There's a First Time for Everything // Itty Bitty Bijou

This weekend, James took a trip with family and friends and I experienced being home alone for the first time in my life - and I am 30! This is something I always thought be daunting but I do like a challenge and I looked forward to making it a positive experience!

. Photo by Kara Rosenlund .

I planned to eat delicious fish dishes ( as James doesn't eat fish ) to do plenty of work, catch up on some blog posts, and even do a spot of home diy on a farmhouse table I am attempting to refurbish for our kitchen. I also planned to enjoy a movie marathon of films which I have wanted to watch for ages but knew James wouldn't like. This last one may seem odd, but we don't get much time to sit and watch a movie together so when we do, we always try to pick something that we would both enjoy. Anyway...

This weekend has been great! I have really enjoyed myself and my own company. Of course I have my two fur babies, Joey and Teddy too! They have been great company and it's been nice not to be absolutely alone but it did bring another challenge with it - looking after them both! Teddy, our Japanese Spitz is a handful at the best of times, but with their 'Daddy' not being home for a couple of days they have been even more mischievous!

So this weekend had been positive, inspiring and also full of firsts. I honestly think I have grown from it and conquered some fears and insecurities along the way too!

First time I ate Crab ( I didn't like it )
First time I tried the latest Clipper organic tea blends ( I loved them - especially the St Clementine )
First time I sat in the garden and relaxed with a book ( I want to do this everyday )
First time I have attempted to refurbish furniture ( It's much harder than it looks! )
First time I have ever been home alone ( I didn't mind it )
First time I have had full responsibility of our two dogs ( At some points I felt it was very trying and I wasn't confident but I learnt from this that I need to be more in charge and also that I can do it! )
I visited somewhere new - Queens Park, a beautiful new park in my town ( I wish I had taken my camera! I will definitely go again! )
For the first time, I think ever, I could just please myself ( It is refreshing )

I hope you've enjoyed the weekend too!

Inspired by Parisian Chic // Itty Bitty Bijou

I have been very inspired by everything French for some time now - from beautiful French weddings and desperately wanting to plan a trip there to Parisian chic fashion. If I were to visit Paris, I would take a stroll with my camera and enjoy lunch at a cafe. Of course I would love to look the part too! So, here I created an outfit based on Parisian Chic - Skinny jeans, casual t-shirt paired with a beautiful blazer, stripes, converse and of course a hint of red!

Follow my 'Everything French' board on Pinterest

Pink Black & White Bridal Shower Inspirations // Itty Bitty Bijou

Pink, Black and white bridal showers have been trending this season, especially including black and white stripes! Here are some great inspirations for a fun shower with your friends and family based on this color palette...

Key pieces to make this look work include a black and white striped table cloth or runner, add dashes of pink with flowers and napkins and don't forget to use the desserts and drinks to match too! You can use an array of pink tones from pastel to neon - have fun with it!

Credits { from left to right }
Top row > Charlie & Juliet . O'Malley Photographers . Ashley Nicole Events on Style Me Pretty
Middle row >  O'Malley Photographers . Cocodot via Refinery 29  . Hanna LuLu Co

Bottom row > Charlie & Juliet . O'Malley Photographers . Belathee Photography

See more beautiful Bridal Shower Inspirations on Itty Bitty & Bijou { here }

Black & Gold Bridal Shower Inspirations // Itty Bitty Bijou

Today I have some beautiful inspirations for both Bridal and Baby Showers, with a glitzy Black & Gold theme! With gold calligraphy on black for stationery, fringing to hang above dessert tables and marvelous Macarons! I adored these examples of macarons - the white versions decorated with gold chevrons and the rich black macarons - these would look perfect with a hint of edible gold leaf too!

The fun doesn't stop there either - get creative with drinks, such as the shot glasses with rims dusted glittery gold sugar and also the black balloon drink stirrers!

See more inspiration boards for weddings parties and shower { here }

Hand Lettering & Calligraphy by Itty Bitty Bijou | A Styled Shoot by Louise Beukes for the UK Academy of Wedding and Event Planning { UKAWEP }

I have been working for some time on new designs with my own hand lettering and calligraphy. I'll soon be launching some of these which will include wedding stationery suites, save the dates and also logos! As if it couldn't get any more exciting, I was over the moon to be involved in a superb styled shoot for the UKAWEP this week with a stationery suite of hand lettering on chalkboard! The shoot was styled by Louise Beukes of bloved blog and photographed by Anneli Marinovich Photography - amazing!

The shoot coincides with the new rebrand and launch of the UKAWEP website and another pretty website launch to mention is that of Anneli Marinovich Photography too! Pop on over to them and take a look around. Until then, here is the official sneak peek of the shoot released by the UKAWEP this week - I am thrilled!

With huge Thanks to Louise of bloved for choosing me to work on this superb project, it is always such a pleasure!

Image Credit . UKAWEP

Styling . Louise Beukes
Hand Lettered Ampersand Sign . Itty Bitty Bijou
Flowers . Bo Boutique Flowers
Cakes . Andi Freeman Cakes

Inspired by Magnolia Rouge Lifestyle

As you may have read previously, I adore Magnolia Rouge magazine! Today I was super excited to find that they have just released a new Lifestyle magazine to compliment it - Magnolia Rouge Lifestyle! It features utterly beautiful photography - I could pour over the images throughout the magazine forever! With beautiful styled shoots such as 'Sixties Campout' and 'Bohemia Soiree' to recipes and 'Travel Essays'. The travel portion of the magazine is stunning, beautifully captured and tells the story of each place - it is seriously inspiring! It has left me with a great want to visit some of the places featured and of course take my camera!

From travel pieces on Greece, Portugal, Dubrovnik and the Amalfi Coast ( just some of my favourites from the issue ) my sense of adventure is inspired! The beautiful imagery has inspired me for my work in Photography at Catharine Noble Photography, and the editorial design has more than satisfied my graphic design edge too! Pop on over to Magnolia Rouge and enjoy!

See the newly launched Magnolia Rouge Lifestyle magazine at magnoliarougemagazine.com

Live a Little Too // Itty Bitty Bijou

I find that it is really motivating to have goals in both business and your personal life. My goal this week was to be able to have Friday free from work, to be able to hop in the car with my dogs and travel to Wales for a day at the beach with my parents who are vacationing there. An exciting day, making memories and living. That's what it's all about but I often find myself working a lot and not living much. All work and no play, as they say!

So, here's to making goals and also remembering to live a little too!

Read Don't Forget to Sparkle > Making a supportive network of associates when you work for yourself

 Read Bloom & Grow > Continue to move forwards in your work
Read Write and Blog > Feeling the fear and doing it anyway

Image Credit . Photo via sorensondash.com / Graphic by Itty Bitty Bijou

My Wishlist // Ruche // Itty Bitty Bijou

I always enjoy seeing what's new on the Ruche website, especially in the accessories category! I adore statement necklaces and found this pretty pastel 'Tea Cakes Jeweled Necklace' - great with lace tops, simple tees and denim shirts for spring / summer! I also came across this cute 'All in Good Time Polka Dot Watch' - who doesn't love gold polka dots!!

Easter Decor Ideas // Itty Bitty Bijou

Easter is almost here so I've been thinking about decor ideas! Here you'll see that I've been looking at pastel pink - from tulips and a delicious presse drinks served in vintage glassware, to handmade bunnies and this beyond beautiful wreath...

{ Credits } from left to right:

Top row | via Pinterest . DesignLoveFest

Bottom row | Tilda at Hobbycraft . Mowielicious

A Summer Garden Shower // Itty Bitty Bijou

An easy summer party set in the garden - ideal for a gathering of friends or of course a Bridal or Baby shower! I love the bright colours and the idea is focused around the food and drinks. Pink lemonade, milkshakes, ice cream served in teacups all set on beautiful serving trays. Add some cute seating such as leather Moroccan pouffes and pretty blankets and throws....

{ Credits } from left to right

Top row // John Granen & Peter Krumhardt . via Pinterest
Bottom row // Emily Scott . KT Merry

My Wishlist // Anthropology // Itty Bitty Bijou

Spring is officially here, at last! The days are lighter for longer and we've had the odd day of sunshine but here in England it's still pretty cool - not time to get your spring / summer clothes on just yet! Dreaming of warm summer days I made a perfect pairing for an outfit, ideal for work or even dinner - wear with chinos, skinny jeans or shorts! These pieces are certainly added to my wishlist: The Sania Tank and beautiful Boreal Bib Necklace, both from Anthropologie.

Bonjour Spring // Itty Bitty Bijou

Spring 2014 is officially here! I love this time of year, it makes me think newness and preparing for Summer to arrive. Spring cleaning, Spring lambs, chicks, Easter time, buds on trees, flower bulbs sprouting and nature beginning to bloom... Bonjour Spring!

Image Credit: Photo by Eddie Judd Photography . Graphic by Itty Bitty Bijou

Pantone's Radiant Orchid Wedding Inspirations // Itty Bitty Bijou

Yehy - finally an inspiration board is back on Itty Bitty Bijou! I have missed doing them and I've had lots of emails asking about them, but do not fear - I have plenty to share and I am still doing them, I have just had a busy old time behind the scenes.

So, here we have some inspirations for incorporating 'Radiant Orchid' (the colour of the year) into your wedding. I would personally do it with flowers, adding touches of this colour to the bouquet, bridesmaids flowers and I love the idea of scattering petals too...

{ Credits } from left to right

Top row // via Pinterest . Shop Ruche

Bottom row // via Left My Heart in Paris . via Style Me Pretty

See more Wedding Inspirations { here }

You can also find ideas for beautiful Bridal Showers { here } too!

Inspired By Pink Clay & Herbivore Botanicals // Itty Bitty Bijou

It's no secret that I covet pretty packaging and my Pinterest is home to some amazing packaging design inspirations too. The latest I am lusting after is the Pink Clay range by Herbivore Botanicals! 

See more posts about things which currently inspire me and my work here

My Top Beauty Vloggers by Itty Bitty Bijou

Firstly, I love makeup and skincare, I always have - I even worked at The Body Shop for a couple of years whilst at college! Some time ago I was looking online for some new foundation and what was recommended - this led to my discovery of the world of Beauty Vloggers on Youtube! I love reading blogs but had never thought about the world of vlogs - video versions - and I have really come to enjoy some regulars!

Here's a round-up of my top Beauty Vloggers I currently watch ...

Chloe Morello // ChloeMorello
Chloe's style is flawless and I adore both the makeup and fashion looks she shows! I seriously want her wardrobe! If like me, you want a fresh faced, natural look with nods to the latest trends, you will really enjoy Chloe's vlogs.

Melissa Raymond // MELMPHS
Melissa is from Memphis and I could listen to her accent all day! She is such a character and a breath of fresh air! Her videos range from honest reviews to 'get ready with me' tutorials. I love that Melissa is natural and warm, she will tell you if she didn't like a product and she also has great dupes for top brand makeup too!

Steph  // SMLxO
Steph posts regular videos about the latest makeup looks and how to create them as well as reviewing products. I love that Steph has a funny 'outtakes' section at the end of her video too - they are always adorable! She also does a lot of 'haul' videos and fashion pieces too.

Heart // ThatsHeart
Heart is such a lovely, positive person and she shares lots of videos other than just makeup - such as room tours, questions viewers have asked and fashion pieces too. She recently released her very own makeup palette which is a cute as she is!

Wayne Goss // Gossmakeupartist
Wayne is great for 'how to' tutorials from how to contour correctly, apply blusher in different ways to suit your face shape, perfect your eyebrows - I have learnt so many great tips to use everyday!

Emily Noel // EmilyNoel83
Emily does lots of tutorials and 'get ready with me' videos but also she honestly reviews products too. From 'one brand' makeup looks to dupes of high end makeup, to lots of informational videos.

If you have someone to recommend, why not share it in the comments section below?!

Image Credit . Photo via Lonny Magazine . Graphic by Itty Bitty Bijou

Wanderlust // Itty Bitty Bijou

This week the English countryside welcomed Spring sunshine and I had a great urge to get out there and explore! We have a location to scout out for an upcoming photography project, so it was the perfect opportunity to take some of our camera kit (and of course Joey and Teddy) out!

When you find yourself working at a computer most of the day, everyday, it's a refreshing change to be outdoors! I always enjoy finding new places and we found some beautiful locations for picnics this summer - not just styled shoots and family photography sessions!

I really want to take advantage of the weather this Spring and Summer and pledge that I will do some exploring, have some adventures and see more of the UK this year. Spring and summer are our busiest months as wedding photographers too which is also good for seeing new places - but I must remember to take a day off once in a while and go see the world!

Photo Credit . Catharine Noble Photography

Stationery Design // Bloved Weddings & The Style Guide // The Colour Clash Issue

If you missed the whole Colour Clash wedding inspiration shoot on Bloved Weddings, you must pop by and see it! Based around the Pantone Colour of the Year, Radiant Orchid, Louise created a concept with a bright colour palette. Itty Bitty Bijou is the Stationery contributor for Bloved Weddings 'bteam' so I had the absolute pleasure of creating some cute pieces for this shoot!

Behold bright white card stock, grey text with a flamboyant font paired with a clean sans serif typeface, oh and some pretty ribbons sewn on too!

. With Thanks to Anneli Marinovich Photography for these beautiful images .

{ Credits }

Styling | Louise - bloved weddings

Photography | Anneli - Anneli Marionovich Photography

Flowers | Liz - Blue Sky Flowers

Stationery | Catharine - Itty Bitty Bijou

Bridal Wear | Rachel - Luella's Boudoir

Accessories | Vicky - Victoria Millesime

Bridesmaids | Sinclair & India - Maids to Measure

Homeware | Lucy - Rowen & Wren

Cakes | Agnes - Agnes de Sucre

Makeup Artist | Ana - Ana Ospina Makeup

Write and Blog // Itty Bitty Bijou

You may have noticed that I have been writing and blogging more - on Itty Bitty Bijou but also over at the Catharine Noble Photography blog too. This is something I have wanted to get into for the last 12 months or more, but I always seemed to put too much pressure on myself. I had work to share as well as ideas and topics to talk about but I didn't feel like I had a voice - or that anyone would listen.

I felt that every post had to be the best post ever written on a blog, the content and images should all be completely unique and original - and that there should also be some major styled shoot by myself too! I didn't have the time for all of that, or the confidence.

In the new year, one of my goals and resolutions I set myself was to actually start writing and blogging. To feel the fear and do it anyway! I found it difficult at first but really enjoyed sharing - whether it's my work, advice or something fab I've come across. I felt elated for rising to the challenge! You'd think I had stepped out in public without my makeup on but that's how it seemed. Putting myself 'out there', open to criticism and negativity and that people wouldn't like me or my work.

So, I thought about the beauty guru Melissa Raymond, who always tells people - this is me, this is my youtube channel, my opinions and work - if you don't like me you don't have to watch. Good points.

I'm also a fan of Shameless Maya and her 'Be Shameless' project ( I'll dedicate a post solely to this another time ) but she tells you that if you're in a business like this - you need to put yourself out there because everyone else is! Be Shameless!

So here I am, challenging myself and achieving my goals - growing because of it personally, in business and even feeling good about it! So far I've had a very nice response, which builds my confidence and I thank those friends and people in my business network who are supporting me! Thank You x

Read Don't Forget to Sparkle > Making a supportive network of associates when you work for yourself

 Read Bloom & Grow > Continue to move forwards in your work

Image Credit . Photo By Stephanie Sterjovski / Graphic by Itty Bitty Bijou

Inspired by Magnolia Rouge Magazine - The Elements Issue

Today I saw that the latest issue of Magnolia Rouge Magazine went live and I could not wait to sit down for a little coffee break and take a look! This edition is 'The Elements Issue' and boasts beautiful work from some of my favorite Photographers' including Erich Mcvey, Laura Murray, Clayton Austin and Danelle Bohane!

Magnolia Rouge Magazine never fails to inspire me, especially in my wedding photo work at Catharine Noble Photography. As well as stunning shoots from some of my faves, I was introduced to new talents too such as Julie Song Ink...

I am completely in love with and inspired by the exquisite and whimsical, watercolour illustrations by Julie Song Ink. Delicate, romantic florals' in the prettiest color palette. Combining three of my favorite wedding stationery trends of the moment - watercolor, florals and illustrations!

You must also check out her Etsy shop for some super pretty calligraphy pieces too!

As well as out-of-this-world contributors and Fine Art Photography, Magnolia Rouge is run by Kate, the Graphic Designer behind Ruby & Willow. She has flawless taste, especially when it comes to weddings and fonts! She creates fabulous Stationery and her editorial design for the Magnolia Rouge Magazine and blog is always an inspiration and delight to look at!

So if  like Me, you love weddings, photography and pretty graphic design - you will very much enjoy both the Magnolia Rouge blog and magazines! Pop by and view the latest issue with a cup of tea!

Magazine - Magnolia Rouge by Kate Holland . Illustrations by Julie Song Ink

Sneak Preview // Current Work Coming Soon by Itty Bitty Bijou

I am so utterly in love with a current blog design project I am working on! I cannot tell you how excited I am to share the final designs too! For now I'll leave you with a small sneak preview with more coming soon!

- See more posts about branding and blog design work by Itty Bitty Bijou -

Don't Forget to Sparkle // Itty Bitty Bijou

Some days working for yourself and staying motivated can be difficult. You can't excitedly show a colleague work that you've just finished and get a heartfelt well done. You can't bounce ideas of someone or discuss a work dilemma. You have to do all of this for yourself which can sometimes be hard work and it can dull my sparkle somewhat. But it doesn't have to! 

It's nice to share ideas, inspirations and opinions on current trends with people who have similar jobs, interests or work in the same industry as yourself. Creating my inspiration boards, reading my favourite blogs and magazines helps me to do this as well as social media. I engage with others and make connections on a personal level not just in a business / work way. Showing my tastes, style preferences and ideas has gained me a network of people and also friends. It's not just a one way street either! It's inspiring and motivating to see their work too and we take an interest and actively support each other. I love to see my associates take on challenges and succeed - I'm sure they feel the same towards myself too. We help each other to Sparkle!

Below are some tips you can try to achieve better connections and support too...

Steps you can take to get some Sparkle in your work life too:

> Follow {work } friends on Pinterest - You can follow me at www.pinterest.com/ittybittybijou

> Follow { work } friends on Instagram - You can follow me at instagram.com/ittybittybijou
> Read their blogs, see their recent projects and if you see something you like - tell them so with a comment below the post or even a little email!
> Are there recurring people's work that you seem to keep pinning to your Pinterest? Have you visited their website or blog to learn more about them?

> If you have a network of { work } friends already do you support them by sharing their recent features and successes? 

There's a start! I'll be following this post up with some more tips in the near future too.

Don't forget to SPARKLE!

Catharine x

Image Credit . Photo by Brianna Venzke / Graphic by Itty Bitty Bijou

Logo, Branding & Blog Design // Emily Noel & Beauty Broadcast // Beauty Blogger

I love makeup and I turn to fab beauty bloggers for reviews and new looks all the time! I have a post coming up soon about my favourite beauty bloggers to follow, many of whom have their own Youtube channels too, but today I'll quickly introduce you to one of my favourites - Emily Noel of Beauty Broadcast. I created a blog design and branding for Emily's blog Beauty Broadcast, based around the pink, black and white colours she already used. I loved the idea of creating something based on the pretty pearlised balls of makeup too ( see in the inspirations below ) Pretty and girly - just like Emily!

- The new look blog - redesign and branding -

To see more posts about Branding Designs by Itty Bitty Bijou see { here }

For Blog Designs by Itty Bitty Bijou see { these posts }

Bloom and Grow // Itty Bitty Bijou

I've been thinking a lot lately, about my businesses and how I can grow them, take them forward on to the next step and bloom. Firstly, I have re-branded both Itty Bitty Bijou and Catharine Noble Photography - something I have been meaning to do before the New Year! I love both of the new looks and this fresh start feels like the first step of many positive things to happen.

It was so apt that when putting together this post, I would hear some super news that I must share! Two of my wedding industry associates and bloved bteam collegues, Louise Beukes and Charlie Kingsland-Barrow are launching a new venture with luxury wedding designer, Jessie Thompson. The ladies have come together to bring you Flourish & Prosper - a resource which will encourage and inspire professionals within the wedding industry, with opportunities to learn, develop and network! I can't wait to know more! I'll certainly support their new venture and I send them my best wishes for their Flourishing future and huge congratulations too!

Pop on over to the Catharine Noble Photography to see the new look and watch this space for more to come! In the mean time - don't forget to Bloom!

Logo, Branding & Blog Design // Fleur De Force // Beauty Blogger

I love both blogging and reading blogs and I'm super passionate and blogs being beautiful to read too. To me, reading a blog is like picking up your favourite magazine! I use my love of editorial design when it comes to blog design and branding too.

I have always enjoyed the videos or vlogs by beauty blogger and vlogger, Fleur De Force and I have been eager to rebrand her blog for ages! Her content and photography are great, it just needs a little magic graphic design fairy dust! So back in January, I created a full branding for Fleur De Force from a water colour styled logo with handwritten style font and modern sans serif pairing, to category buttons, a post divider pattern and a really lovely colour palette too. I just loved this muted peachy pink tone with white and black text. Below you can view the branding board, inspiration board, new look branding and blog design and a kind of 'before and after' look too...

- The Inspiration Board - 

- The Blog Branding and Re.Design / New look -

- The category button designs -

- The before and after -

To see more posts about Branding Designs by Itty Bitty Bijou see { here }

For Blog Designs by Itty Bitty Bijou see { these posts }

Logo & Branding For Events // The Bloved Weddings Bparty Brand Concept by Itty Bitty Bijou

I was so excited to work on the branding concept for the bloved weddings 'bparty' hosted by Louise of bloved and a whole host of fantastic vendors including of course the super suppliers from the bloved bteam ( yes that's Itty Bitty Bijou too! )

Louise provided her styling ideas and inspirations for me to work with and a colour palette she was working to. It was a fab project to work on as always and here's the branding board for the look I went with ...

// All Branding & Design by Itty Bitty Bijou //

See more posts about Itty Bitty Bijou & bloved { here }

Read more about Branding and Graphic Design work by Itty Bitty Bijou in { these posts }

Itty Bitty Bijou | New England Wedding Stationery in the Bloved Style Guide

Issue Three of the Style Guide is out and available to download { here } Created by Louise of Bloved Weddings who put together a brilliant team of wedding vendors to bring you the perfect inspirations for a New England style wedding! I designed the staionery and it includes a free printable for you to diy and it's downloadable exclusively at bloved blog { here }

- Meet the team who put it all together - the bloved weddings bteam -

{ Credits }

Styling | Louise - bloved weddings

Photography | Anneli - Anneli Marionovich Photography

Flowers | Liz - Blue Sky Flowers

Stationery | Catharine - Itty Bitty Bijou

Catering | Jen - Kalm Kitchen

Bridal Wear | Rachel - Luella's Boudoir

Wedding Co-ordinator | Anna - Bride & Glory

Accessories | Vicky - Victoria Millesime

Bridesmaids Wear | Sinclair & India - Maids to Measure

Homeware | Lucy - Rowen & Wren

Cakes | Karen - Karen Anna

Makeup Artist | Ana - Ana Ospina Makeup

Don't forget to download your own copy of The Style Guide: 03 The New England Issue