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.

Sweater; Knit Boots; Teal Handbag; Convertible Gloves; To-go Cup.

Smitten With: Felt Flower Scarf

When I came across this gorgeous handmade felt flower scarf from Viva Terra, I immediately put it on my Christmas list. It is so vibrant and unique and will look perfect with everything from a wool pea coat to denim jacket to a cozy sweater. It is the cat's pajamas for sure. Note to self- go through the closet and pull out all of the scrap felt.



Can you even take it?! Love.

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.

Happy Friday! and Other Delights

The end of another week, and I wish I was on my way up to a little town in Massachusetts to go antiquing for some vintage odds and ends for my wedding. However, with fall just around the corner, a few trips out to The Golden Nugget flea market will do just fine!

{image from celeste photography}

Here is some goodness from the interwebs:

Seriously amazing handmade gorgeousness.

Tracy Reese, William Rast and Dear Cashmere sale here.

Two more days of awesome at Brimfield.

Deep dish pumpkin pie? Yum!

I adore British photographers; they have great senses of humor. Check out the fourth photo in the second set.

I'll take all of them, please.

A sweater clock? You bet!

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!}

I Dig..

Amy Osaba's floral design:


Dress by Rose & Ruby:


Shoes by Irregular Choice:


Digit Spice Jars from Anthropologie (can you say table numbers?):


Vintage Silhouette Cocktail Shaker from Ruby Lane:

In Love With...

I have had so much inspiration this week, and here are a few reasons why. These things make my heart pitter patter, my eyes sparkle, and my mouth smile.

Gorgeous dresses from Calypso. You must check out their website. This set is on sale now! Perfect for mismatched bridesmaid dresses in vintage art nouveau colors.

From Calypso's new collection. Ridiculously beautiful.


I still love ballet flats. If you're going to be on your feet all day, be comfortable! White ruffled flats by Jeffrey Campbell; blue velvet flats from Miu Miu.


I discovered Michelle Rago's blog by chance and fell for her pretty papery and how she chronicles her personal creative process. The lovely seahorse and coral letterpress invitations and escort cards are a wonderful deviation from the typical seashore theme.


Krista Raak's accessories are a to die for combination of vintage charm and elegant opulence. I imagine Daisy Buchanan carried a bag or wore a choker very similar to the ones Krista designs.


I can think of dozens of uses for this sash from J Crew. I think giving one of these to each of your bridesmaids would be an excellent way to make the Calypso dresses (above) coordinate, and/or make a sweet gift. I'm ordering mine today!

Leave a little love! I heart comments~.

Vintage Vignette Thursday

I saw this vintage wedding photograph and thought to myself 'now this is a bride and groom'. Men and women really knew how to dress in the early to mid-1900's, especially for weddings.



Here are two examples vintage glamour I'm melting over:

Loving the gloves from Etsy shop katesy...



Pretty Art Nouveau Suite from Gourmet Invitations...



Sites like Etsy and Ebay are treasure troves for brides. Also check out your local tag sales and flea markets. You may come across a beautiful brooch or hatpin that will give your gown the final touch you've been looking for.

Inspiration Tuesday: Vintage Fabrics

I am so inspired by Etsy shop sohomode. DYING over these dresses! How gorgeous would they be for bridesmaids! I think I might! The fabric, the design, it's simply perfection.

{images from sohomode}

Got me to thinking about vintage fabrics and how to beautifully incorporate them into a wedding. Here are a few examples:

{image from martha stewart weddings}

I like a necktie that coordinates with bridesmaid dresses and overall design of a wedding. If you are having a tough time finding a fabric or print that you, visit Tie Crafters. You can send them your material and they'll custom make your ties to your specifications.

Sew these perfect little clutches for your bridesmaids! You can find a free pattern here. There are, however several other sites offering free patterns if you wish to have a different style.

{image from melissamusgrove}

Have I told you that I love vintage fabrics? Use beautiful, old-fashion feed sack material for your sewing projects. Etsy and Ebay have shops where you can find a variety of colors and patterns.

{image from country living}

These ideas can be beautifully incorporated into a garden or picnic wedding. Tweek the palette a bit for a gorgeous, rustic fall shindig!

Rainy Day Bride

It's been raining here in the Northeast for nearly three weeks straight. Brides to be, take a look at some super cute parasols and umbrellas. You never know if you're going to need one.

 

Some of my favorite styles are from Henry K and Tray6 .

Rehearsing the Part

Posting fabulous Etsy finds never gets old. I came across this gorgeous reconstructed Gunne Sax dress the other day and thought it would make a perfect rehearsal dinner dress for a bride planning a garden or beach wedding. It is sure to set the tone for what's to come.

see dress here

To be honest, this dress could be a bride's wedding dress for a casual affair. And at a cool $54.00, how can you go wrong?!


I paired up the dress with sandals from Mystique and headband from Anthropologie.


Always look beyond the typical wedding stores for awesome ideas and products. You'll often find better deals and higher quality.

It's a Deal

I'm a notorious wheeler and dealer. Other than a few rare moments in my life, I never pay retail. To me, finding a bargain is like playing hide and seek as a child. Half of the fun is the search. So when I stumbled upon ThreeDollarEarrings, a fabulous boutique on Etsy, I had to share it with everyone. Check out some of the awesome designs:

Victoria Earring

Bronte Earring

Cottage Rose Earring

I'm thinking about buying a boat load and keeping them on hand for emergencies. These earrings are just as pretty as the ones you find in expensive boutiques. You can't afford not to add a few pairs to your bridesmaid gift bags.

And the best part? Most of them are $3.00! The priciest I came across are $7.00. I know, say what?!

Looking Through the Veil

Check out InStyle Weddings for more of these lovely veils. I absolutely adore all of the little details. One regret I have is not thinking more about my veil prior to buying my dress. There are so many pretty styles available! Simple dresses can handle a heavily embroidered veil while dresses with a lot of detail are better left simple.

Say What?! Big Day Look for Under $500!

We are all more thrifty these days. Tightening the purse strings doesn't mean you have to skimp on style. I found this head to toe ensemble for less than $480!

Jessica McClintock Clutch, $41 from Zappos; Pearl Necklace, $28 from Etsy; BCBG Silk Gown, $360 from Nordstrom; Chiffon Headband, $4.80 from Forever 21; Little Larsen Earrings, $28 from Anthropologie; RSVP Sandals, $14.80 from 6PM shoes.

I'm not kidding; those shoes are 14.80! So, if you find yourself thinking it's impossible to find an affordable wedding dress and accessories, look in stores and online sites that aren't primarily targeting brides.

She had Flowers in Her Hair

Hair flowers are a hot accessory this year. Every boutique is getting in on the trend. Here are several styles from Anthropologie that I like:

From left to right: Twisted Taffy Silk Headband, $38; Lilac Breeze Barrette in Canary, $18; Pink Chiffon Hair Scrunchy, $12; Chiffon Headband, $38; Silk Rose Hairpin, $15

Check out Urban Outfitters and the go-to place for cheap trendy items, Forever 21.

Forever 21 from left: Chiffon Headband, $4.80; Floral Bobby Pins, $3.80; Vintage Lace Headband, $1.50

Urban Outfitters: Beaded Hair Wrap, $24; Floral Hair Clip, $20