Hi, Baukjen here,

Last night I was on my way to dinner in Notting Hill. I was in a cab that had a tv screen in it and I saw there was an interview with designer Paul Smith. I hugely admire Paul Smith and so watched the video. The only problem was that I started to feel car sick after a while. I continued to watch it and arrived at the restaurant completely green and nauseous. The cab driver laughed and said quite a few people can’t watch either and ask him to turn it off. I’ve now found the interview online so I can watch it comfortably. If you’d like to see it too, just click here.

Nurse in style with these flattering and functional stylish solutions. Australian publication Little One shows a modern take on comfortable nursing outfits. Featuring our Bella and Kimono nursing tops in Grape and Navy, we love how they created wearable day time looks. Thank you Little One.

Hi, Baukjen here...

Jimmy Choo’s Project PEP collection launched last night at Selfridges with the Elton John Aids Foundation. We went to the launch with Hannah Moore and her friend Mia. The collection looked fabulous and many people were purchasing pieces. The location was beautifully set up with a fantastic atmosphere, great cocktails and fantastic music (Jo Wiley was on the decks at one point). It was a great launch for a fantastic project and we wish Jimmy Choo all the best with the PEP collection. We received two Jimmy Choo Project PEP tote bags with badges. We’re giving one away to a team member here at Isabella Oliver and one to a Facebook fan. For your chance to win one, please visit our Isabella Oliver 365 fan page or our Isabella Oliver Maternity fan page and enter your name (as a comment) before Friday 6th November. We’ll announce on Facebook on Friday 6th November who has won.

A bit more about Project PEP:
Jimmy Choo will be donating 25% of the net sales from Project PEP. With this funding, the Elton John AIDS Foundation can directly support the Simelela Rape Centre in Cape Town that was set up with the mission to administer victims of abuse with the HIV preventative PEP medication (Post Exposure Prophylaxis) and provide support for medical, counselling and legal support. The Project PEP collection is available in Jimmy Choo stores worldwide and online by clicking here

Draping is a luxurious detail that works from season to season, and this week’s Grazia revealed the easy way to wear this irresistible accent. Featuring our Goddess Dress and The Athena Dress, their ‘Hot New Trends for Your Shape’ article showed how to perfect the key looks of the season. Thank you Grazia

Watch this, really good style advice for a pregnant woman by Jason Gardiner on "This Morning" (daytime tv show in the UK). Just click here to watch.

Hi, Vanessa here,

I know I have written about Wonder Walls in the past for their fun bespoke wallpaper and fabric but, there is a new development I thought you’d love to hear about.

I am so excited about the new bone china collections. I have been very lucky to have received the lady plates as a present, which I love (Thanks again Caroline!) and now I have just discovered their vintage butterfly and bespoke monogram bone china collections.

Of course, I have already placed an order for the monogram plates for myself, but what fabulous wedding presents they make - and so original. With the bespoke monogram pieces, they will help design the logo, which goes on a disc - and then that logo can be adapted to go on the plates, cups and saucerss - it can even be engraved on glasses. The china is of very good quality, very reasonably priced and microwave/dishwasher safe.

J’adore!

V xx

The latest issue of RED magazine shows how to perfect the ‘evening cocktails’ look, and uses our Posey Clutch in Satin as a feminine finishing touch. Designed exclusively with designer sisters Sara and Amiee Berman; the faces behind the Sara Berman label; the effortless accessory looks fabulous with on-trend sharp shoulders and mannish brogues. Thank you RED

There’s a chill in the air, and now is the perfect time to invest in a warm, winter coat. The latest issue of Easy Living magazine shows a variety of outerwear silhouettes for the season ahead, and The O Coat just happens to be one of them. Featuring in their ‘Blanket’ section, our Isabella Oliver 365 design is the ideal cover up for the colder months – practical, stylish and timeless. Don’t forget, you can order yours with free delivery. Thank you Easy Living.

Statement shades are a fabulous was to make an entrance, and the latest issue of InStyle magazine demonstrates how to work this trend effortlessly. Teaming our Billow Wrap Dress with vintage-inspired heels and a fabulous jeweled necklace, the publication shows an easy but wearable way to perfect this look. Thank you InStyle.

A clever LBD can be worn endlessly, and Health Magazine showed how The Bustier Dress can be transformed for different looks. The US publication teamed our strapless design with various pieces to create an array of outfits – we love it worn over our Classic Turtleneck. Thank you Health Magazine.

Hi, Baukjen here. Every fashion brand has seasons where a collection is ok, really good and great. This season Mini Boden has a fantastic girls collection. When the brochure arrived, I earmarked the pages I liked for my daughter until I came to the realisation that there was no way I was going to buy everything I had earmarked. So, I brought it down to a more realistic order and confirmed the order. A few days later it arrived. Even better than in the brochure with as a result that I started to wonder whether I should have ordered the pieces I had initially earmarked but had not ordered. Sense ruled so I didn't, but it was extremely tempting. My daughter is loving getting dressed in her new clothes and I must applaud Boden on a job very very well done. Am hoping SS10 will be just as good... By the way, as always, we are absolutely not getting paid to write about this, just sharing our opinions.

For those who want to know, I bought:
pretty party dress (grey)
big button dress (aqu)
everyday cardigan (yellow) (Love!)
pointelle marl t-shirts (in a couple of colours)
footless tights (in a few colours)
and some sleepwear

The Cape has been featured in the October issue of Marie Claire (Thank you Marie Claire!). It perfects a chic, voluminous look for those cooler months, and with a touch of cashmere it is so soft and comfortable too. This is the winter coat we are all coveting here in the Isabella Oliver office.

Featured in October’s Vogue our Goddess Dress was picked for ‘this season’s catwalk trends’. Velvet; a must for Autumn Winter to create a luxurious evening look. As it’s a limited edition in the collection, if ...you love it, be sure to snap it up before it’s gone. Thank you Vogue

Block Colour is a look that remains popular, and the latest issue of Cosmopolitan shows a fabulous way to wear it. Featuring The Sexy Blazer, they've teamed our bold Isabella Oliver 365 piece with a zesty yellow shift and matching patent accessories. The perfect ensemble if you really want to make a statement. Thank you Cosmopolitan.

We love dressing up understated pieces with our fabulous Lace Corset Belt, and Vogue have added va-va voom to their latest shoot with our new accessory. Try wearing this over white for a stylish, graphic look or update a classic LBD with this sexy, lace accent. Thank you Vogue.

It’s never nice having to put away your summer wardrobe, so it was fabulous to read Grazia’s ways of reworking your warm weather pieces for winter. This week, Grazia showed how to balance bold shoulders with our fabulously figure-hugging Sexy Pencil Skirt, and we adore the result. Thank you Grazia.

The Money Penny Blouse featured in Easy Living. Now, we only wish we could have the gorgeous dog too.

We love a fabulous tote or clutch, and Vogue.com were one of the first to reveal our new handbag collaboration on their website and to their newsletter subscribers. Focusing on how the Sara Berman for Isabella Oliver collaboration happened, Vogue spoke to Baukjen and Vanessa and the designer sisters behind Sara Berman (Sara and Amiee). We hope you will love the collection. Thank you Vogue!

A timeless outerwear piece is all you need for a stylish look during the cold spell, and The Shirt Coat is featured in this week’s Grazia as one of their office, day and evening cover-up solutions. We love how they teamed our Isabella Oliver 365 piece with a pair of classic opaques, and this also looks fabulous over reliable leggings with comfortable ballet flats. Thank you Grazia.

A tailored jacket adds edge to any ensemble, and this week Grazia has chosen our Long Line Jacket to appear in their Q&A feature. The Buy of the Week section focuses on finding the perfect white jacket, and this Isabella Oliver 365 piece is one of their style solutions. Thank you Grazia.

You don’t have to be pregnant to enjoy Isabella Oliver Maternity, and it was great to see the versatility of our pieces in this week’s Australian Grazia. Our Midi Kimono Wrap Dress and Portrait Top are included in their Fashion Special; an issue that focuses on the key looks for the season ahead and which pieces to purchase. Isabella Oliver Maternity looks fabulous alongside the future trends and colour stories, and they show how to wear our pieces if you’re not pregnant too. Thank you Grazia.

Lightweight tailoring and a bold pattern are the perfect solution to everyday dressing, and it was great to see our pieces in the latest issue of Australian Grazia. Teaming our Cap Sleeve Jacket with the effortlessly feminine Waisted Pencil Skirt, the fashion publication showed how to work tailoring with a contemporary twist. They also featured our Striped Scoop Top in their renowned Fashion Charts feature; a section that focuses on the pieces they love each week. Thanks Grazia.

We adore the versatility of relaxed tailored pieces, and Australian fashion magazine Nine to Five showed a fabulous way to work our Long Line Jacket. Featured in the June 15th issue; this timeless essential was worn with wet look leggings and a bold statement T for contemporary style. Thank you Nine to Five.

Hi Baukjen here,

Yesterday myself, Geoff and Lucy (Our PR Executive) took time out of our day to visit Westfield Shopping Centre to donate some Isabella Oliver items. We heard that Mary Portas; who of which we are all great fans, had organised a fabulous pop up charity shop called ‘Living and Giving’ to raise money for charities such as Save the Children, Mind and Trees for Cities – it was amazing! We rushed down to meet with the wonderful Melanie Rickey from Grazia Magazine who kindly took our donations and placed them on the rails in the store. It all looked fantastic, the clothes were flying out of the door, and the tills were ringing - we recommend you pop down and do your bit for charity too. It is open until 27th June and the designer bargains are endless.

See some of our pictures below...

Fashion magazines are awash with bold statement pieces, so it’s refreshing to find these fabulously feminine necklaces by jewellery designer Martine (Baukjen’s cousin). Created with brown cord and finished with luxurious fresh water pearls; these pieces are the perfect accompaniment to any ensemble. Whether you want to add a delicate detail to your basic T or desire a chic, understated accessory with your LBD, these contemporary pearl necklaces are gorgeous. Available online from http://www.martine.nl/collectie/wit_uk.html now. Baukjen loves wearing hers.

We love the luxurious details of the Grecian Trend. The Toga Dress from our Isabella Oliver 365 collection taps in to the trend perfectly and has just been featured in the July issue of Easy Living. The article focused on how to wear this look, and different dresses that infuse goddess accents. Thank you Easy Living.

We adore the Grecian trend that is big for the warmer months, and whilst flicking through today’s issue of Grazia, we spotted our fabulous Multiway Maxi Dress on page 81. Focusing on this key fashion story; the Grecian 2009 article showed how to wear goddess-inspired pieces this summer. Thank you Grazia.

Summer is just around the corner, and the June 1st issue of US Weekly magazine was brimming with chic ideas for the warmer months ahead. It was great to see our Twist Swimsuit in the Maternity section of their Hot Bodies article; a fashion story that focused on gorgeous beach looks. Thank you Us Weekly.

Yesterday, in the The Sunday Times Style Magazine, The Trapeze Trench and The Wrap Column Dress were featured in their Hot Mama section; an article that focused on how to stay chic throughout pregnancy, and displayed our designs alongside some fabulous accessories. Thank you The Sunday Times Style.

We adore reading our monthly Harper’s, and it was fantastic to see Isabella Oliver 365 in the June 2009 issue. The Mac is featured in Work The Look (page 89); an article that focuses on how to add stylish flair to your office ensemble with a chic white trench. We love their choice of soft neutral accessories; pieces that complement our design effortlessly. Thank you Harper’s Bazaar.

Lindsay Lohan might not be pregnant, but she certainly fooled us in her latest film 'Labor Pains'.

Watch her wearing our Portrait Top in the film by clicking on the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNvvZ7Bi4es

It was fantastic to see one of our pieces in the May issue of Marie Claire - since launching our Spring/Summer 09 collection we have received fabulous press for the Striped Tank Dress; it is definitely proving to be a favourite here in the office and with our shoppers.

Thank you Marie Claire.

How great does our PR Executive, Lucy look wearing The Sevilla Dress on her way to a meeting?!!

Just another great way to wear sheer- day or night- belted with opaque tights, heels and a tailored coat and a slick high pony tail. We also love it with a long cardigan worn over if it is a bit chilly. I had better get one on order for myself! I am going to get the Berry one as well for when it warms up (also a great holiday dress with nude shoes and a tan.)

YOU GO GIRL!

Vanessa xx

We have been scouring the web for accessory essentials that are perfect for the warmer months ahead. Take a look at the pieces that have made our summer wish list so far…

We love a statement piece of jewellery or three, and an oversized cocktail ring is a chic place to start. This amber ring by Bottega Veneta (available from Net-a-Porter) looks fabulous with the tan and bronze tones that are huge for spring summer 2009.

Prefer classic black? Then visit Browns and purchase this quirky Bex Rox multi-stone ring – timeless style.

Bold wristwear may have been popular for autumn winter, however it continues to be big this year too. Try this gold crystal bracelet by Philippe Audibert (available from Net-a-Porter) for a little understated sparkle.

Wear over a long sleeved T for a glamorous daytime accent, or with a long fluid maxi dress to perfect the goddess look.

Bags are a vital component to any outfit and we adore this gold metallic clutch by Anna Vince – ideal for adding a little Art Deco to your eveningwear. Available from Browns now.

We were extremely pleased to see Isabella Oliver 365 featured in this week’s Grazia this morning – what a great way to start the day. The Striped Tank Dress is featured on page 8 in the Fashion Charts, Grazia saying, “Isabella Oliver is launching a collection for non-pregnant ladies – we couldn’t ignore this stripy number £150 www.isabellaoliver.com”. Thank you Grazia.

The snow has hit London. Although Christmas has been and gone, outside is looking extremely festive and in keeping with the white theme, we have chosen a few of our favourite icy-toned accessories.

We spotted this fabulous white patent Marc Jacobs tote on Net-a-Porter. Ideal for the office and everyday; this shopper looks clean and classic, wherever you're going.

Sunglasses are not just for summer, and iconic Rayban Wayfarers look good season to season. Shield your eyes from the the snowy glare with a pair of these style-savvy shades.

We love comfortable, reliable flats, and these Lanvin perforated pumps are a style staple. Try with Easy Leggings and a tunic-length maternity top for vintage-inspired chic.

If you love dressing up your décolletage, this Ligia Dias ribbon necklace is perfect and will add graphic contrast to classic black. Both are currently available from Matches.

In recent years, the designer logo has been criticized, however there is no need to shy away from an emblem or two. Accessories are a subtle way of incorporating a brand name into your ensemble - just stick to classic, understated logos and avoid garish labels.

A classic black clutch bag is a wardrobe essential, and this gorgeous Fendi number brings an iconic accessory into 2009. We love the silver hardware – it’s sure to add edge to any ensemble.

The Orb has been a Vivienne Westwood signature for years, and we think this fabulous gold necklace is an easy way of doing designer. Wear with a revealing neckline or classic black to accentuate the sparkle.

It will be summer before you know it, and we suggest these vintage-inspired Chloe shades for a truly stylish sun shield. The small logo is effortlessly chic and the shape is timeless.

A bold print head-to-toe can be tricky to master, but this Pucci scarf is sure to liven up your wardrobe. Try with a simple maternity T and comfortable denim, dress up your LBD, or style as a headscarf – wear it your way.

All currently available from Net-a-Porter.

We love an bargain or three, and now is the best time to snap up some gorgeous on-trend accessories with irresistible savings. The key is to choose pieces that are destined to be big for the warmer months - statement jewels, colourful hues and chunky styles are all chic details to purchase.

A stand-out necklace is ideal for livening up a low neckline or basic T.

This stone embellished design by Missoni adds instant drama to your ensemble and effortlessly combines tribal influences with contemporary colour and shape. If a chunky bracelet is more your thing, then Net-a-Porter also has a beautiful selection of must-have arm candy currently on sale.

We adore this gorgeous Christian Lacroix contrasting gold cuff for a little quirky edge, and this elasticated Marni bracelet injects bold, summer colour into the simplest of outfits.

US Sites are a must for those requiring designer jewels, and this red jasper cuff from Neiman Marcus is perfect for those seeking a sophisticated mix of Grecian glamour and exotic stone.

Whilst browsing their fabulous collection, we also spotted this glittering green cocktail ring – très chic with a classic LBD or timeless floor-length maxi. Style haven Bloomingdales is another website that we cannot get enough of, and we suggest stocking up on these jewelled cuffs as soon as possible, before they sell out.

Huge bags are not only big this season, but they also appear to be huge news for spring summer 2009. We suggest choosing a neutral colour that you can wear with pretty much anything and a timeless design that will surpass seasonal trends. Ideal for those of us that tend carry everything (bar the kitchen sink); this See by Chloe leather tote is the perfect purchase if you require a multitasking accessory and a stylish alternative to the classic baby changing bag.

Currently available in the sale from Net-a-Porter; we recommend ordering yours fast - this style is bound to be snapped up soon.

Chic flats are a style essential. For day, we adore quilted ballets and lace up pumps, however evening calls for something a little more ‘wow’. If you are not a lover of heels and prefer your reliable flats over a pair of sky-high wedges, then these fabulous Christian Louboutin gold peep toes are the perfect solution.

Stylish and seasonless; these look great with a floor length dress (The Wrap Column Dress) or after six tailoring... and they are currently in the sale.

Available online from Browns.

As you may have guessed from our previous accessory blogs, we love nothing more than dressing up for the party season. Whether you adore full-blown glamour in a floor length dress or prefer a classic LBD, these teardrop earrings by Erickson Beamon are sure to add a hint of vintage Hollywood to your ensemble.

Choose the Audrey Dress in Caviar Black and wear hair in a sleek chignon for polished evening style, or try loose curls and a bandeau style

Earrings are currently available from www.net-a-porter.com

.. I already have. I was over for dinner at my friend, Sara Berman's, house a few weeks ago and she gave me a gorgeous pair of gloves that I have worn ever since. Everywear I go, women stop me to ask where I bought them. If you love them too, you can buy them here.

There is nothing better than a hint of sparkle, and why opt for just a hint when there are some fabulous jewelled accessories available? We love experimenting with different hair and beauty looks, and we think that this Crystal Flower Tiara from Butler and Wilson will liven up even the simplest of party dresses.

Try with our Wrap Column Dress in a bandeau style and wear hair in soft waves for polished femininity.

Available from www.butlerandwilson.co.uk and Butler and Wilson stores.

If bold necklaces and chunky bracelets are not really your thing, then try a subtle take on the statement trend. A large cocktail ring is perfect for understated elegance and is a must have for the party season. We love the oversized rings by Rings Eclectic - especially this diamante embellished design.

Order yours from BrownsFashion.com and add a little sparkle to your winter wardrobe.

Last week we presented Isabella Oliver 365 to the UK fashion press, and we noticed how many editors were wearing jewellery by Mawi. Statement accessories are huge this season, and we just had to share this fabulous Mawi Chain Link Cuff with you. Available at BrownsFashion.com, it looks great teamed with a daytime outfit or a floor length evening gown – we love it.

It may be the perfect time to purchase your party dress, however we can’t help but browse the gorgeous accessories available online. We love Maison Michel’s Floppy Hat; an effortless way to add vintage-inspired flare to any everyday ensemble.

Wear with the Grace Coat for a glamorous accent and add Jackie O frames to shield eyes from the winter sun.

Available now from Browns.

The weather has suddenly gotten a lot colder here in London.

Gloves are a must-have for the colder months, and whilst searching the web we found this fabulous pair by Burberry.

Suitable for work and weekends, we love the combination of timeless leather and on-trend quilting – très chic. Available now from Neiman Marcus, this is an accessory that will never go out of style, keeping your fingers warm for years to come.

Hi again, Vanessa here. Here to brag some more about talented friends - this time, it is about my friend Jill Walker who has created this fabulous luxury hand bag collection with a very cool design concept. As I am such a huge fan of mutli- functionality and clever design, these bags made me very excited. The unique-ness of this design is in the strap. Each bag has a detatchable, strap that can also be worn as a belt. There are several different strap designs, so you can create different looks with the same bag, simply by changing the strap. It is an investment but totally worth it when you think how many looks you can out of 1 bag!

Camenae values the freedom of change to enable a brighter future, so they have linked up with the Change a Life charity, an initiative which combines luxury with art for the benefit of specified charitable orgnaizations. This Dragon Wallet (below, a favourite of mine) was a result of a partnership with renowned Vietnamese artist Bui Huu Hung and Camenae. A percentage of the proceeds from every wallet will be donated to charity.

The Company is Camenae and the website is http://www.camenae-group.com/ and the bags can be seen on the likes of Eva Longoria and Kate Bosworth. Check it out!!

V x

The Dragon Wallet

Press received for the Aphrodite bag

Hi, Vanessa here. The weather is getting a bit nippy and feeling like it is time to bundle up.

I have been looking for some fun warm accessories and how cute is this Angora Blend Beret by Marc Jacobs (net a porter.com)?!!! Such a fun twist on a classic and will add a great girlie flare to your winter look. It is fun and flirty, yet sophisticated.

I can see it worn with an oversized sweater, leggings and platform ankle boots. Tres chic!

V x

We absolutely adore statement accessories. Whether it is an oversized cocktail ring or a pair of chandelier earrings, a stand-out accent adds dramatic detail to classic clothing and can easily update your timeless wardrobe pieces.

My latest must-have is this gorgeous Gunmetal Stone Cuff by Kenneth Jay Lane. A style that compliments a variety of trends for autumn winter, its dark shade and large stones work well alongside luxurious grey knits and your after six LBD... perfect for sophisticated sparkle.

Available now from www.neimanmarcus.com

I just adore these silver hand engraved name tags that can be worn as a pendant on a bracelet or necklace on your choice of silver chain or leather cord in your favourite colour. I received a bracelet with my children’s names as a gift and I love it (thanks Jules!). I am about to place a couple of orders for my friends and my sister- who just had her 3rd baby.

The company is ELLE S’APELLE- the founder happens to be a friend, Julie, who hand engraves and makes each bespoke piece. Each item is beautifully gift wrapped and sent in a white branded box with her signature ribbon- making it the perfect gift.

Here is her link- have a look! www.ellesappelle.co.uk

Celebrity fan Gwen Stefani has been photographed in Isabella Oliver whilst on another outing.

Click here to see a picture.

Gwen wears our Wrap Around Top in black teamed with a Bohemian patterned skirt.

Gwen has also kindly donated one of her Isabella Oliver pieces for a charity auction. You can bid on this or other celebrity Isabella Oliver pieces at Clothes Off Our Back

We wish her well for the rest of her pregnancy.

We are experiencing some lovely weather at the moment. Make the most of your sun-kissed shoulders with our Wrap Column Dress and accessorise with Grecian flair.

We absolutely adore these gorgeous goddess pieces from chic jeweller Astley Clarke, and they make the ideal accompaniments to our floor length favourite.

A statement bracelet is a summer must-have and the San Andreas Gold Cuff is our arm accessory of choice. Its unique cut-out design adds a hint of summer to our pieces and dresses up our classic styles with ease.

For those that prefer a dramatic décolletage, the Flora Gold Necklace is ideal. Wear our dress as a bandeau and compliment your neckline with this stunning option.

All jewellery is currently available from www.astleyclarke.com

When the days are breezy and the nights turn cool wrap up in a bright scarf. Diane Von Furstenberg’s Floral Print Scarf will add vibrancy to classic black or white. Another fabulous way to inject colour into your summer wardrobe.

We’re pretty envious of the glorious weather sweeping across the USA at the moment. Here in the UK sun and summer temperatures seem to come and go as they please. Not to worry, we can still admire gorgeous footwear for those unexpected warm hazy days and relaxed summer evenings. We’ve picked shoes that offer chic comfort throughout pregnancy without having to compromise on style...

For an effortless daytime look try Miu Miu’s Stone Embellished Sandals (left), or team jeans and our Cap Wrap Blouse with these nautical Allie wedges by Kors by Michael Kors (right).

Day to evening elegance does not have to be stressful. We love these Belle by Sigerson Morrison Brooch-front Ballerina Flats (left) for relaxed glamour and Chloe’s black Patent Leather Sandals look great worn with The Audrey Dress. Simply add a statement cuff for Grecian Flare. All shoes are currently available online at Net-a-porter.

Let us know what you think by clicking on Comments below...

We hope you enjoy the sun.

Chanel's 08 AW show featured these fabulous monochrome tights. We love them. Obviously summer still has to come and go before these are available.

Hi,

Baukjen here. I thought I'd just share a bracelet I am loving: the Chunky Nautical Link Bracelet by CC Skye. Available at MyWardrobe.com. Love it with white tops.

Hi,

as the weather is finally warm here in London, the boots have gone in the wardrobe and our summer shoes have come out. I'm loving these gold Tory Burch flip flops that I bought in New York a few weeks ago. They are also available in a brown leather version. They are available at one of our favourite fashion etailers Net-a-Porter who ship worldwide.

Hi,

Baukjen here. Vanessa and I received some presents last week from the Guy Collection for our boys. We've just unpacked them and they sent us some really cute, good quality, fun hoodies. We always struggle to find clothes we like for our boys. We find girls clothing very easy but for some reason for boys it's more difficult. If you have boys, we recommend you look at their catalogue or website www.guycollection.co.uk. Thank you Donna for the presents, the boys will enjoy them and good luck with your business!

Me again. maybe, it the weather changing finally (could that be the sun???!!), but I am on a shoe thing at the moment and thought I would just share with you our favourite (flat) sandal for Spring. If you buy 1 sandal- do make it the gladiator- a big statement this season, we love them worn with the Isabella Oliver Spring Collection. Here are some of our favourites. I know which ones I want!

Antik Batik jewelled flat sandals, Available on asos.com

Oasis flat gladiator sandals. Available on asos.com

Asos snake gladiator sandals, also available on asos.com

Kurt Geiger gladiator sandals. Available on kurtgeiger.com

Tory Burch gladiator sandals. Available on netaporter.com (who also deliver to most countries, including the US)

Bye for now. I had better get back to work! Will be back soon though with more shopping inspiration! V x

Hello, shoe girl here. I am dedicating this blog to the ladies who have written and called in asking where they can find the black and white shoes pictures in our Spring Brochure and on the website (shown below on our Swing Dress). Unfortunately, we have checked and this style is no longer available so I have had a surf around (any excuse to shoe shop!) and have come up with a few alternatives, available here and in the U.S. I have thrown in the the Miu Miu tri-colour shoe for a fun twist and a nod to this seasons' statement shoe trend.

The Swing Dress from Spring/Summer '08

Circa Joan and David, available at Nordstroms.com (USA)

Michaela, Michael Kors. Available at nordstroms.com (USA)

D &G, Navy and White Shoe. Available at mywardrobe.com (UK)

Ted baker Peep Toe Buckle Detail Shoe. Available at kurtgeiger.com (UK)

Kurt Geiger Bolt Sling Back. Available at kurtgeiger.com

Pierre Hardy Black and White Peep Toe Shoe. Available at matchesfashion.com

Miu Miu Tri Color Platforms. Available at netaporter.com

Have fun shopping!

V x

It seems that bows are big this season for both day and evening wear. We spotted this article in last week's Grazia and loved Kate Winslet's chic strapless little black dress.

If you're looking for something similar, the shape of the Satin Bow Dress will flatter pregnancy curves, whilst the sumptuous black satin bow ensures you are right on trend.

Today, Lucia van der Post, one of Baukjen's favourite fashion journalists (who has just brought out a wonderful book), has an article in today's The Times featuring Isabella Oliver.

She recommends the Isabella Oliver Grace Coat, in response to a reader’s dilemma over what to wear as a pregnant wedding guest. The article also features a gorgeous sketch of the Grace Coat by David Downton.

See our Wedding category for more stylish ideas.

Hi, Vanessa, Shoe Girl here,

The party season is coming and some of us are faced with a shoe dilemma... We all want to look and feel glamorous but what to do when you just can't face standing and dancing all night in sky- high heels- no matter how fabulous and "Louboutin" they are, especially when you are pregnant! We don't want to feel dressed down or frumpy just because we are wearing flats, yet we don't want to compromise our style for comfort (no, never do that!!).

Well, the "Fancy Flat" is here, it ie everywhere ,and so IN this season. They are pretty and feminine and far from frumpy. Here are few of our favourites.

Hi! Vanessa here with the tip of the week! Like the sound of that- would love to keep it up (I will try!)!!

Colour. Yes, we adore black black here, which is still very much on trend and always will be (I write as I sit here in everything black), but we are just loving head to toe tonal colour or working in the brights with fabulous accessories as a great accent to black. If you haven't already done so, why not invest in a pair of magenta satin heels or a shiny, brightly coloured patent bag, or simply colourful tights with skirts or dresses...?

have a look..

Have fun with it!

Kisses,

V x

This week we received the Autumn Winter brochure from London based children's clothing designer No Added Sugar. Vanessa and I find it very hard to buy clothes for boys and No Added Sugar have really cool edgy clothes that we're excited to buy. It is expensive and not for everyone's budget but it is really fun to make a statement once in a while.

Isabella Oliver has just been featured on instyle.com - a great a favourite of ours!

They’ve teamed the Hepburn Jacket and the Garbo Trousers in white for a sharp, tailored maternity look.

Click here to take a look at In Style.

It’s great to see maternity clothes featuring on mainstream fashion sites showing that you can find maternity wear that fits with your personal style rules while you’re pregnant, which of course is one of our top style tips. Click here to read our other maternity style secrets…

Hi, Vanessa, shoe queen here.

Just had to show you these shoes. I HAD to buy them but I am still not sure whether they are really fab or just way over the top and weird(even for me)- wearing them around the house, I had to laugh, my daughter Isabella asked me if they light up!
Just in case you're wondering, I got them at Zara (on the Kings Road). Loving Zara at the moment- there is not enough said about them I think. They have such a great collection and there is always some thing to suit everyone and the quality is very impressive AND they have just gone on sale so GO! One style they have done well with this season is the Trench coat in different colours, shapes, lengths. The trench, much to my huge dissappointment has turned out to be this season's must-have item (for me anyway)! Wear it over your must-have shift dress!

Enjoy the summer and stay dry!

V xx

Hello, Vanessa here. I have been shopping all over for summer shoes and I am just loving these Louboutin sling back espadrilles that I thought I’d tell you about. They come in black and red canvas and gold satin.

When you live in black and white (like myself), it is a great way to add a pop of colour. There are also gorgeous lace up the leg versions of this style. They would look great worn with our Ruched Tank dress, or the Bandeau Wrap Top and Hipster A-line or Pencil skirt.. hhhmmmmmmmmmm…

Where’s my credit card?!!!

Vx

Hi, Baukjen here. A few days ago Vanessa and I were at Net-a-Porter.com where Vanessa and I met the designer Phillip Lim and saw his Autumn Winter Collection which is absolutely fantastic. He is a favourite of many people in New York and looking at his aw collection, we both thought it was well deserved. We spent some time with Nathalie (Nathalie Massenet is the founder of Net-a-Porter) and she is one of our favourite business women. In our opinion, whilst the company sells high priced fashion and so doesnt suit everyone's budget, it sets the standard for other web companies at all fashion price levels. What an impressive company and woman! We hope that they continue their success as it really is an inspiration and well deserved.

At Isabella Oliver, we all wear lots of Isabella Oliver clothing whether we are pregnant or not. Today Vanessa is wearing one of her favourites, the Ruched Cowl on black skinny jeans and I'm wearing the Sweater Tunic on opaque tights with ankle boots. For all our customers who have bought these items, please wear and enjoy them after your pregnancy as they look really great too without a bump. Vanessa & Baukjen

My friend Debra is 6.5 months pregnant and sat for a portrait for a friend of hers - alice billett - who is currently preparing a show to include 21 women of influence of the 21st century. She will be exhibiting in Dulwich Picture Gallery in January 2007 in London. Debra wears the raspberry ruffle wrap dress and we are very proud of the end result!

Hi Susan here. Baukjen and I both bought a pair of sexy heels at ASOS.com The heels arrived and everyone's been trying to walk at them here at Isabella Oliver. They're pretty high so it looks like you've had one too many when walking in them. When Vanessa saw them she said "Great Toe Cleavage" which had us all in stitches. A new word for our vocabulary.

Our friend Lisa Quinn launched a new collection on her new website and of course our kids are now wearing the pieces. We went our on Saturday and a few people asked where we'd bought them so hopefully this is a sign of a good season for Snuglo! Here's a picture of my boys wearing two of her pieces. As always Vanessa and I wish her all the best!

I know it is freezing out there but in here it is time for spring!!! I flew to Holland with the new pieces and met the creative team at the studio who were raring to go. We have a new model who we are so excited about, her name is Annemarieke and she is as nice as she is beautiful (what a shame- I really hate when that happens!!). It was a long day but all went well and the pictures turned out FAB, so well done Martine, and Froukje (our sister photograher/stylist team)!!

So stay tuned- new catalogue and Spring collection are due out on the 6th of March! Hope you like them as much as we do!

Froukje, Isabella Oliver's stylist, gave me a gorgeous scarf for my birthday which is made by another stylist in Holland. I love it. Here's a picture.