South Africa!

Much love to you all x

We Hear Wedding Bells...

South African singer, Jacques Terre'Blanch and girlfriend-model Charné Jane Slee got engaged earlier this week! Jacques was the 3rd runner-up in South African Idol back in 2003 and Charné was the 2010 FHM Model of the year winner.

The future Mr and Mrs Terre'Blanch...



Congrats to the pretty couple and we wish you loads of babies!

Cling cling!

Kelly Osbourne Just Being Miley

Look at this... girl has a twin!

We kinda feel this look on Kelly!

New BFF's Kelly Osbourne and Miley Cyrus are the latest gossip out there. There were rumours going around that Sharon Osbourne was concerned for her daughter as Miley could be a bad influence, well... apparently that's all bullshit.

Kelly recently tweeted in defense of her friend saying... "Miley and I have become really close. I'm sick of all the haters judging her...This really makes me mad. Miley is one of the most hard working respectful women I have ever worked with, I am learning a lot from her!"

...So now we just have to wait for the big fight - we're just kidding...



New Year's Issue Of Heat Magazine!

For more information, visit Heat's website 

Thank You For Following Us On Twitter!

South African television presenter and the "oh so" fabulous Eagan Williamson is now following us on Twitter. To catch our previous feature and Q&A with Eagan please click here!

Click here to follow us on Twitter!

Thanks Eagan!





GLD Poll Results: Favourite Male Celebrity Of 2010

As chosen by you...the favourite male star of 2010 is the Mad Men star, Jon Hamm!

Oh bless...



Angelina and Brad Visiting Windhoek, Namibia

OMG... my dear friend Angela will loose it!

Welcome back to Africa!

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt were spotted earlier this week in Windhoek, Namibia doing some Christmas shopping according to the Namibian newspaper, Republikein 

If you can remember, Ange gave birth to little Shiloh back in 2006 in the seaside town of Swakopmund, the hometown of my best friend Angela.

So exciting, Africa is becoming the new Hollywood!

Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens Back Together?

Sleeping beauty my ass... catch a wake-up call you lovebirds!

According to rumours it seems that the former golden couple Zac Efron and cutie ex-girl, Vanessa Hudgens will rekindle their "old" flame sooner than we thought. The online buzz is that both parties are still chatting and it appears that they love each other dearly...we also love him very dearly

Our advice...just get back together!

Top Charitable Celebs of 2011

It's common knowledge...there is no healthier bank account than those of a Hollywood celeb. But let's just add, with all the money comes responsibility and an open wallet heart to give back to those desperately in need!

So proud of you Gaga!



As always, the Alejandro sniger Lady Gaga took the top spot in the annual poll as the most charitable celebrity of the year. Some of her major projects include the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" campaign and a "Hands Up For Marriage Equality" event in order to support her biggest fanbase, the LGBTI.

Coming in second was the ever so gorgeous Alicia Keys, the founder of "Keep A Child Alive" and if you can remember, Keys started the Digital Death Campaign and raised $ 1 million for HIV/ AIDS funding. Other celebrities include Taylor Swift, Ashton Kutcher and wife Demi Moore.

Congrats to all the celebs, so proud of you - and keep giving!

WTF Is Liz Hurley Thinking About Donatella Versace....

British model and actress, Liz Hurley is thinking Donatella Versace......................................................................................?

Not rude, but I wouldn't even leave the house!

South African Cricketer, Jacques Kallis In Minor Accident

...oh deary me, never a dull moment with some South African sport stars!

...sober as a judge!

One of South Africa's foremost cricketers, Jacques Kallis lost control of his very expensive white Audi R8 and drove into the gate of a house in Wineberg, Cape Town in the early hours of Monday morning.

Most of South Africa are up in arms seeing that no alcohol testing were done on the scene and according to the Protea Team Manager, Dr. Mohammed Moosajee the accident was caused by poor judgement and not booze related...

According to reports the cars worth is roughly R 2 million and the damage approximately R 200 000 - seems like a lot of money for a bump into a gate? We also read in the Afrikaans newspaper, Die Burger that an eye witness claimed that the police were amateurs.

So you be the judge on this one...

PS: Consider a cheaper car if you decided to drive into random gates again Mr Kallis...

Guess The Ass...

In the words of Joan Rivers... I see London, I see France, I see someone's underpants...

This ass is not rocket science...

WTF? Granny panties, someone is clearly running out of ideas...

PS: Did you hear about the pschyco fan who made her way backstage to the above artists dressing room during her concert at the O2 Arena in London...even with a fake backstage pass, getting clever! The fan was thereafter detained and the police were contacted...

Image via [ OK! Magazine ]

We Just Love This - Britney Spears "The Circus Tour" Bloopers...So Ass Funny!

Thank You From Me To YOU!

Over the past 24 hours The GLD - Gene Luke Daily received record number of hits and I can't thank you enough! According to the statics the most popular topic currently on the site is the split between Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudges...

Our favourite topic on The GLD - Gene Luke Daily...

I wish to thank all my visitors with the predominant readership from the United States, United Kingdom, Denmark, Canada, Saudi Arabia, France, Indonesia, Philippines, Mexico, Namibia, Malaysia, Germany, India, Finland, Belgium, Australia, South Korea and of course... South Africa!

PS: Have you seen this feature with Zac Efron and Ryan Reynolds... if not, click here! 

Also, follow the GLD on Twitter today!

Love you bitches! xx

Entertainer Of The Year Is...

Drum roll please....

The fabulousity of Betty White - The Associated Press Entertainer Of The Year

This lady still kicks ass at the AMAZING age of 88-years and there is just no stopping her. We just lloooovvvveee Betty White! The Golden Girl was named Entertainer of the Year by Associated Press after beating the Glee cast by two votes and the likes of Conan O'Brien and Avatar creator and director James Cameron.

According to reports this lovely lady breaks network records wherever she goes - girl is in demand!

God bless you Betty White!



Hollywood's Top 10 Highest Grossing Actors Of 2010...

Money, money, money!

Forbes announced their list of top grossing actors in Hollywood and we were kinda suprised by some of the famous peeps in the top 10. Obviously the list is determined by the total gross at a global level.

I'm the king of the world.!!!!



American actor, 36-year old Leonardo DiCaprio was the top earner in 2010 with movies such as Shutter Island and Inception. In second place was Alice In Wonderland actress, Mia Wasikowska and in third her co-star Johnny Depp.

Herewith the complete list...

1. Leonardo DiCaprio

2. Mia Wasikowska

3. Johnny Depp

4. Robert Downey Jr.

5. Daniel Radcliffe

6. Robert Pattinson

7. Kristen Stewart

8. Sam Worthington

9. Jaden Smith

10. Jackie Chan

Congrats to everyone - please take note our banking details to follow shortly...

Knife Found On Plane...With Paris Hilton On Board!

...this isn't supposed to happen with any celebrity on board!

A four-inch knife was discovered yesterday in the side pocket of a plane that Paris Hilton boarded in Los Angeles on her way to Maui for vacay. Hilton and her bf, Cy Waits were evacuated from the plane and allowed back on after the plane has been sweeped.

As always Paris informed the world via Twitter...“We were about to take off then security made everyone deplane because they found a big knife on board the plane. Scary that it got on plane”

According to reports - Paris has arrived safely .

Poor girl was probably scared shit-less!

Tomorrow Is My Birthday And I Miss My Friend...

Tomorrow, December 23rd is my birthday and I dearly miss my best friend, the Italian gorgeousness of Angela Strappazzon. Ange recently relocated back to her country and lives in the town of Swakopmund on the coast of northwestern Namibia, Africa.

I read somewhere that friendship is the hardest thing to explain and not something you learn in school. And if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship - then you really haven't learned anything...

Angela + Gene = Best buds, love you bitch x

Here's wishing all my readers a happy holiday season and a New Year of health, happiness and much more gossip!

Cling cling xx

Little Black Dress - Work to Evening

Here are a few photos from a shoot I did several years ago using a little black dress.  Simple minor accessory changes take it from work to evening. 

This is perfect for work with a great vintage gold belt.  Add a smart jacket and you are all business.



Quick change artist...lose the belt and add a rhinestone brooch and bracelet.  You are ready for a nice dinner, the theater, or whatever.  Keep your classic pumps or exchange them for some strappy metallic sandals.

This little black dress came from Shabby Apple.  Unfortunately, they no longer carry it.  However, you can find the same "Classic Ashley"  dress at http://www.jenclothing.com/ and http://www.stopstaringclothing.com/  Beware...this is a very form fitting dress!  I don't suggest this particular style dress for a curvy woman.  Try something slightly A-line instead. 

FYI on dressing for the workplace... Make sure your little black dress is loose enough and long enough to be office appropriate.  There should be absolutely no visible cleavage.  And if your little black dress doesn't have sleeves, plan to wear a jacket at work.  (When it is appropriate for men to go to work sleeveless, then women can too.  Being sleeveless at the office is a real "authority" killer!) 

Photos by Dirk Olsen.   

 

Quote Of The Week

Damn girl, blow off some steam!

Christina Aguilera VS Lady Gaga

“I’m not quite sure who this person is, to be honest. I don’t know if it is a man or a woman”

- Christina Aguilera on Lady Gaga

Ooooohhh girl is jealous clueless! 



Separated At Birth

Actress Zooey Deschanel VS singer Katy Perry

How shocking are these pics we found on the net... definitely the closet comparison ever on our blog don't forget Madonna vs The Mad Hatter, lol!

Very pretty girls!

Becks Could Become “Sir” David Beckham

...sAxy!

Rumours are flying all over the internet stating that David Beckham could receive the knighthood as “Sir” in 2011 from Queen Elizabeth. The 35-year old recently won the Lifetime Achievement at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards and it seems that the Royals are under pressure to award the title to Becks.

...well hello there fine "Sir"

According to reports the music mogul Simon Cowell could also received the same title… we’ll just have to wait for the New Year Honours list.

Bless him and his.......upcoming title!