"I Want it Now" of the Week

Holy cow! If you haven't seen Fritts Rosenow Bespoke Boutonnieres i suggest you visit the site immediately! The little vintage trinkets and millinery flowers are so unique! Let's be real for a moment; the groom and his men don't want an orchid or rose pinned to their jackets. Give them something that personalizes the day for them too! My future brother in law was a professional skateboarder. How excited is he going to be when he opens the box the day of the wedding to find a boutonnieres with little boards on it?!

Pretty Pleased Arrangements

I think mason jars are just the bee's knees! They can be used for seaside, garden or country weddings. From drinking glasses to candle holders, vases and favors, everyone can appreciate their many functions and super low price tag! Always available and never out of style!

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

Simple Seashore

With Spring in the air, I'm getting into beach mode. These pictures of classic seashore wedding details have me ready to set sail!

First Things First

If you haven't already, I suggest you immediately visit the following sites and sign up; Rue La La

Gilt Groupe and Haute Look. These sites offer designer dugs for a fraction of the retail price.

This week, Rue LaLa is offering Nicole Miller Wedding and Occasion dresses. A gown which originally sells for $1800 can be snagged for $450!

Check out Gilt Groupe for Chloe and Twenty8Twelve beginning at noon today. Upcoming events include Ali Ro and Valentino Roma.

Haute Look has Vix swimwear for 75% off. Treat yourself to one of their suits for your honeymoon. Elizabeth and James sale starts April 1 at 8 am.

Each site will send daily reminder emails. Sales begin at different times, so be sure you are ready to hit the web when the event starts. People grab items quickly, but check back in throughout the day as not everyone buys what is in their shopping carts.

Pretty Porcelains

I am taking my reception centerpieces pretty seriously. When I worked as a floral designer, I made so many bubble bowl arrangements that I promised myself that when my time came to get married, I'd do something with a little more originality. One idea I'm toying around with is old Limoges bowls filled with garden roses. Ebay has an awesome selection from $5 to $200 a piece. Yard sales, auctions, and antique stores also good places to browse. Here are a few I found on Ebay:

I love the different shapes and patterns! At the end of the reception, you can give the arrangements to favorite relatives, or keep the bowls for yourself and have a great collection for dinner parties. Each year, on your anniversary, set a romantic table for dinner and fill a bowl with the same flowers used on your wedding day. Any way you slice it, these bowls will be a lasting keepsake.

Vintage Inspiration

Lately I have been obsessed with vintage couture dresses. Designers really knew how to make clothes look good on women in the mid-twentieth century. The attention to detail was far superior to what designers produce today. From hand beading to luxuroius fabrics, these examples are sure to impress!

Dress and Petticoat from Pierre Balmain, Paris. Circa 1950.

Jackie Kennedy's wedding gown designed by Ann Lowe.

Givenchy "Lily of the Valley" gown.

The Pierre Balmain dress is silk grosgrain with Swiss embroidery. Honestly, can't you picture this dress paired with a bird cage veil, white gloves, and a sweet pair of Mary Janes?

Jackie Kennedy's gown is legendary. I searched high and low for a replica, but alas, the dress is indeed one-of-a-kind, as well it should be. The designer, an African-American woman by the name of Ann Lowe, was designer to many families of historical significance, including the Roosevelts and Posts. Apparently, Jacki did not care for the dress, but I have to be honest; I love it. It evokes all of the girlie wedding feelings I keep bottled up.

The Givenchy "Lily of the Valley" (Les Muguets) gown is a work of art. Every little detail was done by hand. The dress is currently on tour in Europe and hopefully under the watchful eye of an armed guard, as my temptation to snag is increasing by the second. It is simply breathtaking!

Check out these gowns from The Frock.

This online store has a serious collection of vintage couture; everything from Dior to Lanvin!

Feeling Romantic

I'm feeling soft and fuzzy today...

Images from top left: Anthropologie, Victoria Magazine, Melissa Musgrove Photography, Anthropologie, Country Living Magazine, Martha Stewart Weddings, Queen Victor

Project #2

I never understand why brides choose silk flowers for wedding centerpieces. There are so many other options available that don't scream dollar store discount bin. I used to work for a flower shop and cringed every time a bride came in wanting "permanent" flowers for the reception tables. So, I did this super simple project to show everyone that there are other ways to have a lasting memory from your wedding day that don't look like a nursing home projects.

I bought a bag of shells and a tall apothecary jar with a lid. Fill the jar with said shells, and voila! A beautiful keepsake for you and some of your special guests. The best part? It cost $11.99! $5.99 for the jar and $6.00 for the shells. Please comment for online links of where to buy.

Garters

Gone are the days of craft store lace sewn to elastic with plastic bows and hearts glued to it. Garters are making a comeback! Although I personally do not care for the garter toss at weddings, every bride should still wear one! Check out the leg candy below!

French Vintage Style Garter

Platinum by Design

Etsy

Priscilla of Boston Sample Sale

Color Me Glad

Selecting a color palette for your wedding can be pretty daunting. If you are anything like me, you have many different styles and colors you prefer depending on your mood. A beautiful wedding isn't one with a square theme. As long as everything flows, you can use just about every color in the rainbow!

Here are a few images that inspired me.

All images courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

except yellow dress

From top left: Martha Stewart Weddings; Martha Stewart Weddings; JCrew Swiss Dot Dress;

Tracy Reese Lace Dress. Bottom row: all images courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings.

Scrap It

Years ago, I picked up an old scrap book at an auction. At the time, I thought I might fill it with vintage postcards that I've collected, but it's a project I never got around to doing. Now, I am glad my procrastination has paid off.

I removed 6 pages from the album to create the headings (dresses, bouquets, bridesmaids, ceremony, cakes, reception, etc). I used a script font (72 bold) and printed three per pages. The paper is old and brittle, but fed through the printer fine. I folded around each heading and tore it by hand to give the edges an even more aged look.

I put an index in the back of the album. Each image has a small number written on it so I can refer back to the index with information on what it is, where it can be purchased, and the magazine it was cut from. It's a great way to keep track of all the ideas and compare colors and styles.

Foot Fetish

Before my budget became a reality, I was certain that I would wear a pair of Christian Louboutins on my wedding day. There is something so seductive about those red-soled devils. However, at $950, I can't in good conscience break my piggy bank for them. We are in a recession, and I will act accordingly.

So, the hunt for a new pair of pumps began. I went into it with an open mind and open heart. With some research skills and a little bit of luck, I found pages of shoes in every style and price range. Her are a few of my favorites:

Madeline "Ivy" Heels $24.oo (Seriously!)

Fitzwell "Lilly" $27.18

Nine West "Juliarae" $78

Kate Spade "Lover" $240

Cynthia Rowley "Sorvino" $140

Bruno Magli "Eytropia" $212

Cole Haan Ceci Air Rose Dyables $412

I love the blue soles on the Cynthia Rowley's. Check out her shoes; there are many styles and colors, all with the fabulous blue soles invocative of the old Christian Louboutin bridal line.

I'm not a huge fan of dyables, but the Cole Haans are awesome just the way they are. White satin peeptoes with roses; need I say more?!

Have you found "the" perfect shoe or an unbelievable bargain?