I’m a sucker for it…

Seersucker!  Ok, I know, bad bad bad play on words.  But who can help it?  Little ring bearers in summery seersucker suits are potentially the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.  And more affordable then tuxedo rental too!

You can score this one for $39.99 at In Fashion Kids (click for source)

My good friend R.’s ringbearers wore seersucker ensembles for her wedding, wearing their vests (sans jackets due to the heat- a great built-in contingency she planned for), and they looked incredibly adorable.  With hot pink bow ties too.  Who is in love? 

image by me!

image by J!

Offbeat Ties

Choosing groom’s and groomsmen’s attire can be even harder than choosing the bride’s.  For some reason, I can distinguish between 8 million white dresses, but rental tuxedos all look the same to me.  Some couples get around this by looking into suits or switching out accessories.  But another way to personalize the groom’s look that I am really drawn to right now, is a great, custom tie.  And Etsy is just the place to find them.  Check out this goodness, and keep in mind, if you don’t see what you want, many of these sellers will do even more custom work with you!

Which ties do you love?

Filed under attire, budget-friendly, groomsmen | Comment (1)

Pillowcase Dresses!!!!!

I know, five exclamation points is a bit much but it’s hard not to write with so many when I see pillowcase dresses.  These are a recent discovery of mine, one that has turned into a full-fledged obsession.  There is something so lightweight and airy and comfy and kid-appropriate about a pillowcase dress.  They are inexpensive to make, can be made with recycled or vintage materials, and can be totally customized to match a wedding.  I think they’re the ideal flower girl dress, and I also love that they’re re-wearable.  If only I was 28 years younger.  If you don’t like these, you have no soul.  I mean it, I am in love.  Or maybe I just need to get knocked up.  But that’s another blog post for another day…

Even if you’re not a seamstress yourself, you can score adorable pillowcase dresses on etsy.  Take a look at what my own quick research revealed (all images link to their source)!

KayKape's version ($19.99)

Crisp in blue from TheUptownBaby ($25)

From Main Street Bowtique ($40)

Hummingbirds from CreativeBee706 ($20.99)

Also from Main Street Bowtique ($54)

Girlie Bow's Damask adorableness ($20)

Oh Yes she DID!!

I just read about this news yesterday over at the Bride’s Guide and it is just such good news that I had to share it with you.  Ready?

… Vera Wang …

is collaborating with David’s Bridal to launch a new collection for 2011 at a $1500 or less price point! 

*cue Halleluiah Chorus*

That’s right my friends.  I’ve noticed David’s has really been stepping things up lately with more updated gowns and better looking fabrics… it’s really a breath of fresh air to see retailers offering better gowns at better prices!  Hooray for affordable fashion!

And you know as soon as I get my hot little hands on some preview images, I’ll be sharing, so stay tuned!

One of my faves from Vera's fall 2010 collection

Today I’m Loving: Vintage Wedding Gowns

So let’s say you are like me and you love vintage clothing.  The history, the care, the preservation, it’s all so special!  And let’s say you are also a budget-conscious bride.  Worried?  You shouldn’t be- this dilemma is easily resolved!  Here’s my quick list of great places to look for incredible vintage gowns at reasonable prices (all but one of the gowns below are under $1000).  I know, I know, these dresses are generally teenie tiny (JEALOUS of the girl who could wear one of these sans starvation!!), but I’ve heard through the grapevine that seamstresses are quite capable of making dresses like this larger- and they can do things with some of the less than desirable sleeves you sometimes see- so it’s worth the effort.  All images below link to their retail source.  Happy hunting!

Ruby Lane

Ruby Lane is one of my favorite places to shop for antiques- I have scored everything from the perfect 1933 Chicago World’s Fair souvenirs for my dad’s birthday, to hats from the 1950’s and books from the 1920’s.  So it comes as no surprise to me that many of the Ruby Lane vendors are carrying wedding gowns.  Just look at this gorgeous gown which hails from the 1940’s and is only $145.  I bet it looks a lot better on a real person than on a shapeless dress form.  Not to mention, the antique lace alone has to be worth that price!

Click through to check out the stunning detachable train!

Posh Girl Vintage

The name says it all- this online retailer’s collection of fabulous white dresses will blow you away.  Like the dress below, a 1950’s eyelet confection which is begging someone to wear it in their backyard wedding!  Just make sure you watch the website often and buy quickly if you love something because these lovelys seem to sell FAST!

1950's White Eyelet Organza Long Dress only $323!!

The Frock

You are going to melt when you see the goodness over at The Frock.  A well-edited collection of high-style, high-quality vintage gowns that will knock your socks off!  If you’ve got the cash, they’ve got the goods.  For example…

This Harlowe Era Fantasy gown is from 1930 and will set you back $4700 big ones. But oh my.

Cherished Bride

Much like the Frock but at lower price points, Cherished Bride has incredible offerings, all in ready to wear condition!  Right now, I’m drooling over this 1930’s masterpiece of structured, art deco magic.

And at $750, I think most people I know will be drooling too.

Etsy

Last but not least, every girl’s go-to resource for all things fabulous- etsy!  In particular, I recommend you check out Timeless Vixen Vintage if you want to drool some more.  I’m not even going to waste any more time discussing– I’m getting to the good stuff– just click the images for links to the store!

There are about 8,000 things I love about this dress. Including the price: $325

Sweet pink perfection, and only $660

In the words of Rachel Zoe, I DIE. I DIE. $325

Such a shame I can't wear white to someone else's wedding- I don't know where else I would wear this. But I heart it. $410

Tiffany Blue Dress Finds

Here at The One! we always enjoy getting reader questions, especially about cute clothing!  So today I have one to share that’s been lots of fun to research:

Help!  My cousin/bff is getting married in July and I am an “honorary bridesmaid”  (special, but don’t get to actually be a bridesmaid!)  I need a dress– I’m thinking cotton, summery (it will be North Carolina and hott!) and maybe tiffany blue.   Any suggestions?

Yes, we do have suggestions!  Tiffany blue is not an easy color to find, so actually, one of the best places to shop for such a dress is, probably, bridesmaids stores.  But here’s some other cute options that would at least coordinate with Tiffany blue that we found to consider!

Nervous about rocking such a strong color all-over?  Consider a pattern instead of a solid- this can be a great way to introduce a second color you love too- and especially flatter your skin tone!  Also, don’t forget that you can always buy an inexpensive dress and spend a little money on alterations to make it perfect– sometimes the total cost of a cute Target find with some alterations is still much, much less than the cost of a department store dress, and because it fits properly, actually looks better!  Happy shopping!  (All images link to their source)

Both from the Merona collection at Target! Left: Bridget Shift Dress in Green Floral. Right: Karissa Shirt Dress (both $39.99!)

David's Bridal: Cotton Sateen Strapless Dress ($135)

American Eagle: Bubble Print Tank Dress ($34.50) (no, you don't have to be 16 to shop there, the sizing is reasonable!)

Urban Outfitters: Kimchi Blue Zip Pleat Ruffle Dress ($58)

Ann Taylor: Silk V-Neck Dress ($215) (Ann also sells a very similar dress with a scoop neckline in the same color)

Anthropologie: Caballo Falls Dress ($168)

Nordstrom: Trixxi One Shoulder Dress ($68)

BCBG: Front-Twisted Printed Dress ($148)

From Project Runway to Project Wedding

Who loves watching Project Runway?!  Ohhh me me me!!  If you watched last season, then you know of Carol Hannah- she made the final three and in my personal opinion, should have won… she is a-maaaaz-ing.  And guess what else?  She now has a live etsy store AND a bridal etsy store!  With great fashion finds if you’re looking for wedding attire- either as a bride, bridesmaid, or simply a guest.  And in a whole host of great colors.  I know, I’ve mentioned all this before.  But it is too awesome not to talk about again.

Here are some of my favorites.  All images are from Carol Hannah’s etsy store- go check them out in person for more information!

Calhoun Street dress

Hasell Street gown

Queen Street dress

Spring Street short dress- so cute!

Pinckney dress

And last but not least, the Wentworth Street gown... LOVE LOVE LOVE!

What do we think ladies?  Love a lot or love the most?!

Update on Gilt Groupe’s Wedding Weekend

If you read The One! already, then you know from yesterday’s post that Gilt Groupe has collaborated with Martha Stewart weddings (my all-time favorites, working together!  yesssssss) to bring you an incredible sale this weekend- it’s called Wedding Weekend, and I think it’s a definite must-see for anyone who loves weddings!  But today I am extra excited because I have even more goodness for you.  Yes, it’s true, we scored PREVIEWS of some of the stunning gowns (and shoes!) you can find at the sale, straight from the source!  Thanks to the fine folks over at Gilt for sending these to us!!  Grab a tissue because you’re about to drool… and sign up for Gilt today, if you haven’t already, so you’ll be ready on March 12 when the sale starts!!

Gown by Carolina Herrera: Original Retail: $5790, Gilt: $1999

Carolina back view

Carolina overlay (sigh!)

Another perfect gown from Carolina Herrera: Original Retail: $4990, Gilt: $1599

Carolina back view

Carolina detail

From Thread Made To Order, Silk Faille Strapless Notched Bust Liddy Dress: Original Retail: $305, Gilt: $228.75

Thread back view

Thread detail

Vera Wang Lavender Label, Bias Satin Draped Neckline Gown: Original Retail: $655.50, Gilt: $196.65

Vera back view

Vera detail (how I love thee)

The icing on the cake! Sergio Rossi: Original Retail: $770, Gilt: $128

Sergio looks good coming or going

This shot makes me so psyched for summer shoes again!

What other cyber-sales have you visited for wedding deals?  Or non-wedding deals for that matter?  After all, a girl doesn’t have to wait for her wedding to get glam!

Sale Alert: Gilt Groupe Partners with Martha!

I have excellent news for you today if you are planning a wedding and have a “champagne taste but beer budget” problem (or just like a good bargain).  Gilt Groupe is partnering with Martha Stewart Weddings this weekend, March 12-14, starting at noon ET!  I have been a big fan of Gilt Groupe for a while now, because I always score great deals there.  But now, gowns by designers like Carolina Herrera and Alexander McQueen will also be for sale there… not to mention bridesmaids dresses from Amasale and Vera Wang Lavender!  If only I had known about this sale a year ago!  Ah well, my loss is your gain!  I would love to hear if any of you score a great find at this sale!  If you’re not a member of Gilt already, click here to sign up- even if you’re not looking for wedding duds, you’re likely to score some great deals!

Matching ‘Maids, Not Poor ‘Maids

For example, my dear friend R. recently chose shoes to go with our navy blue Jenny Yoo bridesmaids dresses.  The dresses are super swank, but the shoes are cheap n’ chic.  From none other than Lela Rose for Payless!!  I heart these shoes.  And I can vouch that they look even better in person, if that is possible! 

$29.99 (click for source)

But of course you don’t have to limit yourself to just Payless.  Check out these hot pink lovelies from, yes, Target! 

And don’t forget the junior’s stores.     Charlotte Russe, for example, carries this great shoe in teal, gray and black, and I am loving the bling!

$34.99

 And these peacock flats are to die for.  Am I right?

 Even Baker’s has some cute options (and I have’t shopped there since I was 14).

$29.99

 And don’t forget chains like DSW, TJ Maxx and Marshall’s either.  Just make sure you buy fast – they carry limited quantities- so your ladies aren’t left shoeless!