Wedding Palette Board: Mustard and Teal

I'm always looking for a palette combination that's a little off of the beaten path but still aesthetically pleasing, and this one delivers! Weddings aren't just pink and white these days; a dash of deep teal adds to the richness and warmth of the mustard. Just perfect for a vintage wedding!

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{from top left: fabric envelopes via Hello! Lucky; mustard and teal chintz wallpaper via Apartment Therapy; paper flowers via A Hana Design. 2nd row: mustard ballet flats, Abby Jiu; lady in teal dress, Ana Lee; yellow typewriter, Laura Bucci. Bottom: Mustard velvet flower, Love Liette; yellow dress, Elizabeth Dye; knit necklace via Etsy; white dress/teal wall via Elizabeth Anne Designs.}

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?!

Smitten With: GreenGate

I'm not even kidding right now: how is it that I am just now finding out about GreenGate?  Helen from Tartlette had an amazing feature on Design *Sponge last week where I noticed the prettiest floral spoons in one of the photographs.  Low and behold, I was introduced to a world of floral and dotted kitchenware beyond my wildest dreams!  The patterns and colors remind me of vintage French enamelware, and how could that ever be a bad thing?!

Baking paper, baking cups, and baking trays.  My mind is buzzing right now with all of the baked goods I want to make with these!  Lemon Cherry Muffins?  Yes, please!

Just let me live in this photo for a day or two please.

Shoot, if I had that dish soap and scrub brush, I might actually do the pile of dishes sitting in the sink right now.  Hey, hey- check it out.  That spoon above the egg cups?  Yep, that's what started all of this.  {heart}

If you haven't seen enough (which I know you haven't), go to GreenGate's website and peruse their catalogues.  Get ready to get your inner girly-girl on!

Fab or Flop?

While doing my daily perusal of Ebay I came across this Betsey Johnson dress, and to be quite honest, I'm not sure of how I feel about it (I guess I can say that for most of her designs, come to think of it).  Anyway, to me it's a cross between a 16 year old's home ec prom dress project gone bad and bad ass. 

I saw killer BJ socks at Marshall's yesterday.  Definitely got me some of that (5 pairs for $6.99, duh).  This dress?  It's almost half off the original $1400 ($799) and the right girl could OWN this look, but let's face it, that girl ain't most of us, my not so square self incuded.  Check out more photos and info here.

Gotta Get Me Some: Spool No. 72

Have you visited Spool No. 72's website lately?  'Doring these lovelies up above.  All that's missing is a broken in pair of flops and you're set to go. 

Smitten With Lily of the Valley

On my walk this morning I smelled a sure sign of spring; lily of the valley. Yep, even in Queens these perennial favorites found a patch of land to grow in. When I lived upstate, where my love of flowers began, I'd look forward to Spring when the lilac trees (yes, trees) and lily of the valley would bloom. At 10 years old I'd make bouquets and place them throughout the house in anything from coffee cans to jelly jars.


Spring all year round. Love this vintage looking lily of the valley wallpaper from Thibaut. Yes, I would like to sleep in this bedroom very much, thank you. {image via country living}


Few things are as timeless and elegant as a bouquet of lily of the valley. If I were to subscribe to the whole wedding ideal, I'm pretty sure I'd go with the simple beauty of a hand tied bunch of lotv pips. {image via artfool}


I love me some crisp white sheets. These particular ones from Graced with Lace are super posh. I bet they come smelling like rich people.


I like this Tee from MaryInk on its own. The lily of the valley hand printed design is an extra special bonus, like getting your bar tab comped at dinner.


The famous Givenchy "Les Muguets" gown. This is polished silver and pinkies out right here.


I don't know if I'd be able to actually cut into this cake. I mean, it's gorgeous. I want to put it up on the mantle and have my picture taken with it. Lovely is all I can say, word.


Damn, I'm going to miss having a garden this year. I've always wanted to buy some pink lily of the valley to plant. Someday.

Smitten With: Dutch Bicycles

I was born in the wrong decade. And the wrong country. Now, I usually hate on people who say "I liked such-and-such way before it became popular", but the fact is, I really did like old fashioned bikes long before every hipster in Brooklyn bought one. Ten years ago, I rode around on the raddest vintage Schwinn bike when all of my friends had beach cruisers and mountain bikes. Old bikes are a pain in the ass to repair and keep rust free though, especially if you live near the ocean or a high humidity region, and that's that.

I'm in the market for a new ride so I've been looking at the different makes and models available. I'm telling you, I have all sorts of corn ball plans for the bike I buy. There are so many options as far as outfitting Dutch bikes that I plan to spend more on the accessories than the bike itself!

Here are a few bikes that have me unfreezing my credit card:


The Flying Pigeon is a Chinese phenomenon. The most popular bike in the world, and as far as the Dutch style goes, the least expensive I could find ($350 range). The charms of the bike include the leather seat and the rear utility rack (perfect to bungee down some beer on). Check out Flying Pigeon NYC blog for gorgeous photos of the bikes from around the. City and more information.


Love the style and frame of the Sheppshult Ladies Nature bike. Made in Sweden, Sheppshult is also a popular maker of fold up bikes and known for their sturdiness and sleek designs. Fit to the nines with all of the accessories that make Dutch bikes so appealing (especially the pedal generated headlamp), my only qualm is for the price ($1895), did they really need to strap a Staples waste basket to the front of it? I think not.


The Pashley Princess Sovereign. If I had unlimited dispensable income, this would be the bike for me without question. Available in Regency Green or Buckingham Black (I'm a die hard for black transportation, but this green has me a thinkin'), it comes with all of the perks including a proper wicker basket and standard kickstand. It retails in the States for $1295 and I swear I think I'll forgo eating the next few weeks just to get my hands on one of these. Of course, I'll need to move to a Cotswold village and stock up on some vintage shirt dresses and hair scarfs, but that will all work itself out just as soon as I get the bike!


The Bobbin Bonnie is made by the popular bicycle shop in London of the same name (Bobbin Bicycles, that is). I've featured their shop several times because, well, they're awesome. They've managed to encompass everything that riding a Dutch bike is and should be. As of today, the pound to dollar conversion is $520 plus shipping for the Bonnie. From what I can gather though, this is a bike for the vertically challenged (17" frame only) which means at 5'9", I'm out. Cute as a dimple none the less.

Spring Fling: Bicycle Baskets

Spring time in the City, which means it's time to take your bicycle out of storage. There are all sorts of cycle enthusiasts around and I don't claim to be a member of any of their factions, so I'm coming to you just as a girl who just likes to ride around without direction or purpose. That is, unless I'm going to the market or bakery to pick up dinner or riding out to the park for a picnic.

I am, and have always been, a huge dork for bicycle baskets. Particularly wicker. When I came across Kate Spade's Picnic Basket (top two images), I just about lost it. What can I sell on ebay to come up with the $325? Seriously in love. Has that wonderful vintage 1940's look to it. However, there are other baskets available and while they may not be as posh as Kate's, they're super adorable and functional. Makes me want to throw on my favorite circle skirt and twinset and head out to a grassy little patch underneath a tree.


Kate Spade Bicycle Picnic Basket

Nantucket Bicycle Basket, Victorian Trading Co.

Baker's Basket, Bobbins Bicycles

Don't you want to fill 'em up with baguettes and bunches of tulips?!

Sea Glass and Eyelet Lace

Inspired by the ocean and dreams of spring. If you've ever searched a beach for sea glass, you know how this shade of blue is so coveted. When I lived on the beach, I painted my bedroom this shade of blue and had all white eyelet linens. It was the most peaceful room I've ever been in. It's also a beautiful palette for any sort of party, particularly a wedding!

from top left: ring pillow from etsy; vintage eyelet dress from poshgirlvintage.com; hey lady "at tiffany's" shoes; keira knightly in blue gown, courtesy of fashion bride; wedding sign from vintage design projects; robin's egg soaps from giannarose.com; image from martha stewart weddings; image from martha stewart weddings; veils from allure weddings; silver screen necklace from etsy

Inspired By: Wine Labels

Let me preface this by saying that I know what comes out of my mouth next is going to sound incredibly girly and portray me out as a total wine neophyte, and that may be true in part. But I'm going to say it anyway.

I choose wines for their labels.

There it is. I judge my books by their covers. I am more impressed with the artistic design of the bottle than what is in it. In my own defense, I suspect a lot of designers do the very same thing. When you know the work and creativity that goes into something, you can appreciate it perhaps a little more than others. Or maybe that's just a front for my vapid, topical reasoning. Who knows, who cares. What I do know is that no one can deny the awesomeness of these great labels.








I've had more than my fair share of the La Vieille Ferme (delish, 13.5 %, and only $9/bottle) and Mollydooker, both of which I highly recommend. They all have me thinking of ways to emulate, whether in palette or as inspiration for stationary. Several of these have that vintage French advertising poster quality to them. Do you drink a wine with an unusual or fun label?

Rountree Flowers NYC

Being a wedding blogger has made me aware of some of the finest artisans in the country. As a floral designer, I have a strong appreciation for unique and creative work. So when I decided it was time to start working in NYC again, I had a few florists in mind that I was dying to work with.

Enter Jessie from Rountree Flowers. Not only is she aces when it comes to incredible bouquets, boutonnieres, and table arrangements, but she's super nice! Here is a sample of her gorgeous creations. I love her use of country wildflowers mixed with cultivated high end flowers, as well as the pods, berries and unusual greenery.







You can see more of Jessie's work on Sunday Suppers blog as well (it's an orgy for the eyes to be sure).

Palette Board: Candy Cane Wedding

Christmas is fast approaching so I whipped up a pretty red and white candy cane palette board to get us in the spirit. If you have every been to Woodstock, Vermont during the Christmas season, you'll appreciate the country, New England feel to this board as well.

Christmas Wishes: Newly Engaged

Christmas is the perfect opportunity to ask for items that will make your wedding planning a little bit easier. Being organized will take away some of the stress, and here's how to look pretty while doing it:

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Address Book: Consider this your best friend. Keep it in your handbag in case you run into a person you'd like to invite but don't have an address for. Love this one by Amy Butler.

Clothbound Classics: Nothing is more romantic than a classic British novel, in particular, Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen. Penguin Clothbound Classics offers a gorgeous, old fashioned cover.

Stationary: You don't even know how many notes and thank you's you are going to write. Traditional ettiquette states that the bride to be's monogram or initial be present on the stationary, like this letterpress set from Austin Press.

Files: Between the magazine clippings, contracts and scrap paper full of ideas, you're going to need a file system, like the vintage patchwork accordion file pictured from Wisteria.

Planner: This is a must. The ultimate organization tool. Know when to send out save the dates, keep track of receipts, appointments, and most of all, this handy dandy little book will keep you from pulling your hair out. Love Mindy Weiss's Ultimate Planner in pale blue.

Picture Frames: Everyone is going to want to take pictures of the happy couple, particularly during the holiday season, and you are going to want to display them. Photo albums you will also need, but most people like pictures in plain site (unless it's the one from last New Years Eve when I fell into a bush).

Palette Board: Pastel Christmas Wedding

I can list a thousand reasons why Christmas weddings are the bee's knees. If it weren't for the fact that my family has threatened to disown me, I'd unquestionably have the big day this time of year.

If you are getting married in December and don't want your decor to be typical red and green, think about pastel Christmas; lots of pinks, pale blue and seafoam green, and the best part is it gives you a good excuse to use glitter! Vintage glass ornaments provide the perfect palette for a cheerful winter fete.

Table Setting; Vintage Ornaments; Pink Tree; Button Tree; Cake Toppers; Dining Room; Glitter House; Vintage Ornaments; Blue Mantle; Silk Party Dress.

Custom Menu DIY

Happy Friday everyone! With Thanksgiving only six days away (I almost fell over this morning when I realized it) I got to thinking about custom menus and their many uses. The one I have here is based on my dinner this year.



You don't have to be a graphic designer to do this. Just be sure to use a good cardstock or heavy resume paper in ivory.

Frame: The Graphics Fairy. You will have to resize the image slightly to fit on standard 8 1/2 by 11 paper.
Menu Font: Kelly Ann Gothic
Script Font: Angelica from New Revolutions Designs
Headers: Copperplate Gothic Light (standard on all programs)

If you feel the menu is too large, turn the page to 'landscape' and make two menus side by side. Again, you'll have to shrink the frame image, but that's fairly simple. Also consider your color palette when doing the text. If you have any questions, send me an email and I'll try to help.

Whether for the holidays, dinner for two, or your wedding, custom menus add elegance and personal detail.

DIY Love: Button Tree

My love of buttons comes from visiting my grandmother when I was a little girl. She had jars and jars of colorful buttons, all shapes and sizes, from vintage to new. She was a wonderful seamstress and like most granddaughters, I regret not learning all I could from her. But I digress. I came across this darling do it yourself button tree from Makin Projiks and thought "what a great way to get those buttons out of the jar"! A little time consuming, but easy peasy and oh so pretty. I really like the combination of pastels as shown here. If you found enough buttons (yards sales are gold mines for them), these trees would make great wedding centerpieces, or decoration at the guest book and/or cake table.



For instructions, click here.

Liz & Pete, by AE Photography

We all love weddings chock full of personal, handmade details, which is why I was so psyched when Ashley from AE Photography sent me Liz and Pete's photos.

It's so clear from the pictures that the day was about celebrating Liz and Pete's love. The intimate backyard ceremony was captured on an 8mm camera and played it back at the reception.

The colors are so vibrant and happy, making gerbera daisies an ideal choice. My favorite shots though are the ones of Liz and Pete on bikes with the handmade 'Just Married' License plates attached to the seats. You can tell that someone took a little time to draw and color the plates, making them so much more special than printing from the computer or buying from a store.











Congratulations to Liz and Pete! Be sure to check out more from their wedding on AE Photography's blog. While you're there, take a look at the 'Be Thankful' photo session Ashley is giving away!