Shops and shops and shops

So after the article in the papers I get all these calls from shops..asking to be included in the tour.

I've checked out so many boutiques again this week. I have to be sure I'm doing the correct thing and only including premier boutiques - best dresses = best quality.

So the criteria is the two most important: 1 fabrics - where they are sourced and 2. production where is it made and on what scale.

We only feature the creme of the crop on the tour. Yes We are selective even known to be ruthless in our discrimination against some boutiques.

Designers (apart from those with quality) get all cagey when we ask where they source their fabrics (you just can't beat French lace). Sadly many great designers are cutting corners to their own demise and using cheap, highly inflamable material then charging the earth for them.

Another question that gets to the designers is: do you manufacture most of of your items in China?

They hate that question. Watch the eyes roll and the nostrils flare. Works everytime! Collette Dinnigan..beautiful cardis with her label then the dreaded words 'made in China'. Shame.

Ok, ok I've heard it all before - Chinese production not that bad...improving. Huh, cheap labour has its price.

So the designers pay pittance for mass production cheap fabrics...then they simply sew on a label and charge stupid high prices?

Is this fair. Over to you should we just accept because we want to wear brands, irrespective that most are mass produced and the fabrics are cheap? Is anyone policing this crazy pricing policy? I'll put that out there maybe someone can enlighten me.

The emergence of the Pavlova wedding dress

Wedding dresses - got me thinking...do you want the groom to think he's going on the red carpet or getting married.

What about the relatives. And old Uncle Bart won't he be breathing and heaving down your cleavage if you wear something slippery and low?

In short, bring back the Pavlova...think Grace Kelly. Surely you want to look like a bride and not a Red Carpet wannabe!

Wedding dress shopping ethics

On Saturday I hooked up with my new friend, Catriona Rowntree in hunt of the perfect wedding dress. With her fabulous 'Inspiration book' we had a taste of what to expect on her big day...from the invites, table settings etc. All great ideas and totally new to me. So to all you brides-to-be...start creating your own inspiration booklets.