Most brides are meticulous about their wedding “look.” Countless shopping hours and splitting decisions are made regarding the dress, jewelry, accessories, hair and makeup. But what about the shoes?
Image courtesy of Mangolens Photography
As a shoe-lover, it is hard for me to understand how the shoes are not a primary focus of every bride. However, I could see how what you plan wear on your feet underneath a floor-length gown might be the last of your worries.
But ladies, please think twice about your wedding day footwear!
You are going to parade down an aisle in front of an audience. Whether it is an audience of 10 or 300 is irrelevant. You will WALK for what seems an eternity down a tiny little aisle while nervous, anxious, excited, happy, insert-any-other-emotion-here. Every bride’s worst fear is teetering, tripping and/or falling during that fateful stretch between her and her groom. Make sure you have a nice, sturdy pair of shoes – flats or heels – to keep you gliding effortlessly down that aisle.
After you’re done strutting better than a pageant queen, you are going to be doing your bride-ly duties of thanking guests, shaking hands, kissing babies and, of course, dancing the night away. Again, you want to look impossibly perfect while doing all of these things and painful, uncomfortable shoes will ruin your evening.
Shoes are an opportunity to show some personality. Prefer living in color? Pick a pair of bold, colored statement heels. Country girl at heart? Throw on some cowboy boots. Tomboy for life? Put on a pair of Converse. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to personalize a day otherwise all about tradition.
A good pair of shoes do not need to cost a fortune either. I chose a pair of $40 blue heels as my “something blue” and added my mother-in-laws shoe clips, which she so generously let me wear as one of my “something borrowed” items.
Photo courtesy of Paul Morse Photography
Still searching for a perfect pair? Whether you’re a bride, bridesmaid or just a guest, these pairs are fantastic:
Talk about a hurtling back to reality. I’ve just returned to the rainy real world from three days in picturesque paradise. I woke up this morning to gray skies and torrential downpour. Less than ideal. Where are the sunshine, seashore and absolutely perfect temperatures? Seriously, I don’t know if I can get used to this.
The only thing that has the slightest potential to help me accept that I might as well be hunkering down for the monsoon season? Perusing retail rain gear. Here we go!
Like it.
So I’ve gone a little leopard overboard lately, which made me reluctant to post these. However, waterproof flats? Brilliant! Who wouldn’t love a pair? J Crew made a line of really pretty waterproof bow flats, but they are currently sold out, making these the next best contender. And, let’s not forget to mention that they are on sale.
Dilute Leopard Loafers | $49 (on sale! Originally $80.00)
Love it.
A fashionable, functional trench raincoat is hard to find without a Burberry-sized budget, but this one fits the bill. It’s Michael Kors, it’s on sale, and it’s in one of the season’s best colors. Plus, it has a hood, which is an often overlooked necessity for a truly rainproof trench. Bonus? It has a detachable liner to accommodate colder or warmer weather.
MICHAEL Michael Kors Belted Trench with Detachable Liner | $129 (on sale!)
Buying it.
I have had my eye on Hunter boots for some time now. I’ve been reluctant to spring for a pair because it is a pretty hefty price tag for a pair of boots that serve the sole purpose of trudging through rain and muck. However, I think the time has come, particularly with this oh-so-appealing design (cue Tory Burch’s Daniela boot).
Hunter Regent Carlyle Boot in Cafe Latte | $195
I’m also really digging the classic Huntress boot in Merlot. Black is too boring, hunter green is too cliche, but burgundy is an unexpected, yet perfect option for the fall/winter season.
So, I thought why not combine the two and share one of my favorite items from South Moon Under for weddings, engagements, anniversaries or other related love stories! I always find it hard to purchase the right gift for such occasions. I want to buy the guest(s) of honor something special and personal, but most gifts are either too generic that they might receive 5 of them or entirely too intimate that the recipient might suspect you have a stalker-ish obsession.
The perfect in-between? A handcrafted picture frame adorned with wishes of happiness:
Happily Ever After Picture Frame | $52
You can find this little guy, which is actually 14″x 16″ (so not that little!), at South Moon Under or on the designer’s Etsy shop, “GO JUMP IN THE LAKE.” If you’re looking for instant gratification, SMU is your best bet. However, if you have some time, you just have to peruse Go Jump in the Lake’s Etsy shop which is chock-full of decorative signs of all shapes, sizes and colors with oh-so-sweet sayings.
Wedding Photo Frame | $40All You Need is Love Photo Frame | $40
Whether you’re purchasing for yourself, your significant other or a friend, these signs will leave a smile anyone’s face! I’m already in love with mine. Now, I just have to find the perfect place to put it…
I recently took a trip to my hometown of Orlando, Florida to get in some quality time with my family. Whenever I go home, shopping with my mom is on the calendar. What better way to bond than over massively discounted clothing?
I always make it a point to hit up the outlets and Target. The outlets are a no-brainer but Target? Really? YES. My family makes fun of me for the level of excitement I have regarding the Target in Altamonte Springs, Fl.
This little shopping excursion led me to two of the items on my must-have fall shopping list. Incidentally, the two items for which I’ve been scouring every store in DC and Arlington. A fitted chambray shirt and a polka dot button up shirt.
I am so pleased with these two purchases. The polka dot button up is from the J Crew Factory Store, but has disappeared from the online merchandise, likely due to its overwhelming popularity. They do have a superb silk striped option if you’re searching more for a staple graphic button up than for polka dots. Stripes or polka dots, you really can’t go wrong!
On the chambray shirt. I searched high and low, from Forever 21 to Nordstrom and back again for chambray shirt with the perfect amount of tailoring, a hint of stretch and a not too light, not too dark wash. I thought Target might be the place, but came up empty at the location near my house in Arlington. However, the Target in my hometown had a profusion of chambray – ombre, dark wash, light wash, western, tie-dye, strategically bleached – and of course, the Goldilocks version, not too light, not too dark, which I promptly snatched up for a mere $20. Again, gone on the website, but check out Christina Aguilera rocking the shirt on the cover of Lucky!
(Photo from Lucky Magazine)
I have to say, I didn’t even realize it was the same shirt until I bought this mag for my plane ride home and thought to myself, well now THAT looks like the perfect chambray shirt. Perhaps I should see where it is from in case I want to keep looking. Lo and behold, I gasped, it is the one and only chambray shirt from Target…of which I am the proud owner!
Are you searching for these items too? If you can’t find the two above, check out these options:
South Moon Under Cotton Chambray Button Down Shirt | $72Chambray AND polka dots, all in one! J Crew Perfect Shirt in Chambray Polka Dot | $88Gap Perfect Dot Shirt | $34.50 (in pink and navy)Anthropologie Fitted Chambray Buttondown | $88
Have you found the perfect chambray shirt? What about the perfect polka dot piece for fall? Let me know!
In case you haven’t heard yet, here are the two trunk shows you do NOT want to miss this weekend:
Hitched Christos Bridal Gown Trunk Show
Make your way over to Hitched this Friday and Saturday, September 28th-29th for an exclusive preview of Christos Spring 2013 collection. The Christos line is technically an Amsale collection and it shows. These dresses are ultra-feminine, incredibly romantic and impeccably detailed, making them ideal for a bride hoping for a more traditional, yet ethereal look. If you have been searching for either a lace wedding dress or a dress with sleeves, Christos has some of the best options out there!
Here is just a glimpse of what you can slip on at Hitched:
You’ll save 10% on any Christos dress purchased during the trunk show and have the opportunity to meet with a Christos representative to discuss any potential changes to your favorite gowns. Make an appointment by calling 202-333-6162 or emailing appointments@hitchedsalon.com. Appointments are required!
Bliss by Monique Lhuillier Trunk Show at Carine’s
Starting TOMORROW through Saturday, brides can get their hands on the latest collection from Monique Lhuillier’s Bliss Spring 2013 collection at Carine’s Bridal Atelier. Dreamed of donning a Monique Lhuillier gown but the price tag has made it impossible? Look no further! The Bliss collection is all of the gorgeousness one would expect from Monique Lhuillier, without the extra $$$. Here is a preview of some of the frocks you’ll see at the Trunk Show, but if you want to see the entire collection head over to the Monique Lhuillier Pinterest page. More designers with flash sites NEED to do this! Brilliant!
Make an appointment by calling 202-965-4696 or emailing info@carinesbridal.com. The trunk show runs from September 27th-29th.
I had an eventful weekend to say the least. My marathon training has kicked into high gear, so after I started my Saturday morning with an 18 mile run, I thought I deserved a little reward. With an impending anniversary, I also thought I should peruse a few nearby stores just to see if there was anything that could top what I’d already planned.
So, I immediately made my way to South Moon Under. It is my go-to store when I’m in the mood to buy myself something special. With a decidedly unique selection of clothing, accessories, purses, housewares and cosmetics, I knew I’d find something that would make that 18 mile run completely worth it. So, for this week’s edition of Like it, Love it and Buying it, all of my selections can be found at South Moon Under! Check them out:
Like it.
This was close to being a purchase. The hanger appeal is lacking, but once I tried it on, I fell in love with the fit!
Ina Leopard Knit Peplum Top | $49 Top (clipped to polyvore.com)
Love it.
The sheer material bumps up the sexiness factor just enough to balance out the cutesy polka dots. The open, keyhole back is the best part! Another one that is so much better on than on a hanger, where it can run the risk of looking a bit too early 90’s. It is very fitted, so you might need to size up.
Bardot Dot And Bow Corset Top | $9 Top (clipped to polyvore.com)
Buying Bought it.
Fl-eather (faux leather) + peplum + pretty perforations. I couldn’t resist. I’ve been searching for a leather shirt that wouldn’t break the bank, so I went faux and could not be more excited to wear this baby out the next chance I get!
Willow Clay Perforated Faux Leather Peplum Top | $72 Top (clipped to polyvore.com)
Disclaimer: This post is a bit more personal and a bit more sentimental than most. If you’d prefer to peruse about lighter topics, check out this or this.
So much happens in a year, yet a year flies by faster than you can say “happy anniversary.”
Almost two years ago, he popped the question:
Image from Jennifer Chase Photography.
Exactly a year ago, we said “I do”:
Image from Paul Morse Photography.
And today, we celebrate:
Image from Mangolens Photography.
One year ago today, I married my best friend and soulmate. I can honestly say, I have never been happier.
A special thanks to our bridal party for making sure we made it down the aisle.
My beautiful bridesmaids. (Photo courtesy of Paul Morse)The dashing groomsmen. (Photo courtesy of Paul Morse)The man who made it all possible. (Photo courtesy of Paul Morse)
Ok, and the people who REALLY made it all possible, our parents.
(Photo courtesy of Paul Morse)(Photo courtesy of Paul Morse)
We call it true love because it is a certainty; because you can feel it in your bones, in the pit of your stomach, in your soul.
Finances are always the most stressful part of any event, so it isn’t surprising that the budget can be a major point of added contention during the planning process. Let’s also consider the fact that money consistently pops up as a leading cause of divorce; yet another reason why communication about finances is essential during the wedding planning process and throughout your marriage.
Last week I shared some wedding planning budget basics and, in honor of the positive response it received, I thought I’d expand upon it a bit. After all, knowledge is power people!
One of the most common questions about a wedding budget is how much should be spent on what? Flowers, catering, booze, invitations, gifts – there are so many line items to consider it’s hard to know the price tag that comes with each of them.
The best approach is to look at each expenditure as a percentage of your total budget. Considering the most common line items, you can use the following as a suggested guideline, with the caveat that every wedding is unique and will have additions or subtractions to this list:
Reception Costs: 50%
YES, FIFTY PERCENT. A wedding is about the celebration of marriage. Operative word: celebration. Your reception will be the largest expense of your entire wedding and rightly so (see operative word above). Reception costs include food and beverage costs, linens, guest transportation, favors, venue rental, table and chair rentals (if needed), tent rental (again, if needed), lighting, non-floral decor and any other “upgrades” such as a custom dance floor, draping or a custom lighted monogram.
Photography and Videography: 10% Your wedding day will FLY by faster than you can say “I do.” The bride and groom are bouncing around from the ceremony, to the reception and then on to their exit. Often, the guests of honor miss many of the special moments that happen when they are busy greeting guests, cutting the cake and tossing the bouquet. An exceptional photographer and videographer, if you have the budget, is essential not only for snapping portraits of the bride and groom, bridal party and families, but also for capturing fleeting moments and memories. I was able to relive my wedding while viewing our photos for the first time, which to me is invaluable.
My advice, don’t scrimp on the photographer; scrap the videographer if you don’t have the funds.
Jazz quartet at our wedding. (Photo courtesy of Paul Morse)
Music: 10% As cheesy as it sounds, your music selection is the soundtrack for your wedding. A DJ is the less expensive option. A live band is considerably more expensive, but I believe there is no substitute for live music. If a Motown or bluegrass band is what you’ve always wanted, do not shortchange yourself.
Large floral urns we used during the ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Paul Morse)
Floral: 5-7% Flowers are beautiful and, some would argue, necessary part of a wedding. I beg to differ. I stuck to a small floral budget because I knew I wanted to spend more on other areas of my wedding. That being said, if a bride has dreamed of centerpieces dripping in roses, lilies and dahlias, then she’ll want to increase her floral budget and decrease budget somewhere else.
Bride and Groom’s Wedding Day Garb: 5-7% Girls dream of their wedding dress for decades. How can we put a number on the happiness of a dream coming true? We can and we will. It is easy to get carried away in the idea of walking down the aisle in a couture creation, but be realistic about your wedding day attire. Bridal salons should always ask you your budget prior to putting you in a gown; don’t lie, don’t exaggerate, don’t overestimate. If you’ve got a $3,000 budget, do not, under any circumstances try on the $10,000 Vera Wang “just to see how it looks.” It will look amazing. You will love it. You will cry when the sales assistant tries to pry it off of your naked, Vera-less body.
The groom can rent a tux fairly inexpensively, but can also opt to purchase one. After all, he should be able to look his best too!
Getting down to the nitty-gritty…
Our programs, handmade, with love. DIY can work! (Photo courtesy of Paul Morse.)
Invitations, programs, escort cards: 3% Enough said. DIY can save you tons, but don’t DIY to the point that you are covered in paper cuts and reciting ink options in your sleep.
Wedding Rings: 2% There are $100 wedding rings and $100,000 wedding rings. Pick accordingly. Go to the same jeweler where your fiance purchased your engagement ring because they will likely give you a deal. Remember ladies, don’t get carried away with the bling. Anniversaries = upgrades.
Ceremony: 2% If a ceremony and reception are in different locations, the ceremony venue might ask for a small rental fee. An officiant should not cost more than $100. Additional costs will come from other factors, such as whether a venue requires any type of audio enhancement such as a microphone and speakers. Jewish brides will want to account for the cost of a chuppah, which often can be rented from a florist. Chairs can also usually be upgraded for an additional cost.
Bridal Party Gifts: 2% Gifts are completely dependent upon what you can spend. If you have the cash, spring for your bridesmaids and groomsmen. After all they are your support system, and let’s face it, you’ve likely been a bit more difficult than usual to deal with. Here’s a great idea for a bridesmaids’ gift.
Bride and Groom Gifts: undecided It is tradition for the bride and groom to exchange gifts either at the rehearsal dinner or prior to the ceremony. Many grooms opt to gift the bride something to wear for her walk down the aisle.Gifts for each other can be sentimental and cost nothing, be over the top and cost a small fortune, or fit somewhere nicely in between. I don’t feel right putting a price on this section because I think it is something that should be incredibly personal and doesn’t need to have a price tag. However, if your gift does have a price tag, make sure you budget for it!
“Oh, SH*T” Fund: 7-10% Things will go wrong. Last minute expenses will pop up. That one crazy vendor will try to throw in an additional $1,000 charge at the last minute, hoping you’ll be so stressed out that you won’t notice or care (yes, this really did happen to me!). Do your best to reserve some money for emergencies, just in case…oh, I dunno, it rains and you have to pay to tent your ceremony space; or you accidentally lose your security deposit because of “damages.” If this money ends up being needed, a whole lot of unnecessary stress was avoided. If it isn’t needed, congratulations, you just saved enough to do some major upgrading to your honeymoon.
The crisp, cool morning temperatures and the return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks can only mean one thing: Fall is here. And, along with Fall, comes the inevitable storage of summer clothes and the re-emergence of sweaters, corduroys and, boots – finally boots! I’ve only been waiting three months to slip my feet into my favorite pair (mmk, my only pair, purchased on major sale) of Frye boots.
A seasonal transition means a fashion transition, which has left me perusing my favorite stores, websites and fashion mags for the latest and greatest of Fall items. The list is ever-expanding, but here are my favorites for this week, which I’m dubbing “like it. love it. buying it.” For this debut edition, you’ll notice I have a minor obsession with leopard print. Guilty as charged.
Like it.
Booties + leopard = fabulous
Love it.
Studs. Gold. Leopard. Three fall trends all in one.
Buying it.
This will pair perfectly with my over-sized gold watch!
Fashion Week is a magical time. A week completely dedicated to clothing. Designers are defined by it, models starve themselves for it, the rich and famous fight for a front row seat to it. The rest of us Just live vicariously through it.
I clicked through some of the collections thus far and two have caught my eye for very different reasons. Oscar de la Renta can do no wrong. Marchesa a took risks and while some paid off others did not.
Let’s start with Marchesa’s Spring 2013 collection. The oh so obvious Indian influence is intriguing. I love when you can see a designers inspiration in a collection. However, inspiration should be just that – inspiration. Some of Marchesa’s pieces were entirely too literal, looking identical to saris I have seen on the streets of Mumbai. Case in point:
Image from The Cut
I would have at least liked to have seen such a traditional garment in an unexpected color or fabric. However, they did get it right with the majority of the collection. Hints of unique, rich cultural details, such as intricate beading and cropped tops, coupled with creative silhouette made for some stunning pieces. One of my favorites:
Image from The Cut
And, now on to perfection, otherwise known as Oscar de la Renta. This collection oozes femininity and class – then tops it off with multi-colored, punk rock-induced beehives – with pieces that range from office-appropriate to Oscars-appropriate. Making the journey from black and white, to mustard yellow, bubblegum pink, baby blue and then back again to basics, the color palette is anything but boring. The ingenious and unexpected array of fabrics is what caught my eye, lace, leather, sheer, plaid, brocade, chiffon, the gang’s all here! For heaven’s sake, the man somehow managed to make latex look ladylike! Don’t just take my word for it, feast your eyes on some daywear:
And the evening wear is what has me ooh-ing and ahh-ing. My absolute favorite is the strapless striped ballgown. Stripes on an evening gown, pure genius and the epitome of preppy chic.
