Old, New, Borrowed, Blue

The latest addition to my Etsy Store. The materials used for this bouquet are almost all vintage save a few ribbons. I am obsessed with this color palette right now. I would love to do something similar to this with cut flowers for a bride; divine.

I really love the way this turned out with all of the different textures. The brooches and pins are to die for. They were found in thrift stores and (!) the garbage. Who could ever throw that beautiful porcelain bird away?!

Scarf Giveaway

Need a Christmas gift to keep for yourself, but without the guilt? Design Crush is giving away a French Pet Lobster Scarf from Xenotees. All entries must be received by December 18, 2009.

Smitten With: Joetta Maue

Joetta Maue, this one really gets me:



Joetta's incredibly beautiful and quietly eloquent embroidered pieces speak for themselves. Her blog, Little Yellow Birds, offers its readers a glimpse at the lovely world of embroidery. Any one of Joetta's one of a kind embroidered vintage linens would make a thoughtful wedding gift to a special couple or mark and important milestone in a loved one's life. Visit her Etsy shop Bird & Bear for more.

Mercie! The Thank You Note

Often a second thought but most cherished by your guests is the thank you note. I usually hold on to wedding invitations, but that's just part of being in the business. Like most people, though, what I truly cherish is the hand written note from the bride and groom, showing their gratitude for being a part of their special day. People like to feel appreciated, especially for weddings, which can be a big expense for some of your guests. Here are a few letterpress designs that I think really stand out:

If you abide by all of the rules of proper ettiquette, your thank you's should be in note form with your monogram at the top (either your 'couple' monogram or the initial of your last name is acceptable). The old fashioned lettering at Delphine Studios is the jam.

Postal Press's initial notecard is for the more casual couple who still wants to follow all of the rules.

Here are a couple thank you cards that provide plenty of space for your personal message:

This thank you card goes a step further than the rest, with its 'very much' beautifully written across the front of the card on a vintage banner. From Letterpress.

Pretty lime green, aqua, curry and gray mini thank you cards from Two Hand Design are sweet and affordable ($7.50/8).

I love the simplicity of this beautiful 'French Manners' thank you card set, as well as the ample writing space. From Pearl Marmalade.

Igloo Press's pull out thank you card is a classic and elegant design, but the hole punched envelope lines up with the lettering on the inside card, adding a little bit of old fashioned whimsy.

Here is a link to Emily Post's thank you note etiquette. Read it, know it, live by it. Remember, never just sign your name. Be sure to thank your guest for their specific gift.

Also, be sure that if you adhere an adress label, that it and your stamps aren't holiday or season specific. It's one of those nit picky things that some people notice (admittedly, I am one of them). Santa stamps and a snowflake address label in July are a no-no.

Blog Stalking and Other Adventures

Here is a round-up of my favorite things from the web this week:

Unbelievably cute invitations and marriage certificate from Rifle.

Heather Bullard's design blog; repurposed German enamel utensil holder. Killing me.

Cindy from Brass Paper Clip not only recommends the best blogs to read, but her vintage Etsy shop it by far one of the best.

Over at The Bride's Cafe, Stephanie is rockin' the most amazing dress from Seattle designer Chrissy Wai-Ching. Grab a hanky, 'cause you're about to drool.

Totally fun wedding from 100Layer Cake with loads of vintage and custom details. My favorite!

Check out Ruche's blog for a chance to win a pretty and sweet cardigan!

Old fashioned candy inspired wedding.

A giant Orea? I'm pretty sure I need this.

By far the best food blog. Ever.

If you're a fan of the wise owl, you'll love this.

I'm really looking forward to next week when all of the changes to Smitten will be in effect! Thanks to all of you for your continued readership! Happy weekend to all.

Smitten With: Plum Pretty Sugar

Plum Pretty Sugar describes their duds as 'loungerie'. That's something I can get on board with. Not only do they make the prettiest robes and sleepwear, but their bedroom linens are noteworthy as well. Gorgeous florals in vintage designs, yet very modern palettes. I would be a very happy camper with one of everything, thank you.





Check out more of their designs here. Oh so comfy but still sexy enough for your wedding or honeymoon.

Inspired by: Vintage Christmas

As soon as Halloween is over, my mind turns to Christmas. There isn't anything in the world like listening to old Christmas carols, sipping a mug full of hot cocoa and decorating the house in holiday goodness. It is so much fun for a couple just starting out to discover their Christmas style and begin to collect ornaments together. For Tom and I, we like things that look as if they were passed down through generations and made by an old German grandmother. Picking faves is impossible, but here are a few choices in pretty, glittering pastels:

LOVE cotton spun Santa's like this one from The Pink Tulip.

Cute as a button snowy cottage ornaments.

Cody Foster is a wonderful folk artist who creates the prettiest paper pulp glitter houses like the one featured here. I want to collect a whole bunch and make a village under the tree!

Hearting these bottle brush trees!

Spool of old fashioned tinsel comes in gold, red and green too!

I'm not sure which is better; these fabulous retro lights or the box they come in.

Most of us had a grandmother who made us an ornament like Harriet the Hare for Christmas. If you aren't one of the lucky ones who still has theirs, Anthropologie carries a few different styles that are sure to make you feel nostalgic.

Simply adore the blown glass cuckoo clock ornament with pinecone weights.

Inspired by: Grace Kelly

Ivanka Trump's wedding dress got me thinking about Grace Kelly and the glamorous style of the 1950's. I mean, did you see the girl's gorgeous Vera Wang gown? Stunning. This collection is a testament to the lasting style of an iconic Hollywood legend and the last decade of innocence.

{Oscar de la Renta Spring 2010 Gown; mink wrap from Marie's Vintage; lily of the valley bouquet, Wedding Mag Uk.}


{Ferragamo shoes, Saks; fascinator, Star Selection; lacy clutch, Percy Handmade; Benefit lipstick, Sephora.}


{gloves, JacJak; pink 1960's typewriter, Geek Sugar; lily of the valley boutonniere, lalalaurie.}

Happy Monday! Etsy Love to Start the Week..

I love the Etsy shop Sunshine and Ravioli; Stephanie Butler, the shop owner, is a talented artisan with a keen eye for vintage designs. I am particularly enchanted with her shop's autumn wedding favor cones ; the faux bois paper is so subtle and lovely for this time of year.



These seashore save the date bookmarks are just darling! Each one is hand cut and stamped.


Sunshine and Ravioli is also a hot spot for gift tags for all holidays and occasions. I think this flatware tag is tres charmant~.


For more from Sunshine and Ravioli's shop, clicik here. Support your favorite handmade artisans!

Blog Stalking and Other Adventures

{photo from ginger lilly tea}

A week in review of this weeks best from blogs and the web:

A super fabulous 1920's wedding on Vintage Glam.

Amazing folded paper jewelry via Oh So Beautiful Paper.

A Coney Island photo shoot with sweet vintage dresses from Liebemarlene Vintage.

DIY summer picnic bouquet tutorial via Design Sponge.

Swooning over this American in Paris flea market finds; I covet the vintage French enamelware.

I love it when recipes have pictures.

Pretty fabric flowers.

Tickled by...

Something's Hiding in Here. The blog. The shop. The whole kit and kaboodle. The awesome husband and wife duo, who hail from Philly, are the brains behind the fabulous "mustaches on a stick" that are popping up in wedding photos.

{photo from Angelica Glass}

But mustaches aren't their only gig. Check out the Etsy shop for more handmade with love booty, like these silhouette cards:



{love!}

Etsy Love: Vintage Wedding Dress

Brass Paperclip is one of my favorite shops on Etsy. Cindi has a great sense of style and knows a good vintage buy when she sees it. I have featured her beautiful wedding dresses here before, and this one is just as spectacular as the others.

From the 1960's, the vintage wedding dress is hand embroidered and features scallop edging and bell sleeves. Cindi has a complete description here,but there are two things I'd like to point out. First is the train; unreal. Twelve foot, detachable Watteau (waterfall) train. It is absolutely stunning!

Second, and my favorite part about buying the dress, is Cindi will donate all proceeds to breast cancer research. And the price? $375. This dress is a total win!





Visit Brass Paperclip for more information about this gorgeous dress and other equally stunning vintage finds.