Insta-Shopping

All of the late-night breastfeeding has this mama spending way too much time on social media these days. The Facebook feed gets really boring, really quickly and there are only so many lacy dresses or fur-coated brides to look at on Pinterest. At 4:00 in the morning, my poison is Instagram. So many people to find, products to browse, connections to make. At 40 weeks pregnant and the size of a house, I found solace in searching #stillpregnant and seeing all those girls who looked the way I felt — miserable, huge, and over it.

Since Willow’s arrived on the scene, we’ve found a “twin from afar” for her, a little girl born the same date. It’s fun to watch them grow side-by-side, week-by-week. But the danger lies in the shopping. Did you know you can shop right off Instagram? (There may or may not be a gold, turban-style hairbow with plaid attachment on its way right now…)

Between the baby moccs and the “Rockin’ that Mom Bun” tees that have kept me entertained and my I-Want-It List growing, it occurred to me what a great place Instagram is for sourcing wedding inspiration — and even buying stuff. Some fun vendors and shopping ideas are below to get you started — as well as a few hashtags you can try for wedding inspo. Don’t forget to check out DIY ideas too, as they abound. Have fun! (But avoid doing it at 4:00 in the morning, assuming you’re not currently nursing an infant. The bleary-eyed among us have been known to do a little too much shopping at that hour).

Bridal hashtags I love:

#forthebride
#somethingblue
#weddingshoes
#weddingdiy
#yourbigday
#weddingphotography
#bridalinspiration
#weddingshopping

Willow Lets Mommy Sleep… & Some Winter Wedding Inspo

Yesterday started out rough, but ended in white tees and plenty of deliciousness.

Many of you cheered me on through my first official day home alone with Willow yesterday. As a brief update, I did eventually take a shower, but my hair never got blown out. I managed to slap together a fresh arugula salad and some impromptu garlic toast to go with the homemade chicken soup my mom had made and stored for us. As soon as Josh walked through the door, he took the baby from me and I could tell he didn’t want to give her back for her feedings. It was a quiet and peaceful night at home with my delicious family followed by a great night for Willow.

Sweet slumber this morning…

A friend (and much-admired yoga instructor) of mine offered some invaluable nursing advice that meant tons more sleep for both my girl and me last night. I woke up feeling refreshed, straightened my hair, packed healthy snacks for Josh, and even bathed the baby myself. Today I got some work done, ordered our holiday / birth announcement cards, straightened up the apartment, and will take Willow upstairs to a friend’s for a play date in an hour or so. Life is good.

And as my little naps peacefully, I have a moment for a quick post. I figure if you’re getting married this winter you definitely have your dress already. But as the snow falls outside my window and I think of all things bridal, I was inspired by some furry white formal shoes this morning. Planning a wedding for this time next year? Some fashion faves from my chilly home base to yours…

Like a fairy tale…

Something about these just makes them perfect. Maybe it’s just everything about them…

It’s not a seasonally specific gown, but a train this long just calls for winter formality.

 

 

In Tribute to One of the Greats

My heart is heavy this morning as I process the departure of Oscar de la Renta. Yet another legend gone. And with each fallen style icon comes the sadness of knowing that these days, they are fewer and farther between. Call me old fashioned but I tend to feel that new crop of actors, designers, and tastemakers are lacking in many ways. Sure, there are exceptions — from Lana Del Ray to Marc Jacobs — but many of the younger faces are attached to a get-rich-quick phenomenon so telling of our current moment. In my mind, Oscar lives in the same camp with silver screen greats like Hepburn and Streep.

This is a bridal blog and this particular designer made so many incredible contributions to the industry — making women feel more than beautiful in his clothes, and especially on their wedding day. It is my sincere hope that one day I’ll have the opportunity to slip into one of his famous gowns (I do own some Oscar, but it’s more of the silk top variety). Thank you, Oscar, for all you did and gave to the fashion world. Here is a walk down Wedding Gown Lane with our fallen friend.

Rustic Touches

At this time of year, all I want to do is curl up with a piping hot cup of cider and a fall issue of Martha Stewart Weddings, stretched out on the couch in scrunchy wool socks and admiring all the beautiful inspiration for cooler months. Whether your big day is right around the corner and you’re applying the finishing touches, or it’s this time next year and you’re building your look book, dive into the unique and stunning selections from vendors across the country.

With Etsy at the helm and plenty of local artisans in and around most cities, there’s a veritable playground out there for the bride-to-be these days. All it takes is five minutes on Pinterest to get hooked on rustic inspiration, and fall is an absolutely lovely time of year to decorate a wedding with such a theme. Below are some images that to me truly capture what it is to have a rustic autumn wedding. But remember — it’s all about you, so give in to what you fancy.

A table full of pies is a decadent yet laid back offering. The assembly of window panes and crates behind the desserts enhances the theme. Just lovely. Image via 100LayerCake.

Okay, everything about this is perfection. The groom in a vest and blazer; his boys in shirts with suspenders. The color palette. The BEARDS! It’s just too beautiful. Image via ProjectWedding.

Super-easy DIY place cards. These are a must! And an affordable one at that… Image via Polka Dot Bride.

Bails of hay covered in quilts are just lovely. This couple has strung whimsical lighting from the trees to make their backyard bash perfection. I like how their attire is formal, though, making it clear this is not just any party.

Embrace the colors of the season with a striking bouquet like hers. This offers a ton of “wow” without distracting from her soft waves or fitted lace gown.

And speaking of colors — get creative with a mix of hues that lets each ‘maid shine. No two dresses alike here — but all absolutely beautiful, and they work together like a charm. Image via Pinterest.

Throwback Wedding Style: The 1960’s

For today’s TBT wedding edition, we’re visiting the super-chic 1960’s. I am obsessed with the mod dresses, wild lashes, white eyeliner, and of course the men’s fashion, too. There is so much Pinspiration on this one I will just tone down my own remarks and let y’all oggle over all the gorgeous photos I’m finding. As always, if you’ve thrown a fun vintage wedding or been to one and have the bride’s permission, please send me some pics. I love seeing what my readers are up to! xx

Every little thing about this montage via Want That Wedding is amazing — the colors, the eyes, the veil, the dress. Yes, yes, and more yes! Perfect.

Have a little fun with your tablescapes, as seen here. Image via 100 Layer Cake.

A casual Brooklyn or backyard affair is made extra-special with period-right hair, a lacy minidress, and those fabulous shades. He looks pretty darn cute, too. Image via Love My Dress.

The softer side of the 60s is totally fabulous. I love these hippie-dippie dresses and hairstyles. Image via FabYouBliss.

This is EVERYTHING.

Super-easy party hack: get a vintage suitcase from the era, fill it with a few period books, and leave it open for guests to toss their cards in. Purchase from Etsy vendor Vintage Atmosphere.

The beautiful place where boho and mod meet — this is just amazing. Image via GreenWeddingShoes.

Lady in Red

With cooler temps setting in, I’ve started gravitating toward richer fabrics, colors, and textures. Navy blue velvet, black patent leather, dark gray wool. A classic white wedding dress might be what you’ve dreamt of since childhood, but who’s to say you can’t turn your big-day look into a total fantasy with an unexpected splash of color? For those of you planning your nuptials for this time next year, I strongly suggest checking out the latest in deep red, gorgeous gowns.

Heavy silk with dramatic floral embellishments is a major homerun. This gown manages to be both outrageous and classic. Dress by Alex Perry. Image via The Wedding Scoop.

Best suited for a destination wedding, or maybe with added sleeves for late-fall nuptials, this happy red lace number is super-flattering and playful. Image via WeddingPartyApp.

Sweeping silk and intricate detail at the bodice make this evening gown wedding-ready. Dress by Elie Saab. Image via Elle.

A long-sleeved ballgown that manages to show some skin? Yes, please. This Victorian-inspired look is everything. Image via HillmountainTown of Flickr.

Or, take the bohemian approach with a flowing frock like this one. The headband, loose waves, and lace ribbons in the bouquet round on the look and make it decidedly bridal. Image via Green Wedding Shoes.

Fall for Maiden Braids

Braids are still experiencing quite a moment, and I couldn’t love them more. Whipping your hair into a couple of tiny plaits on either side and sweeping it back is an easy date-night fix, and French-braiding hair that hasn’t been washed in a day (or two!) lets you leave the house looking polished. But for your wedding, the right combination of artful braiding can become a true masterpiece of the tresses. As we head into fall and winter, take note of these seasonally-appropriate, simply gorgeous braided styles. Happy pinning, brides!

Loopy at the top and chunky down below, this style is bohemian without the too-summery feel of long, loose hair worn down. So chic for an autumn or winter wedding! Hair design for Marchesa Bridal.

Simpler than it looks, you might even have a bridesmaid who can recreate this side-French look with a messy roll-over at the back. I like how she has a few wisps free in the front. Perfect for a formal affair or a backyard bash!

The side fishtail with ethereal headpiece is just magical. I love this for the whimsical bride — the red lips and heavy lashes ground it and make it fall-appropriate.

Alright, alright … the mistletoe is cheesy. But these loose curls with a sweeping, inside-out French on the side are perfect. Neutral eye makeup and fun hairpiece round out the look.

Let’s go out on a limb here and assume you won’t be wearing an icicle-inspired crown for your wedding. But a multi-level fishtail braid totally works! Adore this braid.

Follow me on Pinterest for countless more braidspiration ideas — and lots of other wedding stuff, too!

Fashion Friday and a Long Island Designer

Nothing brings me so much joy as featuring a designer who’s local to my home. And we all know the quest for the perfect flower girl dress can result in a daunting journey. I absolutely die for the work of Monica Noone, whose classic yet whimsical little-girl dresses will bring just enough festive flair to your day and have the sweetheart who announces your pending walk down the aisle, feeling like her absolute prettiest self.

But I don’t just love Monica for her dresses. This mom of four left NYC and a bustling Wall Street career with her husband to give the kids more space to grow up on Long Island. She started Pennymeade, the high-end children’s clothing line with the goal of offering well-made, affordable kids’ clothes that would be durable in both composition and style. A nod to Monica’s past, the name of the label comes from a pond she used to play in as a little girl during childhood summers spent in England. Can’t you picture the darling of your wedding day scampering around the English countryside in these gorgeous dresses?

Also — if you’re not planning a wedding, don’t fret. Pennymeade offers beautiful duds for your little one from layette up. Dresses, tops, bottoms — find it all at Pennymeade.com. I am super-excited to dress my princess up in some of these chic fall and winter styles! Stay tuned for photos to come in the months ahead.

Emmy Style: Stars Rock the Red Carpet

I love to source inspiration for bridal from the red carpet, and the 66th annual Emmy awards last night certainly did not disappoint. Stars love to shine in gold and diamonds — just like the rest of us. Here are my favorite wedding-approved jewelry designs from some seriously stylish celebs:

Christina Hendricks looked amazing in 18K yellow gold jewelry by Neil Lane, provided by LoveGold.com. From the wrists up, she wore the Neil Lane diamond and gold lovebird bracelet; rose-cut mogul diamond gold bangle; ornate gold bangles; a garnet, pearl, and gold Victorian bracelet also by the brand; a 50 ct. crimson garnet, diamond, and gold ring; and carved gold girandole earrings. Wow! A bride would be lucky to sport even one of these pieces — but Christina pulled it all off without looking gaudy or over-the-top.

Kelly Osbourne took no prisoners in gold jewelry by Beladora, also provided by LoveGold.com. Get ready for this list. Here’s Kelly’s wearing: a retro 18K yellog gold, citrine, and topaz ring; gemstone flower ring in 18K yellow gold with white diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds; Ruser 18K gold and diamond ring; 18K yellow gold antique Edwardian spinel and diamond ring; retro earrings in 18K rose gold with diamonds; 14K rose gold bracelet; 14K yellow and rose gold bracelet with ruby and diamonds; 14K rose and yellow gold bracelet; and 14K yellow gold moonstone bracelet. That’s a lot of bling — but she made it work!

The ever-glamorous Lucy Liu was absolutely stunning in Lorraine Schwartz provided by LoveGold.com. She kept it somewhat simple with just two shimmering pieces — but shine she did in yellow gold and canary diamond drop earrings and a matching ring. I saved her for last because I am kind of feeling this entire look as a bridal ensemble. Wouldn’t you just die to head down the aisle in this?