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!

Got Mah Hairs Did

On our wedding day, I woke bright and early (due to an unfortunately noisy heating unit in my hotel room) and excitedly threw on my special “getting ready outfit”- a juicy couture track suit (got it on sale of course, thanks Bloomingdale’s!) with a “Bride” tank top I’d scored on sale from the Wedding Chicks in my favorite color- pink!  Armed with my most comfortable duds, I met up with my ladies and got ready to get my hair and makeup done!

For hair and makeup, I told the ladies that I would be getting myself made up at Panico salon in Oradell, NJ.  I told the girls they could do their own hair and makeup or join me- and most of the bridesmaids did.  Those who didn’t actually had hair that was easy to style, so I was perfectly content to let folks choose for themselves, and in the end everyone looked lovely!

We got to Panico at 9 am and I was there until a little after noon- so yes, it was a long morning.  But as you can see, it was fun girl time!  One lesson I did learn in the process, however, was that I should  have built in more time.  We had a very tight schedule, and because we didn’t stick to it very well, I ended up feeling rushed when I got dressed.  Did it matter?    Not really, no– but if you’re planning your wedding, take note!

The most important thing was that we all bonded, and we all really loved the way we looked when we walked out of there.  You’ll see even more once I start posting the recaps with pro pics, but suffice it to say, Panico rocked it out!

Pre-'Do

Taming my mane into submission

Look how cute my girls are, even pre-polish!

Makeup time!

We were all smiles as our looks came together

A couple of final poses before we were on our way!

And how did we get here?  Checking In;  Practice Makes Perfect: The Rehearsal!; The Rehearsal Dinner!; The Rehearsal Dinner Slide Show; Girls Gone Wild!

Cute Bridesmaids Dresses, Halleluiah! (part II)

Today I want to share with you the cute assortment of dresses chosen by stepsister S. for her August garden themed wedding!  These dresses are floaty and lovely in buttercup yellow (I predict this will look great with a tan) and all are tea length.  The dresses are all from Dessy Group, so they’re pretty easy to find.  And can I just take a moment to say THANK YOU to S. and D. for letting me choose my own dress?!  I always love a group of matching girls, but I am equally in love with this trend of coordinating-instead-of-matching and I’m psyched to be the beneficiary of it!

Ok so again, we need your help.  Shoe suggestions please?!  Methinks yellow shoes would be too much of a good thing (and a throwback to the 1980’s), but maybe with the right yellow?  And what do you all think of orange shoes (orange is the other wedding color, think: sherbet not traffic cone).  Or would you go with metallic?  Something else?  Comments with links to affordable suggestions will be given extra credit! 

6566- in the buttercup shade we'll all be rocking (this style is designated for the MOH)

6537

6518

6506

6505

2750

2058- I didn't even have to try this on to know it was "the one" for me!

Cute Bridesmaids Dresses, Halleluiah! (part I)

Yesterday I spoke about my uncertainty about whether I love or don’t love Twobirds Bridesmaids dresses.  Well today I’m going to share with you some bridesmaids dresses I DO think are cute!  FSIL D. has chosen these dresses in apple, from David’s Bridal, for her group of girls.  I really like these dresses because (1) the color apple red is just adorable and will look so cute in a cocktail length, (2) these already reasonably priced dresses are all $20 off because she got her own lovely gown there, (3) they are made of cotton (thank the heavens above) and (4) since there’s a David’s pretty much everywhere, its easy for us ‘maids who live all over the United States to go try them out.  Pretty nice eh?

So here’s where you come in.  What kind of shoes would you pair with these dresses?  D. is thinking about black open-toed shoes or strappy silver.  I personally think well-chosen shoes of either style would look nice.  What do you think?

Davd's 83312 (this looks like it would be flattering on lots of shapes, and I love the sweetheart neckline)

David's 83690 (I love that this is a little different!)

David's F13818 (I'm 99% sure this will be the one I order- dare I say rewearable?!)

David's F13695 (adorable pockets!)

Hot or Not? Two Birds Dresses

I’m wondering if anyone else has thoughts on this topic because I think I do (but I’m still not sure).  Two birds Bridesmaid’s dresses.  Have you heard of them?  One dress that can be tied in a variety of ways.  The fabrics and colors are nice, and they are one-size fits all, no alterations required.  In theory they are rewearable.  And if you live in the NY area, one of their employees will come help your girls put them on for the wedding, so that they look their best.   But they’re pricey ($270 for short, $290 for long).

The dress, pre-styling.

I’ll be honest, I’m not madly in love with these dresses but I can see the appeal of choosing a dress that travels well and can be customized so extensively.  But… I bet that even though they say you don’t need alterations, I’d probably want to have mine hemmed because I’m short, and I’m not convinced that these look so great on ladies who aren’t models or girls who are well-endowed (these dresses look like they lend themselves to sagging).  I mean sure, you put a gorgeous tall 20 year old in this and it will look hot.  But what about a size 16 30-something?  Is that just cruel?

YOU be the judge.  Hot?  Or not??  (click on images for sources)

from Style Me Pretty

 By the way if you love the look but prefer a better price point, check out the Victoria’s Secret version of this dress.  It’s not the same, but its a good alternative.

Bacheloretting The Sane Way

Today’s post comes from guest blogger Phara, who has some wise words for anyone out there planning a bachelorette party (tips that I fully agree with).  Coming soon, guest blogger Christina will tell you some ideas for throwing just such a party Chi town style, but in the mean time, read on for a few “best practices” for planning a fabulous fete that won’t end in hurt feelings or lost sanity!

 .  .  .

While the bachelorette party is certainly a milestone for the bride, it is often a source of tension among members of the bridal party.  Here are a ten tips to make this process go as smoothly as possible, and to help keep the focus on fun rather than funds.

1.  Organize a casual get-together for the bridal party early in the process.

 I think it’s important for members of the bridal party to all know one another in a fun, social way before they have to start making decisions together. 

2.  Follow the leader.

Next, someone needs to take charge.  Generally, this is the Maid of Honor’s responsibility.  However, in certain cases, your Maid of Honor may be young or out-of-town.  In that case, the bridesmaids should offer to take care of the party, but it’s still the Maid of Honor’s decision whether or not to let them.

3.  Do not involve the bride.

Ask the bride very early on who she wants to invite to her bachelorette party, and confirm the party’s date.  The bride should not be involved in the bachelorette party after this.  The bride should not be made aware of petty disagreements, or decisions about what to do or where to go.  In my opinion, members of the bridal party should know the bride well enough to know her likes and dislikes.  (A drag queen club is not necessarily the best idea for a bride who likes to strictly spend her evenings with wine and a good book.)  Other than that, why add more stress to the bride’s plate? 

In my case, early in the process, my sister (Maid of Honor) complained to me that my friends (other bridesmaids) were being “mean” to her and shooting down all of her ideas.  While I understand that my younger sister’s automatic action is to complain to me about everything, this is not something that I was willing to get involved in.  I reminded my sister that she is the Maid of Honor, and therefore, the supposed “leader” of this party.  I explained that she just needed to be confident and establish herself as that leader.  In all honesty, I think my friends still think of her as the ten year-old girl trying to tag along with us teenagers.  She’s now a 23 year-old law student – she can handle it.  As soon as she did that, there were no more problems.  However, if I said something to my friends, I would have gotten in the middle of small conflict and made it a big one.  No need for that, and everything was resolved without me.  I haven’t heard a thing since.

More tips after the jump… Continue reading »

Bridal Party Swag: The Bridesmaids!

Up next, the bridesmaids’ gifts!  I seriously, seriously had to stop myself from buying bridesmaids gifts on a regular basis.  It is a small miracle that I stopped here.  It seemed I was constantly running into amazing bargains for off-season goodies.  But thankfully I did stop eventually, because nothing else would have fit into the gift bags!  So here’s what the girls got:

(1) their big gift: monogrammed white cashmere scarves from Land’s End.  My only regret is that I didn’t get one for me!

Ok, I admit this isn't the exact scarf but you get the idea. Click image for source.

(2) Christmas candles from Crabtree and Evelyn. (sorry, no photo for this one…)

(3) Amber bath oil and bath salts from the Body Shop. (I’m a bad blogger and didn’t get a photo of this one either)

(4) Flip flops that went with their bridesmaids dresses, in chocolate, for the reception (hey, cute shoes are generally painful shoes, so I made sure there was a plan B!)

Old navy flip flops- affordable, basic, perfect.

(5) “Bridesmaids Survival Kits” which were a combination of (a) handmade cosmetic bags in Amy Butler fabrics which I had custom made by Woodly Creations; (b) gingerbread lip gloss from Philosophy; (c) tiny “love” sewing kits, bandaids for feet, tylenol, safety pins, and shout wipes.  I was a girl scout after all- gotta “be prepared”!

As an added bonus, these matched the gowns so well that many of the maids used them as clutches on the wedding day!

(6) Vintage handkerchiefs, wrapped with a poem on the back about friendship (I’m a cheeseball, I know, but apparently my ladies are too because they loved them).

You can find great vintage hankies on ebay!

(7) Little scrapbook-thank you notes, which contain photos of me and each bridesmaid through the years, and have a little note from me at the end.  These were such a hit, and there are so many cost effective ways one could re-create this project.  I highly recommend it!

I loved how each scrapbook was different!

The finished gift!

And of course, a Christmas ornament. To top it off, I tied pretty bows on the gift bags- and followed Beyonce’s advice, since I like them, and put a ring on it!  (I had to buy a package of faux rings at the craft store for the ring bearer’s pillow, and I had some extras so I used them to bling things up).  To my surprise, these also turned out to be a hit- everyone was wearing them!

ba-ling!

I hope they liked them as much as I enjoyed making them!