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

keep your head in the game!

I just came across Sara Gabriel's headpieces in the new InStyle Weddings issues. I love the photography, and her designs! She has everything from elaborate veils to the most simple hair pins. If you are still looking to complete your bridal ensemble, pay a visit to Sara's website for some inspiration.

Style, Without Leaving Home!

I have to admit, that I bought two rings off of The Shopping Channel last week. I wasn't actually watching the station, I found them online. The Shopping Channel is the Canadian version of QVC or HSN. Have you checked this places out lately? They have a lot of really cool stuff! QVC carries designer brands for goodness sake! So I thought, this could work for the bride...totally! What a great place to pick up some accessories to go with your perfect dress.

QVC has designers like Tacori and Judith Ripka. Both high end jewelry designers, that are now making costume pieces affordable to us all. The Shopping Channel has the Victoria & Albert Collection, pieces inspired by the real thing on display at the V&A Museum in London.



Wouldn't the goldfish pin be perfect on a bouquet or to add some originality to a sash on your dress? How about the drop earrings from Tacori for your something blue.



Sometimes you find the perfect piece in a place you never even thought of before. So do some web shopping, or turn on the TV....just resist the urge to buy another George Foreman grill!

Etsy treasures!

It's been a while since we have done a post on one of our favorite things...Etsy.  

The first treasure is this sweet shop, For The Love Of All Things Creative.  These beautiful glass creations are definitely something I have not seen before...and she also does custom work if you are looking for something special.

Next up is Kelly Vivar.  Her line is called Inu Jewelry.  It's beautiful, delicate, hammered silver and brass.  I love this set of five rings, but there is so may different things to choose from.  Again, this artist will make custom pieces, perfect for your wedding party.

Finally, Paloma's Nest.  We have posted about them before, and they always have such unique treasures.  These monogram bowls would be perfect for your bridesmaids....a great way to store their earrings, rings and other jewelry.

you don't even need a card!

I love this jewelry from Dogeared. I've been searching for some pretty, delicate necklaces, and these are just what I was looking for. It also made me think that they would be the perfect gift for your bridesmaids. Each piece of jewelry comes packaged with a card that describes it's meaning. I LOVE that! They have specific pieces for your bridesmaids, your mom, for a birthday, for a new baby, for just about anything. And the best part is, they are totally affordable. Be sure to check out their line of bracelets and canvas bags as well. I think I just might need to celebrate myself and order a few!

canary yellow

twiststyle.etsy.com $45.00

luxedeluxe.etsy.com $32.00

littlesweetpeas.etsy.com $160.00

lovelulumae.etsy.com $107.00

ananya.etsy.com $42.00

I have completely fallen in love with this shade of yellow...I picture it mixed with creams and golds and maybe some muddy khaki. There are so many possibilities...it could be your main colour or just used as an accent. I found all these cool accessories on etsy and I will keep looking for some inspiring wedding gowns and suits in order to give you an entire picture. I did find some beautiful gowns by Nicole Miller though I couldn't post the pictures.

gotta love Martha

I found Heather Moore Jewelry through the Bride's Guide from Martha Stewart. I love this stuff so much, I felt I had to do a post about it too. Let me just say, it is CRAZY expensive! So, like I said before, if you can't afford it, use the ideas for an inspiration. Heather Moore Jewelry would be appropriate for a wedding party (like her cool key chains and cufflinks) or perfect for Mother's Day (the "build your own necklace") or just for that special person in your life. Everything is handmade and is totally custom.

we love comments!

We really like to hear from readers...it's so exciting to know that there are people out there who are interested in what we have to say! We recently had a comment from Mikiye. She has a fantastic shop on Etsy, that sells all kinds of goodies. She's got beautiful hairpieces and jewelry, and her prices are soooo reasonable! Here is just a sampling, but be sure to take a browse through her shop!

so easy...

First of all, I have to tell you my love of catalogues that come in the mail! I live in Canada, and every time I visit my sister S in Massachusetts, I love getting the mail everyday and sorting through the zillion catalogues! We just don't get those here. One of the few that arrives in my mailbox, is J. Crew. I just received the new one, which is all about beach chic...and it makes me want to buy everything in it! J. Crew has come a long way from khakis and t-shirts, and I am loving their bridal line (I only wish it was around when I got married!). I have put together one of my favourite looks for the bride and her maids....check it out.

for the bride this gorgeous gown (no price listed on the site...)

worn with these shoes...the perfect height, with straps around the ankles so they won't fall off and you can dance all night!
Mackenzie kitten heels : $168

and accessorized with this bracelet...so chic!
jeweled starburst cuff bracelet: $150

for the maids, a very classy navy blue...
strappy Florence dress: $250

jazzed up with these amazing shoes!
Liza patterned peep toe heels: $228

and pulled together with this totally cool bracelet
kaleidoscope bracelet: $65

It's so easy to put a look together. J.Crew gives you suggestions on what goes with what, there are so many things to choose from! Trust me, this will be the easiest part of planning your whole wedding. While you're there, pick up a few dresses for yourself....for your bridal shower, rehearsal party, day after brunch...even the honeymoon!

an upgrade?

First off, let me state that I LOVE my engagement ring. It's a beautiful 3 stone ring, with a sapphire in the middle and a diamond on either side. I love it because it's different, not only because of the coloured stone, but because it's yellow gold, not something you see much of these days. That being said....I have many fingers, and a whole other hand with no rings on it to speak of. Is it wrong of me to ask for an upgrade? Okay, not so much an upgrade, as I will always wear my wedding ring, but just a lil' somethin' somethin' for my other hand. If you're still searching for your rock, then you might like some of these...



These diamonds are from Estate Diamond Jewelry, and I love their vintage vibe. Now I know there are those "about to be engaged" people, or married people for that matter, that don't really care for the whole "diamond as a symbol for our love" type of thing. Some think it's a waste of hard earned cash....I'm not one of those. Call me what you will, I like me some shiny bling! So dear Husband, we've got two years to save up for one of these beauties (it will be our tenth, though I should say he did surprise me with a very beautiful diamond and sapphire wedding band this year, it matches my other ring, and we didn't want to spend the money when we were looking for wedding rings). And don't worry, it's not all about me...I'll cut him some sort of deal...he can buy some fishing thing, that sounds fair!