spring ahead!

I know it's supposed to be Spring, but it's actually snowing where I live today! I'm so eager to see green grass and some tulips. And, of course, Spring got me thinking about shoes, which lead to this post.


This bridal ensemble was inspired by these Christian Louboutin shoes. Coincidentally, they come in both heels and flats. So, whether you are having a a more formal wedding, or something at the beach, either pair would work. The dress is a simple design from J.Crew...so a fabulous necklace would compliment it perfectly. (Incidentally, I just came back from a Caribbean vacation and at the resort I was staying at, there were many weddings...if you can do it, totally the way to go!)


These amazing orange Jimmy Choos were the jumping off point for this rehearsal or shower outfit. The dress is metallic linen from J.Crew and the bracelet is something I found at Nordstrom.

Now, I know the shoes are crazy expensive, but if they are out of your price range, there are so many less expensive options out there. Think of these outfits as inspiration for your big day!

:: Louboutins via Neiman Marcus
:: Jimmy Choos and bracelet via Nordstrom
:: dresses via J.Crew

Yoo Hoo!

The new fashion season is upon us. Yay! That means lots of new wedding dresses and bridesmaids fashions to browse. I have noticed that the "trend" for wedding dresses is short hemlines. I love that idea, and think that if I were to do it again, that might just be something I choose, with a smart birdcage veil and an amazing pair of shoes!

But, today's post is all about the maids. I was checking out the 2009 look book from Jenny Yoo, and fell in love. All of these dresses would be perfect for a bridesmaid, a guest, or even the bride herself, depending on the style of wedding you are going for.



My favorites are the red and the yellow dresses...what are yours?

::all images from Jenny Yoo

accessorize!

I know, I know...we have been short on posts, but hopefully some beautiful accessories will make you perk up on this Thursday morning.

First in line is this adorable clutch from Love Parcel. It's only $48! I love that it has a handle, so it's easy to carry.

Because your handbag was so inexpensive, you can totally justify purchasing these BEAUTY-ful shoes from Valentino! You can pick them up at Neiman Marcus.
Now, of course you need a bracelet. I love this bangel from Anthropologie. It's so delicate, but definitely a statement piece!

At too finish off, I think the whole look would be amazing paired with navy blue. This cute dress is the Rebecca dress from J. Crew.

an etsy wedding

Here are some lovely things for your wedding from Etsy.

1. Mantilla Veil: Salchar
2: Bird Cage Veil: Kiss Curl
3. Lace Shrug: Rohm
4. Embroidered Linen Ties: Me and Matilda
5. Flowergirl Dress: Bella Sofia
6. Cootie Catcher: Kats Krafts

preppy love

I picked up this "collector's" edition of Martha Stewart Weddings the other day. I love Martha, but I kind of found a lack of new ideas in this one. I know it's a collection of ideas from all of her Weddings magazines, but I was pretty uninspired. However, I did LOVE the cover! Avocado Kiss is currently working on a set of invites (I promise to post some pictures soon), and the pink and green preppy combo, was my jumping off point. I know that both of these colours are pretty popular in wedding decor, but I found this particular combo really new. Perhaps it's brightness of the green and very pale pink...or the fact that it's mostly green, a brave choice!

Here are some pieces I've pulled together for this look:

inspiration palette

some floral inspiration...ranunculus, my MOST favorite flower, mixed with some green mums

ranunculus picture from here
green flowers from Hostess With The Mostess


bridal gown from Ann Taylor

suit from J.Crew

seersucker bridesmaid's dress from Thread Design

I think everything works together to create a preppy, but posh wedding. Perfect for a summer celebration, or for saying your vows on the beach!

a rose by any other name

While flipping through the channels last night, trying to find something to watch (frankly, every show on after Gossip Girl is a total letdown!), I stumbled upon Lela Rose, who was featured on Tim Gunn's Guide to Style. I really loved her pretty dresses, and decided to investigate further. Sure enough, she does bridal gowns, and she does a LOT of lace. I LOVE lace! Especially the style of lace she does, very open and not a bead or bedazzle in sight!


Now, I'm pretty sure she started designing her ready-to-wear before she launched a bridal line. It is easy to see how the two influence each other by looking at these very pretty, lace inspired day dresses.


I will not kid you, her line is uber-expensive. So, if you can't afford it, you can for sure draw inspiration from her feminine designs. Check out her website for retailers.

all images from Lela Rose

my old Kentucky home...

Tomorrow is the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby. I don't know why, but I love to watch the race. I don't follow horse racing, and I know nothing about the horses. It just seems that every year, on the first Saturday in May, I always watch. Those sappy montages about the horses, the trainers and the jockeys on NBC always suck me in!

What I would really like to do, is go to the Kentucky Derby! I have been to the races before, and it's lots of fun to place your $2 bets. I can only imagine the Derby would be a thousand times more exciting. Not too mention it's all about the hats! I LOVE hats, but don't have enough nerve to wear one. I have a fantastic hat sitting in my closet, complete with fancy embellishment, that I got on sale, on sale....I thought I would wear it to a wedding or something, but always chicken out at the last minute.

So, I solemnly swear, that if you want to take me to the Kentucky Derby, I will wear a hat, together with a perfectly appropriate outfit...perhaps like this...

the hat: Ellie by Christine A. Moore as found at Hats in the Belfrey - $450

dress: Lafayette 148 New York as seen at Neiman Marcus - $448

shoes: Miu Miu Patent Double Strap Mary Jane as at Neiman Marcus - $450

Yikes! Apparently going to the Derby will cost me a small fortune...you'd better give me lots of time to save up. I guess I'm also going to have to learn to love a mint julep, as this is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. It's a mixture of whiskey and mint...I'm not quite understanding the enjoyment here?

check out the drink recipe here

Our First Inspiration Board

We did this inspiration board for one of our brides. She wanted something simple, but elegant, with a touch of something unique. We thought of a chocolate, cream and grey colour palette, with a hit of yellow for the unexpected. I love the birdcage veil, it totally suits the fun personality of this bride.

favours and cakes: Martha,wedding dress: Casablanca Bridal,invitations: Avocado Kiss Stationery + Design,veils: Unveiled Bridal Designs