Thursday, September 29, 2011

Treasure Finds: Engagement Rings

I don't know about everyone else, but I feel like the majority of TV commercials are one of two things: prescription ads, lame attorneys, or cliche jewelry stores. You can only take so much before the "Every Kiss Begins With Kay" jingle starts running through your head. If you are like me, and one, tired of the same song, and two, wanting a ring that is not a copy cat mold, then you should take your jewelry shopping to Etsy land. Etsy has developed into a world of true craftsmenship. Artisans continually produce both unique and quality products that are found no where else.

I took a browse session over on Etsy this afternoon and not my surprise, I found some amazingly beautiful rings. The thing I love about Etsy is that there is something for everyone, literally. No matter what your style, taste, budget, or needs, Etsy seriously has it all. Check out some Treasure Finds below...these rings make Jared Jewelers look like a thing of the past. Links to the respective artisans are below as well -- true talent if you ask me!

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Modern Style


  






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Contemporary Style










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Vintage Style











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 Alternative Style

















Monday, September 26, 2011

Trend Alert: Flower Girl Fashionista's!

Like most things, the days of the white, puff-sleeved, big-bowed dress for your flower girl is out, and the oh-so-cute, stylized, accessory-covered ensemble is IN! If you thought that you, the BRIDE, were the only one that was to be dressed to a "T" on the BIG day, you are mistaken :) 

Flower girl fashion seems to be straight off the runway (well that is if a "little girl's" runway were to exist), and these little one are wearing it so darn well! Putting more thought, time, and detail into what your little one's are wearing can be a big pay off on your BIG day. Although small in stature, the little girls are the last thing that comes down the aisle before you during the ceremony, and even though your entire wedding party will be looking quite dapper, a well dressed little one can add a whole lot more "eww's and ahh's." Naturally, as any little girl is, they are already too cute just by themselves, but throw on a fancy dress, a stunning halo hairpiece, a punch of color, and maybe even a tu-tu...you've got yourself a memorable wedding detail trotting down the aisle.

Here is an inspiration board showing how brides made their little flower girls a statement piece on their BIG day. The key is: don't hold back, you are at more liberty to rock the fashion trends and fun ideas on little one's - be FUN, CREATIVE, and CUTE!





Thursday, September 22, 2011

DIY: Chalkboard Plates!

I always try to be on the look out for projects that you can not only "do-yourself," but also that are easily manageable (both with time and effort!). Although there are countless ways to be a crafty chic for your BIG day, this DIY project just might win a "easiest ever" project award! I came across this picture when hunting down photos for the "Now That's Cool" post:








Not only can these chalkboard plates be used for wedding signs, but they are also great for shower gifts, wedding menus, table numbers, or anything else you would usually write down for display. Not only is this project easy to do, but it is SUPER inexpensive..here is how it goes:


Materials
Plates or Platters of Your Choice (be savvy, pick them up from a local thrift store, or out of your Grandma's attic)


Painter's Tape


Chalkboard Spray Paint


...and that is it, seriously (were are talking like $10 bucks here)






Instructions
Step 1: Lightly clean you plate/platter if needed. Use a dry cloth to rid surface of any loose particles.


Step 2: Use the painter's tape to tape off the section of the plate/platter that you DO NOT want "chalked"


Step 3: Once the borders are covered, use the chalkboard spray paint to paint your desired area


Step 4: Once dry, remove the tape, and begin writing!


....again, seriously, that is it...we are talking $10 or less and 5 minutes of your time for an AMAZINGLY cool and functional project! 



Here are some more examples! Enjoy, and as always, much love!




Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Now That's Cool: VII

Unfortunately, again, the blog has been running behind - it has been CRAZY busy around here, but nevertheless, I HAD to post some amazing pictures I picked up across the web this week! Just to highlight a few:
  • I am loving the unique gift favors of olive oil! I have seen honey done before, but never olive oil -- perfect for any cook!
  • The robe with the couple's monogram and date is too cute! What a fun thing to wear around from that day forward.
  • Okay, how freaking adorable is that dog with it's festive wedding hat?! So fun!
  • The silver platters are such a fantastic DIY project -- look out for a "how to post" tomorrow!
  • There are some well crafted cakes at the bottom - those are the kind that you just want to keep as an art piece!
  • Although I do not have a whole back covering of tattoos - if that is your thing, TOTALLY go for the open back dress. Such a cool and colorful vibe.
  • Last BUT not LEAST...please check out the most AWESOME blue shoes I have ever come across! These are simply fantastic...I wish I could have gotten a close up!
Have fun gazing through the board below! And as always, Much Love!



Thursday, September 15, 2011

Color Alert: Blue and Coral

With this weather going on outside, I am beginning to think my "summer" posts must come to a halt (and I am not complaining, it felt AMAZING out there today!). So to end the summer series of posts, I bring to you a trendy color combination - BLUE & COREL. These two hues, individually, are often combined with an other color out there...so why haven't we put them both together more? Coral and blue make me think of sitting on the back porch, enjoying a slight breeze, on the shores of South Caroline (why SC, I have no idea, it is just what comes to me with this color combo ha!). The great thing about these two hues is that is creates a very versatile palette for the BIG day. If you are having an early spring wedding, you can use the pastel shades of blue and coral...and if the BIG day is in the midst of summer, go with the BOLD! And since there are multiple variations of both blues and corals, mixing and matching tones is easy to do! So ladies, if this is one of your last days of summer, sit back, and enjoy the night breeze on your back porch...and check out a little inspiration below!



Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Trend Alert: Statement Necklace

The blog is back in action - please excuse my mini hiatus, I took a little vacation time..which every girl needs right?! So I am starting things up with the latest trend going around...Statement Necklaces! Traditionally a bride wears one of three things...a pearl necklace, a diamond pendant, or no necklace at all, but as usual, brides are giving those necklaces a modern mix-up. Simple pearls have turned into bold beads and a single diamond has multiplied into a fully bedazzled accessory. While the traditional ways certainly present an understated elegance, a bold necklace can really complement your attire on the BIG day. 

There are a couple rules of thumb when going with a statement necklace:

1. If you have a statement necklace, go with more simplistic earrings. Bold earrings accompanied by a big necklace is often overwhelming -- your guests want to see YOU!

2. Don't be afraid to use color! If your wedding has a color theme throughout, a statement necklace can be the perfect place to add a splash of that hue on you!

3. Mix-and-Match! Some of the best statement necklaces are those that are actually multiple necklace worn together (J.Crew stylists are masters at this!). Experiment with wearing two necklaces of complementing texture and style -- you could come up with a perfect combo!

4. Make sure the necklace is not HEAVY. Remember that you may be wearing this necklace for up to 12 hrs..and although it is supposed to be a "statement" it is not supposed to be a "drag!"

If you are loving this new trend and want to know how to get it, head on over to some great stylized websites. Check out what their models are wearing - more often than not, company style their models with at least two necklaces! For example, I found this necklace I absolutely loved on a website, and called the company to only find out that it was THREE necklaces they sold all worn together! J. Crew, Ann Taylor, Stella & Dot, and PiperLime are all great places to hunt down a statement necklace and Nordstrom is your best bet when it comes to department stores.